Page "Henry VI, Part 2" Paragraph 284

However, the perversion of justice is also a dominant theme throughout the play, despite Henry's inability to see it.

Gloucester assures Eleanor that as long as he has truth on his side, his enemies cannot destroy him: " I must offend before I be attainted ,/ And had I twenty times so many foes ,/ And each of them had twenty times their power ,/ All these could not procure me any scathe / So long as I am loyal, true, and crimeless " ( 2. 4. 60 – 64 ).

His claims prove false, however, as he is arrested on false charges and then assassinated before his trial.

Later in the play, Lord Saye makes a similar claim.

When Buckingham warns him to be careful as the rebels are targeting people like him, Saye responds " The trust I have is in mine innocence ,/ And therefore am I bold and resolute " ( 4. 4. 58-59 ).

Like Humphrey, his " innocence " does not save him, and both he and his son-in-law are killed by the rebels.