Part 6 Summary

"The Towneley Cycle - The Wakefield Pageant of Herod the Great" In describing the intricate relationship of this pageant to other Herod-focused pageants, the editor describes the second Wakefield pageant in this collection as being among the most effectively characterized of the existing pageants.

The Pageant - A Messenger proclaims the arrival of Herod, speaking extravagantly of his power, his range of influence, and the need for the people to pay him appropriate respect. Herod arrives, and the Messenger tells him that the people (the crowds there to greet him) are all chattering about another king. Herod threatens them with punishment if they do not stop, and then withdraws, complaining to the Messenger about how he was greeted (see "Quotes", p. 110). He then reveals that he is also angry that the "kings" to whom he had given safe passage on a journey through...