King Richard II Study Guide

Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford, come before King Richard II to accuse each other of treason. The two men throw accusations and then their gauntlets at each other, challenging the other to a physical combat. Each man takes up the other's gauntlet, i.e. accepts the challenge, in order to prove his innocence of the charges brought against him, and to protect his honor. (read more)