Part 1: Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Louis has taken Prior to the hospital. It is very late, and he is sitting with a nurse, Emily, outside Prior's room. Louis is telling her that caring for Prior is like being in hell. She says Prior is good looking, but Louis cannot seem to see past the disease.

They talk about Prior's family history, which is long and distinguished. Louis talks about William the Conqueror's wife, who made the Bayeux tapestry as a symbol of her devotion, while William was away fighting wars in England. He is upset that he does not have the same devotion, and decides to go walking, though it is two in the morning. He asks Emily to say goodbye to Prior for him.

Part 1: Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

Prior's great family history fails to impress Emily. It seems these things are not important...