Summary

The scene opens on the King of France's Court. King Louis and Thomas Becket enter. They discuss King Henry of England's vendetta against Becket. Becket says he thinks the King cannot forgive him for preferring God over the King. King Louis states he is going to send Becket back to King Henry, to maintain good relations with England, as he believes he may need England’s support as he pursues his struggle with the Emperor in the east. However, Becket informs him he is going back to England of his own free will, even if it means he may be killed. King Louis says he is meeting King Henry in a day or two to seal their agreement. He says he will try to persuade King Henry to talk to Becket.

The scene is now a vast arid plain. The King and Thomas Becket face...