How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
KING HENRY
Tomorrow toward London back again,
To look into this business thoroughly,
And call these foul offenders to their answers,
And poise the cause in justice' equal scales,
Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause
prevails. (2.1.214-219)
Hearing that Eleanor has been arrested for witchcraft, Henry comforts himself with the idea that justice will prevail. Perhaps he's just too naive to see the scheming that's going on all around him, or maybe he really believes in justice. Either way, he seems to want a system that he can rely on.
Quote #2
GLOUCESTER
Eleanor, the law, thou seest, hath judged thee.
I cannot justify whom the law condemns. (2.3.17-18)
Gloucester is sad—crying, even—about his wife's sentence, but he openly says that what she did was wrong. He's a man of the law, and he follows it through and through, even when it's difficult. Henry wants to believe in a system, but comes across as naive for doing so; Gloucester, on the other hand, seems strong and principled when he holds his wife to such high standards. Henry seems to want to shirk responsibility, while Gloucester takes it on, even when it's hard.
Quote #3
GLOUCESTER
So long as I am loyal, true and crimeless.
Wouldst have me rescue thee from this reproach?
Why, yet thy scandal were not wiped away,
But I in danger for the breach of law. (2.4.64-67)
When Gloucester hears Eleanor talking about how hard it is to walk in the streets displaying her criminal status, he separates himself from her. Gloucester feels for his wife, but he cares more about justice being served. For him, that means he must be above reproach when it comes to the law. Too bad it doesn't do him any good.