Simon Eyre has organized a big feast for the “jolly gentlemen shoemakers” (20.1). He announces that the shoemakers should serve the food because the profession should be honored in front of the King. Calling for the consumption of wine and beer, he assures everyone that they can eat as much as they like. The shoemakers struggle to serve everything but—since many of the guests are already very drunk—there is not much demand for food. Eyre is pleased anyway; he bellows instructions and makes sure that the apprentices are having fun. The merriment is in honor of St. Hugh, the patron saint of shoemakers, who is celebrated by the guests.

Margery enters, accompanied by Lacy and Rose. The King is nearby, she says, and comments that Eyre has been told to act his usual self. Lacy has a request for Eyre: He wants Eyre to ask the King to “free pardon” (20.39) Lacy for abandoning the military and to intervene on Rose’s behalf with the Earl of Lincoln and the Lord Mayor. Eyre agrees to do what he can. Margery is concerned about what her husband might say in front of the King, but he dismisses her concerns. He takes Lacy, Rose, and his people out to visit the King. Eyre is sure that he can get what he needs.

Meeting with Eyre, the King announces a pardon for Lacy out of “kingly love” (21.2). He approves of the marriage between Lacy and Rose, whom he invites to kneel before him. Eyre praises the King’s decision, taking the opportunity to point out his continued loyalty even though he is just a humble shoemaker. The King is amused by Eyre’s behavior. When he asks Eyre for his age, Eyre jokes that he still feels young, even if he is 56. Eyre is “lusty still” (21.30), he claims, and he and Margery are very happy together. This further amuses the King.

Lincoln enters. Accusing Lacy and others of being “traitors” (21.37), he threatens to spoil the mood. The King is unconcerned. Lacy was in the wrong, the King says, but his actions were motivated by love rather than fear. When Lincoln and the Lord Mayor argue against the marriage on the grounds that Rose is not a member of the nobility, the King seems to hesitate. He dwells on whether the marriage should, in fact, be annulled, but then—inspired by Lacy and Rose declaring their love for one another—speaks in favor of a real marriage. He knights Lacy, making him Sir Rowland, which means that Rose is also raised up in station. She is now “a lady and a bride” (21.114).

Eyre praises the King again, offering his thanks. The King offers a new reward to Eyre, announcing that a new building will be named Leadenhall due to lead being found during the construction process. Eyre makes a request on behalf of his profession: He wants Leadenhall to host twice-weekly leather markets. The King gives his approval; the markets will be held every Monday and Friday. 

As the shoemakers celebrate, Eyre invites the King to a banquet. Years ago, Eyre explains, he was just a poor water carrier. Then, he made a promise that—if he were ever to become mayor—he would “feast all the prentices” (21.176-177). Though he has held one feast for them already, he now invites the King to another. The King accepts. He praises the day’s enjoyment as the characters prepare to celebrate together, declaring that “wars must right wrongs which Frenchmen have begun” (21.188).