Shakespeare,William,1564-1616(Playwright)Forsyth,Richard(Editor)

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King HenryV

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Shakespeare,William,1564-1616(playwright)Forsyth,Richard(editor)

ISBNNo:978-1-909941-02-1

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C16/C17portraitofHenryV,unknownartist,NationalGallery, London

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HenryVattheBattleofAgincourt.

%3AKing_Henry_V_at_the_Battle_of_Agincourt%2C_1415.pngJohnGilbert(1817–97)

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Introduction:

ThePlay:

KingHenryVwasprobablywritten andfirstperformedin1598or, more likely,1599.ItisthefourthplayoftheHenriad:RichardII,HenryIVPartI,HenryIVPart II,andHenryVth.

Theseplays allhaveamajorthemeofauthority.InRichardII,Richardtriestoimposehisregalauthoritywithoutconsideringthepracticalrealitiesofpower,andisoverthrownbyHenryBolingbrook(laterHenryIV)withthehelpofNorthumberlandandothernobles,becauseRichard'sactionsthreatentheexistenceandpowerbase(andhenceauthority)ofthenobles.InHenryIVPartsIandII,theauthorityoftheking,whoseclaimtothethroneisbasedonbruteforce,isthreatenedbythesamenobleswhohelpedhimtothethrone.Hispaternalauthorityisthreatenedbythedifferentworld-viewofFalstaffwhotriestosupplanthispaternalrolewithPrinceHal.And finally,theauthorityofHenryV,whoseclaimtothethroneisbasedoninheritance,toleadhistroopsintobattle,isquestionedbythoseverytroopsonthenightbeforeAgincourt.

HenryVthreadslikeachronicle,withtheChorususedtobringthedisparateelementsoftheplaytogether.PerhapstheeventsofAgincourt(approximately200yearsearlierthantheplay, roughlyequivalenttothegapbetweentheNapoleonic warsandourowntime)were toowellknowntotheElizabethanaudiencetobe interferedwithasmuch ashehadin HenryIVPartIand II.

Interestingly,thecomposition oftheHenriad wasinterruptedafterHenryIVPartIIbyKingJohn,anotherplaywhichfollowsanEnglisharmytoFranceandtobattles.DidShakespeareneedtotryouttheplayformoftheEnglishArmyfightinginFrance,beforecomposingHenryV?Thelaterplaycertainlyseemsmoresuccessful.

Context:

HenryVwouldstirtheheartofanypatrioticEnglishmaninanElizabethanaudience,replayingtheeventsleadingupto,andtheBattleofAgincourt,thefamousvictoryagainsttheFrench.PerhapsacontemporaryaudiencewouldrespondsimilarlytoplaysabouttheNapoleonicwarsortheSecondWorldWar.

ButitwouldalsohavecontemporaryreferencetotheElizabethanwaragainstIreland.InMarch1599,theEarlofEssexwasappointedLieutenantandgovernor-generalofIreland,andsoonafterleftforIrelandtosuppresstherebellionofHughO'Neill,secondEarlofTyrone.

DoesthePrologue'sspeechinActVrefertotheEarlofEssex?

WerenowtheGeneralofourgraciousEmpress,Asingoodtimehemay,fromIreland coming,BringingRebellionbroachedonhisSword;HowmanywouldthepeacefulCityquit,

Towelcomehim?muchmore,andmuchmorecause,DidtheythisHarry.

Plot:

ThemajorelementsofthechroniclethatisHenryVare:

•Act1:TheBishopofCanterburyandElydiscussthepoliticsandfinancesoftheChurchandtheCrown.CanterburythenexplainsinsomedetailtothekingthelegalbasisforhisclaimtothethroneofFrance.AmbassadorsfromtheDauphinofFranceinsultthekingbyofferinghimagiftoftennisballs.

•Act2:ThecomicplotisintroducedwithanargumentbetweenPistolandNymrefereedbyBardolph. Later,inthesameAct,wehearofthedeathofFalstaff(whohadbeenpromised to theaudienceat theend ofHenryIVPartII,toappearinHenryV).Three lords,Cambridge,Scroop,and Grey, areshownto betraitors,andtakenawayto beexecuted.TheFrench kingandnoblesplanforthearrivaloftheEnglish.

•Act3:TheEnglisharmytakesHonfleurafterasiege,withbothHenryV'sandcomiccast'sinvolvementshown.InA3S4,Katherine(thefuturebrideofHenryV)isintroducedandtries tolearnsomeEnglishfromhermaid.ThesceneisinFrench(fornoveltyvalue?).A3S5showstheFrenchkingandnoblesdecidingwhattodoabouttheEnglishinvasion.TheydecidetosendtheFrenchherald(Mountjoy)toshowdefiance toHenryV.InA3S6weseemorecomic stuff intheEnglisharmyuntilHenryVentersandtheFrenchheraldarrivesanddelivershismessageBardolphisexecuted,withHenryV'sagreement,forrobbingachurch..TheActends(A3S7)withtheFrenchnobles,ontheeveofbattle,preparingforthatbattleandfullofconfidence(andarrogance)thatthedaywillbetheirs.

•Act4:ThefirstsceneshowstheEnglish(nobles andcomics)preparingforthebattle.HenryVvisitshistroopsincognitoandthere'smuchdiscussionofwhethertheking(orotherleader)hastheauthoritytosendhismenintobattleandtheresponsibilityhebears forthetheirdeaths,withWilliamsandtheKingfallingoutandagreeingtofightiftheysurvivethebattleandmeetagain.A4S2showstheFrenchlordspreparingforbattle,excitedandfullofconfidenceinthevictoryahead.A4S3showstheEnglishpreparingforthebattle,bravelyandnotover-confident.TheFrenchheraldcomes oncemore,andisagainsentpacking.A4S4showsPistolinthebattleovercomingaFrenchnoble,withtherestoftheactswitchingbetweenthediscomfitedFrenchandthevictoriousEnglish.TheslaughterofFrenchprisonersisexplained asbeingcausedbyuncertaintyastowhethertheFrenchnoblesplantoattackagainEventuallytheyadmitdefeat.

•Act5startswithsomecomicconflictbetweenPistolandFluellen,likeHenryV,aWelshman.ThesecondandlastsceneshowsthediplomaticdiscussionsbetweentheFrenchandEnglishKingsandnobles,andthecourtship ofKatherinebyHenryV.Their(andtheFrenchking'spermission)decisiontomarryresolvestheconflictbetweenthetwocountries,withHenryVpromisedthethroneofFranceontheFrenchking'sdeath.

Ifyoufindthisplotratherdisjointed,Iamnotsurprised.Manyofthecharacterswhoplayamajorpartinonepartoftheplaydonotappearelsewhere(e.g.CanterburyandElyinAct;Katherine-theheroine!-onlyinA3S4andA5S2;WilliamsonlyinA4.

Thekeytounderstandingtheplot, itseemsto me,istothinkofit asachronicle oftheheroking, Henry

V.Henryappearsinallthesedisparatebits,andoftentheyshowhowhehaschangedfromtheunrulyprinceofHenryIVPartIandII.TheothermajorcontinuityistheconflictbetweentheFrench(particularlytheDauphin)andtheEnglisharmy.

Thoughtson21stcenturyproductions:

SoiftheplayisthechronicleofanEnglishking,living200orsoyearsbeforetheElizabethanaudience,isitstillrelevantfora21stcenturyaudience.

PerhapsaplayaboutNelsonorWellingtonintheNapoleonicwarswouldhavesomeattractionforamodernEnglishaudience,ormorelikely,aplayfocusedonWinstonChurchillintheSecondWorldWar.Suchaplaywouldfind itdifficult toignore thequitewell-knownfactsofthe history,andittheaudiencemightwellfinditeasytoidentifyWinstonChurchillasaheroleader.

However,withoursociety'smodernattitudestowar, andthedistanceintimebetweenHenryVandthemodernage,itisdifficulttoimaginetheplayworkingasthechronicleofahero-king.Perhapsmorelikelyistobuildonthedebateabout theleader'sauthoritytotakethenation towarinActIVtogivetheplayananti-warfocus.

Ofcourse,shouldthecountrybeseriouslythreatenedagain,itislikelythatthepopularityoftheplaywouldincreasesignificantly,asitdidbeforeandaftertheSecondWorldWar.

DramatisPersonae

KINGHENRYV

DukeofCLARENCE, hisbrotherDukeofBEDFORD,anotherbrother

DukeofGLOUCESTER,anotherbrotherDukeofEXETER,hisuncle

DukeofYORK

EarlofHUNTINGDONEarlofSALISBURYEarlofWARWICK

EarlofWESTMORLAND

Richard,EarlofCAMBRIDGE,conspiratoragainstthekingHenry,LordSCROOPofMasham,conspiratoragainstthekingSirThomas GREY,conspiratoragainsttheking

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURYBISHOPOFELY

SirThomas ERPINGHAM,officerintheKing'sArmyCaptainFLUELLEN,officerintheKing'sArmyCaptainGOWER,officerintheKing'sArmy

CaptainJAMY,officerintheKing'sArmy

CaptainMACMORRIS,officerintheKing'sArmy

JohnBATES,soldier inthe King'sArmyAlexanderCOURT,soldierintheKing'sArmyMichaelWILLIAMS,soldierintheKing'sArmy

AnEnglishHERALD

BARDOLPH,associateofSirJohnFalstaffNYM,associateofSirJohnFalstaffPISTOL,associateofSirJohnFalstaffBOY,Falstaff'spage

HOSTESS,ofanEastcheaptavern,formerlyMistressQuickly, nowmarriedtoPistol

CharlesVI,theFRENCHKINGQUEENISABEL,hisqueenLouistheDAUPHIN,theirson

PrincessKATHERINE,theirdaughter

ALICE,aLady,attendingonPrincessKatherine

DukeofBERRY DukeofBOURBONDukeofBRITAINDukeofBURGOGNEDukeofORLEANS

CharlesDelabreth,theCONSTABLEofFranceEarlofGRANDPRE

LordRAMBURES

GOVERNORofHarfleur

MONTJOY,theFrenchHerald

TwoFrenchAMBASSADORS totheKingofEnglandMonsieurle Fer,aFRENCHSOLDIER

AFrenchMESSENGER

Attendants,Lords,Soldiers,CitizensofHarfleur

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TheLifeofHenrytheFifth.

Prologue

CHORUS

OForaMuse ofFire, that would ascendThebrightestHeavenofInvention:

AKingdomforaStage, PrincestoAct,

EnterChorus.

AndMonarchstobeholdtheswellingScene.ThenshouldtheWarlikeHarry, likehimself,

AssumethePortofMars,andat hisheels

(Leashedin,likeHounds)shouldFamine,Sword,andFireCrouchforemployment.Butpardon,Gentlesall:

TheflatunraisedSpirits,thathathdared,OnthisunworthyScaffold,tobringforthSogreatanObject.CanthisCock-Pithold ThevastyfieldsofFrance?OrmaywecramWithin thisWoodenO,theveryCasks

ThatdidaffrighttheAiratAgincourt?Opardon:sinceacrookedFiguremayAttestinlittleplaceaMillion,

Andletus,CypherstothisgreatAccount,OnyourimaginaryForceswork.

SupposewithintheGirdle oftheseWallsArenowconfinedtwomightyMonarchies,Whosehigh,up-reared,andabuttingFronts,TheperilousnarrowOceanpartsasunder.

Pieceoutourimperfectionswithyourthoughts:IntoathousandpartsdivideoneMan,

AndmakeimaginaryPuissance.

ThinkwhenwetalkofHorses,that you seethemPrintingtheirproudHoovesi'th'receivingEarth: For'tisyour thoughtsthatnowmustdeck ourKings,Carrythemhereandthere:Jumpingo'erTimes;Turningth'accomplishmentofmanyyears

IntoanHour-glass:forthewhich supply,AdmitmeChorustothisHistory;

WhoPrologue-like,yourhumblepatiencepray,Gentlyto hear,kindlytojudgeourPlay.

Exit.

ActOneSceneOne

EnterthetwoBishopsofCanterburyandEly.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

MyLord,I'll tell you, that selfBill isurged,Whichinth'eleventh yearofthe lastKing'sreignWaslike,andhadindeedagainstuspassed,

ButthatthescamblingandunquiettimeDidpushit outoffartherquestion.

BISHOPOFELY

ButhowmyLordshall weresist itnow?

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Itmustbethoughton:ifitpassagainstus,Welosethebetterhalf ofourPossession:

ForalltheTemporalLands,whichmendevoutByTestamenthavegiventotheChurch,Wouldtheystripfromus;beingvaluedthus,

Asmuchaswouldmaintain, totheKing's honour,FullfifteenEarls,andfifteenhundredKnights,SixthousandandtwohundredgoodEsquires:AndtoreliefofLazars,andweakage

OfindigentfaintSouls,pastcorporaltoil,

AhundredAlms-houses,rightwellsupplied:Andtothe CoffersoftheKingbeside,

Athousandpoundsbyth' year.Thus runstheBill.

BISHOPOFELY

Thiswoulddrinkdeep.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

'Twould drinktheCupandall.

BISHOPOFELY

Butwhatprevention?

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

TheKingisfullofgrace,andfairregard.

BISHOPOFELY

AndatrueloveroftheholyChurch.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Thecoursesofhisyouthpromiseditnot.ThebreathnosoonerlefthisFather'sbody,Butthathiswildness,mortifiedinhim,Seemedtodietoo:yea,atthatverymoment,ConsiderationlikeanAngelcame,

Andwhippedth'offendingAdamoutofhim;LeavinghisbodyasaParadise,

T'envelopandcontainCelestialSpirits.NeverwassuchasuddenScholarmade:NevercameReformationinaFlood,

Withsuchaheadycurrencescouringfaults:NorneverHydra-headedWilfulness

SosoondidlosehisSeat;andallat once;Asin this King.

BISHOPOFELY

WeareblessedintheChange.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

HearhimbutreasoninDivinity;

Andall-admiring,withaninwardwish

YouwoulddesiretheKingweremadeaPrelate:HearhimdebateofCommonwealthAffairs; Youwouldsay, it hathbeen all inall hisstudy:Listhisdiscourseof War;andyou shallhear

AfearfulBattlerenderedyouinMusic.Turn himtoanyCauseof Policy,

TheGordianKnotofithewillunloose,FamiliarashisGarter:thatwhenhespeaks,TheAir,aCharteredLibertine,isstill,

AndthemuteWonderlurkethinmen'sears,TostealhissweetandhoneyedSentences:SothattheArtandPracticpartofLife,MustbetheMistresstothisTheoric.

WhichisawonderhowhisGraceshouldgleanit,SincehisaddictionwastoCoursesvain,

HisCompaniesunlettered,rude,andshallow,HisHoursfilledupwithRiots,Banquets,Sports;Andnevernotedinhimanystudy,

Anyretirement,anysequestration,FromopenHauntsandPopularity.BISHOPOFELY

TheStrawberrygrowsunderneaththeNettle,AndwholesomeBerriesthriveandripenbest,NeighbouredbyFruitofbaserquality:

AndsothePrinceobscuredhisContemplationUndertheVeilofWildness,which(nodoubt)GrewliketheSummerGrass,fastestbyNight,Unseen,yetcresciveinhis faculty.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Itmustbeso;forMiraclesareceased:

Andthereforewemustneedsadmitthemeans,Howthingsareperfected.

BISHOPOFELY

ButmygoodLord:

HownowformitigationofthisBill,UrgedbytheCommons?dothhisMajestyInclinetoit,orno?

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Heseemsindifferent:

Orrather swayingmoreuponourpart,Thancherishingth'exhibitorsagainstus:ForIhave madean offer tohisMajesty,UponourSpiritualConvocation,

Andinregard ofCausesnow in hand,WhichIhaveopenedtohisGraceatlarge,AstouchingFrance,togiveagreaterSum,ThaneveratonetimetheClergyyet

DidtohisPredecessorspartwithal.

BISHOPOFELY

Howdidthisofferseemreceived,myLord?

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

WithgoodacceptanceofhisMajesty:

Savethattherewasnottimeenoughto hear,AsIperceivedhisGracewouldfainhavedone,Theseverallsandunhiddenpassages

OfhistrueTitlestosomecertainDukedoms,Andgenerally, totheCrownandSeat ofFrance,DerivedfromEdward,hisgreatGrandfather.

BISHOPOFELY

Whatwasth'impedimentthatbrokethisoff?

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

TheFrenchAmbassadoruponthatinstantCravedaudience;andthehourIthinkiscome,Togivehimhearing:Isitfouro'Clock?

BISHOPOFELY

Itis.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Then gowein,toknowhisEmbassy:WhichIcouldwithareadyguessdeclare,BeforetheFrenchmanspeakawordofit.BISHOPOFELY

I'll waitupon you, and Ilongto hearit.

Exeunt.

ActOneScene Two

EntertheKing,Gloucester,Bedford,Clarence,Warwick,Westmorland,andExeter.

KINGHENRYV

WhereismygraciousLordofCanterbury?

EXETER

Nothereinpresence.

KINGHENRYV

Sendforhim, goodUncle.

WESTMORLAND

Shallwecallinth'Ambassador, myLiege?

KINGHENRYV

Notyet,myCousin:wewouldberesolved,Beforewehearhim,ofsomethingsofweight,Thattaskourthoughts,concerningusandFrance.

EntertwoBishops.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

GodandhisAngelsguardyoursacredThrone,Andmake you longbecomeit.

KINGHENRYV

Surewethankyou.

MylearnedLord,weprayyou toproceed,Andjustlyandreligiouslyunfold,

WhytheLawSalic,thattheyhaveinFrance,Orshouldorshouldnotbarusin ourClaim:AndGodforbid,mydear andfaithfulLord,

Thatyou shouldfashion,wrest,orbowyourreading,OrnicelychargeyourunderstandingSoul,

WithopeningTitlesmiscreate,whoserightSuitsnotinnativecolourswiththetruth:

ForGod dothknow,howmanynow inhealth,Shalldroptheirblood,inapprobation

Ofwhatyourreverenceshallinciteusto.ThereforetakeheedhowyouimpawnourPerson,How youawakeour sleeping Sword of War;

Wecharge you intheNameofGodtake heed: FornevertwosuchKingdomsdidcontend,Withoutmuchfallofblood,whoseguiltlessdropsAreeveryone,aWoe,asoreComplaint,

'Gainsthim,whosewrongsgivesedgeuntotheSwords,Thatmakessuchwasteinbrief mortality.

UnderthisConjuration,speakmyLord:Forwewillhear, note,andbelieveinheart,

Thatwhatyou speak,isinyour Consciencewashed,AspureassinwithBaptism.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

ThenhearmegraciousSovereign,andyouPeers,Thatoweyourselves,yourlives,andservices,TothisImperialThrone.Thereisnobar

TomakeagainstyourHighness'ClaimtoFrance,ButthiswhichtheyproducefromPharamond, InterramSalicamMulieresnesuccedant,

NoWomanshallsucceedinSalicLand:WhichSalicLand,theFrenchunjustlyglozeTobetheRealmofFrance,andPharamondThefounderofthisLaw,andFemaleBar.

YettheirownAuthorsfaithfullyaffirm,ThattheLandSalicisinGermany,

Betweenthe FloodsofSala andofElbe:

WhereCharlestheGreathavingsubduedtheSaxons,ThereleftbehindandsettledcertainFrench:

WhoholdingindisdaintheGermanWomen,Forsomedishonestmannersoftheirlife,EstablishedthenthisLaw;towit,NoFemaleShouldbeInheritrixinSalicLand:

WhichSalic(asIsaid'twixtElbeandSala),Isatthisdayin Germany, calledMeissen.

Thendothitwellappear,theSalicLawWasnotdevisedfortheRealmofFrance:NordidtheFrenchpossesstheSalic Land,UntilfourhundredoneandtwentyyearsAfterdefunctionofKingPharamond, IdlysupposedthefounderofthisLaw,

WhodiedwithintheyearofourRedemption,Fourhundredtwentysix:andCharlestheGreatSubduedtheSaxons,anddidseattheFrenchBeyondtheRiverSala,intheyear

Eighthundredfive.Besides,theirWriterssay,KingPepin,whichdeposedChilderic,

DidasHeirGeneral,beingdescended

OfBlithild,whichwasDaughtertoKingClothair,MakeClaimandTitletotheCrownofFrance.

HughCapet also,whousurpedtheCrown

OfCharlestheDukeofLorraine,soleHeirmaleOfthetrueLineandStockofCharlestheGreat:Tofind hisTitle withsomeshowsoftruth,Thoughinpuretruthitwascorruptandnaught,Conveyedhimselfasth'Heirtoth'LadyLingard,DaughtertoCharlemagne,whowastheSon

ToLouis theEmperor,andLouistheSon

OfCharlestheGreat: alsoKingLouistheTenth,WhowassoleHeirtotheUsurperCapet,

Couldnotkeepquietinhisconscience,WearingtheCrownofFrance, 'tillsatisfied,ThatfairQueenIsabel,hisGrandmother,WasLinealoftheLadyErmengard,

DaughtertoCharlestheforesaidDukeofLorraine:BythewhichMarriage,theLineofCharlestheGreatWasre-unitedtotheCrownofFrance.

So,that asclearasistheSummer'sSun,KingPepin'sTitle,andHughCapet'sClaim,KingLouishissatisfaction,allappear

ToholdinRightandTitleoftheFemale: Sodothe KingsofFranceuntothisday.Howbeit,theywouldholdupthisSalic Law,

TobaryourHighnessclaimingfromtheFemale,AndratherchoosetohidetheminaNet,

ThanamplytoembaretheircrookedTitles,UsurpedfromyouandyourProgenitors.

KINGHENRYV

MayIwithrightandconsciencemakethisclaim?

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Thesinuponmyhead,dreadSovereign:Forinthe Book ofNumbersisitwrit,Whenthemandies,lettheInheritanceDescenduntotheDaughter.GraciousLord,

Stand for yourown, unwind your bloodyFlag,LookbackintoyourmightyAncestors:

GomydreadLord,toyourgreatGrandsire's Tomb,Fromwhomyouclaim;invokehisWarlikeSpirit,AndyourGreatUncle's,EdwardtheBlackPrince,WhoontheFrenchgroundplayed aTragedy,MakingdefeatonthefullPowerofFrance: WhileshismostmightyFatheronaHill

Stoodsmiling,tobeholdhisLion'sWhelpForageinbloodofFrenchNobility.

ONobleEnglish,thatcouldentertain

WithhalftheirForces,thefullprideofFrance,Andletanotherhalfstandlaughingby,

All outofwork, andcoldfor action.

BISHOPOFELY

Awakeremembranceofthesevaliantdead,AndwithyourpuissantArmrenewtheirFeats;Youaretheir Heir,you situpontheirThrone:TheBloodandCouragethatrenownedthem,

RunsinyourVeins:andmythrice-puissantLiegeIsin the veryMay-Morn of hisYouth,

RipeforExploitsandmightyEnterprises.

EXETER

YourBrotherKingsandMonarchsoftheEarthDoallexpect,that you shouldrouseyourself,Asdidthe formerLionsofyourBlood.

WESTMORLAND

TheyknowyourGracehathcause,andmeans,andmight;SohathyourHighness:neverKingofEngland

HadNoblesricher,andmoreloyalSubjects, WhoseheartshavelefttheirbodieshereinEngland,AndliepavilionedinthefieldsofFrance.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

OlettheirbodiesfollowmydearLiege

WithBloods,and SwordandFire, towinyour Right:Inaidwhereof,weoftheSpirituality

Will raiseyourHighnesssuchamightySum,AsneverdidtheClergyatonetime

Bring into anyofyourAncestors.

KINGHENRYV

Wemustnotonlyarmt'invadetheFrench,Butlaydownourproportions,todefendAgainsttheScot,whowillmake roaduponus,Withalladvantages.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

TheyofthoseMarches,graciousSovereign,ShallbeaWallsufficienttodefend

Ourin-landfromthepilferingBorderers.

KINGHENRYV

Wedonotmeanthecoursingsnatchers only,ButfearthemainintendmentoftheScot,Whohathbeen stillagiddyneighbourtous:Foryoushallread,thatmygreatGrandfatherNeverwentwithhisforcesintoFrance,

ButthattheScot,onhisunfurnishedKingdom,CamepouringliketheTideintoabreach, Withampleandbrimfullnessofhisforce,GallingthegleanedLandwithhotAssays,

Girdingwithgrievoussiege,CastlesandTowns:ThatEnglandbeingemptyofdefence,

Hathshookandtrembled at th'illneighbourhood.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Shehathbeenthenmorefearedthanharmed,myLiege:Forhearherbutexampledbyherself,

WhenallherChivalryhathbeeninFrance,AndsheamourningWidowofherNobles,Shehathherselfnotonlywelldefended,Buttakenandimpoundedasa Stray,

TheKingofScots:whomshedidsendtoFrance,TofillKingEdward'sfame withprisonerKings,AndmaketheirChronicleasrichwithpraise,AsistheOozeandbottomoftheSea

WithsunkenWrack,andsumlessTreasuries.

BISHOPOFELY

Butthere'sasayingveryoldandtrue,

Ifthatyou willFrancewin,thenwithScotlandfirstbegin.ForoncetheEagle(England)beinginprey,

ToherunguardedNest,theWeasel(Scot) Comessneaking,andsosucksherPrincelyEggs,PlayingtheMouseinabsenceofthe Cat,

To'tameandhavocmorethanshecaneat.

EXETER

Itfollowsthen,theCatmuststayathome,

Yetthatisbutacrushed necessity,

Sincewehavelockstosafeguardnecessaries,Andprettytrapstocatchthepettythieves.

WhilethattheArmedhanddothfightabroad,Th'advisedheaddefendsitselfathome:

ForGovernment, thoughhigh,andlow,andlower,Putintoparts,dothkeepinoneconsent,Congreeinginafullandnaturalclose,

LikeMusic.

ARCHBISHOPOFCANTERBURY

Thereforedothheavendivide

Thestateofmanindiversfunctions,Settingendeavourincontinualmotion:Towhichisfixedasanaimorbutt,Obedience:forsoworktheHoneyBees,CreaturesthatbyaruleinNatureteachTheActofOrdertoapeopledKingdom.TheyhaveaKing,andOfficersofsorts,

WheresomelikeMagistratescorrectathome:Others,likeMerchantsventureTradeabroad:Others,likeSoldiersarmedintheirstings,MakebootupontheSummer'sVelvetbuds:

Whichpillage,theywithmerrymarchbringhomeTotheTent-royaloftheirEmperor:

WhobusiedinhisMajestysurveys

ThesingingMasonsbuildingroofsofGold,ThecivilCitizenskneadingupthehoney;ThepoorMechanicPorters,crowdinginTheirheavyburdensathisnarrowgate: Thesad-eyedJusticewithhissurlyhum,Deliveringo'ertoExecutorspale

ThelazyyawningDrone:Ithis infer,ThatmanythingshavingfullreferenceTooneconsent,mayworkcontrariously,AsmanyArrowsloosedseveral ways

Cometoonemark:asmanywaysmeetinonetown,Asmanyfreshstreams meetinonesaltsea;

AsmanyLinescloseintheDial'scentre:Somayathousandactionsonceafoot,Andinonepurpose,and beall wellborne

Withoutdefeat.ThereforetoFrance,myLiege,DivideyourhappyEnglandinto four, Whereof,takeyouonequarterintoFrance,Andyou withalshallmakeallGalliashake.

Ifwewith thricesuch powersleftat home,Cannotdefendourowndoorsfromthedog,Letusbeworried,and ourNationlose

Thenameofhardinessandpolicy.

KINGHENRYV

CallintheMessengerssentfromtheDauphin.Nowarewewell resolved,andbyGod'shelpAndyours, thenoble sinews ofour power,France beingours,we'llbendittoourAwe,Orbreakitalltopieces.Orthere we'llsit,(RulinginlargeandampleEmpery,

O'erFrance,andallher(almost)KinglyDukedoms)Orlaythesebonesinan unworthyUrn,

Tombless,withnoremembranceoverthem:EitherourHistoryshallwithfullmouthSpeakfreelyofourActs,orelseourgrave

LikeTurkishmute,shallhaveatonguelessmouth,NotworshippedwithawaxenEpitaph.

EnterAmbassadorsofFrance.

NowarewewellpreparedtoknowthepleasureOfourfair CousinDauphin:forwe hear,

Yourgreetingisfromhim,notfromtheKing.

AMBASSADORS

May'tpleaseyourMajestytogiveusleaveFreelytorenderwhatwehaveincharge:Orshall wesparinglyshow you faroffTheDauphin'smeaning,andourEmbassy.KINGHENRYV

WearenoTyrant, butaChristian King,Untowhosegrace ourpassionis assubjectAsisourwretchesfetteredin ourprisons,

Thereforewithfrankandwithuncurbedplainness,TellustheDauphin'smind.

AMBASSADORS

Thusthaninfew:

YourHighnesslatelysendingintoFrance,DidclaimsomecertainDukedoms,intheright

Ofyourgreat Predecessor,KingEdwardthethird.Inanswerofwhichclaim,thePrinceourMasterSays, thatyou savour too much of your youth, Andbidsyoubeadvised:There'snoughtinFrance, ThatcanbewithanimbleGalliardwon:

YoucannotrevelintoDukedomsthere.

Hethereforesendsyou meeterforyourspiritThisTunofTreasure;andin lieuofthis,Desiresyouletthedukedomsthat youclaimHearnomoreofyou.ThistheDauphinspeaks.KINGHENRYV

WhatTreasureUncle?

EXETER

Tennis balls,myLiege.

KINGHENRYV

Weare gladtheDauphinissopleasantwithus,HisPresent,andyourpainswethankyoufor: WhenwehavematchedourRacketstotheseBalls,Wewill inFrance (byGod'sgrace)playaset,Shallstrikehisfather'sCrownintothehazard.

Tellhim,hehathmadeamatchwithsuchaWrangler,ThatalltheCourtsofFrancewillbedisturbed

WithChases.Andweunderstandhimwell,Howhecomeso'eruswithourwilder days,Notmeasuringwhatusewemadeofthem.WenevervaluedthispoorseatofEngland,Andthereforelivinghence,didgiveourselfTobarbarouslicense:As'tisevercommon,

Thatmenaremerriest,whentheyarefromhome.ButtelltheDauphin,IwillkeepmyState,

Belikea King,andshowmysailofGreatness,WhenIdorouse me in myThroneofFrance.Forthat IhavelaidbymyMajesty,

Andploddedlikeamanforworkingdays:ButIwillrisetherewith sofulla glory, ThatIwilldazzleallthe eyes ofFrance, Yeastrikethe Dauphinblind tolookonus,AndtellthepleasantPrince,thisMockofhis

HathturnedhisballstoGun-stones,andhissoul Shallstandsorecharged,forthewastefulvengeanceThatshall flywiththem: formanyathousandwidowsShallthishisMock,mockoutoftheirdearhusbands;Mockmothersfromtheirsons,mockCastlesdown:Andsomeare yet ungottenandunborn,

ThatshallhavecausetocursetheDauphin'sscorn.Butthisliesallwithinthe willofGod,

TowhomIdoappeal,andinwhosenameTellyou the Dauphin,Iamcomingon,Tovenge me asImay, andto putforth

Myrightfulhandinawell-hallowedcause.

Soget you henceinpeace:AndtelltheDauphin,HisJestwill savourbutofshallowwit,

Whenthousandsweepmorethandidlaugh atit.Conveythemwithsafeconduct.Fareyouwell.

ExeuntAmbassadors.

EXETER

ThiswasamerryMessage.

KINGHENRYV

WehopetomaketheSenderblushatit:Therefore,myLords,omitnohappyhour,

Thatmaygivefurth'rancetoourExpedition:Forwehavenownothought inusbutFrance,SavethosetoGod,that runbeforeourbusiness.ThereforeletourproportionsfortheseWars Besooncollected,andallthingsthoughtupon,Thatmaywithreasonableswiftnessadd

MoreFeatherstoourWings: forGodbefore,We'llchidethis Dauphinathisfather's door.Thereforeleteverymannowtaskhisthought,ThatthisfairActionmayonfootbebrought.

Exeunt.

Act Two–Prologue

CHORUS

Flourish.EnterChorus.

Nowall theYouthofEngland areonfire,AndsilkenDallianceintheWardrobelies:

NowthrivetheArmourers,andHonour'sthoughtReignssolelyinthebreastofeveryman.

TheysellthePasturenow,tobuytheHorse;FollowingtheMirrorofallChristianKings,Withwingedheels,asEnglishMercuries.

FornowsitsExpectationintheAir,

AndhidesaSword,fromHiltsuntothePoint,WithCrownsImperial,CrownsandCoronets,PromisedtoHarry,andhisfollowers.

TheFrenchadvisedbygoodintelligenceOfthismostdreadfulpreparation,Shakeintheirfear, andwithpalePolicySeektodiverttheEnglishpurposes.

OEngland:ModeltothyinwardGreatness,LikelittleBodywithamightyHeart:

Whatmightstthoudo,thathonourwouldtheedo,Wereallthychildrenkindandnatural:

Butsee,thyfaultFrancehathintheefoundout,Anestofhollowbosoms,whichhefills

WithtreacherousCrowns,andthreecorruptedmen:One,RichardEarlofCambridge,andthesecondHenryLordScroopofMasham, andthe third

SirThomasGreyKnightofNorthumberland,HavefortheGilt ofFrance(Oguilt indeed)ConfirmedConspiracywithfearfulFrance,

Andbytheir hands,thisgraceofKingsmust die.IfHellandTreasonholdtheirpromises,

ErehetakeshipforFrance;andinSouthampton.Lingeryourpatienceon,andwe'lldigest

Th'abuseofdistance;forceaplay:

Thesumispaid,theTraitors areagreed,TheKingissetfromLondon, andthe Scene

Isnowtransported(Gentles)toSouthampton,ThereisthePlay-housenow,there must you sit,AndthencetoFranceshallweconveyyou safe,Andbringyouback:CharmingthenarrowseasTogive you gentle Pass: forifwemay,

We'llnot offendonestomach withourPlay.ButtilltheKingcomeforth,andnottillthen,UntoSouthamptondoweshiftourScene.

Exit

ActTwo SceneOne

BARDOLPH

WellmetCorporalNym.

NYM

EnterCorporalNym,andLieutenantBardolph.

GoodmorrowLieutenantBardolph.

BARDOLPH

What,areAncientPistolandyou friendsyet?

NYM

Formypart,Icarenot:Isaylittle:butwhentimeshallserve,thereshallbesmiles,butthatshall beasitmay.Idarenot fight,butIwillwinkandholdoutmineiron: itisa simple one,butwhatthough?ItwilltoastCheese,anditwillendurecold,asanotherman'sswordwill:andthere'sanend.

BARDOLPH

Iwillbestowabreakfasttomakeyoufriends,andwe'llbeallthreeswornbrotherstoFrance:Let'tbesogoodCorporalNym.

NYM

Faith, Iwill live solong as Imay, that'sthe certainofit:and when Icannotliveanylonger, Iwill doasImay:Thatismyrest, thatistherendezvousofit.

BARDOLPH

ItiscertainCorporal, thatheismarried toNellQuickly,andcertainlyshedid you wrong,foryou weretroth-plightto her.

NYM

Icannottell,Things mustbeastheymay:menmaysleep,andtheymayhavetheirthroats aboutthematthattime,andsomesay,kniveshaveedges:Itmustbeasitmay,thoughpatiencebeatiredname,yetshewillplod,theremustbeConclusions,well,Icannottell.

EnterPistol,andQuickly.

BARDOLPH

HerecomesAncientPistolandhiswife:goodCorporalbepatienthere.HownowmineHostPistol?

PISTOL

BaseTyke,call'stthou me Host, nowbythishandIswearIscorntheterm: norshallmy NellkeepLodgers.

HOSTESS

Nobymytroth,notlong:ForwecannotlodgeandboardadozenorfourteenGentlewomenthatlive

honestlybytheprickoftheirNeedles,butitwillbethoughtwekeepaBawdy-housestraight.Owell-a-dayLady,ifhebenothewnnow,weshallseewilfuladulteryandmurdercommitted.

BARDOLPH

GoodLieutenant,goodCorporaloffernothinghere.

NYM.

Pish.

PISTOL

Pishforthee,Icelanddog:thouprick-earedcurofIceland.

HOSTESS

GoodCorporal Nym showthyvalour,andputupyour sword.

NYM

Willyou shogoff?Iwouldhave yousolus.

PISTOL

Solus,egregiousdog?OViper vile;Thesolusinthymostmarvailousface, thesolusinthyteeth, andinthythroat,andinthyhateful Lungs, yea inthyMawperdy; andwhichisworse,within thynasty mouth.Idoretort thesolusinthybowels,forIcan take, andPistol'scockisup,andflashingfire willfollow.

NYM

IamnotBarbason,youcannotconjureme:Ihaveanhumourtoknock you indifferentlywell:Ifyougrowfoulwithme Pistol, I willscouryouwith myRapier,asImay,in fairterms. Ifyou would walkoff,Iwouldprickyour gutsalittle ingoodterms,asImay,and that'sthehumour ofit.

PISTOL

OBraggardvile,anddamnedfuriouswight,TheGravedothgape,anddotingdeathisnear,Thereforeexhale.

BARDOLPH

Hearme,hear me whatIsay: Hethatstrikesthefirst stroke,I'llrunhimuptothe hilts,asIamasoldier.

PISTOL

Anoathofmicklemight,andfuryshallabate.Giveme thyfist,thyforefoottomegive: Thyspiritsaremosttall.

NYM

Iwillcut thythroat onetimeorotherinfair terms,thatisthe humourofit.

PISTOL

Coupleagorge,thatisthe word.Idefytheeagain.OhoundofCrete, think'stthoumyspouseto get?No,tothe spittlego,andfromthePowderingtubofinfamy,fetch forththeLazarKiteofCressid'skind,DollTearsheet,shebyname,andherespouse.Ihave,andIwillholdtheQuondamQuicklyfortheonlyshe:and Pauca,there'senough togoto.

EntertheBoy.

BOY

Mine HostPistol,you must cometomyMaster,andyour Hostess: Heis verysick,and wouldtobed.GoodBardolph,putthyfacebetweenhissheets,anddotheOfficeofaWarming-pan:Faith,he'sveryill.

BARDOLPH

Away you Rogue.

HOSTESS

Bymytrothhe'llyield theCrowapudding oneofthesedays:theKinghaskilledhisheart.GoodHusbandcomehomepresently.

BARDOLPH

Exit

Come,shallImakeyoutwofriends.WemusttoFrancetogether:whythedevilshouldwekeepknivestocutoneanother'sthroats?

PISTOL

Letfloodso'er-swell,andfiends forfoodhowlon.

NYM

You'llpayme theeight shillingsIwonofyou atBetting?

PISTOL

BaseistheSlavethatpays.

NYM

ThatnowIwill have:that'sthehumourofit.

PISTOL

Asmanhoodshallcompound:pushhome.Draw

BARDOLPH

Bythissword,hethatmakesthefirst thrust,I'llkillhim: Bythissword,Iwill.

PISTOL

SwordisanOath,andOathsmust havetheircourse

BARDOLPH

CoporalNym,andthouwiltbefriends befriends,andthou wiltnot,whythenbeenemieswith me too:pritheeputup.

PISTOL

ANoble shaltthouhave,andpresentpay,andLiquorlikewisewill Igivetothee,andfriendshipshallcombine,and brotherhood.I'll livebyNym,and Nym shalllivebyme, isnotthisjust?ForIshallSutlerbeuntotheCamp,andprofitswillaccrue.Givemethyhand.

NYM

IshallhavemyNoble?

PISTOL

Incash,mostjustlypaid.

NYM

Well,thenthatthehumourof't.

HOSTESS

EnterHostess.

Aseveryou come ofwomen,come inquicklyto sirJohn:Apoorheart, heissoshakedofaburningquotidianTertian,thatitismostlamentabletobehold.Sweetmen,cometohim.

NYM

TheKinghathrunbad humoursontheKnight, that'stheevenofit.

PISTOL

Nym,thouhastspoketheright,hisheartisfractedandcorroborate.

NYM

TheKingisagoodKing,butitmustbe asitmay:hepassessomehumours,andcareers.

PISTOL

LetuscondoletheKnight,for(Lambkins)wewilllive.

ActTwoSceneTwo

BEDFORD

EnterExeter,Bedford,andWestmorland.

'ForeGodhisGrace isboldto trustthesetraitors

EXETER

Theyshallbeapprehendedbyandby.

WESTMORLAND

Howsmoothandeventheydobearthemselves,Asifallegianceintheirbosomssat

Crownedwithfaith,andconstantloyalty.

BEDFORD

TheKinghathnoteofallthattheyintend,Byinterception,whichtheydreamnotof.EXETER

Nay,butthemanthatwashisbedfellow,

Whomhehathdulledandcloyedwithgracious favours;Thatheshouldforaforeignpurse,sosell

HisSovereign'slifetodeathandtreachery.

KINGHENRYV

SoundTrumpets.

EntertheKing,Scroop,Cambridge, andGrey.

Nowsitsthewind fair, andwewill aboard.

MyLordofCambridge,and mykindLordofMasham,Andyou mygentleKnight,givemeyourthoughts:Think younotthatthe powerswebear withus

Will cuttheirpassagethroughtheforceofFrance?Doingtheexecution,andtheact,

Forwhichwehaveinheadassembledthem.

SCROOP

NodoubtmyLiege, ifeachmandohisbest.

KINGHENRYV

Idoubtnotthat,sincewearewellpersuadedWecarrynotaheartwithusfromhence,Thatgrowsnotinafairconsent withours:Norleavenotonebehind,thatdothnotwishSuccessandConquesttoattendonus.

CAMBRIDGE

NeverwasMonarchbetterfearedandloved,Thanisyour Majesty;there'snotIthink asubjectThatsitsinheart-griefanduneasiness

Underthesweetshadeofyourgovernment.

GREY

True:thosethatwereyourFather'senemies,

Havesteepedtheirgallsinhoney, anddoserveyouWith heartscreateofduty,andofzeal.

KINGHENRYV

Wethereforehavegreatcauseofthankfulness,Andshall forget theofficeofourhandSoonerthanquittanceofdesertandmerit,Accordingtotheweightandworthiness.

SCROOP

Soserviceshallwithsteeledsinewstoil,AndlabourshallrefreshitselfwithhopeTodoyourGraceincessantservices.

KINGHENRYV

WeJudgenoless.UncleofExeter, Enlargethemancommittedyesterday, Thatrailedagainstourperson:WeconsiderItwasexcessofWinethatsethimon,

Andonhismoreadvice,Wepardonhim.

SCROOP

That'smercy,buttoomuchsecurity:

LethimbepunishedSovereign,lestexampleBreed(byhissufferance)moreofsuchakind.KINGHENRYV

Oletusyet bemerciful.

CAMBRIDGE

Somayyour Highness,andyet punishtoo.

GREY

Sir, you showgreat mercyifyou givehimlife,Afterthetasteofmuchcorrection.

KINGHENRYV

Alas,yourtoo muchlove andcare ofme,AreheavyOrisons'gainstthis poorwretch:Iflittlefaultsproceedingondistemper,

Shallnotbe winkedat,howshallwestretchoureyeWhencapitalcrimes,chewed,swallowed,anddigested,Appearbeforeus? We'llyetenlargethatman,

ThoughCambridge,Scroop,andGray,intheirdearcareAndtenderpreservationofourperson

Wouldhavehimpunished.AndnowtoourFrenchcauses,WhoarethelateCommissioners?

CAMBRIDGE

IonemyLord,

YourHighnessbadme askforittoday.

SCROOP

Sodidyoume myLiege.

GREY

AndImyRoyalSovereign.

KINGHENRYV

ThenRichardEarlofCambridge,thereisyours:ThereyoursLordScroopofMasham,andSirKnight:GrayofNorthumberland,thissameisyours:

Readthem, andknowIknowyourworthiness.MyLordofWestmorland,andUncleExeter,

Wewillaboardtonight.WhyhownowGentlemen?Whatseeyouin thosepapers,that you lose

Somuchcomplexion?Lookyehowtheychange:Theircheeksarepaper.Why,whatreadyouthere,ThathavesocowardedandchasedyourbloodOutofappearance.

CAMBRIDGE

Idoconfessmyfault,

Anddosubmit me to yourHighness'mercy.

GREY,SCROOP

Towhichweallappeal.

KINGHENRYV

Themercythatwasquickinusbutlate,

Byyourowncounselissuppressedandkilled:Youmustnot dare(forshame) totalk ofmercy,Foryour own reasons turn intoyourbosoms,Asdogsupontheirmasters, worrying you: See you myPrinces,andmyNoble Peers,

TheseEnglishmonsters:MyLordofCambridgehere,Youknow howapt our lovewas,to accord

TofurnishwithallappertinentsBelongingtohisHonour;andthisman,

Hathforafewlight Crowns,lightlyconspiredAndswornuntothepractisesofFrance

Tokillusherein Hampton.Tothe which,This Knight nolessforbountyboundto Us

ThanCambridgeis,hathlikewisesworn.ButO,Whatshall Isaytothee LordScroop,thoucruel,Ingrateful,savage,andinhumanCreature?

Thouthatdidstbearthekeyofallmycounsels,Thatknew'sttheverybottomofmysoul,

That(almost)might'sthavecoinedmeintoGold,Would'stthouhave practised onme,forthyuse?Mayitbepossible,thatforeignhire

Couldoutoftheeextractonesparkofevil Thatmightannoymyfinger? 'Tis sostrange,Thatthough thetruth ofitstands off asgrossAsblackand white,myeye willscarcelyseeit.Treason,andmurder,everkepttogether,

Astwoyoke devilssworntoeither'spurpose,Working sogrosslyinanaturalcause,

Thatadmirationdidnotwhoopatthem.

Butthou('gainstallproportion)didstbringinWonderto waitontreason,andonmurder:Andwhatsoevercunningfienditwas

Thatwroughtupontheesopreposterously,Hathgotthevoiceinhellforexcellence:Andotherdevilsthatsuggestbytreasons,Dobotchandbungleupdamnation,

Withpatches,colours,andwithformsbeingfetchedFromglist'ringsemblancesofpiety:

Buthethattemperedthee,badetheestandup,Gavetheenoinstancewhythoushouldstdotreason,Unlesstodubtheewiththe name ofTraitor.

IfthatsameDaemonthathathgulledtheethus,ShouldwithhisLion-gaitwalkthewholeworld,HemightreturntovastyTartar back,

AndtelltheLegions,IcanneverwinAsoulsoeasyasthatEnglishman's.

Oh,howhastthouwith jealousyinfected Thesweetnessofaffiance?Showmendutiful,

Whysodidstthou:seemtheygraveandlearned?Whysodidst thou.CometheyofNobleFamily?Whysodidstthou.Seemtheyreligious?