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About this text

  • Title: Famous Victories of Henry V (Modern)
  • Textual editor: Mathew Martin
  • Performance editor: Peter Cockett
  • Coordinating editor: Janelle Jenstad

  • Copyright Queen's Men Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Anonymous
    Peer Reviewed

    Famous Victories of Henry V (Modern)

    1[Scene 1] [Video Sc.1]
    Enter the young Prince [Henry], Ned, and Tom.
    Prince Henry
    Come away, Ned and Tom!
    Ned and Tom
    Here, my lord.
    5Prince Henry
    Come away, my lads. Tell me, sirs, how much gold have you got?
    Ned
    Faith, my lord, I have got five hundred pound.
    Prince Henry
    But tell me, Tom, how much hast thou got?
    Tom
    Faith, my lord, some four hundred pound.
    10Prince Henry
    Four hundred pounds? Bravely spoken, lads! But tell me, sirs, think you not that it was a villainous part of me to rob my father's receivers?
    Ned
    Why no, my lord. It was but a trick of youth.
    Prince Henry
    Faith, Ned, thou sayest true. 15But tell me, sirs, whereabouts are we?
    Tom
    My lord, we are now about a mile off London.
    Prince Henry
    But, sirs, I marvel that Sir John Oldcastle comes not away. Zounds, see where he comes!
    Enter Jockey [Sir John Oldcastle].
    20How now, Jockey, what news with thee?
    Jockey
    Faith, my lord, such news as passeth, for the town of Deptford is risen with hue and cry after your man which parted from us the last night 25and has set upon and hath robbed a poor carrier.
    Prince Henry
    Zounds, the villain that was wont to spy out our booties?
    Jockey
    Ay, my lord, even the very same.
    Prince Henry
    Now, base-minded rascal, to rob a poor carrier! 30Well, it skills not. I'll save the base villain's life. Ay, I may. But tell me, Jockey, whereabouts be the receivers?
    Jockey
    Faith, my lord, they are hard by, but the best is, we are a-horseback and they be afoot, so we may escape them.
    35Prince Henry
    Well, if the villains come, let me alone with them. But tell me, Jockey, how much got'st thou from the knaves? For I am sure I got something, for one of the villains so belammed me about the shoulders as I shall feel it this month.
    40Jockey
    Faith, my lord, I have got a hundred pound.
    Prince Henry
    A hundred pound! Now, bravely spoken, Jockey. But come, sirs, lay all your money before me. [They place their booty at his feet.] Now, by heaven, here is a brave show! But, as I am true gentleman, I will have the half 45of this spent tonight. But, sirs, take up your bags. Here come the receivers. Let me alone.
    [They hide the booty.]
    Enter two Receivers.
    1 Receiver
    Alas, good fellow, what shall we do? I dare never go home to the court, for I shall be hanged. 50But look, here is the young prince. What shall we do?
    Prince Henry
    How now, you villains, what are you?
    1 Receiver
    [Aside to 2 Receiver] Speak you to him.
    2 Receiver
    [Replying aside] No, I pray, speak you to him.
    Prince Henry
    Why, how now you rascals, why speak you not?
    551 Receiver
    Forsooth we be -- [Aside to 2 Receiver] pray speak you to him.
    Prince Henry
    Zounds, villains, speak, or I'll cut off your heads.
    2 Receiver
    [To Prince Henry] Forsooth, he can tell the tale better than I.
    1 Receiver
    Forsooth, we be your father's receivers.
    Prince Henry
    Are you my father's receivers? 60Then I hope ye have brought me some money.
    1 Receiver
    Money? Alas, sir, we be robbed.
    Prince Henry
    Robbed? How many were there of them?
    1 Receiver
    Marry, sir, there were four of them, and one of them had Sir John Oldcastle's bay hobby 65and your black nag.
    Prince Henry
    Gog's wounds! [To Jockey] How like you this, Jockey? [To the Receivers] Blood, you villains! My father robbed of his money abroad, and we robbed in our stables. But tell me, how many were of them?
    701 Receiver
    If it please you, there were four of them, and there was one about the bigness of you, but I am sure I so belammed him about the shoulders that he will feel it this month.
    Prince Henry
    Gog's wounds, you lammed them fairly -- 75so that they have carried away your money! [To Ned, Tom, and Jockey] But come, sirs, what shall we do with the villains?
    1 Receiver and 2 Receiver
    I beseech your grace, be good to us.
    [The Receivers kneel.]
    Ned
    I pray you, my lord, forgive them this once.
    [Prince Henry]
    Well, stand up and get you gone. 80And look that you speak not a word of it, for if there be, zounds, I'll hang you and all your kin.
    Exeunt Receivers.
    Prince Henry
    Now, sirs, how like you this? Was not this bravely done? 85For now the villains dare not speak a word of it, I have so feared them with words. Now, whither shall we go?
    Ned, Tom, and Jockey
    Why, my lord, you know our old hostess at Feversham?
    90Prince Henry
    Our hostess at Feversham? Blood, what shall we do there? We have a thousand pound about us, and we shall go to a petty alehouse? No, no. You know the old tavern in Eastcheap? There is good wine. Besides, there is a pretty wench 95that can talk well, for I delight as much in their tongues as any part about them.
    Ned, Tom, and Jockey
    We are ready to wait upon your grace.
    Prince Henry
    Gog's wounds! Wait? We will go all together. We are all fellows, I tell you, sirs. An the king 100my father were dead, we would be all kings. Therefore, come away.
    Gog's wounds, bravely spoken, Harry!
    Exeunt Prince Henry, Ned, Tom, and Jockey.
    [Scene 2] [Video Sc.2]
    Enter John Cobbler, Robin Pewterer, Lawrence Costermonger.
    105John
    All is well here, all is well, masters.
    Robin
    How say you, neighbor John Cobbler?
    [John]
    I think it best that my neighbor, Robin Pewterer, went to Pudding Lane end, and we will watch here at Billingsgate Ward. 110How say you, neighbor Robin, how like you this?
    Robin
    Marry, well, neighbors. I care not much if I go to Pudding Lane's end. But, neighbors, an you hear any ado about me, make haste. And if I hear any ado about you, 115I will come to you.
    Exit Robin.
    Lawrence
    Neighbor, what news hear you of the young prince?
    John
    Marry, neighbor, I hear say he is a toward young prince, for if he meet any by the highway, 120he will not let to talk with him. I dare not call him thief, but sure he is one of these taking fellows.
    Lawrence
    Indeed, neighbor, I hear say he is as lively a young prince as ever was.
    John
    Ay, and I hear say, if he use it long, 125his father will cut him off from the crown. But, neighbor, say nothing of that.
    Lawrence
    No, no, neighbor, I warrant you.
    John
    Neighbor, methinks you begin to sleep. If you will, we will sit down, 130for I think it is about midnight.
    Lawrence
    Marry, content, neighbor, let us sleep.
    [John and Lawrence lie down and sleep.]
    Enter Derrick roving.
    Derrick
    Whoa! whoa there! whoa there!
    Exit Derrick.
    135Enter Robin.
    Robin
    O neighbors, what mean you to sleep, and such ado in the streets?
    John and Lawrence
    How now, neighbor, what's the matter?
    Enter Derrick again.
    140Derrick
    Whoa there! whoa there! whoa there!
    John
    Why, what ail'st thou? Here is no horses.
    Derrick
    Oh, alas, man, I am robbed! Whoa there, whoa there!
    Robin
    Hold him, neighbor Cobbler.
    [John seizes Derrick.]
    Why, I see thou art a plain clown.
    145Derrick
    Am I a clown? Zounds, masters, do clowns go in silk apparel? I am sure all we gentlemen clowns in Kent scant go so well. Zounds, you know clowns very well. [To John] Hear you, are you Master Constable? An you be, speak, 150for I will not take it at his [Derrick points to Robin] hands.
    John
    Faith, I am not Master Constable, but I am one of his bade officers, for he is not here.
    Derrick
    Is not Master Constable here? Well, it is no matter. I'll have the law at his hands.
    [Derrick draws his sword.]
    155John
    Nay, I pray you, do not take the law of us.
    Derrick
    Well, you are one of his beastly officers.
    John
    I am one of his bade officers.
    Derrick
    Why, then, I charge thee look to him.
    John
    Nay, but hear ye, sir. You seem to be an honest 160fellow, and we are poor men, and now 'tis night, and we would be loth to have anything ado. Therefore, I pray thee, put it up.
    [Derrick sheathes his sword.]
    Derrick
    First, thou sayest true, I am an honest fellow--and a proper, handsome fellow too--165and you seem to be poor men. Therefore I care not greatly; nay, I am quickly pacified. But, an you chance to spy the thief, I pray you lay hold on him.
    Robin
    Yes, that we will, I warrant you.
    170Derrick
    [Aside] 'Tis a wonderful thing to see how glad the knave is, now I have forgiven him.
    John
    [To Lawrence and Robin] Neighbors, do ye look about you. How now, who's there?
    Enter the Thief [Cutbert Cutter].
    175Cutbert Cutter
    Here is a good fellow. I pray you, which is the way to the old tavern in Eastcheap?
    Derrick
    Whoop hollo! Now, Gadshill, knowest thou me?
    Cutbert Cutter
    I know thee for an ass.
    Derrick
    And I know thee for a taking fellow, 180upon Gad's Hill in Kent. A bots light upon ye!
    Cutbert Cutter
    The whoreson villain would be knocked!
    [Cutbert draws his sword.]
    Derrick
    Masters -- villain! -- an ye be men, stand to him and take his weapon from him. Let him not pass you.
    185John
    My friend, what make you abroad now? It is too late to walk now.
    Cutbert Cutter
    It is not too late for true men to walk.
    Lawrence
    We know thee not to be a true man.
    [John, Robin, and Lawrence seize Cutbert.]
    Cutbert Cutter
    Why, what do you mean to do with me? 190Zounds, I am one of the king's liege people.
    Derrick
    Hear you, sir, are you one of the king's liege people?
    Cutbert Cutter
    Ay, marry, am I, sir. What say you to it?
    Derrick
    Marry, sir, I say you are one of the king's filching people.
    John
    Come, come, let's have him away.
    195Cutbert Cutter
    Why, what have I done?
    Robin
    Thou hast robbed a poor fellow and taken away his goods from him.
    Cutbert Cutter
    I never saw him before.
    Derrick
    Masters, who comes here?
    200Enter the Vintner's Boy.
    How now, Goodman Cobbler?
    John
    How now, Robert, what makes thou abroad at this time of night?
    Marry, I have been at the Counter. 205I can tell such news as never you have heard the like.
    John
    What is that, Robert? What is the matter?
    Why, this night about two hours ago, there came the young prince and three or four more of his companions and called for wine good store, and then they sent for a 210noise of musicians and were very merry for the space of an hour. Then, whether their music liked them not or whether they had drunk too much wine or no, I cannot tell, but our pots flew against the walls, and then they drew their swords and went into the street and fought, and 215some took one part and some took another, but for the space of half an hour there was such a bloody fray as passeth, and none could part them until such time as the mayor and sheriff were sent for, and then at the last with much ado they took them, and so the young prince was carried 220to the Counter. And then about one hour after, there came a messenger from the court in all haste from the king for my lord mayor and the sheriff, but for what cause I know not.
    John
    Here is news indeed, Robert.
    225Lawrence
    Marry, neighbor, this news is strange indeed. I think it best, neighbor, to rid our hands of this fellow first.
    Cutbert Cutter
    What mean you to do with me?
    John
    We mean to carry you to the prison, and there 230to remain 'til the sessions day.
    Cutbert Cutter
    Then, I pray you, let me go to the prison where my master is.
    John
    Nay, thou must go to the country prison, to Newgate. Therefore, come away.
    235Cutbert Cutter
    [To Derrick] I prithee be good to me, honest fellow.
    Derrick
    Ay, marry will I, I'll be very charitable to thee, for I will never leave thee 'til I see thee on the gallows.
    Exeunt.
    [Scene 3] [Video Sc.3]
    Enter Henry the Fourth with the Earl of Exeter and the Lord of Oxford.
    240Oxford
    An't please your majesty, here is my lord mayor and the sheriff of London to speak with your majesty.
    Henry IV
    Admit them to our presence.
    Enter the Mayor and the Sheriff.
    Now, my good lord mayor of London, 245the cause of my sending for you at this time is to tell you of a matter which I have learned of my council. Herein I understand that you have committed my son to prison without our leave and licence. What, although he be a rude youth and likely to give occasion, yet you might have con250sidered that he is a prince, and my son, and not to be haled to prison by every subject.
    Lord Mayor
    May it please your majesty to give us leave to tell our tale?
    Henry IV
    Or else, God forbid, otherwise you might 255think me an unequal judge, having more affection to my son than to any rightful judgment.
    Lord Mayor
    Then I do not doubt but we shall rather deserve commendations at your majesty's hands than any anger.
    Henry IV
    Go to, say on.
    260Lord Mayor
    Then, if it please your majesty, this night betwixt two and three of the clock in the morning, my lord the young prince with a very disordered company came to the old tavern in Eastcheap, and whether it was that their music liked them not or whether they were over265come with wine, I know not, but they drew their swords, and into the street they went, and some took my lord the young prince's part and some took the other, but betwixt them there was such a bloody fray for the space of half an hour that neither watchmen nor any other could stay them 270'til my brother the sheriff of London and I were sent for, and at the last with much ado we stayed them, but it was long first, which was a great disquieting to all your loving subjects thereabouts. And then, my good lord, we knew not whether your grace had sent them to try us, whether we 275would do justice, or whether it were of their own voluntary will or not, we cannot tell. And therefore in such a case we knew not what to do, but for our own safeguard we sent him to ward, where he wanteth nothing that is fit for his grace and your majesty's son. And thus most hum280bly beseeching your majesty to think of our answer.
    Henry IV
    Stand aside until we have further deliberated on your answer.
    Exit Mayor [with Sheriff].
    Henry IV
    Ah, Harry, Harry, now thrice-accursed Harry, 285that hath gotten a son which with grief will end his father's days. O my son, a prince thou art, ay, a prince indeed -- and to deserve imprisonment! And well have they done, and like faithful subjects. 290[To Exeter and Oxford] Discharge them and let them go.
    Exeter
    I beseech your grace, be good to my lord the young prince.
    Henry IV
    Nay, nay, 'tis no matter. Let him alone.
    Oxford
    Perchance the mayor and the sheriff have 295been too precise in this matter.
    Henry IV
    No, they have done like faithful subjects. I will go myself to discharge them and let them go.
    Exeunt.
    [Scene 4] [Video Sc.4]
    Enter Lord Chief Justice, Clerk of the Office, Jailor [with several Officers], 300John Cobbler, Derrick, and the Thief [Cutbert Cutter].
    Lord Chief Justice
    Jailor, bring the prisoner to the bar.
    Derrick
    Hear you, my lord, I pray you bring the bar to the prisoner.
    Lord Chief Justice
    Hold thy hand up at the bar.
    305Cutbert Cutter
    Here it is, my lord.
    Lord Chief Justice
    Clerk of the Office, read his indictment.
    Clerk
    What is thy name?
    Cutbert Cutter
    My name was known before I came here and shall be when I am gone, I warrant you.
    310Lord Chief Justice
    Ay, I think so, but we will know it better before thou go.
    Derrick
    Zounds, an you do but send to the next jail, we are sure to know his name, for this is not the first prison he hath been in, I'll warrant you.
    315Clerk
    What is thy name?
    Cutbert Cutter
    What need you to ask, an have it in writing?
    Clerk
    Is not thy name Cutbert Cutter?
    Cutbert Cutter
    What the devil need you ask, an know it so well?
    320Clerk
    Why then, Cutbert Cutter, I indict thee by the name of Cutbert Cutter for robbing a poor carrier the twentieth day of May last past, in the fourteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord King Henry the Fourth, for setting upon a poor carrier upon Gad's Hill in Kent, and having 325beaten and wounded the said carrier, and taken his goods from him.
    Derrick
    Oh, masters, stay there. Nay, let's never belie the man, for he hath not beaten and wounded me also, but he hath beaten and wounded my pack and hath taken the 330great raze of ginger that bouncing Bess with the jolly buttocks should have had. That grieves me most.
    Lord Chief Justice
    Well, what sayest thou? Art thou guilty or not guilty?
    Cutbert Cutter
    Not guilty, my lord.
    335Lord Chief Justice
    By whom wilt thou be tried?
    Cutbert Cutter
    By my lord the young prince or by myself, whether you will.
    Enter the young Prince [Henry], with Ned and Tom.
    Prince Henry
    Come away, my lads. [To Cutbert Cutter] Gog's wounds, ye villain, 340what make you here? I must go about my business myself, and you must stand loitering here?
    Cutbert Cutter
    Why, my lord, they have bound me and will not let me go.
    Prince Henry
    Have they bound thee, villain? [To Lord Chief Justice] Why, how now, my 345lord?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I am glad to see your grace in good health.
    Prince Henry
    Why, my lord, this is my man. 'Tis marvel you knew him not long before this. I tell you, he is a man of his hands.
    350Cutbert Cutter
    Ay, Gog's wounds, that I am. Try me who dare!
    Lord Chief Justice
    Your grace shall find small credit by acknowledging him to be your man.
    Prince Henry
    Why, my lord, what hath he done?
    Lord Chief Justice
    An it please your majesty, he hath robbed a poor carrier.
    355Derrick
    Hear you, sir. Marry, it was one Derrick, Goodman Hobling's man of Kent.
    Prince Henry
    What, was't you, button-breech?-- Of my word, my lord, he did it but in jest.
    Derrick
    Hear you, sir. Is it your man's quality to rob folks 360in jest? In faith, he shall be hanged in earnest.
    Prince Henry
    Well, my lord, what do you mean to do with my man?
    Lord Chief Justice
    An't please your grace, the law must pass on him according to justice; then he must be executed.
    365Derrick
    Hear you, sir, I pray you. Is it your man's quality to rob folks in jest? In faith, he shall be hanged in jest.
    Henry V
    Well, my lord, what mean you to do with my man?
    Lord Chief Justice
    An't please your grace, the law must pass on him 370according to justice; then he must be executed.
    Prince Henry
    Why, then, belike you mean to hang my man?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I am sorry that it falls out so.
    Prince Henry
    Why, my lord, I pray ye, who am I?
    Lord Chief Justice
    An't please your grace, you are my lord the young 375prince, our king that shall be after the decease of our sovereign lord, King Henry the Fourth, whom God grant long to reign.
    Prince Henry
    You say true, my lord. And you will hang my man?
    380Lord Chief Justice
    An't like your grace, I must needs do justice.
    Prince Henry
    Tell me, my lord, shall I have my man?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I cannot, my lord.
    Prince Henry
    But will you not let him go?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I am sorry that his case is so ill.
    385Prince Henry
    Tush, case me no casings. Shall I have my man?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I cannot, nor I may not, my lord.
    Prince Henry
    Nay, and "I shall not," say, and then I am answered!
    Lord Chief Justice
    No.
    Prince Henry
    No? Then I will have him.
    390He giveth him a box on the ear.
    Gog's wounds, my lord, shall I cut off his head?
    [Ned draws his sword.]
    Prince Henry
    No, I charge you, draw not your swords, but get you hence-- provide a noise of musicians. Away, begone!
    395[Exeunt Ned and Tom.]
    Lord Chief Justice
    Well, my lord, I am content to take it at your hands.
    Prince Henry
    Nay, an you be not, you shall have more.
    Lord Chief Justice
    Why, I pray you, my lord, who am I?
    400Prince Henry
    You? Who knows not you? Why, man, you are Lord Chief Justice of England.
    Lord Chief Justice
    Your grace hath said truth. Therefore in striking me in this place you greatly abuse me, and not me only but also your father, whose lively person here in this place 405I do represent. And therefore, to teach you what prerogatives mean, I commit you to the Fleet until we have spoken with your father.
    Prince Henry
    Why, then, belike you mean to send me to the Fleet?
    410Lord Chief Justice
    Ay indeed, and therefore carry him away.
    [Exit] Prince Henry with the Officers.
    Lord Chief Justice
    Jailor, carry the prisoner to Newgate again until the next 'ssizes.
    Jailor
    At your commandment, my lord, it shall be done.
    [Exeunt Lord Chief Justice, Clerk of the Office, John Cobbler, Derrick, and Cutbert Cutter with Jailor]
    415[Scene 5] [Video Sc.5]
    Enter Derrick and John Cobbler.
    Derrick
    Zounds, masters, here's ado, when princes must go to prison! Why, John, didst ever see the like?
    John
    Oh, Derrick, trust me, I never saw the like.
    420Derrick
    Why, John, thou mayest see what princes be in choler. A judge a box on the ear! I'll tell thee, John, O John, I would not have done it for twenty shillings.
    John
    No, nor I. There had been no way but one with us: we should have been hanged.
    425Derrick
    Faith, John, I'll tell thee what. Thou shalt be my lord chief justice, and thou shalt sit in the chair, and I'll be the young prince and hit thee a box on the ear, and then thou shalt say, "to teach you what prerogatives mean, I commit you to the Fleet."
    430John
    Come on, I'll be your judge. But thou shalt not hit me hard?
    Derrick
    No, no.
    [John sits in the lord chief justice's chair.]
    John
    What hath he done?
    Derrick
    Marry, he hath robbed Derrick.
    435John
    Why, then, I cannot let him go.
    Derrick
    I must needs have my man.
    John
    You shall not have him.
    Derrick
    Shall I not have my man? Say "No" an you dare! How say you, shall I not have my man?
    440John
    No, marry, shall you not.
    Derrick
    Shall I not, John?
    John
    No, Derrick.
    Derrick
    Why, then, take you that 'til more come. [Derrick gives John a box on the ear] Zounds, shall I not have him?
    445John
    Well, I am content to take this at your hand, but, I pray you, who am I?
    Derrick
    Who art thou? Zounds, dost not know thyself?
    John
    No.
    Derrick
    Now away, simple fellow! 450Why man, thou art John the Cobbler.
    John
    No, I am my Lord Chief Justice of England.
    Derrick
    Oh, John, mass, thou say'st true, thou art indeed.
    John
    Why, then, to teach you what prerogatives mean I commit you to the Fleet.
    455Derrick
    Well, I will go, but, i'faith, you grey-beard knave, I'll course you.
    Exit and straight enters again.
    O John, come, come out of thy chair! Why, what a clown wert thou to let me hit thee a box on the ear, and now thou seest they will not take me to the Fleet! I think that 460thou art one of these workaday clowns.
    John
    But I marvel what will become of thee.
    Derrick
    Faith, I'll be no more a carrier.
    John
    What wilt thou do, then?
    Derrick
    I'll dwell with thee and be a cobbler.
    465John
    With me? Alas, I am not able to keep thee. Why, thou wilt eat me out of doors.
    Derrick
    O John, no John, I am none of these great slouching fellows that devour these great pieces of beef and brewis. Alas, a trifle serves me. A woodcock, a chicken, 470or a capon's leg, or any such little thing serves me.
    John
    A capon! Why, man, I cannot get a capon once a year, except it be at Christmas at some other man's house, for we cobblers be glad of a dish of roots.
    Derrick
    Roots? Why, are you so good at rooting? 475Nay, cobbler, we'll have you ringed.
    John
    But, Derrick,
    Though we be so poor,
    Yet will we have in store
    A crab in the fire,
    With nut-brown ale,
    That is full stale,
    Which will a man quail,
    And lay in the mire!
    480Derrick
    A bots on you! An't be but for your ale, I'll dwell with you. Come, let's away as fast as we can.
    Exeunt.
    [Scene 6] [Video Sc.6]
    Enter the young Prince [Henry] with Ned and Tom.
    Prince Henry
    Come away, sirs. Gog's wounds, Ned, 485didst thou not see what a box on the ear I took my Lord Chief Justice?
    Tom
    By Gog's blood, it did me good to see it. It made his teeth jar in his head.
    Enter Sir John Oldcastle [Jockey].
    490Prince Henry
    How now, Sir John Oldcastle. What news with you?
    Jockey
    I am glad to see your grace at liberty. I was come, I, to visit you in prison.
    Prince Henry
    To visit me! Didst thou not know that I am a 495prince's son? Why, 'tis enough for me to look into a prison, though I come not in myself. But here's such ado nowadays, here's prisoning, here's hanging, whipping, and the devil and all! But I tell you, sirs, when I am king we will have no such things. But, my lads, if the old king my father 500were dead, we would be all kings.
    Jockey
    He is a good old man. God take him to His mercy the sooner.
    Prince Henry
    But, Ned, so soon as I am king, the first thing I will do shall be to put my Lord Chief Justice out of office, and thou shalt be my lord chief justice of England.
    505Ned
    Shall I be lord chief justice? By Gog's wounds, I'll be the bravest lord chief justice that ever was in England!
    Prince Henry
    Then, Ned, I'll turn all these prisons into fence schools, and I will endow thee with them, with lands to 510maintain them withal. Then I will have a bout with my Lord Chief Justice! Thou shalt hang none but pick-purses and horse-stealers, and such base-minded villains. But that fellow that will stand by the highway side courageously with his sword and buckler and take a purse, that fellow 515give him commendations; besides that, send him to me and I will give him an annual pension out of my exchequer to maintain him all the days of his life.
    Jockey
    Nobly spoken, Harry! We shall never have a merry world 'til the old king be dead.
    But whither are ye going now?
    Prince Henry
    To the court, for I hear say my father lies very sick.
    But I doubt he will not die.
    Prince Henry
    Yet will I go thither, for the breath shall be no 525sooner out of his mouth but I will clap the crown on my head.
    Jockey
    Will you go to the court with that cloak, so full of needles?
    Prince Henry
    Cloak, eyelet-holes, needles, and all was of mine 530own devising, and therefore I will wear it.
    I pray you, my lord, what may be the meaning thereof?
    Prince Henry
    Why, man, 'tis a sign that I stand upon thorns 'til the crown be on my head.
    535Jockey
    Or that every needle might be a prick to their hearts that repine at your doings.
    Prince Henry
    Thou say'st true, Jockey. But there's some will say, the young prince will be a well-toward young man, and all this gear, that I had as lief they would break my head 540with a pot as to say any such thing. But we stand prating here too long. I must needs speak with my father; therefore come away.
    [They knock at a gate.]
    [Enter Porter.]
    Porter
    What a rapping keep you at the king's court gate?
    545Prince Henry
    Here's one that must speak with the king.
    Porter
    The king is very sick, and none must speak with him.
    Prince Henry
    No, you rascal? Do you not know me?
    Porter
    You are my lord the young prince.
    550Prince Henry
    Then go and tell my father that I must and will speak with him.
    Shall I cut off his head?
    [Ned draws his sword.]
    Prince Henry
    No, no. Though I would help you in other places, yet I have nothing to do here. What, you are in my fa555ther's court!
    [Exit Porter.]
    I will write him in my tables, for so soon as I am made lord chief justice, I will put him out of his office.
    The trumpet sounds.
    560Prince Henry
    Gog's wounds, sirs, the king comes. Let's all stand aside.
    Enter the King [Henry IV] with the Lord of Exeter.
    Henry IV
    And is it true, my lord, that my son is already sent to the Fleet? Now truly that man is more fitter to 565rule the realm than I, for by no means could I rule my son, and he by one word hath caused him to be ruled. O my son, my son, no sooner out of one prison but into another! I had thought, once, while I had lived to have seen this noble realm of England flourish by thee, my son, 570but now I see it goes to ruin and decay.
    He weepeth. Enter [the] Lord of Oxford.
    Oxford
    An please your grace, here is my lord your son, that cometh to speak with you. 575He sayeth he must and will speak with you.
    Henry IV
    Who, my son Harry?
    Oxford
    Ay, an please your majesty.
    Henry IV
    I know wherefore he cometh, but look that none come with him.
    580Oxford
    A very disordered company, and such as make very ill rule in your majesty's house.
    Henry IV
    Well, let him come, but look that none come with him.
    [Oxford] goeth [across the stage to address Prince Henry].
    585Oxford
    An please your grace, my lord the king sends for you.
    Prince Henry
    Come away, sirs. Let's go all together.
    Oxford
    An please your grace, none must go with you.
    Prince Henry
    Why, I must needs have them with me. 590Otherwise I can do my father no countenance. Therefore, come away.
    Oxford
    The king your father commands there should none come.
    Prince Henry
    Well, sirs, then be gone, 595and provide me three noise of musicians.
    Exeunt Knights [Ned, Tom, and Jockey].
    The Prince [crosses the stage to Henry IV] with a dagger in his hand.
    Henry IV
    Come, my son, come on in God's name! I know wherefore thy coming is. 600O my son, my son, what cause hath ever been, that thou shouldst forsake me and follow this vile and reprobate company which abuseth youth so manifestly? O my son, thou knowest that these thy doings will end thy father's days. 605He weeps.
    Ay, so, so, my son, thou fearest not to approach the presence of thy sick father in that disguised sort. I tell thee, my son, that there is never a needle in thy cloak but it is a prick to my heart, and never an eyelet-hole but it is a hole to my soul, 610and wherefore thou bringest that dagger in thy hand I know not but by conjecture.
    He weeps.
    Prince Henry
    [Aside] My conscience accuseth me. [To Henry IV] Most sovereign lord and well-beloved father, to answer first to the last point. 615That is, whereas you conjecture that this hand and this dagger shall be armed against your life, no, know, my beloved father, far be the thoughts of your son â€"- "son," said I? An unworthy son for so good a father -- but far be the thoughts of any such pretended mischief, and I most hum620bly render it to your majesty's hand.[Prince Henry gives Henry IV the dagger.] And live, my lord and sovereign, forever and with your dagger arm show like vengeance upon the body of that â€" "your son," I was about to say and dare not, ah woe is me! -- therefore, that your wild slave. 'Tis not the crown that I come for, sweet father, 625because I am unworthy, and those vile and reprobate companions I abandon and utterly abolish their company forever. Pardon, sweet father, pardon: the least thing and most desired. And this ruffianly cloak I here tear from my back and sacrifice it to the devil, which is master of all mischief. 630Pardon me, sweet father, pardon me. Good my lord of Exeter, speak for me. Pardon me, pardon, good father. Not a word? Ah, he will not speak one word. Ah, Harry, now thrice unhappy Harry! But what shall I do? I will go take me into some solitary place and there lament my sinful life, and when 635I have done I will lay me down and die.
    Exit [Prince Henry].
    Henry IV
    Call him again. Call my son again.
    [Enter Prince Henry.]
    Prince Henry
    And doth my father call me again? Now, Harry, happy be the time that thy father calleth thee again.
    [Prince Henry kneels.]
    640Henry IV
    Stand up, my son, and do not think thy father but at the request of thee, my son, I will pardon thee. And God bless thee and make thee his servant.
    [Prince Henry rises.]
    Prince Henry
    Thanks, good my lord, and no doubt but this day, even this day, I am born new again.
    645Henry IV
    Come, my son and lords, take me by the hands.
    Exeunt omnes.
    [Scene 7] [Video Sc.7]
    Enter Derrick.
    Derrick
    [Shouts to offstage] Thou art a stinking whore, and a whoreson stinking whore! Dost think I'll take it at thy hands?
    650Enter John Cobbler running.
    John
    Derrick, Derrick, Derrick! Hearest a? Do, Derrick, never while thou livest use that! Why, what will my neighbors say an thou go away so?
    Derrick
    She's a narrant whore, and I'll have the law on you, John.
    655John
    Why, what hath she done?
    Derrick
    Marry, mark thou, John. I will prove it, that I will!
    John
    What wilt thou prove?
    Derrick
    That she called me in to dinner -- 660John, mark the tale well, John â€"- and, when I was set, she brought me a dish of roots and a piece of barrel butter therein. And she is a very knave, and thou a drab if thou take her part.
    John
    Hearest a, Derrick, is this the matter? 665Nay, an it be no worse, we will go home again, and all shall be amended.
    Derrick
    O John, hearest a, John, is all well?
    John
    Ay, all is well.
    Derrick
    Then I'll go home before and break all the glass 670windows.
    [Scene 8] [Video Sc.8]
    Enter the King with his Lords [Exeter and Oxford].
    Henry IV
    Come, my lords, I see it boots me not to take any physic, for all the physicians in the world cannot cure me, no not one. But good my lords, remember my last 675will and testament concerning my son, for truly, my lords, I do not think but he will prove as valiant and victorious a king as ever reigned in England.
    Exeter, [and] Oxford
    Let heaven and earth be witness between us, if we accomplish not thy will to the uttermost.
    680Henry IV
    I give you most unfeigned thanks, good my lords. Draw the curtains and depart my chamber awhile and cause some music to rock me asleep.
    Exeunt Lords [Exeter and Oxford].
    [Music plays, and] [h]e sleepeth. Enter the Prince.
    685Prince Henry
    Ah Harry, thrice-unhappy, that hath neglect so long from visiting of thy sick father. I will go. Nay, but why do I not go to the chamber of my sick father to comfort the melancholy soul of his body? "His soul," said I? Here is his body indeed, but his soul is whereas it needs no bo690dy. Now thrice-accursed Harry, that hath offended thy father so much, and could not I crave pardon for all! O my dying father, cursed be the day wherein I was born, and accursed be the hour wherein I was begotten! But what shall I do? If weeping tears which come too late may suffice the 695negligence neglected to some, I will weep day and night until the fountain be dry with weeping.
    Exit [Prince Henry, with Henry IV's crown].
    Enter Lord[s] of Exeter and Oxford.
    Exeter
    Come easily, my lord, for waking of the king.
    700Henry IV
    Now, my lords.
    Oxford
    How doth your grace feel yourself?
    Henry IV
    Somewhat better after my sleep. But, good my lords, take off my crown, remove my chair a little back, and set me right.
    705Exeter, [and] Oxford
    An please your grace, the crown is taken away.
    Henry IV
    The crown taken away! Good my lord of Oxford, go see who hath done this deed. [Exit Oxford] No doubt 'tis some vile traitor that hath done it to deprive my son. They that would do it now 710would seek to scrape and scrawl for it after my death.
    Enter Lord of Oxford with the Prince [holding the crown].
    Oxford
    Here, an please your grace, is my lord the young prince with the crown.
    Henry IV
    Why, how now, my son? 715I had thought the last time I had you in schooling I had given you a lesson for all, and do you now begin again? Why tell me, my son, dost thou think the time so long 720that thou wouldst have it before the breath be out of my mouth?
    Prince Henry
    Most sovereign lord and well-beloved father, I came into your chamber to comfort the melancholy soul of your body, and finding you at that time 725past all recovery and dead, to my thinking, God is my witness, and what should I do but with weeping tears lament the death of you, my father? And after that, seeing the crown, I took it. And tell me, my father, who might better take it than I 730after your death? But, seeing you live, I most humbly render it into your majesty's hands, and the happiest man alive that my father live. And live, my lord and father, forever.
    [Prince Henry gives Henry IV the crown and kneels before him.]
    Henry IV
    Stand up, my son. 735Thine answer hath sounded well in mine ears, for I must needs confess that I was in a very sound sleep and altogether unmindful of thy coming. But come near, my son, and let me put thee in possession whilst I live, 740that none deprive thee of it after my death.
    Prince Henry
    Well may I take it at your majesty's hands, but it shall never touch my head so long as my father lives.
    He [Prince Henry] taketh the crown.
    Henry IV
    God give thee joy, my son. 745God bless thee and make thee His servant and send thee a prosperous reign, for God knows, my son, how hardly I came by it and how hardly I have maintained it.
    Prince Henry
    Howsoever you came by it, I know not, 750but now I have it from you, and from you I will keep it. And he that seeks to take the crown from my head, let him look that his armor be thicker than mine, or I will pierce him to the heart, were it harder than brass or bullion.
    755Henry IV
    Nobly spoken, and like a king. Now trust me, my lords, I fear not but my son will be as warlike and victorious a prince as ever reigned in England.
    Exeter, [and] Oxford
    His former life shows no less.
    760Henry IV
    Well, my lords, I know not whether it be for sleep or drawing near of drowsy summer of death, but I am very much given to sleep. Therefore, good my lords and my son, draw the curtains, depart my chamber, 765and cause some music to rock me asleep.
    [Exeter, Oxford, and Prince Henry draw the curtains.]
    [Music plays.]
    Exeunt omnes [Exeter, Oxford, and Prince Henry].
    The King dieth.
    [Scene 9] [Video Sc.9]
    Enter the Thief [Cutbert Cutter].
    Cutbert Cutter
    Ah God, I am now much like to a bird 770which hath escaped out of the cage, for so soon as my Lord Chief Justice heard that the old king was dead, he was glad to let me go, for fear of my lord the young prince. But here comes some of his companions. 775I will see an I can get anything of them, for old acquaintance.
    Enter Knights [Tom, Jockey, and Ned] ranging.
    Tom
    Gog's wounds, the king is dead!
    Jockey
    Dead! Then Gog's blood, we shall be all kings!
    780Ned
    Gog's wounds, I shall be lord chief justice of England.
    Tom
    [To Cutbert Cutter] Why, how are you broken out of prison?
    Ned
    Gog's wounds, how the villain stinks!
    Jockey
    Why, what will become of thee now? 785Fie upon him, how the rascal stinks.
    Cutbert Cutter
    Marry, I will go and serve my master again.
    Tom
    Gog's blood, dost think that he will have any such scabbed knave as thou art? What, man, he is a king now.
    Hold thee, here's a couple of angels for thee, 790and get thee gone, for the king will not be long before he come this way. And hereafter I will tell the king of thee.
    Exit Thief [Cutbert Cutter].
    Jockey
    Oh, how it did me good to see the king 795when he was crowned! Methought his seat was like the figure of heaven and his person like unto a god.
    But who would have thought that the king would have changed his countenance so?
    800Jockey
    Did you not see with what grace he sent his embassage into France to tell the French king that Harry of England hath sent for the crown and Harry of England will have it?
    But 'twas but a little to make the people believe 805that he was sorry for his father's death.
    The trumpet sounds.
    Gog's wounds, the king comes. Let's all stand aside.
    Enter the King [Henry V] with the Archbishop [of Canterbury], and 810the Lord of Oxford.
    Jockey
    How do you, my lord?
    How now, Harry? Tut, my lord, put away these dumps. You are a king, and all the realm is yours. 815What, man, do you not remember the old sayings? You know I must be lord chief justice of England. Trust me, my lord, methinks you are very much changed, and 'tis but with a little sorrowing to make folks believe the death of your father grieves you, 820and 'tis nothing so.
    Henry V
    I prithee, Ned, mend thy manners and be more modester in thy terms, for my unfeigned grief is not to be ruled by thy flattering and dissembling talk. Thou say'st I am changed. 825So I am indeed, and so must thou be, and that quickly, or else I must cause thee to be changed.
    Jockey
    Gog's wounds! How like you this? Zounds, 'tis not so sweet as music.
    I trust we have not offended your grace no way.
    830Henry V
    Ah, Tom, your former life grieves me and makes me to abandon and abolish your company forever, and therefore not upon pain of death to approach my presence by ten miles' space. Then, if I hear well of you, it may be I will do somewhat for you; 835otherwise, look for no more favor at my hands than at any other man's. And therefore be gone. We have other matters to talk on.
    Exeunt Knights [Tom, Ned, and Jockey].
    Now, my good lord archbishop of Canterbury, 840what say you to our embassage into France?
    Canterbury
    Your right to the French crown of France came by your great-grandmother Isabel, wife to King Edward the Third and sister to Charles the French king. 845Now, if the French king deny it, as likely enough he will, then must you take your sword in hand and conquer the right. Let the usurped Frenchman know
    , although your predecessors have let it pass, you will not, 850for your countrymen are willing with purse and men to aid you. Then, my good lord, as it hath been always known that Scotland hath been in league with France by a sort of pensions which yearly come from thence, 855I think it therefore best to conquer Scotland, and then I think that you may go more easily into France. And this is all that I can say, my good lord.
    Henry V
    I thank you, my good lord archbishop of Canterbury. What say you, my good lord of Oxford?
    860Oxford
    An please your majesty, I agree to my lord archbishop, saving in this: he that will Scotland win must first with France begin, according to the old saying. Therefore, my good lord, I think it best first to invade France, 865for in conquering Scotland you conquer but one; an conquer France and conquer both.
    Enter Lord of Exeter.
    Exeter
    An please your majesty, my lord ambassador is come out of France.
    870Henry V
    Now trust me, my lord, he was the last man that we talked of. I am glad that he is come to resolve us of our answer. Commit him to our presence.
    Enter Duke of York.
    875York
    God save the life of my sovereign lord the king.
    Henry V
    Now, my good lord the duke of York, what news from our brother the French king?
    York
    An please your majesty, I delivered him my embassage, 880whereof I took some deliberation. But for the answer, he hath sent my lord ambassador of Bruges, the duke of Burgundy, Monsieur le Cole, with two hundred and fifty horsemen, to bring the embassage.
    885Henry V
    Commit my lord archbishop of Bruges into our presence.
    Enter Archbishop of Bruges.
    Now, my lord archbishop of Bruges, we do learn by our lord ambassador 890that you have our message to do from our brother the French king. Here, my good lord, according to our accustomed order, we give you free liberty and licence to speak with good audience.
    895Bruges
    God save the mighty king of England. My lord and master, the most Christian king, Charles the Sixth, the great and mighty king of France, as a most noble and Christian king, not minding to shed innocent blood, is rather content 900to yield somewhat to your unreasonable demands, that if fifty thousand crowns a year with his daughter, the said Lady Katherine, in marriage, and some crowns which he may well spare, not hurting of his kingdom, 905he is content to yield so far to your unreasonable desire.
    Henry V
    Why, then, belike your lord and master thinks to puff me up with fifty thousand crowns a year. No, tell thy lord and master that all the crowns in France shall not serve me, 910except the crown and kingdom itself -- and perchance hereafter I will have his daughter.
    Bruges
    An it please your majesty, my lord Prince Dauphin greets you well 915with this present.
    He delivereth a tun of tennis balls.
    Henry V
    What, a gilded tun? I pray you, my lord of York, look what is in it.
    York
    An please your grace, 920here is a carpet and a tun of tennis balls.
    Henry V
    A tun of tennis balls? I pray you, good my lord archbishop, what might the meaning thereof be?
    Bruges
    An it please you, my lord, 925a messenger, you know, ought to keep close his message, and specially an ambassador.
    Henry V
    But I know that you may declare your message to a king. The law of arms allows no less.
    Bruges
    My lord, hearing of your wildness before your 930father's death, sent you this, my good lord, meaning that you are more fitter for a tennis court than a field and more fitter for a carpet than the camp.
    Henry V
    My lord Prince Dauphin is very pleasant with me. But tell him that instead of balls of leather 935we will toss him balls of brass and iron, yea, such balls as never were tossed in France. The proudest tennis court shall rue it; ay, and thou, prince of Bruges, shall rue it. Therefore get thee hence and tell him thy message quickly, 940lest I be there before thee. Away, priest, be gone.
    Bruges
    I beseech your grace to deliver me your safe conduct under your broad seal manual.
    Henry V
    Priest of Bruges, know that the hand and seal of a king, and his word is all one, 945and instead of my hand and seal I will bring him my hand and sword. And tell thy lord and master that I, Harry of England, said it and I, Harry of England, will perform it. My lord of York, deliver him our safe conduct 950under our broad seal manual.
    Exeunt Archbishop [of Bruges], and the Duke of York.
    Now, my lords, to arms, to arms, for I vow by heaven and earth that the proudest Frenchman in all France shall rue the time that ever 955these tennis balls were sent into England. [To Exeter] My lord, I will that there be provided a great navy of ships with all speed at Southampton, for there I mean to ship my men, for I would be there before him, if it were possible. 960Therefore come -- but stay, I had almost forgot the chiefest thing of all, with chafing with this French ambassador. Call in my Lord Chief Justice of England.
    Enter Lord Chief Justice of England.
    965Exeter
    Here is the king, my lord.
    Lord Chief Justice
    God preserve your majesty.
    Henry V
    Why, how now, my lord, what is the matter?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I would it were unknown to your majesty.
    Henry V
    Why, what ails you?
    970Lord Chief Justice
    Your majesty knoweth my grief well.
    Henry V
    Oh, my lord, you remember you sent me to the Fleet, did you not?
    Lord Chief Justice
    I trust your grace have forgotten that.
    Henry V
    Ay, truly my lord, and for revengement 975I have chosen you to be my protector over my realm until it shall please God to give me speedy return out of France.
    Lord Chief Justice
    An if it please your majesty, I am far unworthy of so high a dignity.
    980Henry V
    Tut, my lord, you are not unworthy, because I think you worthy. For you that would not spare me, I think, will not spare another. It must needs be so, and, therefore, come, 985let us be gone and get our men in a readiness.
    Exeunt omnes.
    [Scene 10] [Video Sc.10]
    Enter a Captain, John Cobbler[,] and his Wife.
    Captain
    Come, come, there's no remedy. Thou must needs serve the king.
    990John
    Good Master Captain, let me go. I am not able to go so far.
    Wife
    I pray you, good Master Captain, be good to my husband.
    Captain
    Why, I am sure he is not too good to serve the king?
    995John
    Alas, no, but a great deal too bad. Therefore I pray you let me go.
    Captain
    No, no, thou shalt go.
    John
    Oh, sir, I have a great many shoes at home to cobble.
    I pray you let him go home again.
    Captain
    Tush, I care not. Thou shalt go.
    Oh, wife, an you had been a loving wife to me, this had not been, for I have said many times that I would go away, and now I must go 1005against my will.
    He weepeth. Enter Derrick [with a pot lid for a shield].
    Derrick
    How now! Ho, basillus manus, for an old codpiece! Master Captain, shall we away? 1010Zounds, how now, John, what, a-crying? What make you and my dame there? [To Wife] I marvel whose head you will throw the stools at now we are gone.
    I'll tell you! Come, ye cloghead, 1015what do you with my pot lid? Hear you, will you have it rapped about your pate?
    She beateth him with her pot lid.
    Derrick
    Oh, good dame!Here he shakes her[.]An I had my dagger here, I would worry you all to pieces, 1020that I would.
    Would you so? I'll try that.
    She beateth him.
    Derrick
    Master Captain, will ye suffer her? Go to, dame! I will go back as far as I can, 1025but, an you come again, I'll clap the law on your back, that's flat. I'll tell you, Master Captain, what you shall do. Press her for a soldier. I warrant you, she will do as much good as her husband and I too.
    1030Enter the Thief [Cutbert Cutter].
    Zounds, who comes yonder?
    Captain
    How now, good fellow. Dost thou want a master?
    Cutbert Cutter
    Ay, truly sir.
    Captain
    Hold thee, then. I press thee for a soldier 1035to serve the king in France.
    Derrick
    How now, Gads! What, dost know 's, thinkest?
    Cutbert Cutter
    Ay, I knew thee long ago.
    Derrick
    Hear you, Master Captain?
    Captain
    What say'st thou?
    1040Derrick
    I pray you let me go home again.
    Captain
    Why, what wouldst thou do at home?
    Derrick
    Marry, I have brought two shirts with me, and I would carry one of them home again, for I am sure he'll steal it from me, 1045he is such a filching fellow.
    Captain
    I warrant thee he will not steal it from thee. Come, let's away.
    Derrick
    Come, Master Captain, let's away. Come, follow me.
    Come, wife, let's part lovingly.
    Farewell, good husband.
    [They embrace tearfully.]
    Derrick
    Fie, what a kissing and crying is here! [To Wife] Zounds, do ye think he will never come again? [To John] Why, John, come away! Dost think that we are so base-1055minded to die among Frenchmen? Zounds, we know not whether they will lay us in their church or no. Come, Master Captain, let's away.
    Captain
    I cannot stay no longer, therefore come away.
    Exeunt omnes.
    1060[Scene 11] [Video Sc.11]
    Enter the King [Charles VI of France], Prince Dauphin, and Lord High Constable of France.
    Charles VI
    Now, my lord high constable, what say you to our embassage into England?
    Constable
    An it please your majesty, I can say nothing 1065until my lords ambassadors be come home, but yet methinks your grace hath done well to get your men in so good a readiness for fear of the worst.
    Charles VI
    Ay, my lord, we have some in a readiness, 1070but if the king of England make against us we must have thrice so many more.
    Dauphin
    Tut, my lord, although the king of England be young and wild-headed, yet never think he will be so unwise to make battle against the mighty king of 1075France.
    Charles VI
    Oh, my son, although the king of England be young and wild-headed, yet never think but he is ruled by his wise counselors.
    Enter Archbishop of Bruges.
    1080Bruges
    God save the life of my sovereign lord the king.
    Charles VI
    Now, my good lord archbishop of Bruges, what news from our brother the English king?
    Bruges
    An please your majesty, he is so far from your expectation 1085that nothing will serve him but the crown and kingdom itself. Besides, he bade me haste quickly, lest he be there before me, and, so far as I hear, he hath kept promise, for they say he is already landed at Kidcocks in Normandy, upon the river of Seine, 1090and laid his siege to the garrison town of Harfleur.
    Charles VI
    You have made great haste in the meantime, have you not?
    Dauphin
    I pray you, my lord, how did the king of England take my presents?
    1095Bruges
    Truly, my lord, in very ill part. For these your balls of leather, he will toss you balls of brass and iron. Trust me, my lord, I was very afraid of him. He is such a haughty and high-minded prince, 1100he is as fierce as a lion.
    Constable
    Tush, we will make him as tame as a lamb, I warrant you.
    Enter a Messenger.
    Messenger
    God save the mighty king of France.
    1105Charles VI
    Now, messenger, what news?
    Messenger
    An it please your majesty, I come from your poor distressed town of Harfleur, which is so beset on every side, if your majesty do not send present aid 1110the town will be yielded to the English king.
    Charles VI
    Come, my lords, come, shall we stand still 'til our country be spoiled under our noses? My lords, let the Normans, Brabants, Pickardies, and Danes be sent for with all speed. 1115And you, my lord high constable, I make general over all my whole army, Monsieur le Cole, Master of the Bows, Signor Devens, and all the rest, at your appointment.
    Dauphin
    I trust your majesty will bestow 1120some part of the battle on me. I hope not to present any otherwise than well.
    Charles VI
    I tell thee, my son, although I should get the victory, an thou lose thy life, I should think myself quite conquered 1125and the Englishmen to have the victory.
    Dauphin
    Why, my lord and father, I would have the petty king of England to know that I dare encounter him in any ground of the world.
    Charles VI
    I know well, my son, 1130but at this time I will have it thus. Therefore come away.
    Exeunt omnes.
    [Scene 12] [Video Sc.12]
    Enter Henry the Fifth, with his Lords.
    Henry V
    Come, my lords of England, 1135no doubt this good luck of winning this town is a sign of an honorable victory to come. But, good my lord, go and speak to the captains with all speed to number the host of the Frenchmen, and by that means we may the better know 1140how to appoint the battle.
    [Exit a Lord.]
    An it please your majesty, there are many of your men sick and diseased, and many of them die for want of victuals.
    Henry V
    And why did you not tell me of it before? 1145If we cannot have it for money, we will have it by dint of sword. The laws of arms allow no less.
    Oxford
    I beseech your grace to grant me a boon.
    Henry V
    What is that, my good lord?
    1150Oxford
    That your grace would give me the vanguard in the battle.
    Henry V
    Trust me, my lord of Oxford, I cannot, for I have already given it to my uncle the duke of York. Yet I thank you for your good will. 1155
    A trumpet sounds.
    How now, what is that?
    I think it be some herald of arms.
    Enter a Herald.
    Herald
    King of England, my lord high constable 1160and others of the noblemen of France sends me to defy thee as open enemy to God, our country, and us, and hereupon they presently bid thee battle.
    Henry V
    Herald, tell them that I defy them 1165as open enemies to God, my country, and me, and as wrongful usurpers of my right. And whereas thou say'st they presently bid me battle, tell them that I think they know how to please me. But, I pray thee, what place hath my lord Prince Dauphin 1170here in battle?
    Herald
    An it please your grace, my lord and king his father will not let him come into the field.
    Henry V
    Why, then, he doth me great injury. 1175I thought that he and I should have played at tennis together. Therefore I have brought tennis balls for him, but other manner of ones than he sent me. And, herald, tell my lord Prince Dauphin that I have inured my hands with other kind of weapons 1180than tennis balls ere this time o' day and that he shall find it ere it be long. And so adieu, my friend, and tell my lord that I am ready when he will.
    Exit Herald.
    1185Come, my lords, I care not an I go to our captains, and I'll see the number of the French army myself. Strike up the drum.
    A drum strikes.
    Exeunt omnes.
    [Scene 13] [Video Sc.13]
    Enter French Soldiers.
    11901 Soldier
    Come away, Jack Drummer, come away all, and me will tell you what me will do. Me will tro one chance on the dice, who shall have the king of England and his lords.
    2 Soldier
    Come away, Jack Drummer, 1195and tro your chance, and lay down your drum.
    Enter Drummer.
    Drummer
    Oh, the brave apparel that the Englishmans hay broth over! I will tell you what me ha' done, me ha' provided a hundreth trunks, 1200and all to put the fine 'parel of the Englishmans in.
    1 Soldier
    What do thou mean by "trunk," eh?
    2 Soldier
    A shest, man, a hundred shests.
    1 Soldier
    Awee, awee, awee. Me will tell you what, me ha' put five shildren out of my house, 1205and all too little to put the fine apparel of the Englishmans in.
    Drummer
    Oh, the brave, the brave apparel that we shall have anon. But come, and you shall see what me will tro at the king's Drummer and Fife.
    [He throws dice.]
    1210Ha, me ha' no good luck! Tro you.
    3 Soldier
    Faith, me will tro at the earl of Northumberland and my lord of Willoughby, with his great horse, snorting, farting â€"- oh, brave horse!
    [He throws dice.]
    1 Soldier
    Ha, by'r Lady you ha' reasonable good luck. 1215Now I will tro at the king himself.
    [He throws dice.]
    Ha, me have no good luck.
    Enter a Captain.
    Captain
    How now, what make you here, so far from the camp?
    12202 Soldier
    Shall me tell our captain what we have done here?
    Drummer
    Awee, awee.
    Exeunt Drum[mer], and one Soldier.
    2 Soldier
    I will tell you what we have done. We have been troing our shance on the dice, 1225but none can win the king.
    Captain
    I think so. Why, he is left behind for me, and I have set three or four chair-makers a-work to make a new disguised chair to set that womanly king of England in, that all the people may laugh 1230and scoff at him.
    2 Soldier
    O brave captain!
    Captain
    I am glad, and yet with a kind of pity, to see the poor king. Why, whoever saw a more flourishing army in France 1235in one day than here is? Are not here all the peers of France? Are not here the Normans with their fiery handguns and slaunching curtle-axes? Are not here the Barbarians with their bard horses and launching spears? 1240Are not here Pickards with their cross-bows and piercing darts? The Hainuyers with their cutting glaives and sharp carbuncles? Are not here the lance-knights of Burgundy? 1245And on the other side, a sight of poor English scabs? Why, take an Englishman out of his warm bed and his stale drink but one month and, alas, what will become of him? But give the Frenchman a radish root 1250and he will live with it all the days of his life.
    Exit [Captain].
    2 Soldier
    Oh, the brave apparel that we shall have of the Englishmans!
    Exit [2 Soldier].
    [Scene 14] [Video Sc.14]
    Enter the King of England and his Lords.
    1255Henry V
    Come, my lords and fellows of arms, what company is there of the Frenchmen?
    Oxford
    An it please your majesty, our captains have numbered them, and, so near as they can judge, 1260they are about threescore thousand horsemen and forty thousand footmen.
    Henry V
    They threescore thousand, and we but two thousand. They forty thousand footmen, 1265and we twelve thousand. They are a hundred thousand, and we fourteen thousand: ten to one. My lords and loving countrymen, though we be few and they many, 1270fear not. Your quarrel is good, and God will defend you. Pluck up your hearts, for this day we shall either have a valiant victory or an honorable death. Now, my lords, I will that my uncle the duke of York have the vanguard in the battle. 1275The earl of Derby, the earl of Oxford, the earl of Kent, the earl of Nottingham, the earl of Huntington, I will have beside the army, that they may come fresh upon them. And I myself with the duke of Bedford, 1280the duke of Clarence, and the duke of Gloucester will be in the midst of the battle. Furthermore, I will that my lord of Willoughby and the earl of Northumberland with their troops of horsemen be continually running like 1285wings on both sides of the army, my lord of Northumberland on the left wing. Then I will that every archer provide him a stake of a tree and sharp it at both ends and, at the first encounter of the horsemen, 1290to pitch their stakes down into the ground before them, that they may gore themselves upon them, and then to recoil back and shoot wholly altogether and so discomfit them.
    Oxford
    An it please your majesty, 1295I will take that in charge, if your grace be therewith content.
    Henry V
    With all my heart, my good lord of Oxford, and go and provide quickly.
    Oxford
    I thank your highness.
    Exit [Oxford].
    1300Henry V
    Well, my lords, our battles are ordained, and the French making of bonfires and at their banquets. But let them look, for I mean to set upon them.
    The trumpet sounds.
    Soft, here comes some other French message.
    1305Enter Herald.
    Herald
    King of England, my lord high constable and other of my lords, considering the poor estate of thee and thy poor countrymen, send me to know what thou wilt give for thy ransom. 1310Perhaps thou mayst agree better cheap now than when thou art conquered.
    Henry V
    Why, then belike your high constable sends to know what I will give for my ransom? Now, trust me, herald, not so much as a tun of tennis balls. 1315No, not so much as one poor tennis ball. Rather shall my body lie dead in the field to feed crows than ever England shall pay one penny ransom for my body.
    Herald
    A kingly resolution.
    1320Henry V
    No, herald, 'tis a kingly resolution and the resolution of a king. Here, take this for thy pains.
    [Henry V gives the Herald coins.]
    Exit Herald.
    But stay, my lords. What time is it?
    Prime, my lord.
    Henry V
    Then is it good time, no doubt, for all England prayeth for us. What, my lords, methinks you look cheerfully upon me? Why, then, with one voice and like true English hearts, 1330with me throw up your caps and for England cry "Saint George!" -- and God and Saint George help us!
    Strike Drummer. Exeunt omnes.
    [Scene 15] [Video Sc.15]
    The Frenchmen cry within, "Saint Denis, Saint Denis, Montjoy, Saint Denis!" The Battle.
    [Scene 16] [Video Sc.16]
    Enter King of England, and his Lords.
    Henry V
    Come, my lords, come. By this time our swords are almost drunk with French blood. But, my lords, which of you can tell me how many of our 1340army be slain in the battle?
    Oxford
    An it please your majesty, there are of the French army slain above ten thousand twenty-six hundred, whereof are princes and nobles bearing banners. 1345Besides, all the nobility of France are taken prisoners. Of your majesty's army are slain none but the good duke of York and not above five or six and twenty common soldiers.
    Henry V
    For the good duke of York my uncle 1350I am heartily sorry and greatly lament his misfortune, yet the honorable victory which the Lord hath given us doth make me much rejoice. But stay, here comes another French message.
    Sound trumpet. 1355Enter a Herald and kneeleth.
    Herald
    God save the life of the most mighty conqueror, the honorable king of England.
    Henry V
    Now, herald, methinks the world is changed with you now. What, I am sure it is a great disgrace for a 1360herald to kneel to the king of England. What is thy message?
    Herald
    My lord and master, the conquered king of France, sends thee long health with hearty greeting.
    Henry V
    Herald, his greetings are welcome, 1365but I thank God for my health. Well, herald, say on.
    Herald
    He hath sent me to desire your majesty to give him leave to go into the field to view his poor countrymen, that they may all be honorably buried.
    1370Henry V
    Why, herald, doth thy lord and master send to me to bury the dead? Let him bury them, in God's name. But I pray thee, herald, where is my lord high constable and those that would have had my ransom?
    1375Herald
    An it please your majesty, he was slain in the battle.
    Henry V
    Why, you may see, you will make yourselves sure before the victory be won. But, herald, what castle is this so near adjoining to our camp?
    1380Herald
    An it please your majesty, 'tis called the Castle of Agincourt.
    Henry V
    Well then, my lords of England, for the more honor of our Englishmen, I will that this be forever called the Battle of Agincourt.
    1385Herald
    An it please your majesty, I have a further message to deliver to your majesty.
    Henry V
    What is that, herald? Say on.
    Herald
    An it please your majesty, my lord and master craves to parley with your majesty.
    1390Henry V
    With a good will, so some of my nobles view the place, for fear of treachery and treason.
    Herald
    Your grace needs not to doubt that.
    Henry V
    Well, tell him then, I will come.
    Exit Herald.
    1395Now, my lords, I will go into the field myself to view my countrymen and to have them honorably buried, for the French king shall never surpass me in courtesy while I am Harry king of England. Come on, my lords.
    1400Exeunt omnes.
    [Scene 17] [Video Sc.17]
    Enter John Cobbler, and Robin Pewterer.
    Robin
    Now, John Cobbler, didst thou see how the king did behave himself?
    But, Robin, didst thou see what a policy 1405the king had? To see how the Frenchmen were killed with the stakes of the trees!
    Robin
    Ay, John, there was a brave policy.
    Enter an English Soldier, roaming.
    Soldier
    What are you, my masters?
    1410John and Robin
    Why, we be Englishmen.
    Soldier
    Are you Englishmen? Then change your language, for the king's tents are set afire, and all they that speak English will be killed.
    [Exit Soldier.]
    What shall we do, Robin? Faith, I'll shift, 1415for I can speak broken French.
    Robin
    Faith, so can I. Let's hear how thou canst speak.
    Commodevales, Monsieur.
    Robin
    That's well. Come, let's be gone.
    Drum and trumpet sound.
    [Exit John and Robin.]
    1420[Scene 18] [Video Sc.18]
    Enter Derrick roaming. After him a Frenchman, and takes him [Derrick] prisoner.
    Derrick
    O good Mounser.
    Frenchman
    Come, come, you vigliacco.
    Derrick
    Oh, I will, sir, I will.
    1425Frenchman
    Come quickly, you peasant.
    Derrick
    I will, sir. What shall I give you?
    Frenchman
    Marry, thou shalt give me one, two, tre, four hundred crowns.
    Derrick
    Nay, sir, I will give you more. 1430I will give you as many crowns as will lie on your sword.
    Frenchman
    Wilt thou give me as many crowns as will lie on my sword?
    Derrick
    Ay, marry will I. Ay, but you must lay down your sword, or else they will not lie on your sword.
    1435Here the Frenchman lays down his sword, and the clown [Derrick] takes it up and hurls him down.
    Derrick
    Thou villain, darest thou look up?
    Frenchman
    O good Monsieur, comparteve. Monsieur, pardon me.
    1440Derrick
    O you villain, now you lie at my mercy, dost thou remember since thou lammst me in thy short ell? O villain, now I will strike off thy head.
    Here while he [Derrick] turns his back the Frenchman runs his ways.
    1445Derrick
    What, is he gone? Mass, I am glad of it, for if he had stayed I was afraid he would have stirred again, and then I should have been spilt. But I will away to kill more Frenchmen.
    [Exit Derrick.]
    [Scene 19] [Video Sc.19]
    Enter King of France, King of England, [Secretary,] 1450and attendants.
    Henry V
    Now, my good brother of France, my coming into this land was not to shed blood but for the right of my country, which, if you can deny, I am content peaceably to leave my siege 1455and to depart out of your land.
    Charles VI
    What is it you demand, my loving brother of England?
    Henry V
    My secretary hath it written. [To Secretary] Read it.
    Secretary
    Item, that immediately Henry of England 1460be crowned king of France.
    Charles VI
    A very hard sentence, my good brother of England.
    Henry V
    No more but right, my good brother of France.
    Charles VI
    Well, read on.
    1465Secretary
    Item, that after the death of the said Henry, the crown remain to him and his heirs forever.
    Charles VI
    Why, then, you do not only mean to dispossess me but also my son.
    Henry V
    Why, my good brother of France, 1470you have had it long enough, and, as for Prince Dauphin, it skills not though he sit beside the saddle. Thus I have set it down, and thus it shall be.
    Charles VI
    You are very peremptory, 1475my good brother of England.
    Henry V
    And you as perverse, my good brother of France.
    Charles VI
    Why, then, belike all that I have here is yours.
    Henry V
    Ay, even as far as the kingdom of France reaches.
    Charles VI
    Ay, for by this hot beginning 1480we shall scarce bring it to a calm ending.
    Henry V
    It is as you please. Here is my resolution.
    Charles VI
    Well, my brother of England, if you will give me a copy we will meet you again tomorrow.
    Henry V
    With a good will, my good brother of France. Secretary, deliver him a copy.
    1485Exit King of France, and all their attendants.
    My lords of England, go before, and I will follow you.
    Exeunt Lords.
    1490Speaks to himself.
    Henry V
    Ah Harry, thrice-unhappy Harry! Hast thou now conquered the French king and begin'st a fresh supply with his daughter? But with what face canst thou seek to gain her love, 1495which hath sought to win her father's crown? "Her father's crown," said I? No, it is mine own. Ay, but I love her and must crave her. Nay, I love her and will have her.
    Enter Lady Katherine and her Ladies.
    1500But here she comes. How now, fair Lady Katherine of France, what news?
    Katherine
    An it please your majesty, my father sent me to know if you will debate any of these 1505unreasonable demands which you require.
    Henry V
    Now trust me, Kate, I commend thy father's wit greatly in this, for none in the world could sooner have made me debate it if it were possible. 1510But tell me, sweet Kate, canst thou tell how to love?
    Katherine
    I cannot hate, my good lord, therefore far unfit were it for me to love.
    Henry V
    Tush, Kate. But tell me in plain terms, canst thou love the king of England? 1515I cannot do as these countries do that spend half their time in wooing. Tush, wench, I am none such. But wilt thou go over to England?
    Katherine
    I would to God that I had your majesty 1520as fast in love as you have my father in wars. I would not vouchsafe so much as one look until you had debated all these unreasonable demands.
    Henry V
    Tush, Kate, I know thou wouldst not use me so hardly. But tell me, canst thou love the king of England?
    1525Katherine
    How should I love him that hath dealt so hardly with my father?
    Henry V
    But I'll deal as easily with thee as thy heart can imagine or tongue can require. How say'st thou? What will it be?
    1530Katherine
    If I were of my own direction, I could give you answer. But seeing I stand at my father's direction, I must first know his will.
    Henry V
    But shall I have thy good will in the mean season?
    1535Katherine
    Whereas I can put your grace in no assurance, I would be loath to put you in any despair.
    Henry V
    Now before God, it is a sweet wench.
    She goes aside, and speaks as followeth.
    Katherine
    I may think myself the happiest in the world, 1540that is beloved of the mighty king of England.
    Henry V
    Well, Kate, are you at host with me? Sweet Kate, tell thy father from me that none in the world could sooner have persuaded me to it than thou, and so tell thy father from me.
    1545Katherine
    God keep your majesty in good health.
    Exit Kat[herine of France and her Ladies].
    Henry V
    Farewell, sweet Kate! In faith, it is a sweet wench, but, if I knew I could not have her father's good will, I would so rouse the towers over his ears 1550that I would make him be glad to bring her me upon his hands and knees.
    Exit King.
    [Scene 20] [Video Sc.20]
    Enter Derrick, with his girdle full of shoes.
    Derrick
    How now? Zounds, it did me good to see how 1555I did triumph over the Frenchmen.
    Enter John Cobbler roving, with a pack full of apparel.
    Whoop, Derick! How dost thou?
    Derrick
    What, John! Comedevales! Alive yet?
    I promise thee, Derrick, I scaped hardly, for I was within half a mile when one was killed.
    Derrick
    Were you so?
    Ay, trust me, I had like been slain.
    Derrick
    But once killed, why, it is nothing! 1565I was four or five times slain.
    Four or five times slain! Why, how couldst thou have been alive now?
    Derrick
    Oh, John, never say so, for I was called the bloody soldier amongst them all.
    Why, what didst thou?
    Derrick
    Why, I will tell thee, John. Every day when I went into the field I would take a straw and thrust it into my nose and make my nose bleed, and then I would go into the field, 1575and when the captain saw me he would say, "Peace, a bloody soldier," and bid me stand aside, whereof I was glad. But mark the chance, John. I went and stood behind a tree -- but mark then, John. 1580I thought I had been safe, but on a sudden there steps to me a lusty tall Frenchman. Now he drew, and I drew. Now I lay here, and he lay there. Now I set this leg before, and turned this backward, 1585and skipped quite over a hedge, and he saw me no more there that day. And was not this well done, John?
    Mass, Derick, thou hast a witty head.
    Derrick
    Ay, John, thou mayst see, if thou hadst taken my counsel -- 1590but what hast thou there? I think thou hast been robbing the Frenchmen.
    Ay, faith, Derrick, I have gotten some reparel to carry home to my wife.
    Derrick
    And I have got some shoes, 1595for I'll tell thee what I did. When they were dead, I would go take off all their shoes.
    Ay, but Derrick, how shall we get home?
    Derrick
    Nay, zounds, an they take thee they will hang thee. 1600O John, never do so. If it be thy fortune to be hanged, be hanged in thy own language whatsoever thou dost.
    Why, Derrick, the wars is done. We may go home now.
    Derrick
    Ay, but you may not go before you ask the king leave. 1605But I know a way to go home and ask the king no leave.
    How is that, Derrick?
    Derrick
    Why, John, thou knowest the duke of York's funeral must be carried into England, dost thou not?
    Ay, that I do.
    1610Derrick
    Why, then, thou knowest we'll go with it.
    Ay, but Derrick, how shall we do for to meet them?
    Derrick
    Zounds, if I make not shift to meet them, hang me. Sirrah, thou know'st that in every town there will be ringing and there will be cakes and drink. 1615Now, I will go to the clerk and sexton and keep a-talking, and say, "Oh, this fellow rings well," and thou shalt go and take a piece of cake. Then I'll ring, and thou shalt say, "Oh, this fellow keeps a good stint," and then I will go drink to thee all the way. 1620But I marvel what my dame will say when we come home, because we have not a French word to cast at a dog by the way.
    Why, what shall we do, Derrick?
    Derrick
    Why, John, I'll go before and call my dame whore, 1625and thou shalt come after and set fire on the house. We may do it, John, for I'll prove it, because we be soldiers.
    The trumpets sound.
    Derrick, help me to carry my shoes and boots.
    [Exeunt Derrick and John.]
    1630[Scene 21] [Video Sc.21]
    Enter King of England, Lord[s] of Oxford and Exeter, then the King of France, Prince Dauphin, and the duke of Burgundy, [Katherine, Secretary,] and attendants.
    Henry V
    Now, my good brother of France, I hope by this time you have deliberated of your answer?
    1635Charles VI
    Ay, my well-beloved brother of England, we have viewed it over with our learned counsel but cannot find that you should be crowned king of France.
    Henry V
    What, not king of France? Then nothing. 1640I must be king. But, my loving brother of France, I can hardly forget the late injuries offered me when I came last to parley. The Frenchmen had better ha' raked the bowels out of their fathers' carcasses 1645than to have fired my tents, and, if I knew thy son Prince Dauphin for one, I would so rouse him as he was never so roused.
    Charles VI
    I dare swear for my son's innocency in this matter. 1650But, if this please you, that immediately you be proclaimed and crowned Heir and Regent of France, not king, because I myself was once crowned king.
    Henry V
    Heir and Regent of France. That is well, but that is not all that I must have.
    1655Charles VI
    The rest my secretary hath in writing.
    Secretary
    Item, that Henry king of England be crowned Heir and Regent of France during the life of King Charles and, after his death, the crown, with all rights, to remain to King Henry 1660of England and to his heirs forever.
    Henry V
    Well, my good brother of France, there is one thing I must needs desire.
    Charles VI
    What is that, my good brother of England?
    Henry V
    That all your nobles must be sworn to be true to me.
    1665Charles VI
    Whereas they have not stuck with greater matters, I know they will not stick with such a trifle. Begin you, my lord duke of Burgundy.
    Henry V
    Come, my lord of Burgundy, take your oath upon my sword.
    1670Burgundy
    I, Philip duke of Burgundy, swear to Henry king of England to be true to him and to become his liege man, and that if I, Philip, hear of any foreign power coming to invade the said Henry or his heirs, 1675then I the said Philip to send him word and aid him with all the power I can make. And thereunto I take my oath.
    He kisseth the sword.
    Henry V
    Come, Prince Dauphin, you must swear too.
    1680He [the Prince Dauphin] kisseth the sword.
    Henry V
    Well, my brother of France, there is one thing more I must needs require of you.
    Charles VI
    Wherein is it that we may satisfy your majesty?
    Henry V
    A trifle, my good brother of France. 1685I mean to make your daughter queen of England, if she be willing and you therewith content. How say'st thou, Kate? Canst thou love the king of England?
    Katherine
    How should I love thee, which is my father's enemy?
    Henry V
    Tut, stand not upon these points. 1690'Tis you must make us friends. I know, Kate, thou art not a little proud that I love thee. What, wench, the king of England?
    Charles VI
    Daughter, let nothing stand betwixt the king of England and thee. Agree to it.
    1695Katherine
    [Aside] I had best whilst he is willing, lest when I would, he will not. I rest at your majesty's command.
    Henry V
    Welcome, sweet Kate. But, my brother of France, what say you to it?
    1700Charles VI
    With all my heart I like it. But when shall be your wedding day?
    Henry V
    The first Sunday of the next month, God willing.
    Sound trumpets.
    1705Exeunt omnes.