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  • 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)

    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.