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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
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    Famous Victories of Henry V (Modern)

    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.