Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: The Famous Victories of Henry the Fifth (Quarto, 1598)
  • Editors: Karen Sawyer Marsalek, Mathew Martin
  • 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
    Editors: Karen Sawyer Marsalek, Mathew Martin
    Peer Reviewed

    The Famous Victories of Henry the Fifth (Quarto, 1598)

    The famous victories
    For feare of the worst.
    King. I my Lord we haue some in a readinesse,
    1070But if the King of England make against vs,
    We must haue thrice so many moe.
    Dolphin. Tut my Lord, although the King of England
    Be yoong and wilde headed, yet neuer thinke he will be so
    Unwise to make battell against the mightie King of
    1075France.
    King. Oh my sonne, although the King of England be
    Yoong and wilde headed, yet neuer thinke but he is rulde
    By his wise Councellors.
    Enter Archbishop of Burges.
    1080Archb. God saue the life of my soueraign lord the king.
    King. Now my good Lord Archbishop of Burges,
    What newes from our brother the English King?
    Archb. And please your Maiestie,
    He is so far from your expectation,
    1085That nothing wil serue him but the Crowne
    And kingdome it selfe, besides, he bad me haste quickly,
    Least he be there before me, and so far as I heare,
    He hath kept promise, for they say, he is alreadie landed
    At Kidcocks in Normandie, vpon the Riuer of Sene,
    1090And laid his siege to the Garrison Towne of Harflew.
    King. You haue made great haste in the meane time,
    Haue you not?
    Dolphin. I pray you my Lord, how did the King of
    England take my presents?
    1095Archb. Truly my Lord, in verie ill part,
    For these your balles of leather,
    He will tosse you balles of brasse and yron:
    Trust me my Lord, I was verie affraide of him,
    He is such a hautie and high minded Prince,
    1100He is as fierce as a Lyon.
    Con. Tush, we wil make him as tame as a Lambe,
    I warrant you.
    Enters