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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)

    [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.
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