Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Henry V (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: James D. Mardock
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-409-7

    Copyright James D. Mardock. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: James D. Mardock
    Peer Reviewed

    Henry V (Folio 1, 1623)

    Flourish. Enter Chorus.
    Now all the Youth of England are on fire,
    And silken Dalliance in the Wardrobe lyes:
    465Now thriue the Armorers, and Honors thought
    Reignes solely in the breast of euery man.
    They sell the Pasture now, to buy the Horse;
    Following the Mirror of all Christian Kings,
    With winged heeles, as English Mercuries.
    470For now sits Expectation in the Ayre,
    And hides a Sword, from Hilts vnto the Point,
    With Crownes Imperiall, Crownes and Coronets,
    Promis'd to Harry, and his followers.
    The French aduis'd by good intelligence
    475Of this most dreadfull preparation,
    Shake in their feare, and with pale Pollicy
    Seeke to diuert the English purposes.
    O England: Modell to thy inward Greatnesse,
    Like little Body with a mightie Heart:
    What
    The Life of Henry the Fift. 73
    480What mightst thou do, that honour would thee do,
    Were all thy children kinde and naturall:
    But see, thy fault France hath in thee found out,
    A nest of hollow bosomes, which he filles
    With treacherous Crownes, and three corrupted men:
    485One, Richard Earle of Cambridge, and the second
    Henry Lord Scroope of Masham, and the third
    Sir Thomas Grey Knight of Northumberland,
    Haue for the Gilt of France (O guilt indeed)
    Confirm'd Conspiracy with fearefull France,
    490And by their hands, this grace of Kings must dye.
    If Hell and Treason hold their promises,
    Ere he take ship for France; and in Southampton.
    Linger your patience on, and wee'l digest
    Th'abuse of distance; force a play:
    495The summe is payde, the Traitors are agreed,
    The King is set from London, and the Scene
    Is now transported (Gentles) to Southampton,
    There is the Play-house now, there must you sit,
    And thence to France shall we conuey you safe,
    500And bring you backe: Charming the narrow seas
    To giue you gentle Passe: for if we may,
    Wee'l not offend one stomacke with our Play.
    But till the King come forth, and not till then,
    Vnto Southampton do we shift our Scene. Exit