Henry V (Modern, Folio)

Introduction
Texts of this edition
1. Henry V (1623 Folio version)
3. Modern
5. Old-spelling transcription
6. Henry V (1600 Quarto version)
8. Modern
10. Old-spelling transcription
Contextual materials
Facsimiles
The Life of Henry the Fifth
 [Prologue]
 1Enter [Chorus as] Prologue.
 12Chorus
 O for a muse of fire, that would ascend
 23The brightest heaven of invention,
 34A kingdom for a stage, princes to act,
 45And monarchs to behold the swelling scene.
 56Then should the warlike Harry, like himself,
 67Assume the port of Mars, and at his heels,
 78Leashed in like hounds, should famine, sword, and fire
 89Crouch for employment. But pardon, gentles all,
 910The flat unraisèd spirits that hath dared,
 1011On this unworthy scaffold, to bring forth
 1112So great an object. Can this cockpit hold
 1213The vasty fields of France? Or may we cram
 1314Within this wooden O the very casques
 1415That did affright the air at Agincourt?
 1516Oh, pardon, since a crooked figure may
 1617Attest in little place a million,
 1718And let us, ciphers to this great account,
 1819On your imaginary forces work.
 1920Suppose within the girdle of these walls
 2021Are now confined two mighty monarchies,
 2122Whose high, uprearèd, and abutting fronts
 2223The perilous narrow ocean parts asunder.
 2324Piece out our imperfections with your thoughts:
 2425Into a thousand parts divide one man,
 2526And make imaginary puissance.
 2627Think, when we talk of horses, that you see them
 2728Printing their proud hooves i'th'receiving earth.
 2829For 'tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings,
 2930Carry them here and there, jumping o'er times,
 3031Turning th'accomplishment of many years
 3132Into an hourglass: for the which supply,
 3233Admit me Chorus to this history,
 3334Who, prologue-like, your humble patience pray
 3435Gently to hear, kindly to judge our play.
 Exit.
1
 37Enter [the Archbishop of] Canterbury and [the Bishop of] Ely.
1.138Canterbury
 39My lord, I'll tell you, that self bill is urged
1.240Which in th'eleventh year of the last king's reign
1.341Was like, and had indeed against us passed,
1.442But that the scambling and unquiet time
1.543Did push it out of further question.
1.644Ely
 But how, my lord, shall we resist it now?
1.745Canterbury
 It must be thought on. If it pass against us,
1.846We lose the better half of our possession,
1.947For all the temporal lands which men devout
1.1048By testament have given to the Church
1.1149Would they strip from us, being valued thus:
1.1250As much as would maintain, to the king's honor,
1.1351Full fifteen earls and fifteen hundred knights,
1.1452Six thousand and two hundred good esquires,
1.1553And to relief of lazars and weak age
1.1654Of indigent faint souls past corporal toil,
1.1755A hundred almshouses, right well supplied;
1.1856And to the coffers of the king beside,
1.1957A thousand pounds by th'year. Thus runs the bill.
1.2058Ely
 This would drink deep.
 59Canterbury
 This would drink deep.  'Twould drink the cup and all.
1.2160Ely
 But what prevention?
1.2261Canterbury
 The king is full of grace and 62fair regard.
1.2363Ely
 And a true lover of the holy Church.
1.2464Canterbury
 The courses of his youth promised it not.
1.2565The breath no sooner left his father's body,
1.2666But that his wildness, mortified in him,
1.2767Seemed to die too. Yea, at that very moment,
1.2868Consideration like an angel came,
1.2969And whipped th'offending Adam out of him,
1.3070Leaving his body as a paradise,
1.3171T'envelop and contain celestial spirits.
1.3272Never was such a sudden scholar made,
1.3373Never came reformation in a flood
1.3474With such a heady currence scouring faults,
1.3575Nor never hydra-headed willfulness
1.3676So soon did lose his seat, and all at once,
1.3777As in this king.
 78Ely
 As in this king.  We are blessèd in the change.
1.3879Canterbury
 Hear him but reason in divinity,
1.3980And, all-admiring, with an inward wish
1.4081You would desire the king were made a prelate.
1.4182Hear him debate of commonwealth affairs,
1.4283You would say it hath been all in all his study.
1.4384List his discourse of war, and you shall hear
1.4485A fearful battle rendered you in music.
1.4586Turn him to any cause of policy,
1.4687The Gordian knot of it he will unloose,
1.4788Familiar as his garter; that when he speaks,
1.4889The air, a chartered libertine, is still,
1.4990And the mute wonder lurketh in men's ears
1.5091To steal his sweet and honeyed sentences,
1.5192So that the art and practic part of life
1.5293Must be the mistress to this theoric.
1.5394Which is a wonder how his grace should glean it,
1.5495Since his addiction was to courses vain,
1.5596His companies unlettered, rude, and shallow,
1.5697His hours filled up with riots, banquets, sports,
1.5798And never noted in him any study,
1.5899Any retirement, any sequestration
1.59100From open haunts and popularity.
1.60101Ely
 The strawberry grows underneath the nettle,
1.61102And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best
1.62103Neighbored by fruit of baser quality;
1.63104And so the prince obscured his contemplation
1.64105Under the veil of wildness, which no doubt
1.65106Grew like the summer grass, fastest by night,
1.66107Unseen, yet crescive in his faculty.
1.67108Canterbury
 It must be so, for miracles are ceased,
1.68109And therefore we must needs admit the means
1.69110How things are perfected.
 111Ely
 How things are perfected.  But my good lord,
1.70112How now for mitigation of this bill
1.71113Urged by the commons? Doth his majesty
1.72114Incline to it or no?
 115Canterbury
 Incline to it or no?  He seems indifferent,
1.73116Or rather swaying more upon our part,
1.74117Than cherishing th'exhibitors against us;
1.75118For I have made an offer to his majesty,
1.76119Upon our spiritual convocation,
1.77120And in regard of causes now in hand,
1.78121Which I have opened to his grace at large,
1.79122As touching France, to give a greater sum
1.80123Than ever at one time the clergy yet
1.81124Did to his predecessors part withal.
1.82125Ely
 How did this offer seem received, my lord?
1.83126Canterbury
 With good acceptance of his majesty,
1.84127Save that there was not time enough to hear,
1.85128As I perceived his grace would fain have done,
1.86129The severals and unhidden passages
1.87130Of his true titles to some certain dukedoms,
1.88131And generally to the crown and seat of France
1.89132Derived from Edward, his great-grandfather.
1.90133Ely
 What was th'impediment that broke this off?
1.91134Canterbury
 The French ambassador upon that instant
1.92135Craved audience; and the hour, I think, is come
1.93136To give him hearing. Is it four o'clock?
1.94137Ely
 It is.
1.95138Canterbury
 Then go we in to know his embassy,
1.96139Which I could with a ready guess declare
1.97140Before the Frenchman speak a word of it.
1.98141Ely
 I'll wait upon you, and I long to hear it.
 142Exeunt.
1[1.2]
2.0.1143Enter the King, Humphrey [Duke of Gloucester], Bedford, Clarence, 144Warwick, Westmorland, and Exeter[, with attendants].
2.1145King Henry
 Where is my gracious lord of Canterbury?
2.2146Exeter
 Not here in presence.
 147King Henry
 Not here in presence.  Send for him, good uncle.
 [Exit attendant.]
2.3148Westmorland
 Shall we call in th'ambassador, my liege?
2.4149King Henry
 Not yet, my cousin. We would be resolved,
2.5150Before we hear him, of some things of weight
2.6151That task our thoughts concerning us and France.
 152Enter [the] two Bishops[, Canterbury and Ely].
2.7153Canterbury
 God and his angels guard your sacred throne
2.8154And make you long become it.
 155King Henry
 And make you long become it.  Sure we thank you.
2.9156My learnèd lord, we pray you to proceed,
2.10157And justly and religiously unfold
2.11158Why the law Salic, that they have in France,
2.12159Or should or should not bar us in our claim.
2.13160And God forbid, my dear and faithful lord,
2.14161That you should fashion, wrest, or bow your reading,
2.15162Or nicely charge your understanding soul
2.16163With opening titles miscreate, whose right
2.17164Suits not in native colors with the truth.
2.18165For God doth know how many now in health
2.19166Shall drop their blood in approbation
2.20167Of what your reverence shall incite us to.
2.21168Therefore take heed how you impawn our person,
2.22169How you awake our sleeping sword of war;
2.23170We charge you in the name of God, take heed.
2.24171For never two such kingdoms did contend
2.25172Without much fall of blood, whose guiltless drops
2.26173Are every one a woe, a sore complaint
2.27174'Gainst him whose wrongs gives edge unto the swords
2.28175That makes such waste in brief mortality.
2.29176Under this conjuration speak, my lord,
2.30177For we will hear, note, and believe in heart
2.31178That what you speak is in your conscience washed
2.32179As pure as sin with baptism.
2.33180Canterbury
 Then hear me, gracious sovereign, and you peers
2.34181That owe your selves, your lives and services
2.35182To this imperial throne. There is no bar
2.36183To make against your highness' claim to France
2.37184But this, which they produce from Pharamond:
2.38185"In terram Salicam mulieres ne succedant" --
2.39186"No woman shall succeed in Salic land" --
2.40187Which Salic land the French unjustly gloss
2.41188To be the realm of France, and Pharamond
2.42189The founder of this law and female bar.
2.43190Yet their own authors faithfully affirm
2.44191That the land Salic is in Germany,
2.45192Between the floods of Saale and of Elbe,
2.46193Where Charles the Great, having subdued the Saxons,
2.47194There left behind and settled certain French
2.48195Who, holding in disdain the German women
2.49196For some dishonest manners of their life,
2.50197Established then this law: to wit, no female
2.51198Should be inheritrix in Salic land,
2.52199Which Salic, as I said, 'twixt Elbe and Saale,
2.53200Is at this day in Germany, called Meissen.
2.54201Then doth it well appear the Salic law
2.55202Was not devisèd for the realm of France,
2.56203Nor did the French possess the Salic land
2.57204Until four hundred one-and-twenty years
2.58205After defunction of King Pharamond,
2.59206Idly supposed the founder of this law,
2.60207Who died within the year of our redemption
2.61208Four hundred twenty-six; and Charles the Great
2.62209Subdued the Saxons and did seat the French
2.63210Beyond the river Saale in the year
2.64211Eight hundred five. Besides, their writers say
2.65212King Pepin, which deposèd Childeric,
2.66213Did as heir general, being descended
2.67214Of Blithild, which was daughter to King Chlothar,
2.68215Make claim and title to the crown of France.
2.69216Hugh Capet also, who usurped the crown
2.70217Of Charles the Duke of Lorraine, sole heir male
2.71218Of the true line and stock of Charles the Great,
2.72219To find his title with some shows of truth --
2.73220Though in pure truth it was corrupt and naught --
2.74221Conveyed himself as th'heir to th'lady Lingare,
2.75222Daughter to Charlemagne, who was the son
2.76223To Louis the emperor, and Louis the son
2.77224Of Charles the Great. Also King Louis the Tenth,
2.78225Who was sole heir to the usurper Capet,
2.79226Could not keep quiet in his conscience
2.80227Wearing the crown of France till satisfied
2.81228That fair Queen Isabelle, his grandmother,
2.82229Was lineal of the lady Ermengarde,
2.83230Daughter to Charles the foresaid Duke of Lorraine,
2.84231By the which marriage the line of Charles the Great
2.85232Was reunited to the crown of France.
2.86233So that, as clear as is the summer's sun,
2.87234King Pepin's title and Hugh Capet's claim,
2.88235King Louis his satisfaction, all appear
2.89236To hold in right and title of the female;
2.90237So do the kings of France unto this day,
2.91238Howbeit they would hold up this Salic law
2.92239To bar your highness claiming from the female,
2.93240And rather choose to hide them in a net
2.94241Than amply to embar their crooked titles
2.95242Usurped from you and your progenitors.
2.96243King Henry
 May I with right and conscience make this claim?
2.97244Canterbury
 The sin upon my head, dread sovereign.
2.98245For in the book of Numbers is it writ:
2.99246"When the man dies, let the inheritance
2.100247Descend unto the daughter." Gracious lord,
2.101248Stand for your own. Unwind your bloody flag,
2.102249Look back into your mighty ancestors.
2.103250Go, my dread lord, to your great-grandsire's tomb,
2.104251From whom you claim; invoke his warlike spirit,
2.105252And your great-uncle's, Edward the Black Prince,
2.106253Who on the French ground played a tragedy,
2.107254Making defeat on the full power of France
2.108255Whiles his most mighty father on a hill
2.109256Stood smiling to behold his lion's whelp
2.110257Forage in blood of French nobility.
2.111258Oh, noble English, that could entertain
2.112259With half their forces the full pride of France
2.113260And let another half stand laughing by,
2.114261All out of work and cold for action!
2.115262Ely
 Awake remembrance of these valiant dead,
2.116263And with your puissant arm renew their feats.
2.117264You are their heir, you sit upon their throne,
2.118265The blood and courage that renownèd them
2.119266Runs in your veins, and my thrice-puissant liege
2.120267Is in the very May-morn of his youth,
2.121268Ripe for exploits and mighty enterprises.
2.122269Exeter
 Your brother kings and monarchs of the earth
2.123270Do all expect that you should rouse yourself
2.124271As did the former lions of your blood.
2.125272Westmorland
 They know your grace hath cause, and means, and might;
2.126273So hath your highness. Never king of England
2.127274Had nobles richer and more loyal subjects,
2.128275Whose hearts have left their bodies here in England
2.129276And lie pavilioned in the fields of France.
2.130277Canterbury
 Oh, let their bodies follow, my dear liege,
2.131278With bloods and sword and fire to win your right.
2.132279In aid whereof, we of the spiritualty
2.133280Will raise your highness such a mighty sum
2.134281As never did the clergy at one time
2.135282Bring in to any of your ancestors.
2.136283King Henry
 We must not only arm t'invade the French,
2.137284But lay down our proportions to defend
2.138285Against the Scot, who will make road upon us
2.139286With all advantages.
2.140287Canterbury
 They of those marches, gracious sovereign,
2.141288Shall be a wall sufficient to defend
2.142289Our inland from the pilfering borderers.
2.143290King Henry
 We do not mean the coursing snatchers only,
2.144291But fear the main intendment of the Scot,
2.145292Who hath been still a giddy neighbor to us.
2.146293For you shall read that my great-grandfather
2.147294Never went with his forces into France
2.148295But that the Scot on his unfurnished kingdom
2.149296Came pouring like the tide into a breach
2.150297With ample and brim fullness of his force,
2.151298Galling the gleanèd land with hot assays,
2.152299Girding with grievous siege castles and towns,
2.153300That England, being empty of defense,
2.154301Hath shook and trembled at th'ill neighborhood.
2.155302Canterbury
 She hath been then more feared than harmed, my liege.
2.156303For hear her but exampled by herself:
2.157304When all her chivalry hath been in France
2.158305And she a mourning widow of her nobles,
2.159306She hath herself not only well defended,
2.160307But taken and impounded as a stray
2.161308The king of Scots, whom she did send to France
2.162309To fill King Edward's fame with prisoner kings
2.163310And make their chronicle as rich with praise
2.164311As is the ooze and bottom of the sea
2.165312With sunken wreck and sumless treasuries.
2.166313Ely
 But there's a saying very old and true:
2.167314"If that you will France win,
2.168Then with Scotland first begin."
2.169315For once the eagle England being in prey,
2.170316To her unguarded nest the weasel Scot
2.171317Comes sneaking, and so sucks her princely eggs,
2.172318Playing the mouse in absence of the cat,
2.173319To 'tame and havoc more than she can eat.
2.174320Exeter
 It follows then the cat must stay at home,
2.175321Yet that is but a crushed necessity,
2.176322Since we have locks to safeguard necessaries
2.177323And pretty traps to catch the petty thieves.
2.178324While that the armèd hand doth fight abroad,
2.179325Th'advisèd head defends itself at home.
2.180326For government, though high and low and lower
2.181327Put into parts, doth keep in one consent,
2.182328Congreeing in a full and natural close
2.183329Like music.
 330Canterbury
 Like music.  Therefore doth heaven divide
2.184331The state of man in divers functions,
2.185332Setting endeavor in continual motion,
2.186333To which is fixèd, as an aim or butt,
2.187334Obedience. For so work the honeybees,
2.188335Creatures that by a rule in nature teach
2.189336The act of order to a peopled kingdom.
2.190337They have a king, and officers of sorts,
2.191338Where some like magistrates correct at home;
2.192339Others like merchants venture trade abroad;
2.193340Others, like soldiers armèd in their stings,
2.194341Make boot upon the summer's velvet buds,
2.195342Which pillage they with merry march bring home
2.196343To the tent-royal of their emperor,
2.197344Who, busied in his majesties, surveys
2.198345The singing masons building roofs of gold,
2.199346The civil citizens kneading up the honey,
2.200347The poor mechanic porters crowding in
2.201348Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate,
2.202349The sad-eyed justice with his surly hum
2.203350Delivering o'er to executors pale
2.204351The lazy yawning drone. I this infer:
2.205352That many things, having full reference
2.206353To one consent, may work contrariously.
2.207354As many arrows loosèd several ways
2.208355Come to one mark, as many ways meet in one town,
2.209356As many fresh streams meet in one salt sea,
2.210357As many lines close in the dial's center,
2.211358So may a thousand actions once afoot
2.212359End in one purpose, and be all well borne
2.213360Without defeat. Therefore to France, my liege.
2.214361Divide your happy England into four,
2.215362Whereof take you one quarter into France,
2.216363And you withal shall make all Gallia shake.
2.217364If we, with thrice such powers left at home,
2.218365Cannot defend our own doors from the dog,
2.219366Let us be worried, and our nation lose
2.220367The name of hardiness and policy.
2.221368King Henry
 Call in the messengers sent from the dauphin.
2.221.1[Exit attendant.]
2.222369Now are we well resolved, and by God's help
2.223370And yours, the noble sinews of our power,
2.224371France being ours, we'll bend it to our awe,
2.225372Or break it all to pieces. Or there we'll sit,
2.226373Ruling in large and ample empery
2.227374O'er France and all her almost kingly dukedoms,
2.228375Or lay these bones in an unworthy urn,
2.229376Tombless, with no remembrance over them.
2.230377Either our history shall with full mouth
2.231378Speak freely of our acts, or else our grave,
2.232379Like Turkish mute, shall have a tongueless mouth,
2.233380Not worshipped with a waxen epitaph. --
2.233.1381Enter Ambassadors of France.
2.234382Now are we well prepared to know the pleasure
2.235383Of our fair cousin dauphin, for we hear
2.236384Your greeting is from him, not from the king.
2.237385Ambassador
 May't please your majesty to give us leave
2.238386Freely to render what we have in charge,
2.239387Or shall we sparingly show you far off
2.240388The dauphin's meaning and our embassy?
2.241389King Henry
 We are no tyrant, but a Christian king,
2.242390Unto whose grace our passion is as subject
2.243391As is our wretches fettered in our prisons.
2.244392Therefore with frank and with uncurbèd plainness
2.245393Tell us the dauphin's mind.
 394Ambassador
 Tell us the dauphin's mind.  Thus, then, in few:
2.246395Your highness, lately sending into France,
2.247396Did claim some certain dukedoms in the right
2.248397Of your great predecessor, King Edward the Third.
2.249398In answer of which claim, the prince our master
2.250399Says that you savor too much of your youth,
2.251400And bids you be advised, there's naught in France
2.252401That can be with a nimble galliard won;
2.253402You cannot revel into dukedoms there.
2.254403He therefore sends you, meeter for your spirit,
2.255404This tun of treasure, and in lieu of this,
2.256405Desires you let the dukedoms that you claim
2.257406Hear no more of you. This the dauphin speaks.
2.258407King Henry
 What treasure, uncle?
 408Exeter
 What treasure, uncle?  Tennis balls, my liege.
2.259409King Henry
 We are glad the dauphin is so pleasant with us.
2.260410His present and your pains we thank you for.
2.261411When we have matched our rackets to these balls,
2.262412We will in France, by God's grace, play a set
2.263413Shall strike his father's crown into the hazard.
2.264414Tell him he hath made a match with such a wrangler
2.265415That all the courts of France will be disturbed
2.266416With chases. And we understand him well,
2.267417How he comes o'er us with our wilder days,
2.268418Not measuring what use we made of them.
2.269419We never valued this poor seat of England,
2.270420And therefore living hence, did give ourself
2.271421To barbarous license, as 'tis ever common
2.272422That men are merriest when they are from home.
2.273423But tell the dauphin I will keep my state,
2.274424Be like a king, and show my sail of greatness
2.275425When I do rouse me in my throne of France.
2.276426For that I have laid by my majesty
2.277427And plodded like a man for working days,
2.278428But I will rise there with so full a glory
2.279429That I will dazzle all the eyes of France,
2.280430Yea, strike the dauphin blind to look on us.
2.281431And tell the pleasant prince this mock of his
2.282432Hath turned his balls to gunstones, and his soul
2.283433Shall stand sore chargèd for the wasteful vengeance
2.284434That shall fly with them: for many a thousand widows
2.285435Shall this, his mock, mock out of their dear husbands,
2.286436Mock mothers from their sons, mock castles down,
2.287437And some are yet ungotten and unborn
2.288438That shall have cause to curse the dauphin's scorn.
2.289439But this lies all within the will of God,
2.290440To whom I do appeal, and in whose name
2.291441Tell you the dauphin I am coming on
2.292442To venge me as I may, and to put forth
2.293443My rightful hand in a well-hallowed cause.
2.294444So get you hence in peace, and tell the dauphin
2.295445His jest will savor but of shallow wit
2.296446When thousands weep more than did laugh at it. --
2.297447Convey them with safe conduct. -- Fare you well.
 448Exeunt Ambassadors.
2.298449Exeter
 This was a merry message.
2.299450King Henry
 We hope to make the sender blush at it.
2.300451Therefore, my lords, omit no happy hour
2.301452That may give furtherance to our expedition,
2.302453For we have now no thought in us but France,
2.303454Save those to God, that run before our business.
2.304455Therefore let our proportions for these wars
2.305456Be soon collected, and all things thought upon
2.306457That may with reasonable swiftness add
2.307458More feathers to our wings, for, God before,
2.308459We'll chide this dauphin at his father's door.
2.309460Therefore let every man now task his thought
2.310461That this fair action may on foot be brought.
 Exeunt.
1[2.0]
 462Flourish. Enter Chorus.
0.1463Chorus
 Now all the youth of England are on fire
0.2464And silken dalliance in the wardrobe lies.
0.3465Now thrive the armorers, and honor's thought
0.4466Reigns solely in the breast of every man.
0.5467They sell the pasture now to buy the horse,
0.6468Following the mirror of all Christian kings
0.7469With wingèd heels, as English Mercuries.
0.8470For now sits expectation in the air
0.9471And hides a sword from hilts unto the point
0.10472With crowns imperial, crowns and coronets
0.11473Promised to Harry and his followers.
0.12474The French, advised by good intelligence
0.13475Of this most dreadful preparation,
0.14476Shake in their fear, and with pale policy
0.15477Seek to divert the English purposes.
0.16478O England, model to thy inward greatness,
0.17479Like little body with a mighty heart,
0.18480What mightst thou do, that honor would thee do,
0.19481Were all thy children kind and natural!
0.20482But see, thy fault France hath in thee found out:
0.21483A nest of hollow bosoms, which he fills
0.22484With treacherous crowns; and three corrupted men,
0.23485One, Richard, Earl of Cambridge, and the second
0.24486Henry, Lord Scrope of Masham, and the third
0.25487Sir Thomas Grey, knight of Northumberland,
0.26488Have for the gilt of France -- oh, guilt indeed! --
0.27489Confirmed conspiracy with fearful France.
0.28490And by their hands this grace of kings must die,
0.29491If hell and treason hold their promises,
0.30492Ere he take ship for France, and in Southampton.
0.31493Linger your patience on, and we'll digest
0.32494Th'abuse of distance, force a play.
0.33495The sum is paid, the traitors are agreed,
0.34496The king is set from London, and the scene
0.35497Is now transported, gentles, to Southampton.
0.36498There is the playhouse now, there must you sit,
0.37499And thence to France shall we convey you safe
0.38500And bring you back, charming the narrow seas
0.39501To give you gentle pass; for if we may,
0.40502We'll not offend one stomach with our play.
0.41503But when the king come forth, and not till then,
0.42504Unto Southampton do we shift our scene.
 Exit
1[2.1]
 505Enter Corporal Nym and Lieutenant Bardolph.
1.1506Bardolph
 Well met, Corporal Nym.
1.2507Nym
 Good morrow, Lieutenant Bardolph.
1.3508Bardolph
 What, are Ancient Pistol and you friends yet?
1.4509Nym
 For my part, I care not. I say little, but when 510time shall serve, there shall be smiles. But that shall be as 511it may. I dare not fight, but I will wink and hold out 512mine iron. It is a simple one, but what though? It will 513toast cheese, and it will endure cold as another man's 514sword will, and there's an end.
1.5515Bardolph
 I will bestow a breakfast to make you friends, 516and we'll be all three sworn brothers to France. Letʼt 517be so, good Corporal Nym.
1.6518Nym
 Faith, I will live so long as I may, that's the 519certain of it. And when I cannot live any longer, I will do 520as I may. That is my rest; that is the rendezvous of it.
1.7521Bardolph
 It is certain, corporal, that he is married to 522Nell Quickly, and certainly she did you wrong, for you 523were troth-plight to her.
1.8524Nym
 I cannot tell; things must be as they may. Men 525may sleep, and they may have their throats about them 526at that time, and some say knives have edges. It must 527be as it may. Though patience be a tired mare, yet she 528will plod. There must be conclusions. Well, I cannot 529tell.
 530Enter Pistol and [Hostess, formerly Mistress] Quickly.
1.9531Bardolph
 Here comes Ancient Pistol and his wife. Good 532corporal, be patient here. -- How now, mine host 533Pistol?
1.10534Pistol
 Base tyke, call'st thou me host? Now by this 535hand I swear I scorn the term! Nor shall my Nell 536keep lodgers.
1.11537Hostess
 No, by my troth, not long, for we cannot lodge 538and board a dozen or fourteen gentlewomen that 539live honestly by the prick of their needles, but it will be 540thought we keep a bawdy house straight.
 [Nym draws his sword.]
 Oh, welladay, 541lady, if he be not hewn now, we shall see willful 542adultery and murder committed!
1.12543Bardolph
 Good lieutenant, good corporal, offer nothing 544here.
1.13Nym
 Pish.
1.14545Pistol
 Pish for thee, Iceland dog, thou prick-eared cur 546of Iceland.
1.15547Hostess
 Good Corporal Nym, show thy valor and 548put up your sword.
1.16549Nym
 Will you shog off? [To Pistol] I would have you solus.
1.17550Pistol
 "Solus," egregious dog? O viper vile! The "solus" 551in thy most marvelous face. The "solus" in thy teeth, and 552in thy throat, and in thy hateful lungs, yea in thy maw, 553perdy. And which is worse, within thy nasty mouth. I 554do retort the "solus" in thy bowels, for I can take, and 555Pistol's cock is up, and flashing fire will follow.
1.18556Nym
 I am not Barbason; you cannot conjure me. I 557have an humor to knock you indifferently well. If you 558grow foul with me, Pistol, I will scour you with my 559rapier, as I may, in fair terms. If you would walk 560off, I would prick your guts a little in good terms, as 561I may, and that's the humor of it.
1.19562Pistol
 O braggart vile, and damnèd furious wight,
1.20563The grave doth gape, and doting death is near,
1.21564Therefore exhale.
1.21.1[Pistol draws his sword.]
1.22565Bardolph
 Hear me, hear me what I say. [Draws his sword (?)] He that strikes 566the first stroke, I'll run him up to the hilts, as I am a 567soldier.
1.23568Pistol
 An oath of mickle might, and fury shall abate.
1.23.1[They sheathe their swords.]
 569Give me thy fist. Thy forefoot to me give. Thy spirits 570are most tall.
1.24571Nym
 I will cut thy throat one time or other in fair 572terms. That is the humor of it.
1.25573Pistol
 Couple a gorge, that is the word. I defy thee 574again! O hound of Crete, think'st thou my spouse to get? 575No, to the Spital go, and from the powd'ring tub of 576infamy fetch forth the lazar kite of Cressid's kind, 577Doll Tearsheet, she by name, and her espouse. I have, and I 578will hold the quondam Quickly for the only she, and 579pauca, there's enough. Go to.
 580Enter the Boy.
1.26581Boy
 Mine host Pistol, you must come to 582my master, and your hostess. He is very sick and would to bed. 583-- Good Bardolph, put thy face between his sheets and do 584the office of a warming-pan. Faith, he's very ill.
1.27585Bardolph
 Away, you rogue.
1.28586Hostess
 By my troth, he'll yield the crow a pudding one 587of these days. The king has killed his heart. Good 588husband, come home presently.
 Exeunt [Boy and Hostess.]
1.29589Bardolph
 Come, shall I make you two friends? We must 590to France together. Why the devil should we keep knives 591to cut one another's throats?
1.30592Pistol
 Let floods o'erswell, and fiends for food howl 593on.
1.31594Nym
 [To Pistol] You'll pay me the eight shillings I won of you 595at betting?
1.32596Pistol
 Base is the slave that pays.
1.33597Nym
 That now I will have. That's the humor of it.
1.34598Pistol
 As manhood shall compound. Push home. 
1.34.1[They] draw [their swords.]
1.35599Bardolph
 [Drawing his sword (?)] By this sword, he that makes the first thrust, 600I'll kill him. By this sword, I will.
1.36601Pistol
 Sword is an oath, and oaths must have their course.
1.36.1[Sheathes his sword]
1.37602Bardolph
 Corporal Nym, an thou wilt be friends, be friends. 603An thou wilt not, why then be enemies with me, too. 604Prithee, put up.
1.37.1[Nym and Bardolph sheathe their swords. (?)]
1.38605Pistol
 A noble shalt thou have, and present pay. And 606liquor likewise will I give to thee, and friendship 607shall combine, and brotherhood. I'll live by Nym and 608Nym shall live by me. Is not this just? For I shall 609sutler be unto the camp, and profits will accrue. Give me 610thy hand.
1.39611Nym
 I shall have my noble?
1.40612Pistol
 In cash most justly paid.
1.41613Nym
 Well, then that's the humor of't.
1.41.1[Pistol and Nym shake hands. (?)]
1.41.2614Enter Hostess.
1.42615Hostess
 As ever you come of women, come in quickly 616to Sir John. A poor heart, he is so shaked of a burning 617quotidian tertian that it is most lamentable to behold. 618Sweet men, come to him.
1.42.1[Exit.]
1.43619Nym
 The king hath run bad humors on the knight. 620That's the even of it.
1.44621Pistol
 Nym, thou hast spoke the right. His heart is 622fracted and corroborate.
1.45623Nym
 The king is a good king, but it must be as it 624may. He passes some humors and careers.
1.46625Pistol
 Let us condole the knight, for lambkins, we 626will live.
 [Exeunt.]
1[2.2]
 627Enter Exeter, Bedford, and Westmorland.
2.1628Bedford
 'Fore God, his grace is bold to trust these traitors.
2.2629Exeter
 They shall be apprehended by and by.
2.3630Westmorland
 How smooth and even they do bear themselves,
2.4631As if allegiance in their bosoms sat
2.5632Crownèd with faith and constant loyalty.
2.6633Bedford
 The king hath note of all that they intend
2.7634By interception, which they dream not of.
2.8635Exeter
 Nay, but the man that was his bedfellow,
2.9636Whom he hath dulled and cloyed with gracious favors,
2.10637That he should for a foreign purse so sell
2.11638His sovereign's life to death and treachery!
 639Sound trumpets. 640Enter the King, Scrope, Cambridge, and Grey[, and attendants.]
2.12641King Henry
 Now sits the wind fair, and we will aboard. --
2.13642My lord of Cambridge, and my kind lord of Masham,
2.14643And you, my gentle knight, give me your thoughts:
2.15644Think you not that the powers we bear with us
2.16645Will cut their passage through the force of France,
2.17646Doing the execution and the act
2.18647For which we have in head assembled them?
2.19648Scrope
 No doubt, my liege, if each man do his best.
2.20649King Henry
 I doubt not that, since we are well persuaded
2.21650We carry not a heart with us from hence
2.22651That grows not in a fair consent with ours,
2.23652Nor leave not one behind that doth not wish
2.24653Success and conquest to attend on us.
2.25654Cambridge
 Never was monarch better feared and loved
2.26655Than is your majesty. There's not, I think, a subject
2.27656That sits in heart-grief and uneasiness
2.28657Under the sweet shade of your government.
2.29658Grey
 True. Those that were your father's enemies
2.30659Have steeped their galls in honey and do serve you
2.31660With hearts create of duty and of zeal.
2.32661King Henry
 We therefore have great cause of thankfulness,
2.33662And shall forget the office of our hand
2.34663Sooner than quittance of desert and merit,
2.35664According to the weight and worthiness.
2.36665Scrope
 So service shall with steelèd sinews toil,
2.37666And labor shall refresh itself with hope
2.38667To do your grace incessant services.
2.39668King Henry
 We judge no less. Uncle of Exeter,
2.40669Enlarge the man committed yesterday
2.41670That railed against our person. We consider
2.42671It was excess of wine that set him on,
2.43672And on his more advice we pardon him.
2.44673Scrope
 That's mercy, but too much security.
2.45674Let him be punished, sovereign, lest example
2.46675Breed, by his sufferance, more of such a kind.
2.47676King Henry
 Oh, let us yet be merciful.
2.48677Cambridge
 So may your highness, and yet punish too.
2.49678Grey
 Sir, you show great mercy if you give him life
2.50679After the taste of much correction.
2.51680King Henry
 Alas, your too much love and care of me
2.52681Are heavy orisons 'gainst this poor wretch.
2.53682If little faults proceeding on distemper
2.54683Shall not be winked at, how shall we stretch our eye
2.55684When capital crimes, chewed, swallowed, and digested,
2.56685Appear before us? We'll yet enlarge that man,
2.57686Though Cambridge, Scrope, and Grey, in their dear care
2.58687And tender preservation of our person
2.59688Would have him punished. And now to our French causes. --
2.60689Who are the late commissioners?
 690Cambridge
 Who are the late commissioners?  I one, my lord.
2.61691Your highness bade me ask for it today.
2.62692Scrope
 So did you me, my liege.
2.63693Grey
 And I, my royal sovereign.
2.64694King Henry
 [Giving them papers] Then Richard Earl of Cambridge, there is yours.
2.65695There yours, Lord Scrope of Masham; and sir knight,
2.66696Grey of Northumberland, this same is yours.
2.67697Read them and know I know your worthiness. --
2.68698My lord of Westmorland, and uncle Exeter,
2.69699We will aboard to night. -- Why, how now, gentlemen?
2.70700What see you in those papers that you lose
2.71701So much complexion? Look ye how they change:
2.72702Their cheeks are paper! Why, what read you there
2.73703That have so cowarded and chased your blood
2.74704Out of appearance?
 705Cambridge
 Out of appearance?  I do confess my fault,
2.75706And do submit me to your highness' mercy.
2.76707Grey, Scrope
 To which we all appeal.
2.77708King Henry
 The mercy that was quick in us but late
2.78709By your own counsel is suppressed and killed.
2.79710You must not dare for shame to talk of mercy,
2.80711For your own reasons turn into your bosoms
2.81712As dogs upon their masters, worrying you. --
2.82713See you, my princes and my noble peers,
2.83714These English monsters: my lord of Cambridge here,
2.84715You know how apt our love was to accord
2.85716To furnish him with all appurtenants
2.86717Belonging to his honor. And this man
2.87718Hath for a few light crowns lightly conspired
2.88719And sworn unto the practices of France
2.89720To kill us here in Hampton. To the which
2.90721This knight, no less for bounty bound to us
2.91722Than Cambridge is, hath likewise sworn.-- But oh,
2.92723What shall I say to thee, Lord Scrope, thou cruel,
2.93724Ingrateful, savage and inhuman creature?
2.94725Thou that didst bear the key of all my counsels,
2.95726That knew'st the very bottom of my soul,
2.96727That almost mightst have coined me into gold,
2.97728Wouldst thou have practiced on me for thy use?
2.98729May it be possible that foreign hire
2.99730Could out of thee extract one spark of evil
2.100731That might annoy my finger? 'Tis so strange
2.101732That though the truth of it stands off as gross
2.102733As black and white, my eye will scarcely see it.
2.103734Treason and murder ever kept together
2.104735As two yoke-devils sworn to either's purpose,
2.105736Working so grossly in unnatural cause
2.106737That admiration did not whoop at them.
2.107738But thou, 'gainst all proportion, didst bring in
2.108739Wonder to wait on treason and on murder,
2.109740And whatsoever cunning fiend it was
2.110741That wrought upon thee so preposterously
2.111742Hath got the voice in hell for excellence;
2.112743And other devils, that suggest by treasons,
2.113744Do botch and bungle up damnation
2.114745With patches, colors, and with forms being fetched
2.115746From glist'ring semblances of piety.
2.116747But he that tempered thee, bade thee stand up,
2.117748Gave thee no instance why thou shouldst do treason
2.118749Unless to dub thee with the name of traitor.
2.119750If that same demon that hath gulled thee thus
2.120751Should with his lion gait walk the whole world,
2.121752He might return to vasty Tartar back
2.122753And tell the legions, "I can never win
2.123754A soul so easy as that Englishman's."
2.124755Oh, how hast thou with jealousy infected
2.125756The sweetness of affiance! Show men dutiful?
2.126757Why so didst thou. Seem they grave and learnèd?
2.127758Why so didst thou. Come they of noble family?
2.128759Why so didst thou. Seem they religious?
2.129760Why so didst thou. Or are they spare in diet,
2.130761Free from gross passion or of mirth or anger,
2.131762Constant in spirit, not swerving with the blood,
2.132763Garnished and decked in modest complement,
2.133764Not working with the eye without the ear,
2.134765And but in purgèd judgment trusting neither?
2.135766Such and so finely bolted didst thou seem.
2.136767And thus thy fall hath left a kind of blot
2.137768To make the full-fraught man, and best, indued
2.138769With some suspicion. I will weep for thee,
2.139770For this revolt of thine, methinks, is like
2.140771Another fall of man.-- Their faults are open.
2.141772Arrest them to the answer of the law,
2.142773And God acquit them of their practices.
2.143774Exeter
 I arrest thee of high treason, by the name of 775Richard Earl of Cambridge. 776I arrest thee of high treason, by the name of Henry 777Lord Scrope of Masham. 778I arrest thee of high treason, by the name of Thomas 779Grey, knight of Northumberland.
2.144780Scrope
 Our purposes God justly hath discovered,
2.145781And I repent my fault more than my death,
2.146782Which I beseech your highness to forgive,
2.147783Although my body pay the price of it.
2.148784Cambridge
 For me, the gold of France did not seduce,
2.149785Although I did admit it as a motive
2.150786The sooner to effect what I intended.
2.151787But God be thankèd for prevention,
2.152788Which I in sufferance heartily will rejoice,
2.153789Beseeching God and you to pardon me.
2.154790Grey
 Never did faithful subject more rejoice
2.155791At the discovery of most dangerous treason
2.156792Than I do at this hour joy o'er myself,
2.157793Prevented from a damnèd enterprise.
2.158794My fault, but not my body, pardon, sovereign.
2.159795King Henry
 God quit you in his mercy. Hear your sentence:
2.160796You have conspired against our royal person,
2.161797Joined with an enemy proclaimed and from his coffers
2.162798Received the golden earnest of our death,
2.163799Wherein you would have sold your king to slaughter,
2.164800His princes and his peers to servitude,
2.165801His subjects to oppression and contempt,
2.166802And his whole kingdom into desolation.
2.167803Touching our person seek we no revenge,
2.168804But we our kingdom's safety must so tender,
2.169805Whose ruin you sought, that to her laws
2.170806We do deliver you. Get you therefore hence,
2.171807Poor miserable wretches, to your death,
2.172808The taste whereof God of his mercy give
2.173809You patience to endure, and true repentance
2.174810Of all your dear offences. -- Bear them hence.
2.174.1[Exeunt traitors, guarded.]
2.175811Now, lords, for France, the enterprise whereof
2.176812Shall be to you as us like glorious.
2.177813We doubt not of a fair and lucky war,
2.178814Since God so graciously hath brought to light
2.179815This dangerous treason lurking in our way
2.180816To hinder our beginnings. We doubt not now
2.181817But every rub is smoothèd on our way.
2.182818Then forth, dear countrymen. Let us deliver
2.183819Our puissance into the hand of God,
2.184820Putting it straight in expedition.
2.185821Cheerly to sea; the signs of war advance.
2.186822No king of England if not king of France.
 Flourish. [Exeunt.]
1[2.3]
 823Enter Pistol, Nym, Bardolph, Boy, and Hostess.
3.1824Hostess
 Prithee, honey-sweet husband, let me bring 825thee to Staines.
3.2826Pistol
 No, for my manly heart doth earn. Bardolph, 827be blithe. Nym, rouse thy vaunting veins. Boy, bristle 828thy courage up. For Falstaff he is dead, and we must 829earn therefore.
3.3830Bardolph
 Would I were with him wheresome'er he is, 831either in heaven or in hell.
3.4832Hostess
 Nay, sure he's not in hell. He's in 833Arthur's bosom, if ever man went to Arthur's bosom. A made 834a finer end, and went away an it had been any christom 835child. A parted ev'n just between twelve and one, ev'n 836at the turning o'th'tide. For after I saw him 837fumble with the sheets, and play with flowers, and smile upon 838his finger's end, I knew there was but one way. For his nose was 839as sharp as a pen, and a babbled of green fields. "How now, 840Sir John?" quoth I. "What, man, be o' good cheer!" So a 841cried out, "God, God, God," three or four times. Now I, 842to comfort him, bid him a should not think of God; I 843hoped there was no need to trouble himself with any 844such thoughts yet. So a bade me lay more clothes on his 845feet. I put my hand into the bed and felt them, and they 846were as cold as any stone. Then I felt to his knees, and 847so up-peered, and upward and all was as cold as any stone.
3.5848Nym
 They say he cried out of sack.
3.6849Hostess
 Ay, that a did.
3.7850Bardolph
 And of women.
3.8851Hostess
 Nay, that a did not.
3.9852Boy
 Yes, that a did, and said they were devils 853incarnate. 
3.10854Hostess
 A could never abide carnation; 'twas a 855color he never liked.
3.11856Boy
 A said once the devil would have him about 857women.
3.12858Hostess
 A did in some sort, indeed, handle women, 859but then he was rheumatic, and talked of the whore of Babylon.860
3.13861Boy
 Do you not remember a saw a flea stick upon 862Bardolph's nose, and a said it was a black soul 863burning in hell?
3.14864Bardolph
 Well, the fuel is gone that maintained that fire. 865That's all the riches I got in his service.
3.15866Nym
 Shall we shog? The king will be gone from 867Southampton.
3.16868Pistol
 Come, let's away. My love, give me thy lips. [Kisses her]869Look to my chattels and my moveables. Let senses rule. 870The world is pitch-and-pay. Trust none, for oaths 871are straws, men's faiths are wafer-cakes, and Holdfast 872is the only dog, my duck, therefore caveto be 873thy counselor. Go, clear thy crystals. 874Yoke-fellows in arms, let us to France like 875horse-leeches, my boys: to suck, to suck, the very blood to 876suck!
3.17877Boy
 And that's but unwholesome food, they say.
3.18878Pistol
 Touch her soft mouth and march.
3.19879Bardolph
 [Kisses her] Farewell, hostess.
3.20880Nym
 I cannot kiss, that is the humor of it, but 881adieu.
3.21882Pistol
 Let housewifery appear. Keep close, I thee 883command.
3.22884Hostess
 Farewell. Adieu.
 Exeunt.
1[2.4]
 885Flourish. 886Enter the French King, the Dauphin, the Dukes 887of Berry and Brittany[, and the Constable of France].
4.1888French King
 Thus comes the English with full power upon us,
4.2889And more than carefully it us concerns
4.3890To answer royally in our defenses.
4.4891Therefore the Dukes of Berry and of Brittany,
4.5892Of Brabant and of Orléans shall make forth,
4.6893And you, Prince Dauphin, with all swift dispatch
4.7894To line and new repair our towns of war
4.8895With men of courage and with means defendant,
4.9896For England his approaches makes as fierce
4.10897As waters to the sucking of a gulf.
4.11898It fits us then to be as provident
4.12899As fear may teach us, out of late examples
4.13900Left by the fatal and neglected English
4.14901Upon our fields.
 902Dauphin
 Upon our fields.  My most redoubted father,
4.15903It is most meet we arm us 'gainst the foe,
4.16904For peace itself should not so dull a kingdom,
4.17905Though war nor no known quarrel were in question,
4.18906But that defenses, musters, preparations
4.19907Should be maintained, assembled, and collected
4.20908As were a war in expectation.
4.21909Therefore I say 'tis meet we all go forth
4.22910To view the sick and feeble parts of France.
4.23911And let us do it with no show of fear,
4.24912No, with no more than if we heard that England
4.25913Were busied with a Whitsun morris dance.
4.26914For, my good liege, she is so idly kinged,
4.27915Her scepter so fantastically borne
4.28916By a vain, giddy, shallow, humorous youth,
4.29917That fear attends her not.
 918Constable
 That fear attends her not.  Oh, peace, Prince Dauphin.
4.30919You are too much mistaken in this king.
4.31920Question your grace the late ambassadors --
4.32921With what great state he heard their embassy,
4.33922How well supplied with noble counselors,
4.34923How modest in exception, and withal
4.35924How terrible in constant resolution --
4.36925And you shall find his vanities forespent
4.37926Were but the outside of the Roman Brutus,
4.38927Covering discretion with a coat of folly,
4.39928As gardeners do with ordure hide those roots
4.40929That shall first spring and be most delicate.
4.41930Dauphin
 Well, 'tis not so, my lord high constable.
4.42931But though we think it so, it is no matter.
4.43932In cases of defense, 'tis best to weigh
4.44933The enemy more mighty than he seems.
4.45934So the proportions of defense are filled,
4.46935Which of a weak and niggardly projection
4.47936Doth like a miser spoil his coat with scanting
4.48937A little cloth.
 938French King
 A little cloth.  Think we King Harry strong,
4.49939And princes, look you strongly arm to meet him.
4.50940The kindred of him hath been fleshed upon us,
4.51941And he is bred out of that bloody strain
4.52942That haunted us in our familiar paths:
4.53943Witness our too much memorable shame
4.54944When Crécy battle fatally was struck,
4.55945And all our princes captived by the hand
4.56946Of that black name, Edward, Black Prince of Wales,
4.57947Whiles that his mountain sire on mountain standing
4.58948Up in the air, crowned with the golden sun,
4.59949Saw his heroical seed and smiled to see him
4.60950Mangle the work of nature, and deface
4.61951The patterns that by God and by French fathers
4.62952Had twenty years been made. This is a stem
4.63953Of that victorious stock, and let us fear
4.64954The native mightiness and fate of him.
 955Enter a Messenger.
4.65956Messenger
 Ambassadors from Harry, King of England,
4.66957Do crave admittance to your majesty.
4.67958French King
 We'll give them present audience; 959go and bring them.
4.67.1[Exit Messenger.]
4.68960You see this chase is hotly followed, friends.
4.69961Dauphin
 Turn head and stop pursuit, for coward dogs
4.70962Most spend their mouths when what they seem to threaten
4.71963Runs far before them. Good my sovereign,
4.72964Take up the English short, and let them know
4.73965Of what a monarchy you are the head.
4.74966Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin
4.75967As self-neglecting.
4.75.1968Enter Exeter.
 969French King
 As self-neglecting.  From our brother of England?
4.76970Exeter
 From him, and thus he greets your majesty:
4.77971He wills you in the name of God almighty
4.78972That you divest yourself, and lay apart
4.79973The borrowed glories that by gift of heaven,
4.80974By law of nature and of nations longs
4.81975To him and to his heirs, namely the crown
4.82976And all wide-stretchèd honors that pertain
4.83977By custom and the ordinance of times
4.84978Unto the crown of France. That you may know
4.85979'Tis no sinister nor no awkward claim
4.86980Picked from the wormholes of long-vanished days,
4.87981Nor from the dust of old oblivion raked,
4.88982He sends you this most memorable line,
4.88.1982.1[Gives the French King a paper]
4.89983In every branch truly demonstrative,
4.90984Willing you overlook this pedigree.
4.91985And when you find him evenly derived
4.92986From his most famed of famous ancestors,
4.93987Edward the Third, he bids you then resign
4.94988Your crown and kingdom, indirectly held
4.95989From him, the native and true challenger.
4.96990French King
 Or else what follows?
4.97991Exeter
 Bloody constraint: for if you hide the crown
4.98992Even in your hearts, there will he rake for it.
4.99993Therefore in fierce tempest is he coming,
4.100994In thunder and in earthquake, like a Jove,
4.101995That if requiring fail, he will compel.
4.102996And bids you in the bowels of the Lord
4.103997Deliver up the crown, and to take mercy
4.104998On the poor souls for whom this hungry war
4.105999Opens his vasty jaws, and on your head
4.1061000Turning the widows' tears, the orphans' cries,
4.1071001The dead men's blood, the privy maidens' groans
4.1081002For husbands, fathers, and betrothèd lovers
4.1091003That shall be swallowed in this controversy.
4.1101004This is his claim, his threat'ning, and my message,
4.1111005Unless the dauphin be in presence here,
4.1121006To whom expressly I bring greeting too.
4.1131007French King
 For us, we will consider of this further.
4.1141008Tomorrow shall you bear our full intent
4.1151009Back to our brother of England.
 1010Dauphin
 Back to our brother of England.  For the dauphin,
4.1161011I stand here for him. What to him from England?
4.1171012Exeter
 Scorn and defiance, slight regard, contempt,
4.1181013And anything that may not misbecome
4.1191014The mighty sender doth he prize you at.
4.1201015Thus says my king: an if your father's highness
4.1211016Do not, in grant of all demands at large,
4.1221017Sweeten the bitter mock you sent his majesty,
4.1231018He'll call you to so hot an answer of it
4.1241019That caves and womby vaultages of France
4.1251020Shall chide your trespass and return your mock
4.1261021In second accent of his ordinance.
4.1271022Dauphin
 Say if my father render fair return
4.1281023It is against my will, for I desire
4.1291024Nothing but odds with England. 1025To that end,
4.130As matching to his youth and vanity,
4.1311026I did present him with the Paris balls.
4.1321027Exeter
 He'll make your Paris Louvre shake for it,
4.1331028Were it the mistress court of mighty Europe.
4.1341029And be assured, you'll find a difference,
4.1351030As we his subjects have in wonder found,
4.1361031Between the promise of his greener days
4.1371032And these he masters now. Now he weighs time
4.1381033Even to the utmost grain. That you shall read
4.1391034In your own losses, if he stay in France.
4.1401035French King
 Tomorrow shall you know our mind at full.
4.140.11036Flourish.
4.1411037Exeter
 Dispatch us with all speed, lest that our king
4.1421038Come here himself to question our delay,
4.1431039For he is footed in this land already.
4.1441040French King
 You shall be soon dispatched with fair conditions.
4.1451041A night is but small breath and little pause
4.1461042To answer matters of this consequence.
 Exeunt.
 1043[3.0]
 1044Flourish. Enter Chorus.
0.11045Chorus
 Thus with imagined wing our swift scene flies
0.21046In motion of no less celerity
0.3Than that of 1047thought. Suppose that you have seen
0.41048The well-appointed king at Dover pier
0.51049Embark his royalty, and his brave fleet
0.61050With silken streamers the young Phoebus feigning.
0.71051Play with your fancies, and in them behold
0.81052Upon the hempen tackle ship-boys climbing.
0.91053Hear the shrill whistle, which doth order give
0.101054To sounds confused. Behold the threaden sails,
0.111055Borne with th'invisible and creeping wind,
0.121056Draw the huge bottoms through the furrowed sea,
0.131057Breasting the lofty surge. Oh, do but think
0.141058You stand upon the rivage, and behold
0.151059A city on th'inconstant billows dancing,
0.161060For so appears this fleet majestical
0.171061Holding due course to Harfleur. Follow, follow!
0.181062Grapple your minds to sternage of this navy
0.191063And leave your England as dead midnight, still,
0.201064Guarded with grandsires, babies, and old women,
0.211065Either past or not arrived to pith and puissance.
0.221066For who is he whose chin is but enriched
0.231067With one appearing hair, that will not follow
0.241068These culled and choice-drawn cavaliers to France?
0.251069Work, work your thoughts, and therein see a siege.
0.261070Behold the ordnance on their carriages,
0.271071With fatal mouths gaping on girded Harfleur.
0.281072Suppose th'ambassador from the French comes back,
0.291073Tells Harry that the king doth offer him
0.301074Catherine his daughter, and with her to dowry
0.311075Some petty and unprofitable dukedoms.
0.321076The offer likes not, and the nimble gunner
0.331077With linstock now the devilish cannon touches,
0.33.11078Alarum, and chambers go off.
0.341079And down goes all before them. Still be kind,
0.351080And eke out our performance with your mind.
 Exit.
1[3.1]
1.0.11081Enter the King, Exeter, Bedford, and Gloucester.
1.0.21082Alarum. [Enter soldiers with] scaling-ladders at Harfleur.
1.11083King Henry
 Once more unto the breach, 1084dear friends, once more,
1.21085Or close the wall up with our English dead!
1.31086In peace, there's nothing so becomes a man
1.41087As modest stillness and humility,
1.51088But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
1.61089Then imitate the action of the tiger:
1.71090Stiffen the sinews, conjure up the blood,
1.81091Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage.
1.91092Then lend the eye a terrible aspect;
1.101093Let it pry through the portage of the head
1.111094Like the brass cannon. Let the brow o'erwhelm it
1.121095As fearfully as doth a gallèd rock
1.131096O'erhang and jutty his confounded base,
1.141097Swilled with the wild and wasteful ocean.
1.151098Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide,
1.161099Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit
1.171100To his full height. On! On, you noble English,
1.181101Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof,
1.191102Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,
1.201103Have in these parts from morn till even fought
1.211104And sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
1.221105Dishonor not your mothers; now attest
1.231106That those whom you called fathers did beget you.
1.241107Be copy now to men of grosser blood
1.251108And teach them how to war. And you good yeomen,
1.261109Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
1.271110The mettle of your pasture. Let us swear
1.281111That you are worth your breeding, which I doubt not,
1.291112For there is none of you so mean and base
1.301113That hath not noble luster in your eyes.
1.311114I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
1.321115Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
1.331116Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
1.341117Cry "God for Harry, England, and Saint George!"
 1118Alarum, and chambers go off. [Exeunt.]
1[3.2]
 1119Enter Nym, Bardolph, Pistol, and Boy.
2.11120Bardolph
 On, on, on, on, on, to the breach, to the breach!
2.21121Nym
 Pray thee, corporal, stay. The knocks are too 1122hot, and for mine own part, I have not a case of lives. 1123The humor of it is too hot, that is the very plainsong 1124of it.
2.31125Pistol
 The plainsong is most just, for humors do 1126abound, knocks go and come, God's vassals drop and 1127die,
2.4[Singing]
 And sword and shield
2.5In bloody field
2.6Doth win 1128immortal fame.
2.71129Boy
 Would I were in an alehouse in London. I 1130would give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety.
2.81131Pistol
 And I.
2.9[Singing] If wishes would prevail with me,
2.101132My purpose should not fail with me,
2.11But thither would I 1133hie.
2.121134Boy
 [Singing] As duly --
2.13But not as truly --
2.14As bird doth sing on 1135bough.
 1136Enter Fluellen.
2.151137Fluellen
 [Beating them] Up to the breach, you dogs! Avaunt, you 1138cullions!
2.161139Pistol
 Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold! 1140Abate thy rage, abate thy manly rage! Abate thy rage, 1141great duke! Good bawcock, bate thy rage. Use lenity, 1142sweet chuck.
2.171143Nym
 These be good humors! Your honor wins bad humors!1144
2.17.1[Exeunt Pistol, Bardolph, and Nym.]
2.181145Boy
 [To audience] As young as I am, I have observed these three 1146swashers. I am boy to them all three, but all they three, 1147though they would serve me, could not be man to me, 1148for indeed three such antics do not amount to a man. 1149For Bardolph, he is white-livered and red-faced, by the 1150means whereof a faces it out, but fights not. For Pistol, 1151he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword, by the 1152means whereof a breaks words and keeps whole 1153weapons. For Nym, he hath heard that men of few 1154words are the best men, and therefore he scorns to say 1155his prayers, lest a should be thought a coward. But his 1156few bad words are matched with as few good deeds, for 1157a never broke any man's head but his own, and that was 1158against a post when he was drunk. They will steal 1159anything, and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a lute case, 1160bore it twelve leagues, and sold it for three halfpence. 1161Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching, and 1162in Calais they stole a fire-shovel. I knew by that 1163piece of service the men would carry coals. They would 1164have me as familiar with men's pockets as their gloves 1165or their handkerchers, which makes much against my 1166manhood, if I should take from another's pocket to put 1167into mine, for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs. 1168I must leave them and seek some better service. Their 1169villainy goes against my weak stomach, and therefore 1170I must cast it up.
2.18.1Exit [Boy]. 
2.18.21171Enter Gower.
2.191172Gower
 Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to 1173the mines; the Duke of Gloucester would speak with 1174you.
2.201175Fluellen
 To the mines? Tell you the duke it is not so 1176good to come to the mines, for look you, the mines 1177is not according to the disciplines of the war. The 1178concavities of it is not sufficient: for look you, 1179th'athversary, you may discuss unto the duke, look you, is digged 1180himself, four yard under, the countermines. By Cheshu, 1181I think a will plow up all if there is not better 1182directions. 
2.211183Gower
 The Duke of Gloucester, to whom the order 1184of the siege is given, is altogether directed by 1185an Irishman, a very valiant gentleman, i'faith.
2.221186Fluellen
 It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?
2.231187Gower
 I think it be.
2.241188Fluellen
 By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world. I will 1189verify as much in his beard. He has no more directions in 1190the true disciplines of the wars, look you, of the 1191Roman disciplines, than is a puppydog.
 1192Enter Macmorris and Captain Jamy.
2.251193Gower
 Here a comes, and the Scots captain, Captain 1194Jamy, with him.
2.261195Fluellen
 Captain Jamy is a marvelous falorous 1196gentleman, that is certain, and of great expedition and 1197knowledge in th'aunchient wars, upon my particular 1198knowledge of his directions. By Cheshu, he will maintain his 1199argument as well as any military man in the world, in 1200the disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans.
2.271201Jamy
 I say guid day, Captain Fluellen.
2.281202Fluellen
 Good e'en to your worship, good Captain 1203James.
2.291204Gower
 How now, Captain Macmorris, have you 1205quit the mines? Have the pioneers given o'er?
2.301206Macmorris
 By Chrish law, 'tish ill done. The work ish 1207give over, the trumpet sound the retreat. By my hand 1208I swear, and my father's soul, the work ish ill done; 1209it ish give over. I would have blowed up the town, 1210so Chrish save me law, in an hour. Oh, 'tish ill done, 'tish ill 1211done, by my hand 'tish ill done.
2.311212Fluellen
 Captain Macmorris, I beseech you now, 1213will you vouchsafe me, look you, a few disputations with 1214you, as partly touching or concerning the disciplines of 1215the war, the Roman wars, in the way of argument, 1216look you, and friendly communication? Partly to satisfy 1217my opinion, and partly for the satisfaction, look you, of 1218my mind, as touching the direction of the military 1219discipline; that is the point.
2.321220Jamy
 It sall be verray guid, guid faith, guid captains baith, 1221and I sall quit you with guid leve, as I may pick occasion. 1222That sall I, marry.
2.331223Macmorris
 It is no time to discourse, so Chrish save me. 1224The day is hot, and the weather, and the wars, and the 1225king, and the dukes. It is no time to discourse. The town 1226is besieched, and the trumpet call us to the breach, and 1227we talk, and be Chrish do nothing! 'Tis shame for us all; 1228so God sa' me, 'tis shame to stand still. It is shame, by my 1229hand; and there is throats to be cut, and works to be 1230done, and there ish nothing done, so Christ sa' me law.
2.341231Jamy
 By the mess, ere these eyes of mine take 1232themselves to slumber, I'll dae guid service, or I'll lig i'th' 1233grund for it; I owe God a death, and I'll pay't as 1234valorously as I may, that sall I surely do. That is the brefe and the long. 1235Marry, I wad full fain heard some question 1236'tween you twae.
2.351237Fluellen
 Captain Macmorris, I think, look you, 1238under your correction, there is not many of your 1239nation --
2.361240Macmorris
 Of my nation? What ish my nation? Ish a villain, 1241and a bastard, and a knave, and a rascal? What 1242ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?
2.371243Fluellen
 Look you, if you take the matter otherwise 1244than is meant, Captain Macmorris, peradventure I 1245shall think you do not use me with that affability as in 1246discretion you ought to use me, look you, being as good 1247a man as yourself, both in the disciplines of war and 1248in the derivation of my birth, and in other 1249particularities. 
2.381250Macmorris
 I do not know you so good a man as myself. 1251So Chrish save me, I will cut off your head.
2.391252Gower
 Gentlemen both, you will mistake each other.
2.401253Jamy
 Ah, that's a foul fault.
2.40.1A parley [is sounded.]
2.411254Gower
 The town sounds a parley.
2.421255Fluellen
 Captain Macmorris, when there is more 1256better opportunity to be required, look you, I will be 1257so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of war, 1258and there is an end.
 [Exeunt.]
1[3.3]
 1259Enter the King and all his train before the gates.
3.11260King Henry
 How yet resolves the governor of the town?
3.21261This is the latest parle we will admit,
3.31262Therefore to our best mercy give yourselves,
3.41263Or like to men proud of destruction
3.51264Defy us to our worst; for as I am a soldier,
3.61265A name that in my thoughts becomes me best,
3.71266If I begin the batt'ry once again,
3.81267I will not leave the half-achieved Harfleur
3.91268Till in her ashes she lie burièd.
3.101269The gates of mercy shall be all shut up,
3.111270And the fleshed soldier, rough and hard of heart,
3.121271In liberty of bloody hand shall range
3.131272With conscience wide as hell, mowing like grass
3.141273Your fresh fair virgins and your flow'ring infants.
3.151274What is it then to me if impious war,
3.161275Arrayed in flames like to the prince of fiends,
3.171276Do with his smirched complexion all fell feats
3.181277Enlinked to waste and desolation?
3.191278What is't to me, when you yourselves are cause,
3.201279If your pure maidens fall into the hand
3.211280Of hot and forcing violation?
3.221281What rein can hold licentious wickedness
3.231282When down the hill he holds his fierce career?
3.241283We may as bootless spend our vain command
3.251284Upon th'enragèd soldiers in their spoil
3.261285As send precepts to the leviathan
3.27To come ashore. 1286Therefore, you men of Harfleur,
3.281287Take pity of your town and of your people
3.291288Whiles yet my soldiers are in my command,
3.301289Whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace
3.311290O'er-blows the filthy and contagious clouds
3.321291Of headly murder, spoil, and villainy.
3.331292If not, why in a moment look to see
3.341293The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand
3.351294Defile the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughters,
3.361295Your fathers taken by the silver beards
3.371296And their most reverend heads dashed to the walls,
3.381297Your naked infants spitted upon pikes
3.391298Whiles the mad mothers with their howls confused
3.401299Do break the clouds, as did the wives of Jewry
3.411300At Herod's bloody-hunting slaughtermen.
3.421301What say you? Will you yield and this avoid,
3.431302Or, guilty in defense, be thus destroyed?
 1303Enter Governor.
3.441304Governor
 Our expectation hath this day an end:
3.451305The dauphin, whom of succors we entreated,
3.461306Returns us that his powers are yet not ready
3.471307To raise so great a siege. Therefore, great king,
3.481308We yield our town and lives to thy soft mercy.
3.491309Enter our gates; dispose of us and ours,
3.501310For we no longer are defensible.
3.511311King Henry
 Open your gates. --
3.51.1[Exit Governor.]
 Open your gates. --  Come, uncle Exeter,
3.521312Go you and enter Harfleur; there remain
3.531313And fortify it strongly 'gainst the French.
3.541314Use mercy to them all for us, dear uncle.
3.551315The winter coming on and sickness growing
3.561316Upon our soldiers, we will retire to Calais.
3.571317Tonight in Harfleur will we be your guest;
3.581318Tomorrow for the march are we addressed.
 1319Flourish, and [the English] enter the town.
1[3.4]
 1320Enter Catherine and [Alice,] an old gentlewoman.
4.11321Catherine
 Alice, tu as été en Angleterre, et tu bien parles 1322le langage.
4.21323Alice
 Un peu, madame.
4.31324Catherine
 Je te prie, m'enseignez; il faut que j'apprenne à 1325parler. Comment appelez-vous la main en anglais?
4.41326Alice
 La main? Elle est appellée de hand.
4.51327Catherine
 De 1328hand. Et les doigts?
4.61329Alice
 Les doigts -- ma foi, j'oublie les doigts! Mais je me souviendrai: 1330les doigts, je pense qu'ils sont appellés de fingres. Oui, de fingres.
4.71331Catherine
 Le main, de hand, les doigts, les fingres. Je pense que je 1332suis la bonne écolière. J'ai 1333gagné deux mots d'anglais vistement. Comment 1334appelez vous les ongles?
4.81335Alice
 Les ongles, nous les appelons de nails.
4.91336Catherine
 De nails. écoutez; dites-moi si je parle bien: de 1337hand, de fingres, et de nails.
4.101338Alice
 C'est bien dit, madame. Il est fort bon anglais.
4.111339Catherine
 Dites-moi l'anglais pour le bras.
4.121340Alice
  De arm, madame.
4.131341Catherine
 Et le coude?
4.141342Alice
 D'elbow.
4.151343Catherine
 D'elbow. Je m'en fais la répétition de tous les mots 1344que vous m'avez appris dès à présent.
4.161345Alice
 Il est trop difficile, madame, comme je pense.
4.171346Catherine
 Excusez-moi, Alice. éscoutez: d'hand, de fingre, de 1347nails, d'arma, de bilbow.
4.181348Alice
 D'elbow, madame.
4.191349Catherine
 O Seigneur Dieu, je m'en oublie! D'elbow.  Comment 1350appellez-vous le col?
4.201351Alice
 De nick, madame.
4.211352Catherine
 De nick. Et le menton?
4.221353Alice
 De chin.
4.231354Catherine
 De sin. Le col, de nick, le menton, de sin.
4.241355Alice
 Oui. Sauf votre honneur, en vérité vous 1356prononcez les mots aussi droit que les natifs d'Angleterre.
4.251357Catherine
 Je ne doute point d'apprendre, par la grâce de Dieu, 1358et en peu de temps.
4.261359Alice
 N'avez-vous déjà oublié ce que je vous ai enseigné?
4.271360Catherine
 Non, et je réciterai à vous promptement: d'hand, de 1361fingre, de mailés --
4.281362Alice
 De nails, madame.
4.291363Catherine
 De nails, de arm, de ilbow --
4.301364Alice
 Sauf votre honneur, d'elbow.
4.311365Catherine
 Ainsi dis-je, d'elbow. De nick, et de sin. Comment 1366appellez-vous le pied et la robe?
4.321367Alice
 Le foot, madame, et le count.
4.331368Catherine
 Le foot et le count? O Seigneur Dieu, ils sont 1369les mots de son mauvais, corruptible, gros, et impudique, et non 1370pour les dames d'honneur d'user! Je ne voudrais prononcer ces 1371mots devant les seigneurs de France pour tout le monde. Foh! Le 1372foot et le count! Néanmoins, je réciterai une autre fois ma leçon 1373ensemble: d'hand, de fingre, de nails, d'arm, d'elbow, de 1374nick, de sin, de foot, le count.
4.341375Alice
 Excellent, madame!
4.351376Catherine
 C'est assez pour une fois. Allons-nous à dîner.
4.35.11377[Exeunt.]
1[3.5]
 1378Enter the King of France, the Dauphin, the 1379Constable of France, [the Duke of Brittany,] and others.
5.11380French King
 'Tis certain he hath passed the river Somme.
5.21381Constable
 And if he be not fought withal, my lord,
5.31382Let us not live in France. Let us quit all
5.41383And give our vineyards to a barbarous people.
5.51384Dauphin
 O Dieu vivant! Shall a few sprays of us,
5.61385The emptying of our fathers' luxury,
5.71386Our scions, put in wild and savage stock,
5.81387Spurt up so suddenly into the clouds
5.91388And overlook their grafters?
5.101389Brittany
 Normans, but bastard Normans! Norman bastards!
5.111390Mort de ma vie, if they march along
5.121391Unfought withal, but I will sell my dukedom
5.131392To buy a slobb'ry and a dirty farm
5.141393In that nook-shotten isle of Albion.
5.151394Constable
 Dieu des batailles, where have they this mettle?
5.161395Is not their climate foggy, raw, and dull,
5.171396On whom, as in despite, the sun looks pale,
5.181397Killing their fruit with frowns? Can sodden water,
5.191398A drench for sur-reined jades, their barley broth,
5.201399Decoct their cold blood to such valiant heat?
5.211400And shall our quick blood, spirited with wine,
5.221401Seem frosty? Oh, for honor of our land,
5.231402Let us not hang like roping icicles
5.241403Upon our houses' thatch whiles a more frosty people
5.251404Sweat drops of gallant youth in our rich fields!
5.261405Poor we may call them in their native lords.
5.271406Dauphin
 By faith and honor,
5.281407Our madams mock at us, and plainly say
5.291408Our mettle is bred out, and they will give
5.301409Their bodies to the lust of English youth
5.311410To new-store France with bastard warriors.
5.321411Brittany
 They bid us to the English dancing schools
5.331412And teach lavoltas high and swift corantos,
5.341413Saying our grace is only in our heels
5.351414And that we are most lofty runaways.
5.361415French King
 Where is Montjoy the herald? Speed him hence.
5.371416Let him greet England with our sharp defiance.
5.381417Up, princes, and with spirit of honor edged
5.391418More sharper than your swords, hie to the field.
5.401419Charles d'Alberet, High Constable of France,
5.411420You Dukes of Orléans, Bourbon, and of Berry,
5.421421Alençon, Brabant, Bar, and Burgundy,
5.431422Jaques Châtillon, Rambures, Vaudémont,
5.441423Beaumont, Grandpré, Roucy, and Fauquembergues,
5.451424Foix, Lestrelles, Boucicaut, and Charolais,
5.461425High dukes, great princes, barons, lords, and kings,
5.471426For your great seats, now quit you of great shames.
5.481427Bar Harry England, that sweeps through our land
5.491428With pennons painted in the blood of Harfleur.
5.501429Rush on his host as doth the melted snow
5.511430Upon the valleys, whose low vassal seat
5.521431The Alps doth spit and void his rheum upon.
5.531432Go down upon him -- you have power enough --
5.541433And in a captive chariot into Rouen
5.551434Bring him our prisoner.
 1435Constable
 Bring him our prisoner.  This becomes the great.
5.561436Sorry am I his numbers are so few,
5.571437His soldiers sick and famished in their march;
5.581438For I am sure when he shall see our army
5.591439He'll drop his heart into the sink of fear
5.601440And, 'fore achievement, offer us his ransom.
5.611441French King
 Therefore, lord constable, haste on Montjoy
5.621442And let him say to England that we send
5.631443To know what willing ransom he will give.
5.641444Prince Dauphin, you shall stay with us in Rouen.
5.651445Dauphin
 Not so, I do beseech your majesty.
5.661446French King
 Be patient, for you shall remain with us.
5.671447Now forth, lord constable, and princes all,
5.681448And quickly bring us word of England's fall.
 Exeunt.
1[3.6]
 1449Enter Captains English and Welsh, Gower 1450and Fluellen[, meeting].
6.11451Gower
 How now, Captain Fluellen, come you from 1452the bridge?
6.21453Fluellen
 I assure you, there is very excellent services 1454committed at the bridge.
6.31455Gower
 Is the Duke of Exeter safe?
6.41456Fluellen
 The Duke of Exeter is as magnanimous as 1457Agamemnon, and a man that I love and honor with my soul, 1458and my heart, and my duty, and my live, and my living, 1459and my uttermost power. He is not, God be praised and 1460blessed, any hurt in the world, but keeps the bridge 1461most valiantly, with excellent discipline. There is an 1462aunchient lieutenant there at the pridge. I think in my very 1463conscience he is as valiant a man as Mark Antony, and 1464he is a man of no estimation in the world, but I did see 1465him do as gallant service.
6.51466Gower
 What do you call him?
6.61467Fluellen
 He is called Aunchient Pistol.
6.71468Gower
 I know him not.
 1469Enter Pistol.
6.81470Fluellen
 Here is the man.
6.91471Pistol
 Captain, I thee beseech to do me favors; the 1472Duke of Exeter doth love thee well.
6.101473Fluellen
 Ay, I praise God, and I have merited some love at 1474his hands.
6.111475Pistol
 Bardolph, a soldier firm and sound of heart, 1476and of buxom valor, hath, by cruel fate and giddy 1477Fortune's furious fickle wheel, that goddess blind that 1478stands upon the rolling restless stone --
6.121479Fluellen
 By your patience, Aunchient Pistol, Fortune is 1480painted blind, with a muffler afore his eyes, to signify 1481to you that fortune is blind; and she is painted also 1482with a wheel, to signify to you, which is the moral of 1483it, that she is turning and inconstant, and mutability, 1484and variation; and her foot, look you, is fixed upon a 1485spherical stone, which rowls and rowls and rowls. 1486In good truth, the poet makes a most excellent 1487description of it. Fortune is an excellent moral.
6.131488Pistol
 Fortune is Bardolph's foe and frowns on him, 1489for he hath stolen a pax, and hanged must a be, a damned 1490death. Let gallows gape for dog; let man go free, 1491and let not hemp his windpipe suffocate. But Exeter 1492hath given the doom of death for pax of little price. 1493Therefore go speak -- the duke will hear thy voice 1494-- and let not Bardolph's vital thread be cut with edge of 1495penny-cord and vile reproach. Speak, captain, for 1496his life, and I will thee requite.
6.141497Fluellen
 Aunchient Pistol, I do partly understand your 1498meaning.
6.151499Pistol
 Why then, rejoice therefore!
6.161500Fluellen
 Certainly, aunchient, it is not a thing to rejoice 1501at. For if, look you, he were my brother, I would desire 1502the duke to use his good pleasure and put him to 1503execution; for discipline ought to be used.
6.171504Pistol
 Die and be damned, and fico for thy friendship!
6.181505Fluellen
 It is well.
6.191506Pistol
 The fig of Spain!
 Exit.
6.201507Fluellen
 Very good.
6.211508Gower
 Why, this is an arrant counterfeit rascal. I 1509remember him now: a bawd, a cutpurse.
6.221510Fluellen
 I'll assure you, a uttered as prave words at the 1511pridge as you shall see in a summer's day. But it is very 1512well; what he has spoke to me, that is well, I warrant you, 1513when time is serve.
6.231514Gower
 Why 'tis a gull, a fool, a rogue that now and 1515then goes to the wars to grace himself at his return 1516into London under the form of a soldier. And such 1517fellows are perfect in the great commanders' names, and 1518they will learn you by rote where services were done: 1519at such and such a sconce, at such a breach, at such a 1520convoy; who came off bravely, who was shot, who 1521disgraced; what terms the enemy stood on. And this they 1522con perfectly in the phrase of war, which they 1523trick up with new-tuned oaths. And what a beard of the 1524general's cut and a horrid suit of the camp will do 1525among foaming bottles and ale-washed wits is 1526wonderful to be thought on. But you must learn to know such 1527slanders of the age, or else you may be marvelously 1528mistook.
6.241529Fluellen
 I tell you what, Captain Gower: I do perceive 1530he is not the man that he would gladly make show to 1531the world he is. If I find a hole in his coat, I will tell 1532him my mind. [Drum within] Hark you, the king is coming, and I 1533must speak with him from the pridge.
 1534Drum and Colors. Enter the King and his 1535poor soldiers[, and Gloucester].
6.251536Fluellen
 God pless your majesty.
6.261537King Henry
 How now, Fluellen, cam'st thou from the bridge?
6.271538Fluellen
 Ay, so please your majesty. The Duke of Exeter 1539has very gallantly maintained the pridge. The French is 1540gone off, look you, and there is gallant and most 1541prave passages. Marry, th'athversary was have possession of 1542the pridge, but he is enforced to retire, and the Duke of 1543Exeter is master of the pridge. I can tell your majesty, 1544the duke is a prave man.
6.281545King Henry
 What men have you lost, Fluellen?
6.291546Fluellen
 The perdition of th'athversary hath been very 1547great, reasonable great. Marry, for my part I think the 1548duke hath lost never a man, but one that is like to be executed 1549for robbing a church: one Bardolph, 1550if your majesty know the man. His face is all bubuckles, and whelks, 1551and knobs, and flames afire, and his lips blows at his 1552nose, and it is like a coal of fire, sometimes plue and 1553sometimes red. But his nose is executed, and his fire's 1554out.
6.301555King Henry
 We would have all such offenders so cut off, 1556and we give express charge that in our marches through 1557the country there be nothing compelled from the 1558villages, nothing taken but paid for, none of the French 1559upbraided or abused in disdainful language. For when 1560levity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the gentler 1561gamester is the soonest winner.
 1562Tucket. Enter Montjoy.
6.311563Montjoy
 You know me by my habit.
6.321564King Henry
 Well then, I know thee. What shall I know 1565of thee?
6.331566Montjoy
 My master's mind.
6.341567King Henry
 Unfold it.
6.351568Montjoy
 Thus says my king: "Say thou to Harry 1569of England, though we seemed dead, we did but sleep. 1570Advantage is a better soldier than rashness. Tell him 1571we could have rebuked him at Harfleur, but that we 1572thought not good to bruise an injury till it were full 1573ripe. Now we speak upon our cue, and our voice is 1574imperial: England shall repent his folly, see his 1575weakness, and admire our sufferance. Bid him therefore 1576consider of his ransom, which must proportion the losses we 1577have borne, the subjects we have lost, the disgrace we 1578have digested, which in weight to re-answer his 1579pettiness would bow under. For our losses, his exchequer is 1580too poor; for th'effusion of our blood, the muster of his kingdom 1581too faint a number; and for our disgrace, his 1582own person kneeling at our feet but a weak and 1583worthless satisfaction. To this add defiance, and tell him for 1584conclusion he hath betrayed his followers, whose 1585condemnation is pronounced." So far my king and master; 1586so much my office.
6.361587King Henry
 What is thy name? I know thy quality.
6.371588Montjoy
 Montjoy.
6.381589King Henry
 Thou dost thy office fairly. Turn thee back
6.391590And tell thy king I do not seek him now,
6.401591But could be willing to march on to Calais
6.411592Without impeachment; for to say the sooth,
6.421593Though 'tis no wisdom to confess so much
6.431594Unto an enemy of craft and vantage,
6.441595My people are with sickness much enfeebled,
6.451596My numbers lessened, and those few I have
6.461597Almost no better than so many French,
6.471598Who when they were in health, I tell thee, herald,
6.481599I thought upon one pair of English legs
6.491600Did march three Frenchmen. Yet forgive me, God,
6.501601That I do brag thus; this your air of France
6.511602Hath blown that vice in me. I must repent.
6.521603Go therefore, tell thy master here I am.
6.531604My ransom is this frail and worthless trunk,
6.541605My army but a weak and sickly guard.
6.551606Yet, God before, tell him we will come on,
6.561607Though France himself and such another neighbor
6.571608Stand in our way.
6.57.1[Gives money]
 Stand in our way.  There's for thy labor, Montjoy.
6.581609Go bid thy master well advise himself.
6.591610If we may pass, we will. If we be hindered,
6.601611We shall your tawny ground with your red blood
6.611612Discolor. And so, Montjoy, fare you well.
6.621613The sum of all our answer is but this:
6.631614We would not seek a battle as we are,
6.641615Nor as we are, we say, we will not shun it.
6.651616So tell your master.
6.661617Montjoy
 I shall deliver so. Thanks to your 1618highness.
 [Exit.]
6.671619Gloucester
 I hope they will not come upon us now.
6.681620King Henry
 We are in God's hand, brother, not in theirs. --
6.691621March to the bridge. -- It now draws toward night.
6.701622Beyond the river we'll encamp ourselves,
6.711623And on tomorrow bid them march away.
 Exeunt.
1[3.7]
 1624Enter the Constable of France, the Lord Rambures, 1625Orléans, [and the] Dauphin, with others.
7.11626Constable
 Tut, I have the best armor of the world. 1627Would it were day.
7.21628Orléans
 You have an excellent armor, but let my 1629horse have his due.
7.31630Constable
 It is the best horse of Europe.
7.41631Orléans
 Will it never be morning?
7.51632Dauphin
 My lord of Orléans, and my lord high 1633constable, you talk of horse and armor?
7.61634Orléans
 You are as well provided of both as any 1635prince in the world.
7.71636Dauphin
 What a long night is this! I will not change 1637my horse with any that treads but on four pasterns. 1638Ch'ha! He bounds from the earth as if his entrails were 1639hairs: le cheval volant, the Pegasus, qui a les narines de 1640feu! When I bestride him, I soar; I am a hawk. He trots 1641the air. The earth sings when he touches it. The basest horn 1642of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of 1643Hermes.
7.81644Orléans
 He's of the color of the nutmeg.
7.91645Dauphin
 And of the heat of the ginger. It is a beast 1646for Perseus. He is pure air and fire, and the dull 1647elements of earth and water never appear in him but 1648only in patient stillness while his rider mounts him. He 1649is indeed a horse, and all other jades you may call 1650beasts.
7.101651Constable
 Indeed, my lord, it is a most absolute and 1652excellent horse.
7.111653Dauphin
 It is the prince of palfreys. His neigh is like 1654the bidding of a monarch, and his countenance enforces 1655homage.
7.121656Orléans
 No more, cousin.
7.131657Dauphin
 Nay, the man hath no wit that cannot from 1658the rising of the lark to the lodging of the lamb 1659vary deserved praise on my palfrey; it is a theme as 1660fluent as the sea. Turn the sands into eloquent tongues 1661and my horse is argument for them all. 'Tis a subject 1662for a sovereign to reason on, and for a sovereign's 1663sovereign to ride on, and for the world, familiar to us 1664and unknown, to lay apart their particular functions 1665and wonder at him. I once writ a sonnet in his praise, 1666and began thus: "Wonder of nature --"
7.141667Orléans
 I have heard a sonnet begin so to one's 1668mistress.
7.151669Dauphin
 Then did they imitate that which I composed 1670to my courser, for my horse is my mistress.
7.161671Orléans
 Your mistress bears well.
7.171672Dauphin
 Me well, which is the prescript praise and 1673perfection of a good and particular mistress.
7.181674Constable
 Nay, for methought yesterday your mistress 1675shrewdly shook your back.
7.191676Dauphin
 So perhaps did yours.
7.201677Constable
 Mine was not bridled.
7.211678Dauphin
 Oh, then belike she was old and gentle, and you 1679rode like a kern of Ireland, your French hose off, and in 1680your strait strossers.
7.221681Constable
 You have good judgment in 1682horsemanship.
7.231683Dauphin
 Be warned by me then: they that ride so and 1684ride not warily fall into foul bogs. I had rather have 1685my horse to my mistress.
7.241686Constable
 I had as lief have my mistress a jade.
7.251687Dauphin
 I tell thee, constable, my mistress wears his 1688own hair.
7.261689Constable
 I could make as true a boast as that if I had a 1690sow to my mistress.
7.271691Dauphin
 "Le chien est retourné à son propre vomissement, et 1692la truie lavée au bourbier." Thou makest use of anything.
7.281693Constable
 Yet do I not use my horse for my mistress, 1694or any such proverb so little kin to the purpose.
7.291695Rambures
 My lord constable, the armor that I saw in 1696your tent tonight: are those stars or suns upon it?
7.301697Constable
 Stars, my lord.
7.311698Dauphin
 Some of them will fall tomorrow, I hope.
7.321699Constable
 And yet my sky shall not want.
7.331700Dauphin
 That may be, for you bear a many 1701superfluously, and 'twere more honor some were away.
7.341702Constable
 Ev'n as your horse bears your praises, who 1703would trot as well were some of your brags 1704dismounted.
7.351705Dauphin
 Would I were able to load him with his 1706desert. Will it never be day? I will trot tomorrow a mile, 1707and my way shall be paved with English faces.
7.361708Constable
 I will not say so for fear I should be faced out 1709of my way, but I would it were morning, for I would 1710fain be about the ears of the English.
7.371711Rambures
 Who will go to hazard with me for twenty 1712prisoners?
7.381713Constable
 You must first go yourself to hazard ere you 1714have them.
7.391715Dauphin
 'Tis midnight; I'll go arm myself.
 Exit.
7.401716Orléans
 The dauphin longs for morning.
7.411717Rambures
 He longs to eat the English.
7.421718Constable
 I think he will eat all he kills.
7.431719Orléans
 By the white hand of my lady, he's a 1720gallant prince.
7.441721Constable
 Swear by her foot, that she may tread out the 1722oath.
7.451723Orléans
 He is simply the most active gentleman of 1724France.
7.461725Constable
 Doing is activity, and he will still be doing.
7.471726Orléans
 He never did harm that I heard of.
7.481727Constable
 Nor will do none tomorrow; he will keep 1728that good name still.
7.491729Orléans
 I know him to be valiant.
7.501730Constable
 I was told that by one that knows him better 1731than you.
7.511732Orléans
 What's he?
7.521733Constable
 Marry, he told me so himself, and he said he 1734cared not who knew it.
7.531735Orléans
 He needs not; it is no hidden virtue in 1736him.
7.541737Constable
 By my faith, sir, but it is. Never anybody saw 1738it but his lackey. 'Tis a hooded valor, and when it 1739appears, it will bate.
7.551740Orléans
 Ill will never said well.
7.561741Constable
 I will cap that proverb with "There is flattery 1742in friendship."
7.571743Orléans
 And I will take up that with "Give the devil 1744his due."
7.581745Constable
 Well placed. There stands your friend for the 1746devil. Have at the very eye of that proverb with "A 1747pox of the devil."
7.591748Orléans
 You are the better at proverbs by how much 1749"a fool's bolt is soon shot."
7.601750Constable
 You have shot over.
7.611751Orléans
 'Tis not the first time you were overshot.
 1752Enter a Messenger.
7.621753Messenger
 My lord high constable, the English lie within 1754fifteen hundred paces of your tents.
7.631755Constable
 Who hath measured the ground?
7.641756Messenger
 The lord Grandpré.
7.651757Constable
 A valiant and most expert gentleman. Would 1758it were day! Alas, poor Harry of England. He longs 1759not for the dawning as we do.
7.661760Orléans
 What a wretched and peevish fellow is this 1761king of England, to mope with his fat-brained followers 1762so far out of his knowledge!
7.671763Constable
 If the English had any apprehension, they 1764would run away.
7.681765Orléans
 That they lack, for if their heads had any 1766intellectual armor, they could never wear such heavy 1767headpieces.
7.691768Rambures
 That island of England breeds very valiant 1769creatures. Their mastiffs are of unmatchable 1770courage.
7.701771Orléans
 Foolish curs, that run winking into 1772the mouth of a Russian bear and have their heads crushed 1773like rotten apples. You may as well say that's a valiant 1774flea that dare eat his breakfast on the lip of a 1775lion.
7.711776Constable
 Just, just. And the men do sympathize with 1777the mastiffs in robustious and rough coming on, 1778leaving their wits with their wives. And then give 1779them great meals of beef, and iron and steel; they 1780will eat like wolves and fight like devils.
7.721781Orléans
 Ay, but these English are shrewdly out of 1782beef.
7.731783Constable
 Then shall we find tomorrow they have only 1784stomachs to eat, and none to fight. Now is it time to 1785arm. Come, shall we about it?
7.741786Orléans
 It is now two o'clock, but let me see: by ten
7.751787We shall have each a hundred Englishmen.
 Exeunt.
 1788[4.0]
 1789[Enter] Chorus.
0.11790Chorus
 Now entertain conjecture of a time
0.21791When creeping murmur and the poring dark
0.31792Fills the wide vessel of the universe.
0.41793From camp to camp, through the foul womb of night,
0.51794The hum of either army stilly sounds,
0.61795That the fixed sentinels almost receive
0.71796The secret whispers of each other's watch.
0.81797Fire answers fire, and through their paly flames
0.91798Each battle sees the other's umbered face.
0.101799Steed threatens steed, in high and boastful neighs
0.111800Piercing the night's dull ear, and from the tents,
0.121801The armorers accomplishing the knights,
0.131802With busy hammers closing rivets up,
0.141803Give dreadful note of preparation.
0.151804The country cocks do crow, the clocks do toll,
0.161805And the third hour of drowsy morning named.
0.171806Proud of their numbers and secure in soul,
0.181807The confident and over-lusty French
0.191808Do the low-rated English play at dice,
0.201809And chide the cripple tardy-gaited night,
0.211810Who like a foul and ugly witch doth limp
0.221811So tediously away. The poor condemnèd English,
0.231812Like sacrifices, by their watchful fires
0.241813Sit patiently and inly ruminate
0.251814The morning's danger; and their gesture sad,
0.261815Investing lank-lean cheeks and war-worn coats,
0.271816Presented them unto the gazing moon
0.281817So many horrid ghosts. Oh, now, who will behold
0.291818The royal captain of this ruined band
0.301819Walking from watch to watch, from tent to tent,
0.311820Let him cry "Praise and glory on his head!"
0.321821For forth he goes and visits all his host,
0.331822Bids them good morrow with a modest smile,
0.341823And calls them brothers, friends, and countrymen.
0.351824Upon his royal face there is no note
0.361825How dread an army hath enrounded him;
0.371826Nor doth he dedicate one jot of color
0.381827Unto the weary and all-watchèd night,
0.391828But freshly looks and overbears attaint
0.401829With cheerful semblance and sweet majesty,
0.411830That every wretch, pining and pale before,
0.421831Beholding him, plucks comfort from his looks.
0.431832A largess universal like the sun
0.441833His liberal eye doth give to everyone,
0.451834Thawing cold fear, that mean and gentle all
0.461835Behold, as may unworthiness define,
0.471836A little touch of Harry in the night.
0.481837And so our scene must to the battle fly,
0.491838Where -- oh, for pity! -- we shall much disgrace
0.501839With four or five most vile and ragged foils
0.511840Right ill-disposed in brawl ridiculous,
0.521841The name of Agincourt. Yet sit and see,
0.531842Minding true things by what their mock'ries be.
 1843Exit.
1[4.1]
 1844Enter the King [and Gloucester, meeting Bedford].
1.11845King Henry
 Gloucester, 'tis true that we are in great danger;
1.21846The greater therefore should our courage be.--
1.31847Good morrow, brother Bedford. God almighty,
1.41848There is some soul of goodness in things evil,
1.51849Would men observingly distill it out.
1.61850For our bad neighbor makes us early stirrers,
1.71851Which is both healthful and good husbandry.
1.81852Besides, they are our outward consciences
1.91853And preachers to us all, admonishing
1.101854That we should dress us fairly for our end.
1.111855Thus may we gather honey from the weed,
1.121856And make a moral of the devil himself.
1.12.11857Enter Erpingham.
1.131858Good morrow, old Sir Thomas Erpingham.
1.141859A good soft pillow for that good white head
1.151860Were better than a churlish turf of France.
1.161861Erpingham
 Not so, my liege. This lodging likes me better,
1.171862Since I may say "Now lie I like a king."
1.181863King Henry
 'Tis good for men to love their present pains.
1.191864Upon example so, the spirit is eased,
1.201865And when the mind is quickened, out of doubt
1.211866The organs, though defunct and dead before,
1.221867Break up their drowsy grave and newly move
1.231868With casted slough, and fresh legerity.
1.241869Lend me thy cloak, Sir Thomas. -- Brothers both,
1.251870Commend me to the princes in our camp.
1.261871Do my good morrow to them, and anon
1.271872Desire them all to my pavilion.
1.281873Gloucester
 We shall, my liege.
1.291874Erpingham
 Shall I attend your grace?
 1875King Henry
 Shall I attend your grace?  No, my good knight,
1.301876Go with my brothers to my lords of England.
1.311877I and my bosom must debate awhile,
1.321878And then I would no other company.
1.331879Erpingham
 The lord in heaven bless thee, noble 1880Harry.
1.33.1Exeunt [all but King Henry, who disguises himself in Erpingham's cloak].
1.341881King Henry
 God-a-mercy, old heart; thou speak'st 1882cheerfully.
1.34.1Enter Pistol.
1.351883Pistol
 Che vous la?
1.361884King Henry
 A friend.
1.371885Pistol
 Discuss unto me: art thou officer, or art thou 1886base, common, and popular?
1.381887King Henry
 I am a gentleman of a company.
1.391888Pistol
 Trail'st thou the puissant pike?
1.401889King Henry
 Even so. What are you?
1.411890Pistol
 As good a gentleman as the emperor.
1.421891King Henry
 Then you are a better than the king.
1.431892Pistol
 The king's a bawcock and a heart of gold, a 1893lad of life, an imp of fame, of parents good, of fist 1894most valiant. I kiss his dirty shoe, and from 1895heartstring I love the lovely bully. What is thy name?
1.441896King Henry
 Harry le Roy.
1.451897Pistol
 Leroy? A Cornish name; art thou of Cornish crew?
1.461898King Henry
 No, I am a Welshman.
1.471899Pistol
 Know'st thou Fluellen?
1.481900King Henry
 Yes.
1.491901Pistol
 Tell him I'll knock his leek about his pate upon 1902Saint Davy's day.
1.501903King Henry
 Do not you wear your dagger in your cap 1904that day, lest he knock that about yours.
1.511905Pistol
 Art thou his friend?
1.521906King Henry
 And his kinsman too.
1.531907Pistol
 The fico for thee then.
1.541908King Henry
 I thank you. God be with you.
1.551909Pistol
 My name is Pistol called.
 Exit [Pistol].
1.561910King Henry
 It sorts well with your fierceness.
 19111912Enter Fluellen and Gower [separately].
1.571913Gower
 Captain Fluellen.
1.581914Fluellen
 'So! In the name of Jesu Christ speak fewer! It 1915is the greatest admiration in the universal world when 1916the true and aunchient prerogatiffs and laws of the 1917wars is not kept. If you would take the pains but to 1918examine the wars of Pompey the Great, you shall find, 1919I warrant you, that there is no tiddle-taddle nor pibble-babble 1920in Pompey's camp. I warrant you, you shall find 1921the ceremonies of the wars, and the cares of it, and 1922the forms of it, and the sobriety of it, and the modesty 1923of it, to be otherwise.
1.591924Gower
 Why, the enemy is loud; you hear him all 1925night.
1.601926Fluellen
 If the enemy is an ass and a fool and a 1927prating coxcomb, is it meet, think you, that we should 1928also, look you, be an ass and a fool and a prating 1929coxcomb, in your own conscience now?
1.611930Gower
 I will speak lower.
1.621931Fluellen
 I pray you and beseech you that you will.
 [Exeunt Gower and Fluellen.]
1.631932King Henry
 Though it appear a little out of fashion,
1.641933There is much care and valor in this Welshman.
 1934Enter three soldiers: John Bates, Alexander Court, 1935and Michael Williams.
1.651936Court
 Brother John Bates, is not that the morning 1937which breaks yonder?
1.661938Bates
 I think it be, but we have no great cause to 1939desire the approach of day.
1.671940Williams
 We see yonder the beginning of the day, 1941but I think we shall never see the end of it. -- Who goes 1942there?
1.681943King Henry
 A friend.
1.691944Williams
 Under what captain serve you?
1.701945King Henry
 Under Sir Thomas Erpingham.
1.711946Williams
 A good old commander and a most kind 1947gentleman. I pray you, what thinks he of our estate?
1.721948King Henry
 Even as men wrecked upon a sand, that look to 1949be washed off the next tide.
1.731950Bates
 He hath not told his thought to the king?
1.741951King Henry
 No, nor it is not meet he should. For though I 1952speak it to you, I think the king is but a man, as I am. 1953The violet smells to him as it doth to me; the element 1954shows to him as it doth to me; all his senses have but 1955human conditions. His ceremonies laid by, in his 1956nakedness he appears but a man, and though his 1957affections are higher mounted than ours, yet when they stoop, 1958they stoop with the like wing. Therefore when he sees 1959reason of fears, as we do, his fears out of doubt be of 1960the same relish as ours are. Yet in reason, no man should 1961possess him with any appearance of fear, lest he by 1962showing it should dishearten his army.
1.751963Bates
 He may show what outward courage he will, 1964but I believe, as cold a night as 'tis, he could wish 1965himself in Thames up to the neck. And so I would he were, 1966and I by him, at all adventures, so we were quit here.
1.761967King Henry
 By my troth, I will speak my conscience of the 1968king: I think he would not wish himself anywhere 1969but where he is.
1.771970Bates
 Then I would he were here alone. So should he be 1971sure to be ransomed, and a many poor men's lives saved.
1.781972King Henry
 I dare say you love him not so ill to wish him 1973here alone, howsoever you speak this to feel other 1974men's minds. Methinks I could not die anywhere so 1975contented as in the king's company, his cause being just and 1976his quarrel honorable.
1.791977Williams
 That's more than we know.
1.801978Bates
 Ay, or more than we should seek after. For we 1979know enough if we know we are the king's subjects. 1980If his cause be wrong, our obedience to the king wipes 1981the crime of it out of us.
1.811982Williams
 But if the cause be not good, the king 1983himself hath a heavy reckoning to make, when all those 1984legs and arms and heads chopped off in a battle 1985shall join together at the latter day, and cry all, "We 1986died at such a place," some swearing, some crying for a 1987surgeon, some upon their wives left poor behind them, 1988some upon the debts they owe, some upon their children 1989rawly left. I am afeared there are few die well that die 1990in a battle, for how can they charitably dispose of any1991thing when blood is their argument? Now if these men 1992do not die well, it will be a black matter for the king 1993that led them to it, who to disobey were against all 1994proportion of subjection.
1.821995King Henry
 So if a son that is by his father sent about 1996merchandise do sinfully miscarry upon the sea, the 1997imputation of his wickedness, by your rule, should be 1998imposed upon his father that sent him. Or if a servant, 1999under his master's command transporting a sum of 2000money, be assailed by robbers and die in many irreconciled 2001iniquities, you may call the business of the master the 2002author of the servant's damnation. But this is not so. 2003The king is not bound to answer the particular endings 2004of his soldiers, the father of his son, nor the master 2005of his servant, for they purpose not their death when 2006they purpose their services. Besides, there is no king, be 2007his cause never so spotless, if it come to the 2008arbitrament of swords, can try it out with all unspotted 2009soldiers. Some, peradventure, have on them the guilt of 2010premeditated and contrived murder; some of 2011beguiling virgins with the broken seals of perjury; some, 2012making the wars their bulwark, that have before 2013gored the gentle bosom of peace with pillage and 2014robbery. Now if these men have defeated the law and 2015outrun native punishment, though they can outstrip 2016men, they have no wings to fly from God. War is 2017his beadle; war is his vengeance. So that here men 2018are punished for before-breach of the king's laws in 2019now the king's quarrel. Where they feared the death, 2020they have borne life away; and where they would be 2021safe, they perish. Then if they die unprovided, no more 2022is the king guilty of their damnation than he was 2023before guilty of those impieties for the which they are 2024now visited. Every subject's duty is the king's, but 2025every subject's soul is his own. Therefore should 2026every soldier in the wars do as every sick man in 2027his bed, wash every mote out of his conscience. And 2028dying so, death is to him advantage, or not dying, 2029the time was blessedly lost wherein such preparation was 2030gained. And in him that escapes, it were not sin to 2031think that, making God so free an offer, he let him 2032outlive that day to see his greatness and to teach others 2033how they should prepare.
1.832034Williams
 'Tis certain, every man that dies ill, the ill upon 2035his own head; the king is not to answer it.
1.842036Bates
 I do not desire he should answer for me, and 2037yet I determine to fight lustily for him.
1.852038King Henry
 I myself heard the king say he would not be 2039ransomed.
1.862040Williams
 Ay, he said so to make us fight cheerfully, but 2041when our throats are cut he may be ransomed and we 2042ne'er the wiser.
1.872043King Henry
 If I live to see it, I will never trust his word 2044after.
1.882045Williams
 You pay him, then! That's a perilous shot out 2046of an elder-gun that a poor and a private displeasure 2047can do against a monarch. You may as well go about 2048to turn the sun to ice with fanning in his face with a 2049peacock's feather. You'll never trust his word after! 2050Come, 'tis a foolish saying.
1.892051King Henry
 Your reproof is something too round. I should 2052be angry with you if the time were convenient.
1.902053Williams
 Let it be a quarrel between us if you 2054live.
1.912055King Henry
 I embrace it.
1.922056Williams
 How shall I know thee again?
1.932057King Henry
 Give me any gage of thine and I will wear it 2058in my bonnet. Then if ever thou darest acknowledge it, 2059I will make it my quarrel.
1.942060Williams
 Here's my glove. Give me another of 2061thine.
1.952062King Henry
 There.
1.95.1[They exchange gloves.]
1.962063Williams
 This will I also wear in my cap. If ever thou 2064come to me and say, after tomorrow, "This is my glove," 2065by this hand I will take thee a box on the ear.
1.972066King Henry
 If ever I live to see it, I will challenge it.
1.982067Williams
 Thou darest as well be hanged.
1.992068King Henry
 Well, I will do it, though I take thee in the 2069king's company.
1.1002070Williams
 Keep thy word. Fare thee well.
1.1012071Bates
 Be friends, you English fools, be friends! We 2072have French quarrels enough, if you could tell how to 2073reckon.
 [Exeunt] Soldiers.
1.1022074King Henry
 Indeed, the French may lay twenty French 2075crowns to one they will beat us, for they bear them 2076on their shoulders. But it is no English treason to cut 2077French crowns, and tomorrow the king himself will 2078be a clipper. --
1.1032079Upon the king! "Let us our lives, our souls,
1.1042080Our debts, our careful wives, 2081our children, and
1.105Our sins lay on the king." 2082We must bear all.
1.1062083O hard condition, twin-born with greatness,
1.1072084Subject to the breath of every fool whose sense
1.1082085No more can feel but his own wringing.
1.1092086What infinite heart's-ease must kings neglect,
1.1102087That private men enjoy?
1.1112088And what have kings that privates have not too,
1.1122089Save ceremony, save general ceremony?
1.1132090And what art thou, thou idol ceremony?
1.1142091What kind of god art thou, that suffer'st more
1.1152092Of mortal griefs than do thy worshippers?
1.1162093What are thy rents? What are thy comings in?
1.1172094O ceremony, show me but thy worth.
1.1182095What? Is thy soul of adoration?
1.1192096Art thou aught else but place, degree, and form,
1.1202097Creating awe and fear in other men,
1.1212098Wherein thou art less happy being feared
1.1222099Than they in fearing?
1.1232100What drink'st thou oft, instead of homage sweet,
1.1242101But poisoned flattery? O, be sick, great greatness,
1.1252102And bid thy ceremony give thee cure.
1.1262103Think'st thou the fiery fever will go out
1.1272104With titles blown from adulation?
1.1282105Will it give place to flexure and low bending?
1.1292106Canst thou, when thou command'st the beggar's knee,
1.1302107Command the health of it? No, thou proud dream
1.1312108That play'st so subtly with a king's repose.
1.1322109I am a king that find thee, and I know
1.1332110'Tis not the balm, the scepter, and the ball,
1.1342111The sword, the mace, the crown imperial,
1.1352112The intertissued robe of gold and pearl,
1.1362113The farcèd title running 'fore the king,
1.1372114The throne he sits on, nor the tide of pomp
1.1382115That beats upon the high shore of this world --
1.1392116No, not all these, thrice-gorgeous ceremony,
1.1402117Not all these, laid in bed majestical,
1.1412118Can sleep so soundly as the wretched slave
1.1422119Who, with a body filled and vacant mind,
1.1432120Gets him to rest, crammed with distressful bread;
1.1442121Never sees horrid night, the child of hell,
1.1452122But like a lackey, from the rise to set,
1.1462123Sweats in the eye of Phoebus, and all night
1.1472124Sleeps in Elysium; next day after dawn
1.1482125Doth rise and help Hyperion to his horse,
1.1492126And follows so the ever-running year
1.1502127With profitable labor to his grave.
1.1512128And but for ceremony, such a wretch,
1.1522129Winding up days with toil and nights with sleep,
1.1532130Had the forehand and vantage of a king.
1.1542131The slave, a member of the country's peace,
1.1552132Enjoys it, but in gross brain little wots
1.1562133What watch the king keeps to maintain the peace,
1.1572134Whose hours the peasant best advantages.
 2135Enter Erpingham.
1.1582136Erpingham
 My lord, your nobles, jealous of your absence,
1.1592137Seek through your camp to find you.
 2138King Henry
 Seek through your camp to find you.  Good old knight,
1.160Collect them all together 2139at my tent:
1.161I'll be before thee.
 2140Erpingham
 I'll be before thee.  I shall do't, my lord.
 Exit.
1.1622141King Henry
 [Kneeling] O God of battles, steel my soldiers' hearts.
1.1632142Possess them not with fear. Take from them now
1.1642143The sense of reck'ning, ere th'opposèd numbers
1.1652144Pluck their hearts from them. Not today, O Lord,
1.1662145Oh, not today -- think not upon the fault
1.1672146My father made in compassing the crown.
1.1682147I Richard's body have interrèd new,
1.1692148And on it have bestowed more contrite tears
1.1702149Than from it issued forcèd drops of blood.
1.1712150Five hundred poor I have in yearly pay
1.1722151Who twice a day their withered hands hold up
1.1732152Toward heaven to pardon blood, 2153and I have built
1.174Two chantries 2154where the sad and solemn priests
1.175Sing still 2155for Richard's soul. More will I do,
1.1762156Though all that I can do is nothing worth,
1.1772157Since that my penitence comes after all,
1.1782158Imploring pardon.
 2159Enter Gloucester.
1.1792160Gloucester
 My liege.
 2161King Henry
 My liege.  My brother Gloucester's voice? Ay,
1.1802162I know thy errand. I will go with thee.
1.1812163The day, my friend, and all things stay for me.
 2164Exeunt.
1[4.2]
 2165Enter the Dauphin, Orléans, Rambures, and 2166Beaumont.
2.12167Orléans
 The sun doth gild our armor. Up, my 2168lords!
2.22169Dauphin
 Montez à cheval: my horse, varlet lackey, 2170ha!
2.32171Orléans
 Oh, brave spirit!
2.42172Dauphin
 Via les eaux et terres.
2.52173Orléans
 Rien plus? L'air et feu?
2.62174Dauphin
 Cieux, Cousin Orléans.
2.6.1Enter Constable.
 Cieux, Cousin Orléans.  2175Now my lord constable?
2.72176Constable
 Hark how our steeds for present service 2177neigh.
2.82178Dauphin
 Mount them, and make incision in their hides,
2.92179That their hot blood may spin in English eyes
2.102180And d'out them with superfluous courage. Ha!
2.112181Rambures
 What, will you have them weep our horses' blood?
2.122182How shall we then behold their natural tears?
 2183Enter Messenger.
2.132184Messenger
 The English are embattled, you French 2185peers.
2.142186Constable
 To horse, you gallant princes, straight to horse!
2.152187Do but behold yon poor and starvèd band
2.162188And your fair show shall suck away their souls,
2.172189Leaving them but the shales and husks of men.
2.182190There is not work enough for all our hands,
2.192191Scarce blood enough in all their sickly veins
2.202192To give each naked curtle-ax a stain
2.212193That our French gallants shall today draw out
2.222194And sheathe for lack of sport. Let us but blow on them,
2.232195The vapor of our valor will o'erturn them.
2.242196'Tis positive against all exceptions, lords,
2.252197That our superfluous lackeys and our peasants,
2.262198Who in unnecessary action swarm
2.272199About our squares of battle, were enough
2.282200To purge this field of such a hilding foe
2.292201Though we upon this mountain's basis by
2.302202Took stand for idle speculation,
2.312203But that our honors must not. What's to say?
2.322204A very little little let us do
2.332205And all is done. Then let the trumpets sound
2.342206The tucket sonance and the note to mount,
2.352207For our approach shall so much dare the field
2.362208That England shall couch down in fear and yield.
 2209Enter Grandpré.
2.372210Grandpré
 Why do you stay so long, my lords of France?
2.382211Yon island carrions, desperate of their bones,
2.392212Ill-favoredly become the morning field.
2.402213Their ragged curtains poorly are let loose
2.412214And our air shakes them passing scornfully.
2.422215Big Mars seems bankrupt in their beggared host
2.432216And faintly through a rusty beaver peeps.
2.442217The horsemen sit like fixèd candlesticks
2.452218With torch-staves in their hand, and their poor jades
2.462219Lob down their heads, dropping the hides and hips,
2.472220The gum down-roping from their pale dead eyes,
2.482221And in their pale dull mouths the gemelled bit
2.492222Lies foul with chawed grass, still and motionless;
2.502223And their executors, the knavish crows,
2.512224Fly o'er them all, impatient for their hour.
2.522225Description cannot suit itself in words
2.532226To demonstrate the life of such a battle
2.542227In life so lifeless as it shows itself.
2.552228Constable
 They have said their prayers, 2229and they stay for death.
2.562230Dauphin
 Shall we go send them dinners and fresh suits
2.572231And give their fasting horses provender,
2.582232And after fight with them?
2.592233Constable
 I stay but for my guard. On 2234to the field;
2.60I will the banner from a trumpet take
2.612235And use it for my haste. Come, come away.
2.622236The sun is high and we outwear the day.
 Exeunt.
1[4.3]
 2237Enter Gloucester, Bedford, Exeter, Erpingham 2238with all his host, Salisbury, and 2239Westmorland.
3.12240Gloucester
 Where is the king?
3.22241Bedford
 The king himself is rode to view their 2242battle.
3.32243Westmorland
 Of fighting men they have full threescore 2244thousand.
3.42245Exeter
 There's five to one, besides they all are fresh.
3.52246Salisbury
 God's arm strike with us! 'Tis a fearful odds.
3.62247God b'wi'you, princes all. I'll to my charge.
3.72248If we no more meet till we meet in heaven,
3.82249Then joyfully, my noble lord of Bedford,
3.92250My dear lord Gloucester, and my good lord Exeter,
3.102251And my kind kinsman, warriors all, adieu.
3.112252Bedford
 Farewell, good Salisbury, and good luck go with thee.
3.122255Exeter
 [To Salisbury] Farewell, kind lord. Fight valiantly today.
3.132253And yet I do thee wrong to mind thee of it,
3.142254For thou art framed of the firm truth of valor.
 [Exit Salisbury.]
3.152256Bedford
 He is as full of valor as of kindness,
3.162257Princely in both.
 2258Enter the King.
 2259Westmorland
 Princely in both.  Oh, that we now had here
3.172260But one ten thousand of those men in England
3.182261That do no work today.
 2262King Henry
 That do no work today.  What's he that wishes so?
3.192263My cousin Westmorland? No, my fair cousin,
3.202264If we are marked to die, we are enough
3.212265To do our country loss; and if to live,
3.222266The fewer men, the greater share of honor.
3.232267God's will, I pray thee wish not one man more.
3.242268By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
3.252269Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost.
3.262270It earns me not if men my garments wear;
3.272271Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
3.282272But if it be a sin to covet honor,
3.292273I am the most offending soul alive.
3.302274No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
3.312275God's peace, I would not lose so great an honor
3.322276As one man more methinks would share from me
3.332277For the best hope I have. Oh, do not wish one more.
3.342278Rather proclaim it, Westmorland, through my host
3.352279That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
3.362280Let him depart. His passport shall be made
3.372281And crowns for convoy put into his purse.
3.382282We would not die in that man's company
3.392283That fears his fellowship to die with us.
3.402284This day is called the feast of Crispian.
3.412285He that outlives this day and comes safe home
3.422286Will stand a tiptoe when this day is named
3.432287And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
3.442288He that shall see this day and live old age
3.452289Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors
3.462290And say, "Tomorrow is Saint Crispian."
3.472291Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
3.482292Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
3.492293But he'll remember, with advantages,
3.502294What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
3.512295Familiar in his mouth as household words --
3.522296Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
3.532297Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester --
3.542298Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
3.552299This story shall the good man teach his son,
3.562300And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by
3.572301From this day to the ending of the world,
3.582302But we in it shall be rememberèd,
3.592303We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
3.602304For he today that sheds his blood with me
3.612305Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
3.622306This day shall gentle his condition.
3.632307And gentlemen in England now abed,
3.642308Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
3.652309And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
3.662310That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
 2311Enter Salisbury.
3.672312Salisbury
 My sovereign lord, bestow yourself with speed.
3.682313The French are bravely in their battles set
3.692314And will with all expedience charge on us.
3.702315King Henry
 All things are ready if our minds be so.
3.712316Westmorland
 Perish the man whose mind is backward now.
3.722317King Henry
 Thou dost not wish more help from England, 2318coz?
3.732319Westmorland
 God's will, my liege, would you and I alone
3.742320Without more help could fight this royal battle!
3.752321King Henry
 Why, now thou hast unwished five thousand men,
3.762322Which likes me better than to wish us one. --
3.772323You know your places. God be with you all.
 2324Tucket. Enter Montjoy.
3.782325Montjoy
 Once more I come to know of thee, King Harry,
3.792326If for thy ransom thou wilt now compound
3.802327Before thy most assurèd overthrow,
3.812328For certainly thou art so near the gulf
3.822329Thou needs must be englutted. Besides, in mercy
3.832330The constable desires thee thou wilt mind
3.842331Thy followers of repentance, that their souls
3.852332May make a peaceful and a sweet retire
3.862333From off these fields where, wretches, their poor bodies
3.872334Must lie and fester.
 2335King Henry
 Must lie and fester.  Who hath sent thee now?
3.882336Montjoy
 The Constable of France.
3.892337King Henry
 I pray thee bear my former answer back:
3.902338Bid them achieve me and then sell my bones.
3.912339Good God, why should they mock poor fellows thus?
3.922340The man that once did sell the lion's skin
3.932341While the beast lived, was killed with hunting him.
3.942342A many of our bodies shall no doubt
3.952343Find native graves, upon the which I trust
3.962344Shall witness live in brass of this day's work.
3.972345And those that leave their valiant bones in France,
3.982346Dying like men, though buried in your dunghills,
3.992347They shall be famed, for there the sun shall greet them
3.1002348And draw their honors reeking up to heaven,
3.1012349Leaving their earthly parts to choke your clime,
3.1022350The smell whereof shall breed a plague in France.
3.1032351Mark then abounding valor in our English,
3.1042352That being dead, like to the bullets crazing,
3.1052353Break out into a second course of mischief,
3.1062354Killing in relapse of mortality.
3.1072355Let me speak proudly: tell the constable
3.1082356We are but warriors for the working day.
3.1092357Our gayness and our gilt are all besmirched
3.1102358With rainy marching in the painful field.
3.1112359There's not a piece of feather in our host --
3.1122360Good argument, I hope, we will not fly --
3.1132361And time hath worn us into slovenry.
3.1142362But by the mass, our hearts are in the trim,
3.1152363And my poor soldiers tell me yet ere night
3.1162364They'll be in fresher robes, or they will pluck
3.1172365The gay new coats o'er the French soldiers' heads
3.1182366And turn them out of service. If they do this,
3.1192367As, if God please, they shall, my ransom then
3.1202368Will soon be levied. 2369Herald, save thou thy labor.
3.1212370Come thou no more for ransom, gentle herald.
3.1222371They shall have none, I swear, but these my joints,
3.1232372Which if they have as I will leave 'em them,
3.1242373Shall yield them little. Tell the constable.
3.1252374Montjoy
 I shall, King Harry. And so fare thee well.
3.1262375Thou never shalt hear herald any more.
 Exit.
3.1272376King Henry
 I fear thou wilt once more come for a 2377ransom.
 2378Enter York.
3.1282379York
 [Kneeling] My lord, most humbly on my knee I beg
3.1292380The leading of the vanguard.
3.1302381King Henry
 Take it, brave York. 2382-- Now soldiers, march away,
3.1312383And how thou pleasest, God, dispose the day.
3.131.1Exeunt.
1[4.4]
 2384Alarum. Excursions.
 2385Enter Pistol, French Soldier, [and] Boy.
4.12386Pistol
 Yield, cur!
4.22387French Soldier
 Je pense que vous êtes le gentilhomme de bon 2388qualité.
4.32389Pistol
 Qualtity? "Calinny custure me!" Art thou a 2390gentleman? What is thy name? Discuss.
4.42391French Soldier
 O Seigneur Dieu!
4.52392Pistol
 O Signieur Dew should be a gentleman. 2393Perpend my words, O Signieur Dew, and mark: O Signieur 2394Dew, thou diest on point of fox, except, O Signieur, 2395thou do give to me egregious ransom.
4.62396French Soldier
 Oh, prenez miséricorde! Ayez pitié de moi!
4.72397Pistol
 Moy shall not serve. I will have forty moys, for 2398I will fetch thy rim out at thy throat in drops of 2399crimson blood.
4.82400French Soldier
 Est-il impossible d'échapper la force de ton bras?
4.92401Pistol
 Brass, cur? Thou damned and luxurious 2402mountain goat, offer'st me brass?
4.102403French Soldier
 Oh, pardonnez-moi!
4.112404Pistol
 Say'st thou me so? Is that a ton of moys? 2405-- Come hither, boy. Ask me this slave in French what is his 2406name.
4.122407Boy
 écoutez: comment êtes-vous appellé?
4.132408French Soldier
 Monsieur le Fer.
4.142409Boy
 He says his name is Master Fer.
4.152410Pistol
 Master Fer. I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him. 2411Discuss the same in French unto him.
4.162412Boy
 I do not know the French for fer and ferret and 2413firk.
4.172414Pistol
 Bid him prepare, for I will cut his throat.
4.182415French Soldier
 [To Boy] Que dit-il, monsieur?
4.192416Boy
 Il me commande à vous dire que vous faites vous 2417prêt, car ce soldat ici est disposé tout à cette heure de couper votre 2418gorge.
4.202419Pistol
 Owi, cuppe-la gorge, permafoy, peasant, unless 2420thou give me crowns. Brave crowns, or mangled shalt 2421thou be by this my sword.
4.212422French Soldier
 Oh, je vous supplie, pour l'amour de Dieu, me 2423pardonner! Je suis le gentilhomme de bonne maison. Gardez ma vie, et je 2424vous donnerai deux cent écus.
4.222425Pistol
 What are his words?
4.232426Boy
 He prays you to save his life. He is a gentleman 2427of a good house, and for his ransom he will give you two 2428hundred crowns.
4.242429Pistol
 Tell him my fury shall abate, and I the crowns 2430will take.
4.252431French Soldier
 [To Boy] Petit monsieur, que dit-il?
4.262432Boy
 Encore qu'il est contre son jurement de pardonner 2433aucun prisonnier, néanmoins, pour les écus que vous l'avez promis, 2434il est content à vous donner la liberté, le franchisement.
4.272435French Soldier
 [Kneeling to Pistol] Sur mes genoux je vous donne mille remerciements, et 2436je m'estime heureux que je suis tombé entre les mains d'un 2437chevalier, je pense, le plus brave, vaillant et très distingué seigneur 2438d'Angleterre.
4.282439Pistol
 Expound unto me, boy.
4.292440Boy
 He gives you upon his knees a thousand thanks, 2441and he esteems himself happy that he hath fallen into 2442the hands of one, as he thinks, the most brave, valorous 2443and thrice-worthy seigneur of England.
4.302444Pistol
 As I suck blood, I will some mercy show. 2445Follow me.
4.312446Boy
 Suivez-vous le grand capitaine.
4.31.1[Exeunt Pistol and French Soldier]
4.31.22447I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a 2448heart, but the saying is true, "The empty vessel makes the 2449greatest sound." Bardolph and Nym had ten times more 2450valor than this roaring devil i'th'old play, that 2451everyone may pare his nails with a wooden dagger, and 2452they are both hanged; and so would this be if he durst 2453steal anything adventurously. I must stay with the 2454lackeys with the luggage of our camp. The French might 2455have a good prey of us if he knew of it, for there is none 2456to guard it but boys.
 Exit.
1[4.5]
 2457Enter Constable, Orléans, Bourbon, Dauphin, 2458and Rambures.
5.12459Constable
 O diable!
5.22460Orléans
 O Seigneur! Le jour est perdu, tout est perdu!
5.32461Dauphin
 Mort Dieu! Ma vie! All is confounded, all.
5.42462Reproach and everlasting 2463shame sits mocking in our plumes.
5.4.1A short alarum
5.52464O méchante Fortune! Do not run away.
5.62465Constable
 Why, all our ranks are broke.
5.72466Dauphin
 Oh, perdurable shame. Let's stab ourselves.
5.82467Be these the wretches that we played at dice for?
5.92468Orléans
 Is this the king we sent to for his ransom?
5.102469Bourbon
 Shame and eternal shame, nothing but shame.
5.112470Let us die. In once more, back again,
5.122471And he that will not follow Bourbon now
5.132472Let him go hence, and with his cap in hand
5.142473Like a base pander, hold the chamber door
5.152474Whilst by a slave no gentler than my dog
5.162475His fairest daughter is contaminated.
5.172476Constable
 Disorder that hath spoiled us, friend us now.
5.182477Let us on heaps go offer up our lives.
5.192478Orléans
 We are enough yet living in the field
5.202479To smother up the English in our throngs,
5.212480If any order might be thought upon.
5.222481Bourbon
 The devil take order now. I'll to the throng;
5.232482Let life be short, else shame will be too long.
 [Exeunt.]
1[4.6]
 2483Alarum. Enter the King and his train, 2484with prisoners.
6.12485King Henry
 Well have we done, thrice-valiant countrymen,
6.22486But all's not done. Yet keep the French the field.
6.2.1[Enter Exeter.]
6.32487Exeter
 The Duke of York commends him to your majesty.
6.42488King Henry
 Lives he, good uncle? Thrice within this hour
6.52489I saw him down, thrice up again and fighting.
6.62490From helmet to the spur all blood he was.
6.72491Exeter
 In which array, brave soldier, doth he lie,
6.82492Larding the plain. And by his bloody side,
6.92493Yoke-fellow to his honor-owing wounds,
6.102494The noble Earl of Suffolk also lies.
6.112495Suffolk first died, and York, all haggled over,
6.122496Comes to him where in gore he lay insteeped,
6.132497And takes him by the beard, kisses the gashes
6.142498That bloodily did yawn upon his face.
6.152499He cries aloud, "Tarry, my cousin Suffolk.
6.162500My soul shall thine keep company to heaven.
6.172501Tarry, sweet soul, for mine, then fly abreast,
6.182502As in this glorious and well-foughten field
6.192503We kept together in our chivalry."
6.202504Upon these words I came and cheered him up.
6.212505He smiled me in the face, raught me his hand,
6.222506And with a feeble grip says, "Dear my lord,
6.232507Commend my service to my sovereign."
6.242508So did he turn, and over Suffolk's neck
6.252509He threw his wounded arm, and kissed his lips,
6.262510And so espoused to death, with blood he sealed
6.272511A testament of noble-ending love.
6.282512The pretty and sweet manner of it forced
6.292513Those waters from me which I would have stopped,
6.302514But I had not so much of man in me,
6.312515And all my mother came into mine eyes
6.322516And gave me up to tears.
 2517King Henry
 And gave me up to tears.  I blame you not,
6.332518For hearing this I must perforce compound
6.342519With mixtful eyes, or they will issue too.
6.34.1Alarum
6.352520But hark, what new alarum is this same?
6.362521The French have reinforced their scattered men.
6.372522Then every soldier kill his prisoners.
6.382523Give the word through.
 [Exeunt.]
 2524[4.7]
 2525Enter Fluellen and Gower.
7.12526Fluellen
 Kill the poys and the luggage! 'Tis expressly 2527against the law of arms. 'Tis as arrant a piece of 2528knavery, mark you now, as can be offer't. In your conscience 2529now, is it not?
7.22530Gower
 'Tis certain there's not a boy left alive, and the 2531cowardly rascals that ran from the battle ha' done 2532this slaughter. Besides, they have burned and carried 2533away all that was in the king's tent, wherefore the king 2534most worthily hath caused every soldier to cut his 2535prisoner's throat. Oh, 'tis a gallant king.
7.32536Fluellen
 Ay, he was porn at Monmouth, Captain Gower. 2537What call you the town's name where Alexander the 2538Pig was born?
7.42539Gower
 Alexander the Great.
7.52540Fluellen
 Why, I pray you, is not "pig" great? The pig, or 2541the great, or the mighty, or the huge, or the 2542magnanimous, are all one reckonings, save the phrase is a little 2543variations.
7.62544Gower
 I think Alexander the Great was born in 2545Macedon. His father was called Philip of Macedon, as I 2546take it.
7.72547Fluellen
 I think it is in Macedon where Alexander is 2548porn. I tell you, captain, if you look in the maps of 2549the 'orld, I warrant you sall find, in the comparisons 2550between Macedon and Monmouth, that the situations, look 2551you, is both alike. There is a river in Macedon, and there 2552is also moreover a river at Monmouth. It is called Wye at 2553Monmouth, but it is out of my prains what is the name 2554of the other river. But 'tis all one, 'tis alike as my fingers 2555is to my fingers, and there is salmons in both. If you 2556mark Alexander's life well, Harry of Monmouth's life is 2557come after it indifferent well, for there is figures in all 2558things. Alexander, God knows, and you know, in his 2559rages, and his furies, and his wraths, and his cholers, and 2560his moods, and his displeasures, and his indignations, 2561and also being a little intoxicates in his prains, did in 2562his ales and his angers, look you, kill his best friend 2563Cleitus.
7.82564Gower
 Our king is not like him in that. He never killed 2565any of his friends.
7.92566Fluellen
 It is not well done, mark you now, to take the 2567tales out of my mouth ere it is made and finished. I speak 2568but in the figures and comparisons of it. As Alexander 2569killed his friend Cleitus, being in his ales and his cups, so 2570also Harry Monmouth, being in his right wits, and his 2571good judgments, turned away the fat knight with the 2572great belly-doublet. He was full of jests, and gipes, and 2573knaveries, and mocks. I have forgot his name.
7.102574Gower
 Sir John Falstaff.
7.112575Fluellen
 That is he. I'll tell you, there is good men porn 2576at Monmouth.
7.122577Gower
 Here comes his majesty.
7.12.12578Alarum. Enter King Harry[, Exeter, Warwick, Gloucester, an English herald, and others, with] Bourbon [and other] 2579prisoners. Flourish.
7.132580King Henry
 I was not angry since I came to France
7.142581Until this instant. Take a trumpet, herald.
7.152582Ride thou unto the horsemen on yon hill.
7.162583If they will fight with us, bid them come down,
7.172584Or void the field. They do offend our sight.
7.182585If they'll do neither, we will come to them
7.192586And make them skirr away as swift as stones
7.202587Enforcèd from the old Assyrian slings.
7.212588Besides, we'll cut the throats of those we have,
7.222589And not a man of them that we shall take
7.232590Shall taste our mercy. Go and tell them so.
 2591Enter Montjoy.
7.242592Exeter
 Here comes the herald of the French, my liege.
7.252593Gloucester
 His eyes are humbler than they used to be.
7.262594King Henry
 How now, what means this, herald? Know'st 2595thou not
7.272596That I have fined these bones of mine for ransom?
7.282597Com'st thou again for ransom?
 2598Montjoy
 Com'st thou again for ransom?  No, great king.
7.292599I come to thee for charitable license,
7.302600That we may wander o'er this bloody field
7.312601To book our dead and then to bury them,
7.322602To sort our nobles from our common men.
7.332603For many of our princes -- woe the while --
7.342604Lie drowned and soaked in mercenary blood;
7.352605So do our vulgar drench their peasant limbs
7.362606In blood of princes, and the wounded steeds
7.372607Fret fetlock deep in gore, and with wild rage
7.382608Jerk out their armèd heels at their dead masters,
7.392609Killing them twice. O, give us leave, great king,
7.402610To view the field in safety and dispose
7.412611Of their dead bodies.
 2612King Henry
 Of their dead bodies.  I tell thee truly, herald,
7.422613I know not if the day be ours or no,
7.432614For yet a many of your horsemen peer
7.442615And gallop o'er the field.
 2616Montjoy
 And gallop o'er the field.  The day is yours.
7.452617King Henry
 Praisèd be God and not our strength for it.
7.462618What is this castle called that stands hard by?
7.472619Montjoy
 They call it Agincourt.
7.482620King Henry
 Then call we this the field of Agincourt,
7.492621Fought on the day of Crispin Crispianus.
7.502622Fluellen
 Your grandfather of famous memory, an't please 2623your majesty, and your great uncle Edward the Plack 2624Prince of Wales, as I have read in the chronicles, fought 2625a most prave pattle here in France.
7.512626King Henry
 They did, Fluellen.
7.522627Fluellen
 Your majesty says very true. If your majesties 2628is remembered of it, the Welshmen did good service in a 2629garden where leeks did grow, wearing leeks in their 2630Monmouth caps, which your majesty know to this hour 2631is an honorable badge of the service. And I do believe 2632your majesty takes no scorn to wear the leek upon 2633Saint Tavy's day.
7.532634King Henry
 I wear it for a memorable honor,
7.542635For I am Welsh, you know, good countryman.
7.552636Fluellen
 All the water in Wye cannot wash your 2637majesty's Welsh plood out of your pody, I can tell you that. 2638God pless it, and preserve it, as long as it pleases his 2639grace, and his majesty too.
7.562640King Henry
 Thanks, good my countryman.
7.572641Fluellen
 By Jeshu, I am your majesty's countryman. I 2642care not who know it; I will confess it to all the 'orld. I 2643need not to be ashamed of your majesty, praised be God, 2644so long as your majesty is an honest man.
7.582645King Henry
 God keep me so. --
7.58.12646Enter Williams.
 God keep me so. --  2647Our heralds go with him.
7.592648Bring me just notice of the numbers dead
7.602649On both our parts. --
7.60.1[Exeunt Montjoy, English heralds, and Gower.]
 On both our parts. --  Call yonder fellow hither.
7.612650Exeter
 [To Williams] Soldier, you must come to the king.
7.622651King Henry
 Soldier, why wear'st thou that glove in thy 2652cap?
7.632653Williams
 An't please your majesty, 'tis the gage of one 2654that I should fight withal, if he be alive.
7.642655King Henry
 An Englishman?
7.652656Williams
 An't please your majesty, a rascal that 2657swaggered with me last night, who, if alive and ever dare to 2658challenge this glove, I have sworn to take him a box 2659o'th'ear; or if I can see my glove in his cap, which he 2660swore as he was a soldier he would wear, if alive, I will 2661strike it out soundly.
7.662662King Henry
 What think you, Captain Fluellen? Is it fit this 2663soldier keep his oath?
7.672664Fluellen
 He is a craven and a villain else, an't please 2665your majesty, in my conscience.
7.682666King Henry
 It may be his enemy is a gentleman of great 2667sort, quite from the answer of his degree.
7.692668Fluellen
 Though he be as good a gentleman as the devil is, 2669as Lucifer and Belzebub himself, it is necessary, look 2670your grace, that he keep his vow and his oath. If he 2671be perjured, see you now, his reputation is as arrant a 2672villain and a jack-sauce as ever his black shoe trod 2673upon God's ground and his earth, in my conscience, law.
7.702674King Henry
 Then keep thy vow, sirrah, when thou meet'st 2675the fellow.
7.712676Williams
 So I will, my liege, as I live.
7.722677King Henry
 Who serv'st thou under?
7.732678Williams
 Under Captain Gower, my liege.
7.742679Fluellen
 Gower is a good captain, and is good 2680knowledge and literatured in the wars.
7.752681King Henry
 Call him hither to me, soldier.
7.762682Williams
 I will, my liege. 
 Exit.
7.772683King Henry
 Here, Fluellen, wear thou this favor for me and 2684stick it in thy cap. [Gives him Williams's glove] When Alençon and myself were 2685down together I plucked this glove from his helm. If 2686any man challenge this, he is a friend to Alençon and an 2687enemy to our person. If thou encounter any such, 2688apprehend him, and thou dost me love.
7.782689Fluellen
 Your grace does me as great honors as can be 2690desired in the hearts of his subjects. I would fain see 2691the man that has but two legs that shall find himself 2692aggrief'd at this glove. That is all, but I would fain see 2693it once an't please God of his grace that I might see.
7.792694King Henry
 Know'st thou Gower?
7.802695Fluellen
 He is my dear friend, an't please you.
7.812696King Henry
 Pray thee, go seek him and bring him to my 2697tent.
7.822698Fluellen
 I will fetch him.
 Exit.
7.832699King Henry
 My lord of Warwick and my brother Gloucester,
7.842700Follow Fluellen closely at the heels.
7.852701The glove which I have given him for a favor
7.862702May haply purchase him a box o'th'ear.
7.872703It is the soldier's. I by bargain should
7.882704Wear it myself. Follow, good cousin Warwick.
7.892705If that the soldier strike him -- as I judge
7.902706By his blunt bearing he will keep his word --
7.912707Some sudden mischief may arise of it.
7.922708For I do know Fluellen valiant
7.932709And touched with choler, hot as gunpowder,
7.942710And quickly will return an injury.
7.952711Follow, and see there be no harm between them. --
7.962712Go you with me, uncle of Exeter.
 Exeunt.
1[4.8]
 2713Enter Gower and Williams.
8.12714Williams
 I warrant it is to knight you, captain.
8.1.12715Enter Fluellen.
8.22716Fluellen
 God's will, and his pleasure, captain, I beseech 2717you now come apace to the king. There is more good 2718toward you, peradventure, than is in your knowledge to 2719dream of.
8.32720Williams
 [To Fluellen] Sir, know you this glove?
8.42721Fluellen
 Know the glove? I know the glove is a glove.
8.52722Williams
 I know this, and thus I challenge it.
8.5.12723Strikes him.
8.62724Fluellen
 'Sblood, an arrant traitor as any's in the 2725universal world, or in France, or in England!
8.72726Gower
 How now, sir? [To Williams] You villain!
8.82727Williams
 Do you think I'll be forsworn?
8.92728Fluellen
 Stand away, Captain Gower. I will give treason 2729his payment into plows, I warrant you.
8.102730Williams
 I am no traitor.
8.112731Fluellen
 That's a lie in thy throat. [To Gower] I charge you in his 2732majesty's name, apprehend him. He's a friend of the Duke 2733Alençon's.
 2734Enter Warwick and Gloucester.
8.122735Warwick
 How now, how now, what's the matter?
8.132736Fluellen
 My lord of Warwick, here is, praised be God 2737for it, a most contagious treason come to light, look 2738you, as you shall desire in a summer's day. Here is his 2739majesty.
8.13.1Enter King and Exeter.
8.142740King Henry
 How now, what's the matter?
8.152741Fluellen
 My liege, here is a villain and a traitor 2742that, look your grace, has struck the glove which 2743your majesty is take out of the helmet of 2744Alençon.
8.162745Williams
 My liege, this was my glove -- here is the fellow 2746of it -- and he that I gave it to in change promised to wear 2747it in his cap. I promised to strike him if he did. I met 2748this man with my glove in his cap and I have been as 2749good as my word.
8.172750Fluellen
 Your majesty hear now, saving your majesty's 2751manhood, what an arrant, rascally, beggarly, lousy 2752knave it is. I hope your majesty is pear me testimony 2753and witness, and will avouchment, that this is the glove 2754of Alençon that your majesty is give me, in your 2755conscience now.
8.182756King Henry
 Give me thy glove, soldier. 2757Look, here is the fellow of it.
8.192758'Twas I indeed thou promisèd'st to strike,
8.202759And thou hast given me most bitter terms.
8.212760Fluellen
 An't please your majesty, let his neck answer 2761for it, if there is any martial law in the world.
8.222762King Henry
 How canst thou make me satisfaction?
8.232763Williams
 All offences, my lord, come from the heart. 2764Never came any from mine that might offend your 2765majesty.
8.242766King Henry
 It was ourself thou didst abuse.
8.252767Williams
 Your majesty came not like yourself. You 2768appeared to me but as a common man -- witness the 2769night, your garments, your lowliness -- and what 2770your highness suffered under that shape, I beseech you 2771take it for your own fault and not mine, for had you 2772been as I took you for, I made no offense. Therefore I 2773beseech your highness pardon me.
8.262774King Henry
 Here, uncle Exeter, fill this glove with crowns
8.272775And give it to this fellow. [To Williams] Keep it, fellow,
8.282776And wear it for an honor in thy cap
8.292777Till I do challenge it. Give him the crowns.
8.302778[To Fluellen] And captain, you must needs be friends with him.
8.312779Fluellen
 By this day and this light, the fellow has 2780mettle enough in his belly. -- Hold, there is twelvepence for 2781you, and I pray you to serve God and keep you out of 2782prawls, and prabbles, and quarrels, and dissensions, and I 2783warrant you it is the better for you.
8.322784Williams
 I will none of your money.
8.332785Fluellen
 It is with a good will. I can tell you it will serve 2786you to mend your shoes. Come, wherefore should you 2787be so pashful? Your shoes is not so good. 'Tis a good 2788silling, I warrant you, or I will change it.
 2789Enter Herald.
8.342790King Henry
 Now, herald, are the dead numbered?
8.352791Herald
 [Presenting a paper] Here is the number of the slaughtered 2792French.
8.362793King Henry
 [To Exeter] What prisoners of good sort are taken, 2794uncle?
8.372795Exeter
 Charles, Duke of Orléans, nephew to the king;
8.382796John, Duke of Bourbon, and Lord Boucicaut.
8.392797Of other lords and barons, knights and squires,
8.402798Full fifteen hundred, besides common men.
8.412799King Henry
 This note doth tell me of ten thousand French
8.422800That in the field lie slain. Of princes in this number
8.432801And nobles bearing banners, there lie dead
8.442802One hundred twenty-six. Added to these,
8.452803Of knights, esquires, and gallant gentlemen,
8.462804Eight thousand and four hundred, of the which
8.472805Five hundred were but yesterday dubbed knights.
8.482806So that in these ten thousand they have lost
8.492807There are but sixteen hundred mercenaries.
8.502808The rest are princes, barons, lords, knights, squires,
8.512809And gentlemen of blood and quality.
8.522810The names of those their nobles that lie dead:
8.532811Charles d'Alberet, High Constable of France,
8.542812Jacques of Châtillon, Admiral of France,
8.552813The Master of the Crossbows, Lord Rambures,
8.562814Great Master of France, the brave Sir Guichard Dauphin;
8.572815Jean Duke of Alençon, Antony Duke of Brabant,
8.582816The brother to the Duke of Burgundy,
8.592817And édouard Duke of Bar. Of lusty earls,
8.602818Grandpré and Roucy, Fauquembergues and Foix,
8.612819Beaumont and Marle, Vaudémont and Lestrelles.
8.622820Here was a royal fellowship of death. --
8.632821Where is the number of our English dead?
8.63.1[Takes a paper]
8.642822Edward the Duke of York, the Earl of Suffolk,
8.652823Sir Richard Kyghley, Davey Gam, Esquire.
8.662824None else of name, and of all other men
8.672825But five-and-twenty. O 2826God, thy arm was here,
8.682827And not to us but to thy arm alone
8.692828Ascribe we all. When, without stratagem,
8.702829But in plain shock and even play of battle,
8.712830Was ever known so great and little loss
8.722831On one part and on th'other? Take it, God,
8.732832For it is none but thine.
 2833Exeter
 For it is none but thine.  'Tis wonderful.
8.742834King Henry
 Come, go we in procession to the village,
8.752835And be it death proclaimèd through our host
8.762836To boast of this, or take that praise from God
8.772837Which is his only.
8.782838Fluellen
 Is it not lawful, an't please your majesty, to tell 2839how many is killed?
8.792840King Henry
 Yes, captain, but with this acknowledgement:
8.802841That God fought for us.
8.812842Fluellen
 Yes, my conscience, he did us great good.
8.822843King Henry
 Do we all holy rites.
8.832844Let there be sung Non nobis and Te Deum,
8.842845The dead with charity enclosed in clay,
8.852846And then to Calais, and to England then,
8.862847Where ne'er from France arrived more happy men.
 2848Exeunt.
[0]
 2850Enter Chorus.
0.12851Chorus
 Vouchsafe to those that have not read the story
0.22852That I may prompt them; and of such as have,
0.32853I humbly pray them to admit th'excuse
0.42854Of time, of numbers, and due course of things
0.52855Which cannot in their huge and proper life
0.62856Be here presented. Now we bear the king
0.72857Toward Calais; grant him there. There seen,
0.82858Heave him away upon your wingèd thoughts
0.92859Athwart the sea. Behold, the English beach
0.102860Pales in the flood with men, wives, and boys,
0.112861Whose shouts and claps outvoice the deep-mouthed sea,
0.122862Which, like a mighty whiffler 'fore the king,
0.132863Seems to prepare his way. So let him land,
0.142864And solemnly see him set on to London.
0.152865So swift a pace hath thought that even now
0.162866You may imagine him upon Blackheath,
0.172867Where that his lords desire him to have borne
0.182868His bruisèd helmet and his bended sword
0.192869Before him through the city. He forbids it,
0.202870Being free from vainness and self-glorious pride,
0.212871Giving full trophy, signal, and ostent
0.222872Quite from himself to God. But now behold
0.232873In the quick forge and working-house of thought
0.242874How London doth pour out her citizens.
0.252875The mayor and all his brethren in best sort,
0.262876Like to the senators of th'antique Rome
0.272877With the plebeians swarming at their heels,
0.282878Go forth and fetch their conqu'ring Caesar in --
0.292879As, by a lower but by loving likelihood,
0.302880Were now the general of our gracious empress
0.312881(As in good time he may) from Ireland coming,
0.322882Bringing rebellion broachèd on his sword,
0.332883How many would the peaceful city quit
0.342884To welcome him? Much more, and much more cause,
0.352885Did they this Harry. Now in London place him,
0.362886As yet the lamentation of the French
0.372887Invites the king of England's stay at home.
0.382888The emperor's coming in behalf of France
0.392889To order peace between them, we omit:
0.402890All the occurrences, whatever chanced,
0.412891Till Harry's back return again to France.
0.422892There must we bring him, and myself have played
0.432893The interim by remembering you 'tis past.
0.442894Then brook abridgement, and your eyes advance,
0.452895After your thoughts, straight back again to France.
 2896Exit.
1[5.1]
 2897Enter Fluellen and Gower.
1.12898Gower
 Nay, that's right. But why wear you your 2899leek today? Saint Davy's day is past.
1.22900Fluellen
 There is occasions and causes why and wherefore 2901in all things. I will tell you ass my friend, Captain 2902Gower. The rascally, scald, beggarly, lousy, pragging 2903knave Pistol, which you and yourself and all the world 2904know to be no petter than a fellow, look you now, of no 2905merits, he is come to me and prings me pread and 2906salt yesterday, look you, and bid me eat my leek. 2907It was in a place where I could not breed no contention 2908with him, but I will be so bold as to wear it in my cap 2909till I see him once again, and then I will tell him a little 2910piece of my desires.
 2911Enter Pistol.
1.32912Gower
 Why, here he comes, swelling like a 2913turkey-cock.
1.42914Fluellen
 'Tis no matter for his swellings nor his 2915turkey-cocks. -- God pless you, Aunchient Pistol, you scurvy 2916lousy knave, God pless you.
1.52917Pistol
 Ha, art thou bedlam? Dost thou thirst, base 2918Trojan, to have me fold up Parca's fatal web? Hence! 2919I am qualmish at the smell of leek.
1.62920Fluellen
 I peseech you heartily, scurvy lousy knave, at 2921my desires, and my requests, and my petitions, to eat, 2922look you, this leek. Because, look you, you do not 2923love it, nor your affections and your appetites and your 2924disgestions does not agree with it, I would desire you 2925to eat it.
1.72926Pistol
 Not for Cadwallader and all his goats.
1.82927Fluellen
 There is one goat for you. Strikes him [with a cudgel]
 2928Will you be so good, scald knave, as eat it?
1.92929Pistol
 Base Trojan, thou shalt die.
1.102930Fluellen
 You say very true, scald knave, when God's 2931will is. I will desire you to live in the meantime, and 2932eat your victuals. Come, there is sauce for it. [Strikes him] You 2933called me yesterday mountain squire, but I will make 2934you today a squire of low degree. I pray you, fall to. If 2935you can mock a leek, you can eat a leek.
1.112936Gower
 Enough, captain. You have astonished him.
1.122937Fluellen
 I say I will make him eat some part of my leek, 2938or I will peat his pate four days. -- Bite, I pray you. It is 2939good for your green wound and your ploody 2940coxcomb.
1.132941Pistol
 Must I bite?
1.142942Fluellen
 Yes, certainly, and out of doubt and out of 2943question, too, and ambiguities.
1.152944Pistol
 By this leek, I will most horribly revenge -- [Fluellen threatens him.] I 2945eat and eat, I swear.
1.162946Fluellen
 Eat, I pray you. Will you have some more sauce 2947to your leek? There is not enough leek to swear by.
1.172948Pistol
 Quiet thy cudgel! Thou dost see I eat.
1.182949Fluellen
 Much good do you, scald knave, heartily. Nay, 2950pray you throw none away; the skin is good for your 2951broken coxcomb. When you take occasions to see 2952leeks hereafter, I pray you mock at 'em, that is all.
1.192953Pistol
 Good.
1.202954Fluellen
 Ay, leeks is good. Hold you, there is a groat to 2955heal your pate.
1.20.1[Offers money]
1.212956Pistol
 Me a groat?
1.222957Fluellen
 Yes, verily, and in truth you shall take it, or I have 2958another leek in my pocket which you shall eat.
1.232959Pistol
 I take thy groat in earnest of revenge.
1.242960Fluellen
 If I owe you anything, I will pay you in 2961cudgels. You shall be a woodmonger, and buy nothing of 2962me but cudgels. God b'wi'you, and keep you, and heal 2963your pate.
 Exit.
1.252964Pistol
 All hell shall stir for this.
1.262965Gower
 Go, go, you are a counterfeit cowardly knave. 2966Will you mock at an ancient tradition, begun upon an 2967honorable respect, and worn as a memorable trophy 2968of predeceased valor, and dare not avouch in your deeds 2969any of your words? I have seen you gleeking and galling 2970at this gentleman twice or thrice. You thought because 2971he could not speak English in the native garb he could 2972not therefore handle an English cudgel. You find it 2973otherwise, and henceforth let a Welsh correction teach 2974you a good English condition. Fare ye well.
 Exit.
1.272975Pistol
 Doth fortune play the hussy with me now? 2976News have I that my Doll is dead i'th'Spital of a 2977malady of France, and there my rendezvous is quite cut off. 2978Old I do wax, and from my weary limbs honor is 2979cudgeled. Well, bawd I'll turn, and something lean to 2980cutpurse of quick hand. To England will I steal, and 2981there I'll steal.
1.282982And patches will I get unto these cudgeled scars,
1.292983And swear I got them in the Gallia wars.
 Exit.
1[5.2]
 2984Enter at one door King Henry, Exeter, Bedford, Warwick, 2985[Westmorland,] and other lords [(Clarence, Gloucester, and Huntingdon)]. At another, Queen Isabeau, 2986the [French] King, [Catherine, Alice,] the Duke of Burgundy, and 2987other French.
2.12988King Henry
 Peace to this meeting, wherefore we are met.
2.22989Unto our brother France and to our sister,
2.32990Health and fair time of day. Joy and good wishes
2.42991To our most fair and princely cousin Catherine.
2.52992And as a branch and member of this royalty,
2.62993By whom this great assembly is contrived,
2.72994We do salute you, Duke of Burgundy.
2.82995And princes French, and peers, health to you all.
2.92996French King
 Right joyous are we to behold your face,
2.102997Most worthy brother England; fairly met.
2.112998So are you, princes English, every one.
2.122999Queen Isabeau
 So happy be the issue, brother England,
2.133000Of this good day and of this gracious meeting
2.143001As we are now glad to behold your eyes --
2.153002Your eyes which hitherto have borne 3003in them
2.16Against the French that met them in their bent
2.173004The fatal balls of murdering basilisks.
2.183005The venom of such looks, we fairly hope,
2.193006Have lost their quality, and that this day
2.203007Shall change all griefs and quarrels into love.
2.213008King Henry
 To cry amen to that, thus we appear.
2.223009Queen Isabeau
 You English princes all, I do salute you.
2.233010Burgundy
 My duty to you both, on equal love.
2.243011Great kings of France and England, that I have labored
2.253012With all my wits, my pains, and strong endeavors,
2.263013To bring your most imperial majesties
2.273014Unto this bar and royal interview,
2.283015Your mightiness on both parts best can witness.
2.293016Since, then, my office hath so far prevailed
2.303017That face to face and royal eye to eye
2.313018You have congreeted, let it not disgrace me
2.323019If I demand before this royal view
2.333020What rub or what impediment there is
2.343021Why that the naked, poor, and mangled peace,
2.353022Dear nurse of arts, plenties, and joyful births,
2.363023Should not in this best garden of the world,
2.373024Our fertile France, put up her lovely visage?
2.383025Alas, she hath from France too long been chased,
2.393026And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps,
2.403027Corrupting in it own fertility.
2.413028Her vine, the merry cheerer of the heart,
2.423029Unprunèd, dies. Her hedges even-pleached,
2.433030Like prisoners wildly overgrown with hair,
2.443031Put forth disordered twigs. Her fallow leas
2.453032The darnel, hemlock, and rank fumitory
2.463033Doth root upon, while that the colter rusts
2.473034That should deracinate such savagery.
2.483035The even mead that erst brought sweetly forth
2.493036The freckled cowslip, burnet, and green clover,
2.503037Wanting the scythe, withal uncorrected, rank,
2.513038Conceives by idleness, and nothing teems
2.523039But hateful docks, rough thistles, kexes, burrs,
2.533040Losing both beauty and utility,
2.543041And all our vineyards, fallows, meads, and hedges,
2.553042Defective in their natures, grow to wildness.
2.563043Even so our houses, and ourselves, and children
2.573044Have lost, or do not learn for want of time
2.583045The sciences that should become our country,
2.593046But grow like savages -- as soldiers will
2.603047That nothing do but meditate on blood --
2.613048To swearing and stern looks, diffused attire,
2.623049And everything that seems unnatural.
2.633050Which to reduce into our former favor,
2.643051You are assembled, and my speech entreats
2.653052That I may know the let why gentle peace
2.663053Should not expel these inconveniences
2.673054And bless us with her former qualities.
2.683055King Henry
 If, Duke of Burgundy, you would the peace
2.693056Whose want gives growth to th'imperfections
2.703057Which you have cited, you must buy that peace
2.713058With full accord to all our just demands,
2.723059Whose tenors and particular effects
2.733060You have enscheduled briefly in your hands.
2.743061Burgundy
 The king hath heard them, to the which as yet
2.753062There is no answer made.
 3063King Henry
 There is no answer made.  Well then, the peace
2.76Which you before so urged 3064lies in his answer.
2.773065French King
 I have but with a curselary eye
2.783066O'erglanced the articles. Pleaseth your grace
2.793067To appoint some of your council presently
2.803068To sit with us once more, with better heed
2.813069To re-survey them, we will suddenly
2.823070Pass our accept and peremptory answer.
2.833071King Henry
 Brother, we shall. -- Go, uncle Exeter,
2.843072And brother Clarence, and you, brother Gloucester,
2.853073Warwick, and Huntingdon, go with the king,
2.863074And take with you free power to ratify,
2.873075Augment, or alter as your wisdoms best
2.883076Shall see advantageable for our dignity,
2.893077Anything in or out of our demands,
2.903078And we'll consign thereto. [To Queen Isabeau] Will you, fair sister,
2.913079Go with the princes, or stay here with us?
2.923080Queen Isabeau
 Our gracious brother, I will go with them.
2.933081Haply a woman's voice may do some good
2.943082When articles too nicely urged be stood on.
2.953083King Henry
 Yet leave our cousin Catherine here with us.
2.963084She is our capital demand, comprised
2.973085Within the forerank of our articles.
2.983086Queen Isabeau
 She hath good leave.
2.98.1Exeunt all but 3087King Henry, Catherine [and Alice].
 3088King Henry
 She hath good leave.  Fair Catherine, and most fair,
2.993089Will you vouchsafe to teach a soldier terms
2.1003090Such as will enter at a lady's ear
2.1013091And plead his love-suit to her gentle heart?
2.1023092Catherine
 Your majesty shall mock at me. I cannot speak 3093your England.
2.1033094King Henry
 Oh, fair Catherine, if you will love me soundly 3095with your French heart, I will be glad to hear you 3096confess it brokenly with your English tongue. Do you 3097like me, Kate?
2.1043098Catherine
 Pardonnez-moi, I cannot tell wat is "like me."
2.1053099King Henry
 An angel is like you, Kate, and you are like an 3100angel.
2.1063101Catherine
 [To Alice] Que dit-il? Que je suis semblable à les anges?
2.1073102Alice
 Oui, vraiment, sauf votre grâce, ainsi dit-il.
2.1083103King Henry
 I said so, dear Catherine, and I must not blush 3104to affirm it.
2.1093105Catherine
 O bon Dieu, les langues des hommes sont pleines de 3106tromperies!
2.1103107King Henry
 [To Alice] What says she, fair one? That the tongues of 3108men are full of deceits?
2.1113109Alice
 Oui, dat de tongues of de mans is be full of 3110deceits. Dat is de princess.
2.1123111King Henry
 The princess is the better Englishwoman. 3112I'faith, Kate, my wooing is fit for thy understanding. I am 3113glad thou canst speak no better English, for if thou 3114couldst, thou wouldst find me such a plain king that 3115thou wouldst think I had sold my farm to buy my 3116crown. I know no ways to mince it in love, but 3117directly to say "I love you." Then if you urge me farther 3118than to say, "Do you in faith?", I wear out my suit. Give 3119me your answer, i'faith do, and so clap hands and a 3120bargain. How say you, lady?
2.1133121Catherine
 Sauf votre honneur, me understand well.
2.1143122King Henry
 Marry, if you would put me to verses or to 3123dance for your sake, Kate, why you undid me. For the one 3124I have neither words nor measure, and for the other I 3125have no strength in measure, yet a reasonable measure in 3126strength. If I could win a lady at leapfrog, or by 3127vaulting into my saddle with my armor on my back -- 3128under the correction of bragging be it spoken -- I should 3129quickly leap into a wife. Or if I might buffet for my 3130love or bound my horse for her favors, I could lay on 3131like a butcher and sit like a jackanapes, never off. But 3132before God, Kate, I cannot look greenly, nor gasp out 3133my eloquence, nor I have no cunning in protestation, 3134only downright oaths, which I never use till urged, 3135nor never break for urging. If thou canst love a fellow 3136of this temper, Kate, whose face is not worth 3137sunburning, that never looks in his glass for love of 3138anything he sees there, let thine eye be thy cook. I speak 3139to thee plain soldier. If thou canst love me for this, 3140take me. If not, to say to thee that I shall die is true, but 3141for thy love, by the Lord, no. Yet I love thee too. And 3142while thou liv'st, dear Kate, take a fellow of plain and 3143uncoined constancy, for he perforce must do thee right, 3144because he hath not the gift to woo in other places. For 3145these fellows of infinite tongue, that can rhyme themselves 3146into ladies' favors, they do always reason themselves 3147out again. What! A speaker is but a prater, a rhyme is 3148but a ballad, a good leg will fall, a straight back will 3149stoop, a black beard will turn white, a curled pate will 3150grow bald, a fair face will wither, a full eye will wax 3151hollow; but a good heart, Kate, is the sun and the 3152moon, or rather the sun and not the moon, for it 3153shines bright and never changes, but keeps his course 3154truly. If thou would have such a one, take me. 3155An take me, take a soldier. Take a soldier, take a king. 3156And what say'st thou then to my love? Speak, my fair, 3157and fairly, I pray thee.
2.1153158Catherine
 Is it possible dat I sould love de enemy of 3159France?
2.1163160King Henry
 No, it is not possible you should love the 3161enemy of France, Kate, but in loving me you should love 3162the friend of France, for I love France so well that I 3163will not part with a village of it; I will have it all mine. 3164And Kate, when France is mine and I am yours, then yours 3165is France, and you are mine.
2.1173166Catherine
 I cannot tell wat is dat.
2.1183167King Henry
 No, Kate? I will tell thee in French, which I am 3168sure will hang upon my tongue like a new-married wife 3169about her husband's neck, hardly to be shook off. 3170Je quand sur le possession de France, et quand vous avez le 3171possession de moi -- let me see, what then? Saint Denis be 3172my speed! --  donc vôtre est France, et vous êtes mienne. 3173It is as easy for me, Kate, to conquer the kingdom as to 3174speak so much more French. I shall never move thee in 3175French unless it be to laugh at me.
2.1193176Catherine
 Sauf votre honneur, le français que vous parlez, il 3177est meilleur que l'anglais lequel je parle.
2.1203178King Henry
 No, faith, is't not, Kate; but thy speaking of 3179my tongue and I thine, most truly falsely, must 3180needs be granted to be much at one. But Kate, dost 3181thou understand thus much English? Canst thou love 3182me?
2.1213183Catherine
 I cannot tell.
2.1223184King Henry
 Can any of your neighbors tell, Kate? I'll 3185ask them. Come, I know thou lovest me, and at night 3186when you come into your closet you'll question this 3187gentlewoman about me; and I know, Kate, you will to 3188her dispraise those parts in me that you love with your 3189heart. But good Kate, mock me mercifully, the rather, 3190gentle princess, because I love thee cruelly. If ever thou 3191beest mine, Kate, as I have a saving faith within me tells 3192me thou shalt, I get thee with scambling, and thou 3193must therefore needs prove a good soldier-breeder. 3194Shall not thou and I, between Saint Denis and Saint 3195George, compound a boy, half French, half English, 3196that shall go to Constantinople and take the Turk by 3197the beard? Shall we not? What say'st thou, my fair 3198flower-de-luce?
2.1233199Catherine
 I do not know dat.
2.1243200King Henry
 No, 'tis hereafter to know, but now to promise. 3201Do but now promise, Kate, you will endeavor for your 3202French part of such a boy, and for my English moiety, 3203take the word of a king and a bachelor. How answer 3204you, la plus belle Catherine du monde, mon très cher et divin 3205déesse?
2.1253206Catherine
 Your majesty 'ave fausse French enough to 3207deceive de most sage demoiselle dat is en France.
2.1263208King Henry
 Now fie upon my false French! By mine honor, 3209in true English, I love thee, Kate; by which honor I dare 3210not swear thou lovest me, yet my blood begins to 3211flatter me that thou dost, notwithstanding the poor and 3212untempering effect of my visage. Now beshrew my 3213father's ambition! He was thinking of civil wars 3214when he got me, therefore was I created with a 3215stubborn outside, with an aspect of iron, that when I come 3216to woo ladies I fright them. But in faith, Kate, the 3217elder I wax, the better I shall appear. My comfort is that 3218old age, that ill layer-up of beauty, can do no more 3219spoil upon my face. Thou hast me, if thou hast me, at 3220the worst; and thou shalt wear me, if thou wear me, 3221better and better. And therefore tell me, most fair 3222Catherine, will you have me? Put off your maiden blushes. 3223Avouch the thoughts of your heart with the looks of 3224an empress. Take me by the hand and say, "Harry of 3225England, I am thine." Which word thou shalt no sooner 3226bless mine ear withal but I will tell thee aloud 3227"England is thine, Ireland is thine, France is thine, and Henry 3228Plantagenet is thine," who, though I speak it before his 3229face, if he be not fellow with the best king, thou shalt 3230find the best king of good fellows. Come, your 3231answer in broken music, for thy voice is music and 3232thy English broken. Therefore, queen of all, Catherine, 3233break thy mind to me in broken English: wilt thou 3234have me?
2.1273235Catherine
 Dat is as it shall please de roi mon père.
2.1283236King Henry
 Nay, it will please him well, Kate; it shall please 3237him, Kate.
2.1293238Catherine
 Den it sall also content me.
2.1303239King Henry
 Upon that I kiss your hand, and I call you my 3240queen.
2.1313241Catherine
 Laissez, mon seigneur, laissez, laissez! Ma foi, je ne 3242veux point que vous abaissez votre grandeur en baisant le 3243main d'une de votre seigneurie indigne serviteure. Excusez-moi, je 3244vous supplie, mon très puissant seigneur.
2.1323245King Henry
 Then I will kiss your lips, Kate.
2.1333246Catherine
 Les dames et demoiselles, pour être baisées devant 3247leurs noces, il n'est pas la coutume de France.
2.1343248King Henry
 Madam my interpreter, what says she?
2.1353249Alice
 Dat it is not be de fashion pour les ladies of 3250France -- I cannot tell wat is baiser en Anglish.
2.1363251King Henry
 To kiss.
2.1373252Alice
 Your majesty entend bettre que moi.
2.1383253King Henry
 It is not a fashion for the maids in France to 3254kiss before they are married, would she say?
2.1393255Alice
 Oui, vraiment.
2.1403256King Henry
 Oh, Kate, nice customs curtsy to great kings. 3257Dear Kate, you and I cannot be confined within the 3258weak list of a country's fashion. We are the 3259makers of manners, Kate, and the liberty that follows 3260our places stops the mouth of all find-faults, as I 3261will do yours for upholding the nice fashion of your 3262country in denying me a kiss, therefore patiently, 3263and yielding -- [Kisses her] You have witchcraft in your lips, 3264Kate. There is more eloquence in a sugar touch of 3265them than in the tongues of the French council, and 3266they should sooner persuade Harry of England than a 3267general petition of monarchs. Here comes your 3268father.
 3269Enter the French power [(French King, Queen Isabeau, Burgundy),] and the English 3270lords[, including Exeter and Westmorland].
2.1413271Burgundy
 God save your majesty. My royal cousin, 3272teach you our princess English?
2.1423273King Henry
 I would have her learn, my fair cousin, how 3274perfectly I love her, and that is good English.
2.1433275Burgundy
 Is she not apt?
2.1443276King Henry
 Our tongue is rough, coz, and my 3277condition is not smooth, so that having neither the voice nor 3278the heart of flattery about me, I cannot so conjure up 3279the spirit of love in her that he will appear in his true 3280likeness.
2.1453281Burgundy
 Pardon the frankness of my mirth if I answer 3282you for that. If you would conjure in her, you must 3283make a circle. If conjure up love in her in his true 3284likeness, he must appear naked and blind. Can you 3285blame her then, being a maid yet rosed over with the 3286virgin crimson of modesty, if she deny the appearance 3287of a naked blind boy in her naked seeing self? It were, 3288my lord, a hard condition for a maid to consign 3289to.
2.1463290King Henry
 Yet they do wink and yield, as love is blind 3291and enforces.
2.1473292Burgundy
 They are then excused, my lord, when they see 3293not what they do.
2.1483294King Henry
 Then good my lord, teach your cousin to 3295consent winking.
2.1493296Burgundy
 I will wink on her to consent, my lord, if you 3297will teach her to know my meaning. For maids well 3298summered and warm kept are like flies at 3299Bartholomew-tide, blind, though they have their eyes, and then 3300they will endure handling, which before would not abide 3301looking on.
2.1503302King Henry
 This moral ties me over to time and a hot 3303summer, and so I shall catch the fly, your cousin, in 3304the latter end, and she must be blind too.
2.1513305Burgundy
 As love is, my lord, before it loves.
2.1523306King Henry
 It is so. And you may, some of you, thank 3307love for my blindness, who cannot see many a fair 3308French city for one fair French maid that stands in my 3309way.
2.1533310French King
 Yes, my lord, you see them 3311perspectively, the cities turned into a maid, for they are 3312all girdled with maiden walls that no war hath 3313entered. 
2.1543314King Henry
 Shall Kate be my wife?
2.1553315French King
 So please you.
2.1563316King Henry
 I am content, so the maiden cities you 3317talk of may wait on her. So the maid that stood in 3318the way for my wish shall show me the way to my 3319will.
2.1573320French King
 We have consented to all terms of 3321reason.
2.1583322King Henry
 Is't so, my lords of England?
2.1593323Westmorland
 The king hath granted every article:
2.1603324His daughter first, and in sequel, all,
2.1613325According to their firm proposèd natures.
2.1623326Exeter
 Only he hath not yet subscribèd this:
2.1633327where your majesty demands that the king of France, 3328having any occasion to write for matter of grant, shall 3329name your highness in this form and with this 3330addition, in French: Notre très cher fils Henri, Roi d'Angleterre, 3331héritier de France; and thus in Latin: Praecarissimus 3332filius noster Henricus, Rex Angliae et Haeres Franciae.
2.1643333French King
 Nor this I have not, brother, so denied
2.1653334But your request shall make me let it pass.
2.1663335King Henry
 I pray you then in love and dear alliance,
2.1673336Let that one article rank with the rest,
2.1683337And thereupon give me your daughter.
2.1693338French King
 Take her, fair son, and from her blood raise up
2.1703339Issue to me, that the contending kingdoms
2.1713340Of France and England, whose very shores look pale
2.1723341With envy of each other's happiness,
2.1733342May cease their hatred, and this dear conjunction
2.1743343Plant neighborhood and Christian-like accord
2.1753344In their sweet bosoms, that never war advance
2.1763345His bleeding sword 'twixt England and fair France.
2.1773346Lords
 Amen.
2.1783347King Henry
 Now welcome, Kate, and bear me witness all
2.1793348That here I kiss her as my sovereign queen.
 3349Flourish.
2.1803350Queen Isabeau
 God, the best maker of all marriages,
2.1813351Combine your hearts in one, your realms in one.
2.1823352As man and wife, being two, are one in love,
2.1833353So be there 'twixt your kingdoms such a spousal
2.1843354That never may ill office or fell jealousy,
2.1853355Which troubles oft the bed of blessèd marriage,
2.1863356Thrust in between the paction of these kingdoms
2.1873357To make divorce of their incorporate league,
2.1883358That English may as French, French Englishmen,
2.1893359Receive each other. God speak this amen.
2.1903360All
 Amen.
2.1913361King Henry
 Prepare we for our marriage; on which day,
2.1923362My lord of Burgundy, we'll take your oath,
2.1933363And all the peers', for surety of our leagues.
2.1943364Then shall I swear to Kate, and you to me,
2.1953365And may our oaths well kept and prosp'rous be.
 3366Sennet. Exeunt.
1[Epilogue]
 3367Enter Chorus.
 3368Chorus
 Thus far, with rough and all-unable pen,
 3369Our bending author hath pursued the story,
 3370In little room confining mighty men,
 3371Mangling by starts the full course of their glory.
 3372Small time, but in that small most greatly lived
 3373This star of England. Fortune made his sword,
 3374By which the world's best garden he achieved,
 3375And of it left his son imperial lord.
 3376Henry the Sixth, in infant bands crowned King
 3377Of France and England, did this king succeed,
 3378Whose state so many had the managing
 3379That they lost France and made his England bleed,
 3380Which oft our stage hath shown; and for their sake,
 3381In your fair minds let this acceptance take.
 [Exit.]
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Henry V (Modern, Folio)
