Folger Shakespeare Library

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Contents

Front Matter |
ACT 1 |
ACT 2 |
ACT 3 |
ACT 4 |
ACT 5 |

From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own.

Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as Folger Digital Texts, we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them.

The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theater.

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

Henry V begins at the English court, where the young king is persuaded that he has a claim to the throne of France. When the French dauphin, or heir apparent, insults him by sending him tennis balls, Henry launches his military expedition to France.

Before departing, Henry learns that three of his nobles have betrayed him, and he orders their execution. Meanwhile, his old tavern companions grieve over Sir John Falstaff’s death, and then leave for France.

Henry and his army lay siege to the French town of Harfleur, which surrenders. The Princess of France, Katherine, starts to learn English, but the French nobles are sure of success against Henry. Instead, Henry’s forces win a great victory at Agincourt.

After a brief return to England, Henry comes back to France to claim his rights and to set up his marriage to Princess Katherine. The play’s epilogue points out that Henry will die young and that England will as a result lose most of his French territories.

Characters in the Play
Chorus
Henry V, King of England
Thomas, Duke of Exeter, uncle to the King
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester
John, Duke of Bedford
Thomas, Duke of Clarence
brothers to the King
Duke of York
Earl of Westmoreland
Earl of Cambridge
cousins to the King
Earl of Warwick
Earl of Salisbury
Earl of Huntington
Lord Scroop of Masham
English nobles
Sir Thomas Grey
Hostess Quickly
Pistol
Nym
Bardolph
former companions of Henry, now in his army
Boy, their servant
Sir Thomas Erpingham
Captain Fluellen
Captain Gower
Captain MacMorris
Captain Jamy
officers in Henry’s army
English heralds
John Bates
Alexander Court
Michael Williams
soldiers in Henry’s army
Bishop of Canterbury
Bishop of Ely
King of France
Queen Isabel of France
Katherine, Princess of France
Alice, a gentlewoman attending on Katherine
Dauphin (i.e., Prince) of France
Duke of Berri
Duke of Brittany
Duke of Orléans
Duke of Bourbon
Duke of Burgundy
Constable of France
Lord Grandpré
Lord Rambures
Lord Beaumont
French nobles
Montjoy, French herald
French ambassadors to England
Monsieur Le Fer, a French soldier
Governor of Harfleur
Lords, Attendants, Soldiers, French Prisoners, Messengers

PROLOGUE
Enter Chorus as Prologue.
CHORUS
FTLN 0001 O, for a muse of fire that would ascend
FTLN 0002 The brightest heaven of invention!
FTLN 0003 A kingdom for a stage, princes to act,
FTLN 0004 And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!
FTLN 0005 5 Then should the warlike Harry, like himself,
FTLN 0006 Assume the port of Mars, and at his heels,
FTLN 0007 Leashed in like hounds, should famine, sword, and
FTLN 0008 fire
FTLN 0009 Crouch for employment. But pardon, gentles all,
FTLN 0010 10 The flat unraisèd spirits that hath dared
FTLN 0011 On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth
FTLN 0012 So great an object. Can this cockpit hold
FTLN 0013 The vasty fields of France? Or may we cram
FTLN 0014 Within this wooden O the very casques
FTLN 0015 15 That did affright the air at Agincourt?
FTLN 0016 O pardon, since a crookèd figure may
FTLN 0017 Attest in little place a million,
FTLN 0018 And let us, ciphers to this great account,
FTLN 0019 On your imaginary forces work.
FTLN 0020 20 Suppose within the girdle of these walls
FTLN 0021 Are now confined two mighty monarchies,
FTLN 0022 Whose high uprearèd and abutting fronts
7

9
Henry V
PROLOGUE
FTLN 0023 The perilous narrow ocean parts asunder.
FTLN 0024 Piece out our imperfections with your thoughts.
FTLN 0025 25 Into a thousand parts divide one man,
FTLN 0026 And make imaginary puissance.
FTLN 0027 Think, when we talk of horses, that you see them
FTLN 0028 Printing their proud hoofs i’ th’ receiving earth,
FTLN 0029 For ’tis your thoughts that now must deck our
FTLN 0030 30 kings,
FTLN 0031 Carry them here and there, jumping o’er times,
FTLN 0032 Turning th’ accomplishment of many years
FTLN 0033 Into an hourglass; for the which supply,
FTLN 0034 Admit me chorus to this history,
FTLN 0035 35 Who, prologue-like, your humble patience pray
FTLN 0036 Gently to hear, kindly to judge our play.
He exits.

ACT 1
Scene 1
Enter the two Bishops of Canterbury and Ely.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0037 My lord, I’ll tell you that self bill is urged
FTLN 0038 Which in th’ eleventh year of the last king’s reign
FTLN 0039 Was like, and had indeed against us passed
FTLN 0040 But that the scambling and unquiet time
FTLN 0041 5 Did push it out of farther question.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0042 But how, my lord, shall we resist it now?
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0043 It must be thought on. If it pass against us,
FTLN 0044 We lose the better half of our possession,
FTLN 0045 For all the temporal lands which men devout
FTLN 0046 10 By testament have given to the Church
FTLN 0047 Would they strip from us, being valued thus:
FTLN 0048 “As much as would maintain, to the King’s honor,
FTLN 0049 Full fifteen earls and fifteen hundred knights,
FTLN 0050 Six thousand and two hundred good esquires;
FTLN 0051 15 And, to relief of lazars and weak age
FTLN 0052 Of indigent faint souls past corporal toil,
FTLN 0053 A hundred almshouses right well supplied;
FTLN 0054 And to the coffers of the King besides,
FTLN 0055 A thousand pounds by th’ year.” Thus runs the bill.
11

13
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 1
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0056 20 This would drink deep.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY FTLN 0057 ’Twould drink the cup and
FTLN 0058 all.
BISHOP OF ELY FTLN 0059 But what prevention?
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0060 The King is full of grace and fair regard.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0061 25 And a true lover of the holy Church.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0062 The courses of his youth promised it not.
FTLN 0063 The breath no sooner left his father’s body
FTLN 0064 But that his wildness, mortified in him,
FTLN 0065 Seemed to die too. Yea, at that very moment
FTLN 0066 30 Consideration like an angel came
FTLN 0067 And whipped th’ offending Adam out of him,
FTLN 0068 Leaving his body as a paradise
FTLN 0069 T’ envelop and contain celestial spirits.
FTLN 0070 Never was such a sudden scholar made,
FTLN 0071 35 Never came reformation in a flood
FTLN 0072 With such a heady currance scouring faults,
FTLN 0073 Nor never Hydra-headed willfulness
FTLN 0074 So soon did lose his seat, and all at once,
FTLN 0075 As in this king.
BISHOP OF ELY FTLN 0076 40 We are blessèd in the change.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0077 Hear him but reason in divinity
FTLN 0078 And, all-admiring, with an inward wish
FTLN 0079 You would desire the King were made a prelate;
FTLN 0080 Hear him debate of commonwealth affairs,
FTLN 0081 45 You would say it hath been all in all his study;
FTLN 0082 List his discourse of war, and you shall hear
FTLN 0083 A fearful battle rendered you in music;
FTLN 0084 Turn him to any cause of policy,
FTLN 0085 The Gordian knot of it he will unloose
FTLN 0086 50 Familiar as his garter; that, when he speaks,

15
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0087 The air, a chartered libertine, is still,
FTLN 0088 And the mute wonder lurketh in men’s ears
FTLN 0089 To steal his sweet and honeyed sentences;
FTLN 0090 So that the art and practic part of life
FTLN 0091 55 Must be the mistress to this theoric;
FTLN 0092 Which is a wonder how his Grace should glean it,
FTLN 0093 Since his addiction was to courses vain,
FTLN 0094 His companies unlettered, rude, and shallow,
FTLN 0095 His hours filled up with riots, banquets, sports,
FTLN 0096 60 And never noted in him any study,
FTLN 0097 Any retirement, any sequestration
FTLN 0098 From open haunts and popularity.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0099 The strawberry grows underneath the nettle,
FTLN 0100 And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best
FTLN 0101 65 Neighbored by fruit of baser quality;
FTLN 0102 And so the Prince obscured his contemplation
FTLN 0103 Under the veil of wildness, which, no doubt,
FTLN 0104 Grew like the summer grass, fastest by night,
FTLN 0105 Unseen yet crescive in his faculty.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0106 70 It must be so, for miracles are ceased,
FTLN 0107 And therefore we must needs admit the means
FTLN 0108 How things are perfected.
BISHOP OF ELY FTLN 0109 But, my good lord,
FTLN 0110 How now for mitigation of this bill
FTLN 0111 75 Urged by the Commons? Doth his Majesty
FTLN 0112 Incline to it or no?
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY FTLN 0113 He seems indifferent,
FTLN 0114 Or rather swaying more upon our part
FTLN 0115 Than cherishing th’ exhibitors against us;
FTLN 0116 80 For I have made an offer to his Majesty—
FTLN 0117 Upon our spiritual convocation
FTLN 0118 And in regard of causes now in hand,
FTLN 0119 Which I have opened to his Grace at large,
FTLN 0120 As touching France—to give a greater sum

17
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0121 85 Than ever at one time the clergy yet
FTLN 0122 Did to his predecessors part withal.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0123 How did this offer seem received, my lord?
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0124 With good acceptance of his Majesty—
FTLN 0125 Save that there was not time enough to hear,
FTLN 0126 90 As I perceived his Grace would fain have done,
FTLN 0127 The severals and unhidden passages
FTLN 0128 Of his true titles to some certain dukedoms,
FTLN 0129 And generally to the crown and seat of France,
FTLN 0130 Derived from Edward, his great-grandfather.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0131 95 What was th’ impediment that broke this off?
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0132 The French ambassador upon that instant
FTLN 0133 Craved audience. And the hour, I think, is come
FTLN 0134 To give him hearing. Is it four o’clock?
BISHOP OF ELY FTLN 0135 It is.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0136 100 Then go we in to know his embassy,
FTLN 0137 Which I could with a ready guess declare
FTLN 0138 Before the Frenchman speak a word of it.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0139 I’ll wait upon you, and I long to hear it.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter the King of England, Humphrey Duke of
Gloucester, Bedford, Clarence, Warwick, Westmoreland,
and Exeter, with other Attendants.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0140 Where is my gracious Lord of Canterbury?

19
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
EXETER
FTLN 0141 Not here in presence.
KING HENRY FTLN 0142 Send for him, good uncle.
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 0143 Shall we call in th’ Ambassador, my liege?
KING HENRY
FTLN 0144 5 Not yet, my cousin. We would be resolved,
FTLN 0145 Before we hear him, of some things of weight
FTLN 0146 That task our thoughts concerning us and France.
Enter the two Bishops of Canterbury and Ely.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0147 God and his angels guard your sacred throne
FTLN 0148 And make you long become it.
KING HENRY FTLN 0149 10 Sure we thank you.
FTLN 0150 My learnèd lord, we pray you to proceed
FTLN 0151 And justly and religiously unfold
FTLN 0152 Why the law Salic that they have in France
FTLN 0153 Or should or should not bar us in our claim.
FTLN 0154 15 And God forbid, my dear and faithful lord,
FTLN 0155 That you should fashion, wrest, or bow your
FTLN 0156 reading,
FTLN 0157 Or nicely charge your understanding soul
FTLN 0158 With opening titles miscreate, whose right
FTLN 0159 20 Suits not in native colors with the truth;
FTLN 0160 For God doth know how many now in health
FTLN 0161 Shall drop their blood in approbation
FTLN 0162 Of what your reverence shall incite us to.
FTLN 0163 Therefore take heed how you impawn our person,
FTLN 0164 25 How you awake our sleeping sword of war.
FTLN 0165 We charge you in the name of God, take heed,
FTLN 0166 For never two such kingdoms did contend
FTLN 0167 Without much fall of blood, whose guiltless drops
FTLN 0168 Are every one a woe, a sore complaint
FTLN 0169 30 ’Gainst him whose wrongs gives edge unto the
FTLN 0170 swords

21
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0171 That makes such waste in brief mortality.
FTLN 0172 Under this conjuration, speak, my lord,
FTLN 0173 For we will hear, note, and believe in heart
FTLN 0174 35 That what you speak is in your conscience washed
FTLN 0175 As pure as sin with baptism.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0176 Then hear me, gracious sovereign, and you peers
FTLN 0177 That owe yourselves, your lives, and services
FTLN 0178 To this imperial throne. There is no bar
FTLN 0179 40 To make against your Highness’ claim to France
FTLN 0180 But this, which they produce from Pharamond:
FTLN 0181 “In terram Salicam mulieres ne succedant”
FTLN 0182 (No woman shall succeed in Salic land),
FTLN 0183 Which Salic land the French unjustly gloze
FTLN 0184 45 To be the realm of France, and Pharamond
FTLN 0185 The founder of this law and female bar.
FTLN 0186 Yet their own authors faithfully affirm
FTLN 0187 That the land Salic is in Germany,
FTLN 0188 Between the floods of Sala and of Elbe,
FTLN 0189 50 Where Charles the Great, having subdued the
FTLN 0190 Saxons,
FTLN 0191 There left behind and settled certain French,
FTLN 0192 Who, holding in disdain the German women
FTLN 0193 For some dishonest manners of their life,
FTLN 0194 55 Established then this law: to wit, no female
FTLN 0195 Should be inheritrix in Salic land,
FTLN 0196 Which “Salic,” as I said, ’twixt Elbe and Sala
FTLN 0197 Is at this day in Germany called Meissen.
FTLN 0198 Then doth it well appear the Salic law
FTLN 0199 60 Was not devisèd for the realm of France,
FTLN 0200 Nor did the French possess the Salic land
FTLN 0201 Until four hundred one and twenty years
FTLN 0202 After defunction of King Pharamond,
FTLN 0203 Idly supposed the founder of this law,
FTLN 0204 65 Who died within the year of our redemption
FTLN 0205 Four hundred twenty-six; and Charles the Great

23
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0206 Subdued the Saxons and did seat the French
FTLN 0207 Beyond the river Sala in the year
FTLN 0208 Eight hundred five. Besides, their writers say,
FTLN 0209 70 King Pepin, which deposèd Childeric,
FTLN 0210 Did, as heir general, being descended
FTLN 0211 Of Blithild, which was daughter to King Clothair,
FTLN 0212 Make claim and title to the crown of France.
FTLN 0213 Hugh Capet also, who usurped the crown
FTLN 0214 75 Of Charles the Duke of Lorraine, sole heir male
FTLN 0215 Of the true line and stock of Charles the Great,
FTLN 0216 To find his title with some shows of truth,
FTLN 0217 Though in pure truth it was corrupt and naught,
FTLN 0218 Conveyed himself as th’ heir to th’ Lady Lingare,
FTLN 0219 80 Daughter to Charlemagne, who was the son
FTLN 0220 To Lewis the Emperor, and Lewis the son
FTLN 0221 Of Charles the Great. Also King Lewis the Tenth,
FTLN 0222 Who was sole heir to the usurper Capet,
FTLN 0223 Could not keep quiet in his conscience,
FTLN 0224 85 Wearing the crown of France, till satisfied
FTLN 0225 That fair Queen Isabel, his grandmother,
FTLN 0226 Was lineal of the Lady Ermengare,
FTLN 0227 Daughter to Charles the foresaid Duke of Lorraine:
FTLN 0228 By the which marriage the line of Charles the Great
FTLN 0229 90 Was reunited to the crown of France.
FTLN 0230 So that, as clear as is the summer’s sun,
FTLN 0231 King Pepin’s title and Hugh Capet’s claim,
FTLN 0232 King Lewis his satisfaction, all appear
FTLN 0233 To hold in right and title of the female.
FTLN 0234 95 So do the kings of France unto this day,
FTLN 0235 Howbeit they would hold up this Salic law
FTLN 0236 To bar your Highness claiming from the female,
FTLN 0237 And rather choose to hide them in a net
FTLN 0238 Than amply to imbar their crooked titles
FTLN 0239 100 Usurped from you and your progenitors.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0240 May I with right and conscience make this claim?

25
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0241 The sin upon my head, dread sovereign,
FTLN 0242 For in the Book of Numbers is it writ:
FTLN 0243 “When the man dies, let the inheritance
FTLN 0244 105 Descend unto the daughter.” Gracious lord,
FTLN 0245 Stand for your own, unwind your bloody flag,
FTLN 0246 Look back into your mighty ancestors.
FTLN 0247 Go, my dread lord, to your great-grandsire’s tomb,
FTLN 0248 From whom you claim; invoke his warlike spirit
FTLN 0249 110 And your great-uncle’s, Edward the Black Prince,
FTLN 0250 Who on the French ground played a tragedy,
FTLN 0251 Making defeat on the full power of France
FTLN 0252 Whiles his most mighty father on a hill
FTLN 0253 Stood smiling to behold his lion’s whelp
FTLN 0254 115 Forage in blood of French nobility.
FTLN 0255 O noble English, that could entertain
FTLN 0256 With half their forces the full pride of France
FTLN 0257 And let another half stand laughing by,
FTLN 0258 All out of work and cold for action!
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0259 120 Awake remembrance of these valiant dead
FTLN 0260 And with your puissant arm renew their feats.
FTLN 0261 You are their heir, you sit upon their throne,
FTLN 0262 The blood and courage that renownèd them
FTLN 0263 Runs in your veins; and my thrice-puissant liege
FTLN 0264 125 Is in the very May-morn of his youth,
FTLN 0265 Ripe for exploits and mighty enterprises.
EXETER
FTLN 0266 Your brother kings and monarchs of the Earth
FTLN 0267 Do all expect that you should rouse yourself
FTLN 0268 As did the former lions of your blood.
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 0269 130 They know your Grace hath cause and means and
FTLN 0270 might;
FTLN 0271 So hath your Highness. Never king of England
FTLN 0272 Had nobles richer, and more loyal subjects,

27
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0273 Whose hearts have left their bodies here in England
FTLN 0274 135 And lie pavilioned in the fields of France.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0275 O, let their bodies follow, my dear liege,
FTLN 0276 With blood and sword and fire to win your right,
FTLN 0277 In aid whereof we of the spiritualty
FTLN 0278 Will raise your Highness such a mighty sum
FTLN 0279 140 As never did the clergy at one time
FTLN 0280 Bring in to any of your ancestors.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0281 We must not only arm t’ invade the French,
FTLN 0282 But lay down our proportions to defend
FTLN 0283 Against the Scot, who will make road upon us
FTLN 0284 145 With all advantages.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0285 They of those marches, gracious sovereign,
FTLN 0286 Shall be a wall sufficient to defend
FTLN 0287 Our inland from the pilfering borderers.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0288 We do not mean the coursing snatchers only,
FTLN 0289 150 But fear the main intendment of the Scot,
FTLN 0290 Who hath been still a giddy neighbor to us.
FTLN 0291 For you shall read that my great-grandfather
FTLN 0292 Never went with his forces into France
FTLN 0293 But that the Scot on his unfurnished kingdom
FTLN 0294 155 Came pouring like the tide into a breach
FTLN 0295 With ample and brim fullness of his force,
FTLN 0296 Galling the gleanèd land with hot assays,
FTLN 0297 Girding with grievous siege castles and towns,
FTLN 0298 That England, being empty of defense,
FTLN 0299 160 Hath shook and trembled at th’ ill neighborhood.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY
FTLN 0300 She hath been then more feared than harmed, my
FTLN 0301 liege,
FTLN 0302 For hear her but exampled by herself:
FTLN 0303 When all her chivalry hath been in France

29
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0304 165 And she a mourning widow of her nobles,
FTLN 0305 She hath herself not only well defended
FTLN 0306 But taken and impounded as a stray
FTLN 0307 The King of Scots, whom she did send to France
FTLN 0308 To fill King Edward’s fame with prisoner kings
FTLN 0309 170 And make her chronicle as rich with praise
FTLN 0310 As is the ooze and bottom of the sea
FTLN 0311 With sunken wrack and sumless treasuries.
BISHOP OF ELY
FTLN 0312 But there’s a saying very old and true:
FTLN 0313 “If that you will France win,
FTLN 0314 175 Then with Scotland first begin.”
FTLN 0315 For once the eagle England being in prey,
FTLN 0316 To her unguarded nest the weasel Scot
FTLN 0317 Comes sneaking and so sucks her princely eggs,
FTLN 0318 Playing the mouse in absence of the cat,
FTLN 0319 180 To ’tame and havoc more than she can eat.
EXETER
FTLN 0320 It follows, then, the cat must stay at home.
FTLN 0321 Yet that is but a crushed necessity,
FTLN 0322 Since we have locks to safeguard necessaries
FTLN 0323 And pretty traps to catch the petty thieves.
FTLN 0324 185 While that the armèd hand doth fight abroad,
FTLN 0325 Th’ advisèd head defends itself at home.
FTLN 0326 For government, though high and low and lower,
FTLN 0327 Put into parts, doth keep in one consent,
FTLN 0328 Congreeing in a full and natural close,
FTLN 0329 190 Like music.
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY FTLN 0330 Therefore doth heaven divide
FTLN 0331 The state of man in divers functions,
FTLN 0332 Setting endeavor in continual motion,
FTLN 0333 To which is fixèd as an aim or butt
FTLN 0334 195 Obedience; for so work the honeybees,
FTLN 0335 Creatures that by a rule in nature teach
FTLN 0336 The act of order to a peopled kingdom.

31
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0337 They have a king and officers of sorts,
FTLN 0338 Where some like magistrates correct at home,
FTLN 0339 200 Others like merchants venture trade abroad,
FTLN 0340 Others like soldiers armèd in their stings
FTLN 0341 Make boot upon the summer’s velvet buds,
FTLN 0342 Which pillage they with merry march bring home
FTLN 0343 To the tent royal of their emperor,
FTLN 0344 205 Who, busied in his majesty, surveys
FTLN 0345 The singing masons building roofs of gold,
FTLN 0346 The civil citizens kneading up the honey,
FTLN 0347 The poor mechanic porters crowding in
FTLN 0348 Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate,
FTLN 0349 210 The sad-eyed justice with his surly hum
FTLN 0350 Delivering o’er to executors pale
FTLN 0351 The lazy yawning drone. I this infer:
FTLN 0352 That many things, having full reference
FTLN 0353 To one consent, may work contrariously,
FTLN 0354 215 As many arrows loosèd several ways
FTLN 0355 Come to one mark, as many ways meet in one town,
FTLN 0356 As many fresh streams meet in one salt sea,
FTLN 0357 As many lines close in the dial’s center,
FTLN 0358 So may a thousand actions, once afoot,
FTLN 0359 220 End in one purpose and be all well borne
FTLN 0360 Without defeat. Therefore to France, my liege!
FTLN 0361 Divide your happy England into four,
FTLN 0362 Whereof take you one quarter into France,
FTLN 0363 And you withal shall make all Gallia shake.
FTLN 0364 225 If we, with thrice such powers left at home,
FTLN 0365 Cannot defend our own doors from the dog,
FTLN 0366 Let us be worried, and our nation lose
FTLN 0367 The name of hardiness and policy.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0368 Call in the messengers sent from the Dauphin.
Attendants exit.
FTLN 0369 230 Now are we well resolved, and by God’s help
FTLN 0370 And yours, the noble sinews of our power,

33
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0371 France being ours, we’ll bend it to our awe
FTLN 0372 Or break it all to pieces. Or there we’ll sit,
FTLN 0373 Ruling in large and ample empery
FTLN 0374 235 O’er France and all her almost kingly dukedoms,
FTLN 0375 Or lay these bones in an unworthy urn,
FTLN 0376 Tombless, with no remembrance over them.
FTLN 0377 Either our history shall with full mouth
FTLN 0378 Speak freely of our acts, or else our grave,
FTLN 0379 240 Like Turkish mute, shall have a tongueless mouth,
FTLN 0380 Not worshiped with a waxen epitaph.
Enter Ambassadors of France, with Attendants.
FTLN 0381 Now are we well prepared to know the pleasure
FTLN 0382 Of our fair cousin Dauphin, for we hear
FTLN 0383 Your greeting is from him, not from the King.
AMBASSADOR
FTLN 0384 245 May ’t please your Majesty to give us leave
FTLN 0385 Freely to render what we have in charge,
FTLN 0386 Or shall we sparingly show you far off
FTLN 0387 The Dauphin’s meaning and our embassy?
KING HENRY
FTLN 0388 We are no tyrant, but a Christian king,
FTLN 0389 250 Unto whose grace our passion is as subject
FTLN 0390 As is our wretches fettered in our prisons.
FTLN 0391 Therefore with frank and with uncurbèd plainness
FTLN 0392 Tell us the Dauphin’s mind.
AMBASSADOR FTLN 0393 Thus, then, in few:
FTLN 0394 255 Your Highness, lately sending into France,
FTLN 0395 Did claim some certain dukedoms in the right
FTLN 0396 Of your great predecessor, King Edward the Third;
FTLN 0397 In answer of which claim, the Prince our master
FTLN 0398 Says that you savor too much of your youth
FTLN 0399 260 And bids you be advised there’s naught in France
FTLN 0400 That can be with a nimble galliard won;
FTLN 0401 You cannot revel into dukedoms there.
FTLN 0402 He therefore sends you, meeter for your spirit,

35
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0403 This tun of treasure and, in lieu of this,
FTLN 0404 265 Desires you let the dukedoms that you claim
FTLN 0405 Hear no more of you. This the Dauphin speaks.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0406 What treasure, uncle?
EXETER FTLN 0407 Tennis balls,
FTLN 0408 my liege.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0409 270 We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us.
FTLN 0410 His present and your pains we thank you for.
FTLN 0411 When we have matched our rackets to these balls,
FTLN 0412 We will in France, by God’s grace, play a set
FTLN 0413 Shall strike his father’s crown into the hazard.
FTLN 0414 275 Tell him he hath made a match with such a
FTLN 0415 wrangler
FTLN 0416 That all the courts of France will be disturbed
FTLN 0417 With chases. And we understand him well,
FTLN 0418 How he comes o’er us with our wilder days,
FTLN 0419 280 Not measuring what use we made of them.
FTLN 0420 We never valued this poor seat of England,
FTLN 0421 And therefore, living hence, did give ourself
FTLN 0422 To barbarous license, as ’tis ever common
FTLN 0423 That men are merriest when they are from home.
FTLN 0424 285 But tell the Dauphin I will keep my state,
FTLN 0425 Be like a king, and show my sail of greatness
FTLN 0426 When I do rouse me in my throne of France,
FTLN 0427 For that I have laid by my majesty
FTLN 0428 And plodded like a man for working days;
FTLN 0429 290 But I will rise there with so full a glory
FTLN 0430 That I will dazzle all the eyes of France,
FTLN 0431 Yea, strike the Dauphin blind to look on us.
FTLN 0432 And tell the pleasant prince this mock of his
FTLN 0433 Hath turned his balls to gun-stones, and his soul
FTLN 0434 295 Shall stand sore chargèd for the wasteful vengeance
FTLN 0435 That shall fly with them; for many a thousand
FTLN 0436 widows
FTLN 0437 Shall this his mock mock out of their dear husbands,

37
Henry V
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0438 Mock mothers from their sons, mock castles down;
FTLN 0439 300 And some are yet ungotten and unborn
FTLN 0440 That shall have cause to curse the Dauphin’s scorn.
FTLN 0441 But this lies all within the will of God,
FTLN 0442 To whom I do appeal, and in whose name
FTLN 0443 Tell you the Dauphin I am coming on,
FTLN 0444 305 To venge me as I may and to put forth
FTLN 0445 My rightful hand in a well-hallowed cause.
FTLN 0446 So get you hence in peace. And tell the Dauphin
FTLN 0447 His jest will savor but of shallow wit
FTLN 0448 When thousands weep more than did laugh at it.—
FTLN 0449 310 Convey them with safe conduct.—Fare you well.
Ambassadors exit, with Attendants.
EXETER FTLN 0450 This was a merry message.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0451 We hope to make the sender blush at it.
FTLN 0452 Therefore, my lords, omit no happy hour
FTLN 0453 That may give furth’rance to our expedition;
FTLN 0454 315 For we have now no thought in us but France,
FTLN 0455 Save those to God, that run before our business.
FTLN 0456 Therefore let our proportions for these wars
FTLN 0457 Be soon collected, and all things thought upon
FTLN 0458 That may with reasonable swiftness add
FTLN 0459 320 More feathers to our wings. For, God before,
FTLN 0460 We’ll chide this Dauphin at his father’s door.
FTLN 0461 Therefore let every man now task his thought,
FTLN 0462 That this fair action may on foot be brought.
Flourish. They exit.

ACT 2
Enter Chorus.
CHORUS
FTLN 0463 Now all the youth of England are on fire,
FTLN 0464 And silken dalliance in the wardrobe lies;
FTLN 0465 Now thrive the armorers, and honor’s thought
FTLN 0466 Reigns solely in the breast of every man.
FTLN 0467 5 They sell the pasture now to buy the horse,
FTLN 0468 Following the mirror of all Christian kings
FTLN 0469 With wingèd heels, as English Mercurys.
FTLN 0470 For now sits Expectation in the air
FTLN 0471 And hides a sword, from hilts unto the point,
FTLN 0472 10 With crowns imperial, crowns, and coronets
FTLN 0473 Promised to Harry and his followers.
FTLN 0474 The French, advised by good intelligence
FTLN 0475 Of this most dreadful preparation,
FTLN 0476 Shake in their fear, and with pale policy
FTLN 0477 15 Seek to divert the English purposes.
FTLN 0478 O England, model to thy inward greatness,
FTLN 0479 Like little body with a mighty heart,
FTLN 0480 What might’st thou do, that honor would thee do,
FTLN 0481 Were all thy children kind and natural!
FTLN 0482 20 But see, thy fault France hath in thee found out,
FTLN 0483 A nest of hollow bosoms, which he fills
FTLN 0484 With treacherous crowns, and three corrupted men—
FTLN 0485 One, Richard, Earl of Cambridge, and the second,
41

43
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0486 Henry, Lord Scroop of Masham, and the third,
FTLN 0487 25 Sir Thomas Grey, knight, of Northumberland—
FTLN 0488 Have, for the gilt of France (O guilt indeed!),
FTLN 0489 Confirmed conspiracy with fearful France,
FTLN 0490 And by their hands this grace of kings must die,
FTLN 0491 If hell and treason hold their promises,
FTLN 0492 30 Ere he take ship for France, and in Southampton.
FTLN 0493 Linger your patience on, and we’ll digest
FTLN 0494 Th’ abuse of distance, force a play.
FTLN 0495 The sum is paid, the traitors are agreed,
FTLN 0496 The King is set from London, and the scene
FTLN 0497 35 Is now transported, gentles, to Southampton.
FTLN 0498 There is the playhouse now, there must you sit,
FTLN 0499 And thence to France shall we convey you safe
FTLN 0500 And bring you back, charming the narrow seas
FTLN 0501 To give you gentle pass; for, if we may,
FTLN 0502 40 We’ll not offend one stomach with our play.
FTLN 0503 But, till the King come forth, and not till then,
FTLN 0504 Unto Southampton do we shift our scene.
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter Corporal Nym and Lieutenant Bardolph.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0505 Well met, Corporal Nym.
NYM FTLN 0506 Good morrow, Lieutenant Bardolph.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0507 What, are Ancient Pistol and you friends
FTLN 0508 yet?
NYM FTLN 0509 5 For my part, I care not. I say little, but when time
FTLN 0510 shall serve, there shall be smiles; but that shall be as
FTLN 0511 it may. I dare not fight, but I will wink and hold out
FTLN 0512 mine iron. It is a simple one, but what though? It
FTLN 0513 will toast cheese, and it will endure cold as another
FTLN 0514 10 man’s sword will, and there’s an end.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0515 I will bestow a breakfast to make you

45
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0516 friends, and we’ll be all three sworn brothers to
FTLN 0517 France. Let ’t be so, good Corporal Nym.
NYM FTLN 0518 Faith, I will live so long as I may, that’s the
FTLN 0519 15 certain of it; and when I cannot live any longer, I
FTLN 0520 will do as I may. That is my rest, that is the
FTLN 0521 rendezvous of it.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0522 It is certain, corporal, that he is married to
FTLN 0523 Nell Quickly, and certainly she did you wrong, for
FTLN 0524 20 you were troth-plight to her.
NYM FTLN 0525 I cannot tell. Things must be as they may. Men
FTLN 0526 may sleep, and they may have their throats about
FTLN 0527 them at that time, and some say knives have edges.
FTLN 0528 It must be as it may. Though patience be a tired
FTLN 0529 25 mare, yet she will plod. There must be conclusions.
FTLN 0530 Well, I cannot tell.
Enter Pistol and Hostess Quickly.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0531 Here comes Ancient Pistol and his wife.
FTLN 0532 Good corporal, be patient here.—How now, mine
FTLN 0533 host Pistol?
PISTOL FTLN 0534 30 Base tyke, call’st thou me host? Now, by this
FTLN 0535 hand, I swear I scorn the term, nor shall my Nell
FTLN 0536 keep lodgers.
HOSTESS FTLN 0537 No, by my troth, not long; for we cannot
FTLN 0538 lodge and board a dozen or fourteen gentlewomen
FTLN 0539 35 that live honestly by the prick of their needles but it
FTLN 0540 will be thought we keep a bawdy house straight.
Nym and Pistol draw their swords.
FTLN 0541 O well-a-day, Lady! If he be not hewn now, we shall
FTLN 0542 see willful adultery and murder committed.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0543 Good lieutenant, good corporal, offer nothing
FTLN 0544 40 here.
NYM FTLN 0545 Pish!
PISTOL FTLN 0546 Pish for thee, Iceland dog, thou prick-eared
FTLN 0547 cur of Iceland!

47
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 1
HOSTESS FTLN 0548 Good Corporal Nym, show thy valor, and put
FTLN 0549 45 up your sword.
NYM FTLN 0550 Will you shog off? To Pistol. I would have you
FTLN 0551 solus.
PISTOL FTLN 0552“Solus,” egregious dog? O viper vile, the solus
FTLN 0553 in thy most marvelous face, the solus in thy teeth
FTLN 0554 50 and in thy throat and in thy hateful lungs, yea, in thy
FTLN 0555 maw, perdy, and, which is worse, within thy nasty
FTLN 0556 mouth! I do retort the solus in thy bowels, for I can
FTLN 0557 take, and Pistol’s cock is up, and flashing fire will
FTLN 0558 follow.
NYM FTLN 0559 55 I am not Barbason, you cannot conjure me. I
FTLN 0560 have an humor to knock you indifferently well. If
FTLN 0561 you grow foul with me, Pistol, I will scour you with
FTLN 0562 my rapier, as I may, in fair terms. If you would walk
FTLN 0563 off, I would prick your guts a little in good terms, as
FTLN 0564 60 I may, and that’s the humor of it.
PISTOL
FTLN 0565 O braggart vile and damnèd furious wight,
FTLN 0566 The grave doth gape, and doting death is near.
FTLN 0567 Therefore exhale.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0568 Hear me, hear me what I say: he that strikes
FTLN 0569 65 the first stroke, I’ll run him up to the hilts, as I am a
FTLN 0570 soldier. He draws.
PISTOL FTLN 0571 An oath of mickle might, and fury shall abate.
Pistol and Nym and then Bardolph
sheathe their swords.
FTLN 0572 Give me thy fist, thy forefoot to me give. Thy spirits
FTLN 0573 are most tall.
NYM , to Pistol FTLN 0574 70 I will cut thy throat one time or other
FTLN 0575 in fair terms, that is the humor of it.
PISTOL FTLN 0576 Couple à gorge, that is the word. I defy thee
FTLN 0577 again. O hound of Crete, think’st thou my spouse to
FTLN 0578 get? No, to the spital go, and from the powd’ring tub
FTLN 0579 75 of infamy fetch forth the lazar kite of Cressid’s kind,
FTLN 0580 Doll Tearsheet she by name, and her espouse. I

49
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0581 have, and I will hold, the quondam Quickly for the
FTLN 0582 only she: and pauca, there’s enough too! Go to.
Enter the Boy.
BOY FTLN 0583 Mine host Pistol, you must come to my master,
FTLN 0584 80 and your hostess. He is very sick and would to
FTLN 0585 bed.—Good Bardolph, put thy face between his
FTLN 0586 sheets, and do the office of a warming-pan. Faith,
FTLN 0587 he’s very ill.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0588 Away, you rogue!
HOSTESS FTLN 0589 85 By my troth, he’ll yield the crow a pudding
FTLN 0590 one of these days. The King has killed his heart.
FTLN 0591 Good husband, come home presently.
She exits with the Boy.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0592 Come, shall I make you two friends? We
FTLN 0593 must to France together. Why the devil should we
FTLN 0594 90 keep knives to cut one another’s throats?
PISTOL
FTLN 0595 Let floods o’erswell and fiends for food howl on!
NYM FTLN 0596 You’ll pay me the eight shillings I won of you at
FTLN 0597 betting?
PISTOL FTLN 0598 Base is the slave that pays.
NYM FTLN 0599 95 That now I will have, that’s the humor of it.
PISTOL FTLN 0600 As manhood shall compound. Push home.
They draw.
BARDOLPH , drawing his sword FTLN 0601 By this sword, he that
FTLN 0602 makes the first thrust, I’ll kill him. By this sword, I
FTLN 0603 will.
PISTOL , sheathing his sword FTLN 0604 100“Sword” is an oath, and
FTLN 0605 oaths must have their course.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0606 Corporal Nym, an thou wilt be friends, be
FTLN 0607 friends; an thou wilt not, why then be enemies with
FTLN 0608 me too. Prithee, put up.
PISTOL , to Nym FTLN 0609 105 A noble shalt thou have, and present
FTLN 0610 pay, and liquor likewise will I give to thee, and

51
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0611 friendship shall combine, and brotherhood. I’ll live
FTLN 0612 by Nym, and Nym shall live by me. Is not this just?
FTLN 0613 For I shall sutler be unto the camp, and profits will
FTLN 0614 110 accrue. Give me thy hand.
NYM FTLN 0615 I shall have my noble?
PISTOL FTLN 0616 In cash, most justly paid.
NYM FTLN 0617 Well, then, that’s the humor of ’t.
Nym and Bardolph sheathe their swords.
Enter Hostess.
HOSTESS FTLN 0618 As ever you come of women, come in quickly
FTLN 0619 115 to Sir John. Ah, poor heart, he is so shaked of a
FTLN 0620 burning quotidian-tertian that it is most lamentable
FTLN 0621 to behold. Sweet men, come to him.
NYM FTLN 0622 The King hath run bad humors on the knight,
FTLN 0623 that’s the even of it.
PISTOL FTLN 0624 120 Nym, thou hast spoke the right. His heart is
FTLN 0625 fracted and corroborate.
NYM FTLN 0626 The King is a good king, but it must be as it may;
FTLN 0627 he passes some humors and careers.
PISTOL FTLN 0628 Let us condole the knight, for, lambkins, we
FTLN 0629 125 will live.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Exeter, Bedford, and Westmoreland.
BEDFORD
FTLN 0630 ’Fore God, his Grace is bold to trust these traitors.
EXETER
FTLN 0631 They shall be apprehended by and by.
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 0632 How smooth and even they do bear themselves,
FTLN 0633 As if allegiance in their bosoms sat
FTLN 0634 5 Crownèd with faith and constant loyalty.

53
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
BEDFORD
FTLN 0635 The King hath note of all that they intend,
FTLN 0636 By interception which they dream not of.
EXETER
FTLN 0637 Nay, but the man that was his bedfellow,
FTLN 0638 Whom he hath dulled and cloyed with gracious
FTLN 0639 10 favors—
FTLN 0640 That he should, for a foreign purse, so sell
FTLN 0641 His sovereign’s life to death and treachery!
Sound Trumpets. Enter the King of England,
Scroop, Cambridge, and Grey, with Attendants.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0642 Now sits the wind fair, and we will aboard.—
FTLN 0643 My Lord of Cambridge, and my kind Lord of
FTLN 0644 15 Masham,
FTLN 0645 And you, my gentle knight, give me your thoughts.
FTLN 0646 Think you not that the powers we bear with us
FTLN 0647 Will cut their passage through the force of France,
FTLN 0648 Doing the execution and the act
FTLN 0649 20 For which we have in head assembled them?
SCROOP
FTLN 0650 No doubt, my liege, if each man do his best.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0651 I doubt not that, since we are well persuaded
FTLN 0652 We carry not a heart with us from hence
FTLN 0653 That grows not in a fair consent with ours,
FTLN 0654 25 Nor leave not one behind that doth not wish
FTLN 0655 Success and conquest to attend on us.
CAMBRIDGE
FTLN 0656 Never was monarch better feared and loved
FTLN 0657 Than is your Majesty. There’s not, I think, a subject
FTLN 0658 That sits in heart-grief and uneasiness
FTLN 0659 30 Under the sweet shade of your government.
GREY
FTLN 0660 True. Those that were your father’s enemies

55
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0661 Have steeped their galls in honey, and do serve you
FTLN 0662 With hearts create of duty and of zeal.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0663 We therefore have great cause of thankfulness,
FTLN 0664 35 And shall forget the office of our hand
FTLN 0665 Sooner than quittance of desert and merit
FTLN 0666 According to the weight and worthiness.
SCROOP
FTLN 0667 So service shall with steelèd sinews toil,
FTLN 0668 And labor shall refresh itself with hope
FTLN 0669 40 To do your Grace incessant services.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0670 We judge no less.—Uncle of Exeter,
FTLN 0671 Enlarge the man committed yesterday
FTLN 0672 That railed against our person. We consider
FTLN 0673 It was excess of wine that set him on,
FTLN 0674 45 And on his more advice we pardon him.
SCROOP
FTLN 0675 That’s mercy, but too much security.
FTLN 0676 Let him be punished, sovereign, lest example
FTLN 0677 Breed, by his sufferance, more of such a kind.
KING HENRY FTLN 0678 O, let us yet be merciful.
CAMBRIDGE
FTLN 0679 50 So may your Highness, and yet punish too.
GREY
FTLN 0680 Sir, you show great mercy if you give him life
FTLN 0681 After the taste of much correction.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0682 Alas, your too much love and care of me
FTLN 0683 Are heavy orisons ’gainst this poor wretch.
FTLN 0684 55 If little faults proceeding on distemper
FTLN 0685 Shall not be winked at, how shall we stretch our eye
FTLN 0686 When capital crimes, chewed, swallowed, and
FTLN 0687 digested,
FTLN 0688 Appear before us? We’ll yet enlarge that man,

57
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0689 60 Though Cambridge, Scroop, and Grey, in their dear
FTLN 0690 care
FTLN 0691 And tender preservation of our person,
FTLN 0692 Would have him punished. And now to our French
FTLN 0693 causes.
FTLN 0694 65 Who are the late commissioners?
CAMBRIDGE FTLN 0695 I one, my lord.
FTLN 0696 Your Highness bade me ask for it today.
SCROOP FTLN 0697 So did you me, my liege.
GREY FTLN 0698 And I, my royal sovereign.
KING HENRY , giving them papers
FTLN 0699 70 Then Richard, Earl of Cambridge, there is yours—
FTLN 0700 There yours, Lord Scroop of Masham.—And, sir
FTLN 0701 knight,
FTLN 0702 Grey of Northumberland, this same is yours.—
FTLN 0703 Read them, and know I know your worthiness.—
FTLN 0704 75 My Lord of Westmoreland and uncle Exeter,
FTLN 0705 We will aboard tonight.—Why how now, gentlemen?
FTLN 0706 What see you in those papers, that you lose
FTLN 0707 So much complexion?—Look you, how they change.
FTLN 0708 Their cheeks are paper.—Why, what read you there
FTLN 0709 80 That have so cowarded and chased your blood
FTLN 0710 Out of appearance?
CAMBRIDGE FTLN 0711 I do confess my fault,
FTLN 0712 And do submit me to your Highness’ mercy.
GREY/SCROOP FTLN 0713 To which we all appeal.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0714 85 The mercy that was quick in us but late
FTLN 0715 By your own counsel is suppressed and killed.
FTLN 0716 You must not dare, for shame, to talk of mercy,
FTLN 0717 For your own reasons turn into your bosoms
FTLN 0718 As dogs upon their masters, worrying you.—
FTLN 0719 90 See you, my princes and my noble peers,
FTLN 0720 These English monsters. My Lord of Cambridge
FTLN 0721 here,
FTLN 0722 You know how apt our love was to accord

59
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0723 To furnish him with all appurtenants
FTLN 0724 95 Belonging to his honor, and this man
FTLN 0725 Hath, for a few light crowns, lightly conspired
FTLN 0726 And sworn unto the practices of France
FTLN 0727 To kill us here in Hampton; to the which
FTLN 0728 This knight, no less for bounty bound to us
FTLN 0729 100 Than Cambridge is, hath likewise sworn.—But O,
FTLN 0730 What shall I say to thee, Lord Scroop, thou cruel,
FTLN 0731 Ingrateful, savage, and inhuman creature?
FTLN 0732 Thou that didst bear the key of all my counsels,
FTLN 0733 That knew’st the very bottom of my soul,
FTLN 0734 105 That almost mightst have coined me into gold,
FTLN 0735 Wouldst thou have practiced on me for thy use—
FTLN 0736 May it be possible that foreign hire
FTLN 0737 Could out of thee extract one spark of evil
FTLN 0738 That might annoy my finger? ’Tis so strange
FTLN 0739 110 That, though the truth of it stands off as gross
FTLN 0740 As black and white, my eye will scarcely see it.
FTLN 0741 Treason and murder ever kept together,
FTLN 0742 As two yoke-devils sworn to either’s purpose,
FTLN 0743 Working so grossly in a natural cause
FTLN 0744 115 That admiration did not whoop at them.
FTLN 0745 But thou, ’gainst all proportion, didst bring in
FTLN 0746 Wonder to wait on treason and on murder,
FTLN 0747 And whatsoever cunning fiend it was
FTLN 0748 That wrought upon thee so preposterously
FTLN 0749 120 Hath got the voice in hell for excellence.
FTLN 0750 All other devils that suggest by treasons
FTLN 0751 Do botch and bungle up damnation
FTLN 0752 With patches, colors, and with forms being fetched
FTLN 0753 From glist’ring semblances of piety;
FTLN 0754 125 But he that tempered thee bade thee stand up,
FTLN 0755 Gave thee no instance why thou shouldst do treason,
FTLN 0756 Unless to dub thee with the name of traitor.
FTLN 0757 If that same demon that hath gulled thee thus
FTLN 0758 Should with his lion gait walk the whole world,

61
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0759 130 He might return to vasty Tartar back
FTLN 0760 And tell the legions “I can never win
FTLN 0761 A soul so easy as that Englishman’s.”
FTLN 0762 O, how hast thou with jealousy infected
FTLN 0763 The sweetness of affiance! Show men dutiful?
FTLN 0764 135 Why, so didst thou. Seem they grave and learnèd?
FTLN 0765 Why, so didst thou. Come they of noble family?
FTLN 0766 Why, so didst thou. Seem they religious?
FTLN 0767 Why, so didst thou. Or are they spare in diet,
FTLN 0768 Free from gross passion or of mirth or anger,
FTLN 0769 140 Constant in spirit, not swerving with the blood,
FTLN 0770 Garnished and decked in modest complement,
FTLN 0771 Not working with the eye without the ear,
FTLN 0772 And but in purgèd judgment trusting neither?
FTLN 0773 Such and so finely bolted didst thou seem.
FTLN 0774 145 And thus thy fall hath left a kind of blot
FTLN 0775 To mark the full-fraught man and best endued
FTLN 0776 With some suspicion. I will weep for thee,
FTLN 0777 For this revolt of thine methinks is like
FTLN 0778 Another fall of man.—Their faults are open.
FTLN 0779 150 Arrest them to the answer of the law,
FTLN 0780 And God acquit them of their practices.
EXETER FTLN 0781 I arrest thee of high treason, by the name of
FTLN 0782 Richard, Earl of Cambridge.—
FTLN 0783 I arrest thee of high treason, by the name of
FTLN 0784 155 Henry, Lord Scroop of Masham.—
FTLN 0785 I arrest thee of high treason, by the name of
FTLN 0786 Thomas Grey, knight, of Northumberland.
SCROOP
FTLN 0787 Our purposes God justly hath discovered,
FTLN 0788 And I repent my fault more than my death,
FTLN 0789 160 Which I beseech your Highness to forgive,
FTLN 0790 Although my body pay the price of it.
CAMBRIDGE
FTLN 0791 For me, the gold of France did not seduce,
FTLN 0792 Although I did admit it as a motive
FTLN 0793 The sooner to effect what I intended;

63
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0794 165 But God be thankèd for prevention,
FTLN 0795 Which I in sufferance heartily will rejoice,
FTLN 0796 Beseeching God and you to pardon me.
GREY
FTLN 0797 Never did faithful subject more rejoice
FTLN 0798 At the discovery of most dangerous treason
FTLN 0799 170 Than I do at this hour joy o’er myself,
FTLN 0800 Prevented from a damnèd enterprise.
FTLN 0801 My fault, but not my body, pardon, sovereign.
KING HENRY
FTLN 0802 God quit you in His mercy. Hear your sentence:
FTLN 0803 You have conspired against our royal person,
FTLN 0804 175 Joined with an enemy proclaimed, and from his
FTLN 0805 coffers
FTLN 0806 Received the golden earnest of our death,
FTLN 0807 Wherein you would have sold your king to
FTLN 0808 slaughter,
FTLN 0809 180 His princes and his peers to servitude,
FTLN 0810 His subjects to oppression and contempt,
FTLN 0811 And his whole kingdom into desolation.
FTLN 0812 Touching our person, seek we no revenge,
FTLN 0813 But we our kingdom’s safety must so tender,
FTLN 0814 185 Whose ruin you have sought, that to her laws
FTLN 0815 We do deliver you. Get you therefore hence,
FTLN 0816 Poor miserable wretches, to your death,
FTLN 0817 The taste whereof God of His mercy give
FTLN 0818 You patience to endure, and true repentance
FTLN 0819 190 Of all your dear offenses.—Bear them hence.
They exit under guard.
FTLN 0820 Now, lords, for France, the enterprise whereof
FTLN 0821 Shall be to you as us, like glorious.
FTLN 0822 We doubt not of a fair and lucky war,
FTLN 0823 Since God so graciously hath brought to light
FTLN 0824 195 This dangerous treason lurking in our way
FTLN 0825 To hinder our beginnings. We doubt not now

65
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 0826 But every rub is smoothèd on our way.
FTLN 0827 Then forth, dear countrymen. Let us deliver
FTLN 0828 Our puissance into the hand of God,
FTLN 0829 200 Putting it straight in expedition.
FTLN 0830 Cheerly to sea. The signs of war advance.
FTLN 0831 No king of England if not king of France.
Flourish. They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Pistol, Nym, Bardolph, Boy, and Hostess.
HOSTESS FTLN 0832 Prithee, honey-sweet husband, let me bring
FTLN 0833 thee to Staines.
PISTOL FTLN 0834 No; for my manly heart doth earn.—Bardolph,
FTLN 0835 be blithe.—Nym, rouse thy vaunting veins.— Boy,
FTLN 0836 5 bristle thy courage up. For Falstaff, he is dead, and
FTLN 0837 we must earn therefore.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0838 Would I were with him, wheresome’er he
FTLN 0839 is, either in heaven or in hell.
HOSTESS FTLN 0840 Nay, sure, he’s not in hell! He’s in Arthur’s
FTLN 0841 10 bosom, if ever man went to Arthur’s bosom. He
FTLN 0842 made a finer end, and went away an it had been any
FTLN 0843 christom child. He parted ev’n just between twelve
FTLN 0844 and one, ev’n at the turning o’ th’ tide; for after I saw
FTLN 0845 him fumble with the sheets and play with flowers
FTLN 0846 15 and smile upon his finger’s end, I knew there was
FTLN 0847 but one way, for his nose was as sharp as a pen and
FTLN 0848 he talked of green fields. “How now, Sir John?”
FTLN 0849 quoth I. “What, man, be o’ good cheer!” So he cried
FTLN 0850 out “God, God, God!” three or four times. Now I, to
FTLN 0851 20 comfort him, bid him he should not think of God; I
FTLN 0852 hoped there was no need to trouble himself with
FTLN 0853 any such thoughts yet. So he bade me lay more
FTLN 0854 clothes on his feet. I put my hand into the bed and
FTLN 0855 felt them, and they were as cold as any stone. Then I

67
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 0856 25 felt to his knees, and so upward and upward, and
FTLN 0857 all was as cold as any stone.
NYM FTLN 0858 They say he cried out of sack.
HOSTESS FTLN 0859 Ay, that he did.
BARDOLPH FTLN 0860 And of women.
HOSTESS FTLN 0861 30 Nay, that he did not.
BOY FTLN 0862 Yes, that he did, and said they were devils
FTLN 0863 incarnate.
HOSTESS FTLN 0864 He could never abide carnation. ’Twas a
FTLN 0865 color he never liked.
BOY FTLN 0866 35 He said once, the devil would have him about
FTLN 0867 women.
HOSTESS FTLN 0868 He did in some sort, indeed, handle women,
FTLN 0869 but then he was rheumatic and talked of the Whore
FTLN 0870 of Babylon.
BOY FTLN 0871 40 Do you not remember he saw a flea stick upon
FTLN 0872 Bardolph’s nose, and he said it was a black soul
FTLN 0873 burning in hell?
BARDOLPH FTLN 0874 Well, the fuel is gone that maintained that
FTLN 0875 fire. That’s all the riches I got in his service.
NYM FTLN 0876 45 Shall we shog? The King will be gone from
FTLN 0877 Southampton.
PISTOL FTLN 0878 Come, let’s away.—My love, give me thy lips.
FTLN 0879 They kiss. Look to my chattels and my movables.
FTLN 0880 Let senses rule. The word is “Pitch and pay.” Trust
FTLN 0881 50 none, for oaths are straws, men’s faiths are wafer-cakes,
FTLN 0882 and Holdfast is the only dog, my duck.
FTLN 0883 Therefore, Caveto be thy counselor. Go, clear thy
FTLN 0884 crystals.—Yoke-fellows in arms, let us to France,
FTLN 0885 like horse-leeches, my boys, to suck, to suck, the
FTLN 0886 55 very blood to suck.
BOY FTLN 0887 And that’s but unwholesome food, they say.
PISTOL FTLN 0888 Touch her soft mouth, and march.
BARDOLPH , kissing the Hostess FTLN 0889 Farewell, hostess.
NYM FTLN 0890 I cannot kiss, that is the humor of it. But adieu.

69
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 4
PISTOL , to the Hostess FTLN 0891 60 Let huswifery appear. Keep
FTLN 0892 close, I thee command.
HOSTESS FTLN 0893 Farewell. Adieu.
They exit.
Scene 4
Flourish. Enter the French King, the Dauphin, the Dukes
of Berri and Brittany, the Constable, and others.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 0894 Thus comes the English with full power upon us,
FTLN 0895 And more than carefully it us concerns
FTLN 0896 To answer royally in our defenses.
FTLN 0897 Therefore the Dukes of Berri and of Brittany,
FTLN 0898 5 Of Brabant and of Orléans, shall make forth,
FTLN 0899 And you, Prince Dauphin, with all swift dispatch,
FTLN 0900 To line and new-repair our towns of war
FTLN 0901 With men of courage and with means defendant.
FTLN 0902 For England his approaches makes as fierce
FTLN 0903 10 As waters to the sucking of a gulf.
FTLN 0904 It fits us then to be as provident
FTLN 0905 As fear may teach us out of late examples
FTLN 0906 Left by the fatal and neglected English
FTLN 0907 Upon our fields.
DAUPHIN FTLN 0908 15 My most redoubted father,
FTLN 0909 It is most meet we arm us ’gainst the foe,
FTLN 0910 For peace itself should not so dull a kingdom,
FTLN 0911 Though war nor no known quarrel were in question
FTLN 0912 But that defenses, musters, preparations
FTLN 0913 20 Should be maintained, assembled, and collected
FTLN 0914 As were a war in expectation.
FTLN 0915 Therefore I say ’tis meet we all go forth
FTLN 0916 To view the sick and feeble parts of France.
FTLN 0917 And let us do it with no show of fear,
FTLN 0918 25 No, with no more than if we heard that England

71
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 0919 Were busied with a Whitsun morris-dance.
FTLN 0920 For, my good liege, she is so idly kinged,
FTLN 0921 Her scepter so fantastically borne
FTLN 0922 By a vain, giddy, shallow, humorous youth,
FTLN 0923 30 That fear attends her not.
CONSTABLE FTLN 0924 O peace, Prince Dauphin!
FTLN 0925 You are too much mistaken in this king.
FTLN 0926 Question your Grace the late ambassadors
FTLN 0927 With what great state he heard their embassy,
FTLN 0928 35 How well supplied with noble councillors,
FTLN 0929 How modest in exception, and withal
FTLN 0930 How terrible in constant resolution,
FTLN 0931 And you shall find his vanities forespent
FTLN 0932 Were but the outside of the Roman Brutus,
FTLN 0933 40 Covering discretion with a coat of folly,
FTLN 0934 As gardeners do with ordure hide those roots
FTLN 0935 That shall first spring and be most delicate.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 0936 Well, ’tis not so, my Lord High Constable.
FTLN 0937 But though we think it so, it is no matter.
FTLN 0938 45 In cases of defense, ’tis best to weigh
FTLN 0939 The enemy more mighty than he seems.
FTLN 0940 So the proportions of defense are filled,
FTLN 0941 Which of a weak and niggardly projection
FTLN 0942 Doth, like a miser, spoil his coat with scanting
FTLN 0943 50 A little cloth.
KING OF FRANCE FTLN 0944 Think we King Harry strong,
FTLN 0945 And, princes, look you strongly arm to meet him.
FTLN 0946 The kindred of him hath been fleshed upon us,
FTLN 0947 And he is bred out of that bloody strain
FTLN 0948 55 That haunted us in our familiar paths.
FTLN 0949 Witness our too-much-memorable shame
FTLN 0950 When Cressy battle fatally was struck
FTLN 0951 And all our princes captived by the hand
FTLN 0952 Of that black name, Edward, Black Prince of
FTLN 0953 60 Wales,

73
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 0954 Whiles that his mountain sire, on mountain standing
FTLN 0955 Up in the air, crowned with the golden sun,
FTLN 0956 Saw his heroical seed and smiled to see him
FTLN 0957 Mangle the work of nature and deface
FTLN 0958 65 The patterns that by God and by French fathers
FTLN 0959 Had twenty years been made. This is a stem
FTLN 0960 Of that victorious stock, and let us fear
FTLN 0961 The native mightiness and fate of him.
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER
FTLN 0962 Ambassadors from Harry King of England
FTLN 0963 70 Do crave admittance to your Majesty.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 0964 We’ll give them present audience. Go, and bring
FTLN 0965 them. Messenger exits.
FTLN 0966 You see this chase is hotly followed, friends.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 0967 Turn head and stop pursuit, for coward dogs
FTLN 0968 75 Most spend their mouths when what they seem to
FTLN 0969 threaten
FTLN 0970 Runs far before them. Good my sovereign,
FTLN 0971 Take up the English short, and let them know
FTLN 0972 Of what a monarchy you are the head.
FTLN 0973 80 Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin
FTLN 0974 As self-neglecting.
Enter Exeter, with Lords and Attendants.
KING OF FRANCE FTLN 0975 From our brother of England?
EXETER
FTLN 0976 From him, and thus he greets your Majesty:
FTLN 0977 He wills you, in the name of God almighty,
FTLN 0978 85 That you divest yourself and lay apart
FTLN 0979 The borrowed glories that, by gift of heaven,
FTLN 0980 By law of nature and of nations, ’longs
FTLN 0981 To him and to his heirs—namely, the crown

75
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 0982 And all wide-stretchèd honors that pertain
FTLN 0983 90 By custom and the ordinance of times
FTLN 0984 Unto the crown of France. That you may know
FTLN 0985 ’Tis no sinister nor no awkward claim
FTLN 0986 Picked from the wormholes of long-vanished days
FTLN 0987 Nor from the dust of old oblivion raked,
FTLN 0988 95 He sends you this most memorable line,
He offers a paper.
FTLN 0989 In every branch truly demonstrative,
FTLN 0990 Willing you overlook this pedigree,
FTLN 0991 And when you find him evenly derived
FTLN 0992 From his most famed of famous ancestors,
FTLN 0993 100 Edward the Third, he bids you then resign
FTLN 0994 Your crown and kingdom, indirectly held
FTLN 0995 From him, the native and true challenger.
KING OF FRANCE FTLN 0996 Or else what follows?
EXETER
FTLN 0997 Bloody constraint, for if you hide the crown
FTLN 0998 105 Even in your hearts, there will he rake for it.
FTLN 0999 Therefore in fierce tempest is he coming,
FTLN 1000 In thunder and in earthquake like a Jove,
FTLN 1001 That, if requiring fail, he will compel,
FTLN 1002 And bids you, in the bowels of the Lord,
FTLN 1003 110 Deliver up the crown and to take mercy
FTLN 1004 On the poor souls for whom this hungry war
FTLN 1005 Opens his vasty jaws, and on your head
FTLN 1006 Turning the widows’ tears, the orphans’ cries,
FTLN 1007 The dead men’s blood, the privèd maidens’
FTLN 1008 115 groans,
FTLN 1009 For husbands, fathers, and betrothèd lovers
FTLN 1010 That shall be swallowed in this controversy.
FTLN 1011 This is his claim, his threat’ning, and my message—
FTLN 1012 Unless the Dauphin be in presence here,
FTLN 1013 120 To whom expressly I bring greeting too.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 1014 For us, we will consider of this further.

77
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1015 Tomorrow shall you bear our full intent
FTLN 1016 Back to our brother of England.
DAUPHIN , to Exeter FTLN 1017 For the Dauphin,
FTLN 1018 125 I stand here for him. What to him from England?
EXETER
FTLN 1019 Scorn and defiance, slight regard, contempt,
FTLN 1020 And anything that may not misbecome
FTLN 1021 The mighty sender, doth he prize you at.
FTLN 1022 Thus says my king: an if your father’s Highness
FTLN 1023 130 Do not, in grant of all demands at large,
FTLN 1024 Sweeten the bitter mock you sent his Majesty,
FTLN 1025 He’ll call you to so hot an answer of it
FTLN 1026 That caves and womby vaultages of France
FTLN 1027 Shall chide your trespass and return your mock
FTLN 1028 135 In second accent of his ordinance.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 1029 Say, if my father render fair return,
FTLN 1030 It is against my will, for I desire
FTLN 1031 Nothing but odds with England. To that end,
FTLN 1032 As matching to his youth and vanity,
FTLN 1033 140 I did present him with the Paris balls.
EXETER
FTLN 1034 He’ll make your Paris Louvre shake for it,
FTLN 1035 Were it the mistress court of mighty Europe.
FTLN 1036 And be assured you’ll find a difference,
FTLN 1037 As we his subjects have in wonder found,
FTLN 1038 145 Between the promise of his greener days
FTLN 1039 And these he masters now. Now he weighs time
FTLN 1040 Even to the utmost grain. That you shall read
FTLN 1041 In your own losses, if he stay in France.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 1042 Tomorrow shall you know our mind at full.
Flourish.
EXETER
FTLN 1043 150 Dispatch us with all speed, lest that our king

79
Henry V
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1044 Come here himself to question our delay,
FTLN 1045 For he is footed in this land already.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 1046 You shall be soon dispatched with fair conditions.
FTLN 1047 A night is but small breath and little pause
FTLN 1048 155 To answer matters of this consequence.
Flourish. They exit.

ACT 3
Enter Chorus.
CHORUS
FTLN 1049 Thus with imagined wing our swift scene flies
FTLN 1050 In motion of no less celerity
FTLN 1051 Than that of thought. Suppose that you have seen
FTLN 1052 The well-appointed king at Dover pier
FTLN 1053 5 Embark his royalty, and his brave fleet
FTLN 1054 With silken streamers the young Phoebus
FTLN 1055 fanning.
FTLN 1056 Play with your fancies and in them behold,
FTLN 1057 Upon the hempen tackle, shipboys climbing.
FTLN 1058 10 Hear the shrill whistle, which doth order give
FTLN 1059 To sounds confused. Behold the threaden sails,
FTLN 1060 Borne with th’ invisible and creeping wind,
FTLN 1061 Draw the huge bottoms through the furrowed sea,
FTLN 1062 Breasting the lofty surge. O, do but think
FTLN 1063 15 You stand upon the rivage and behold
FTLN 1064 A city on th’ inconstant billows dancing,
FTLN 1065 For so appears this fleet majestical,
FTLN 1066 Holding due course to Harfleur. Follow, follow!
FTLN 1067 Grapple your minds to sternage of this navy,
FTLN 1068 20 And leave your England, as dead midnight still,
FTLN 1069 Guarded with grandsires, babies, and old women,
FTLN 1070 Either past or not arrived to pith and puissance,
FTLN 1071 For who is he whose chin is but enriched
FTLN 1072 With one appearing hair that will not follow
83

85
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1073 25 These culled and choice-drawn cavaliers to France?
FTLN 1074 Work, work your thoughts, and therein see a siege;
FTLN 1075 Behold the ordnance on their carriages,
FTLN 1076 With fatal mouths gaping on girded Harfleur.
FTLN 1077 Suppose th’ Ambassador from the French comes
FTLN 1078 30 back,
FTLN 1079 Tells Harry that the King doth offer him
FTLN 1080 Katherine his daughter and with her, to dowry,
FTLN 1081 Some petty and unprofitable dukedoms.
FTLN 1082 The offer likes not, and the nimble gunner
FTLN 1083 35 With linstock now the devilish cannon touches,
Alarum, and chambers go off.
FTLN 1084 And down goes all before them. Still be kind,
FTLN 1085 And eke out our performance with your mind.
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter the King of England, Exeter, Bedford, and
Gloucester. Alarum. Enter Soldiers with scaling
ladders at Harfleur.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1086 Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once
FTLN 1087 more,
FTLN 1088 Or close the wall up with our English dead!
FTLN 1089 In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man
FTLN 1090 5 As modest stillness and humility,
FTLN 1091 But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
FTLN 1092 Then imitate the action of the tiger:
FTLN 1093 Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
FTLN 1094 Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage,
FTLN 1095 10 Then lend the eye a terrible aspect,
FTLN 1096 Let it pry through the portage of the head
FTLN 1097 Like the brass cannon, let the brow o’erwhelm it
FTLN 1098 As fearfully as doth a gallèd rock

87
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1099 O’erhang and jutty his confounded base
FTLN 1100 15 Swilled with the wild and wasteful ocean.
FTLN 1101 Now set the teeth, and stretch the nostril wide,
FTLN 1102 Hold hard the breath, and bend up every spirit
FTLN 1103 To his full height. On, on, you noblest English,
FTLN 1104 Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof,
FTLN 1105 20 Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,
FTLN 1106 Have in these parts from morn till even fought,
FTLN 1107 And sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
FTLN 1108 Dishonor not your mothers. Now attest
FTLN 1109 That those whom you called fathers did beget you.
FTLN 1110 25 Be copy now to men of grosser blood
FTLN 1111 And teach them how to war. And you, good
FTLN 1112 yeomen,
FTLN 1113 Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
FTLN 1114 The mettle of your pasture. Let us swear
FTLN 1115 30 That you are worth your breeding, which I doubt
FTLN 1116 not,
FTLN 1117 For there is none of you so mean and base
FTLN 1118 That hath not noble luster in your eyes.
FTLN 1119 I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
FTLN 1120 35 Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot.
FTLN 1121 Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
FTLN 1122 Cry “God for Harry, England, and Saint George!”
Alarum, and chambers go off.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Nym, Bardolph, Pistol, and Boy.
BARDOLPH FTLN 1123 On, on, on, on, on! To the breach, to the
FTLN 1124 breach!
NYM FTLN 1125 Pray thee, corporal, stay. The knocks are too hot,
FTLN 1126 and, for mine own part, I have not a case of lives.
FTLN 1127 5 The humor of it is too hot; that is the very plainsong
FTLN 1128 of it.

89
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 2
PISTOL FTLN 1129“The plainsong” is most just, for humors do
FTLN 1130 abound.
FTLN 1131 Knocks go and come. God’s vassals drop and die,
Sings FTLN 1132 10 And sword and shield,
FTLN 1133 In bloody field,
FTLN 1134 Doth win immortal fame.
BOY FTLN 1135 Would I were in an alehouse in London! I would
FTLN 1136 give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety.
PISTOL FTLN 1137 15 And I.
Sings FTLN 1138 If wishes would prevail with me,
FTLN 1139 My purpose should not fail with me,
FTLN 1140 But thither would I hie.
BOY sings FTLN 1141 As duly,
FTLN 1142 20 But not as truly,
FTLN 1143 As bird doth sing on bough.
Enter Fluellen.
FLUELLEN
FTLN 1144 Up to the breach, you dogs! Avaunt, you cullions!
PISTOL FTLN 1145 Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold. Abate
FTLN 1146 thy rage, abate thy manly rage, abate thy rage, great
FTLN 1147 25 duke. Good bawcock, ’bate thy rage. Use lenity,
FTLN 1148 sweet chuck.
NYM , to Fluellen FTLN 1149 These be good humors. Your Honor
FTLN 1150 wins bad humors.
All but the Boy exit.
BOY FTLN 1151 As young as I am, I have observed these three
FTLN 1152 30 swashers. I am boy to them all three, but all they
FTLN 1153 three, though they would serve me, could not be
FTLN 1154 man to me. For indeed three such antics do not
FTLN 1155 amount to a man: for Bardolph, he is white-livered
FTLN 1156 and red-faced, by the means whereof he faces it out
FTLN 1157 35 but fights not; for Pistol, he hath a killing tongue
FTLN 1158 and a quiet sword, by the means whereof he breaks
FTLN 1159 words and keeps whole weapons; for Nym, he hath
FTLN 1160 heard that men of few words are the best men, and

91
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1161 therefore he scorns to say his prayers, lest he should
FTLN 1162 40 be thought a coward, but his few bad words are
FTLN 1163 matched with as few good deeds, for he never broke
FTLN 1164 any man’s head but his own, and that was against a
FTLN 1165 post when he was drunk. They will steal anything
FTLN 1166 and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a lute case, bore
FTLN 1167 45 it twelve leagues, and sold it for three halfpence.
FTLN 1168 Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching,
FTLN 1169 and in Calais they stole a fire shovel. I knew by that
FTLN 1170 piece of service the men would carry coals. They
FTLN 1171 would have me as familiar with men’s pockets as
FTLN 1172 50 their gloves or their handkerchers, which makes
FTLN 1173 much against my manhood, if I should take from
FTLN 1174 another’s pocket to put into mine, for it is plain
FTLN 1175 pocketing up of wrongs. I must leave them and seek
FTLN 1176 some better service. Their villainy goes against my
FTLN 1177 55 weak stomach, and therefore I must cast it up.
He exits.
Enter Fluellen and Gower.
GOWER FTLN 1178 Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to
FTLN 1179 the mines; the Duke of Gloucester would speak
FTLN 1180 with you.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1181 To the mines? Tell you the Duke it is not so
FTLN 1182 60 good to come to the mines, for, look you, the mines
FTLN 1183 is not according to the disciplines of the war. The
FTLN 1184 concavities of it is not sufficient, for, look you, th’
FTLN 1185 athversary, you may discuss unto the Duke, look
FTLN 1186 you, is digt himself four yard under the countermines.
FTLN 1187 65 By Cheshu, I think he will plow up all if
FTLN 1188 there is not better directions.
GOWER FTLN 1189 The Duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of
FTLN 1190 the siege is given, is altogether directed by an
FTLN 1191 Irishman, a very valiant gentleman, i’ faith.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1192 70 It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?
GOWER FTLN 1193 I think it be.

93
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 2
FLUELLEN FTLN 1194 By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world. I
FTLN 1195 will verify as much in his beard. He has no more
FTLN 1196 directions in the true disciplines of the wars, look
FTLN 1197 75 you, of the Roman disciplines, than is a puppy dog.
Enter Captain Macmorris, and Captain Jamy.
GOWER FTLN 1198 Here he comes, and the Scots captain, Captain
FTLN 1199 Jamy, with him.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1200 Captain Jamy is a marvelous falorous gentleman,
FTLN 1201 that is certain, and of great expedition and
FTLN 1202 80 knowledge in th’ aunchient wars, upon my particular
FTLN 1203 knowledge of his directions. By Cheshu, he will
FTLN 1204 maintain his argument as well as any military man
FTLN 1205 in the world in the disciplines of the pristine wars
FTLN 1206 of the Romans.
JAMY FTLN 1207 85 I say gudday, Captain Fluellen.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1208 Godden to your Worship, good Captain
FTLN 1209 James.
GOWER FTLN 1210 How now, Captain Macmorris, have you quit
FTLN 1211 the mines? Have the pioners given o’er?
MACMORRIS FTLN 1212 90 By Chrish, la, ’tish ill done. The work ish
FTLN 1213 give over. The trompet sound the retreat. By my
FTLN 1214 hand I swear, and my father’s soul, the work ish ill
FTLN 1215 done. It ish give over. I would have blowed up the
FTLN 1216 town, so Chrish save me, la, in an hour. O, ’tish ill
FTLN 1217 95 done, ’tish ill done, by my hand, ’tish ill done.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1218 Captain Macmorris, I beseech you now,
FTLN 1219 will you voutsafe me, look you, a few disputations
FTLN 1220 with you as partly touching or concerning the
FTLN 1221 disciplines of the war, the Roman wars? In the way
FTLN 1222 100 of argument, look you, and friendly communication,
FTLN 1223 partly to satisfy my opinion, and partly for the
FTLN 1224 satisfaction, look you, of my mind, as touching the
FTLN 1225 direction of the military discipline, that is the point.
JAMY FTLN 1226 It sall be vary gud, gud feith, gud captens bath,

95
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1227 105 and I sall quit you with gud leve, as I may pick
FTLN 1228 occasion, that sall I, marry.
MACMORRIS FTLN 1229 It is no time to discourse, so Chrish save
FTLN 1230 me. The day is hot, and the weather, and the wars,
FTLN 1231 and the King, and the dukes. It is no time to
FTLN 1232 110 discourse. The town is beseeched. An the trumpet
FTLN 1233 call us to the breach and we talk and, be Chrish, do
FTLN 1234 nothing, ’tis shame for us all. So God sa’ me, ’tis
FTLN 1235 shame to stand still. It is shame, by my hand. And
FTLN 1236 there is throats to be cut, and works to be done,
FTLN 1237 115 and there ish nothing done, so Christ sa’ me, la.
JAMY FTLN 1238 By the Mess, ere theise eyes of mine take themselves
FTLN 1239 to slomber, ay’ll de gud service, or I’ll lig i’
FTLN 1240 th’ grund for it, ay, or go to death. And I’ll pay ’t as
FTLN 1241 valorously as I may, that sall I suerly do, that is the
FTLN 1242 120 breff and the long. Marry, I wad full fain heard
FTLN 1243 some question ’tween you tway.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1244 Captain Macmorris, I think, look you, under
FTLN 1245 your correction, there is not many of your
FTLN 1246 nation—
MACMORRIS FTLN 1247 125 Of my nation? What ish my nation? Ish a
FTLN 1248 villain and a basterd and a knave and a rascal. What
FTLN 1249 ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?
FLUELLEN FTLN 1250 Look you, if you take the matter otherwise
FTLN 1251 than is meant, Captain Macmorris, peradventure I
FTLN 1252 130 shall think you do not use me with that affability as,
FTLN 1253 in discretion, you ought to use me, look you, being
FTLN 1254 as good a man as yourself, both in the disciplines of
FTLN 1255 war and in the derivation of my birth, and in other
FTLN 1256 particularities.
MACMORRIS FTLN 1257 135 I do not know you so good a man as
FTLN 1258 myself. So Chrish save me, I will cut off your head.
GOWER FTLN 1259 Gentlemen both, you will mistake each other.
JAMY FTLN 1260 Ah, that’s a foul fault.
A parley sounds.
GOWER FTLN 1261 The town sounds a parley.

97
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 3
FLUELLEN FTLN 1262 140 Captain Macmorris, when there is more
FTLN 1263 better opportunity to be required, look you, I will
FTLN 1264 be so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of
FTLN 1265 war, and there is an end.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter the King of England and all his train
before the gates.
KING HENRY , to the men of Harfleur
FTLN 1266 How yet resolves the Governor of the town?
FTLN 1267 This is the latest parle we will admit.
FTLN 1268 Therefore to our best mercy give yourselves
FTLN 1269 Or, like to men proud of destruction,
FTLN 1270 5 Defy us to our worst. For, as I am a soldier,
FTLN 1271 A name that in my thoughts becomes me best,
FTLN 1272 If I begin the batt’ry once again,
FTLN 1273 I will not leave the half-achieved Harfleur
FTLN 1274 Till in her ashes she lie burièd.
FTLN 1275 10 The gates of mercy shall be all shut up,
FTLN 1276 And the fleshed soldier, rough and hard of heart,
FTLN 1277 In liberty of bloody hand, shall range
FTLN 1278 With conscience wide as hell, mowing like grass
FTLN 1279 Your fresh fair virgins and your flow’ring infants.
FTLN 1280 15 What is it then to me if impious war,
FTLN 1281 Arrayed in flames like to the prince of fiends,
FTLN 1282 Do with his smirched complexion all fell feats
FTLN 1283 Enlinked to waste and desolation?
FTLN 1284 What is ’t to me, when you yourselves are cause,
FTLN 1285 20 If your pure maidens fall into the hand
FTLN 1286 Of hot and forcing violation?
FTLN 1287 What rein can hold licentious wickedness
FTLN 1288 When down the hill he holds his fierce career?
FTLN 1289 We may as bootless spend our vain command

99
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 3
FTLN 1290 25 Upon th’ enragèd soldiers in their spoil
FTLN 1291 As send precepts to the Leviathan
FTLN 1292 To come ashore. Therefore, you men of Harfleur,
FTLN 1293 Take pity of your town and of your people
FTLN 1294 Whiles yet my soldiers are in my command,
FTLN 1295 30 Whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace
FTLN 1296 O’erblows the filthy and contagious clouds
FTLN 1297 Of heady murder, spoil, and villainy.
FTLN 1298 If not, why, in a moment look to see
FTLN 1299 The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand
FTLN 1300 35 Desire the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughters,
FTLN 1301 Your fathers taken by the silver beards
FTLN 1302 And their most reverend heads dashed to the walls,
FTLN 1303 Your naked infants spitted upon pikes
FTLN 1304 Whiles the mad mothers with their howls confused
FTLN 1305 40 Do break the clouds, as did the wives of Jewry
FTLN 1306 At Herod’s bloody-hunting slaughtermen.
FTLN 1307 What say you? Will you yield and this avoid
FTLN 1308 Or, guilty in defense, be thus destroyed?
Enter Governor.
GOVERNOR
FTLN 1309 Our expectation hath this day an end.
FTLN 1310 45 The Dauphin, whom of succors we entreated,
FTLN 1311 Returns us that his powers are yet not ready
FTLN 1312 To raise so great a siege. Therefore, great king,
FTLN 1313 We yield our town and lives to thy soft mercy.
FTLN 1314 Enter our gates, dispose of us and ours,
FTLN 1315 50 For we no longer are defensible.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1316 Open your gates. Governor exits.
FTLN 1317 Come, uncle Exeter,
FTLN 1318 Go you and enter Harfleur. There remain,
FTLN 1319 And fortify it strongly ’gainst the French.
FTLN 1320 55 Use mercy to them all for us, dear uncle.

101
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1321 The winter coming on and sickness growing
FTLN 1322 Upon our soldiers, we will retire to Calais.
FTLN 1323 Tonight in Harfleur will we be your guest.
FTLN 1324 Tomorrow for the march are we addressed.
Flourish, and enter the town.
Scene 4
Enter Katherine and Alice, an old Gentlewoman.
KATHERINE FTLN 1325 Alice, tu as été en Angleterre, et tu parles
FTLN 1326 bien le langage.
ALICE FTLN 1327 Un peu, madame.
KATHERINE FTLN 1328 Je te prie, m’enseignez. Il faut que j’apprenne
FTLN 1329 5 à parler. Comment appelez-vous “la main” en
FTLN 1330 anglais?
ALICE FTLN 1331 La main? Elle est appelée “de hand.”
KATHERINE FTLN 1332 De hand. Et “les doigts”?
ALICE FTLN 1333 Les doigts? Ma foi, j’oublie les doigts; mais je
FTLN 1334 10 me souviendrai. Les doigts? Je pense qu’ils sont
FTLN 1335 appelés “de fingres”; oui, de fingres.
KATHERINE FTLN 1336 La main, de hand. Les doigts, le fingres.
FTLN 1337 Je pense que je suis le bon écolier. J’ai gagné deux
FTLN 1338 mots d’anglais vitement. Comment appelez-vous “les
FTLN 1339 15 ongles”?
ALICE FTLN 1340 Les ongles? Nous les appelons “de nailes.”
KATHERINE FTLN 1341 De nailes. Écoutez. Dites-moi si je parle
FTLN 1342 bien: de hand, de fingres, et de nailes.
ALICE FTLN 1343 C’est bien dit, madame. Il est fort bon anglais.
KATHERINE FTLN 1344 20 Dites-moi l’anglais pour “le bras.”
ALICE FTLN 1345“De arme,” madame.
KATHERINE FTLN 1346 Et “le coude”?
ALICE FTLN 1347“D’ elbow.”
KATHERINE FTLN 1348 D’ elbow. Je m’en fais la répétition de tous
FTLN 1349 25 les mots que vous m’avez appris dès à présent.
ALICE FTLN 1350 Il est trop difficile, madame, comme je pense.

103
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 4
KATHERINE FTLN 1351 Excusez-moi, Alice. Écoutez: d’ hand, de
FTLN 1352 fingre, de nailes, d’ arma, de bilbow.
ALICE FTLN 1353 D’ elbow, madame.
KATHERINE FTLN 1354 30 Ô Seigneur Dieu! Je m’en oublie; d’ elbow.
FTLN 1355 Comment appelez-vous “le col”?
ALICE FTLN 1356“De nick,” madame.
KATHERINE FTLN 1357 De nick. Et “le menton”?
ALICE FTLN 1358“De chin.”
KATHERINE FTLN 1359 35 De sin. Le col, de nick; le menton, de sin.
ALICE FTLN 1360 Oui. Sauf votre honneur, en vérité vous prononcez
FTLN 1361 les mots aussi droit que les natifs d’Angleterre.
KATHERINE FTLN 1362 Je ne doute point d’apprendre, par le grâce
FTLN 1363 de Dieu, et en peu de temps.
ALICE FTLN 1364 40 N’avez-vous pas déjà oublié ce que je vous ai
FTLN 1365 enseigné?
KATHERINE FTLN 1366 Non. Je réciterai à vous promptement: d’
FTLN 1367 hand, de fingre, de mailes—
ALICE FTLN 1368 De nailes, madame.
KATHERINE FTLN 1369 45 De nailes, de arme, de ilbow—
ALICE FTLN 1370 Sauf votre honneur, d’ elbow.
KATHERINE FTLN 1371 Ainsi dis-je: d’ elbow, de nick, et de sin.
FTLN 1372 Comment appelez-vous “le pied” et “la robe”?
ALICE FTLN 1373“Le foot,” madame, et “le count.”
KATHERINE FTLN 1374 50 Le foot, et le count. Ô Seigneur Dieu! Ils
FTLN 1375 sont les mots de son mauvais, corruptible, gros, et
FTLN 1376 impudique, et non pour les dames d’honneur d’user.
FTLN 1377 Je ne voudrais prononcer ces mots devant les seigneurs
FTLN 1378 de France, pour tout le monde. Foh! Le foot et le
FTLN 1379 55 count! Néanmoins, je réciterai une autre fois ma
FTLN 1380 leçon ensemble: d’ hand, de fingre, de nailes, d’
FTLN 1381 arme, d’ elbow, de nick, de sin, de foot, le count.
ALICE FTLN 1382 Excellent, madame.
KATHERINE FTLN 1383 C’est assez pour une fois. Allons-nous à
FTLN 1384 60 dîner.
They exit.

105
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 5
Scene 5
Enter the King of France, the Dauphin, the Duke of
Brittany, the Constable of France, and others.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 1385 ’Tis certain he hath passed the river Somme.
CONSTABLE
FTLN 1386 An if he be not fought withal, my lord,
FTLN 1387 Let us not live in France. Let us quit all,
FTLN 1388 And give our vineyards to a barbarous people.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 1389 5 Ô Dieu vivant, shall a few sprays of us,
FTLN 1390 The emptying of our fathers’ luxury,
FTLN 1391 Our scions, put in wild and savage stock,
FTLN 1392 Spurt up so suddenly into the clouds
FTLN 1393 And overlook their grafters?
BRITTANY
FTLN 1394 10 Normans, but bastard Normans, Norman bastards!
FTLN 1395 Mort de ma vie, if they march along
FTLN 1396 Unfought withal, but I will sell my dukedom
FTLN 1397 To buy a slobb’ry and a dirty farm
FTLN 1398 In that nook-shotten isle of Albion.
CONSTABLE
FTLN 1399 15 Dieu de batailles, where have they this mettle?
FTLN 1400 Is not their climate foggy, raw, and dull,
FTLN 1401 On whom, as in despite, the sun looks pale,
FTLN 1402 Killing their fruit with frowns? Can sodden water,
FTLN 1403 A drench for sur-reined jades, their barley broth,
FTLN 1404 20 Decoct their cold blood to such valiant heat?
FTLN 1405 And shall our quick blood, spirited with wine,
FTLN 1406 Seem frosty? O, for honor of our land,
FTLN 1407 Let us not hang like roping icicles
FTLN 1408 Upon our houses’ thatch, whiles a more frosty
FTLN 1409 25 people
FTLN 1410 Sweat drops of gallant youth in our rich fields!
FTLN 1411 “Poor” we may call them in their native lords.

107
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 5
DAUPHIN FTLN 1412 By faith and honor,
FTLN 1413 Our madams mock at us and plainly say
FTLN 1414 30 Our mettle is bred out, and they will give
FTLN 1415 Their bodies to the lust of English youth
FTLN 1416 To new-store France with bastard warriors.
BRITTANY
FTLN 1417 They bid us to the English dancing-schools,
FTLN 1418 And teach lavoltas high, and swift corantos,
FTLN 1419 35 Saying our grace is only in our heels
FTLN 1420 And that we are most lofty runaways.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 1421 Where is Montjoy the herald? Speed him hence.
FTLN 1422 Let him greet England with our sharp defiance.
FTLN 1423 Up, princes, and, with spirit of honor edged
FTLN 1424 40 More sharper than your swords, hie to the field:
FTLN 1425 Charles Delabreth, High Constable of France;
FTLN 1426 You Dukes of Orléans, Bourbon, and of Berri,
FTLN 1427 Alençon, Brabant, Bar, and Burgundy;
FTLN 1428 Jacques Chatillon, Rambures, Vaudemont,
FTLN 1429 45 Beaumont, Grandpré, Roussi, and Faulconbridge,
FTLN 1430 Foix, Lestrale, Bouciquault, and Charolois;
FTLN 1431 High dukes, great princes, barons, lords, and
FTLN 1432 knights,
FTLN 1433 For your great seats now quit you of great shames.
FTLN 1434 50 Bar Harry England, that sweeps through our land
FTLN 1435 With pennons painted in the blood of Harfleur.
FTLN 1436 Rush on his host, as doth the melted snow
FTLN 1437 Upon the valleys, whose low vassal seat
FTLN 1438 The Alps doth spit and void his rheum upon.
FTLN 1439 55 Go down upon him—you have power enough—
FTLN 1440 And in a captive chariot into Rouen
FTLN 1441 Bring him our prisoner.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1442 This becomes the great!
FTLN 1443 Sorry am I his numbers are so few,
FTLN 1444 60 His soldiers sick and famished in their march,
FTLN 1445 For, I am sure, when he shall see our army,

109
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 1446 He’ll drop his heart into the sink of fear
FTLN 1447 And for achievement offer us his ransom.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 1448 Therefore, Lord Constable, haste on Montjoy,
FTLN 1449 65 And let him say to England that we send
FTLN 1450 To know what willing ransom he will give.—
FTLN 1451 Prince Dauphin, you shall stay with us in Rouen.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 1452 Not so, I do beseech your Majesty.
KING
FTLN 1453 Be patient, for you shall remain with us.—
FTLN 1454 70 Now forth, Lord Constable and princes all,
FTLN 1455 And quickly bring us word of England’s fall.
They exit.
Scene 6
Enter Captains, English and Welsh, Gower and Fluellen.
GOWER FTLN 1456 How now, Captain Fluellen? Come you from
FTLN 1457 the bridge?
FLUELLEN FTLN 1458 I assure you there is very excellent services
FTLN 1459 committed at the bridge.
GOWER FTLN 1460 5 Is the Duke of Exeter safe?
FLUELLEN FTLN 1461 The Duke of Exeter is as magnanimous as
FTLN 1462 Agamemnon, and a man that I love and honor with
FTLN 1463 my soul and my heart and my duty and my life and
FTLN 1464 my living and my uttermost power. He is not, God
FTLN 1465 10 be praised and blessed, any hurt in the world, but
FTLN 1466 keeps the bridge most valiantly, with excellent
FTLN 1467 discipline. There is an aunchient lieutenant there at
FTLN 1468 the pridge; I think in my very conscience he is as
FTLN 1469 valiant a man as Mark Antony, and he is a man of no
FTLN 1470 15 estimation in the world, but I did see him do as
FTLN 1471 gallant service.
GOWER FTLN 1472 What do you call him?

111
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 6
FLUELLEN FTLN 1473 He is called Aunchient Pistol.
GOWER FTLN 1474 I know him not.
Enter Pistol.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1475 20 Here is the man.
PISTOL FTLN 1476 Captain, I thee beseech to do me favors. The
FTLN 1477 Duke of Exeter doth love thee well.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1478 Ay, I praise God, and I have merited some
FTLN 1479 love at his hands.
PISTOL FTLN 1480 25 Bardolph, a soldier firm and sound of heart and
FTLN 1481 of buxom valor, hath, by cruel Fate and giddy
FTLN 1482 Fortune’s furious fickle wheel, that goddess blind,
FTLN 1483 that stands upon the rolling restless stone—
FLUELLEN FTLN 1484 By your patience, Aunchient Pistol, Fortune
FTLN 1485 30 is painted blind, with a muffler afore her eyes, to
FTLN 1486 signify to you that Fortune is blind; and she is
FTLN 1487 painted also with a wheel to signify to you, which is
FTLN 1488 the moral of it, that she is turning and inconstant,
FTLN 1489 and mutability and variation; and her foot, look you,
FTLN 1490 35 is fixed upon a spherical stone, which rolls and rolls
FTLN 1491 and rolls. In good truth, the poet makes a most
FTLN 1492 excellent description of it. Fortune is an excellent
FTLN 1493 moral.
PISTOL FTLN 1494 Fortune is Bardolph’s foe and frowns on him,
FTLN 1495 40 for he hath stolen a pax and hangèd must he be. A
FTLN 1496 damnèd death! Let gallows gape for dog, let man go
FTLN 1497 free, and let not hemp his windpipe suffocate. But
FTLN 1498 Exeter hath given the doom of death for pax of little
FTLN 1499 price. Therefore go speak; the Duke will hear thy
FTLN 1500 45 voice, and let not Bardolph’s vital thread be cut
FTLN 1501 with edge of penny cord and vile reproach. Speak,
FTLN 1502 captain, for his life, and I will thee requite.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1503 Aunchient Pistol, I do partly understand
FTLN 1504 your meaning.
PISTOL FTLN 1505 50 Why then, rejoice therefore.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1506 Certainly, aunchient, it is not a thing to

113
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 1507 rejoice at, for if, look you, he were my brother, I
FTLN 1508 would desire the Duke to use his good pleasure and
FTLN 1509 put him to execution, for discipline ought to be
FTLN 1510 55 used.
PISTOL FTLN 1511 Die and be damned, and figo for thy friendship!
FLUELLEN FTLN 1512 It is well.
PISTOL FTLN 1513 The fig of Spain! He exits.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1514 Very good.
GOWER FTLN 1515 60 Why, this is an arrant counterfeit rascal. I
FTLN 1516 remember him now, a bawd, a cutpurse.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1517 I’ll assure you he uttered as prave words at
FTLN 1518 the pridge as you shall see in a summer’s day. But it
FTLN 1519 is very well; what he has spoke to me, that is well, I
FTLN 1520 65 warrant you, when time is serve.
GOWER FTLN 1521 Why, ’tis a gull, a fool, a rogue, that now and
FTLN 1522 then goes to the wars to grace himself at his return
FTLN 1523 into London under the form of a soldier; and such
FTLN 1524 fellows are perfect in the great commanders’
FTLN 1525 70 names, and they will learn you by rote where
FTLN 1526 services were done—at such and such a sconce, at
FTLN 1527 such a breach, at such a convoy; who came off
FTLN 1528 bravely, who was shot, who disgraced, what terms
FTLN 1529 the enemy stood on; and this they con perfectly in
FTLN 1530 75 the phrase of war, which they trick up with new-tuned
FTLN 1531 oaths; and what a beard of the general’s cut
FTLN 1532 and a horrid suit of the camp will do among
FTLN 1533 foaming bottles and ale-washed wits is wonderful to
FTLN 1534 be thought on. But you must learn to know such
FTLN 1535 80 slanders of the age, or else you may be marvelously
FTLN 1536 mistook.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1537 I tell you what, Captain Gower. I do perceive
FTLN 1538 he is not the man that he would gladly make
FTLN 1539 show to the world he is. If I find a hole in his coat, I
FTLN 1540 85 will tell him my mind.

115
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 6
Drum and Colors. Enter the King of England and his
poor Soldiers, and Gloucester.
FTLN 1541 Hark you, the King is coming, and I must speak
FTLN 1542 with him from the pridge.—God pless your
FTLN 1543 Majesty.
KING HENRY FTLN 1544 How now, Fluellen, cam’st thou from the
FTLN 1545 90 bridge?
FLUELLEN FTLN 1546 Ay, so please your Majesty. The Duke of
FTLN 1547 Exeter has very gallantly maintained the pridge.
FTLN 1548 The French is gone off, look you, and there is gallant
FTLN 1549 and most prave passages. Marry, th’ athversary was
FTLN 1550 95 have possession of the pridge, but he is enforced
FTLN 1551 to retire, and the Duke of Exeter is master of the
FTLN 1552 pridge. I can tell your Majesty, the Duke is a prave
FTLN 1553 man.
KING HENRY FTLN 1554 What men have you lost, Fluellen?
FLUELLEN FTLN 1555 100 The perdition of th’ athversary hath been
FTLN 1556 very great, reasonable great. Marry, for my part, I
FTLN 1557 think the Duke hath lost never a man but one that is
FTLN 1558 like to be executed for robbing a church, one
FTLN 1559 Bardolph, if your Majesty know the man. His face is
FTLN 1560 105 all bubukles and whelks and knobs and flames o’
FTLN 1561 fire; and his lips blows at his nose, and it is like a
FTLN 1562 coal of fire, sometimes plue and sometimes red, but
FTLN 1563 his nose is executed, and his fire’s out.
KING HENRY FTLN 1564 We would have all such offenders so cut
FTLN 1565 110 off; and we give express charge that in our marches
FTLN 1566 through the country there be nothing compelled
FTLN 1567 from the villages, nothing taken but paid for,
FTLN 1568 none of the French upbraided or abused in disdainful
FTLN 1569 language; for when lenity and cruelty play
FTLN 1570 115 for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the soonest
FTLN 1571 winner.
Tucket. Enter Montjoy.

117
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 6
MONTJOY FTLN 1572 You know me by my habit.
KING HENRY FTLN 1573 Well then, I know thee. What shall I know
FTLN 1574 of thee?
MONTJOY FTLN 1575 120 My master’s mind.
KING HENRY FTLN 1576 Unfold it.
MONTJOY FTLN 1577 Thus says my king: “Say thou to Harry of
FTLN 1578 England, though we seemed dead, we did but sleep.
FTLN 1579 Advantage is a better soldier than rashness. Tell him
FTLN 1580 125 we could have rebuked him at Harfleur, but that we
FTLN 1581 thought not good to bruise an injury till it were full
FTLN 1582 ripe. Now we speak upon our cue, and our voice is
FTLN 1583 imperial. England shall repent his folly, see his
FTLN 1584 weakness, and admire our sufferance. Bid him
FTLN 1585 130 therefore consider of his ransom, which must proportion
FTLN 1586 the losses we have borne, the subjects we
FTLN 1587 have lost, the disgrace we have digested, which, in
FTLN 1588 weight to reanswer, his pettiness would bow under.
FTLN 1589 For our losses, his exchequer is too poor; for th’
FTLN 1590 135 effusion of our blood, the muster of his kingdom
FTLN 1591 too faint a number; and for our disgrace, his own
FTLN 1592 person kneeling at our feet but a weak and worthless
FTLN 1593 satisfaction. To this, add defiance, and tell him,
FTLN 1594 for conclusion, he hath betrayed his followers,
FTLN 1595 140 whose condemnation is pronounced.” So far my
FTLN 1596 king and master; so much my office.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1597 What is thy name? I know thy quality.
MONTJOY FTLN 1598 Montjoy.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1599 Thou dost thy office fairly. Turn thee back,
FTLN 1600 145 And tell thy king I do not seek him now
FTLN 1601 But could be willing to march on to Calais
FTLN 1602 Without impeachment, for, to say the sooth,
FTLN 1603 Though ’tis no wisdom to confess so much
FTLN 1604 Unto an enemy of craft and vantage,
FTLN 1605 150 My people are with sickness much enfeebled,

119
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 1606 My numbers lessened, and those few I have
FTLN 1607 Almost no better than so many French,
FTLN 1608 Who when they were in health, I tell thee, herald,
FTLN 1609 I thought upon one pair of English legs
FTLN 1610 155 Did march three Frenchmen. Yet forgive me, God,
FTLN 1611 That I do brag thus. This your air of France
FTLN 1612 Hath blown that vice in me. I must repent.
FTLN 1613 Go therefore, tell thy master: here I am.
FTLN 1614 My ransom is this frail and worthless trunk,
FTLN 1615 160 My army but a weak and sickly guard,
FTLN 1616 Yet, God before, tell him we will come on
FTLN 1617 Though France himself and such another neighbor
FTLN 1618 Stand in our way. There’s for thy labor, Montjoy.
Gives money.
FTLN 1619 Go bid thy master well advise himself:
FTLN 1620 165 If we may pass, we will; if we be hindered,
FTLN 1621 We shall your tawny ground with your red blood
FTLN 1622 Discolor. And so, Montjoy, fare you well.
FTLN 1623 The sum of all our answer is but this:
FTLN 1624 We would not seek a battle as we are,
FTLN 1625 170 Nor, as we are, we say we will not shun it.
FTLN 1626 So tell your master.
MONTJOY
FTLN 1627 I shall deliver so. Thanks to your Highness.
He exits.
GLOUCESTER
FTLN 1628 I hope they will not come upon us now.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1629 We are in God’s hand, brother, not in theirs.
FTLN 1630 175 March to the bridge. It now draws toward night.
FTLN 1631 Beyond the river we’ll encamp ourselves,
FTLN 1632 And on tomorrow bid them march away.
They exit.

121
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 7
Scene 7
Enter the Constable of France, the Lord Rambures,
Orléans, Dauphin, with others.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1633 Tut, I have the best armor of the world.
FTLN 1634 Would it were day!
ORLÉANS FTLN 1635 You have an excellent armor, but let my
FTLN 1636 horse have his due.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1637 5 It is the best horse of Europe.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1638 Will it never be morning?
DAUPHIN FTLN 1639 My Lord of Orléans and my Lord High Constable,
FTLN 1640 you talk of horse and armor?
ORLÉANS FTLN 1641 You are as well provided of both as any
FTLN 1642 10 prince in the world.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1643 What a long night is this! I will not change
FTLN 1644 my horse with any that treads but on four pasterns.
FTLN 1645 Çà, ha! He bounds from the earth, as if his
FTLN 1646 entrails were hairs, le cheval volant, the Pegasus, qui
FTLN 1647 15 a les narines de feu. When I bestride him, I soar; I
FTLN 1648 am a hawk; he trots the air. The earth sings when he
FTLN 1649 touches it. The basest horn of his hoof is more
FTLN 1650 musical than the pipe of Hermes.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1651 He’s of the color of the nutmeg.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1652 20 And of the heat of the ginger. It is a beast for
FTLN 1653 Perseus. He is pure air and fire, and the dull
FTLN 1654 elements of earth and water never appear in him,
FTLN 1655 but only in patient stillness while his rider mounts
FTLN 1656 him. He is indeed a horse, and all other jades you
FTLN 1657 25 may call beasts.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1658 Indeed, my lord, it is a most absolute and
FTLN 1659 excellent horse.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1660 It is the prince of palfreys; his neigh is like
FTLN 1661 the bidding of a monarch, and his countenance
FTLN 1662 30 enforces homage.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1663 No more, cousin.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1664 Nay, the man hath no wit that cannot, from

123
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ACT 3. SC. 7
FTLN 1665 the rising of the lark to the lodging of the lamb,
FTLN 1666 vary deserved praise on my palfrey. It is a theme as
FTLN 1667 35 fluent as the sea. Turn the sands into eloquent
FTLN 1668 tongues, and my horse is argument for them all. ’Tis
FTLN 1669 a subject for a sovereign to reason on, and for a
FTLN 1670 sovereign’s sovereign to ride on, and for the world,
FTLN 1671 familiar to us and unknown, to lay apart their
FTLN 1672 40 particular functions and wonder at him. I once writ
FTLN 1673 a sonnet in his praise and began thus: “Wonder of
FTLN 1674 nature—”
ORLÉANS FTLN 1675 I have heard a sonnet begin so to one’s
FTLN 1676 mistress.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1677 45 Then did they imitate that which I composed
FTLN 1678 to my courser, for my horse is my mistress.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1679 Your mistress bears well.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1680 Me well—which is the prescript praise and
FTLN 1681 perfection of a good and particular mistress.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1682 50 Nay, for methought yesterday your mistress
FTLN 1683 shrewdly shook your back.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1684 So perhaps did yours.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1685 Mine was not bridled.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1686 O, then belike she was old and gentle, and
FTLN 1687 55 you rode like a kern of Ireland, your French hose
FTLN 1688 off, and in your strait strossers.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1689 You have good judgment in horsemanship.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1690 Be warned by me, then: they that ride so, and
FTLN 1691 ride not warily, fall into foul bogs. I had rather have
FTLN 1692 60 my horse to my mistress.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1693 I had as lief have my mistress a jade.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1694 I tell thee, constable, my mistress wears his
FTLN 1695 own hair.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1696 I could make as true a boast as that if I had
FTLN 1697 65 a sow to my mistress.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1698“Le chien est retourné à son propre vomissement,
FTLN 1699 et la truie lavée au bourbier.” Thou mak’st use
FTLN 1700 of anything.

125
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ACT 3. SC. 7
CONSTABLE FTLN 1701 Yet do I not use my horse for my mistress,
FTLN 1702 70 or any such proverb so little kin to the purpose.
RAMBURES FTLN 1703 My Lord Constable, the armor that I saw in
FTLN 1704 your tent tonight, are those stars or suns upon it?
CONSTABLE FTLN 1705 Stars, my lord.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1706 Some of them will fall tomorrow, I hope.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1707 75 And yet my sky shall not want.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1708 That may be, for you bear a many superfluously,
FTLN 1709 and ’twere more honor some were away.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1710 Ev’n as your horse bears your praises—
FTLN 1711 who would trot as well were some of your brags
FTLN 1712 80 dismounted.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1713 Would I were able to load him with his
FTLN 1714 desert! Will it never be day? I will trot tomorrow a
FTLN 1715 mile, and my way shall be paved with English faces.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1716 I will not say so for fear I should be faced
FTLN 1717 85 out of my way. But I would it were morning, for I
FTLN 1718 would fain be about the ears of the English.
RAMBURES FTLN 1719 Who will go to hazard with me for twenty
FTLN 1720 prisoners?
CONSTABLE FTLN 1721 You must first go yourself to hazard ere you
FTLN 1722 90 have them.
DAUPHIN FTLN 1723’Tis midnight. I’ll go arm myself. He exits.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1724 The Dauphin longs for morning.
RAMBURES FTLN 1725 He longs to eat the English.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1726 I think he will eat all he kills.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1727 95 By the white hand of my lady, he’s a gallant
FTLN 1728 prince.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1729 Swear by her foot, that she may tread out
FTLN 1730 the oath.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1731 He is simply the most active gentleman of
FTLN 1732 100 France.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1733 Doing is activity, and he will still be doing.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1734 He never did harm, that I heard of.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1735 Nor will do none tomorrow. He will keep
FTLN 1736 that good name still.

127
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 7
ORLÉANS FTLN 1737 105 I know him to be valiant.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1738 I was told that by one that knows him
FTLN 1739 better than you.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1740 What’s he?
CONSTABLE FTLN 1741 Marry, he told me so himself, and he said
FTLN 1742 110 he cared not who knew it.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1743 He needs not. It is no hidden virtue in him.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1744 By my faith, sir, but it is; never anybody
FTLN 1745 saw it but his lackey. ’Tis a hooded valor, and when
FTLN 1746 it appears, it will bate.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1747 115 Ill will never said well.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1748 I will cap that proverb with “There is
FTLN 1749 flattery in friendship.”
ORLÉANS FTLN 1750 And I will take up that with “Give the devil
FTLN 1751 his due.”
CONSTABLE FTLN 1752 120 Well placed; there stands your friend for
FTLN 1753 the devil. Have at the very eye of that proverb with
FTLN 1754 “A pox of the devil.”
ORLÉANS FTLN 1755 You are the better at proverbs, by how much
FTLN 1756 “A fool’s bolt is soon shot.”
CONSTABLE FTLN 1757 125 You have shot over.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1758’Tis not the first time you were overshot.
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER FTLN 1759 My Lord High Constable, the English lie
FTLN 1760 within fifteen hundred paces of your tents.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1761 Who hath measured the ground?
MESSENGER FTLN 1762 130 The Lord Grandpré.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1763 A valiant and most expert gentleman.—
FTLN 1764 Would it were day! Alas, poor Harry of England! He
FTLN 1765 longs not for the dawning as we do.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1766 What a wretched and peevish fellow is this
FTLN 1767 135 King of England to mope with his fat-brained
FTLN 1768 followers so far out of his knowledge.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1769 If the English had any apprehension, they
FTLN 1770 would run away.

129
Henry V
ACT 3. SC. 7
ORLÉANS FTLN 1771 That they lack; for if their heads had any
FTLN 1772 140 intellectual armor, they could never wear such
FTLN 1773 heavy headpieces.
RAMBURES FTLN 1774 That island of England breeds very valiant
FTLN 1775 creatures. Their mastiffs are of unmatchable
FTLN 1776 courage.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1777 145 Foolish curs, that run winking into the
FTLN 1778 mouth of a Russian bear and have their heads
FTLN 1779 crushed like rotten apples. You may as well say
FTLN 1780 that’s a valiant flea that dare eat his breakfast on the
FTLN 1781 lip of a lion.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1782 150 Just, just; and the men do sympathize with
FTLN 1783 the mastiffs in robustious and rough coming on,
FTLN 1784 leaving their wits with their wives. And then give
FTLN 1785 them great meals of beef and iron and steel, they
FTLN 1786 will eat like wolves and fight like devils.
ORLÉANS FTLN 1787 155 Ay, but these English are shrewdly out of
FTLN 1788 beef.
CONSTABLE FTLN 1789 Then shall we find tomorrow they have
FTLN 1790 only stomachs to eat and none to fight. Now is it
FTLN 1791 time to arm. Come, shall we about it?
ORLÉANS
FTLN 1792 160 It is now two o’clock. But, let me see, by ten
FTLN 1793 We shall have each a hundred Englishmen.
They exit.

ACT 4
Enter Chorus.
CHORUS
FTLN 1794 Now entertain conjecture of a time
FTLN 1795 When creeping murmur and the poring dark
FTLN 1796 Fills the wide vessel of the universe.
FTLN 1797 From camp to camp, through the foul womb of
FTLN 1798 5 night,
FTLN 1799 The hum of either army stilly sounds,
FTLN 1800 That the fixed sentinels almost receive
FTLN 1801 The secret whispers of each other’s watch.
FTLN 1802 Fire answers fire, and through their paly flames
FTLN 1803 10 Each battle sees the other’s umbered face;
FTLN 1804 Steed threatens steed in high and boastful neighs
FTLN 1805 Piercing the night’s dull ear; and from the tents
FTLN 1806 The armorers, accomplishing the knights,
FTLN 1807 With busy hammers closing rivets up,
FTLN 1808 15 Give dreadful note of preparation.
FTLN 1809 The country cocks do crow, the clocks do toll,
FTLN 1810 And, the third hour of drowsy morning named,
FTLN 1811 Proud of their numbers and secure in soul,
FTLN 1812 The confident and overlusty French
FTLN 1813 20 Do the low-rated English play at dice
FTLN 1814 And chide the cripple, tardy-gaited night,
FTLN 1815 Who like a foul and ugly witch doth limp
FTLN 1816 So tediously away. The poor condemnèd English,
133

135
Henry V
ACT 4. CHORUS
FTLN 1817 Like sacrifices, by their watchful fires
FTLN 1818 25 Sit patiently and inly ruminate
FTLN 1819 The morning’s danger; and their gesture sad,
FTLN 1820 Investing lank-lean cheeks and war-worn coats,
FTLN 1821 Presenteth them unto the gazing moon
FTLN 1822 So many horrid ghosts. O now, who will behold
FTLN 1823 30 The royal captain of this ruined band
FTLN 1824 Walking from watch to watch, from tent to tent,
FTLN 1825 Let him cry, “Praise and glory on his head!”
FTLN 1826 For forth he goes and visits all his host,
FTLN 1827 Bids them good morrow with a modest smile,
FTLN 1828 35 And calls them brothers, friends, and countrymen.
FTLN 1829 Upon his royal face there is no note
FTLN 1830 How dread an army hath enrounded him,
FTLN 1831 Nor doth he dedicate one jot of color
FTLN 1832 Unto the weary and all-watchèd night,
FTLN 1833 40 But freshly looks and overbears attaint
FTLN 1834 With cheerful semblance and sweet majesty,
FTLN 1835 That every wretch, pining and pale before,
FTLN 1836 Beholding him, plucks comfort from his looks.
FTLN 1837 A largesse universal, like the sun,
FTLN 1838 45 His liberal eye doth give to everyone,
FTLN 1839 Thawing cold fear, that mean and gentle all
FTLN 1840 Behold, as may unworthiness define,
FTLN 1841 A little touch of Harry in the night.
FTLN 1842 And so our scene must to the battle fly,
FTLN 1843 50 Where, O for pity, we shall much disgrace,
FTLN 1844 With four or five most vile and ragged foils
FTLN 1845 Right ill-disposed in brawl ridiculous,
FTLN 1846 The name of Agincourt. Yet sit and see,
FTLN 1847 Minding true things by what their mock’ries be.
He exits.

137
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
Scene 1
Enter the King of England, Bedford, and Gloucester.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1848 Gloucester, ’tis true that we are in great danger.
FTLN 1849 The greater therefore should our courage be.—
FTLN 1850 Good morrow, brother Bedford. God almighty,
FTLN 1851 There is some soul of goodness in things evil,
FTLN 1852 5 Would men observingly distill it out.
FTLN 1853 For our bad neighbor makes us early stirrers,
FTLN 1854 Which is both healthful and good husbandry.
FTLN 1855 Besides, they are our outward consciences
FTLN 1856 And preachers to us all, admonishing
FTLN 1857 10 That we should dress us fairly for our end.
FTLN 1858 Thus may we gather honey from the weed
FTLN 1859 And make a moral of the devil himself.
Enter Erpingham.
FTLN 1860 Good morrow, old Sir Thomas Erpingham.
FTLN 1861 A good soft pillow for that good white head
FTLN 1862 15 Were better than a churlish turf of France.
ERPINGHAM
FTLN 1863 Not so, my liege, this lodging likes me better,
FTLN 1864 Since I may say “Now lie I like a king.”
KING HENRY
FTLN 1865 ’Tis good for men to love their present pains
FTLN 1866 Upon example. So the spirit is eased;
FTLN 1867 20 And when the mind is quickened, out of doubt,
FTLN 1868 The organs, though defunct and dead before,
FTLN 1869 Break up their drowsy grave and newly move
FTLN 1870 With casted slough and fresh legerity.
FTLN 1871 Lend me thy cloak, Sir Thomas.
He puts on Erpingham’s cloak.
FTLN 1872 25 Brothers both,
FTLN 1873 Commend me to the princes in our camp,

139
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1874 Do my good morrow to them, and anon
FTLN 1875 Desire them all to my pavilion.
GLOUCESTER FTLN 1876 We shall, my liege.
ERPINGHAM FTLN 1877 30 Shall I attend your Grace?
KING HENRY FTLN 1878 No, my good knight.
FTLN 1879 Go with my brothers to my lords of England.
FTLN 1880 I and my bosom must debate awhile,
FTLN 1881 And then I would no other company.
ERPINGHAM
FTLN 1882 35 The Lord in heaven bless thee, noble Harry.
All but the King exit.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1883 God-a-mercy, old heart, thou speak’st cheerfully.
Enter Pistol.
PISTOL FTLN 1884 Qui vous là?
KING HENRY FTLN 1885 A friend.
PISTOL FTLN 1886 Discuss unto me: art thou officer or art thou
FTLN 1887 40 base, common, and popular?
KING HENRY FTLN 1888 I am a gentleman of a company.
PISTOL FTLN 1889 Trail’st thou the puissant pike?
KING HENRY FTLN 1890 Even so. What are you?
PISTOL FTLN 1891 As good a gentleman as the Emperor.
KING HENRY FTLN 1892 45 Then you are a better than the King.
PISTOL FTLN 1893 The King’s a bawcock and a heart of gold, a lad
FTLN 1894 of life, an imp of fame, of parents good, of fist most
FTLN 1895 valiant. I kiss his dirty shoe, and from heartstring I
FTLN 1896 love the lovely bully. What is thy name?
KING HENRY FTLN 1897 50 Harry le Roy.
PISTOL FTLN 1898 Le Roy? A Cornish name. Art thou of Cornish
FTLN 1899 crew?
KING HENRY FTLN 1900 No, I am a Welshman.
PISTOL FTLN 1901 Know’st thou Fluellen?
KING HENRY FTLN 1902 55 Yes.
PISTOL FTLN 1903 Tell him I’ll knock his leek about his pate upon
FTLN 1904 Saint Davy’s day.

141
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
KING HENRY FTLN 1905 Do not you wear your dagger in your cap
FTLN 1906 that day, lest he knock that about yours.
PISTOL FTLN 1907 60 Art thou his friend?
KING HENRY FTLN 1908 And his kinsman too.
PISTOL FTLN 1909 The figo for thee then!
KING HENRY FTLN 1910 I thank you. God be with you.
PISTOL FTLN 1911 My name is Pistol called. He exits.
KING HENRY FTLN 1912 65 It sorts well with your fierceness.
He steps aside.
Enter Fluellen and Gower.
GOWER FTLN 1913 Captain Fluellen.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1914 So. In the name of Jesu Christ, speak fewer.
FTLN 1915 It is the greatest admiration in the universal world
FTLN 1916 when the true and aunchient prerogatifes and
FTLN 1917 70 laws of the wars is not kept. If you would take the
FTLN 1918 pains but to examine the wars of Pompey the
FTLN 1919 Great, you shall find, I warrant you, that there is
FTLN 1920 no tiddle taddle nor pibble babble in Pompey’s
FTLN 1921 camp. I warrant you, you shall find the ceremonies
FTLN 1922 75 of the wars and the cares of it and the forms
FTLN 1923 of it and the sobriety of it and the modesty of it to
FTLN 1924 be otherwise.
GOWER FTLN 1925 Why, the enemy is loud. You hear him all
FTLN 1926 night.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1927 80 If the enemy is an ass and a fool and a prating
FTLN 1928 coxcomb, is it meet, think you, that we should also,
FTLN 1929 look you, be an ass and a fool and a prating
FTLN 1930 coxcomb, in your own conscience now?
GOWER FTLN 1931 I will speak lower.
FLUELLEN FTLN 1932 85 I pray you and beseech you that you will.
Gower and Fluellen exit.
KING HENRY
FTLN 1933 Though it appear a little out of fashion,
FTLN 1934 There is much care and valor in this Welshman.

143
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
Enter three Soldiers, John Bates, Alexander Court, and
Michael Williams.
COURT FTLN 1935 Brother John Bates, is not that the morning
FTLN 1936 which breaks yonder?
BATES FTLN 1937 90 I think it be, but we have no great cause to desire
FTLN 1938 the approach of day.
WILLIAMS FTLN 1939 We see yonder the beginning of the day, but
FTLN 1940 I think we shall never see the end of it.—Who goes
FTLN 1941 there?
KING HENRY FTLN 1942 95 A friend.
WILLIAMS FTLN 1943 Under what captain serve you?
KING HENRY FTLN 1944 Under Sir Thomas Erpingham.
WILLIAMS FTLN 1945 A good old commander and a most kind
FTLN 1946 gentleman. I pray you, what thinks he of our
FTLN 1947 100 estate?
KING HENRY FTLN 1948 Even as men wracked upon a sand, that
FTLN 1949 look to be washed off the next tide.
BATES FTLN 1950 He hath not told his thought to the King?
KING HENRY FTLN 1951 No. Nor it is not meet he should, for,
FTLN 1952 105 though I speak it to you, I think the King is but a
FTLN 1953 man as I am. The violet smells to him as it doth to
FTLN 1954 me. The element shows to him as it doth to me. All
FTLN 1955 his senses have but human conditions. His ceremonies
FTLN 1956 laid by, in his nakedness he appears but a man,
FTLN 1957 110 and though his affections are higher mounted than
FTLN 1958 ours, yet when they stoop, they stoop with the like
FTLN 1959 wing. Therefore, when he sees reason of fears as we
FTLN 1960 do, his fears, out of doubt, be of the same relish as
FTLN 1961 ours are. Yet, in reason, no man should possess him
FTLN 1962 115 with any appearance of fear, lest he, by showing it,
FTLN 1963 should dishearten his army.
BATES FTLN 1964 He may show what outward courage he will,
FTLN 1965 but I believe, as cold a night as ’tis, he could wish
FTLN 1966 himself in Thames up to the neck; and so I would

145
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1967 120 he were, and I by him, at all adventures, so we were
FTLN 1968 quit here.
KING HENRY FTLN 1969 By my troth, I will speak my conscience
FTLN 1970 of the King. I think he would not wish himself
FTLN 1971 anywhere but where he is.
BATES FTLN 1972 125 Then I would he were here alone; so should he
FTLN 1973 be sure to be ransomed, and a many poor men’s
FTLN 1974 lives saved.
KING HENRY FTLN 1975 I dare say you love him not so ill to wish
FTLN 1976 him here alone, howsoever you speak this to feel
FTLN 1977 130 other men’s minds. Methinks I could not die anywhere
FTLN 1978 so contented as in the King’s company, his
FTLN 1979 cause being just and his quarrel honorable.
WILLIAMS FTLN 1980 That’s more than we know.
BATES FTLN 1981 Ay, or more than we should seek after, for we
FTLN 1982 135 know enough if we know we are the King’s subjects.
FTLN 1983 If his cause be wrong, our obedience to the
FTLN 1984 King wipes the crime of it out of us.
WILLIAMS FTLN 1985 But if the cause be not good, the King
FTLN 1986 himself hath a heavy reckoning to make, when all
FTLN 1987 140 those legs and arms and heads, chopped off in a
FTLN 1988 battle, shall join together at the latter day, and cry
FTLN 1989 all “We died at such a place,” some swearing, some
FTLN 1990 crying for a surgeon, some upon their wives left
FTLN 1991 poor behind them, some upon the debts they owe,
FTLN 1992 145 some upon their children rawly left. I am afeard
FTLN 1993 there are few die well that die in a battle, for how
FTLN 1994 can they charitably dispose of anything when blood
FTLN 1995 is their argument? Now, if these men do not die
FTLN 1996 well, it will be a black matter for the king that led
FTLN 1997 150 them to it, who to disobey were against all proportion
FTLN 1998 of subjection.
KING HENRY FTLN 1999 So, if a son that is by his father sent about
FTLN 2000 merchandise do sinfully miscarry upon the sea,
FTLN 2001 the imputation of his wickedness, by your rule,
FTLN 2002 155 should be imposed upon his father that sent him.

147
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2003 Or if a servant, under his master’s command transporting
FTLN 2004 a sum of money, be assailed by robbers and
FTLN 2005 die in many irreconciled iniquities, you may call the
FTLN 2006 business of the master the author of the servant’s
FTLN 2007 160 damnation. But this is not so. The King is not bound
FTLN 2008 to answer the particular endings of his soldiers, the
FTLN 2009 father of his son, nor the master of his servant, for
FTLN 2010 they purpose not their death when they purpose
FTLN 2011 their services. Besides, there is no king, be his cause
FTLN 2012 165 never so spotless, if it come to the arbitrament of
FTLN 2013 swords, can try it out with all unspotted soldiers.
FTLN 2014 Some, peradventure, have on them the guilt of
FTLN 2015 premeditated and contrived murder; some, of beguiling
FTLN 2016 virgins with the broken seals of perjury;
FTLN 2017 170 some, making the wars their bulwark, that have
FTLN 2018 before gored the gentle bosom of peace with pillage
FTLN 2019 and robbery. Now, if these men have defeated the
FTLN 2020 law and outrun native punishment, though they can
FTLN 2021 outstrip men, they have no wings to fly from God.
FTLN 2022 175 War is His beadle, war is His vengeance, so that here
FTLN 2023 men are punished for before-breach of the King’s
FTLN 2024 laws in now the King’s quarrel. Where they feared
FTLN 2025 the death, they have borne life away; and where they
FTLN 2026 would be safe, they perish. Then, if they die unprovided,
FTLN 2027 180 no more is the King guilty of their damnation
FTLN 2028 than he was before guilty of those impieties for the
FTLN 2029 which they are now visited. Every subject’s duty is
FTLN 2030 the King’s, but every subject’s soul is his own.
FTLN 2031 Therefore should every soldier in the wars do as
FTLN 2032 185 every sick man in his bed: wash every mote out of
FTLN 2033 his conscience. And, dying so, death is to him
FTLN 2034 advantage; or not dying, the time was blessedly lost
FTLN 2035 wherein such preparation was gained. And in him
FTLN 2036 that escapes, it were not sin to think that, making
FTLN 2037 190 God so free an offer, He let him outlive that day to

149
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2038 see His greatness and to teach others how they
FTLN 2039 should prepare.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2040’Tis certain, every man that dies ill, the ill
FTLN 2041 upon his own head; the King is not to answer it.
BATES FTLN 2042 195 I do not desire he should answer for me, and yet
FTLN 2043 I determine to fight lustily for him.
KING HENRY FTLN 2044 I myself heard the King say he would not
FTLN 2045 be ransomed.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2046 Ay, he said so to make us fight cheerfully,
FTLN 2047 200 but when our throats are cut, he may be ransomed
FTLN 2048 and we ne’er the wiser.
KING HENRY FTLN 2049 If I live to see it, I will never trust his
FTLN 2050 word after.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2051 You pay him then. That’s a perilous shot out
FTLN 2052 205 of an elder gun, that a poor and a private displeasure
FTLN 2053 can do against a monarch. You may as well go
FTLN 2054 about to turn the sun to ice with fanning in his face
FTLN 2055 with a peacock’s feather. You’ll “never trust his
FTLN 2056 word after.” Come, ’tis a foolish saying.
KING HENRY FTLN 2057 210 Your reproof is something too round. I
FTLN 2058 should be angry with you if the time were
FTLN 2059 convenient.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2060 Let it be a quarrel between us, if you live.
KING HENRY FTLN 2061 I embrace it.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2062 215 How shall I know thee again?
KING HENRY FTLN 2063 Give me any gage of thine, and I will wear
FTLN 2064 it in my bonnet. Then, if ever thou dar’st acknowledge
FTLN 2065 it, I will make it my quarrel.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2066 Here’s my glove. Give me another of thine.
KING HENRY FTLN 2067 220 There. They exchange gloves.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2068 This will I also wear in my cap. If ever thou
FTLN 2069 come to me and say, after tomorrow, “This is my
FTLN 2070 glove,” by this hand I will take thee a box on the
FTLN 2071 ear.
KING HENRY FTLN 2072 225 If ever I live to see it, I will challenge it.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2073 Thou dar’st as well be hanged.

151
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
KING HENRY FTLN 2074 Well, I will do it, though I take thee in the
FTLN 2075 King’s company.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2076 Keep thy word. Fare thee well.
BATES FTLN 2077 230 Be friends, you English fools, be friends. We
FTLN 2078 have French quarrels enough, if you could tell how
FTLN 2079 to reckon.
KING HENRY FTLN 2080 Indeed, the French may lay twenty
FTLN 2081 French crowns to one they will beat us, for they
FTLN 2082 235 bear them on their shoulders. But it is no English
FTLN 2083 treason to cut French crowns, and tomorrow the
FTLN 2084 King himself will be a clipper.
Soldiers exit.
FTLN 2085 Upon the King! Let us our lives, our souls, our
FTLN 2086 debts, our careful wives, our children, and our sins,
FTLN 2087 240 lay on the King!
FTLN 2088 We must bear all. O hard condition,
FTLN 2089 Twin-born with greatness, subject to the breath
FTLN 2090 Of every fool whose sense no more can feel
FTLN 2091 But his own wringing. What infinite heart’s ease
FTLN 2092 245 Must kings neglect that private men enjoy?
FTLN 2093 And what have kings that privates have not too,
FTLN 2094 Save ceremony, save general ceremony?
FTLN 2095 And what art thou, thou idol ceremony?
FTLN 2096 What kind of god art thou that suffer’st more
FTLN 2097 250 Of mortal griefs than do thy worshipers?
FTLN 2098 What are thy rents? What are thy comings-in?
FTLN 2099 O ceremony, show me but thy worth!
FTLN 2100 What is thy soul of adoration?
FTLN 2101 Art thou aught else but place, degree, and form,
FTLN 2102 255 Creating awe and fear in other men,
FTLN 2103 Wherein thou art less happy, being feared,
FTLN 2104 Than they in fearing?
FTLN 2105 What drink’st thou oft, instead of homage sweet,
FTLN 2106 But poisoned flattery? O, be sick, great greatness,
FTLN 2107 260 And bid thy ceremony give thee cure!
FTLN 2108 Think’st thou the fiery fever will go out

153
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2109 With titles blown from adulation?
FTLN 2110 Will it give place to flexure and low bending?
FTLN 2111 Canst thou, when thou command’st the beggar’s
FTLN 2112 265 knee,
FTLN 2113 Command the health of it? No, thou proud dream,
FTLN 2114 That play’st so subtly with a king’s repose.
FTLN 2115 I am a king that find thee, and I know
FTLN 2116 ’Tis not the balm, the scepter, and the ball,
FTLN 2117 270 The sword, the mace, the crown imperial,
FTLN 2118 The intertissued robe of gold and pearl,
FTLN 2119 The farcèd title running ’fore the King,
FTLN 2120 The throne he sits on, nor the tide of pomp
FTLN 2121 That beats upon the high shore of this world;
FTLN 2122 275 No, not all these, thrice-gorgeous ceremony,
FTLN 2123 Not all these, laid in bed majestical,
FTLN 2124 Can sleep so soundly as the wretched slave
FTLN 2125 Who, with a body filled and vacant mind,
FTLN 2126 Gets him to rest, crammed with distressful bread;
FTLN 2127 280 Never sees horrid night, the child of hell,
FTLN 2128 But, like a lackey, from the rise to set
FTLN 2129 Sweats in the eye of Phoebus, and all night
FTLN 2130 Sleeps in Elysium; next day after dawn
FTLN 2131 Doth rise and help Hyperion to his horse,
FTLN 2132 285 And follows so the ever-running year
FTLN 2133 With profitable labor to his grave.
FTLN 2134 And, but for ceremony, such a wretch,
FTLN 2135 Winding up days with toil and nights with sleep,
FTLN 2136 Had the forehand and vantage of a king.
FTLN 2137 290 The slave, a member of the country’s peace,
FTLN 2138 Enjoys it, but in gross brain little wots
FTLN 2139 What watch the King keeps to maintain the peace,
FTLN 2140 Whose hours the peasant best advantages.
Enter Erpingham.
ERPINGHAM
FTLN 2141 My lord, your nobles, jealous of your absence,

155
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2142 295 Seek through your camp to find you.
KING HENRY FTLN 2143 Good old knight,
FTLN 2144 Collect them all together at my tent.
FTLN 2145 I’ll be before thee.
ERPINGHAM FTLN 2146 I shall do ’t, my lord. He exits.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2147 300 O God of battles, steel my soldiers’ hearts.
FTLN 2148 Possess them not with fear. Take from them now
FTLN 2149 The sense of reck’ning or th’ opposèd numbers
FTLN 2150 Pluck their hearts from them. Not today, O Lord,
FTLN 2151 O, not today, think not upon the fault
FTLN 2152 305 My father made in compassing the crown.
FTLN 2153 I Richard’s body have interrèd new
FTLN 2154 And on it have bestowed more contrite tears
FTLN 2155 Than from it issued forcèd drops of blood.
FTLN 2156 Five hundred poor I have in yearly pay
FTLN 2157 310 Who twice a day their withered hands hold up
FTLN 2158 Toward heaven to pardon blood. And I have built
FTLN 2159 Two chantries where the sad and solemn priests
FTLN 2160 Sing still for Richard’s soul. More will I do—
FTLN 2161 Though all that I can do is nothing worth,
FTLN 2162 315 Since that my penitence comes after all,
FTLN 2163 Imploring pardon.
Enter Gloucester.
GLOUCESTER FTLN 2164 My liege.
KING HENRY FTLN 2165 My brother Gloucester’s voice.—Ay,
FTLN 2166 I know thy errand. I will go with thee.
FTLN 2167 320 The day, my friends, and all things stay for me.
They exit.

157
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter the Dauphin, Orléans, Rambures, and Beaumont.
ORLÉANS
FTLN 2168 The sun doth gild our armor. Up, my lords.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 2169 Montez à cheval! My horse, varlet! Lackey! Ha!
ORLÉANS FTLN 2170 O brave spirit!
DAUPHIN FTLN 2171 Via les eaux et terre.
ORLÉANS FTLN 2172 5 Rien puis? L’air et feu?
DAUPHIN FTLN 2173 Cieux, cousin Orléans.
Enter Constable.
FTLN 2174 Now, my Lord Constable?
CONSTABLE
FTLN 2175 Hark how our steeds for present service neigh.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 2176 Mount them, and make incision in their hides,
FTLN 2177 10 That their hot blood may spin in English eyes
FTLN 2178 And dout them with superfluous courage. Ha!
RAMBURES
FTLN 2179 What, will you have them weep our horses’ blood?
FTLN 2180 How shall we then behold their natural tears?
Enter Messenger.
MESSENGER
FTLN 2181 The English are embattled, you French peers.
CONSTABLE
FTLN 2182 15 To horse, you gallant princes, straight to horse.
FTLN 2183 Do but behold yond poor and starvèd band,
FTLN 2184 And your fair show shall suck away their souls,
FTLN 2185 Leaving them but the shales and husks of men.
FTLN 2186 There is not work enough for all our hands,
FTLN 2187 20 Scarce blood enough in all their sickly veins
FTLN 2188 To give each naked curtal ax a stain,
FTLN 2189 That our French gallants shall today draw out

159
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2190 And sheathe for lack of sport. Let us but blow on
FTLN 2191 them,
FTLN 2192 25 The vapor of our valor will o’erturn them.
FTLN 2193 ’Tis positive against all exceptions, lords,
FTLN 2194 That our superfluous lackeys and our peasants,
FTLN 2195 Who in unnecessary action swarm
FTLN 2196 About our squares of battle, were enough
FTLN 2197 30 To purge this field of such a hilding foe,
FTLN 2198 Though we upon this mountain’s basis by
FTLN 2199 Took stand for idle speculation,
FTLN 2200 But that our honors must not. What’s to say?
FTLN 2201 A very little little let us do,
FTLN 2202 35 And all is done. Then let the trumpets sound
FTLN 2203 The tucket sonance and the note to mount,
FTLN 2204 For our approach shall so much dare the field
FTLN 2205 That England shall couch down in fear and yield.
Enter Grandpré.
GRANDPRÉ
FTLN 2206 Why do you stay so long, my lords of France?
FTLN 2207 40 Yond island carrions, desperate of their bones,
FTLN 2208 Ill-favoredly become the morning field.
FTLN 2209 Their ragged curtains poorly are let loose,
FTLN 2210 And our air shakes them passing scornfully.
FTLN 2211 Big Mars seems bankrupt in their beggared host
FTLN 2212 45 And faintly through a rusty beaver peeps.
FTLN 2213 The horsemen sit like fixèd candlesticks
FTLN 2214 With torch staves in their hand, and their poor jades
FTLN 2215 Lob down their heads, drooping the hides and hips,
FTLN 2216 The gum down-roping from their pale dead eyes,
FTLN 2217 50 And in their pale dull mouths the gemeled bit
FTLN 2218 Lies foul with chawed grass, still and motionless.
FTLN 2219 And their executors, the knavish crows,
FTLN 2220 Fly o’er them all, impatient for their hour.
FTLN 2221 Description cannot suit itself in words
FTLN 2222 55 To demonstrate the life of such a battle
FTLN 2223 In life so lifeless, as it shows itself.

161
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 3
CONSTABLE
FTLN 2224 They have said their prayers, and they stay for death.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 2225 Shall we go send them dinners and fresh suits,
FTLN 2226 And give their fasting horses provender,
FTLN 2227 60 And after fight with them?
CONSTABLE
FTLN 2228 I stay but for my guard. On, to the field!
FTLN 2229 I will the banner from a trumpet take
FTLN 2230 And use it for my haste. Come, come away.
FTLN 2231 The sun is high, and we outwear the day.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Gloucester, Bedford, Exeter, Erpingham with all
his host, Salisbury, and Westmoreland.
GLOUCESTER FTLN 2232 Where is the King?
BEDFORD
FTLN 2233 The King himself is rode to view their battle.
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 2234 Of fighting men they have full threescore thousand.
EXETER
FTLN 2235 There’s five to one. Besides, they all are fresh.
SALISBURY
FTLN 2236 5 God’s arm strike with us! ’Tis a fearful odds.
FTLN 2237 God be wi’ you, princes all. I’ll to my charge.
FTLN 2238 If we no more meet till we meet in heaven,
FTLN 2239 Then joyfully, my noble Lord of Bedford,
FTLN 2240 My dear Lord Gloucester, and my good Lord Exeter,
FTLN 2241 10 And my kind kinsman, warriors all, adieu.
BEDFORD
FTLN 2242 Farewell, good Salisbury, and good luck go with
FTLN 2243 thee.

163
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2244 And yet I do thee wrong to mind thee of it,
FTLN 2245 For thou art framed of the firm truth of valor.
EXETER
FTLN 2246 15 Farewell, kind lord. Fight valiantly today.
Salisbury exits.
BEDFORD
FTLN 2247 He is as full of valor as of kindness,
FTLN 2248 Princely in both.
Enter the King of England.
WESTMORELAND FTLN 2249 O, that we now had here
FTLN 2250 But one ten thousand of those men in England
FTLN 2251 20 That do no work today.
KING HENRY FTLN 2252 What’s he that wishes so?
FTLN 2253 My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin.
FTLN 2254 If we are marked to die, we are enough
FTLN 2255 To do our country loss; and if to live,
FTLN 2256 25 The fewer men, the greater share of honor.
FTLN 2257 God’s will, I pray thee wish not one man more.
FTLN 2258 By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
FTLN 2259 Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
FTLN 2260 It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
FTLN 2261 30 Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
FTLN 2262 But if it be a sin to covet honor,
FTLN 2263 I am the most offending soul alive.
FTLN 2264 No, ’faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
FTLN 2265 God’s peace, I would not lose so great an honor
FTLN 2266 35 As one man more, methinks, would share from me,
FTLN 2267 For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
FTLN 2268 Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
FTLN 2269 That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
FTLN 2270 Let him depart. His passport shall be made,
FTLN 2271 40 And crowns for convoy put into his purse.
FTLN 2272 We would not die in that man’s company
FTLN 2273 That fears his fellowship to die with us.
FTLN 2274 This day is called the feast of Crispian.

165
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2275 He that outlives this day and comes safe home
FTLN 2276 45 Will stand o’ tiptoe when this day is named
FTLN 2277 And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
FTLN 2278 He that shall see this day, and live old age,
FTLN 2279 Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors
FTLN 2280 And say “Tomorrow is Saint Crispian.”
FTLN 2281 50 Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
FTLN 2282 Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
FTLN 2283 But he’ll remember with advantages
FTLN 2284 What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
FTLN 2285 Familiar in his mouth as household words,
FTLN 2286 55 Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
FTLN 2287 Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
FTLN 2288 Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
FTLN 2289 This story shall the good man teach his son,
FTLN 2290 And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by,
FTLN 2291 60 From this day to the ending of the world,
FTLN 2292 But we in it shall be rememberèd—
FTLN 2293 We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
FTLN 2294 For he today that sheds his blood with me
FTLN 2295 Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
FTLN 2296 65 This day shall gentle his condition;
FTLN 2297 And gentlemen in England now abed
FTLN 2298 Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
FTLN 2299 And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
FTLN 2300 That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.
Enter Salisbury.
SALISBURY
FTLN 2301 70 My sovereign lord, bestow yourself with speed.
FTLN 2302 The French are bravely in their battles set,
FTLN 2303 And will with all expedience charge on us.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2304 All things are ready if our minds be so.
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 2305 Perish the man whose mind is backward now!

167
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 3
KING HENRY
FTLN 2306 75 Thou dost not wish more help from England, coz?
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 2307 God’s will, my liege, would you and I alone,
FTLN 2308 Without more help, could fight this royal battle!
KING HENRY
FTLN 2309 Why, now thou hast unwished five thousand men,
FTLN 2310 Which likes me better than to wish us one.—
FTLN 2311 80 You know your places. God be with you all.
Tucket. Enter Montjoy.
MONTJOY
FTLN 2312 Once more I come to know of thee, King Harry,
FTLN 2313 If for thy ransom thou wilt now compound,
FTLN 2314 Before thy most assurèd overthrow.
FTLN 2315 For certainly thou art so near the gulf
FTLN 2316 85 Thou needs must be englutted. Besides, in mercy,
FTLN 2317 The Constable desires thee thou wilt mind
FTLN 2318 Thy followers of repentance, that their souls
FTLN 2319 May make a peaceful and a sweet retire
FTLN 2320 From off these fields where, wretches, their poor
FTLN 2321 90 bodies
FTLN 2322 Must lie and fester.
KING HENRY FTLN 2323 Who hath sent thee now?
MONTJOY FTLN 2324 The Constable of France.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2325 I pray thee bear my former answer back.
FTLN 2326 95 Bid them achieve me and then sell my bones.
FTLN 2327 Good God, why should they mock poor fellows
FTLN 2328 thus?
FTLN 2329 The man that once did sell the lion’s skin
FTLN 2330 While the beast lived was killed with hunting him.
FTLN 2331 100 A many of our bodies shall no doubt
FTLN 2332 Find native graves, upon the which, I trust,
FTLN 2333 Shall witness live in brass of this day’s work.

169
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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2334 And those that leave their valiant bones in France,
FTLN 2335 Dying like men, though buried in your dunghills,
FTLN 2336 105 They shall be famed; for there the sun shall greet
FTLN 2337 them
FTLN 2338 And draw their honors reeking up to heaven,
FTLN 2339 Leaving their earthly parts to choke your clime,
FTLN 2340 The smell whereof shall breed a plague in France.
FTLN 2341 110 Mark, then, abounding valor in our English,
FTLN 2342 That being dead, like to the bullet’s crazing,
FTLN 2343 Break out into a second course of mischief,
FTLN 2344 Killing in relapse of mortality.
FTLN 2345 Let me speak proudly: tell the Constable
FTLN 2346 115 We are but warriors for the working day;
FTLN 2347 Our gayness and our gilt are all besmirched
FTLN 2348 With rainy marching in the painful field.
FTLN 2349 There’s not a piece of feather in our host—
FTLN 2350 Good argument, I hope, we will not fly—
FTLN 2351 120 And time hath worn us into slovenry.
FTLN 2352 But, by the Mass, our hearts are in the trim,
FTLN 2353 And my poor soldiers tell me, yet ere night
FTLN 2354 They’ll be in fresher robes, or they will pluck
FTLN 2355 The gay new coats o’er the French soldiers’ heads
FTLN 2356 125 And turn them out of service. If they do this,
FTLN 2357 As, if God please, they shall, my ransom then
FTLN 2358 Will soon be levied. Herald, save thou thy labor.
FTLN 2359 Come thou no more for ransom, gentle herald.
FTLN 2360 They shall have none, I swear, but these my joints,
FTLN 2361 130 Which, if they have, as I will leave ’em them,
FTLN 2362 Shall yield them little, tell the Constable.
MONTJOY
FTLN 2363 I shall, King Harry. And so fare thee well.
FTLN 2364 Thou never shalt hear herald anymore.
KING HENRY FTLN 2365 I fear thou wilt once more come again
FTLN 2366 135 for a ransom. Montjoy exits.
Enter York.

171
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 4
YORK , kneeling
FTLN 2367 My lord, most humbly on my knee I beg
FTLN 2368 The leading of the vaward.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2369 Take it, brave York. York rises.
FTLN 2370 Now, soldiers, march away,
FTLN 2371 140 And how Thou pleasest, God, dispose the day.
They exit.
Scene 4
Alarum. Excursions. Enter Pistol, French Soldier,
and Boy.
PISTOL FTLN 2372 Yield, cur.
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2373 Je pense que vous êtes le gentilhomme
FTLN 2374 de bonne qualité.
PISTOL FTLN 2375 Qualtitie calmie custure me. Art thou a gentleman?
FTLN 2376 5 What is thy name? Discuss.
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2377 Ô Seigneur Dieu!
PISTOL FTLN 2378 O, Seigneur Dew should be a gentleman. Perpend
FTLN 2379 my words, O Seigneur Dew, and mark: O
FTLN 2380 Seigneur Dew, thou diest on point of fox, except, O
FTLN 2381 10 Seigneur, thou do give to me egregious ransom.
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2382 Ô, prenez miséricorde! Ayez pitié de
FTLN 2383 moi!
PISTOL FTLN 2384 Moy shall not serve. I will have forty moys, or
FTLN 2385 I will fetch thy rim out at thy throat in drops of
FTLN 2386 15 crimson blood.
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2387 Est-il impossible d’échapper la force
FTLN 2388 de ton bras?
PISTOL FTLN 2389 Brass, cur? Thou damned and luxurious
FTLN 2390 mountain goat, offer’st me brass?
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2391 20 Ô, pardonnez-moi!
PISTOL FTLN 2392 Say’st thou me so? Is that a ton of moys?—

173
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 4
FTLN 2393 Come hither, boy. Ask me this slave in French what
FTLN 2394 is his name.
BOY FTLN 2395 Écoutez. Comment êtes-vous appelé?
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2396 25 Monsieur le Fer.
BOY FTLN 2397 He says his name is Master Fer.
PISTOL FTLN 2398 Master Fer. I’ll fer him, and firk him, and ferret
FTLN 2399 him. Discuss the same in French unto him.
BOY FTLN 2400 I do not know the French for “fer,” and “ferret,”
FTLN 2401 30 and “firk.”
PISTOL FTLN 2402 Bid him prepare, for I will cut his throat.
FRENCH SOLDIER , to the Boy FTLN 2403 Que dit-il, monsieur?
BOY FTLN 2404 Il me commande à vous dire que vous faites vous
FTLN 2405 prêt, car ce soldat ici est disposé tout à cette heure de
FTLN 2406 35 couper votre gorge.
PISTOL FTLN 2407 Owy, cuppele gorge, permafoy, peasant, unless
FTLN 2408 thou give me crowns, brave crowns, or mangled
FTLN 2409 shalt thou be by this my sword.
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2410 Ô, je vous supplie, pour l’amour de
FTLN 2411 40 Dieu, me pardonner. Je suis le gentilhomme de bonne
FTLN 2412 maison. Gardez ma vie, et je vous donnerai deux
FTLN 2413 cents écus.
PISTOL FTLN 2414 What are his words?
BOY FTLN 2415 He prays you to save his life. He is a gentleman of a
FTLN 2416 45 good house, and for his ransom he will give you two
FTLN 2417 hundred crowns.
PISTOL FTLN 2418 Tell him my fury shall abate, and I the crowns
FTLN 2419 will take.
FRENCH SOLDIER , to the Boy FTLN 2420 Petit monsieur, que dit-il?
BOY FTLN 2421 50 Encore qu’il est contre son jurement de pardonner
FTLN 2422 aucun prisonnier; néanmoins, pour les écus que vous
FTLN 2423 lui avez promis, il est content à vous donner la liberté,
FTLN 2424 le franchisement.
French soldier kneels.
FRENCH SOLDIER FTLN 2425 Sur mes genoux je vous donne mille
FTLN 2426 55 remercîments, et je m’estime heureux que j’ai tombé

175
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 5
FTLN 2427 entre les mains d’un chevalier, je pense, le plus brave,
FTLN 2428 vaillant, et très distingué seigneur d’Angleterre.
PISTOL FTLN 2429 Expound unto me, boy.
BOY FTLN 2430 He gives you upon his knees a thousand thanks,
FTLN 2431 60 and he esteems himself happy that he hath fall’n
FTLN 2432 into the hands of one, as he thinks, the most
FTLN 2433 brave, valorous, and thrice-worthy seigneur of
FTLN 2434 England.
PISTOL FTLN 2435 As I suck blood, I will some mercy show.
FTLN 2436 65 Follow me.
BOY FTLN 2437 Suivez-vous le grand capitaine.
The French Soldier stands up. He and Pistol exit.
FTLN 2438 I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty
FTLN 2439 a heart. But the saying is true: “The empty vessel
FTLN 2440 makes the greatest sound.” Bardolph and Nym had
FTLN 2441 70 ten times more valor than this roaring devil i’ th’ old
FTLN 2442 play, that everyone may pare his nails with a wooden
FTLN 2443 dagger, and they are both hanged, and so would
FTLN 2444 this be if he durst steal anything adventurously. I
FTLN 2445 must stay with the lackeys with the luggage of our
FTLN 2446 75 camp. The French might have a good prey of us if he
FTLN 2447 knew of it, for there is none to guard it but boys.
He exits.
Scene 5
Enter Constable, Orléans, Bourbon, Dauphin, and
Rambures.
CONSTABLE FTLN 2448 Ô diable!
ORLÉANS
FTLN 2449 Ô Seigneur! Le jour est perdu, tout est perdu!
DAUPHIN
FTLN 2450 Mort de ma vie, all is confounded, all!
FTLN 2451 Reproach and everlasting shame
FTLN 2452 5 Sits mocking in our plumes. A short Alarum.

177
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 2453 Ô méchante Fortune!
FTLN 2454 Do not run away.
CONSTABLE FTLN 2455 Why, all our ranks are broke.
DAUPHIN
FTLN 2456 O perdurable shame! Let’s stab ourselves.
FTLN 2457 10 Be these the wretches that we played at dice for?
ORLÉANS
FTLN 2458 Is this the king we sent to for his ransom?
BOURBON
FTLN 2459 Shame, and eternal shame, nothing but shame!
FTLN 2460 Let us die. In once more! Back again!
FTLN 2461 And he that will not follow Bourbon now,
FTLN 2462 15 Let him go hence, and with his cap in hand
FTLN 2463 Like a base pander hold the chamber door,
FTLN 2464 Whilst by a slave, no gentler than my dog,
FTLN 2465 His fairest daughter is contaminate.
CONSTABLE
FTLN 2466 Disorder, that hath spoiled us, friend us now.
FTLN 2467 20 Let us on heaps go offer up our lives.
ORLÉANS
FTLN 2468 We are enough yet living in the field
FTLN 2469 To smother up the English in our throngs,
FTLN 2470 If any order might be thought upon.
BOURBON
FTLN 2471 The devil take order now! I’ll to the throng.
FTLN 2472 25 Let life be short, else shame will be too long.
They exit.
Scene 6
Alarum. Enter the King of England and his train,
with prisoners.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2473 Well have we done, thrice-valiant countrymen,
FTLN 2474 But all’s not done. Yet keep the French the field.

179
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 6
Enter Exeter.
EXETER
FTLN 2475 The Duke of York commends him to your Majesty.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2476 Lives he, good uncle? Thrice within this hour
FTLN 2477 5 I saw him down, thrice up again and fighting.
FTLN 2478 From helmet to the spur, all blood he was.
EXETER
FTLN 2479 In which array, brave soldier, doth he lie,
FTLN 2480 Larding the plain, and by his bloody side,
FTLN 2481 Yoke-fellow to his honor-owing wounds,
FTLN 2482 10 The noble Earl of Suffolk also lies.
FTLN 2483 Suffolk first died, and York, all haggled over,
FTLN 2484 Comes to him where in gore he lay insteeped,
FTLN 2485 And takes him by the beard, kisses the gashes
FTLN 2486 That bloodily did yawn upon his face.
FTLN 2487 15 He cries aloud “Tarry, my cousin Suffolk.
FTLN 2488 My soul shall thine keep company to heaven.
FTLN 2489 Tarry, sweet soul, for mine; then fly abreast,
FTLN 2490 As in this glorious and well-foughten field
FTLN 2491 We kept together in our chivalry.”
FTLN 2492 20 Upon these words I came and cheered him up.
FTLN 2493 He smiled me in the face, raught me his hand,
FTLN 2494 And with a feeble grip, says “Dear my lord,
FTLN 2495 Commend my service to my sovereign.”
FTLN 2496 So did he turn, and over Suffolk’s neck
FTLN 2497 25 He threw his wounded arm and kissed his lips,
FTLN 2498 And so, espoused to death, with blood he sealed
FTLN 2499 A testament of noble-ending love.
FTLN 2500 The pretty and sweet manner of it forced
FTLN 2501 Those waters from me which I would have stopped,
FTLN 2502 30 But I had not so much of man in me,
FTLN 2503 And all my mother came into mine eyes
FTLN 2504 And gave me up to tears.
KING HENRY FTLN 2505 I blame you not,

181
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ACT 4. SC. 7
FTLN 2506 For, hearing this, I must perforce compound
FTLN 2507 35 With my full eyes, or they will issue too. Alarum.
FTLN 2508 But hark, what new alarum is this same?
FTLN 2509 The French have reinforced their scattered men.
FTLN 2510 Then every soldier kill his prisoners.
FTLN 2511 Give the word through.
They exit.
Scene 7
Enter Fluellen and Gower.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2512 Kill the poys and the luggage! ’Tis expressly
FTLN 2513 against the law of arms. ’Tis as arrant a piece of
FTLN 2514 knavery, mark you now, as can be offert, in your
FTLN 2515 conscience now, is it not?
GOWER FTLN 2516 5’Tis certain there’s not a boy left alive, and
FTLN 2517 the cowardly rascals that ran from the battle ha’
FTLN 2518 done this slaughter. Besides, they have burned
FTLN 2519 and carried away all that was in the King’s tent,
FTLN 2520 wherefore the King, most worthily, hath caused
FTLN 2521 10 every soldier to cut his prisoner’s throat. O, ’tis a
FTLN 2522 gallant king!
FLUELLEN FTLN 2523 Ay, he was porn at Monmouth, Captain
FTLN 2524 Gower. What call you the town’s name where
FTLN 2525 Alexander the Pig was born?
GOWER FTLN 2526 15 Alexander the Great.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2527 Why, I pray you, is not “pig” great? The pig,
FTLN 2528 or the great, or the mighty, or the huge, or the
FTLN 2529 magnanimous, are all one reckonings, save the
FTLN 2530 phrase is a little variations.
GOWER FTLN 2531 20 I think Alexander the Great was born in Macedon.
FTLN 2532 His father was called Philip of Macedon, as I
FTLN 2533 take it.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2534 I think it is in Macedon where Alexander is
FTLN 2535 porn. I tell you, captain, if you look in the maps of

183
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 7
FTLN 2536 25 the ’orld, I warrant you sall find, in the comparisons
FTLN 2537 between Macedon and Monmouth, that the
FTLN 2538 situations, look you, is both alike. There is a river in
FTLN 2539 Macedon, and there is also, moreover, a river at
FTLN 2540 Monmouth. It is called Wye at Monmouth, but it is
FTLN 2541 30 out of my prains what is the name of the other river.
FTLN 2542 But ’tis all one; ’tis alike as my fingers is to my
FTLN 2543 fingers, and there is salmons in both. If you mark
FTLN 2544 Alexander’s life well, Harry of Monmouth’s life is
FTLN 2545 come after it indifferent well, for there is figures in
FTLN 2546 35 all things. Alexander, God knows and you know, in
FTLN 2547 his rages and his furies and his wraths and his
FTLN 2548 cholers and his moods and his displeasures and his
FTLN 2549 indignations, and also being a little intoxicates in
FTLN 2550 his prains, did, in his ales and his angers, look you,
FTLN 2551 40 kill his best friend, Cleitus.
GOWER FTLN 2552 Our king is not like him in that. He never
FTLN 2553 killed any of his friends.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2554 It is not well done, mark you now, to take
FTLN 2555 the tales out of my mouth ere it is made and
FTLN 2556 45 finished. I speak but in the figures and comparisons
FTLN 2557 of it. As Alexander killed his friend Cleitus, being in
FTLN 2558 his ales and his cups, so also Harry Monmouth,
FTLN 2559 being in his right wits and his good judgments,
FTLN 2560 turned away the fat knight with the great-belly
FTLN 2561 50 doublet; he was full of jests and gipes and knaveries
FTLN 2562 and mocks—I have forgot his name.
GOWER FTLN 2563 Sir John Falstaff.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2564 That is he. I’ll tell you, there is good men
FTLN 2565 porn at Monmouth.
GOWER FTLN 2566 55 Here comes his Majesty.
Alarum. Enter King Harry, Exeter, Warwick, Gloucester,
Heralds and Bourbon with other prisoners. Flourish.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2567 I was not angry since I came to France

185
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 7
FTLN 2568 Until this instant. Take a trumpet, herald.
FTLN 2569 Ride thou unto the horsemen on yond hill.
FTLN 2570 If they will fight with us, bid them come down,
FTLN 2571 60 Or void the field. They do offend our sight.
FTLN 2572 If they’ll do neither, we will come to them
FTLN 2573 And make them skirr away as swift as stones
FTLN 2574 Enforcèd from the old Assyrian slings.
FTLN 2575 Besides, we’ll cut the throats of those we have,
FTLN 2576 65 And not a man of them that we shall take
FTLN 2577 Shall taste our mercy. Go and tell them so.
Enter Montjoy.
EXETER
FTLN 2578 Here comes the herald of the French, my liege.
GLOUCESTER
FTLN 2579 His eyes are humbler than they used to be.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2580 How now, what means this, herald? Know’st thou
FTLN 2581 70 not
FTLN 2582 That I have fined these bones of mine for ransom?
FTLN 2583 Com’st thou again for ransom?
MONTJOY FTLN 2584 No, great king.
FTLN 2585 I come to thee for charitable license,
FTLN 2586 75 That we may wander o’er this bloody field
FTLN 2587 To book our dead and then to bury them,
FTLN 2588 To sort our nobles from our common men,
FTLN 2589 For many of our princes—woe the while!—
FTLN 2590 Lie drowned and soaked in mercenary blood.
FTLN 2591 80 So do our vulgar drench their peasant limbs
FTLN 2592 In blood of princes, and the wounded steeds
FTLN 2593 Fret fetlock deep in gore, and with wild rage
FTLN 2594 Yerk out their armèd heels at their dead masters,
FTLN 2595 Killing them twice. O, give us leave, great king,
FTLN 2596 85 To view the field in safety and dispose
FTLN 2597 Of their dead bodies.
KING HENRY FTLN 2598 I tell thee truly, herald,

187
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 7
FTLN 2599 I know not if the day be ours or no,
FTLN 2600 For yet a many of your horsemen peer
FTLN 2601 90 And gallop o’er the field.
MONTJOY FTLN 2602 The day is yours.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2603 Praised be God, and not our strength, for it!
FTLN 2604 What is this castle called that stands hard by?
MONTJOY FTLN 2605 They call it Agincourt.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2606 95 Then call we this the field of Agincourt,
FTLN 2607 Fought on the day of Crispin Crispianus.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2608 Your grandfather of famous memory, an ’t
FTLN 2609 please your Majesty, and your great-uncle Edward
FTLN 2610 the Plack Prince of Wales, as I have read in the
FTLN 2611 100 chronicles, fought a most prave pattle here in
FTLN 2612 France.
KING HENRY FTLN 2613 They did, Fluellen.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2614 Your Majesty says very true. If your Majesties
FTLN 2615 is remembered of it, the Welshmen did good
FTLN 2616 105 service in a garden where leeks did grow, wearing
FTLN 2617 leeks in their Monmouth caps, which, your Majesty
FTLN 2618 know, to this hour is an honorable badge of the
FTLN 2619 service. And I do believe your Majesty takes no
FTLN 2620 scorn to wear the leek upon Saint Tavy’s day.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2621 110 I wear it for a memorable honor,
FTLN 2622 For I am Welsh, you know, good countryman.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2623 All the water in Wye cannot wash your
FTLN 2624 Majesty’s Welsh plood out of your pody, I can tell
FTLN 2625 you that. God pless it and preserve it as long as it
FTLN 2626 115 pleases his Grace and his Majesty too.
KING HENRY FTLN 2627 Thanks, good my countryman.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2628 By Jeshu, I am your Majesty’s countryman,
FTLN 2629 I care not who know it. I will confess it to all the
FTLN 2630 ’orld. I need not to be ashamed of your Majesty,

189
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 7
FTLN 2631 120 praised be God, so long as your Majesty is an
FTLN 2632 honest man.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2633 God keep me so.—Our heralds, go with him.
FTLN 2634 Bring me just notice of the numbers dead
FTLN 2635 On both our parts.
Montjoy, English Heralds, and Gower exit.
Enter Williams.
FTLN 2636 125 Call yonder fellow hither.
EXETER FTLN 2637 Soldier, you must come to the King.
KING HENRY FTLN 2638 Soldier, why wear’st thou that glove in thy
FTLN 2639 cap?
WILLIAMS FTLN 2640 An ’t please your Majesty, ’tis the gage of
FTLN 2641 130 one that I should fight withal, if he be alive.
KING HENRY FTLN 2642 An Englishman?
WILLIAMS FTLN 2643 An ’t please your Majesty, a rascal that
FTLN 2644 swaggered with me last night, who, if alive and ever
FTLN 2645 dare to challenge this glove, I have sworn to take
FTLN 2646 135 him a box o’ th’ ear, or if I can see my glove in his
FTLN 2647 cap, which he swore, as he was a soldier, he would
FTLN 2648 wear if alive, I will strike it out soundly.
KING HENRY FTLN 2649 What think you, Captain Fluellen, is it fit
FTLN 2650 this soldier keep his oath?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2651 140 He is a craven and a villain else, an ’t
FTLN 2652 please your Majesty, in my conscience.
KING HENRY FTLN 2653 It may be his enemy is a gentleman of
FTLN 2654 great sort, quite from the answer of his degree.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2655 Though he be as good a gentleman as the
FTLN 2656 145 devil is, as Lucifer and Beelzebub himself, it is
FTLN 2657 necessary, look your Grace, that he keep his vow
FTLN 2658 and his oath. If he be perjured, see you now, his
FTLN 2659 reputation is as arrant a villain and a Jack Sauce as
FTLN 2660 ever his black shoe trod upon God’s ground and His
FTLN 2661 150 earth, in my conscience, la.

191
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 7
KING HENRY FTLN 2662 Then keep thy vow, sirrah, when thou
FTLN 2663 meet’st the fellow.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2664 So I will, my liege, as I live.
KING HENRY FTLN 2665 Who serv’st thou under?
WILLIAMS FTLN 2666 155 Under Captain Gower, my liege.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2667 Gower is a good captain, and is good knowledge
FTLN 2668 and literatured in the wars.
KING HENRY FTLN 2669 Call him hither to me, soldier.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2670 I will, my liege. He exits.
KING HENRY , giving Fluellen Williams’s glove FTLN 2671 160 Here,
FTLN 2672 Fluellen, wear thou this favor for me, and stick it in
FTLN 2673 thy cap. When Alençon and myself were down
FTLN 2674 together, I plucked this glove from his helm. If any
FTLN 2675 man challenge this, he is a friend to Alençon and an
FTLN 2676 165 enemy to our person. If thou encounter any such,
FTLN 2677 apprehend him, an thou dost me love.
FLUELLEN , putting the glove in his cap FTLN 2678 Your Grace
FTLN 2679 does me as great honors as can be desired in the
FTLN 2680 hearts of his subjects. I would fain see the man that
FTLN 2681 170 has but two legs that shall find himself aggriefed at
FTLN 2682 this glove, that is all; but I would fain see it once, an
FTLN 2683 please God of His grace that I might see.
KING HENRY FTLN 2684 Know’st thou Gower?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2685 He is my dear friend, an please you.
KING HENRY FTLN 2686 175 Pray thee, go seek him, and bring him to
FTLN 2687 my tent.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2688 I will fetch him. He exits.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2689 My Lord of Warwick and my brother Gloucester,
FTLN 2690 Follow Fluellen closely at the heels.
FTLN 2691 180 The glove which I have given him for a favor
FTLN 2692 May haply purchase him a box o’ th’ ear.
FTLN 2693 It is the soldier’s. I by bargain should
FTLN 2694 Wear it myself. Follow, good cousin Warwick.
FTLN 2695 If that the soldier strike him, as I judge
FTLN 2696 185 By his blunt bearing he will keep his word,

193
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 8
FTLN 2697 Some sudden mischief may arise of it,
FTLN 2698 For I do know Fluellen valiant
FTLN 2699 And, touched with choler, hot as gunpowder,
FTLN 2700 And quickly will return an injury.
FTLN 2701 190 Follow, and see there be no harm between them.—
FTLN 2702 Go you with me, uncle of Exeter.
They exit.
Scene 8
Enter Gower and Williams.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2703 I warrant it is to knight you, captain.
Enter Fluellen, wearing Williams’s glove.
FLUELLEN , to Gower FTLN 2704 God’s will and His pleasure,
FTLN 2705 captain, I beseech you now, come apace to the
FTLN 2706 King. There is more good toward you peradventure
FTLN 2707 5 than is in your knowledge to dream of.
WILLIAMS , to Fluellen, pointing to the glove in his own
hat FTLN 2708 Sir, know you this glove?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2709 Know the glove? I know the glove is a glove.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2710 I know this, and thus I challenge it.
Strikes him.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2711’Sblood, an arrant traitor as any ’s in the
FTLN 2712 10 universal world, or in France, or in England!
GOWER , to Williams FTLN 2713 How now, sir? You villain!
WILLIAMS FTLN 2714 Do you think I’ll be forsworn?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2715 Stand away, Captain Gower. I will give treason
FTLN 2716 his payment into plows, I warrant you.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2717 15 I am no traitor.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2718 That’s a lie in thy throat.—I charge you in
FTLN 2719 his Majesty’s name, apprehend him. He’s a friend
FTLN 2720 of the Duke Alençon’s.
Enter Warwick and Gloucester.

195
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 8
WARWICK FTLN 2721 How now, how now, what’s the matter?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2722 20 My Lord of Warwick, here is, praised be
FTLN 2723 God for it, a most contagious treason come to
FTLN 2724 light, look you, as you shall desire in a summer’s
FTLN 2725 day.
Enter King of England and Exeter.
FTLN 2726 Here is his Majesty.
KING HENRY FTLN 2727 25 How now, what’s the matter?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2728 My liege, here is a villain and a traitor, that,
FTLN 2729 look your Grace, has struck the glove which your
FTLN 2730 Majesty is take out of the helmet of Alençon.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2731 My liege, this was my glove; here is the fellow
FTLN 2732 30 of it. And he that I gave it to in change promised to
FTLN 2733 wear it in his cap. I promised to strike him if he did.
FTLN 2734 I met this man with my glove in his cap, and I have
FTLN 2735 been as good as my word.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2736 Your Majesty, hear now, saving your Majesty’s
FTLN 2737 35 manhood, what an arrant, rascally, beggarly,
FTLN 2738 lousy knave it is. I hope your Majesty is pear me
FTLN 2739 testimony and witness and will avouchment that
FTLN 2740 this is the glove of Alençon that your Majesty is give
FTLN 2741 me, in your conscience now.
KING HENRY , to Williams FTLN 2742 40 Give me thy glove, soldier.
FTLN 2743 Look, here is the fellow of it.
FTLN 2744 ’Twas I indeed thou promised’st to strike,
FTLN 2745 And thou hast given me most bitter terms.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2746 An please your Majesty, let his neck answer
FTLN 2747 45 for it, if there is any martial law in the world.
KING HENRY , to Williams FTLN 2748 How canst thou make me
FTLN 2749 satisfaction?
WILLIAMS FTLN 2750 All offenses, my lord, come from the heart.
FTLN 2751 Never came any from mine that might offend your
FTLN 2752 50 Majesty.
KING HENRY FTLN 2753 It was ourself thou didst abuse.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2754 Your Majesty came not like yourself. You

197
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 8
FTLN 2755 appeared to me but as a common man; witness the
FTLN 2756 night, your garments, your lowliness. And what
FTLN 2757 55 your Highness suffered under that shape, I beseech
FTLN 2758 you take it for your own fault and not mine, for, had
FTLN 2759 you been as I took you for, I made no offense.
FTLN 2760 Therefore, I beseech your Highness pardon me.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2761 Here, uncle Exeter, fill this glove with crowns
FTLN 2762 60 And give it to this fellow.—Keep it, fellow,
FTLN 2763 And wear it for an honor in thy cap
FTLN 2764 Till I do challenge it.—Give him the crowns.—
FTLN 2765 And, captain, you must needs be friends with him.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2766 By this day and this light, the fellow has
FTLN 2767 65 mettle enough in his belly.—Hold, there is twelvepence
FTLN 2768 for you, and I pray you to serve God and keep
FTLN 2769 you out of prawls and prabbles and quarrels and
FTLN 2770 dissensions, and I warrant you it is the better for
FTLN 2771 you.
WILLIAMS FTLN 2772 70 I will none of your money.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2773 It is with a good will. I can tell you it will
FTLN 2774 serve you to mend your shoes. Come, wherefore
FTLN 2775 should you be so pashful? Your shoes is not so
FTLN 2776 good. ’Tis a good silling, I warrant you, or I will
FTLN 2777 75 change it.
Enter an English Herald.
KING HENRY FTLN 2778 Now, herald, are the dead numbered?
HERALD , giving the King a paper
FTLN 2779 Here is the number of the slaughtered French.
KING HENRY , to Exeter
FTLN 2780 What prisoners of good sort are taken, uncle?
EXETER
FTLN 2781 Charles, Duke of Orléans, nephew to the King;
FTLN 2782 80 John, Duke of Bourbon, and Lord Bouciqualt.
FTLN 2783 Of other lords and barons, knights and squires,
FTLN 2784 Full fifteen hundred, besides common men.

199
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 8
KING HENRY
FTLN 2785 This note doth tell me of ten thousand French
FTLN 2786 That in the field lie slain. Of princes in this number
FTLN 2787 85 And nobles bearing banners, there lie dead
FTLN 2788 One hundred twenty-six. Added to these,
FTLN 2789 Of knights, esquires, and gallant gentlemen,
FTLN 2790 Eight thousand and four hundred, of the which
FTLN 2791 Five hundred were but yesterday dubbed knights.
FTLN 2792 90 So that in these ten thousand they have lost,
FTLN 2793 There are but sixteen hundred mercenaries.
FTLN 2794 The rest are princes, barons, lords, knights, squires,
FTLN 2795 And gentlemen of blood and quality.
FTLN 2796 The names of those their nobles that lie dead:
FTLN 2797 95 Charles Delabreth, High Constable of France;
FTLN 2798 Jacques of Chatillon, Admiral of France;
FTLN 2799 The Master of the Crossbows, Lord Rambures;
FTLN 2800 Great Master of France, the brave Sir Guichard
FTLN 2801 Dauphin;
FTLN 2802 100 John, Duke of Alençon; Anthony, Duke of Brabant,
FTLN 2803 The brother to the Duke of Burgundy;
FTLN 2804 And Edward, Duke of Bar. Of lusty earls:
FTLN 2805 Grandpré and Roussi, Faulconbridge and Foix,
FTLN 2806 Beaumont and Marle, Vaudemont and Lestrale.
FTLN 2807 105 Here was a royal fellowship of death.
FTLN 2808 Where is the number of our English dead?
Herald gives him another paper.
FTLN 2809 Edward the Duke of York, the Earl of Suffolk,
FTLN 2810 Sir Richard Ketly, Davy Gam, esquire;
FTLN 2811 None else of name, and of all other men
FTLN 2812 110 But five and twenty. O God, thy arm was here,
FTLN 2813 And not to us, but to thy arm alone
FTLN 2814 Ascribe we all! When, without stratagem,
FTLN 2815 But in plain shock and even play of battle,
FTLN 2816 Was ever known so great and little loss
FTLN 2817 115 On one part and on th’ other? Take it, God,
FTLN 2818 For it is none but thine.

201
Henry V
ACT 4. SC. 8
EXETER FTLN 2819 ’Tis wonderful.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2820 Come, go we in procession to the village,
FTLN 2821 And be it death proclaimèd through our host
FTLN 2822 120 To boast of this or take that praise from God
FTLN 2823 Which is His only.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2824 Is it not lawful, an please your Majesty, to
FTLN 2825 tell how many is killed?
KING HENRY
FTLN 2826 Yes, captain, but with this acknowledgment:
FTLN 2827 125 That God fought for us.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2828 Yes, my conscience, He did us great good.
KING HENRY FTLN 2829 Do we all holy rites.
FTLN 2830 Let there be sung Non nobis, and Te Deum,
FTLN 2831 The dead with charity enclosed in clay,
FTLN 2832 130 And then to Calais, and to England then,
FTLN 2833 Where ne’er from France arrived more happy men.
They exit.

ACT 5
Enter Chorus.
CHORUS
FTLN 2834 Vouchsafe to those that have not read the story
FTLN 2835 That I may prompt them; and of such as have,
FTLN 2836 I humbly pray them to admit th’ excuse
FTLN 2837 Of time, of numbers, and due course of things,
FTLN 2838 5 Which cannot in their huge and proper life
FTLN 2839 Be here presented. Now we bear the King
FTLN 2840 Toward Calais. Grant him there. There seen,
FTLN 2841 Heave him away upon your wingèd thoughts
FTLN 2842 Athwart the sea. Behold, the English beach
FTLN 2843 10 Pales in the flood with men, wives, and boys,
FTLN 2844 Whose shouts and claps outvoice the deep-mouthed
FTLN 2845 sea,
FTLN 2846 Which, like a mighty whiffler ’fore the King
FTLN 2847 Seems to prepare his way. So let him land,
FTLN 2848 15 And solemnly see him set on to London.
FTLN 2849 So swift a pace hath thought that even now
FTLN 2850 You may imagine him upon Blackheath,
FTLN 2851 Where that his lords desire him to have borne
FTLN 2852 His bruisèd helmet and his bended sword
FTLN 2853 20 Before him through the city. He forbids it,
FTLN 2854 Being free from vainness and self-glorious pride,
FTLN 2855 Giving full trophy, signal, and ostent
FTLN 2856 Quite from himself, to God. But now behold,
205

207
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2857 In the quick forge and workinghouse of thought,
FTLN 2858 25 How London doth pour out her citizens.
FTLN 2859 The Mayor and all his brethren in best sort,
FTLN 2860 Like to the senators of th’ antique Rome,
FTLN 2861 With the plebeians swarming at their heels,
FTLN 2862 Go forth and fetch their conqu’ring Caesar in—
FTLN 2863 30 As, by a lower but by loving likelihood
FTLN 2864 Were now the general of our gracious empress,
FTLN 2865 As in good time he may, from Ireland coming,
FTLN 2866 Bringing rebellion broachèd on his sword,
FTLN 2867 How many would the peaceful city quit
FTLN 2868 35 To welcome him! Much more, and much more
FTLN 2869 cause,
FTLN 2870 Did they this Harry. Now in London place him
FTLN 2871 (As yet the lamentation of the French
FTLN 2872 Invites the King of England’s stay at home;
FTLN 2873 40 The Emperor’s coming in behalf of France
FTLN 2874 To order peace between them) and omit
FTLN 2875 All the occurrences, whatever chanced,
FTLN 2876 Till Harry’s back return again to France.
FTLN 2877 There must we bring him, and myself have played
FTLN 2878 45 The interim, by remembering you ’tis past.
FTLN 2879 Then brook abridgment, and your eyes advance
FTLN 2880 After your thoughts, straight back again to France.
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter Fluellen and Gower.
GOWER FTLN 2881 Nay, that’s right. But why wear you your leek
FTLN 2882 today? Saint Davy’s day is past.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2883 There is occasions and causes why and
FTLN 2884 wherefore in all things. I will tell you ass my
FTLN 2885 5 friend, Captain Gower. The rascally, scald, beggarly,
FTLN 2886 lousy, pragging knave Pistol, which you and

209
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2887 yourself and all the world know to be no petter than
FTLN 2888 a fellow, look you now, of no merits, he is come to
FTLN 2889 me and prings me pread and salt yesterday, look
FTLN 2890 10 you, and bid me eat my leek. It was in a place where
FTLN 2891 I could not breed no contention with him, but I will
FTLN 2892 be so bold as to wear it in my cap till I see him once
FTLN 2893 again, and then I will tell him a little piece of my
FTLN 2894 desires.
Enter Pistol.
GOWER FTLN 2895 15 Why here he comes, swelling like a
FTLN 2896 turkey-cock.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2897’Tis no matter for his swellings, nor his
FTLN 2898 turkey-cocks.—God pless you, Aunchient Pistol,
FTLN 2899 you scurvy, lousy knave, God pless you.
PISTOL FTLN 2900 20 Ha, art thou bedlam? Dost thou thirst, base
FTLN 2901 Trojan, to have me fold up Parca’s fatal web? Hence.
FTLN 2902 I am qualmish at the smell of leek.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2903 I peseech you heartily, scurvy, lousy knave,
FTLN 2904 at my desires and my requests and my petitions, to
FTLN 2905 25 eat, look you, this leek. Because, look you, you do
FTLN 2906 not love it, nor your affections and your appetites
FTLN 2907 and your disgestions does not agree with it, I would
FTLN 2908 desire you to eat it.
PISTOL FTLN 2909 Not for Cadwallader and all his goats.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2910 30 There is one goat for you. (Strikes him
with a cudgel.) FTLN 2911 Will you be so good, scald knave,
FTLN 2912 as eat it?
PISTOL FTLN 2913 Base Trojan, thou shalt die.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2914 You say very true, scald knave, when God’s
FTLN 2915 35 will is. I will desire you to live in the meantime and
FTLN 2916 eat your victuals. Come, there is sauce for it. Strikes
him. FTLN 2917 You called me yesterday “mountain squire,”
FTLN 2918 but I will make you today a squire of low degree. I
FTLN 2919 pray you, fall to. If you can mock a leek, you can eat
FTLN 2920 40 a leek.

211
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 1
GOWER FTLN 2921 Enough, captain. You have astonished him.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2922 I say I will make him eat some part of my
FTLN 2923 leek, or I will peat his pate four days.—Bite, I pray
FTLN 2924 you. It is good for your green wound and your
FTLN 2925 45 ploody coxcomb.
PISTOL FTLN 2926 Must I bite?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2927 Yes, certainly, and out of doubt and out of
FTLN 2928 question, too, and ambiguities.
PISTOL FTLN 2929 By this leek, I will most horribly revenge.
FTLN 2930 50 Fluellen threatens him. I eat and eat, I swear—
FLUELLEN FTLN 2931 Eat, I pray you. Will you have some more
FTLN 2932 sauce to your leek? There is not enough leek to
FTLN 2933 swear by.
PISTOL FTLN 2934 Quiet thy cudgel. Thou dost see I eat.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2935 55 Much good do you, scald knave, heartily.
FTLN 2936 Nay, pray you throw none away. The skin is good for
FTLN 2937 your broken coxcomb. When you take occásions to
FTLN 2938 see leeks hereafter, I pray you mock at ’em, that is
FTLN 2939 all.
PISTOL FTLN 2940 60 Good.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2941 Ay, leeks is good. Hold you, there is a groat
FTLN 2942 to heal your pate.
PISTOL FTLN 2943 Me, a groat?
FLUELLEN FTLN 2944 Yes, verily, and in truth you shall take it, or I
FTLN 2945 65 have another leek in my pocket, which you shall
FTLN 2946 eat.
PISTOL FTLN 2947 I take thy groat in earnest of revenge.
FLUELLEN FTLN 2948 If I owe you anything, I will pay you in
FTLN 2949 cudgels. You shall be a woodmonger and buy
FTLN 2950 70 nothing of me but cudgels. God be wi’ you and
FTLN 2951 keep you and heal your pate. He exits.
PISTOL FTLN 2952 All hell shall stir for this.
GOWER FTLN 2953 Go, go. You are a counterfeit cowardly knave.
FTLN 2954 Will you mock at an ancient tradition begun upon
FTLN 2955 75 an honorable respect and worn as a memorable
FTLN 2956 trophy of predeceased valor, and dare not avouch in

213
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2957 your deeds any of your words? I have seen you
FTLN 2958 gleeking and galling at this gentleman twice or
FTLN 2959 thrice. You thought because he could not speak
FTLN 2960 80 English in the native garb, he could not therefore
FTLN 2961 handle an English cudgel. You find it otherwise, and
FTLN 2962 henceforth let a Welsh correction teach you a good
FTLN 2963 English condition. Fare you well. He exits.
PISTOL FTLN 2964 Doth Fortune play the huswife with me now?
FTLN 2965 85 News have I that my Doll is dead i’ th’ spital of a
FTLN 2966 malady of France, and there my rendezvous is quite
FTLN 2967 cut off. Old I do wax, and from my weary limbs
FTLN 2968 honor is cudgeled. Well, bawd I’ll turn, and something
FTLN 2969 lean to cutpurse of quick hand. To England
FTLN 2970 90 will I steal, and there I’ll steal.
FTLN 2971 And patches will I get unto these cudgeled scars,
FTLN 2972 And swear I got them in the Gallia wars.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter at one door, King Henry, Exeter, Bedford,
Warwick, Westmoreland, and other Lords. At another,
Queen Isabel of France, the King of France, the
Princess Katherine and Alice, the Duke of Burgundy,
and other French.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2973 Peace to this meeting wherefor we are met.
FTLN 2974 Unto our brother France and to our sister,
FTLN 2975 Health and fair time of day.—Joy and good wishes
FTLN 2976 To our most fair and princely cousin Katherine.—
FTLN 2977 5 And, as a branch and member of this royalty,
FTLN 2978 By whom this great assembly is contrived,
FTLN 2979 We do salute you, Duke of Burgundy.—
FTLN 2980 And princes French, and peers, health to you all.

215
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 2981 Right joyous are we to behold your face,
FTLN 2982 10 Most worthy brother England. Fairly met.—
FTLN 2983 So are you, princes English, every one.
QUEEN OF FRANCE
FTLN 2984 So happy be the issue, brother Ireland,
FTLN 2985 Of this good day and of this gracious meeting,
FTLN 2986 As we are now glad to behold your eyes—
FTLN 2987 15 Your eyes which hitherto have borne in them
FTLN 2988 Against the French that met them in their bent
FTLN 2989 The fatal balls of murdering basilisks.
FTLN 2990 The venom of such looks, we fairly hope,
FTLN 2991 Have lost their quality, and that this day
FTLN 2992 20 Shall change all griefs and quarrels into love.
KING HENRY
FTLN 2993 To cry “Amen” to that, thus we appear.
QUEEN OF FRANCE
FTLN 2994 You English princes all, I do salute you.
BURGUNDY
FTLN 2995 My duty to you both, on equal love,
FTLN 2996 Great kings of France and England. That I have
FTLN 2997 25 labored
FTLN 2998 With all my wits, my pains, and strong endeavors
FTLN 2999 To bring your most imperial Majesties
FTLN 3000 Unto this bar and royal interview,
FTLN 3001 Your Mightiness on both parts best can witness.
FTLN 3002 30 Since, then, my office hath so far prevailed
FTLN 3003 That face to face and royal eye to eye
FTLN 3004 You have congreeted, let it not disgrace me
FTLN 3005 If I demand before this royal view
FTLN 3006 What rub or what impediment there is
FTLN 3007 35 Why that the naked, poor, and mangled peace,
FTLN 3008 Dear nurse of arts, plenties, and joyful births,
FTLN 3009 Should not in this best garden of the world,
FTLN 3010 Our fertile France, put up her lovely visage?
FTLN 3011 Alas, she hath from France too long been chased,

217
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3012 40 And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps,
FTLN 3013 Corrupting in its own fertility.
FTLN 3014 Her vine, the merry cheerer of the heart,
FTLN 3015 Unprunèd, dies. Her hedges, even-pleached,
FTLN 3016 Like prisoners wildly overgrown with hair,
FTLN 3017 45 Put forth disordered twigs. Her fallow leas
FTLN 3018 The darnel, hemlock, and rank fumitory
FTLN 3019 Doth root upon, while that the coulter rusts
FTLN 3020 That should deracinate such savagery.
FTLN 3021 The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth
FTLN 3022 50 The freckled cowslip, burnet, and green clover,
FTLN 3023 Wanting the scythe, withal uncorrected, rank,
FTLN 3024 Conceives by idleness, and nothing teems
FTLN 3025 But hateful docks, rough thistles, kecksies, burrs,
FTLN 3026 Losing both beauty and utility.
FTLN 3027 55 And all our vineyards, fallows, meads, and hedges,
FTLN 3028 Defective in their natures, grow to wildness.
FTLN 3029 Even so our houses and ourselves and children
FTLN 3030 Have lost, or do not learn for want of time,
FTLN 3031 The sciences that should become our country,
FTLN 3032 60 But grow like savages, as soldiers will
FTLN 3033 That nothing do but meditate on blood,
FTLN 3034 To swearing and stern looks, diffused attire,
FTLN 3035 And everything that seems unnatural.
FTLN 3036 Which to reduce into our former favor
FTLN 3037 65 You are assembled, and my speech entreats
FTLN 3038 That I may know the let why gentle peace
FTLN 3039 Should not expel these inconveniences
FTLN 3040 And bless us with her former qualities.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3041 If, Duke of Burgundy, you would the peace,
FTLN 3042 70 Whose want gives growth to th’ imperfections
FTLN 3043 Which you have cited, you must buy that peace
FTLN 3044 With full accord to all our just demands,
FTLN 3045 Whose tenors and particular effects
FTLN 3046 You have, enscheduled briefly, in your hands.

219
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
BURGUNDY
FTLN 3047 75 The King hath heard them, to the which as yet
FTLN 3048 There is no answer made.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3049 Well then, the peace which you before so urged
FTLN 3050 Lies in his answer.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 3051 I have but with a cursitory eye
FTLN 3052 80 O’erglanced the articles. Pleaseth your Grace
FTLN 3053 To appoint some of your council presently
FTLN 3054 To sit with us once more with better heed
FTLN 3055 To resurvey them, we will suddenly
FTLN 3056 Pass our accept and peremptory answer.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3057 85 Brother, we shall.—Go, uncle Exeter,
FTLN 3058 And brother Clarence, and you, brother Gloucester,
FTLN 3059 Warwick, and Huntington, go with the King,
FTLN 3060 And take with you free power to ratify,
FTLN 3061 Augment, or alter, as your wisdoms best
FTLN 3062 90 Shall see advantageable for our dignity,
FTLN 3063 Anything in or out of our demands,
FTLN 3064 And we’ll consign thereto.—Will you, fair sister,
FTLN 3065 Go with the princes or stay here with us?
QUEEN OF FRANCE
FTLN 3066 Our gracious brother, I will go with them.
FTLN 3067 95 Haply a woman’s voice may do some good
FTLN 3068 When articles too nicely urged be stood on.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3069 Yet leave our cousin Katherine here with us.
FTLN 3070 She is our capital demand, comprised
FTLN 3071 Within the forerank of our articles.
QUEEN OF FRANCE
FTLN 3072 100 She hath good leave.
All but Katherine, and the King of England,
and Alice exit.
KING HENRY FTLN 3073 Fair Katherine, and most fair,

221
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3074 Will you vouchsafe to teach a soldier terms
FTLN 3075 Such as will enter at a lady’s ear
FTLN 3076 And plead his love-suit to her gentle heart?
KATHERINE FTLN 3077 105 Your Majesty shall mock at me. I cannot
FTLN 3078 speak your England.
KING HENRY FTLN 3079 O fair Katherine, if you will love me
FTLN 3080 soundly with your French heart, I will be glad to
FTLN 3081 hear you confess it brokenly with your English
FTLN 3082 110 tongue. Do you like me, Kate?
KATHERINE FTLN 3083 Pardonnez-moi, I cannot tell wat is “like
FTLN 3084 me.”
KING HENRY FTLN 3085 An angel is like you, Kate, and you are
FTLN 3086 like an angel.
KATHERINE , to Alice FTLN 3087 115 Que dit-il? Que je suis semblable à
FTLN 3088 les anges?
ALICE FTLN 3089 Oui, vraiment, sauf votre Grâce, ainsi dit-il.
KING HENRY FTLN 3090 I said so, dear Katherine, and I must not
FTLN 3091 blush to affirm it.
KATHERINE FTLN 3092 120 Ô bon Dieu, les langues des hommes sont
FTLN 3093 pleines de tromperies.
KING HENRY , to Alice FTLN 3094 What says she, fair one? That the
FTLN 3095 tongues of men are full of deceits?
ALICE FTLN 3096 Oui, dat de tongues of de mans is be full of
FTLN 3097 125 deceits; dat is de Princess.
KING HENRY FTLN 3098 The Princess is the better Englishwoman.—
FTLN 3099 I’ faith, Kate, my wooing is fit for thy
FTLN 3100 understanding. I am glad thou canst speak no
FTLN 3101 better English, for if thou couldst, thou wouldst
FTLN 3102 130 find me such a plain king that thou wouldst think I
FTLN 3103 had sold my farm to buy my crown. I know no ways
FTLN 3104 to mince it in love, but directly to say “I love you.”
FTLN 3105 Then if you urge me farther than to say “Do you, in
FTLN 3106 faith?” I wear out my suit. Give me your answer, i’
FTLN 3107 135 faith, do; and so clap hands and a bargain. How say
FTLN 3108 you, lady?
KATHERINE FTLN 3109 Sauf votre honneur, me understand well.

223
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
KING HENRY FTLN 3110 Marry, if you would put me to verses or
FTLN 3111 to dance for your sake, Kate, why you undid me.
FTLN 3112 140 For the one, I have neither words nor measure; and
FTLN 3113 for the other, I have no strength in measure, yet a
FTLN 3114 reasonable measure in strength. If I could win a
FTLN 3115 lady at leapfrog or by vaulting into my saddle with
FTLN 3116 my armor on my back, under the correction of
FTLN 3117 145 bragging be it spoken, I should quickly leap into a
FTLN 3118 wife. Or if I might buffet for my love, or bound my
FTLN 3119 horse for her favors, I could lay on like a butcher
FTLN 3120 and sit like a jackanapes, never off. But, before God,
FTLN 3121 Kate, I cannot look greenly nor gasp out my eloquence,
FTLN 3122 150 nor I have no cunning in protestation, only
FTLN 3123 downright oaths, which I never use till urged, nor
FTLN 3124 never break for urging. If thou canst love a fellow of
FTLN 3125 this temper, Kate, whose face is not worth sun-burning,
FTLN 3126 that never looks in his glass for love of
FTLN 3127 155 anything he sees there, let thine eye be thy cook. I
FTLN 3128 speak to thee plain soldier. If thou canst love me for
FTLN 3129 this, take me. If not, to say to thee that I shall die is
FTLN 3130 true, but for thy love, by the Lord, no. Yet I love thee
FTLN 3131 too. And while thou liv’st, dear Kate, take a fellow of
FTLN 3132 160 plain and uncoined constancy, for he perforce must
FTLN 3133 do thee right because he hath not the gift to woo in
FTLN 3134 other places. For these fellows of infinite tongue,
FTLN 3135 that can rhyme themselves into ladies’ favors, they
FTLN 3136 do always reason themselves out again. What? A
FTLN 3137 165 speaker is but a prater, a rhyme is but a ballad, a
FTLN 3138 good leg will fall, a straight back will stoop, a black
FTLN 3139 beard will turn white, a curled pate will grow bald,
FTLN 3140 a fair face will wither, a full eye will wax hollow, but
FTLN 3141 a good heart, Kate, is the sun and the moon, or
FTLN 3142 170 rather the sun and not the moon, for it shines bright
FTLN 3143 and never changes but keeps his course truly. If
FTLN 3144 thou would have such a one, take me. And take me,
FTLN 3145 take a soldier. Take a soldier, take a king. And what

225
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3146 say’st thou then to my love? Speak, my fair, and
FTLN 3147 175 fairly, I pray thee.
KATHERINE FTLN 3148 Is it possible dat I sould love de enemy of
FTLN 3149 France?
KING HENRY FTLN 3150 No, it is not possible you should love the
FTLN 3151 enemy of France, Kate. But, in loving me, you
FTLN 3152 180 should love the friend of France, for I love France
FTLN 3153 so well that I will not part with a village of it. I will
FTLN 3154 have it all mine. And, Kate, when France is mine
FTLN 3155 and I am yours, then yours is France and you are
FTLN 3156 mine.
KATHERINE FTLN 3157 185 I cannot tell wat is dat.
KING HENRY FTLN 3158 No, Kate? I will tell thee in French,
FTLN 3159 which I am sure will hang upon my tongue like a
FTLN 3160 new-married wife about her husband’s neck, hardly
FTLN 3161 to be shook off. Je quand sur le possession de
FTLN 3162 190 France, et quand vous avez le possession de moi—let
FTLN 3163 me see, what then? Saint Denis be my speed!—donc
FTLN 3164 vôtre est France, et vous êtes mienne. It is as easy for
FTLN 3165 me, Kate, to conquer the kingdom as to speak so
FTLN 3166 much more French. I shall never move thee in
FTLN 3167 195 French, unless it be to laugh at me.
KATHERINE FTLN 3168 Sauf votre honneur, le français que vous
FTLN 3169 parlez, il est meilleur que l’anglais lequel je parle.
KING HENRY FTLN 3170 No, faith, is ’t not, Kate, but thy speaking
FTLN 3171 of my tongue, and I thine, most truly-falsely must
FTLN 3172 200 needs be granted to be much at one. But, Kate, dost
FTLN 3173 thou understand thus much English? Canst thou
FTLN 3174 love me?
KATHERINE FTLN 3175 I cannot tell.
KING HENRY FTLN 3176 Can any of your neighbors tell, Kate? I’ll
FTLN 3177 205 ask them. Come, I know thou lovest me; and at
FTLN 3178 night, when you come into your closet, you’ll question
FTLN 3179 this gentlewoman about me, and, I know, Kate,
FTLN 3180 you will, to her, dispraise those parts in me that you
FTLN 3181 love with your heart. But, good Kate, mock me

227
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3182 210 mercifully, the rather, gentle princess, because I
FTLN 3183 love thee cruelly. If ever thou beest mine, Kate, as I
FTLN 3184 have a saving faith within me tells me thou shalt, I
FTLN 3185 get thee with scambling, and thou must therefore
FTLN 3186 needs prove a good soldier-breeder. Shall not thou
FTLN 3187 215 and I, between Saint Denis and Saint George, compound
FTLN 3188 a boy, half French, half English, that shall go
FTLN 3189 to Constantinople and take the Turk by the beard?
FTLN 3190 Shall we not? What say’st thou, my fair flower de
FTLN 3191 luce?
KATHERINE FTLN 3192 220 I do not know dat.
KING HENRY FTLN 3193 No, ’tis hereafter to know, but now to
FTLN 3194 promise. Do but now promise, Kate, you will
FTLN 3195 endeavor for your French part of such a boy; and
FTLN 3196 for my English moiety, take the word of a king and
FTLN 3197 225 a bachelor. How answer you, la plus belle Katherine
FTLN 3198 du monde, mon très cher et divin déesse?
KATHERINE FTLN 3199 Your Majesté ’ave fausse French enough to
FTLN 3200 deceive de most sage demoiselle dat is en France.
KING HENRY FTLN 3201 Now fie upon my false French. By mine
FTLN 3202 230 honor, in true English, I love thee, Kate. By which
FTLN 3203 honor I dare not swear thou lovest me, yet my blood
FTLN 3204 begins to flatter me that thou dost, notwithstanding
FTLN 3205 the poor and untempering effect of my visage. Now
FTLN 3206 beshrew my father’s ambition! He was thinking of
FTLN 3207 235 civil wars when he got me; therefore was I created
FTLN 3208 with a stubborn outside, with an aspect of iron, that
FTLN 3209 when I come to woo ladies, I fright them. But, in
FTLN 3210 faith, Kate, the elder I wax, the better I shall appear.
FTLN 3211 My comfort is that old age, that ill layer-up of
FTLN 3212 240 beauty, can do no more spoil upon my face. Thou
FTLN 3213 hast me, if thou hast me, at the worst, and thou shalt
FTLN 3214 wear me, if thou wear me, better and better. And
FTLN 3215 therefore tell me, most fair Katherine, will you have
FTLN 3216 me? Put off your maiden blushes, avouch the
FTLN 3217 245 thoughts of your heart with the looks of an empress,

229
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3218 take me by the hand, and say “Harry of England, I
FTLN 3219 am thine,” which word thou shalt no sooner bless
FTLN 3220 mine ear withal, but I will tell thee aloud “England
FTLN 3221 is thine, Ireland is thine, France is thine, and Henry
FTLN 3222 250 Plantagenet is thine,” who, though I speak it before
FTLN 3223 his face, if he be not fellow with the best king, thou
FTLN 3224 shalt find the best king of good fellows. Come, your
FTLN 3225 answer in broken music, for thy voice is music, and
FTLN 3226 thy English broken. Therefore, queen of all, Katherine,
FTLN 3227 255 break thy mind to me in broken English. Wilt
FTLN 3228 thou have me?
KATHERINE FTLN 3229 Dat is as it shall please de roi mon père.
KING HENRY FTLN 3230 Nay, it will please him well, Kate; it shall
FTLN 3231 please him, Kate.
KATHERINE FTLN 3232 260 Den it sall also content me.
KING HENRY FTLN 3233 Upon that I kiss your hand, and I call you
FTLN 3234 my queen.
KATHERINE FTLN 3235 Laissez, mon seigneur, laissez, laissez! Ma
FTLN 3236 foi, je ne veux point que vous abaissiez votre grandeur,
FTLN 3237 265 en baisant la main d’ une—Notre Seigneur!—
FTLN 3238 indigne serviteur. Excusez-moi, je vous supplie, mon
FTLN 3239 très puissant seigneur.
KING HENRY FTLN 3240 Then I will kiss your lips, Kate.
KATHERINE FTLN 3241 Les dames et demoiselles, pour être baisées
FTLN 3242 270 devant leurs noces, il n’est pas la coutume de France.
KING HENRY FTLN 3243 Madam my interpreter, what says she?
ALICE FTLN 3244 Dat it is not be de fashion pour les ladies of
FTLN 3245 France—I cannot tell wat is baiser en Anglish.
KING HENRY FTLN 3246 To kiss.
ALICE FTLN 3247 275 Your Majesté entendre bettre que moi.
KING HENRY FTLN 3248 It is not a fashion for the maids in France
FTLN 3249 to kiss before they are married, would she say?
ALICE FTLN 3250 Oui, vraiment.
KING HENRY FTLN 3251 O Kate, nice customs curtsy to great
FTLN 3252 280 kings. Dear Kate, you and I cannot be confined
FTLN 3253 within the weak list of a country’s fashion. We are

231
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3254 the makers of manners, Kate, and the liberty that
FTLN 3255 follows our places stops the mouth of all find-faults,
FTLN 3256 as I will do yours for upholding the nice fashion of
FTLN 3257 285 your country in denying me a kiss. Therefore,
FTLN 3258 patiently and yielding. He kisses her. You have
FTLN 3259 witchcraft in your lips, Kate. There is more eloquence
FTLN 3260 in a sugar touch of them than in the tongues
FTLN 3261 of the French council, and they should sooner
FTLN 3262 290 persuade Harry of England than a general petition
FTLN 3263 of monarchs.
Enter the French power, the French King and Queen
and Burgundy, and the English Lords Westmoreland
and Exeter.
FTLN 3264 Here comes your father.
BURGUNDY FTLN 3265 God save your Majesty. My royal cousin,
FTLN 3266 teach you our princess English?
KING HENRY FTLN 3267 295 I would have her learn, my fair cousin,
FTLN 3268 how perfectly I love her, and that is good English.
BURGUNDY FTLN 3269 Is she not apt?
KING HENRY FTLN 3270 Our tongue is rough, coz, and my condition
FTLN 3271 is not smooth, so that, having neither the voice
FTLN 3272 300 nor the heart of flattery about me, I cannot so
FTLN 3273 conjure up the spirit of love in her that he will
FTLN 3274 appear in his true likeness.
BURGUNDY FTLN 3275 Pardon the frankness of my mirth if I
FTLN 3276 answer you for that. If you would conjure in her,
FTLN 3277 305 you must make a circle; if conjure up Love in her in
FTLN 3278 his true likeness, he must appear naked and blind.
FTLN 3279 Can you blame her, then, being a maid yet rosed
FTLN 3280 over with the virgin crimson of modesty, if she deny
FTLN 3281 the appearance of a naked blind boy in her naked
FTLN 3282 310 seeing self? It were, my lord, a hard condition for a
FTLN 3283 maid to consign to.
KING HENRY FTLN 3284 Yet they do wink and yield, as love is
FTLN 3285 blind and enforces.

233
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
BURGUNDY FTLN 3286 They are then excused, my lord, when they
FTLN 3287 315 see not what they do.
KING HENRY FTLN 3288 Then, good my lord, teach your cousin to
FTLN 3289 consent winking.
BURGUNDY FTLN 3290 I will wink on her to consent, my lord, if
FTLN 3291 you will teach her to know my meaning, for maids
FTLN 3292 320 well summered and warm kept are like flies at
FTLN 3293 Bartholomew-tide: blind, though they have their
FTLN 3294 eyes; and then they will endure handling, which
FTLN 3295 before would not abide looking on.
KING HENRY FTLN 3296 This moral ties me over to time and a hot
FTLN 3297 325 summer. And so I shall catch the fly, your cousin,
FTLN 3298 in the latter end, and she must be blind too.
BURGUNDY FTLN 3299 As love is, my lord, before it loves.
KING HENRY FTLN 3300 It is so. And you may, some of you, thank
FTLN 3301 love for my blindness, who cannot see many a fair
FTLN 3302 330 French city for one fair French maid that stands in
FTLN 3303 my way.
KING OF FRANCE FTLN 3304 Yes, my lord, you see them perspectively,
FTLN 3305 the cities turned into a maid, for they are all
FTLN 3306 girdled with maiden walls that war hath never
FTLN 3307 335 entered.
KING HENRY FTLN 3308 Shall Kate be my wife?
KING OF FRANCE FTLN 3309 So please you.
KING HENRY FTLN 3310 I am content, so the maiden cities you
FTLN 3311 talk of may wait on her. So the maid that stood in
FTLN 3312 340 the way for my wish shall show me the way to my
FTLN 3313 will.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 3314 We have consented to all terms of reason.
KING HENRY FTLN 3315 Is ’t so, my lords of England?
WESTMORELAND
FTLN 3316 The King hath granted every article,
FTLN 3317 345 His daughter first, and, in sequel, all,
FTLN 3318 According to their firm proposèd natures.

235
Henry V
ACT 5. SC. 2
EXETER
FTLN 3319 Only he hath not yet subscribèd this:
FTLN 3320 Where your Majesty demands that the King of
FTLN 3321 France, having any occasion to write for matter of
FTLN 3322 350 grant, shall name your Highness in this form and
FTLN 3323 with this addition, in French: Notre très cher fils
FTLN 3324 Henri, roi d’ Angleterre, héritier de France; and thus
FTLN 3325 in Latin: Praeclarissimus filius noster Henricus, rex
FTLN 3326 Angliae et hœres Franciae.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 3327 355 Nor this I have not, brother, so denied
FTLN 3328 But your request shall make me let it pass.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3329 I pray you, then, in love and dear alliance,
FTLN 3330 Let that one article rank with the rest,
FTLN 3331 And thereupon give me your daughter.
KING OF FRANCE
FTLN 3332 360 Take her, fair son, and from her blood raise up
FTLN 3333 Issue to me, that the contending kingdoms
FTLN 3334 Of France and England, whose very shores look pale
FTLN 3335 With envy of each other’s happiness,
FTLN 3336 May cease their hatred, and this dear conjunction
FTLN 3337 365 Plant neighborhood and Christian-like accord
FTLN 3338 In their sweet bosoms, that never war advance
FTLN 3339 His bleeding sword ’twixt England and fair France.
LORDS FTLN 3340 Amen.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3341 Now welcome, Kate, and bear me witness all
FTLN 3342 370 That here I kiss her as my sovereign queen.
He kisses her. Flourish.
QUEEN OF FRANCE
FTLN 3343 God, the best maker of all marriages,
FTLN 3344 Combine your hearts in one, your realms in one.
FTLN 3345 As man and wife, being two, are one in love,
FTLN 3346 So be there ’twixt your kingdoms such a spousal
FTLN 3347 375 That never may ill office or fell jealousy,

237
Henry V
ACT 5. EPILOGUE
FTLN 3348 Which troubles oft the bed of blessèd marriage,
FTLN 3349 Thrust in between the paction of these kingdoms
FTLN 3350 To make divorce of their incorporate league,
FTLN 3351 That English may as French, French Englishmen,
FTLN 3352 380 Receive each other. God speak this Amen!
ALL FTLN 3353 Amen.
KING HENRY
FTLN 3354 Prepare we for our marriage; on which day,
FTLN 3355 My Lord of Burgundy, we’ll take your oath,
FTLN 3356 And all the peers’, for surety of our leagues.
FTLN 3357 385 Then shall I swear to Kate, and you to me,
FTLN 3358 And may our oaths well kept and prosp’rous be.
Sennet. They exit.
Enter Chorus as Epilogue.
CHORUS
FTLN 3359 Thus far with rough and all-unable pen
FTLN 3360 Our bending author hath pursued the story,
FTLN 3361 In little room confining mighty men,
FTLN 3362 Mangling by starts the full course of their glory.
FTLN 3363 5 Small time, but in that small most greatly lived
FTLN 3364 This star of England. Fortune made his sword,
FTLN 3365 By which the world’s best garden he achieved
FTLN 3366 And of it left his son imperial lord.
FTLN 3367 Henry the Sixth, in infant bands crowned King
FTLN 3368 10 Of France and England, did this king succeed,
FTLN 3369 Whose state so many had the managing
FTLN 3370 That they lost France and made his England bleed,
FTLN 3371 Which oft our stage hath shown. And for their sake,
FTLN 3372 In your fair minds let this acceptance take.
He exits.