Henry V
by
William Shakespeare
Henry V is a historical play that covers the events surrounding the Battle of Agincourt, a significant battle in the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The play begins with King Henry V ascending to the throne and facing challenges to his legitimacy as king. He decides to prove his worth by launching a military campaign to reclaim English territories in France.
The play follows Henry and his army as they journey to France, encountering various obstacles along the way, including illness and a lack of supplies. Once they reach France, they engage in several battles, including the famous Battle of Agincourt. Despite being outnumbered, Henry and his small army emerge victorious, and he earns the respect and admiration of his troops and the French princess, whom he woos and marries.
The play explores themes of leadership, loyalty, and the morality of war. Henry struggles with the weight of his own decisions, particularly when he orders the execution of prisoners of war. He also grapples with his own morality and the responsibility that comes with being a leader. The play ends with Henry's triumphant return to England and his plans for a peaceful reign.
Act I
Act 1 of Henry V begins with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Ely discussing the possibility of a war with France. They propose that King Henry V should claim the French throne as his own, based on his ancestry. They also suggest that the church could benefit from the spoils of war.
Meanwhile, King Henry V is shown as a young and determined leader who is ready to prove himself in battle. He discusses his plans with his advisors and declares his intention to invade France. He is confident that his soldiers are well-equipped and motivated to win the war.
The King sends an ambassador to France to demand the crown, but the French Dauphin sends him a mocking gift of tennis balls instead. This insult infuriates Henry and makes him even more determined to go to war.
As the English army prepares for battle, some soldiers express doubts about the righteousness of the war. However, Henry gives a rousing speech that inspires them to fight bravely for their country and their king.
The act ends with the English army crossing the English Channel and landing in France, ready to begin the campaign.
PROLOGUE
Enter Chorus
Exit
SCENE I. London. An ante-chamber in the KING'S palace.
Scene 1 of Act 1 opens in the court of King Henry V of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely are discussing a bill that has been introduced in Parliament which proposes to take away some of the Church's land and treasures. They fear that this will weaken the Church's power and influence, and they discuss ways to persuade the King to reject the bill. Meanwhile, the King enters and greets the two clergymen. They then begin to discuss the King's claim to the French throne, which is based on his distant ancestry. The Archbishop presents a legal argument in favor of the King's claim, and then proposes that the King should invade France and press his claim by force. The King is initially hesitant, but he is eventually persuaded by the Archbishop's argument and by the prospect of glory and conquest. The scene ends with the King giving his consent to the invasion and ordering his advisors to begin preparations for war. The Archbishop and Bishop exit, leaving the King alone on stage. He delivers a soliloquy in which he reflects on the responsibilities of kingship and the challenges that lie ahead. He vows to live up to the expectations of his people and to prove himself a worthy ruler.
Enter the ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, and the BISHOP OF ELY
Exeunt
SCENE II. The same. The Presence chamber.
Scene 2 of Act 1 features the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely discussing King Henry V's claim to the throne of France. They are concerned that the king may be considering war with France, which could have devastating effects on England. They discuss the Salic Law, which prohibits female descendants from inheriting the throne of France, and how this could potentially give Henry a claim to the French crown. The Archbishop presents a lengthy and detailed argument in favor of going to war with France, citing historical precedents and religious justifications. He also suggests that a successful war with France would distract the English people from internal political issues and unite them behind the king. The Bishop, on the other hand, is hesitant about the idea of war and suggests that Henry should focus on domestic issues instead. He argues that the king should use his power and influence to bring about peace and prosperity for his people, rather than engaging in costly military campaigns. The two men eventually agree that they will support the king's decision, whatever it may be. They conclude the scene by discussing an upcoming meeting between Henry and the French ambassador, where the issue of the French crown will be addressed.
Enter KING HENRY V, GLOUCESTER, BEDFORD, EXETER, WARWICK, WESTMORELAND, and Attendants
Enter the ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, and the BISHOP of ELY
Exeunt Ambassadors
Exeunt. Flourish
Act II
Act 2 of Henry V follows King Henry and his army as they march towards the French city of Harfleur. The English are met with resistance from the French, who taunt them from the city walls. Undeterred, Henry delivers a rousing speech to his troops, urging them to have courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The English forces launch an attack on Harfleur, but despite their initial success, they soon find themselves struggling against the French defenders. The English soldiers grow tired and disheartened, and many fall in battle. However, Henry remains determined to capture the city, and he continues to lead his troops forward, encouraging them to keep fighting.
In the end, the English are victorious, and they take control of Harfleur. However, the battle has taken its toll on the soldiers, and many are injured or killed. Henry is also affected by the violence he has witnessed, and he reflects on the heavy responsibility he bears as king.
Overall, Act 2 of Henry V is a dramatic depiction of warfare and the toll it takes on those who participate in it. It also highlights the bravery and determination of the English soldiers, as well as the leadership and charisma of King Henry.
PROLOGUE
Enter Chorus
Exit
SCENE I. London. A street.
Act 2 Scene 1 begins with the French Princess Katherine trying to learn English from her waiting gentlewoman, Alice. They are interrupted by the arrival of Katherine's father, the King of France, and her uncle, the Duke of Burgundy. They discuss the English army's recent victory at Harfleur and the threat it poses to France. The Duke of Burgundy suggests that they make a peace offering to the English, but the King of France is hesitant. Meanwhile, in the English camp, King Henry V receives news that the French are gathering their forces and preparing for battle. He rallies his troops and gives a rousing speech, urging them to fight bravely and honorably. As he leaves to prepare for battle, he encounters three common soldiers who are discussing the war. Henry disguises himself and joins in their conversation, learning more about their thoughts and feelings on the matter. The scene ends with the French Princess Katherine once again attempting to learn English from Alice. They are interrupted by the arrival of a messenger who brings news of the English army's approach. Katherine is nervous and afraid, but Alice reassures her that the English are honorable and will not harm them.
Enter Corporal NYM and Lieutenant BARDOLPH
Enter PISTOL and Hostess
Draws
Enter the Boy
Exeunt Hostess and Boy
They draw
Re-enter Hostess
SCENE II. Southampton. A council-chamber.
Scene 2 of Act 2 begins with a group of common soldiers discussing their fears and doubts about the upcoming battle against the French. They express their concerns about the superiority of the French army and worry that they will not be able to win. However, one of the soldiers, Pistol, tries to boost their morale by boasting about his own bravery and encouraging them to fight with honor. Shortly after, the Duke of Exeter enters and informs the soldiers that the king is coming to speak with them. When King Henry V arrives, he disguises himself as a commoner and engages in a conversation with the soldiers. He asks them about their thoughts and feelings regarding the war, and they express their doubts and fears once again. The king then delivers a powerful speech, known as the "St. Crispin's Day Speech," in which he inspires the soldiers to fight with courage and determination. He reminds them that they are all equal on the battlefield and that victory is possible if they work together. The soldiers are moved by the king's words and pledge to fight for him and for England. Scene 2 of Act 2 is a pivotal moment in the play as it showcases King Henry V's leadership skills and his ability to inspire his troops. It also highlights the struggles and fears of common soldiers during a time of war and the importance of morale in battle. The scene sets the stage for the climactic battle between the English and the French, which takes place in Act 4.
Enter EXETER, BEDFORD, and WESTMORELAND
Trumpets sound. Enter KING HENRY V, SCROOP, CAMBRIDGE, GREY, and Attendants
Exeunt
SCENE III. London. Before a tavern.
Scene 3 of Act 2 of Henry V takes place in the French court where the French King, his son the Dauphin, and their advisors are discussing the English invasion. The Dauphin is confident that the English will be defeated easily, and he insults the English King Henry V by sending him a box of tennis balls, implying that he is more interested in frivolous activities than war. The French King tries to calm his son and suggests that they send an ambassador to negotiate with Henry V. The Duke of Exeter, who is present at the meeting, informs the French King that Henry V has no interest in negotiation and is determined to go to war. The French King decides to send the Archbishop of Bourges to meet with Henry V and try to persuade him to avoid war. The Dauphin continues to mock Henry V, but the French King rebukes him and reminds him of the English King's military prowess. The French King also expresses concern about the loyalty of some of his own nobles, who may be sympathetic to the English cause. The scene ends with the French King and his advisors discussing their strategy for the upcoming battle.
Enter PISTOL, Hostess, NYM, BARDOLPH, and Boy
Kissing her
Exeunt
SCENE IV. France. The KING'S palace.
Scene 4 of Act 2 takes place in the French camp where the French king and his nobles are discussing the imminent battle with the English. The French king is worried about the strength of the English army and fears defeat. However, the Constable of France assures him that they have a superior force and that victory is certain. The Dauphin, who is the French prince, mocks the English king and dismisses him as a weak and inexperienced leader. He also boasts about his own prowess in battle and says that he will capture the English king and present him to his father as a gift. The conversation then turns to the French troops and their readiness for battle. The Duke of Bourbon expresses concern about the quality of some of the soldiers and suggests that they should wait for reinforcements before engaging the English. The Constable dismisses his concerns and says that they cannot delay any longer as the English are already on the move. The French king agrees and orders his army to prepare for battle. The scene ends with the arrival of a messenger who brings news that the English army has divided its forces and is marching towards the French camp with the intention of attacking it. The French nobles are shocked by this news and begin to panic. The French king orders his troops to prepare for battle and urges them to fight bravely for their country.
Flourish. Enter the FRENCH KING, the DAUPHIN, the DUKES of BERRI and BRETAGNE, the Constable, and others
Enter a Messenger
Re-enter Lords, with EXETER and train
Flourish. Exeunt
Act III
In Act 3 of Henry V, the English army is preparing to engage the French at the Battle of Agincourt. King Henry V delivers a famous speech to his troops, inspiring them to fight with all their might and take pride in their victory. The French send a herald to challenge the English to battle, but Henry dismisses him, declaring that the English will not back down.
The battle begins, and the French initially have the upper hand. However, the English archers rain down arrows on the French, causing chaos and confusion. The English then charge forward, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the French. The English ultimately emerge victorious, and many French nobles are taken prisoner.
Throughout the act, there are also scenes involving various characters grappling with the realities of war. The Duke of Bourbon laments the destruction and loss of life that war brings, while the English soldier Pistol tries to make a profit by robbing French prisoners. The act ends with the English celebrating their victory and King Henry pondering his next move in the war.
PROLOGUE.
Enter Chorus
Exit
SCENE I. France. Before Harfleur.
Scene 1 of Act 3 begins with the Duke of Exeter discussing with the French king's herald the terms of surrender offered by King Henry V. The French king's herald, Montjoy, states that the terms are reasonable but that the French king must consult with his council before making a decision. King Henry V enters with his army, and Montjoy delivers the French king's response. The king of France refuses to surrender and instead demands that Henry V leave France immediately. Henry V responds with a rousing speech, declaring that he and his army will not leave until they have achieved victory. Montjoy leaves to deliver Henry V's response to the French king, and the Duke of Exeter warns Henry V that they are outnumbered and outmatched. However, Henry V remains resolute, declaring that they will fight with honor and courage. The scene ends with the arrival of a soldier who informs Henry V that a group of English soldiers have been executed by the French. This news only strengthens Henry V's resolve to win the battle.
Alarum. Enter KING HENRY, EXETER, BEDFORD, GLOUCESTER, and Soldiers, with scaling-ladders
Exeunt. Alarum, and chambers go off
SCENE II. The same.
Scene 2 of Act 3 begins with the French King's daughter, Katherine, trying to learn English with her gentlewoman, Alice. They are interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of Burgundy, who brings news of the English army's recent victory at Harfleur. The French King enters with his court, and the Duke of Burgundy explains that the English are now marching towards Calais. The French King orders his court to prepare for battle, but the Duke of Burgundy suggests that they instead negotiate a peace treaty with the English. The King agrees and sends a message to the English camp, requesting a meeting with King Henry. The Duke of Exeter is sent to deliver the message. As Exeter leaves, Katherine and Alice return to their English lesson. Katherine struggles with the language, but Alice encourages her to keep trying. They practice some basic phrases, including "God give you good morrow" and "I cannot tell what is 'like me'." The scene ends with Katherine saying "I will kiss your hand, and so I leave you. By this hand, I love thee."
Enter NYM, BARDOLPH, PISTOL, and Boy
Enter FLUELLEN
Driving them forward
Exeunt all but Boy
Exit
Re-enter FLUELLEN, GOWER following
Enter MACMORRIS and Captain JAMY
A parley sounded
Exeunt
SCENE III. The same. Before the gates.
Scene 3 of Act 3 begins with the French King and his advisors discussing the impending battle with the English. The Dauphin, the King's son, is overconfident and dismissive of the English army. The Constable of France, however, warns that underestimating the English would be a grave mistake. The conversation then turns to negotiations with the English, as the French offer a ransom for the release of certain English prisoners. The King sends a messenger to deliver the offer to the English camp. Meanwhile, in the English camp, Henry V is rallying his troops before the battle. He delivers a powerful speech, inspiring his soldiers to fight bravely and reminding them of the glory that awaits them if they are victorious. He also makes it clear that he will not accept any ransom offers from the French. After the messenger arrives with the French offer, Henry V responds with a speech of his own. He rejects the offer, stating that he and his army will fight to the death for England's honor. He also warns the French that they will regret underestimating the English. The scene ends with both armies preparing for battle, with the French confident in their superiority and the English determined to prove them wrong.
The Governor and some Citizens on the walls; the English forces below. Enter KING HENRY and his train
Flourish. The King and his train enter the town
SCENE IV. The FRENCH KING's palace.
Scene 4 of Act 3 features a conversation between the French Duke of Orleans, the Constable of France, and the Dauphin. The three discuss the current state of the war with England and express confidence in their ability to defeat the English army. They criticize the English king, Henry V, for his perceived arrogance and discuss their plan to lure him into a trap. They also mock Henry's attempts to speak French, with the Dauphin declaring that Henry's French sounds like "a horse-neighing." The scene ends with the three French leaders exiting to prepare for battle.
Enter KATHARINE and ALICE
Exeunt
SCENE V. The same.
Scene 5 of Act 3 takes place on the battlefield where the English troops are preparing for battle against the French. The English soldiers are nervous and fearful as they know they are outnumbered by the French. Their leader, King Henry V, arrives and delivers an inspiring speech that boosts the morale of his troops. He reminds them of their previous victories and tells them that they are fighting for a just cause. He also tells them that they should not fear death as it is a natural part of life. He encourages them to fight bravely and not to give up, as victory is within their grasp. After his speech, King Henry V meets with a soldier named Williams who does not recognize him. They engage in a conversation where Williams tells the king that he is willing to fight anyone who stands in the way of his country. The king agrees and gives Williams his glove, telling him to keep it as a reminder of their encounter. Later, a messenger arrives with news that the French are ready for battle. The English troops prepare themselves and the battle begins. The English are initially outnumbered, but they fight bravely and manage to gain the upper hand. In the end, the English emerge victorious, with many French soldiers dead and others taken as prisoners. The scene is a pivotal moment in the play, as it shows King Henry V's leadership skills and his ability to inspire his troops. It also highlights the bravery and determination of the English soldiers, who are willing to fight to the death for their country.
Enter the KING OF FRANCE, the DAUPHIN, the DUKE oF BOURBON, the Constable Of France, and others
Exeunt
SCENE VI. The English camp in Picardy.
In Scene 6 of Act 3, the English army is preparing for battle against the French at the battle of Agincourt. The soldiers are nervous and afraid, and some are even considering deserting. However, King Henry V gives a rousing speech to his troops, urging them to fight with honor and courage. He tells them that they are all brothers in arms and that they must stand together and fight for England. Henry reminds his soldiers of the glory that awaits them if they win the battle and the shame that will follow if they fail. He also tells them that they have God on their side and that they should trust in Him to guide them to victory. His speech inspires the soldiers, and they pledge their loyalty to him and to their country. After the speech, the English army prepares for battle. They are outnumbered by the French, but they are determined to fight to the death. The battle is brutal and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. However, in the end, the English emerge victorious, thanks to their bravery and determination. Scene 6 of Act 3 is a powerful moment in the play, as it shows the strength and courage of the English army and their leader, King Henry V. The speech he gives is one of the most famous in all of literature, and it has inspired countless people over the centuries to fight for what they believe in, no matter the odds.
Enter GOWER and FLUELLEN, meeting
Enter PISTOL
Exit
Tucket. Enter MONTJOY
Exit
Exeunt
SCENE VII. The French camp, near Agincourt:
In Scene 7 of Act 3, a group of English soldiers, led by Fluellen, encounter a group of French soldiers. The French soldiers insult the English soldiers, and a fight breaks out. Fluellen intervenes and challenges one of the French soldiers to a one-on-one fight to defend the honor of the English army. Meanwhile, King Henry V is disguised as a common soldier and is speaking with some of his troops. He overhears the commotion and goes to investigate. When he arrives, he sees Fluellen and the French soldier fighting. Fluellen wins the fight, and the French soldier asks for mercy. Fluellen grants his request, and the two sides begin to talk. The French soldier reveals that the English army is greatly outnumbered, and he suggests that they surrender. However, Fluellen refuses to consider surrender and insists that they will fight to the end. King Henry V reveals his true identity and tells the soldiers that they will not surrender. He gives a rousing speech, inspiring his troops to fight with all their might and reminding them of their duty to their country. The scene ends with the English soldiers preparing for battle, determined to defend their honor and their country.
Enter the Constable of France, the LORD RAMBURES, ORLEANS, DAUPHIN, with others
Exit
Enter a Messenger
Exeunt
Act IV
Act 4 of Henry V is a pivotal moment in the play that sets the stage for the final battle between the French and the English. In this act, King Henry V is faced with the harsh reality of war and must make difficult decisions that will impact the outcome of the conflict.
The act opens with the English army preparing for battle. King Henry V delivers a rousing speech to his troops, inspiring them to fight with courage and conviction. However, the king is also plagued with doubt and guilt over the lives that will be lost in the upcoming battle.
Meanwhile, on the French side, the Dauphin is confident in his army's ability to defeat the English. He sends a message to King Henry V, taunting him and challenging him to a one-on-one battle. The move is seen as arrogant by both the French and English soldiers and serves to further heighten tensions on the battlefield.
As the two armies prepare for battle, King Henry V speaks with his advisors and comes to the realization that he may not emerge victorious. He reflects on the heavy burden of leadership and the sacrifices that must be made in order to achieve victory.
The act ends with the French and English armies facing off on the battlefield. King Henry V delivers a final speech to his troops, urging them to fight with honor and reminding them of the stakes of the conflict. The stage is set for an epic battle that will determine the fate of both nations.
PROLOGUE.
Enter Chorus
Exit
SCENE I. The English camp at Agincourt.
Scene 1 of Act 4 takes place in a French royal palace, where the French king and his courtiers are discussing the ongoing war with England. The king is worried about the strength of the English army, which is currently besieging the city of Harfleur. He asks his advisors for their opinions on how to defeat the English. One of the courtiers suggests that the French should wait until winter, when the English will be weakened by the cold and lack of supplies. Another suggests that they should attack the English by sea, but the king points out that the English navy is too powerful. A third advisor suggests that they should negotiate a peace treaty with the English, but the Dauphin (the king's son) is against this idea. At this point, a messenger arrives with news that the English are preparing to attack the French army. The king orders his men to prepare for battle and sends the Dauphin to lead their troops. The Dauphin is confident of victory, mocking the English and boasting of his own prowess in battle. The scene ends with the French king expressing his doubts about the outcome of the war. He is worried that the English may be too strong for them to defeat, and that the French people will suffer if they continue to fight.
Enter KING HENRY, BEDFORD, and GLOUCESTER
Exeunt all but KING HENRY
Enter PISTOL
Exit
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER
Exeunt GOWER and FLUELLEN
Enter three soldiers, JOHN BATES, ALEXANDER COURT, and MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Enter ERPINGHAM
Exit
Enter GLOUCESTER
Exeunt
SCENE II. The French camp.
Scene 2 of Act 4 takes place on the battlefield of Agincourt, where the English and French armies are about to engage in battle. The French Herald enters the stage and demands that the English surrender, but the Duke of York, who is in charge of the English forces, refuses. The Herald then offers a challenge to any Englishman who dares to fight one of the French champions. King Henry V, who is disguised as a common soldier, accepts the challenge and chooses to fight the Constable of France. The two men meet on the battlefield and engage in a fierce battle. Despite being outnumbered and outmatched, King Henry V manages to defeat the Constable and impresses both his own soldiers and the French. The French Herald is stunned by the outcome and declares that he has never seen such a brave and valiant warrior. After the battle, King Henry V reveals his true identity to his men and celebrates their victory. He also orders mercy for the wounded French soldiers and asks his men to treat them with respect and kindness. The French King, who has been captured by the English, is brought before King Henry V and they engage in a tense conversation. The scene ends with King Henry V offering the French King a treaty, which includes him marrying the French Princess, and the two men agreeing to end the war and live in peace.
Enter the DAUPHIN, ORLEANS, RAMBURES, and others
Enter Messenger
Enter GRANDPRE
Exeunt
SCENE III. The English camp.
Scene 3 of Act 4 takes place in the English camp in France during the Hundred Years' War. King Henry V is discussing the upcoming battle with his brothers Gloucester and Clarence and his cousin Warwick. Henry expresses his doubts about the outcome of the battle and wonders if they are doing the right thing. Gloucester and Clarence try to reassure him and boost his confidence, telling him that he is a great leader and that God is on their side. Warwick then enters the tent with news that the French army has been spotted nearby. Henry orders his men to prepare for battle, and they all exit the tent to get ready. Before leaving, Henry gives a rousing speech to his troops, urging them to fight bravely and honorably. He tells them that they are fighting for their country and their king, and that they must do everything in their power to emerge victorious. The scene ends with Henry and his army marching off to face the French, ready for battle.
Enter GLOUCESTER, BEDFORD, EXETER, ERPINGHAM, with all his host: SALISBURY and WESTMORELAND
Exit SALISBURY
Enter the KING
Re-enter SALISBURY
Tucket. Enter MONTJOY
Exit
Enter YORK
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The field of battle.
In Scene 4 of Act 4, the main character is seen walking through the English camp in disguise. He overhears his soldiers talking about the impending battle and their fears. He talks to them and tries to boost their morale, telling them that they are fighting for a noble cause and that victory is within their grasp. He then meets a soldier who is convinced that the battle will result in defeat. The main character, still in disguise, tries to convince him that victory is possible. He tells the soldier that if they lose, it will be because they did not fight hard enough. The soldier is convinced and promises to fight with all his might. The main character then meets another soldier who is mourning the loss of his friend. The main character comforts him and tells him that his friend did not die in vain. He tells him that they are fighting for a greater cause and that their sacrifices will be remembered for generations to come. The scene ends with the main character leaving the soldiers and going back to his tent, where he reflects on the upcoming battle and the weight of his responsibilities as a leader.
Alarum. Excursions. Enter PISTOL, French Soldier, and Boy
Exit
SCENE V. Another part of the field.
Scene 5 of Act 4 takes place in the French camp, where the French are preparing for battle against the English. The Constable of France and the Duke of Orleans discuss the English army's strength and their own battle strategy. They are confident in their ability to defeat the English, but the Dauphin, who has just arrived, is dismissive of their plans and suggests that they should have waited for reinforcements. The Constable and the Duke are annoyed with the Dauphin's arrogance and remind him that he is not the king. The Dauphin responds with a mocking speech, insulting the English and their king, Henry V. Suddenly, a messenger arrives with news that the English are approaching and the French prepare for battle. The Dauphin is eager to confront the English, but the Constable advises caution and suggests that they wait for the English to attack first. The Duke agrees, but the Dauphin is impatient and insists on attacking immediately. The Constable and the Duke reluctantly agree to his plan. The French army marches out to face the English and the scene ends with the sound of trumpets and drums as the two armies prepare for battle.
Enter Constable, ORLEANS, BOURBON, DAUPHIN, and RAMBURES
A short alarum
Exeunt
SCENE VI. Another part of the field.
In Scene 6 of Act 4, the King's army is preparing for a battle with the French army at Agincourt. The night before the battle, the King disguises himself as a common soldier and walks among his troops, listening to their conversations and boosting their morale. He talks to a group of soldiers who are worried about the outcome of the battle, and he assures them that they have the advantage of being Englishmen and fighting on their own soil. The King then goes to a tent where three of his old friends from his days as Prince Hal are gathered. They reminisce about old times and the King reveals his true identity to them. He asks them to pray for him and for the success of their mission. They do so, and the King leaves to prepare for battle. The scene ends with the chorus expressing hope that the battle will end in victory for the English, despite their outnumbered and exhausted state.
Alarums. Enter KING HENRY and forces, EXETER, and others
Exeunt
SCENE VII. Another part of the field.
In Scene 7 of Act 4, a group of soldiers are gathered around a fire discussing the upcoming battle. They are joined by their king, who is disguised as a common soldier. The soldiers are unaware of his true identity. The king engages in conversation with the soldiers, asking them about their thoughts on the upcoming battle. They express their doubts and fears, but also their loyalty to their country and their determination to fight for what they believe in. The king then reveals his true identity to the soldiers and delivers a powerful speech, inspiring them to fight with courage and determination. He tells them that they are not just fighting for their country, but for the honor and glory of their name and their ancestors. The soldiers are moved by the king's words and pledge their loyalty to him. They march off to battle, determined to fight with all their might and defend their country from their enemies. As the soldiers depart, the king is left alone by the fire. He reflects on the weight of his responsibility as a leader and the sacrifices that he must make for the good of his country. He prays for strength and guidance as he leads his men into battle.
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER
Alarum. Enter KING HENRY, and forces; WARWICK, GLOUCESTER, EXETER, and others
Enter MONTJOY
Points to WILLIAMS. Exeunt Heralds with Montjoy
Exit
Exit
Exeunt
SCENE VIII. Before KING HENRY'S pavilion.
Scene 8 of Act 4 of this classic play sees the English army faced with a tough challenge as they prepare to face the French. The Duke of Orleans, a French nobleman, sends a message to the English king, Henry V, mocking his ability as a ruler and challenging him to a duel. Henry responds by saying that he will accept the challenge and face the Duke in battle. However, the Duke then sends another message, asking Henry to reconsider and suggesting that they settle their differences through negotiation instead. Henry agrees to meet with the Duke and hear him out, but he is wary of the Frenchman's intentions and sends a spy to listen in on their conversation. The spy reports back to Henry that the Duke's words were insincere and that he is still planning to attack the English army. Henry responds by ordering his troops to prepare for battle, despite being heavily outnumbered. He delivers an inspiring speech to his men, urging them to fight bravely and reminding them of their duty to their country. The soldiers are fired up by his words, and they prepare to face the French army with courage and determination. The scene ends with the English army marching towards the French, ready to engage in battle. It is a tense and dramatic moment, as both sides prepare to face each other in what will be a brutal and bloody conflict.
Enter GOWER and WILLIAMS
Enter FLUELLEN
Strikes him
Enter WARWICK and GLOUCESTER
Enter KING HENRY and EXETER
Enter an English Herald
Exeunt
Act V
Act 5 of Henry V is the climax of the play and features the famous Battle of Agincourt between the English and French armies. The English, led by King Henry, are heavily outnumbered and face almost certain defeat. However, they are able to win a miraculous victory thanks to their superior tactics and the bravery of their soldiers.
The battle is depicted in vivid detail, with both sides suffering heavy losses. King Henry himself fights on the front lines and is nearly killed, but is saved by his loyal followers. Eventually, the French are forced to retreat and the English emerge victorious.
After the battle, King Henry meets with the French princess, Katherine, and they fall in love. The play ends on a hopeful note, with the promise of peace between England and France and the possibility of a happy future for the young couple.
PROLOGUE.
Enter Chorus
Exit
SCENE I. France. The English camp.
In Scene 1 of Act 5, a group of English soldiers prepare for battle against the French. They discuss the strength of the French army and express concerns about their own chances of victory. One soldier suggests that they should pray for divine intervention, while another questions the morality of their cause. Meanwhile, the French king and his advisors debate strategy and express confidence in their ability to defeat the English. The king orders his troops to prepare for battle and expresses his desire to capture the English king, Henry V. As the two armies approach each other, Henry V enters the scene disguised as a common soldier. He speaks with several soldiers and learns about their fears and doubts. He encourages them to have faith in their cause and promises that they will be remembered as heroes if they are victorious. He also meets with a group of French soldiers and engages in a witty exchange of insults before returning to his own troops. The battle begins and both sides fight fiercely. The English initially struggle, but soon gain the upper hand thanks to their superior archers. The French suffer heavy losses and many of their leaders are killed or captured. The English soldiers find themselves facing the French king, who challenges Henry V to single combat. The two kings engage in a fierce battle before Henry emerges victorious. With the French army in disarray, the English emerge triumphant.
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER
Enter PISTOL
Exit
Exit
Exit
SCENE II. France. A royal palace.
In Scene 2 of Act 5, a group of English soldiers led by Fluellen and Gower encounter three French soldiers. The French soldiers challenge the English to a combat duel, but Fluellen insists that they must wait until the next day when the battle is scheduled to take place. The French soldiers mock the English, saying that they are cowards for not fighting immediately. Fluellen becomes angry and draws his sword, but Gower intervenes and calms him down. One of the French soldiers then offers a glove as a symbol of challenge, and Fluellen accepts it. However, he warns the French that he will not fight dirty, as he believes in following the rules of chivalry. The French soldier insults Fluellen, calling him a Welsh dog, and a scuffle breaks out. Gower separates the two sides and reminds them that they are on the same side, fighting for the same cause. He urges them to put aside their differences and work together to defeat their common enemy. The French soldiers eventually agree to wait until the next day to fight, and Fluellen and Gower depart. The scene showcases the tension and animosity between the English and French armies, as well as the importance of following codes of honor and chivalry in battle. It also highlights the challenge of maintaining discipline and order among soldiers who come from different backgrounds and cultures.
Enter, at one door KING HENRY, EXETER, BEDFORD, GLOUCESTER, WARWICK, WESTMORELAND, and other Lords; at another, the FRENCH KING, QUEEN ISABEL, the PRINCESS KATHARINE, ALICE and other Ladies; the DUKE of BURGUNDY, and his train
Exeunt all except HENRY, KATHARINE, and ALICE
Re-enter the FRENCH KING and his QUEEN, BURGUNDY, and other Lords
Flourish
Sennet. Exeunt