Henry IV, Part 1
by
William Shakespeare
Henry IV, Part 1 is a historical play that follows the reign of King Henry IV of England. The play is set in the early 15th century and explores the themes of power, loyalty, and honor.
The story begins with King Henry IV facing rebellion from several nobles who are unhappy with his rule. The king's son, Prince Hal, is a wild and reckless young man who spends his time drinking and carousing with a group of low-life friends, including the rogue Sir John Falstaff.
As the rebellion grows stronger, King Henry IV sends his army to confront the rebels. Prince Hal, who has been avoiding his responsibilities, decides to join the fight and proves himself to be a skilled warrior. During the battle, Prince Hal kills the rebel leader, Hotspur, in a one-on-one combat.
Meanwhile, Falstaff and his band of miscreants have been causing trouble of their own, stealing and lying their way through life. When Prince Hal returns from battle, he publicly rejects Falstaff and his old way of life, choosing instead to embrace his duties as a future king and ally himself with the honorable Lord John Lancaster.
The play ends with King Henry IV facing a new threat from the powerful Percy family, who are seeking revenge for the death of Hotspur. Prince Hal, now a changed man, vows to fight for his father and prove his loyalty to the crown.
Act I
Act 1 of Henry IV, Part 1 begins with King Henry IV lamenting about his troubled reign and his son Prince Hal's wayward behavior. The scene then shifts to a tavern where Prince Hal is drinking and carousing with his friend Sir John Falstaff and other low-life characters. Hal reveals his plan to reform his ways and prove himself to his father.
Meanwhile, a rebellion led by the Welshman Owen Glendower is gaining strength and threatening the King's rule. The Earl of Northumberland, a supporter of the rebellion, is introduced along with his son Hotspur, a valiant warrior who is frustrated with the King's lack of recognition for his achievements.
The King sends a message to Hotspur demanding that he surrender his prisoners, but Hotspur refuses and instead plans to join forces with Glendower. The scene then returns to the tavern where Prince Hal and Falstaff engage in humorous banter before Hal receives news of the rebellion. Hal decides to join the fight and leaves Falstaff behind.
The act ends with the King and his advisors preparing for war against the rebels, acknowledging the potential danger posed by Hotspur's military prowess.
SCENE I. London. The palace.
In Scene 1 of Act 1, two characters, King Henry IV and his advisor, discuss the current state of their kingdom. The king is concerned about a rebellion led by the powerful Hotspur and his allies, which threatens to overthrow the monarchy. His advisor suggests that they raise an army to fight against the rebels, but the king is hesitant to do so, fearing that it will only lead to more violence and bloodshed. As they continue to talk, a messenger arrives with news that the rebels have seized a town and are gaining support from other nobles. The king realizes that he must take action and agrees to raise an army. He also reveals his disappointment in his own son, Prince Hal, who has been spending his time drinking and carousing with a group of low-life companions, instead of preparing for his eventual role as king. The scene ends with the king expressing his hope that Prince Hal will one day redeem himself and become the noble leader that he was meant to be. This sets the stage for the rest of the play, which will focus on the relationship between Prince Hal and his father, as well as the ongoing conflict between the monarchy and the rebellious nobles.
Enter KING HENRY, LORD JOHN OF LANCASTER, the EARL of WESTMORELAND, SIR WALTER BLUNT, and others
KING HENRY IV
So shaken as we are, so wan with care,
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Find we a time for frighted peace to pant,
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And breathe short-winded accents of new broils
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To be commenced in strands afar remote.
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No more the thirsty entrance of this soil
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Shall daub her lips with her own children's blood;
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Nor more shall trenching war channel her fields,
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Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs
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Of hostile paces: those opposed eyes,
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Which, like the meteors of a troubled heaven,
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All of one nature, of one substance bred,
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Did lately meet in the intestine shock
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And furious close of civil butchery
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Shall now, in mutual well-beseeming ranks,
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March all one way and be no more opposed
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Against acquaintance, kindred and allies:
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The edge of war, like an ill-sheathed knife,
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No more shall cut his master. Therefore, friends,
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As far as to the sepulchre of Christ,
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Whose soldier now, under whose blessed cross
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We are impressed and engaged to fight,
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Forthwith a power of English shall we levy;
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Whose arms were moulded in their mothers' womb
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To chase these pagans in those holy fields
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Over whose acres walk'd those blessed feet
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Which fourteen hundred years ago were nail'd
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For our advantage on the bitter cross.
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But this our purpose now is twelve month old,
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And bootless 'tis to tell you we will go:
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Therefore we meet not now. Then let me hear
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Of you, my gentle cousin Westmoreland,
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What yesternight our council did decree
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In forwarding this dear expedience.
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WESTMORELAND
My liege, this haste was hot in question,
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And many limits of the charge set down
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But yesternight: when all athwart there came
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A post from Wales loaden with heavy news;
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Whose worst was, that the noble Mortimer,
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Leading the men of Herefordshire to fight
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Against the irregular and wild Glendower,
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Was by the rude hands of that Welshman taken,
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A thousand of his people butchered;
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Upon whose dead corpse there was such misuse,
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Such beastly shameless transformation,
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By those Welshwomen done as may not be
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Without much shame retold or spoken of.
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KING HENRY IV
It seems then that the tidings of this broil
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Brake off our business for the Holy Land.
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WESTMORELAND
This match'd with other did, my gracious lord;
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For more uneven and unwelcome news
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Came from the north and thus it did import:
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On Holy-rood day, the gallant Hotspur there,
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Young Harry Percy and brave Archibald,
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That ever-valiant and approved Scot,
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At Holmedon met,
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Where they did spend a sad and bloody hour,
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As by discharge of their artillery,
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And shape of likelihood, the news was told;
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For he that brought them, in the very heat
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And pride of their contention did take horse,
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Uncertain of the issue any way.
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KING HENRY IV
Here is a dear, a true industrious friend,
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Sir Walter Blunt, new lighted from his horse.
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Stain'd with the variation of each soil
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Betwixt that Holmedon and this seat of ours;
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And he hath brought us smooth and welcome news.
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The Earl of Douglas is discomfited:
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Ten thousand bold Scots, two and twenty knights,
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Balk'd in their own blood did Sir Walter see
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On Holmedon's plains. Of prisoners, Hotspur took
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Mordake the Earl of Fife, and eldest son
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To beaten Douglas; and the Earl of Athol,
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Of Murray, Angus, and Menteith:
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And is not this an honourable spoil?
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A gallant prize? ha, cousin, is it not?
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WESTMORELAND
In faith,
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It is a conquest for a prince to boast of.
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KING HENRY IV
Yea, there thou makest me sad and makest me sin
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In envy that my Lord Northumberland
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Should be the father to so blest a son,
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A son who is the theme of honour's tongue;
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Amongst a grove, the very straightest plant;
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Who is sweet Fortune's minion and her pride:
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Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him,
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See riot and dishonour stain the brow
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Of my young Harry. O that it could be proved
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That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged
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In cradle-clothes our children where they lay,
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And call'd mine Percy, his Plantagenet!
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Then would I have his Harry, and he mine.
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But let him from my thoughts. What think you, coz,
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Of this young Percy's pride? the prisoners,
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Which he in this adventure hath surprised,
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To his own use he keeps; and sends me word,
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I shall have none but Mordake Earl of Fife.
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WESTMORELAND
This is his uncle's teaching; this is Worcester,
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Malevolent to you in all aspects;
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Which makes him prune himself, and bristle up
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The crest of youth against your dignity.
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KING HENRY IV
But I have sent for him to answer this;
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And for this cause awhile we must neglect
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Our holy purpose to Jerusalem.
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Cousin, on Wednesday next our council we
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Will hold at Windsor; so inform the lords:
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But come yourself with speed to us again;
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For more is to be said and to be done
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Than out of anger can be uttered.
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WESTMORELAND
I will, my liege.
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Exeunt
SCENE II. London. An apartment of the Prince's.
In Scene 2 of Act 1, two characters named Lord Bardolph and the Earl of Westmoreland are discussing the current state of affairs in England. They are both loyal to King Henry IV, who has recently taken the throne. However, there are some rebellious factions that are causing trouble in the country. Bardolph informs Westmoreland that a group of rebels led by Hotspur (the Earl of Northumberland's son) has been gathering forces and preparing to challenge the king's authority. Westmoreland expresses concern about this, but Bardolph assures him that the king is aware of the situation and is taking steps to deal with it. They then discuss the controversial figure of Sir John Falstaff, a friend and drinking companion of Prince Hal (the king's son). Falstaff is a notorious thief and liar, and Bardolph and Westmoreland are both skeptical of his character. However, Prince Hal seems to enjoy his company and has been spending a lot of time with him. The scene ends with Bardolph and Westmoreland lamenting the state of the country and the fact that loyal servants like themselves have to deal with so much uncertainty and danger. They both express their hope that the king will be able to quell the rebellion and restore order to England.
Enter the PRINCE OF WALES and FALSTAFF
FALSTAFF
Now, Hal, what time of day is it, lad?
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PRINCE HENRY
Thou art so fat-witted, with drinking of old sack
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and unbuttoning thee after supper and sleeping upon
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benches after noon, that thou hast forgotten to
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demand that truly which thou wouldst truly know.
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What a devil hast thou to do with the time of the
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day? Unless hours were cups of sack and minutes
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capons and clocks the tongues of bawds and dials the
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signs of leaping-houses and the blessed sun himself
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a fair hot wench in flame-coloured taffeta, I see no
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reason why thou shouldst be so superfluous to demand
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the time of the day.
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FALSTAFF
Indeed, you come near me now, Hal; for we that take
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purses go by the moon and the seven stars, and not
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by Phoebus, he,'that wandering knight so fair.' And,
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I prithee, sweet wag, when thou art king, as, God
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save thy grace,--majesty I should say, for grace
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thou wilt have none,--
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PRINCE HENRY
What, none?
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FALSTAFF
No, by my troth, not so much as will serve to
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prologue to an egg and butter.
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PRINCE HENRY
Well, how then? come, roundly, roundly.
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FALSTAFF
Marry, then, sweet wag, when thou art king, let not
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us that are squires of the night's body be called
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thieves of the day's beauty: let us be Diana's
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foresters, gentlemen of the shade, minions of the
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moon; and let men say we be men of good government,
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being governed, as the sea is, by our noble and
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chaste mistress the moon, under whose countenance we steal.
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PRINCE HENRY
Thou sayest well, and it holds well too; for the
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fortune of us that are the moon's men doth ebb and
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flow like the sea, being governed, as the sea is,
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by the moon. As, for proof, now: a purse of gold
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most resolutely snatched on Monday night and most
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dissolutely spent on Tuesday morning; got with
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swearing 'Lay by' and spent with crying 'Bring in;'
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now in as low an ebb as the foot of the ladder
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and by and by in as high a flow as the ridge of the gallows.
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FALSTAFF
By the Lord, thou sayest true, lad. And is not my
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hostess of the tavern a most sweet wench?
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PRINCE HENRY
As the honey of Hybla, my old lad of the castle. And
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is not a buff jerkin a most sweet robe of durance?
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FALSTAFF
How now, how now, mad wag! what, in thy quips and
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thy quiddities? what a plague have I to do with a
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buff jerkin?
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PRINCE HENRY
Why, what a pox have I to do with my hostess of the tavern?
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FALSTAFF
Well, thou hast called her to a reckoning many a
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time and oft.
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PRINCE HENRY
Did I ever call for thee to pay thy part?
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FALSTAFF
No; I'll give thee thy due, thou hast paid all there.
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PRINCE HENRY
Yea, and elsewhere, so far as my coin would stretch;
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and where it would not, I have used my credit.
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FALSTAFF
Yea, and so used it that were it not here apparent
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that thou art heir apparent--But, I prithee, sweet
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wag, shall there be gallows standing in England when
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thou art king? and resolution thus fobbed as it is
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with the rusty curb of old father antic the law? Do
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not thou, when thou art king, hang a thief.
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PRINCE HENRY
No; thou shalt.
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FALSTAFF
Shall I? O rare! By the Lord, I'll be a brave judge.
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PRINCE HENRY
Thou judgest false already: I mean, thou shalt have
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the hanging of the thieves and so become a rare hangman.
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FALSTAFF
Well, Hal, well; and in some sort it jumps with my
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humour as well as waiting in the court, I can tell
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you.
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PRINCE HENRY
For obtaining of suits?
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FALSTAFF
Yea, for obtaining of suits, whereof the hangman
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hath no lean wardrobe. 'Sblood, I am as melancholy
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as a gib cat or a lugged bear.
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PRINCE HENRY
Or an old lion, or a lover's lute.
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FALSTAFF
Yea, or the drone of a Lincolnshire bagpipe.
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PRINCE HENRY
What sayest thou to a hare, or the melancholy of
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Moor-ditch?
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FALSTAFF
Thou hast the most unsavoury similes and art indeed
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the most comparative, rascalliest, sweet young
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prince. But, Hal, I prithee, trouble me no more
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with vanity. I would to God thou and I knew where a
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commodity of good names were to be bought. An old
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lord of the council rated me the other day in the
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street about you, sir, but I marked him not; and yet
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he talked very wisely, but I regarded him not; and
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yet he talked wisely, and in the street too.
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PRINCE HENRY
Thou didst well; for wisdom cries out in the
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streets, and no man regards it.
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FALSTAFF
O, thou hast damnable iteration and art indeed able
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to corrupt a saint. Thou hast done much harm upon
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me, Hal; God forgive thee for it! Before I knew
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thee, Hal, I knew nothing; and now am I, if a man
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should speak truly, little better than one of the
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wicked. I must give over this life, and I will give
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it over: by the Lord, and I do not, I am a villain:
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I'll be damned for never a king's son in
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Christendom.
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PRINCE HENRY
Where shall we take a purse tomorrow, Jack?
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FALSTAFF
'Zounds, where thou wilt, lad; I'll make one; an I
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do not, call me villain and baffle me.
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PRINCE HENRY
I see a good amendment of life in thee; from praying
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to purse-taking.
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FALSTAFF
Why, Hal, 'tis my vocation, Hal; 'tis no sin for a
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man to labour in his vocation.
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Poins! Now shall we know if Gadshill have set a
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match. O, if men were to be saved by merit, what
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hole in hell were hot enough for him? This is the
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most omnipotent villain that ever cried 'Stand' to
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a true man.
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PRINCE HENRY
Good morrow, Ned.
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POINS
Good morrow, sweet Hal. What says Monsieur Remorse?
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what says Sir John Sack and Sugar? Jack! how
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agrees the devil and thee about thy soul, that thou
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soldest him on Good-Friday last for a cup of Madeira
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and a cold capon's leg?
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PRINCE HENRY
Sir John stands to his word, the devil shall have
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his bargain; for he was never yet a breaker of
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proverbs: he will give the devil his due.
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POINS
Then art thou damned for keeping thy word with the devil.
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PRINCE HENRY
Else he had been damned for cozening the devil.
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POINS
But, my lads, my lads, to-morrow morning, by four
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o'clock, early at Gadshill! there are pilgrims going
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to Canterbury with rich offerings, and traders
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riding to London with fat purses: I have vizards
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for you all; you have horses for yourselves:
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Gadshill lies to-night in Rochester: I have bespoke
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supper to-morrow night in Eastcheap: we may do it
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as secure as sleep. If you will go, I will stuff
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your purses full of crowns; if you will not, tarry
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at home and be hanged.
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FALSTAFF
Hear ye, Yedward; if I tarry at home and go not,
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I'll hang you for going.
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POINS
You will, chops?
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FALSTAFF
Hal, wilt thou make one?
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PRINCE HENRY
Who, I rob? I a thief? not I, by my faith.
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FALSTAFF
There's neither honesty, manhood, nor good
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fellowship in thee, nor thou camest not of the blood
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royal, if thou darest not stand for ten shillings.
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PRINCE HENRY
Well then, once in my days I'll be a madcap.
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FALSTAFF
Why, that's well said.
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PRINCE HENRY
Well, come what will, I'll tarry at home.
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FALSTAFF
By the Lord, I'll be a traitor then, when thou art king.
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PRINCE HENRY
I care not.
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POINS
Sir John, I prithee, leave the prince and me alone:
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I will lay him down such reasons for this adventure
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that he shall go.
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FALSTAFF
Well, God give thee the spirit of persuasion and him
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the ears of profiting, that what thou speakest may
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move and what he hears may be believed, that the
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true prince may, for recreation sake, prove a false
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thief; for the poor abuses of the time want
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countenance. Farewell: you shall find me in Eastcheap.
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PRINCE HENRY
Farewell, thou latter spring! farewell, All-hallown summer!
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Exit Falstaff
POINS
Now, my good sweet honey lord, ride with us
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to-morrow: I have a jest to execute that I cannot
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manage alone. Falstaff, Bardolph, Peto and Gadshill
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shall rob those men that we have already waylaid:
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yourself and I will not be there; and when they
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have the booty, if you and I do not rob them, cut
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this head off from my shoulders.
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PRINCE HENRY
How shall we part with them in setting forth?
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POINS
Why, we will set forth before or after them, and
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appoint them a place of meeting, wherein it is at
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our pleasure to fail, and then will they adventure
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upon the exploit themselves; which they shall have
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no sooner achieved, but we'll set upon them.
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PRINCE HENRY
Yea, but 'tis like that they will know us by our
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horses, by our habits and by every other
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appointment, to be ourselves.
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POINS
Tut! our horses they shall not see: I'll tie them
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in the wood; our vizards we will change after we
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leave them: and, sirrah, I have cases of buckram
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for the nonce, to immask our noted outward garments.
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PRINCE HENRY
Yea, but I doubt they will be too hard for us.
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POINS
Well, for two of them, I know them to be as
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true-bred cowards as ever turned back; and for the
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third, if he fight longer than he sees reason, I'll
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forswear arms. The virtue of this jest will be, the
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incomprehensible lies that this same fat rogue will
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tell us when we meet at supper: how thirty, at
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least, he fought with; what wards, what blows, what
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extremities he endured; and in the reproof of this
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lies the jest.
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PRINCE HENRY
Well, I'll go with thee: provide us all things
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necessary and meet me to-morrow night in Eastcheap;
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there I'll sup. Farewell.
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POINS
Farewell, my lord.
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Exit Poins
PRINCE HENRY
I know you all, and will awhile uphold
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The unyoked humour of your idleness:
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Yet herein will I imitate the sun,
Link: 1.2.186
Who doth permit the base contagious clouds
Link: 1.2.187
To smother up his beauty from the world,
Link: 1.2.188
That, when he please again to be himself,
Link: 1.2.189
Being wanted, he may be more wonder'd at,
Link: 1.2.190
By breaking through the foul and ugly mists
Link: 1.2.191
Of vapours that did seem to strangle him.
Link: 1.2.192
If all the year were playing holidays,
Link: 1.2.193
To sport would be as tedious as to work;
Link: 1.2.194
But when they seldom come, they wish'd for come,
Link: 1.2.195
And nothing pleaseth but rare accidents.
Link: 1.2.196
So, when this loose behavior I throw off
Link: 1.2.197
And pay the debt I never promised,
Link: 1.2.198
By how much better than my word I am,
Link: 1.2.199
By so much shall I falsify men's hopes;
Link: 1.2.200
And like bright metal on a sullen ground,
Link: 1.2.201
My reformation, glittering o'er my fault,
Link: 1.2.202
Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes
Link: 1.2.203
Than that which hath no foil to set it off.
Link: 1.2.204
I'll so offend, to make offence a skill;
Link: 1.2.205
Redeeming time when men think least I will.
Link: 1.2.206
Exit
SCENE III. London. The palace.
In Scene 3 of Act 1 of Henry IV, Part 1, a group of men are gathered in a room discussing the current state of affairs in England. The focus of the conversation is on the rebellion led by the Welshman, Owen Glendower, and the threat it poses to the stability of the kingdom. One of the men, Hotspur, is particularly incensed by Glendower's actions and is eager to take up arms against him. He argues that the king, Henry IV, is not doing enough to address the situation and that it is up to the nobility to take matters into their own hands. Another man, Worcester, cautions Hotspur against acting too rashly and suggests that they should approach the king with a proposal to resolve the conflict peacefully. Hotspur, however, is not interested in diplomacy and insists that they must act quickly and decisively. The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of a messenger who brings news that the king is on his way to meet with them. The men quickly compose themselves and prepare to present their case to Henry IV. Overall, Scene 3 of Act 1 sets the stage for the conflict between the king and the rebellious nobility that will be a central part of the play's plot. It also introduces the character of Hotspur, who will play a significant role in the story as both a warrior and a symbol of the nobility's defiance against the king's authority.
Enter the KING, NORTHUMBERLAND, WORCESTER, HOTSPUR, SIR WALTER BLUNT, with others
KING HENRY IV
My blood hath been too cold and temperate,
Link: 1.3.1
Unapt to stir at these indignities,
Link: 1.3.2
And you have found me; for accordingly
Link: 1.3.3
You tread upon my patience: but be sure
Link: 1.3.4
I will from henceforth rather be myself,
Link: 1.3.5
Mighty and to be fear'd, than my condition;
Link: 1.3.6
Which hath been smooth as oil, soft as young down,
Link: 1.3.7
And therefore lost that title of respect
Link: 1.3.8
Which the proud soul ne'er pays but to the proud.
Link: 1.3.9
EARL OF WORCESTER
Our house, my sovereign liege, little deserves
Link: 1.3.10
The scourge of greatness to be used on it;
Link: 1.3.11
And that same greatness too which our own hands
Link: 1.3.12
Have holp to make so portly.
Link: 1.3.13
NORTHUMBERLAND
My lord.--
Link: 1.3.14
KING HENRY IV
Worcester, get thee gone; for I do see
Link: 1.3.15
Danger and disobedience in thine eye:
Link: 1.3.16
O, sir, your presence is too bold and peremptory,
Link: 1.3.17
And majesty might never yet endure
Link: 1.3.18
The moody frontier of a servant brow.
Link: 1.3.19
You have good leave to leave us: when we need
Link: 1.3.20
Your use and counsel, we shall send for you.
Link: 1.3.21
You were about to speak.
Link: 1.3.22
To North
NORTHUMBERLAND
Yea, my good lord.
Link: 1.3.23
Those prisoners in your highness' name demanded,
Link: 1.3.24
Which Harry Percy here at Holmedon took,
Link: 1.3.25
Were, as he says, not with such strength denied
Link: 1.3.26
As is deliver'd to your majesty:
Link: 1.3.27
Either envy, therefore, or misprison
Link: 1.3.28
Is guilty of this fault and not my son.
Link: 1.3.29
HOTSPUR
My liege, I did deny no prisoners.
Link: 1.3.30
But I remember, when the fight was done,
Link: 1.3.31
When I was dry with rage and extreme toil,
Link: 1.3.32
Breathless and faint, leaning upon my sword,
Link: 1.3.33
Came there a certain lord, neat, and trimly dress'd,
Link: 1.3.34
Fresh as a bridegroom; and his chin new reap'd
Link: 1.3.35
Show'd like a stubble-land at harvest-home;
Link: 1.3.36
He was perfumed like a milliner;
Link: 1.3.37
And 'twixt his finger and his thumb he held
Link: 1.3.38
A pouncet-box, which ever and anon
Link: 1.3.39
He gave his nose and took't away again;
Link: 1.3.40
Who therewith angry, when it next came there,
Link: 1.3.41
Took it in snuff; and still he smiled and talk'd,
Link: 1.3.42
And as the soldiers bore dead bodies by,
Link: 1.3.43
He call'd them untaught knaves, unmannerly,
Link: 1.3.44
To bring a slovenly unhandsome corse
Link: 1.3.45
Betwixt the wind and his nobility.
Link: 1.3.46
With many holiday and lady terms
Link: 1.3.47
He question'd me; amongst the rest, demanded
Link: 1.3.48
My prisoners in your majesty's behalf.
Link: 1.3.49
I then, all smarting with my wounds being cold,
Link: 1.3.50
To be so pester'd with a popinjay,
Link: 1.3.51
Out of my grief and my impatience,
Link: 1.3.52
Answer'd neglectingly I know not what,
Link: 1.3.53
He should or he should not; for he made me mad
Link: 1.3.54
To see him shine so brisk and smell so sweet
Link: 1.3.55
And talk so like a waiting-gentlewoman
Link: 1.3.56
Of guns and drums and wounds,--God save the mark!--
Link: 1.3.57
And telling me the sovereign'st thing on earth
Link: 1.3.58
Was parmaceti for an inward bruise;
Link: 1.3.59
And that it was great pity, so it was,
Link: 1.3.60
This villanous salt-petre should be digg'd
Link: 1.3.61
Out of the bowels of the harmless earth,
Link: 1.3.62
Which many a good tall fellow had destroy'd
Link: 1.3.63
So cowardly; and but for these vile guns,
Link: 1.3.64
He would himself have been a soldier.
Link: 1.3.65
This bald unjointed chat of his, my lord,
Link: 1.3.66
I answer'd indirectly, as I said;
Link: 1.3.67
And I beseech you, let not his report
Link: 1.3.68
Come current for an accusation
Link: 1.3.69
Betwixt my love and your high majesty.
Link: 1.3.70
SIR WALTER BLUNT
The circumstance consider'd, good my lord,
Link: 1.3.71
Whate'er Lord Harry Percy then had said
Link: 1.3.72
To such a person and in such a place,
Link: 1.3.73
At such a time, with all the rest retold,
Link: 1.3.74
May reasonably die and never rise
Link: 1.3.75
To do him wrong or any way impeach
Link: 1.3.76
What then he said, so he unsay it now.
Link: 1.3.77
KING HENRY IV
Why, yet he doth deny his prisoners,
Link: 1.3.78
But with proviso and exception,
Link: 1.3.79
That we at our own charge shall ransom straight
Link: 1.3.80
His brother-in-law, the foolish Mortimer;
Link: 1.3.81
Who, on my soul, hath wilfully betray'd
Link: 1.3.82
The lives of those that he did lead to fight
Link: 1.3.83
Against that great magician, damn'd Glendower,
Link: 1.3.84
Whose daughter, as we hear, the Earl of March
Link: 1.3.85
Hath lately married. Shall our coffers, then,
Link: 1.3.86
Be emptied to redeem a traitor home?
Link: 1.3.87
Shall we but treason? and indent with fears,
Link: 1.3.88
When they have lost and forfeited themselves?
Link: 1.3.89
No, on the barren mountains let him starve;
Link: 1.3.90
For I shall never hold that man my friend
Link: 1.3.91
Whose tongue shall ask me for one penny cost
Link: 1.3.92
To ransom home revolted Mortimer.
Link: 1.3.93
HOTSPUR
Revolted Mortimer!
Link: 1.3.94
He never did fall off, my sovereign liege,
Link: 1.3.95
But by the chance of war; to prove that true
Link: 1.3.96
Needs no more but one tongue for all those wounds,
Link: 1.3.97
Those mouthed wounds, which valiantly he took
Link: 1.3.98
When on the gentle Severn's sedgy bank,
Link: 1.3.99
In single opposition, hand to hand,
Link: 1.3.100
He did confound the best part of an hour
Link: 1.3.101
In changing hardiment with great Glendower:
Link: 1.3.102
Three times they breathed and three times did
Link: 1.3.103
they drink,
Link: 1.3.104
Upon agreement, of swift Severn's flood;
Link: 1.3.105
Who then, affrighted with their bloody looks,
Link: 1.3.106
Ran fearfully among the trembling reeds,
Link: 1.3.107
And hid his crisp head in the hollow bank,
Link: 1.3.108
Bloodstained with these valiant combatants.
Link: 1.3.109
Never did base and rotten policy
Link: 1.3.110
Colour her working with such deadly wounds;
Link: 1.3.111
Nor could the noble Mortimer
Link: 1.3.112
Receive so many, and all willingly:
Link: 1.3.113
Then let not him be slander'd with revolt.
Link: 1.3.114
KING HENRY IV
Thou dost belie him, Percy, thou dost belie him;
Link: 1.3.115
He never did encounter with Glendower:
Link: 1.3.116
I tell thee,
Link: 1.3.117
He durst as well have met the devil alone
Link: 1.3.118
As Owen Glendower for an enemy.
Link: 1.3.119
Art thou not ashamed? But, sirrah, henceforth
Link: 1.3.120
Let me not hear you speak of Mortimer:
Link: 1.3.121
Send me your prisoners with the speediest means,
Link: 1.3.122
Or you shall hear in such a kind from me
Link: 1.3.123
As will displease you. My Lord Northumberland,
Link: 1.3.124
We licence your departure with your son.
Link: 1.3.125
Send us your prisoners, or you will hear of it.
Link: 1.3.126
Exeunt King Henry, Blunt, and train
HOTSPUR
An if the devil come and roar for them,
Link: 1.3.127
I will not send them: I will after straight
Link: 1.3.128
And tell him so; for I will ease my heart,
Link: 1.3.129
Albeit I make a hazard of my head.
Link: 1.3.130
NORTHUMBERLAND
What, drunk with choler? stay and pause awhile:
Link: 1.3.131
Here comes your uncle.
Link: 1.3.132
Re-enter WORCESTER
HOTSPUR
Speak of Mortimer!
Link: 1.3.133
'Zounds, I will speak of him; and let my soul
Link: 1.3.134
Want mercy, if I do not join with him:
Link: 1.3.135
Yea, on his part I'll empty all these veins,
Link: 1.3.136
And shed my dear blood drop by drop in the dust,
Link: 1.3.137
But I will lift the down-trod Mortimer
Link: 1.3.138
As high in the air as this unthankful king,
Link: 1.3.139
As this ingrate and canker'd Bolingbroke.
Link: 1.3.140
NORTHUMBERLAND
Brother, the king hath made your nephew mad.
Link: 1.3.141
EARL OF WORCESTER
Who struck this heat up after I was gone?
Link: 1.3.142
HOTSPUR
He will, forsooth, have all my prisoners;
Link: 1.3.143
And when I urged the ransom once again
Link: 1.3.144
Of my wife's brother, then his cheek look'd pale,
Link: 1.3.145
And on my face he turn'd an eye of death,
Link: 1.3.146
Trembling even at the name of Mortimer.
Link: 1.3.147
EARL OF WORCESTER
I cannot blame him: was not he proclaim'd
Link: 1.3.148
By Richard that dead is the next of blood?
Link: 1.3.149
NORTHUMBERLAND
He was; I heard the proclamation:
Link: 1.3.150
And then it was when the unhappy king,
Link: 1.3.151
--Whose wrongs in us God pardon!--did set forth
Link: 1.3.152
Upon his Irish expedition;
Link: 1.3.153
From whence he intercepted did return
Link: 1.3.154
To be deposed and shortly murdered.
Link: 1.3.155
EARL OF WORCESTER
And for whose death we in the world's wide mouth
Link: 1.3.156
Live scandalized and foully spoken of.
Link: 1.3.157
HOTSPUR
But soft, I pray you; did King Richard then
Link: 1.3.158
Proclaim my brother Edmund Mortimer
Link: 1.3.159
Heir to the crown?
Link: 1.3.160
NORTHUMBERLAND
He did; myself did hear it.
Link: 1.3.161
HOTSPUR
Nay, then I cannot blame his cousin king,
Link: 1.3.162
That wished him on the barren mountains starve.
Link: 1.3.163
But shall it be that you, that set the crown
Link: 1.3.164
Upon the head of this forgetful man
Link: 1.3.165
And for his sake wear the detested blot
Link: 1.3.166
Of murderous subornation, shall it be,
Link: 1.3.167
That you a world of curses undergo,
Link: 1.3.168
Being the agents, or base second means,
Link: 1.3.169
The cords, the ladder, or the hangman rather?
Link: 1.3.170
O, pardon me that I descend so low,
Link: 1.3.171
To show the line and the predicament
Link: 1.3.172
Wherein you range under this subtle king;
Link: 1.3.173
Shall it for shame be spoken in these days,
Link: 1.3.174
Or fill up chronicles in time to come,
Link: 1.3.175
That men of your nobility and power
Link: 1.3.176
Did gage them both in an unjust behalf,
Link: 1.3.177
As both of you--God pardon it!--have done,
Link: 1.3.178
To put down Richard, that sweet lovely rose,
Link: 1.3.179
An plant this thorn, this canker, Bolingbroke?
Link: 1.3.180
And shall it in more shame be further spoken,
Link: 1.3.181
That you are fool'd, discarded and shook off
Link: 1.3.182
By him for whom these shames ye underwent?
Link: 1.3.183
No; yet time serves wherein you may redeem
Link: 1.3.184
Your banish'd honours and restore yourselves
Link: 1.3.185
Into the good thoughts of the world again,
Link: 1.3.186
Revenge the jeering and disdain'd contempt
Link: 1.3.187
Of this proud king, who studies day and night
Link: 1.3.188
To answer all the debt he owes to you
Link: 1.3.189
Even with the bloody payment of your deaths:
Link: 1.3.190
Therefore, I say--
Link: 1.3.191
EARL OF WORCESTER
Peace, cousin, say no more:
Link: 1.3.192
And now I will unclasp a secret book,
Link: 1.3.193
And to your quick-conceiving discontents
Link: 1.3.194
I'll read you matter deep and dangerous,
Link: 1.3.195
As full of peril and adventurous spirit
Link: 1.3.196
As to o'er-walk a current roaring loud
Link: 1.3.197
On the unsteadfast footing of a spear.
Link: 1.3.198
HOTSPUR
If he fall in, good night! or sink or swim:
Link: 1.3.199
Send danger from the east unto the west,
Link: 1.3.200
So honour cross it from the north to south,
Link: 1.3.201
And let them grapple: O, the blood more stirs
Link: 1.3.202
To rouse a lion than to start a hare!
Link: 1.3.203
NORTHUMBERLAND
Imagination of some great exploit
Link: 1.3.204
Drives him beyond the bounds of patience.
Link: 1.3.205
HOTSPUR
By heaven, methinks it were an easy leap,
Link: 1.3.206
To pluck bright honour from the pale-faced moon,
Link: 1.3.207
Or dive into the bottom of the deep,
Link: 1.3.208
Where fathom-line could never touch the ground,
Link: 1.3.209
And pluck up drowned honour by the locks;
Link: 1.3.210
So he that doth redeem her thence might wear
Link: 1.3.211
Without corrival, all her dignities:
Link: 1.3.212
But out upon this half-faced fellowship!
Link: 1.3.213
EARL OF WORCESTER
He apprehends a world of figures here,
Link: 1.3.214
But not the form of what he should attend.
Link: 1.3.215
Good cousin, give me audience for a while.
Link: 1.3.216
HOTSPUR
I cry you mercy.
Link: 1.3.217
EARL OF WORCESTER
Those same noble Scots
Link: 1.3.218
That are your prisoners,--
Link: 1.3.219
HOTSPUR
I'll keep them all;
Link: 1.3.220
By God, he shall not have a Scot of them;
Link: 1.3.221
No, if a Scot would save his soul, he shall not:
Link: 1.3.222
I'll keep them, by this hand.
Link: 1.3.223
EARL OF WORCESTER
You start away
Link: 1.3.224
And lend no ear unto my purposes.
Link: 1.3.225
Those prisoners you shall keep.
Link: 1.3.226
HOTSPUR
Nay, I will; that's flat:
Link: 1.3.227
He said he would not ransom Mortimer;
Link: 1.3.228
Forbad my tongue to speak of Mortimer;
Link: 1.3.229
But I will find him when he lies asleep,
Link: 1.3.230
And in his ear I'll holla 'Mortimer!'
Link: 1.3.231
Nay,
Link: 1.3.232
I'll have a starling shall be taught to speak
Link: 1.3.233
Nothing but 'Mortimer,' and give it him
Link: 1.3.234
To keep his anger still in motion.
Link: 1.3.235
EARL OF WORCESTER
Hear you, cousin; a word.
Link: 1.3.236
HOTSPUR
All studies here I solemnly defy,
Link: 1.3.237
Save how to gall and pinch this Bolingbroke:
Link: 1.3.238
And that same sword-and-buckler Prince of Wales,
Link: 1.3.239
But that I think his father loves him not
Link: 1.3.240
And would be glad he met with some mischance,
Link: 1.3.241
I would have him poison'd with a pot of ale.
Link: 1.3.242
EARL OF WORCESTER
Farewell, kinsman: I'll talk to you
Link: 1.3.243
When you are better temper'd to attend.
Link: 1.3.244
NORTHUMBERLAND
Why, what a wasp-stung and impatient fool
Link: 1.3.245
Art thou to break into this woman's mood,
Link: 1.3.246
Tying thine ear to no tongue but thine own!
Link: 1.3.247
HOTSPUR
Why, look you, I am whipp'd and scourged with rods,
Link: 1.3.248
Nettled and stung with pismires, when I hear
Link: 1.3.249
Of this vile politician, Bolingbroke.
Link: 1.3.250
In Richard's time,--what do you call the place?--
Link: 1.3.251
A plague upon it, it is in Gloucestershire;
Link: 1.3.252
'Twas where the madcap duke his uncle kept,
Link: 1.3.253
His uncle York; where I first bow'd my knee
Link: 1.3.254
Unto this king of smiles, this Bolingbroke,--
Link: 1.3.255
'Sblood!--
Link: 1.3.256
When you and he came back from Ravenspurgh.
Link: 1.3.257
NORTHUMBERLAND
At Berkley castle.
Link: 1.3.258
HOTSPUR
You say true:
Link: 1.3.259
Why, what a candy deal of courtesy
Link: 1.3.260
This fawning greyhound then did proffer me!
Link: 1.3.261
Look,'when his infant fortune came to age,'
Link: 1.3.262
And 'gentle Harry Percy,' and 'kind cousin;'
Link: 1.3.263
O, the devil take such cozeners! God forgive me!
Link: 1.3.264
Good uncle, tell your tale; I have done.
Link: 1.3.265
EARL OF WORCESTER
Nay, if you have not, to it again;
Link: 1.3.266
We will stay your leisure.
Link: 1.3.267
HOTSPUR
I have done, i' faith.
Link: 1.3.268
EARL OF WORCESTER
Then once more to your Scottish prisoners.
Link: 1.3.269
Deliver them up without their ransom straight,
Link: 1.3.270
And make the Douglas' son your only mean
Link: 1.3.271
For powers in Scotland; which, for divers reasons
Link: 1.3.272
Which I shall send you written, be assured,
Link: 1.3.273
Will easily be granted. You, my lord,
Link: 1.3.274
Your son in Scotland being thus employ'd,
Link: 1.3.275
Shall secretly into the bosom creep
Link: 1.3.276
Of that same noble prelate, well beloved,
Link: 1.3.277
The archbishop.
Link: 1.3.278
HOTSPUR
Of York, is it not?
Link: 1.3.279
EARL OF WORCESTER
True; who bears hard
Link: 1.3.280
His brother's death at Bristol, the Lord Scroop.
Link: 1.3.281
I speak not this in estimation,
Link: 1.3.282
As what I think might be, but what I know
Link: 1.3.283
Is ruminated, plotted and set down,
Link: 1.3.284
And only stays but to behold the face
Link: 1.3.285
Of that occasion that shall bring it on.
Link: 1.3.286
HOTSPUR
I smell it: upon my life, it will do well.
Link: 1.3.287
NORTHUMBERLAND
Before the game is afoot, thou still let'st slip.
Link: 1.3.288
HOTSPUR
Why, it cannot choose but be a noble plot;
Link: 1.3.289
And then the power of Scotland and of York,
Link: 1.3.290
To join with Mortimer, ha?
Link: 1.3.291
EARL OF WORCESTER
And so they shall.
Link: 1.3.292
HOTSPUR
In faith, it is exceedingly well aim'd.
Link: 1.3.293
EARL OF WORCESTER
And 'tis no little reason bids us speed,
Link: 1.3.294
To save our heads by raising of a head;
Link: 1.3.295
For, bear ourselves as even as we can,
Link: 1.3.296
The king will always think him in our debt,
Link: 1.3.297
And think we think ourselves unsatisfied,
Link: 1.3.298
Till he hath found a time to pay us home:
Link: 1.3.299
And see already how he doth begin
Link: 1.3.300
To make us strangers to his looks of love.
Link: 1.3.301
HOTSPUR
He does, he does: we'll be revenged on him.
Link: 1.3.302
EARL OF WORCESTER
Cousin, farewell: no further go in this
Link: 1.3.303
Than I by letters shall direct your course.
Link: 1.3.304
When time is ripe, which will be suddenly,
Link: 1.3.305
I'll steal to Glendower and Lord Mortimer;
Link: 1.3.306
Where you and Douglas and our powers at once,
Link: 1.3.307
As I will fashion it, shall happily meet,
Link: 1.3.308
To bear our fortunes in our own strong arms,
Link: 1.3.309
Which now we hold at much uncertainty.
Link: 1.3.310
NORTHUMBERLAND
Farewell, good brother: we shall thrive, I trust.
Link: 1.3.311
HOTSPUR
Uncle, Adieu: O, let the hours be short
Link: 1.3.312
Till fields and blows and groans applaud our sport!
Link: 1.3.313
Exeunt
Act II
Act 2 of Henry IV, Part 1 follows the young Prince Hal as he continues his life of debauchery and wild behavior, much to the disappointment of his father King Henry IV. Meanwhile, the rebels against the king's rule are gaining strength, led by the charismatic Hotspur.
Prince Hal secretly plans to join the rebels, hoping to prove himself as a worthy leader and gain his father's respect. However, he is interrupted by Falstaff, a drunken and comical companion, who tries to dissuade him from going to war. Despite Falstaff's protests, Prince Hal sets off to join the rebels.
Meanwhile, King Henry IV receives news of the rebellion and gathers his troops to prepare for battle. Hotspur also prepares his troops, including his own father and uncle, for the upcoming conflict. The two sides meet at the Battle of Shrewsbury.
The battle is long and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Prince Hal proves himself to be a skilled fighter, and even saves his father's life during the heat of battle. Hotspur, however, is killed by Prince Hal in a one-on-one combat. The rebels are ultimately defeated, and King Henry IV is able to maintain his rule.
The act ends on a bittersweet note, as Prince Hal has proven himself to be a capable leader and warrior, but has also betrayed the rebels and his former friend Hotspur. The stage is set for the eventual confrontation between Prince Hal and his rival, Prince John, for the throne of England.
SCENE I. Rochester. An inn yard.
In Scene 1 of Act 2, the focus shifts to Prince Hal and his friend Falstaff, who are at a pub in Eastcheap. Falstaff is regaling Prince Hal with tales of his exploits, which are clearly exaggerated. Prince Hal is amused by Falstaff's stories, and the two engage in banter and wordplay. However, it becomes clear that Prince Hal is not entirely comfortable with Falstaff's lifestyle and associates, as he expresses a desire to leave and join his father's court. Despite this, Falstaff continues to try and keep Prince Hal at the pub, encouraging him to drink and socialize with the other patrons. The two are interrupted by the arrival of Poins, another friend of Prince Hal's, who suggests they play a prank on Falstaff. The plan involves pretending to rob him while he is passed out drunk, and then splitting the stolen goods among themselves. Falstaff is initially hesitant to go along with the plan, but eventually agrees. However, as the scene ends, it is unclear whether Prince Hal and Poins are truly committed to carrying out the prank or if they are simply toying with Falstaff for their own amusement.
Enter a Carrier with a lantern in his hand
First Carrier
Heigh-ho! an it be not four by the day, I'll be
Link: 2.1.1
hanged: Charles' wain is over the new chimney, and
Link: 2.1.2
yet our horse not packed. What, ostler!
Link: 2.1.3
Ostler
(Within) Anon, anon.
Link: 2.1.4
First Carrier
I prithee, Tom, beat Cut's saddle, put a few flocks
Link: 2.1.5
in the point; poor jade, is wrung in the withers out
Link: 2.1.6
of all cess.
Link: 2.1.7
Enter another Carrier
Second Carrier
Peas and beans are as dank here as a dog, and that
Link: 2.1.8
is the next way to give poor jades the bots: this
Link: 2.1.9
house is turned upside down since Robin Ostler died.
Link: 2.1.10
First Carrier
Poor fellow, never joyed since the price of oats
Link: 2.1.11
rose; it was the death of him.
Link: 2.1.12
Second Carrier
I think this be the most villanous house in all
Link: 2.1.13
London road for fleas: I am stung like a tench.
Link: 2.1.14
First Carrier
Like a tench! by the mass, there is ne'er a king
Link: 2.1.15
christen could be better bit than I have been since
Link: 2.1.16
the first cock.
Link: 2.1.17
Second Carrier
Why, they will allow us ne'er a jordan, and then we
Link: 2.1.18
leak in your chimney; and your chamber-lie breeds
Link: 2.1.19
fleas like a loach.
Link: 2.1.20
First Carrier
What, ostler! come away and be hanged!
Link: 2.1.21
Second Carrier
I have a gammon of bacon and two razors of ginger,
Link: 2.1.22
to be delivered as far as Charing-cross.
Link: 2.1.23
First Carrier
God's body! the turkeys in my pannier are quite
Link: 2.1.24
starved. What, ostler! A plague on thee! hast thou
Link: 2.1.25
never an eye in thy head? canst not hear? An
Link: 2.1.26
'twere not as good deed as drink, to break the pate
Link: 2.1.27
on thee, I am a very villain. Come, and be hanged!
Link: 2.1.28
hast thou no faith in thee?
Link: 2.1.29
Enter GADSHILL
GADSHILL
Good morrow, carriers. What's o'clock?
Link: 2.1.30
First Carrier
I think it be two o'clock.
Link: 2.1.31
GADSHILL
I pray thee lend me thy lantern, to see my gelding
Link: 2.1.32
in the stable.
Link: 2.1.33
First Carrier
Nay, by God, soft; I know a trick worth two of that, i' faith.
Link: 2.1.34
GADSHILL
I pray thee, lend me thine.
Link: 2.1.35
Second Carrier
Ay, when? can'st tell? Lend me thy lantern, quoth
Link: 2.1.36
he? marry, I'll see thee hanged first.
Link: 2.1.37
GADSHILL
Sirrah carrier, what time do you mean to come to London?
Link: 2.1.38
Second Carrier
Time enough to go to bed with a candle, I warrant
Link: 2.1.39
thee. Come, neighbour Mugs, we'll call up the
Link: 2.1.40
gentleman: they will along with company, for they
Link: 2.1.41
have great charge.
Link: 2.1.42
Exeunt carriers
GADSHILL
What, ho! chamberlain!
Link: 2.1.43
Chamberlain
(Within) At hand, quoth pick-purse.
Link: 2.1.44
GADSHILL
That's even as fair as--at hand, quoth the
Link: 2.1.45
chamberlain; for thou variest no more from picking
Link: 2.1.46
of purses than giving direction doth from labouring;
Link: 2.1.47
thou layest the plot how.
Link: 2.1.48
Enter Chamberlain
Chamberlain
Good morrow, Master Gadshill. It holds current that
Link: 2.1.49
I told you yesternight: there's a franklin in the
Link: 2.1.50
wild of Kent hath brought three hundred marks with
Link: 2.1.51
him in gold: I heard him tell it to one of his
Link: 2.1.52
company last night at supper; a kind of auditor; one
Link: 2.1.53
that hath abundance of charge too, God knows what.
Link: 2.1.54
They are up already, and call for eggs and butter;
Link: 2.1.55
they will away presently.
Link: 2.1.56
GADSHILL
Sirrah, if they meet not with Saint Nicholas'
Link: 2.1.57
clerks, I'll give thee this neck.
Link: 2.1.58
Chamberlain
No, I'll none of it: I pray thee keep that for the
Link: 2.1.59
hangman; for I know thou worshippest St. Nicholas
Link: 2.1.60
as truly as a man of falsehood may.
Link: 2.1.61
GADSHILL
What talkest thou to me of the hangman? if I hang,
Link: 2.1.62
I'll make a fat pair of gallows; for if I hang, old
Link: 2.1.63
Sir John hangs with me, and thou knowest he is no
Link: 2.1.64
starveling. Tut! there are other Trojans that thou
Link: 2.1.65
dreamest not of, the which for sport sake are
Link: 2.1.66
content to do the profession some grace; that would,
Link: 2.1.67
if matters should be looked into, for their own
Link: 2.1.68
credit sake, make all whole. I am joined with no
Link: 2.1.69
foot-land rakers, no long-staff sixpenny strikers,
Link: 2.1.70
none of these mad mustachio purple-hued malt-worms;
Link: 2.1.71
but with nobility and tranquillity, burgomasters and
Link: 2.1.72
great oneyers, such as can hold in, such as will
Link: 2.1.73
strike sooner than speak, and speak sooner than
Link: 2.1.74
drink, and drink sooner than pray: and yet, zounds,
Link: 2.1.75
I lie; for they pray continually to their saint, the
Link: 2.1.76
commonwealth; or rather, not pray to her, but prey
Link: 2.1.77
on her, for they ride up and down on her and make
Link: 2.1.78
her their boots.
Link: 2.1.79
Chamberlain
What, the commonwealth their boots? will she hold
Link: 2.1.80
out water in foul way?
Link: 2.1.81
GADSHILL
She will, she will; justice hath liquored her. We
Link: 2.1.82
steal as in a castle, cocksure; we have the receipt
Link: 2.1.83
of fern-seed, we walk invisible.
Link: 2.1.84
Chamberlain
Nay, by my faith, I think you are more beholding to
Link: 2.1.85
the night than to fern-seed for your walking invisible.
Link: 2.1.86
GADSHILL
Give me thy hand: thou shalt have a share in our
Link: 2.1.87
purchase, as I am a true man.
Link: 2.1.88
Chamberlain
Nay, rather let me have it, as you are a false thief.
Link: 2.1.89
GADSHILL
Go to; 'homo' is a common name to all men. Bid the
Link: 2.1.90
ostler bring my gelding out of the stable. Farewell,
Link: 2.1.91
you muddy knave.
Link: 2.1.92
Exeunt
SCENE II. The highway, near Gadshill.
Scene 2 of Act 2 of Henry IV, Part 1 takes place in a tavern in Eastcheap. Falstaff, a fat and jolly knight, is drinking with his friends Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol. They are having a lively conversation about women and Falstaff boasts about his prowess with them. Suddenly, Prince Hal, the heir to the throne, enters the tavern in disguise and challenges Falstaff to a duel. At first, Falstaff is afraid but then realizes that it is the prince and they engage in a playful conversation. Prince Hal asks Falstaff to teach him how to be a thief and Falstaff agrees. They joke around and Falstaff tells him stories of his past exploits. The prince then tells Falstaff that he wants to reform and become a better person. Falstaff is skeptical and tries to convince him to stay the same but the prince is determined. As they continue to talk, the sheriff enters the tavern looking for Falstaff and his friends. They quickly hide and the prince uses this opportunity to steal the sheriff's money. Falstaff and his friends then emerge from hiding and they all laugh and drink together. Overall, this scene is a lighthearted and humorous interlude in the play. It showcases the relationship between Prince Hal and Falstaff, who is a mentor and friend to the prince. It also highlights the theme of transformation as Prince Hal expresses his desire to change and become a better person.
Enter PRINCE HENRY and POINS
POINS
Come, shelter, shelter: I have removed Falstaff's
Link: 2.2.1
horse, and he frets like a gummed velvet.
Link: 2.2.2
PRINCE HENRY
Stand close.
Link: 2.2.3
Enter FALSTAFF
FALSTAFF
Poins! Poins, and be hanged! Poins!
Link: 2.2.4
PRINCE HENRY
Peace, ye fat-kidneyed rascal! what a brawling dost
Link: 2.2.5
thou keep!
Link: 2.2.6
FALSTAFF
Where's Poins, Hal?
Link: 2.2.7
PRINCE HENRY
He is walked up to the top of the hill: I'll go seek him.
Link: 2.2.8
FALSTAFF
I am accursed to rob in that thief's company: the
Link: 2.2.9
rascal hath removed my horse, and tied him I know
Link: 2.2.10
not where. If I travel but four foot by the squier
Link: 2.2.11
further afoot, I shall break my wind. Well, I doubt
Link: 2.2.12
not but to die a fair death for all this, if I
Link: 2.2.13
'scape hanging for killing that rogue. I have
Link: 2.2.14
forsworn his company hourly any time this two and
Link: 2.2.15
twenty years, and yet I am bewitched with the
Link: 2.2.16
rogue's company. If the rascal hath not given me
Link: 2.2.17
medicines to make me love him, I'll be hanged; it
Link: 2.2.18
could not be else: I have drunk medicines. Poins!
Link: 2.2.19
Hal! a plague upon you both! Bardolph! Peto!
Link: 2.2.20
I'll starve ere I'll rob a foot further. An 'twere
Link: 2.2.21
not as good a deed as drink, to turn true man and to
Link: 2.2.22
leave these rogues, I am the veriest varlet that
Link: 2.2.23
ever chewed with a tooth. Eight yards of uneven
Link: 2.2.24
ground is threescore and ten miles afoot with me;
Link: 2.2.25
and the stony-hearted villains know it well enough:
Link: 2.2.26
a plague upon it when thieves cannot be true one to another!
Link: 2.2.27
Whew! A plague upon you all! Give me my horse, you
Link: 2.2.28
rogues; give me my horse, and be hanged!
Link: 2.2.29
PRINCE HENRY
Peace, ye fat-guts! lie down; lay thine ear close
Link: 2.2.30
to the ground and list if thou canst hear the tread
Link: 2.2.31
of travellers.
Link: 2.2.32
FALSTAFF
Have you any levers to lift me up again, being down?
Link: 2.2.33
'Sblood, I'll not bear mine own flesh so far afoot
Link: 2.2.34
again for all the coin in thy father's exchequer.
Link: 2.2.35
What a plague mean ye to colt me thus?
Link: 2.2.36
PRINCE HENRY
Thou liest; thou art not colted, thou art uncolted.
Link: 2.2.37
FALSTAFF
I prithee, good Prince Hal, help me to my horse,
Link: 2.2.38
good king's son.
Link: 2.2.39
PRINCE HENRY
Out, ye rogue! shall I be your ostler?
Link: 2.2.40
FALSTAFF
Go, hang thyself in thine own heir-apparent
Link: 2.2.41
garters! If I be ta'en, I'll peach for this. An I
Link: 2.2.42
have not ballads made on you all and sung to filthy
Link: 2.2.43
tunes, let a cup of sack be my poison: when a jest
Link: 2.2.44
is so forward, and afoot too! I hate it.
Link: 2.2.45
Enter GADSHILL, BARDOLPH and PETO
GADSHILL
Stand.
Link: 2.2.46
FALSTAFF
So I do, against my will.
Link: 2.2.47
POINS
O, 'tis our setter: I know his voice. Bardolph,
Link: 2.2.48
what news?
Link: 2.2.49
BARDOLPH
Case ye, case ye; on with your vizards: there 's
Link: 2.2.50
money of the king's coming down the hill; 'tis going
Link: 2.2.51
to the king's exchequer.
Link: 2.2.52
FALSTAFF
You lie, ye rogue; 'tis going to the king's tavern.
Link: 2.2.53
GADSHILL
There's enough to make us all.
Link: 2.2.54
FALSTAFF
To be hanged.
Link: 2.2.55
PRINCE HENRY
Sirs, you four shall front them in the narrow lane;
Link: 2.2.56
Ned Poins and I will walk lower: if they 'scape
Link: 2.2.57
from your encounter, then they light on us.
Link: 2.2.58
PETO
How many be there of them?
Link: 2.2.59
GADSHILL
Some eight or ten.
Link: 2.2.60
FALSTAFF
'Zounds, will they not rob us?
Link: 2.2.61
PRINCE HENRY
What, a coward, Sir John Paunch?
Link: 2.2.62
FALSTAFF
Indeed, I am not John of Gaunt, your grandfather;
Link: 2.2.63
but yet no coward, Hal.
Link: 2.2.64
PRINCE HENRY
Well, we leave that to the proof.
Link: 2.2.65
POINS
Sirrah Jack, thy horse stands behind the hedge:
Link: 2.2.66
when thou needest him, there thou shalt find him.
Link: 2.2.67
Farewell, and stand fast.
Link: 2.2.68
FALSTAFF
Now cannot I strike him, if I should be hanged.
Link: 2.2.69
PRINCE HENRY
Ned, where are our disguises?
Link: 2.2.70
POINS
Here, hard by: stand close.
Link: 2.2.71
Exeunt PRINCE HENRY and POINS
FALSTAFF
Now, my masters, happy man be his dole, say I:
Link: 2.2.72
every man to his business.
Link: 2.2.73
Enter the Travellers
First Traveller
Come, neighbour: the boy shall lead our horses down
Link: 2.2.74
the hill; we'll walk afoot awhile, and ease our legs.
Link: 2.2.75
Thieves
Stand!
Link: 2.2.76
Travellers
Jesus bless us!
Link: 2.2.77
FALSTAFF
Strike; down with them; cut the villains' throats:
Link: 2.2.78
ah! whoreson caterpillars! bacon-fed knaves! they
Link: 2.2.79
hate us youth: down with them: fleece them.
Link: 2.2.80
Travellers
O, we are undone, both we and ours for ever!
Link: 2.2.81
FALSTAFF
Hang ye, gorbellied knaves, are ye undone? No, ye
Link: 2.2.82
fat chuffs: I would your store were here! On,
Link: 2.2.83
bacons, on! What, ye knaves! young men must live.
Link: 2.2.84
You are Grand-jurors, are ye? we'll jure ye, 'faith.
Link: 2.2.85
Here they rob them and bind them. Exeunt
Re-enter PRINCE HENRY and POINS
PRINCE HENRY
The thieves have bound the true men. Now could thou
Link: 2.2.86
and I rob the thieves and go merrily to London, it
Link: 2.2.87
would be argument for a week, laughter for a month
Link: 2.2.88
and a good jest for ever.
Link: 2.2.89
POINS
Stand close; I hear them coming.
Link: 2.2.90
Enter the Thieves again
FALSTAFF
Come, my masters, let us share, and then to horse
Link: 2.2.91
before day. An the Prince and Poins be not two
Link: 2.2.92
arrant cowards, there's no equity stirring: there's
Link: 2.2.93
no more valour in that Poins than in a wild-duck.
Link: 2.2.94
PRINCE HENRY
Your money!
Link: 2.2.95
POINS
Villains!
Link: 2.2.96
As they are sharing, the Prince and Poins set upon them; they all run away; and Falstaff, after a blow or two, runs away too, leaving the booty behind them
PRINCE HENRY
Got with much ease. Now merrily to horse:
Link: 2.2.97
The thieves are all scatter'd and possess'd with fear
Link: 2.2.98
So strongly that they dare not meet each other;
Link: 2.2.99
Each takes his fellow for an officer.
Link: 2.2.100
Away, good Ned. Falstaff sweats to death,
Link: 2.2.101
And lards the lean earth as he walks along:
Link: 2.2.102
Were 't not for laughing, I should pity him.
Link: 2.2.103
POINS
How the rogue roar'd!
Link: 2.2.104
Exeunt
SCENE III. Warkworth castle
Scene 3 of Act 2 of Henry IV, Part 1 takes place in a tavern in Eastcheap. Falstaff, a fat and jolly knight, is drinking with his companions Bardolph, Peto, and Gadshill. They are discussing their plans to rob a group of travelers who are carrying a large sum of money. Falstaff suggests that they should not use violence and instead use their wit to outsmart the travelers. However, Gadshill disagrees and insists on using force. Shortly after, Prince Hal, the heir to the throne, enters the tavern in disguise. Falstaff immediately recognizes him but decides to play along. They engage in a witty conversation, and Prince Hal reveals that he is interested in joining Falstaff's group of robbers. Falstaff agrees to take him on and tells him that they will be robbing a group of travelers that night. Prince Hal leaves the tavern, and Falstaff begins to plot their robbery. Overall, Scene 3 of Act 2 of Henry IV, Part 1 is a humorous and entertaining scene that showcases the witty banter of Falstaff and his companions. It also sets the stage for the upcoming robbery and the eventual conflict between Prince Hal and his father, King Henry IV.
Enter HOTSPUR, solus, reading a letter
HOTSPUR
'But for mine own part, my lord, I could be well
Link: 2.3.1
contented to be there, in respect of the love I bear
Link: 2.3.2
your house.' He could be contented: why is he not,
Link: 2.3.3
then? In respect of the love he bears our house:
Link: 2.3.4
he shows in this, he loves his own barn better than
Link: 2.3.5
he loves our house. Let me see some more. 'The
Link: 2.3.6
purpose you undertake is dangerous;'--why, that's
Link: 2.3.7
certain: 'tis dangerous to take a cold, to sleep, to
Link: 2.3.8
drink; but I tell you, my lord fool, out of this
Link: 2.3.9
nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety. 'The
Link: 2.3.10
purpose you undertake is dangerous; the friends you
Link: 2.3.11
have named uncertain; the time itself unsorted; and
Link: 2.3.12
your whole plot too light for the counterpoise of so
Link: 2.3.13
great an opposition.' Say you so, say you so? I say
Link: 2.3.14
unto you again, you are a shallow cowardly hind, and
Link: 2.3.15
you lie. What a lack-brain is this! By the Lord,
Link: 2.3.16
our plot is a good plot as ever was laid; our
Link: 2.3.17
friends true and constant: a good plot, good
Link: 2.3.18
friends, and full of expectation; an excellent plot,
Link: 2.3.19
very good friends. What a frosty-spirited rogue is
Link: 2.3.20
this! Why, my lord of York commends the plot and the
Link: 2.3.21
general course of action. 'Zounds, an I were now by
Link: 2.3.22
this rascal, I could brain him with his lady's fan.
Link: 2.3.23
Is there not my father, my uncle and myself? lord
Link: 2.3.24
Edmund Mortimer, My lord of York and Owen Glendower?
Link: 2.3.25
is there not besides the Douglas? have I not all
Link: 2.3.26
their letters to meet me in arms by the ninth of the
Link: 2.3.27
next month? and are they not some of them set
Link: 2.3.28
forward already? What a pagan rascal is this! an
Link: 2.3.29
infidel! Ha! you shall see now in very sincerity
Link: 2.3.30
of fear and cold heart, will he to the king and lay
Link: 2.3.31
open all our proceedings. O, I could divide myself
Link: 2.3.32
and go to buffets, for moving such a dish of
Link: 2.3.33
skim milk with so honourable an action! Hang him!
Link: 2.3.34
let him tell the king: we are prepared. I will set
Link: 2.3.35
forward to-night.
Link: 2.3.36
How now, Kate! I must leave you within these two hours.
Link: 2.3.37
LADY PERCY
O, my good lord, why are you thus alone?
Link: 2.3.38
For what offence have I this fortnight been
Link: 2.3.39
A banish'd woman from my Harry's bed?
Link: 2.3.40
Tell me, sweet lord, what is't that takes from thee
Link: 2.3.41
Thy stomach, pleasure and thy golden sleep?
Link: 2.3.42
Why dost thou bend thine eyes upon the earth,
Link: 2.3.43
And start so often when thou sit'st alone?
Link: 2.3.44
Why hast thou lost the fresh blood in thy cheeks;
Link: 2.3.45
And given my treasures and my rights of thee
Link: 2.3.46
To thick-eyed musing and cursed melancholy?
Link: 2.3.47
In thy faint slumbers I by thee have watch'd,
Link: 2.3.48
And heard thee murmur tales of iron wars;
Link: 2.3.49
Speak terms of manage to thy bounding steed;
Link: 2.3.50
Cry 'Courage! to the field!' And thou hast talk'd
Link: 2.3.51
Of sallies and retires, of trenches, tents,
Link: 2.3.52
Of palisadoes, frontiers, parapets,
Link: 2.3.53
Of basilisks, of cannon, culverin,
Link: 2.3.54
Of prisoners' ransom and of soldiers slain,
Link: 2.3.55
And all the currents of a heady fight.
Link: 2.3.56
Thy spirit within thee hath been so at war
Link: 2.3.57
And thus hath so bestirr'd thee in thy sleep,
Link: 2.3.58
That beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow
Link: 2.3.59
Like bubbles in a late-disturbed stream;
Link: 2.3.60
And in thy face strange motions have appear'd,
Link: 2.3.61
Such as we see when men restrain their breath
Link: 2.3.62
On some great sudden hest. O, what portents are these?
Link: 2.3.63
Some heavy business hath my lord in hand,
Link: 2.3.64
And I must know it, else he loves me not.
Link: 2.3.65
HOTSPUR
What, ho!
Link: 2.3.66
Is Gilliams with the packet gone?
Link: 2.3.67
Servant
He is, my lord, an hour ago.
Link: 2.3.68
HOTSPUR
Hath Butler brought those horses from the sheriff?
Link: 2.3.69
Servant
One horse, my lord, he brought even now.
Link: 2.3.70
HOTSPUR
What horse? a roan, a crop-ear, is it not?
Link: 2.3.71
Servant
It is, my lord.
Link: 2.3.72
HOTSPUR
That roan shall by my throne.
Link: 2.3.73
Well, I will back him straight: O esperance!
Link: 2.3.74
Bid Butler lead him forth into the park.
Link: 2.3.75
Exit Servant
LADY PERCY
But hear you, my lord.
Link: 2.3.76
HOTSPUR
What say'st thou, my lady?
Link: 2.3.77
LADY PERCY
What is it carries you away?
Link: 2.3.78
HOTSPUR
Why, my horse, my love, my horse.
Link: 2.3.79
LADY PERCY
Out, you mad-headed ape!
Link: 2.3.80
A weasel hath not such a deal of spleen
Link: 2.3.81
As you are toss'd with. In faith,
Link: 2.3.82
I'll know your business, Harry, that I will.
Link: 2.3.83
I fear my brother Mortimer doth stir
Link: 2.3.84
About his title, and hath sent for you
Link: 2.3.85
To line his enterprise: but if you go,--
Link: 2.3.86
HOTSPUR
So far afoot, I shall be weary, love.
Link: 2.3.87
LADY PERCY
Come, come, you paraquito, answer me
Link: 2.3.88
Directly unto this question that I ask:
Link: 2.3.89
In faith, I'll break thy little finger, Harry,
Link: 2.3.90
An if thou wilt not tell me all things true.
Link: 2.3.91
HOTSPUR
Away,
Link: 2.3.92
Away, you trifler! Love! I love thee not,
Link: 2.3.93
I care not for thee, Kate: this is no world
Link: 2.3.94
To play with mammets and to tilt with lips:
Link: 2.3.95
We must have bloody noses and crack'd crowns,
Link: 2.3.96
And pass them current too. God's me, my horse!
Link: 2.3.97
What say'st thou, Kate? what would'st thou
Link: 2.3.98
have with me?
Link: 2.3.99
LADY PERCY
Do you not love me? do you not, indeed?
Link: 2.3.100
Well, do not then; for since you love me not,
Link: 2.3.101
I will not love myself. Do you not love me?
Link: 2.3.102
Nay, tell me if you speak in jest or no.
Link: 2.3.103
HOTSPUR
Come, wilt thou see me ride?
Link: 2.3.104
And when I am on horseback, I will swear
Link: 2.3.105
I love thee infinitely. But hark you, Kate;
Link: 2.3.106
I must not have you henceforth question me
Link: 2.3.107
Whither I go, nor reason whereabout:
Link: 2.3.108
Whither I must, I must; and, to conclude,
Link: 2.3.109
This evening must I leave you, gentle Kate.
Link: 2.3.110
I know you wise, but yet no farther wise
Link: 2.3.111
Than Harry Percy's wife: constant you are,
Link: 2.3.112
But yet a woman: and for secrecy,
Link: 2.3.113
No lady closer; for I well believe
Link: 2.3.114
Thou wilt not utter what thou dost not know;
Link: 2.3.115
And so far will I trust thee, gentle Kate.
Link: 2.3.116
LADY PERCY
How! so far?
Link: 2.3.117
HOTSPUR
Not an inch further. But hark you, Kate:
Link: 2.3.118
Whither I go, thither shall you go too;
Link: 2.3.119
To-day will I set forth, to-morrow you.
Link: 2.3.120
Will this content you, Kate?
Link: 2.3.121
LADY PERCY
It must of force.
Link: 2.3.122
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The Boar's-Head Tavern, Eastcheap.
Scene 4 of Act 2 of Henry IV, Part 1 takes place in a room at the Boar's Head Tavern in Eastcheap. Falstaff, Bardolph, Pistol, and Mistress Quickly are all present and engaged in conversation. Falstaff is discussing his desire to obtain money from Prince Hal, who he believes will soon become king. He plans to use the money to pay off his debts and live a life of luxury. Mistress Quickly informs Falstaff that Prince Hal is approaching the tavern. Falstaff quickly hides his money and begins to flatter the prince, hoping to gain his favor. Prince Hal, however, sees through Falstaff's flattery and confronts him about his laziness and dishonesty. Falstaff tries to defend himself by claiming that he is simply a victim of circumstance and that he is not responsible for his actions. Prince Hal is not convinced and tells Falstaff that he must change his ways if he wishes to be a part of his future reign. Falstaff, realizing that he will not be able to manipulate the prince, tries to change the subject and engages in a comical discussion of a recent robbery that he and his associates committed. The scene ends with Prince Hal leaving the tavern, leaving Falstaff and his associates to continue their revelry.
Enter PRINCE HENRY and POINS
PRINCE HENRY
Ned, prithee, come out of that fat room, and lend me
Link: 2.4.1
thy hand to laugh a little.
Link: 2.4.2
POINS
Where hast been, Hal?
Link: 2.4.3
PRINCE HENRY
With three or four loggerheads amongst three or four
Link: 2.4.4
score hogsheads. I have sounded the very
Link: 2.4.5
base-string of humility. Sirrah, I am sworn brother
Link: 2.4.6
to a leash of drawers; and can call them all by
Link: 2.4.7
their christen names, as Tom, Dick, and Francis.
Link: 2.4.8
They take it already upon their salvation, that
Link: 2.4.9
though I be but the prince of Wales, yet I am king
Link: 2.4.10
of courtesy; and tell me flatly I am no proud Jack,
Link: 2.4.11
like Falstaff, but a Corinthian, a lad of mettle, a
Link: 2.4.12
good boy, by the Lord, so they call me, and when I
Link: 2.4.13
am king of England, I shall command all the good
Link: 2.4.14
lads in Eastcheap. They call drinking deep, dyeing
Link: 2.4.15
scarlet; and when you breathe in your watering, they
Link: 2.4.16
cry 'hem!' and bid you play it off. To conclude, I
Link: 2.4.17
am so good a proficient in one quarter of an hour,
Link: 2.4.18
that I can drink with any tinker in his own language
Link: 2.4.19
during my life. I tell thee, Ned, thou hast lost
Link: 2.4.20
much honour, that thou wert not with me in this sweet
Link: 2.4.21
action. But, sweet Ned,--to sweeten which name of
Link: 2.4.22
Ned, I give thee this pennyworth of sugar, clapped
Link: 2.4.23
even now into my hand by an under-skinker, one that
Link: 2.4.24
never spake other English in his life than 'Eight
Link: 2.4.25
shillings and sixpence' and 'You are welcome,' with
Link: 2.4.26
this shrill addition, 'Anon, anon, sir! Score a pint
Link: 2.4.27
of bastard in the Half-Moon,' or so. But, Ned, to
Link: 2.4.28
drive away the time till Falstaff come, I prithee,
Link: 2.4.29
do thou stand in some by-room, while I question my
Link: 2.4.30
puny drawer to what end he gave me the sugar; and do
Link: 2.4.31
thou never leave calling 'Francis,' that his tale
Link: 2.4.32
to me may be nothing but 'Anon.' Step aside, and
Link: 2.4.33
I'll show thee a precedent.
Link: 2.4.34
POINS
Francis!
Link: 2.4.35
PRINCE HENRY
Thou art perfect.
Link: 2.4.36
POINS
Francis!
Link: 2.4.37
Exit POINS
Enter FRANCIS
FRANCIS
Anon, anon, sir. Look down into the Pomgarnet, Ralph.
Link: 2.4.38
PRINCE HENRY
Come hither, Francis.
Link: 2.4.39
FRANCIS
My lord?
Link: 2.4.40
PRINCE HENRY
How long hast thou to serve, Francis?
Link: 2.4.41
FRANCIS
Forsooth, five years, and as much as to--
Link: 2.4.42
POINS
(Within) Francis!
Link: 2.4.43
FRANCIS
Anon, anon, sir.
Link: 2.4.44
PRINCE HENRY
Five year! by'r lady, a long lease for the clinking
Link: 2.4.45
of pewter. But, Francis, darest thou be so valiant
Link: 2.4.46
as to play the coward with thy indenture and show it
Link: 2.4.47
a fair pair of heels and run from it?
Link: 2.4.48
FRANCIS
O Lord, sir, I'll be sworn upon all the books in
Link: 2.4.49
England, I could find in my heart.
Link: 2.4.50
POINS
(Within) Francis!
Link: 2.4.51
FRANCIS
Anon, sir.
Link: 2.4.52
PRINCE HENRY
How old art thou, Francis?
Link: 2.4.53
FRANCIS
Let me see--about Michaelmas next I shall be--
Link: 2.4.54
POINS
(Within) Francis!
Link: 2.4.55
FRANCIS
Anon, sir. Pray stay a little, my lord.
Link: 2.4.56
PRINCE HENRY
Nay, but hark you, Francis: for the sugar thou
Link: 2.4.57
gavest me,'twas a pennyworth, wast't not?
Link: 2.4.58
FRANCIS
O Lord, I would it had been two!
Link: 2.4.59
PRINCE HENRY
I will give thee for it a thousand pound: ask me
Link: 2.4.60
when thou wilt, and thou shalt have it.
Link: 2.4.61
POINS
(Within) Francis!
Link: 2.4.62
FRANCIS
Anon, anon.
Link: 2.4.63
PRINCE HENRY
Anon, Francis? No, Francis; but to-morrow, Francis;
Link: 2.4.64
or, Francis, o' Thursday; or indeed, Francis, when
Link: 2.4.65
thou wilt. But, Francis!
Link: 2.4.66
FRANCIS
My lord?
Link: 2.4.67
PRINCE HENRY
Wilt thou rob this leathern jerkin, crystal-button,
Link: 2.4.68
not-pated, agate-ring, puke-stocking, caddis-garter,
Link: 2.4.69
smooth-tongue, Spanish-pouch,--
Link: 2.4.70
FRANCIS
O Lord, sir, who do you mean?
Link: 2.4.71
PRINCE HENRY
Why, then, your brown bastard is your only drink;
Link: 2.4.72
for look you, Francis, your white canvas doublet
Link: 2.4.73
will sully: in Barbary, sir, it cannot come to so much.
Link: 2.4.74
FRANCIS
What, sir?
Link: 2.4.75
POINS
(Within) Francis!
Link: 2.4.76
PRINCE HENRY
Away, you rogue! dost thou not hear them call?
Link: 2.4.77
Here they both call him; the drawer stands amazed, not knowing which way to go
Enter Vintner
Vintner
What, standest thou still, and hearest such a
Link: 2.4.78
calling? Look to the guests within.
Link: 2.4.79
My lord, old Sir John, with half-a-dozen more, are
Link: 2.4.80
at the door: shall I let them in?
Link: 2.4.81
PRINCE HENRY
Let them alone awhile, and then open the door.
Link: 2.4.82
Poins!
Link: 2.4.83
Re-enter POINS
POINS
Anon, anon, sir.
Link: 2.4.84
PRINCE HENRY
Sirrah, Falstaff and the rest of the thieves are at
Link: 2.4.85
the door: shall we be merry?
Link: 2.4.86
POINS
As merry as crickets, my lad. But hark ye; what
Link: 2.4.87
cunning match have you made with this jest of the
Link: 2.4.88
drawer? come, what's the issue?
Link: 2.4.89
PRINCE HENRY
I am now of all humours that have showed themselves
Link: 2.4.90
humours since the old days of goodman Adam to the
Link: 2.4.91
pupil age of this present twelve o'clock at midnight.
Link: 2.4.92
What's o'clock, Francis?
Link: 2.4.93
FRANCIS
Anon, anon, sir.
Link: 2.4.94
Exit
PRINCE HENRY
That ever this fellow should have fewer words than a
Link: 2.4.95
parrot, and yet the son of a woman! His industry is
Link: 2.4.96
upstairs and downstairs; his eloquence the parcel of
Link: 2.4.97
a reckoning. I am not yet of Percy's mind, the
Link: 2.4.98
Hotspur of the north; he that kills me some six or
Link: 2.4.99
seven dozen of Scots at a breakfast, washes his
Link: 2.4.100
hands, and says to his wife 'Fie upon this quiet
Link: 2.4.101
life! I want work.' 'O my sweet Harry,' says she,
Link: 2.4.102
'how many hast thou killed to-day?' 'Give my roan
Link: 2.4.103
horse a drench,' says he; and answers 'Some
Link: 2.4.104
fourteen,' an hour after; 'a trifle, a trifle.' I
Link: 2.4.105
prithee, call in Falstaff: I'll play Percy, and
Link: 2.4.106
that damned brawn shall play Dame Mortimer his
Link: 2.4.107
wife. 'Rivo!' says the drunkard. Call in ribs, call in tallow.
Link: 2.4.108
Enter FALSTAFF, GADSHILL, BARDOLPH, and PETO; FRANCIS following with wine
POINS
Welcome, Jack: where hast thou been?
Link: 2.4.109
FALSTAFF
A plague of all cowards, I say, and a vengeance too!
Link: 2.4.110
marry, and amen! Give me a cup of sack, boy. Ere I
Link: 2.4.111
lead this life long, I'll sew nether stocks and mend
Link: 2.4.112
them and foot them too. A plague of all cowards!
Link: 2.4.113
Give me a cup of sack, rogue. Is there no virtue extant?
Link: 2.4.114
He drinks
PRINCE HENRY
Didst thou never see Titan kiss a dish of butter?
Link: 2.4.115
pitiful-hearted Titan, that melted at the sweet tale
Link: 2.4.116
of the sun's! if thou didst, then behold that compound.
Link: 2.4.117
FALSTAFF
You rogue, here's lime in this sack too: there is
Link: 2.4.118
nothing but roguery to be found in villanous man:
Link: 2.4.119
yet a coward is worse than a cup of sack with lime
Link: 2.4.120
in it. A villanous coward! Go thy ways, old Jack;
Link: 2.4.121
die when thou wilt, if manhood, good manhood, be
Link: 2.4.122
not forgot upon the face of the earth, then am I a
Link: 2.4.123
shotten herring. There live not three good men
Link: 2.4.124
unhanged in England; and one of them is fat and
Link: 2.4.125
grows old: God help the while! a bad world, I say.
Link: 2.4.126
I would I were a weaver; I could sing psalms or any
Link: 2.4.127
thing. A plague of all cowards, I say still.
Link: 2.4.128
PRINCE HENRY
How now, wool-sack! what mutter you?
Link: 2.4.129
FALSTAFF
A king's son! If I do not beat thee out of thy
Link: 2.4.130
kingdom with a dagger of lath, and drive all thy
Link: 2.4.131
subjects afore thee like a flock of wild-geese,
Link: 2.4.132
I'll never wear hair on my face more. You Prince of Wales!
Link: 2.4.133
PRINCE HENRY
Why, you whoreson round man, what's the matter?
Link: 2.4.134
FALSTAFF
Are not you a coward? answer me to that: and Poins there?
Link: 2.4.135
POINS
'Zounds, ye fat paunch, an ye call me coward, by the
Link: 2.4.136
Lord, I'll stab thee.
Link: 2.4.137
FALSTAFF
I call thee coward! I'll see thee damned ere I call
Link: 2.4.138
thee coward: but I would give a thousand pound I
Link: 2.4.139
could run as fast as thou canst. You are straight
Link: 2.4.140
enough in the shoulders, you care not who sees your
Link: 2.4.141
back: call you that backing of your friends? A
Link: 2.4.142
plague upon such backing! give me them that will
Link: 2.4.143
face me. Give me a cup of sack: I am a rogue, if I
Link: 2.4.144
drunk to-day.
Link: 2.4.145
PRINCE HENRY
O villain! thy lips are scarce wiped since thou
Link: 2.4.146
drunkest last.
Link: 2.4.147
FALSTAFF
All's one for that.
Link: 2.4.148
A plague of all cowards, still say I.
Link: 2.4.149
PRINCE HENRY
What's the matter?
Link: 2.4.150
FALSTAFF
What's the matter! there be four of us here have
Link: 2.4.151
ta'en a thousand pound this day morning.
Link: 2.4.152
PRINCE HENRY
Where is it, Jack? where is it?
Link: 2.4.153
FALSTAFF
Where is it! taken from us it is: a hundred upon
Link: 2.4.154
poor four of us.
Link: 2.4.155
PRINCE HENRY
What, a hundred, man?
Link: 2.4.156
FALSTAFF
I am a rogue, if I were not at half-sword with a
Link: 2.4.157
dozen of them two hours together. I have 'scaped by
Link: 2.4.158
miracle. I am eight times thrust through the
Link: 2.4.159
doublet, four through the hose; my buckler cut
Link: 2.4.160
through and through; my sword hacked like a
Link: 2.4.161
hand-saw--ecce signum! I never dealt better since
Link: 2.4.162
I was a man: all would not do. A plague of all
Link: 2.4.163
cowards! Let them speak: if they speak more or
Link: 2.4.164
less than truth, they are villains and the sons of darkness.
Link: 2.4.165
PRINCE HENRY
Speak, sirs; how was it?
Link: 2.4.166
GADSHILL
We four set upon some dozen--
Link: 2.4.167
FALSTAFF
Sixteen at least, my lord.
Link: 2.4.168
GADSHILL
And bound them.
Link: 2.4.169
PETO
No, no, they were not bound.
Link: 2.4.170
FALSTAFF
You rogue, they were bound, every man of them; or I
Link: 2.4.171
am a Jew else, an Ebrew Jew.
Link: 2.4.172
GADSHILL
As we were sharing, some six or seven fresh men set upon us--
Link: 2.4.173
FALSTAFF
And unbound the rest, and then come in the other.
Link: 2.4.174
PRINCE HENRY
What, fought you with them all?
Link: 2.4.175
FALSTAFF
All! I know not what you call all; but if I fought
Link: 2.4.176
not with fifty of them, I am a bunch of radish: if
Link: 2.4.177
there were not two or three and fifty upon poor old
Link: 2.4.178
Jack, then am I no two-legged creature.
Link: 2.4.179
PRINCE HENRY
Pray God you have not murdered some of them.
Link: 2.4.180
FALSTAFF
Nay, that's past praying for: I have peppered two
Link: 2.4.181
of them; two I am sure I have paid, two rogues
Link: 2.4.182
in buckram suits. I tell thee what, Hal, if I tell
Link: 2.4.183
thee a lie, spit in my face, call me horse. Thou
Link: 2.4.184
knowest my old ward; here I lay and thus I bore my
Link: 2.4.185
point. Four rogues in buckram let drive at me--
Link: 2.4.186
PRINCE HENRY
What, four? thou saidst but two even now.
Link: 2.4.187
FALSTAFF
Four, Hal; I told thee four.
Link: 2.4.188
POINS
Ay, ay, he said four.
Link: 2.4.189
FALSTAFF
These four came all a-front, and mainly thrust at
Link: 2.4.190
me. I made me no more ado but took all their seven
Link: 2.4.191
points in my target, thus.
Link: 2.4.192
PRINCE HENRY
Seven? why, there were but four even now.
Link: 2.4.193
FALSTAFF
In buckram?
Link: 2.4.194
POINS
Ay, four, in buckram suits.
Link: 2.4.195
FALSTAFF
Seven, by these hilts, or I am a villain else.
Link: 2.4.196
PRINCE HENRY
Prithee, let him alone; we shall have more anon.
Link: 2.4.197
FALSTAFF
Dost thou hear me, Hal?
Link: 2.4.198
PRINCE HENRY
Ay, and mark thee too, Jack.
Link: 2.4.199
FALSTAFF
Do so, for it is worth the listening to. These nine
Link: 2.4.200
in buckram that I told thee of--
Link: 2.4.201
PRINCE HENRY
So, two more already.
Link: 2.4.202
FALSTAFF
Their points being broken,--
Link: 2.4.203
POINS
Down fell their hose.
Link: 2.4.204
FALSTAFF
Began to give me ground: but I followed me close,
Link: 2.4.205
came in foot and hand; and with a thought seven of
Link: 2.4.206
the eleven I paid.
Link: 2.4.207
PRINCE HENRY
O monstrous! eleven buckram men grown out of two!
Link: 2.4.208
FALSTAFF
But, as the devil would have it, three misbegotten
Link: 2.4.209
knaves in Kendal green came at my back and let drive
Link: 2.4.210
at me; for it was so dark, Hal, that thou couldst
Link: 2.4.211
not see thy hand.
Link: 2.4.212
PRINCE HENRY
These lies are like their father that begets them;
Link: 2.4.213
gross as a mountain, open, palpable. Why, thou
Link: 2.4.214
clay-brained guts, thou knotty-pated fool, thou
Link: 2.4.215
whoreson, obscene, grease tallow-catch,--
Link: 2.4.216
FALSTAFF
What, art thou mad? art thou mad? is not the truth
Link: 2.4.217
the truth?
Link: 2.4.218
PRINCE HENRY
Why, how couldst thou know these men in Kendal
Link: 2.4.219
green, when it was so dark thou couldst not see thy
Link: 2.4.220
hand? come, tell us your reason: what sayest thou to this?
Link: 2.4.221
POINS
Come, your reason, Jack, your reason.
Link: 2.4.222
FALSTAFF
What, upon compulsion? 'Zounds, an I were at the
Link: 2.4.223
strappado, or all the racks in the world, I would
Link: 2.4.224
not tell you on compulsion. Give you a reason on
Link: 2.4.225
compulsion! If reasons were as plentiful as
Link: 2.4.226
blackberries, I would give no man a reason upon
Link: 2.4.227
compulsion, I.
Link: 2.4.228
PRINCE HENRY
I'll be no longer guilty of this sin; this sanguine
Link: 2.4.229
coward, this bed-presser, this horseback-breaker,
Link: 2.4.230
this huge hill of flesh,--
Link: 2.4.231
FALSTAFF
'Sblood, you starveling, you elf-skin, you dried
Link: 2.4.232
neat's tongue, you bull's pizzle, you stock-fish! O
Link: 2.4.233
for breath to utter what is like thee! you
Link: 2.4.234
tailor's-yard, you sheath, you bowcase; you vile
Link: 2.4.235
standing-tuck,--
Link: 2.4.236
PRINCE HENRY
Well, breathe awhile, and then to it again: and
Link: 2.4.237
when thou hast tired thyself in base comparisons,
Link: 2.4.238
hear me speak but this.
Link: 2.4.239
POINS
Mark, Jack.
Link: 2.4.240
PRINCE HENRY
We two saw you four set on four and bound them, and
Link: 2.4.241
were masters of their wealth. Mark now, how a plain
Link: 2.4.242
tale shall put you down. Then did we two set on you
Link: 2.4.243
four; and, with a word, out-faced you from your
Link: 2.4.244
prize, and have it; yea, and can show it you here in
Link: 2.4.245
the house: and, Falstaff, you carried your guts
Link: 2.4.246
away as nimbly, with as quick dexterity, and roared
Link: 2.4.247
for mercy and still run and roared, as ever I heard
Link: 2.4.248
bull-calf. What a slave art thou, to hack thy sword
Link: 2.4.249
as thou hast done, and then say it was in fight!
Link: 2.4.250
What trick, what device, what starting-hole, canst
Link: 2.4.251
thou now find out to hide thee from this open and
Link: 2.4.252
apparent shame?
Link: 2.4.253
POINS
Come, let's hear, Jack; what trick hast thou now?
Link: 2.4.254
FALSTAFF
By the Lord, I knew ye as well as he that made ye.
Link: 2.4.255
Why, hear you, my masters: was it for me to kill the
Link: 2.4.256
heir-apparent? should I turn upon the true prince?
Link: 2.4.257
why, thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules: but
Link: 2.4.258
beware instinct; the lion will not touch the true
Link: 2.4.259
prince. Instinct is a great matter; I was now a
Link: 2.4.260
coward on instinct. I shall think the better of
Link: 2.4.261
myself and thee during my life; I for a valiant
Link: 2.4.262
lion, and thou for a true prince. But, by the Lord,
Link: 2.4.263
lads, I am glad you have the money. Hostess, clap
Link: 2.4.264
to the doors: watch to-night, pray to-morrow.
Link: 2.4.265
Gallants, lads, boys, hearts of gold, all the titles
Link: 2.4.266
of good fellowship come to you! What, shall we be
Link: 2.4.267
merry? shall we have a play extempore?
Link: 2.4.268
PRINCE HENRY
Content; and the argument shall be thy running away.
Link: 2.4.269
FALSTAFF
Ah, no more of that, Hal, an thou lovest me!
Link: 2.4.270
Enter Hostess
Hostess
O Jesu, my lord the prince!
Link: 2.4.271
PRINCE HENRY
How now, my lady the hostess! what sayest thou to
Link: 2.4.272
me?
Link: 2.4.273
Hostess
Marry, my lord, there is a nobleman of the court at
Link: 2.4.274
door would speak with you: he says he comes from
Link: 2.4.275
your father.
Link: 2.4.276
PRINCE HENRY
Give him as much as will make him a royal man, and
Link: 2.4.277
send him back again to my mother.
Link: 2.4.278
FALSTAFF
What manner of man is he?
Link: 2.4.279
Hostess
An old man.
Link: 2.4.280
FALSTAFF
What doth gravity out of his bed at midnight? Shall
Link: 2.4.281
I give him his answer?
Link: 2.4.282
PRINCE HENRY
Prithee, do, Jack.
Link: 2.4.283
FALSTAFF
'Faith, and I'll send him packing.
Link: 2.4.284
Exit FALSTAFF
PRINCE HENRY
Now, sirs: by'r lady, you fought fair; so did you,
Link: 2.4.285
Peto; so did you, Bardolph: you are lions too, you
Link: 2.4.286
ran away upon instinct, you will not touch the true
Link: 2.4.287
prince; no, fie!
Link: 2.4.288
BARDOLPH
'Faith, I ran when I saw others run.
Link: 2.4.289
PRINCE HENRY
'Faith, tell me now in earnest, how came Falstaff's
Link: 2.4.290
sword so hacked?
Link: 2.4.291
PETO
Why, he hacked it with his dagger, and said he would
Link: 2.4.292
swear truth out of England but he would make you
Link: 2.4.293
believe it was done in fight, and persuaded us to do the like.
Link: 2.4.294
BARDOLPH
Yea, and to tickle our noses with spear-grass to
Link: 2.4.295
make them bleed, and then to beslubber our garments
Link: 2.4.296
with it and swear it was the blood of true men. I
Link: 2.4.297
did that I did not this seven year before, I blushed
Link: 2.4.298
to hear his monstrous devices.
Link: 2.4.299
PRINCE HENRY
O villain, thou stolest a cup of sack eighteen years
Link: 2.4.300
ago, and wert taken with the manner, and ever since
Link: 2.4.301
thou hast blushed extempore. Thou hadst fire and
Link: 2.4.302
sword on thy side, and yet thou rannest away: what
Link: 2.4.303
instinct hadst thou for it?
Link: 2.4.304
BARDOLPH
My lord, do you see these meteors? do you behold
Link: 2.4.305
these exhalations?
Link: 2.4.306
PRINCE HENRY
I do.
Link: 2.4.307
BARDOLPH
What think you they portend?
Link: 2.4.308
PRINCE HENRY
Hot livers and cold purses.
Link: 2.4.309
BARDOLPH
Choler, my lord, if rightly taken.
Link: 2.4.310
PRINCE HENRY
No, if rightly taken, halter.
Link: 2.4.311
Here comes lean Jack, here comes bare-bone.
Link: 2.4.312
How now, my sweet creature of bombast!
Link: 2.4.313
How long is't ago, Jack, since thou sawest thine own knee?
Link: 2.4.314
FALSTAFF
My own knee! when I was about thy years, Hal, I was
Link: 2.4.315
not an eagle's talon in the waist; I could have
Link: 2.4.316
crept into any alderman's thumb-ring: a plague of
Link: 2.4.317
sighing and grief! it blows a man up like a
Link: 2.4.318
bladder. There's villanous news abroad: here was
Link: 2.4.319
Sir John Bracy from your father; you must to the
Link: 2.4.320
court in the morning. That same mad fellow of the
Link: 2.4.321
north, Percy, and he of Wales, that gave Amamon the
Link: 2.4.322
bastinado and made Lucifer cuckold and swore the
Link: 2.4.323
devil his true liegeman upon the cross of a Welsh
Link: 2.4.324
hook--what a plague call you him?
Link: 2.4.325
POINS
O, Glendower.
Link: 2.4.326
FALSTAFF
Owen, Owen, the same; and his son-in-law Mortimer,
Link: 2.4.327
and old Northumberland, and that sprightly Scot of
Link: 2.4.328
Scots, Douglas, that runs o' horseback up a hill
Link: 2.4.329
perpendicular,--
Link: 2.4.330
PRINCE HENRY
He that rides at high speed and with his pistol
Link: 2.4.331
kills a sparrow flying.
Link: 2.4.332
FALSTAFF
You have hit it.
Link: 2.4.333
PRINCE HENRY
So did he never the sparrow.
Link: 2.4.334
FALSTAFF
Well, that rascal hath good mettle in him; he will not run.
Link: 2.4.335
PRINCE HENRY
Why, what a rascal art thou then, to praise him so
Link: 2.4.336
for running!
Link: 2.4.337
FALSTAFF
O' horseback, ye cuckoo; but afoot he will not budge a foot.
Link: 2.4.338
PRINCE HENRY
Yes, Jack, upon instinct.
Link: 2.4.339
FALSTAFF
I grant ye, upon instinct. Well, he is there too,
Link: 2.4.340
and one Mordake, and a thousand blue-caps more:
Link: 2.4.341
Worcester is stolen away to-night; thy father's
Link: 2.4.342
beard is turned white with the news: you may buy
Link: 2.4.343
land now as cheap as stinking mackerel.
Link: 2.4.344
PRINCE HENRY
Why, then, it is like, if there come a hot June and
Link: 2.4.345
this civil buffeting hold, we shall buy maidenheads
Link: 2.4.346
as they buy hob-nails, by the hundreds.
Link: 2.4.347
FALSTAFF
By the mass, lad, thou sayest true; it is like we
Link: 2.4.348
shall have good trading that way. But tell me, Hal,
Link: 2.4.349
art not thou horrible afeard? thou being
Link: 2.4.350
heir-apparent, could the world pick thee out three
Link: 2.4.351
such enemies again as that fiend Douglas, that
Link: 2.4.352
spirit Percy, and that devil Glendower? Art thou
Link: 2.4.353
not horribly afraid? doth not thy blood thrill at
Link: 2.4.354
it?
Link: 2.4.355
PRINCE HENRY
Not a whit, i' faith; I lack some of thy instinct.
Link: 2.4.356
FALSTAFF
Well, thou wert be horribly chid tomorrow when thou
Link: 2.4.357
comest to thy father: if thou love me, practise an answer.
Link: 2.4.358
PRINCE HENRY
Do thou stand for my father, and examine me upon the
Link: 2.4.359
particulars of my life.
Link: 2.4.360
FALSTAFF
Shall I? content: this chair shall be my state,
Link: 2.4.361
this dagger my sceptre, and this cushion my crown.
Link: 2.4.362
PRINCE HENRY
Thy state is taken for a joined-stool, thy golden
Link: 2.4.363
sceptre for a leaden dagger, and thy precious rich
Link: 2.4.364
crown for a pitiful bald crown!
Link: 2.4.365
FALSTAFF
Well, an the fire of grace be not quite out of thee,
Link: 2.4.366
now shalt thou be moved. Give me a cup of sack to
Link: 2.4.367
make my eyes look red, that it may be thought I have
Link: 2.4.368
wept; for I must speak in passion, and I will do it
Link: 2.4.369
in King Cambyses' vein.
Link: 2.4.370
PRINCE HENRY
Well, here is my leg.
Link: 2.4.371
FALSTAFF
And here is my speech. Stand aside, nobility.
Link: 2.4.372
Hostess
O Jesu, this is excellent sport, i' faith!
Link: 2.4.373
FALSTAFF
Weep not, sweet queen; for trickling tears are vain.
Link: 2.4.374
Hostess
O, the father, how he holds his countenance!
Link: 2.4.375
FALSTAFF
For God's sake, lords, convey my tristful queen;
Link: 2.4.376
For tears do stop the flood-gates of her eyes.
Link: 2.4.377
Hostess
O Jesu, he doth it as like one of these harlotry
Link: 2.4.378
players as ever I see!
Link: 2.4.379
FALSTAFF
Peace, good pint-pot; peace, good tickle-brain.
Link: 2.4.380
Harry, I do not only marvel where thou spendest thy
Link: 2.4.381
time, but also how thou art accompanied: for though
Link: 2.4.382
the camomile, the more it is trodden on the faster
Link: 2.4.383
it grows, yet youth, the more it is wasted the
Link: 2.4.384
sooner it wears. That thou art my son, I have
Link: 2.4.385
partly thy mother's word, partly my own opinion,
Link: 2.4.386
but chiefly a villanous trick of thine eye and a
Link: 2.4.387
foolish-hanging of thy nether lip, that doth warrant
Link: 2.4.388
me. If then thou be son to me, here lies the point;
Link: 2.4.389
why, being son to me, art thou so pointed at? Shall
Link: 2.4.390
the blessed sun of heaven prove a micher and eat
Link: 2.4.391
blackberries? a question not to be asked. Shall
Link: 2.4.392
the sun of England prove a thief and take purses? a
Link: 2.4.393
question to be asked. There is a thing, Harry,
Link: 2.4.394
which thou hast often heard of and it is known to
Link: 2.4.395
many in our land by the name of pitch: this pitch,
Link: 2.4.396
as ancient writers do report, doth defile; so doth
Link: 2.4.397
the company thou keepest: for, Harry, now I do not
Link: 2.4.398
speak to thee in drink but in tears, not in
Link: 2.4.399
pleasure but in passion, not in words only, but in
Link: 2.4.400
woes also: and yet there is a virtuous man whom I
Link: 2.4.401
have often noted in thy company, but I know not his name.
Link: 2.4.402
PRINCE HENRY
What manner of man, an it like your majesty?
Link: 2.4.403
FALSTAFF
A goodly portly man, i' faith, and a corpulent; of a
Link: 2.4.404
cheerful look, a pleasing eye and a most noble
Link: 2.4.405
carriage; and, as I think, his age some fifty, or,
Link: 2.4.406
by'r lady, inclining to three score; and now I
Link: 2.4.407
remember me, his name is Falstaff: if that man
Link: 2.4.408
should be lewdly given, he deceiveth me; for, Harry,
Link: 2.4.409
I see virtue in his looks. If then the tree may be
Link: 2.4.410
known by the fruit, as the fruit by the tree, then,
Link: 2.4.411
peremptorily I speak it, there is virtue in that
Link: 2.4.412
Falstaff: him keep with, the rest banish. And tell
Link: 2.4.413
me now, thou naughty varlet, tell me, where hast
Link: 2.4.414
thou been this month?
Link: 2.4.415
PRINCE HENRY
Dost thou speak like a king? Do thou stand for me,
Link: 2.4.416
and I'll play my father.
Link: 2.4.417
FALSTAFF
Depose me? if thou dost it half so gravely, so
Link: 2.4.418
majestically, both in word and matter, hang me up by
Link: 2.4.419
the heels for a rabbit-sucker or a poulter's hare.
Link: 2.4.420
PRINCE HENRY
Well, here I am set.
Link: 2.4.421
FALSTAFF
And here I stand: judge, my masters.
Link: 2.4.422
PRINCE HENRY
Now, Harry, whence come you?
Link: 2.4.423
FALSTAFF
My noble lord, from Eastcheap.
Link: 2.4.424
PRINCE HENRY
The complaints I hear of thee are grievous.
Link: 2.4.425
FALSTAFF
'Sblood, my lord, they are false: nay, I'll tickle
Link: 2.4.426
ye for a young prince, i' faith.
Link: 2.4.427
PRINCE HENRY
Swearest thou, ungracious boy? henceforth ne'er look
Link: 2.4.428
on me. Thou art violently carried away from grace:
Link: 2.4.429
there is a devil haunts thee in the likeness of an
Link: 2.4.430
old fat man; a tun of man is thy companion. Why
Link: 2.4.431
dost thou converse with that trunk of humours, that
Link: 2.4.432
bolting-hutch of beastliness, that swollen parcel
Link: 2.4.433
of dropsies, that huge bombard of sack, that stuffed
Link: 2.4.434
cloak-bag of guts, that roasted Manningtree ox with
Link: 2.4.435
the pudding in his belly, that reverend vice, that
Link: 2.4.436
grey iniquity, that father ruffian, that vanity in
Link: 2.4.437
years? Wherein is he good, but to taste sack and
Link: 2.4.438
drink it? wherein neat and cleanly, but to carve a
Link: 2.4.439
capon and eat it? wherein cunning, but in craft?
Link: 2.4.440
wherein crafty, but in villany? wherein villanous,
Link: 2.4.441
but in all things? wherein worthy, but in nothing?
Link: 2.4.442
FALSTAFF
I would your grace would take me with you: whom
Link: 2.4.443
means your grace?
Link: 2.4.444
PRINCE HENRY
That villanous abominable misleader of youth,
Link: 2.4.445
Falstaff, that old white-bearded Satan.
Link: 2.4.446
FALSTAFF
My lord, the man I know.
Link: 2.4.447
PRINCE HENRY
I know thou dost.
Link: 2.4.448
FALSTAFF
But to say I know more harm in him than in myself,
Link: 2.4.449
were to say more than I know. That he is old, the
Link: 2.4.450
more the pity, his white hairs do witness it; but
Link: 2.4.451
that he is, saving your reverence, a whoremaster,
Link: 2.4.452
that I utterly deny. If sack and sugar be a fault,
Link: 2.4.453
God help the wicked! if to be old and merry be a
Link: 2.4.454
sin, then many an old host that I know is damned: if
Link: 2.4.455
to be fat be to be hated, then Pharaoh's lean kine
Link: 2.4.456
are to be loved. No, my good lord; banish Peto,
Link: 2.4.457
banish Bardolph, banish Poins: but for sweet Jack
Link: 2.4.458
Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff,
Link: 2.4.459
valiant Jack Falstaff, and therefore more valiant,
Link: 2.4.460
being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff, banish not him
Link: 2.4.461
thy Harry's company, banish not him thy Harry's
Link: 2.4.462
company: banish plump Jack, and banish all the world.
Link: 2.4.463
PRINCE HENRY
I do, I will.
Link: 2.4.464
Exeunt Hostess, FRANCIS, and BARDOLPH
Re-enter BARDOLPH, running
BARDOLPH
O, my lord, my lord! the sheriff with a most
Link: 2.4.465
monstrous watch is at the door.
Link: 2.4.466
FALSTAFF
Out, ye rogue! Play out the play: I have much to
Link: 2.4.467
say in the behalf of that Falstaff.
Link: 2.4.468
Re-enter the Hostess
Hostess
O Jesu, my lord, my lord!
Link: 2.4.469
PRINCE HENRY
Heigh, heigh! the devil rides upon a fiddlestick:
Link: 2.4.470
what's the matter?
Link: 2.4.471
Hostess
The sheriff and all the watch are at the door: they
Link: 2.4.472
are come to search the house. Shall I let them in?
Link: 2.4.473
FALSTAFF
Dost thou hear, Hal? never call a true piece of
Link: 2.4.474
gold a counterfeit: thou art essentially mad,
Link: 2.4.475
without seeming so.
Link: 2.4.476
PRINCE HENRY
And thou a natural coward, without instinct.
Link: 2.4.477
FALSTAFF
I deny your major: if you will deny the sheriff,
Link: 2.4.478
so; if not, let him enter: if I become not a cart
Link: 2.4.479
as well as another man, a plague on my bringing up!
Link: 2.4.480
I hope I shall as soon be strangled with a halter as another.
Link: 2.4.481
PRINCE HENRY
Go, hide thee behind the arras: the rest walk up
Link: 2.4.482
above. Now, my masters, for a true face and good
Link: 2.4.483
conscience.
Link: 2.4.484
FALSTAFF
Both which I have had: but their date is out, and
Link: 2.4.485
therefore I'll hide me.
Link: 2.4.486
PRINCE HENRY
Call in the sheriff.
Link: 2.4.487
Now, master sheriff, what is your will with me?
Link: 2.4.488
Sheriff
First, pardon me, my lord. A hue and cry
Link: 2.4.489
Hath follow'd certain men unto this house.
Link: 2.4.490
PRINCE HENRY
What men?
Link: 2.4.491
Sheriff
One of them is well known, my gracious lord,
Link: 2.4.492
A gross fat man.
Link: 2.4.493
Carrier
As fat as butter.
Link: 2.4.494
PRINCE HENRY
The man, I do assure you, is not here;
Link: 2.4.495
For I myself at this time have employ'd him.
Link: 2.4.496
And, sheriff, I will engage my word to thee
Link: 2.4.497
That I will, by to-morrow dinner-time,
Link: 2.4.498
Send him to answer thee, or any man,
Link: 2.4.499
For any thing he shall be charged withal:
Link: 2.4.500
And so let me entreat you leave the house.
Link: 2.4.501
Sheriff
I will, my lord. There are two gentlemen
Link: 2.4.502
Have in this robbery lost three hundred marks.
Link: 2.4.503
PRINCE HENRY
It may be so: if he have robb'd these men,
Link: 2.4.504
He shall be answerable; and so farewell.
Link: 2.4.505
Sheriff
Good night, my noble lord.
Link: 2.4.506
PRINCE HENRY
I think it is good morrow, is it not?
Link: 2.4.507
Sheriff
Indeed, my lord, I think it be two o'clock.
Link: 2.4.508
Exeunt Sheriff and Carrier
PRINCE HENRY
This oily rascal is known as well as Paul's. Go,
Link: 2.4.509
call him forth.
Link: 2.4.510
PETO
Falstaff!--Fast asleep behind the arras, and
Link: 2.4.511
snorting like a horse.
Link: 2.4.512
PRINCE HENRY
Hark, how hard he fetches breath. Search his pockets.
Link: 2.4.513
What hast thou found?
Link: 2.4.514
PETO
Nothing but papers, my lord.
Link: 2.4.515
PRINCE HENRY
Let's see what they be: read them.
Link: 2.4.516
PETO
(Reads) Item, A capon,. . 2s. 2d.
Link: 2.4.517
Item, Sauce,. . . 4d.
Link: 2.4.518
Item, Sack, two gallons, 5s. 8d.
Link: 2.4.519
Item, Anchovies and sack after supper, 2s. 6d.
Link: 2.4.520
Item, Bread, ob.
Link: 2.4.521
PRINCE HENRY
O monstrous! but one half-penny-worth of bread to
Link: 2.4.522
this intolerable deal of sack! What there is else,
Link: 2.4.523
keep close; we'll read it at more advantage: there
Link: 2.4.524
let him sleep till day. I'll to the court in the
Link: 2.4.525
morning. We must all to the wars, and thy place
Link: 2.4.526
shall be honourable. I'll procure this fat rogue a
Link: 2.4.527
charge of foot; and I know his death will be a
Link: 2.4.528
march of twelve-score. The money shall be paid
Link: 2.4.529
back again with advantage. Be with me betimes in
Link: 2.4.530
the morning; and so, good morrow, Peto.
Link: 2.4.531
Exeunt
PETO
Good morrow, good my lord.
Link: 2.4.532
Act III
Act 3 of Henry IV, Part 1, is a dramatic turn of events in the play. The Act begins with a conversation between Prince Hal and Falstaff, where Hal reveals his true intentions of becoming a responsible king. Meanwhile, Hotspur is preparing for war against King Henry, and his alliance with the Welsh rebels is growing stronger.
The pivotal scene of Act 3 is the Battle of Shrewsbury, where King Henry and Prince Hal are fighting against Hotspur and his army. The battle is intense and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy losses. During the battle, Prince Hal shows his bravery and leadership skills, which impresses his father and earns his respect.
However, the turning point of the battle is when Prince Hal kills Hotspur in a one-on-one combat. This is a significant victory for Prince Hal and the royal army, as Hotspur was the main threat to their reign. The death of Hotspur also marks the end of the rebellion and the beginning of Prince Hal's transformation into a responsible king.
Act 3 of Henry IV, Part 1, is a crucial part of the play, as it sets the stage for the events that will follow. The death of Hotspur is a significant turning point in the plot, and it marks the beginning of Prince Hal's journey towards becoming King Henry V. The Act is full of action and drama, and it showcases Shakespeare's mastery in creating compelling characters and intricate plotlines.
SCENE I. Bangor. The Archdeacon's house.
Scene 1 of Act 3 opens in a room in the palace where King Henry IV is conversing with his councilors about the ongoing rebellion led by his former ally, Harry Percy (Hotspur). The king expresses his frustration and disappointment in Hotspur's betrayal and discusses the military strategy to defeat him. At this point, a messenger arrives with news that Hotspur's forces have taken the city of York and are marching towards London. The king orders his army to gather and prepare for battle. In the meantime, Henry IV's son, Prince Hal, arrives and asks for permission to lead the charge against Hotspur's army. The king is initially hesitant, doubting Hal's ability to lead an army and questioning his loyalty. However, Hal proves his worth by revealing his plan to disguise himself as a common soldier and infiltrate Hotspur's camp to gain valuable intelligence. The councilors express their doubts about Hal's plan, but the prince is confident in his abilities and assures them that he will not fail. The scene ends with Hal leaving to prepare for his mission and the king and councilors discussing the upcoming battle.
Enter HOTSPUR, WORCESTER, MORTIMER, and GLENDOWER
MORTIMER
These promises are fair, the parties sure,
Link: 3.1.1
And our induction full of prosperous hope.
Link: 3.1.2
HOTSPUR
Lord Mortimer, and cousin Glendower,
Link: 3.1.3
Will you sit down?
Link: 3.1.4
And uncle Worcester: a plague upon it!
Link: 3.1.5
I have forgot the map.
Link: 3.1.6
GLENDOWER
No, here it is.
Link: 3.1.7
Sit, cousin Percy; sit, good cousin Hotspur,
Link: 3.1.8
For by that name as oft as Lancaster
Link: 3.1.9
Doth speak of you, his cheek looks pale and with
Link: 3.1.10
A rising sigh he wisheth you in heaven.
Link: 3.1.11
HOTSPUR
And you in hell, as oft as he hears Owen Glendower spoke of.
Link: 3.1.12
GLENDOWER
I cannot blame him: at my nativity
Link: 3.1.13
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
Link: 3.1.14
Of burning cressets; and at my birth
Link: 3.1.15
The frame and huge foundation of the earth
Link: 3.1.16
Shaked like a coward.
Link: 3.1.17
HOTSPUR
Why, so it would have done at the same season, if
Link: 3.1.18
your mother's cat had but kittened, though yourself
Link: 3.1.19
had never been born.
Link: 3.1.20
GLENDOWER
I say the earth did shake when I was born.
Link: 3.1.21
HOTSPUR
And I say the earth was not of my mind,
Link: 3.1.22
If you suppose as fearing you it shook.
Link: 3.1.23
GLENDOWER
The heavens were all on fire, the earth did tremble.
Link: 3.1.24
HOTSPUR
O, then the earth shook to see the heavens on fire,
Link: 3.1.25
And not in fear of your nativity.
Link: 3.1.26
Diseased nature oftentimes breaks forth
Link: 3.1.27
In strange eruptions; oft the teeming earth
Link: 3.1.28
Is with a kind of colic pinch'd and vex'd
Link: 3.1.29
By the imprisoning of unruly wind
Link: 3.1.30
Within her womb; which, for enlargement striving,
Link: 3.1.31
Shakes the old beldam earth and topples down
Link: 3.1.32
Steeples and moss-grown towers. At your birth
Link: 3.1.33
Our grandam earth, having this distemperature,
Link: 3.1.34
In passion shook.
Link: 3.1.35
GLENDOWER
Cousin, of many men
Link: 3.1.36
I do not bear these crossings. Give me leave
Link: 3.1.37
To tell you once again that at my birth
Link: 3.1.38
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
Link: 3.1.39
The goats ran from the mountains, and the herds
Link: 3.1.40
Were strangely clamorous to the frighted fields.
Link: 3.1.41
These signs have mark'd me extraordinary;
Link: 3.1.42
And all the courses of my life do show
Link: 3.1.43
I am not in the roll of common men.
Link: 3.1.44
Where is he living, clipp'd in with the sea
Link: 3.1.45
That chides the banks of England, Scotland, Wales,
Link: 3.1.46
Which calls me pupil, or hath read to me?
Link: 3.1.47
And bring him out that is but woman's son
Link: 3.1.48
Can trace me in the tedious ways of art
Link: 3.1.49
And hold me pace in deep experiments.
Link: 3.1.50
HOTSPUR
I think there's no man speaks better Welsh.
Link: 3.1.51
I'll to dinner.
Link: 3.1.52
MORTIMER
Peace, cousin Percy; you will make him mad.
Link: 3.1.53
GLENDOWER
I can call spirits from the vasty deep.
Link: 3.1.54
HOTSPUR
Why, so can I, or so can any man;
Link: 3.1.55
But will they come when you do call for them?
Link: 3.1.56
GLENDOWER
Why, I can teach you, cousin, to command
Link: 3.1.57
The devil.
Link: 3.1.58
HOTSPUR
And I can teach thee, coz, to shame the devil
Link: 3.1.59
By telling truth: tell truth and shame the devil.
Link: 3.1.60
If thou have power to raise him, bring him hither,
Link: 3.1.61
And I'll be sworn I have power to shame him hence.
Link: 3.1.62
O, while you live, tell truth and shame the devil!
Link: 3.1.63
MORTIMER
Come, come, no more of this unprofitable chat.
Link: 3.1.64
GLENDOWER
Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head
Link: 3.1.65
Against my power; thrice from the banks of Wye
Link: 3.1.66
And sandy-bottom'd Severn have I sent him
Link: 3.1.67
Bootless home and weather-beaten back.
Link: 3.1.68
HOTSPUR
Home without boots, and in foul weather too!
Link: 3.1.69
How 'scapes he agues, in the devil's name?
Link: 3.1.70
GLENDOWER
Come, here's the map: shall we divide our right
Link: 3.1.71
According to our threefold order ta'en?
Link: 3.1.72
MORTIMER
The archdeacon hath divided it
Link: 3.1.73
Into three limits very equally:
Link: 3.1.74
England, from Trent and Severn hitherto,
Link: 3.1.75
By south and east is to my part assign'd:
Link: 3.1.76
All westward, Wales beyond the Severn shore,
Link: 3.1.77
And all the fertile land within that bound,
Link: 3.1.78
To Owen Glendower: and, dear coz, to you
Link: 3.1.79
The remnant northward, lying off from Trent.
Link: 3.1.80
And our indentures tripartite are drawn;
Link: 3.1.81
Which being sealed interchangeably,
Link: 3.1.82
A business that this night may execute,
Link: 3.1.83
To-morrow, cousin Percy, you and I
Link: 3.1.84
And my good Lord of Worcester will set forth
Link: 3.1.85
To meet your father and the Scottish power,
Link: 3.1.86
As is appointed us, at Shrewsbury.
Link: 3.1.87
My father Glendower is not ready yet,
Link: 3.1.88
Not shall we need his help these fourteen days.
Link: 3.1.89
Within that space you may have drawn together
Link: 3.1.90
Your tenants, friends and neighbouring gentlemen.
Link: 3.1.91
GLENDOWER
A shorter time shall send me to you, lords:
Link: 3.1.92
And in my conduct shall your ladies come;
Link: 3.1.93
From whom you now must steal and take no leave,
Link: 3.1.94
For there will be a world of water shed
Link: 3.1.95
Upon the parting of your wives and you.
Link: 3.1.96
HOTSPUR
Methinks my moiety, north from Burton here,
Link: 3.1.97
In quantity equals not one of yours:
Link: 3.1.98
See how this river comes me cranking in,
Link: 3.1.99
And cuts me from the best of all my land
Link: 3.1.100
A huge half-moon, a monstrous cantle out.
Link: 3.1.101
I'll have the current in this place damm'd up;
Link: 3.1.102
And here the smug and silver Trent shall run
Link: 3.1.103
In a new channel, fair and evenly;
Link: 3.1.104
It shall not wind with such a deep indent,
Link: 3.1.105
To rob me of so rich a bottom here.
Link: 3.1.106
GLENDOWER
Not wind? it shall, it must; you see it doth.
Link: 3.1.107
MORTIMER
Yea, but
Link: 3.1.108
Mark how he bears his course, and runs me up
Link: 3.1.109
With like advantage on the other side;
Link: 3.1.110
Gelding the opposed continent as much
Link: 3.1.111
As on the other side it takes from you.
Link: 3.1.112
EARL OF WORCESTER
Yea, but a little charge will trench him here
Link: 3.1.113
And on this north side win this cape of land;
Link: 3.1.114
And then he runs straight and even.
Link: 3.1.115
HOTSPUR
I'll have it so: a little charge will do it.
Link: 3.1.116
GLENDOWER
I'll not have it alter'd.
Link: 3.1.117
HOTSPUR
Will not you?
Link: 3.1.118
GLENDOWER
No, nor you shall not.
Link: 3.1.119
HOTSPUR
Who shall say me nay?
Link: 3.1.120
GLENDOWER
Why, that will I.
Link: 3.1.121
HOTSPUR
Let me not understand you, then; speak it in Welsh.
Link: 3.1.122
GLENDOWER
I can speak English, lord, as well as you;
Link: 3.1.123
For I was train'd up in the English court;
Link: 3.1.124
Where, being but young, I framed to the harp
Link: 3.1.125
Many an English ditty lovely well
Link: 3.1.126
And gave the tongue a helpful ornament,
Link: 3.1.127
A virtue that was never seen in you.
Link: 3.1.128
HOTSPUR
Marry,
Link: 3.1.129
And I am glad of it with all my heart:
Link: 3.1.130
I had rather be a kitten and cry mew
Link: 3.1.131
Than one of these same metre ballad-mongers;
Link: 3.1.132
I had rather hear a brazen canstick turn'd,
Link: 3.1.133
Or a dry wheel grate on the axle-tree;
Link: 3.1.134
And that would set my teeth nothing on edge,
Link: 3.1.135
Nothing so much as mincing poetry:
Link: 3.1.136
'Tis like the forced gait of a shuffling nag.
Link: 3.1.137
GLENDOWER
Come, you shall have Trent turn'd.
Link: 3.1.138
HOTSPUR
I do not care: I'll give thrice so much land
Link: 3.1.139
To any well-deserving friend;
Link: 3.1.140
But in the way of bargain, mark ye me,
Link: 3.1.141
I'll cavil on the ninth part of a hair.
Link: 3.1.142
Are the indentures drawn? shall we be gone?
Link: 3.1.143
GLENDOWER
The moon shines fair; you may away by night:
Link: 3.1.144
I'll haste the writer and withal
Link: 3.1.145
Break with your wives of your departure hence:
Link: 3.1.146
I am afraid my daughter will run mad,
Link: 3.1.147
So much she doteth on her Mortimer.
Link: 3.1.148
Exit GLENDOWER
MORTIMER
Fie, cousin Percy! how you cross my father!
Link: 3.1.149
HOTSPUR
I cannot choose: sometime he angers me
Link: 3.1.150
With telling me of the mouldwarp and the ant,
Link: 3.1.151
Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies,
Link: 3.1.152
And of a dragon and a finless fish,
Link: 3.1.153
A clip-wing'd griffin and a moulten raven,
Link: 3.1.154
A couching lion and a ramping cat,
Link: 3.1.155
And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff
Link: 3.1.156
As puts me from my faith. I tell you what;
Link: 3.1.157
He held me last night at least nine hours
Link: 3.1.158
In reckoning up the several devils' names
Link: 3.1.159
That were his lackeys: I cried 'hum,' and 'well, go to,'
Link: 3.1.160
But mark'd him not a word. O, he is as tedious
Link: 3.1.161
As a tired horse, a railing wife;
Link: 3.1.162
Worse than a smoky house: I had rather live
Link: 3.1.163
With cheese and garlic in a windmill, far,
Link: 3.1.164
Than feed on cates and have him talk to me
Link: 3.1.165
In any summer-house in Christendom.
Link: 3.1.166
MORTIMER
In faith, he is a worthy gentleman,
Link: 3.1.167
Exceedingly well read, and profited
Link: 3.1.168
In strange concealments, valiant as a lion
Link: 3.1.169
And as wondrous affable and as bountiful
Link: 3.1.170
As mines of India. Shall I tell you, cousin?
Link: 3.1.171
He holds your temper in a high respect
Link: 3.1.172
And curbs himself even of his natural scope
Link: 3.1.173
When you come 'cross his humour; faith, he does:
Link: 3.1.174
I warrant you, that man is not alive
Link: 3.1.175
Might so have tempted him as you have done,
Link: 3.1.176
Without the taste of danger and reproof:
Link: 3.1.177
But do not use it oft, let me entreat you.
Link: 3.1.178
EARL OF WORCESTER
In faith, my lord, you are too wilful-blame;
Link: 3.1.179
And since your coming hither have done enough
Link: 3.1.180
To put him quite beside his patience.
Link: 3.1.181
You must needs learn, lord, to amend this fault:
Link: 3.1.182
Though sometimes it show greatness, courage, blood,--
Link: 3.1.183
And that's the dearest grace it renders you,--
Link: 3.1.184
Yet oftentimes it doth present harsh rage,
Link: 3.1.185
Defect of manners, want of government,
Link: 3.1.186
Pride, haughtiness, opinion and disdain:
Link: 3.1.187
The least of which haunting a nobleman
Link: 3.1.188
Loseth men's hearts and leaves behind a stain
Link: 3.1.189
Upon the beauty of all parts besides,
Link: 3.1.190
Beguiling them of commendation.
Link: 3.1.191
HOTSPUR
Well, I am school'd: good manners be your speed!
Link: 3.1.192
Here come our wives, and let us take our leave.
Link: 3.1.193
Re-enter GLENDOWER with the ladies
MORTIMER
This is the deadly spite that angers me;
Link: 3.1.194
My wife can speak no English, I no Welsh.
Link: 3.1.195
GLENDOWER
My daughter weeps: she will not part with you;
Link: 3.1.196
She'll be a soldier too, she'll to the wars.
Link: 3.1.197
MORTIMER
Good father, tell her that she and my aunt Percy
Link: 3.1.198
Shall follow in your conduct speedily.
Link: 3.1.199
Glendower speaks to her in Welsh, and she answers him in the same
GLENDOWER
She is desperate here; a peevish self-wind harlotry,
Link: 3.1.200
one that no persuasion can do good upon.
Link: 3.1.201
The lady speaks in Welsh
MORTIMER
I understand thy looks: that pretty Welsh
Link: 3.1.202
Which thou pour'st down from these swelling heavens
Link: 3.1.203
I am too perfect in; and, but for shame,
Link: 3.1.204
In such a parley should I answer thee.
Link: 3.1.205
I understand thy kisses and thou mine,
Link: 3.1.206
And that's a feeling disputation:
Link: 3.1.207
But I will never be a truant, love,
Link: 3.1.208
Till I have learned thy language; for thy tongue
Link: 3.1.209
Makes Welsh as sweet as ditties highly penn'd,
Link: 3.1.210
Sung by a fair queen in a summer's bower,
Link: 3.1.211
With ravishing division, to her lute.
Link: 3.1.212
GLENDOWER
Nay, if you melt, then will she run mad.
Link: 3.1.213
The lady speaks again in Welsh
MORTIMER
O, I am ignorance itself in this!
Link: 3.1.214
GLENDOWER
She bids you on the wanton rushes lay you down
Link: 3.1.215
And rest your gentle head upon her lap,
Link: 3.1.216
And she will sing the song that pleaseth you
Link: 3.1.217
And on your eyelids crown the god of sleep.
Link: 3.1.218
Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness,
Link: 3.1.219
Making such difference 'twixt wake and sleep
Link: 3.1.220
As is the difference betwixt day and night
Link: 3.1.221
The hour before the heavenly-harness'd team
Link: 3.1.222
Begins his golden progress in the east.
Link: 3.1.223
MORTIMER
With all my heart I'll sit and hear her sing:
Link: 3.1.224
By that time will our book, I think, be drawn
Link: 3.1.225
GLENDOWER
Do so;
Link: 3.1.226
And those musicians that shall play to you
Link: 3.1.227
Hang in the air a thousand leagues from hence,
Link: 3.1.228
And straight they shall be here: sit, and attend.
Link: 3.1.229
HOTSPUR
Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down: come,
Link: 3.1.230
quick, quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.
Link: 3.1.231
LADY PERCY
Go, ye giddy goose.
Link: 3.1.232
The music plays
HOTSPUR
Now I perceive the devil understands Welsh;
Link: 3.1.233
And 'tis no marvel he is so humorous.
Link: 3.1.234
By'r lady, he is a good musician.
Link: 3.1.235
LADY PERCY
Then should you be nothing but musical for you are
Link: 3.1.236
altogether governed by humours. Lie still, ye thief,
Link: 3.1.237
and hear the lady sing in Welsh.
Link: 3.1.238
HOTSPUR
I had rather hear Lady, my brach, howl in Irish.
Link: 3.1.239
LADY PERCY
Wouldst thou have thy head broken?
Link: 3.1.240
HOTSPUR
No.
Link: 3.1.241
LADY PERCY
Then be still.
Link: 3.1.242
HOTSPUR
Neither;'tis a woman's fault.
Link: 3.1.243
LADY PERCY
Now God help thee!
Link: 3.1.244
HOTSPUR
To the Welsh lady's bed.
Link: 3.1.245
LADY PERCY
What's that?
Link: 3.1.246
HOTSPUR
Peace! she sings.
Link: 3.1.247
Here the lady sings a Welsh song
HOTSPUR
Come, Kate, I'll have your song too.
Link: 3.1.248
LADY PERCY
Not mine, in good sooth.
Link: 3.1.249
HOTSPUR
Not yours, in good sooth! Heart! you swear like a
Link: 3.1.250
comfit-maker's wife. 'Not you, in good sooth,' and
Link: 3.1.251
'as true as I live,' and 'as God shall mend me,' and
Link: 3.1.252
'as sure as day,'
Link: 3.1.253
And givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths,
Link: 3.1.254
As if thou never walk'st further than Finsbury.
Link: 3.1.255
Swear me, Kate, like a lady as thou art,
Link: 3.1.256
A good mouth-filling oath, and leave 'in sooth,'
Link: 3.1.257
And such protest of pepper-gingerbread,
Link: 3.1.258
To velvet-guards and Sunday-citizens.
Link: 3.1.259
Come, sing.
Link: 3.1.260
LADY PERCY
I will not sing.
Link: 3.1.261
HOTSPUR
'Tis the next way to turn tailor, or be red-breast
Link: 3.1.262
teacher. An the indentures be drawn, I'll away
Link: 3.1.263
within these two hours; and so, come in when ye will.
Link: 3.1.264
Exit
GLENDOWER
Come, come, Lord Mortimer; you are as slow
Link: 3.1.265
As hot Lord Percy is on fire to go.
Link: 3.1.266
By this our book is drawn; we'll but seal,
Link: 3.1.267
And then to horse immediately.
Link: 3.1.268
MORTIMER
With all my heart.
Link: 3.1.269
Exeunt
SCENE II. London. The palace.
Scene 2 of Act 3 of Henry IV, Part 1 is a pivotal moment in the play. The scene takes place in the rebel camp, where the leaders are gathered to discuss their strategy for the upcoming battle against the king's forces. Hotspur, the impetuous and charismatic rebel leader, is in a state of high excitement, eager to take on the king's army. However, there is tension in the camp, as some of the other leaders are less enthusiastic about the rebellion. Worcester, Hotspur's uncle, is particularly concerned about the lack of support from the Scottish allies, who have failed to arrive in time for the battle. He suggests that they should try to negotiate a peace with the king, but Hotspur is dismissive of this idea, insisting that they must fight to the death. The scene is also notable for the introduction of a new character, a young Welshman named Owen Glendower. Glendower is a powerful and enigmatic figure, who claims to have supernatural powers and to be able to summon spirits. Hotspur is initially wary of Glendower, but he is eventually won over by the Welshman's charisma and apparent magical abilities. The scene ends with the rebels rallying around Hotspur, as they prepare to face the king's army. It is clear that there are divisions within the rebel camp, but for now, they are united in their determination to fight for their cause. The stage is set for the climactic battle that will take place in the next act.
Enter KING HENRY IV, PRINCE HENRY, and others
KING HENRY IV
Lords, give us leave; the Prince of Wales and I
Link: 3.2.1
Must have some private conference; but be near at hand,
Link: 3.2.2
For we shall presently have need of you.
Link: 3.2.3
I know not whether God will have it so,
Link: 3.2.4
For some displeasing service I have done,
Link: 3.2.5
That, in his secret doom, out of my blood
Link: 3.2.6
He'll breed revengement and a scourge for me;
Link: 3.2.7
But thou dost in thy passages of life
Link: 3.2.8
Make me believe that thou art only mark'd
Link: 3.2.9
For the hot vengeance and the rod of heaven
Link: 3.2.10
To punish my mistreadings. Tell me else,
Link: 3.2.11
Could such inordinate and low desires,
Link: 3.2.12
Such poor, such bare, such lewd, such mean attempts,
Link: 3.2.13
Such barren pleasures, rude society,
Link: 3.2.14
As thou art match'd withal and grafted to,
Link: 3.2.15
Accompany the greatness of thy blood
Link: 3.2.16
And hold their level with thy princely heart?
Link: 3.2.17
PRINCE HENRY
So please your majesty, I would I could
Link: 3.2.18
Quit all offences with as clear excuse
Link: 3.2.19
As well as I am doubtless I can purge
Link: 3.2.20
Myself of many I am charged withal:
Link: 3.2.21
Yet such extenuation let me beg,
Link: 3.2.22
As, in reproof of many tales devised,
Link: 3.2.23
which oft the ear of greatness needs must hear,
Link: 3.2.24
By smiling pick-thanks and base news-mongers,
Link: 3.2.25
I may, for some things true, wherein my youth
Link: 3.2.26
Hath faulty wander'd and irregular,
Link: 3.2.27
Find pardon on my true submission.
Link: 3.2.28
KING HENRY IV
God pardon thee! yet let me wonder, Harry,
Link: 3.2.29
At thy affections, which do hold a wing
Link: 3.2.30
Quite from the flight of all thy ancestors.
Link: 3.2.31
Thy place in council thou hast rudely lost.
Link: 3.2.32
Which by thy younger brother is supplied,
Link: 3.2.33
And art almost an alien to the hearts
Link: 3.2.34
Of all the court and princes of my blood:
Link: 3.2.35
The hope and expectation of thy time
Link: 3.2.36
Is ruin'd, and the soul of every man
Link: 3.2.37
Prophetically doth forethink thy fall.
Link: 3.2.38
Had I so lavish of my presence been,
Link: 3.2.39
So common-hackney'd in the eyes of men,
Link: 3.2.40
So stale and cheap to vulgar company,
Link: 3.2.41
Opinion, that did help me to the crown,
Link: 3.2.42
Had still kept loyal to possession
Link: 3.2.43
And left me in reputeless banishment,
Link: 3.2.44
A fellow of no mark nor likelihood.
Link: 3.2.45
By being seldom seen, I could not stir
Link: 3.2.46
But like a comet I was wonder'd at;
Link: 3.2.47
That men would tell their children 'This is he;'
Link: 3.2.48
Others would say 'Where, which is Bolingbroke?'
Link: 3.2.49
And then I stole all courtesy from heaven,
Link: 3.2.50
And dress'd myself in such humility
Link: 3.2.51
That I did pluck allegiance from men's hearts,
Link: 3.2.52
Loud shouts and salutations from their mouths,
Link: 3.2.53
Even in the presence of the crowned king.
Link: 3.2.54
Thus did I keep my person fresh and new;
Link: 3.2.55
My presence, like a robe pontifical,
Link: 3.2.56
Ne'er seen but wonder'd at: and so my state,
Link: 3.2.57
Seldom but sumptuous, showed like a feast
Link: 3.2.58
And won by rareness such solemnity.
Link: 3.2.59
The skipping king, he ambled up and down
Link: 3.2.60
With shallow jesters and rash bavin wits,
Link: 3.2.61
Soon kindled and soon burnt; carded his state,
Link: 3.2.62
Mingled his royalty with capering fools,
Link: 3.2.63
Had his great name profaned with their scorns
Link: 3.2.64
And gave his countenance, against his name,
Link: 3.2.65
To laugh at gibing boys and stand the push
Link: 3.2.66
Of every beardless vain comparative,
Link: 3.2.67
Grew a companion to the common streets,
Link: 3.2.68
Enfeoff'd himself to popularity;
Link: 3.2.69
That, being daily swallow'd by men's eyes,
Link: 3.2.70
They surfeited with honey and began
Link: 3.2.71
To loathe the taste of sweetness, whereof a little
Link: 3.2.72
More than a little is by much too much.
Link: 3.2.73
So when he had occasion to be seen,
Link: 3.2.74
He was but as the cuckoo is in June,
Link: 3.2.75
Heard, not regarded; seen, but with such eyes
Link: 3.2.76
As, sick and blunted with community,
Link: 3.2.77
Afford no extraordinary gaze,
Link: 3.2.78
Such as is bent on sun-like majesty
Link: 3.2.79
When it shines seldom in admiring eyes;
Link: 3.2.80
But rather drowzed and hung their eyelids down,
Link: 3.2.81
Slept in his face and render'd such aspect
Link: 3.2.82
As cloudy men use to their adversaries,
Link: 3.2.83
Being with his presence glutted, gorged and full.
Link: 3.2.84
And in that very line, Harry, standest thou;
Link: 3.2.85
For thou has lost thy princely privilege
Link: 3.2.86
With vile participation: not an eye
Link: 3.2.87
But is a-weary of thy common sight,
Link: 3.2.88
Save mine, which hath desired to see thee more;
Link: 3.2.89
Which now doth that I would not have it do,
Link: 3.2.90
Make blind itself with foolish tenderness.
Link: 3.2.91
PRINCE HENRY
I shall hereafter, my thrice gracious lord,
Link: 3.2.92
Be more myself.
Link: 3.2.93
KING HENRY IV
For all the world
Link: 3.2.94
As thou art to this hour was Richard then
Link: 3.2.95
When I from France set foot at Ravenspurgh,
Link: 3.2.96
And even as I was then is Percy now.
Link: 3.2.97
Now, by my sceptre and my soul to boot,
Link: 3.2.98
He hath more worthy interest to the state
Link: 3.2.99
Than thou the shadow of succession;
Link: 3.2.100
For of no right, nor colour like to right,
Link: 3.2.101
He doth fill fields with harness in the realm,
Link: 3.2.102
Turns head against the lion's armed jaws,
Link: 3.2.103
And, being no more in debt to years than thou,
Link: 3.2.104
Leads ancient lords and reverend bishops on
Link: 3.2.105
To bloody battles and to bruising arms.
Link: 3.2.106
What never-dying honour hath he got
Link: 3.2.107
Against renowned Douglas! whose high deeds,
Link: 3.2.108
Whose hot incursions and great name in arms
Link: 3.2.109
Holds from all soldiers chief majority
Link: 3.2.110
And military title capital
Link: 3.2.111
Through all the kingdoms that acknowledge Christ:
Link: 3.2.112
Thrice hath this Hotspur, Mars in swathling clothes,
Link: 3.2.113
This infant warrior, in his enterprises
Link: 3.2.114
Discomfited great Douglas, ta'en him once,
Link: 3.2.115
Enlarged him and made a friend of him,
Link: 3.2.116
To fill the mouth of deep defiance up
Link: 3.2.117
And shake the peace and safety of our throne.
Link: 3.2.118
And what say you to this? Percy, Northumberland,
Link: 3.2.119
The Archbishop's grace of York, Douglas, Mortimer,
Link: 3.2.120
Capitulate against us and are up.
Link: 3.2.121
But wherefore do I tell these news to thee?
Link: 3.2.122
Why, Harry, do I tell thee of my foes,
Link: 3.2.123
Which art my near'st and dearest enemy?
Link: 3.2.124
Thou that art like enough, through vassal fear,
Link: 3.2.125
Base inclination and the start of spleen
Link: 3.2.126
To fight against me under Percy's pay,
Link: 3.2.127
To dog his heels and curtsy at his frowns,
Link: 3.2.128
To show how much thou art degenerate.
Link: 3.2.129
PRINCE HENRY
Do not think so; you shall not find it so:
Link: 3.2.130
And God forgive them that so much have sway'd
Link: 3.2.131
Your majesty's good thoughts away from me!
Link: 3.2.132
I will redeem all this on Percy's head
Link: 3.2.133
And in the closing of some glorious day
Link: 3.2.134
Be bold to tell you that I am your son;
Link: 3.2.135
When I will wear a garment all of blood
Link: 3.2.136
And stain my favours in a bloody mask,
Link: 3.2.137
Which, wash'd away, shall scour my shame with it:
Link: 3.2.138
And that shall be the day, whene'er it lights,
Link: 3.2.139
That this same child of honour and renown,
Link: 3.2.140
This gallant Hotspur, this all-praised knight,
Link: 3.2.141
And your unthought-of Harry chance to meet.
Link: 3.2.142
For every honour sitting on his helm,
Link: 3.2.143
Would they were multitudes, and on my head
Link: 3.2.144
My shames redoubled! for the time will come,
Link: 3.2.145
That I shall make this northern youth exchange
Link: 3.2.146
His glorious deeds for my indignities.
Link: 3.2.147
Percy is but my factor, good my lord,
Link: 3.2.148
To engross up glorious deeds on my behalf;
Link: 3.2.149
And I will call him to so strict account,
Link: 3.2.150
That he shall render every glory up,
Link: 3.2.151
Yea, even the slightest worship of his time,
Link: 3.2.152
Or I will tear the reckoning from his heart.
Link: 3.2.153
This, in the name of God, I promise here:
Link: 3.2.154
The which if He be pleased I shall perform,
Link: 3.2.155
I do beseech your majesty may salve
Link: 3.2.156
The long-grown wounds of my intemperance:
Link: 3.2.157
If not, the end of life cancels all bands;
Link: 3.2.158
And I will die a hundred thousand deaths
Link: 3.2.159
Ere break the smallest parcel of this vow.
Link: 3.2.160
KING HENRY IV
A hundred thousand rebels die in this:
Link: 3.2.161
Thou shalt have charge and sovereign trust herein.
Link: 3.2.162
How now, good Blunt? thy looks are full of speed.
Link: 3.2.163
SIR WALTER BLUNT
So hath the business that I come to speak of.
Link: 3.2.164
Lord Mortimer of Scotland hath sent word
Link: 3.2.165
That Douglas and the English rebels met
Link: 3.2.166
The eleventh of this month at Shrewsbury
Link: 3.2.167
A mighty and a fearful head they are,
Link: 3.2.168
If promises be kept on every hand,
Link: 3.2.169
As ever offer'd foul play in the state.
Link: 3.2.170
KING HENRY IV
The Earl of Westmoreland set forth to-day;
Link: 3.2.171
With him my son, Lord John of Lancaster;
Link: 3.2.172
For this advertisement is five days old:
Link: 3.2.173
On Wednesday next, Harry, you shall set forward;
Link: 3.2.174
On Thursday we ourselves will march: our meeting
Link: 3.2.175
Is Bridgenorth: and, Harry, you shall march
Link: 3.2.176
Through Gloucestershire; by which account,
Link: 3.2.177
Our business valued, some twelve days hence
Link: 3.2.178
Our general forces at Bridgenorth shall meet.
Link: 3.2.179
Our hands are full of business: let's away;
Link: 3.2.180
Advantage feeds him fat, while men delay.
Link: 3.2.181
Exeunt
Scene III Eastcheap. The Boar's-Head Tavern.
Scene 3 of Act 3 begins with King Henry IV and his son, Prince Hal, discussing the recent rebellion led by the Percy family. The king is angry and disappointed in Hal for associating himself with the rebels, but Hal defends himself and insists that he will prove his loyalty in battle. They are interrupted by the arrival of a messenger who brings news of a victory against the rebels. Hotspur, the leader of the rebellion, is then shown discussing the battle with his allies. He is frustrated by the loss and blames it on the disloyalty of some of his troops. His wife, Lady Percy, enters and tries to convince him to flee the country, but he refuses and vows to continue fighting. Meanwhile, Falstaff, a friend of Prince Hal, is shown recruiting soldiers for the king's army. He lies and exaggerates to convince the men to join, and even accepts bribes from those who are not fit to fight. When Hal arrives and questions Falstaff's methods, Falstaff defends himself by saying that he is only doing what is necessary to fill the ranks. The scene ends with a discussion between the rebel leaders, who are planning their next move. They are joined by a messenger who brings news of a large army being raised against them. Despite this, Hotspur remains determined to fight and declares that he will never surrender.
Enter FALSTAFF and BARDOLPH
FALSTAFF
Bardolph, am I not fallen away vilely since this last
Link: 3.3.1
action? do I not bate? do I not dwindle? Why my
Link: 3.3.2
skin hangs about me like an like an old lady's loose
Link: 3.3.3
gown; I am withered like an old apple-john. Well,
Link: 3.3.4
I'll repent, and that suddenly, while I am in some
Link: 3.3.5
liking; I shall be out of heart shortly, and then I
Link: 3.3.6
shall have no strength to repent. An I have not
Link: 3.3.7
forgotten what the inside of a church is made of, I
Link: 3.3.8
am a peppercorn, a brewer's horse: the inside of a
Link: 3.3.9
church! Company, villanous company, hath been the
Link: 3.3.10
spoil of me.
Link: 3.3.11
BARDOLPH
Sir John, you are so fretful, you cannot live long.
Link: 3.3.12
FALSTAFF
Why, there is it: come sing me a bawdy song; make
Link: 3.3.13
me merry. I was as virtuously given as a gentleman
Link: 3.3.14
need to be; virtuous enough; swore little; diced not
Link: 3.3.15
above seven times a week; went to a bawdy-house once
Link: 3.3.16
in a quarter--of an hour; paid money that I
Link: 3.3.17
borrowed, three of four times; lived well and in
Link: 3.3.18
good compass: and now I live out of all order, out
Link: 3.3.19
of all compass.
Link: 3.3.20
BARDOLPH
Why, you are so fat, Sir John, that you must needs
Link: 3.3.21
be out of all compass, out of all reasonable
Link: 3.3.22
compass, Sir John.
Link: 3.3.23
FALSTAFF
Do thou amend thy face, and I'll amend my life:
Link: 3.3.24
thou art our admiral, thou bearest the lantern in
Link: 3.3.25
the poop, but 'tis in the nose of thee; thou art the
Link: 3.3.26
Knight of the Burning Lamp.
Link: 3.3.27
BARDOLPH
Why, Sir John, my face does you no harm.
Link: 3.3.28
FALSTAFF
No, I'll be sworn; I make as good use of it as many
Link: 3.3.29
a man doth of a Death's-head or a memento mori: I
Link: 3.3.30
never see thy face but I think upon hell-fire and
Link: 3.3.31
Dives that lived in purple; for there he is in his
Link: 3.3.32
robes, burning, burning. If thou wert any way
Link: 3.3.33
given to virtue, I would swear by thy face; my oath
Link: 3.3.34
should be 'By this fire, that's God's angel:' but
Link: 3.3.35
thou art altogether given over; and wert indeed, but
Link: 3.3.36
for the light in thy face, the son of utter
Link: 3.3.37
darkness. When thou rannest up Gadshill in the
Link: 3.3.38
night to catch my horse, if I did not think thou
Link: 3.3.39
hadst been an ignis fatuus or a ball of wildfire,
Link: 3.3.40
there's no purchase in money. O, thou art a
Link: 3.3.41
perpetual triumph, an everlasting bonfire-light!
Link: 3.3.42
Thou hast saved me a thousand marks in links and
Link: 3.3.43
torches, walking with thee in the night betwixt
Link: 3.3.44
tavern and tavern: but the sack that thou hast
Link: 3.3.45
drunk me would have bought me lights as good cheap
Link: 3.3.46
at the dearest chandler's in Europe. I have
Link: 3.3.47
maintained that salamander of yours with fire any
Link: 3.3.48
time this two and thirty years; God reward me for
Link: 3.3.49
it!
Link: 3.3.50
BARDOLPH
'Sblood, I would my face were in your belly!
Link: 3.3.51
FALSTAFF
God-a-mercy! so should I be sure to be heart-burned.
Link: 3.3.52
How now, Dame Partlet the hen! have you inquired
Link: 3.3.53
yet who picked my pocket?
Link: 3.3.54
Hostess
Why, Sir John, what do you think, Sir John? do you
Link: 3.3.55
think I keep thieves in my house? I have searched,
Link: 3.3.56
I have inquired, so has my husband, man by man, boy
Link: 3.3.57
by boy, servant by servant: the tithe of a hair
Link: 3.3.58
was never lost in my house before.
Link: 3.3.59
FALSTAFF
Ye lie, hostess: Bardolph was shaved and lost many
Link: 3.3.60
a hair; and I'll be sworn my pocket was picked. Go
Link: 3.3.61
to, you are a woman, go.
Link: 3.3.62
Hostess
Who, I? no; I defy thee: God's light, I was never
Link: 3.3.63
called so in mine own house before.
Link: 3.3.64
FALSTAFF
Go to, I know you well enough.
Link: 3.3.65
Hostess
No, Sir John; You do not know me, Sir John. I know
Link: 3.3.66
you, Sir John: you owe me money, Sir John; and now
Link: 3.3.67
you pick a quarrel to beguile me of it: I bought
Link: 3.3.68
you a dozen of shirts to your back.
Link: 3.3.69
FALSTAFF
Dowlas, filthy dowlas: I have given them away to
Link: 3.3.70
bakers' wives, and they have made bolters of them.
Link: 3.3.71
Hostess
Now, as I am a true woman, holland of eight
Link: 3.3.72
shillings an ell. You owe money here besides, Sir
Link: 3.3.73
John, for your diet and by-drinkings, and money lent
Link: 3.3.74
you, four and twenty pound.
Link: 3.3.75
FALSTAFF
He had his part of it; let him pay.
Link: 3.3.76
Hostess
He? alas, he is poor; he hath nothing.
Link: 3.3.77
FALSTAFF
How! poor? look upon his face; what call you rich?
Link: 3.3.78
let them coin his nose, let them coin his cheeks:
Link: 3.3.79
Ill not pay a denier. What, will you make a younker
Link: 3.3.80
of me? shall I not take mine case in mine inn but I
Link: 3.3.81
shall have my pocket picked? I have lost a
Link: 3.3.82
seal-ring of my grandfather's worth forty mark.
Link: 3.3.83
Hostess
O Jesu, I have heard the prince tell him, I know not
Link: 3.3.84
how oft, that ring was copper!
Link: 3.3.85
FALSTAFF
How! the prince is a Jack, a sneak-cup: 'sblood, an
Link: 3.3.86
he were here, I would cudgel him like a dog, if he
Link: 3.3.87
would say so.
Link: 3.3.88
How now, lad! is the wind in that door, i' faith?
Link: 3.3.89
must we all march?
Link: 3.3.90
BARDOLPH
Yea, two and two, Newgate fashion.
Link: 3.3.91
Hostess
My lord, I pray you, hear me.
Link: 3.3.92
PRINCE HENRY
What sayest thou, Mistress Quickly? How doth thy
Link: 3.3.93
husband? I love him well; he is an honest man.
Link: 3.3.94
Hostess
Good my lord, hear me.
Link: 3.3.95
FALSTAFF
Prithee, let her alone, and list to me.
Link: 3.3.96
PRINCE HENRY
What sayest thou, Jack?
Link: 3.3.97
FALSTAFF
The other night I fell asleep here behind the arras
Link: 3.3.98
and had my pocket picked: this house is turned
Link: 3.3.99
bawdy-house; they pick pockets.
Link: 3.3.100
PRINCE HENRY
What didst thou lose, Jack?
Link: 3.3.101
FALSTAFF
Wilt thou believe me, Hal? three or four bonds of
Link: 3.3.102
forty pound apiece, and a seal-ring of my
Link: 3.3.103
grandfather's.
Link: 3.3.104
PRINCE HENRY
A trifle, some eight-penny matter.
Link: 3.3.105
Hostess
So I told him, my lord; and I said I heard your
Link: 3.3.106
grace say so: and, my lord, he speaks most vilely
Link: 3.3.107
of you, like a foul-mouthed man as he is; and said
Link: 3.3.108
he would cudgel you.
Link: 3.3.109
PRINCE HENRY
What! he did not?
Link: 3.3.110
Hostess
There's neither faith, truth, nor womanhood in me else.
Link: 3.3.111
FALSTAFF
There's no more faith in thee than in a stewed
Link: 3.3.112
prune; nor no more truth in thee than in a drawn
Link: 3.3.113
fox; and for womanhood, Maid Marian may be the
Link: 3.3.114
deputy's wife of the ward to thee. Go, you thing,
Link: 3.3.115
Hostess
Say, what thing? what thing?
Link: 3.3.117
FALSTAFF
What thing! why, a thing to thank God on.
Link: 3.3.118
Hostess
I am no thing to thank God on, I would thou
Link: 3.3.119
shouldst know it; I am an honest man's wife: and,
Link: 3.3.120
setting thy knighthood aside, thou art a knave to
Link: 3.3.121
call me so.
Link: 3.3.122
FALSTAFF
Setting thy womanhood aside, thou art a beast to say
Link: 3.3.123
otherwise.
Link: 3.3.124
Hostess
Say, what beast, thou knave, thou?
Link: 3.3.125
FALSTAFF
What beast! why, an otter.
Link: 3.3.126
PRINCE HENRY
An otter, Sir John! Why an otter?
Link: 3.3.127
FALSTAFF
Why, she's neither fish nor flesh; a man knows not
Link: 3.3.128
where to have her.
Link: 3.3.129
Hostess
Thou art an unjust man in saying so: thou or any
Link: 3.3.130
man knows where to have me, thou knave, thou!
Link: 3.3.131
PRINCE HENRY
Thou sayest true, hostess; and he slanders thee most grossly.
Link: 3.3.132
Hostess
So he doth you, my lord; and said this other day you
Link: 3.3.133
ought him a thousand pound.
Link: 3.3.134
PRINCE HENRY
Sirrah, do I owe you a thousand pound?
Link: 3.3.135
FALSTAFF
A thousand pound, Ha! a million: thy love is worth
Link: 3.3.136
a million: thou owest me thy love.
Link: 3.3.137
Hostess
Nay, my lord, he called you Jack, and said he would
Link: 3.3.138
cudgel you.
Link: 3.3.139
FALSTAFF
Did I, Bardolph?
Link: 3.3.140
BARDOLPH
Indeed, Sir John, you said so.
Link: 3.3.141
FALSTAFF
Yea, if he said my ring was copper.
Link: 3.3.142
PRINCE HENRY
I say 'tis copper: darest thou be as good as thy word now?
Link: 3.3.143
FALSTAFF
Why, Hal, thou knowest, as thou art but man, I dare:
Link: 3.3.144
but as thou art prince, I fear thee as I fear the
Link: 3.3.145
roaring of a lion's whelp.
Link: 3.3.146
PRINCE HENRY
And why not as the lion?
Link: 3.3.147
FALSTAFF
The king is to be feared as the lion: dost thou
Link: 3.3.148
think I'll fear thee as I fear thy father? nay, an
Link: 3.3.149
I do, I pray God my girdle break.
Link: 3.3.150
PRINCE HENRY
O, if it should, how would thy guts fall about thy
Link: 3.3.151
knees! But, sirrah, there's no room for faith,
Link: 3.3.152
truth, nor honesty in this bosom of thine; it is all
Link: 3.3.153
filled up with guts and midriff. Charge an honest
Link: 3.3.154
woman with picking thy pocket! why, thou whoreson,
Link: 3.3.155
impudent, embossed rascal, if there were anything in
Link: 3.3.156
thy pocket but tavern-reckonings, memorandums of
Link: 3.3.157
bawdy-houses, and one poor penny-worth of
Link: 3.3.158
sugar-candy to make thee long-winded, if thy pocket
Link: 3.3.159
were enriched with any other injuries but these, I
Link: 3.3.160
am a villain: and yet you will stand to if; you will
Link: 3.3.161
not pocket up wrong: art thou not ashamed?
Link: 3.3.162
FALSTAFF
Dost thou hear, Hal? thou knowest in the state of
Link: 3.3.163
innocency Adam fell; and what should poor Jack
Link: 3.3.164
Falstaff do in the days of villany? Thou seest I
Link: 3.3.165
have more flesh than another man, and therefore more
Link: 3.3.166
frailty. You confess then, you picked my pocket?
Link: 3.3.167
PRINCE HENRY
It appears so by the story.
Link: 3.3.168
FALSTAFF
Hostess, I forgive thee: go, make ready breakfast;
Link: 3.3.169
love thy husband, look to thy servants, cherish thy
Link: 3.3.170
guests: thou shalt find me tractable to any honest
Link: 3.3.171
reason: thou seest I am pacified still. Nay,
Link: 3.3.172
prithee, be gone.
Link: 3.3.173
Now Hal, to the news at court: for the robbery,
Link: 3.3.174
lad, how is that answered?
Link: 3.3.175
PRINCE HENRY
O, my sweet beef, I must still be good angel to
Link: 3.3.176
thee: the money is paid back again.
Link: 3.3.177
FALSTAFF
O, I do not like that paying back; 'tis a double labour.
Link: 3.3.178
PRINCE HENRY
I am good friends with my father and may do any thing.
Link: 3.3.179
FALSTAFF
Rob me the exchequer the first thing thou doest, and
Link: 3.3.180
do it with unwashed hands too.
Link: 3.3.181
BARDOLPH
Do, my lord.
Link: 3.3.182
PRINCE HENRY
I have procured thee, Jack, a charge of foot.
Link: 3.3.183
FALSTAFF
I would it had been of horse. Where shall I find
Link: 3.3.184
one that can steal well? O for a fine thief, of the
Link: 3.3.185
age of two and twenty or thereabouts! I am
Link: 3.3.186
heinously unprovided. Well, God be thanked for
Link: 3.3.187
these rebels, they offend none but the virtuous: I
Link: 3.3.188
laud them, I praise them.
Link: 3.3.189
PRINCE HENRY
Bardolph!
Link: 3.3.190
BARDOLPH
My lord?
Link: 3.3.191
PRINCE HENRY
Go bear this letter to Lord John of Lancaster, to my
Link: 3.3.192
brother John; this to my Lord of Westmoreland.
Link: 3.3.193
Go, Peto, to horse, to horse; for thou and I have
Link: 3.3.194
thirty miles to ride yet ere dinner time.
Link: 3.3.195
Jack, meet me to-morrow in the temple hall at two
Link: 3.3.196
o'clock in the afternoon.
Link: 3.3.197
There shalt thou know thy charge; and there receive
Link: 3.3.198
Money and order for their furniture.
Link: 3.3.199
The land is burning; Percy stands on high;
Link: 3.3.200
And either we or they must lower lie.
Link: 3.3.201
Exit PRINCE HENRY
FALSTAFF
Rare words! brave world! Hostess, my breakfast, come!
Link: 3.3.202
O, I could wish this tavern were my drum!
Link: 3.3.203
Exit
Act IV
Act 4 of Henry IV, Part 1 is a pivotal point in the play where the conflict between the rebels and King Henry IV comes to a head. The act opens with Prince Hal, the king's son, and Hotspur, the leader of the rebels, preparing for their highly anticipated battle. Both men are determined to prove their worth and honor on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the king and his advisors discuss strategy and prepare for war. The king is concerned about the rebellion and wishes that he could have prevented it. However, he is determined to put an end to the uprising and restore order to his kingdom.
As the battle begins, both sides fight fiercely, and it seems as though the rebels may have the upper hand. Hotspur and Prince Hal finally meet in combat, and it becomes clear that they are evenly matched. However, Prince Hal is able to gain the upper hand and kill Hotspur. This victory marks a turning point in the battle and ultimately leads to the defeat of the rebel forces.
After the battle, the king meets with Prince Hal and praises him for his bravery and loyalty. The prince, who has been known for his wild behavior and association with commoners, assures his father that he is committed to being a worthy successor to the throne. This reconciliation between father and son is a significant moment in the play and sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the sequel, Henry IV, Part 2.
SCENE I. The rebel camp near Shrewsbury.
Scene 1 of Act 4 begins with Prince Hal and his friend Poins disguising themselves as commoners to observe Falstaff and his companions. As they watch, Falstaff and the others discuss the upcoming battle and their plans to avoid fighting. Prince Hal is amused by their cowardice and decides to play a prank on them. He approaches Falstaff and pretends to be a messenger from the king, informing him that he has been appointed to lead a group of soldiers in the upcoming battle. Falstaff is overjoyed at the news and begins to boast about his bravery and leadership skills. Prince Hal then reveals his true identity and confronts Falstaff about his cowardice. Falstaff attempts to defend himself, but Prince Hal sees through his lies and accuses him of being a dishonest and dishonorable man. The scene ends with Prince Hal telling Falstaff that he will never be a part of his life again, and that he must leave his company immediately. Falstaff is left alone and dejected, realizing that he has lost the friendship of the one person he cared about most.
Enter HOTSPUR, WORCESTER, and DOUGLAS
HOTSPUR
Well said, my noble Scot: if speaking truth
Link: 4.1.1
In this fine age were not thought flattery,
Link: 4.1.2
Such attribution should the Douglas have,
Link: 4.1.3
As not a soldier of this season's stamp
Link: 4.1.4
Should go so general current through the world.
Link: 4.1.5
By God, I cannot flatter; I do defy
Link: 4.1.6
The tongues of soothers; but a braver place
Link: 4.1.7
In my heart's love hath no man than yourself:
Link: 4.1.8
Nay, task me to my word; approve me, lord.
Link: 4.1.9
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Thou art the king of honour:
Link: 4.1.10
No man so potent breathes upon the ground
Link: 4.1.11
But I will beard him.
Link: 4.1.12
HOTSPUR
Do so, and 'tis well.
Link: 4.1.13
What letters hast thou there?--I can but thank you.
Link: 4.1.14
Messenger
These letters come from your father.
Link: 4.1.15
HOTSPUR
Letters from him! why comes he not himself?
Link: 4.1.16
Messenger
He cannot come, my lord; he is grievous sick.
Link: 4.1.17
HOTSPUR
'Zounds! how has he the leisure to be sick
Link: 4.1.18
In such a rustling time? Who leads his power?
Link: 4.1.19
Under whose government come they along?
Link: 4.1.20
Messenger
His letters bear his mind, not I, my lord.
Link: 4.1.21
EARL OF WORCESTER
I prithee, tell me, doth he keep his bed?
Link: 4.1.22
Messenger
He did, my lord, four days ere I set forth;
Link: 4.1.23
And at the time of my departure thence
Link: 4.1.24
He was much fear'd by his physicians.
Link: 4.1.25
EARL OF WORCESTER
I would the state of time had first been whole
Link: 4.1.26
Ere he by sickness had been visited:
Link: 4.1.27
His health was never better worth than now.
Link: 4.1.28
HOTSPUR
Sick now! droop now! this sickness doth infect
Link: 4.1.29
The very life-blood of our enterprise;
Link: 4.1.30
'Tis catching hither, even to our camp.
Link: 4.1.31
He writes me here, that inward sickness--
Link: 4.1.32
And that his friends by deputation could not
Link: 4.1.33
So soon be drawn, nor did he think it meet
Link: 4.1.34
To lay so dangerous and dear a trust
Link: 4.1.35
On any soul removed but on his own.
Link: 4.1.36
Yet doth he give us bold advertisement,
Link: 4.1.37
That with our small conjunction we should on,
Link: 4.1.38
To see how fortune is disposed to us;
Link: 4.1.39
For, as he writes, there is no quailing now.
Link: 4.1.40
Because the king is certainly possess'd
Link: 4.1.41
Of all our purposes. What say you to it?
Link: 4.1.42
EARL OF WORCESTER
Your father's sickness is a maim to us.
Link: 4.1.43
HOTSPUR
A perilous gash, a very limb lopp'd off:
Link: 4.1.44
And yet, in faith, it is not; his present want
Link: 4.1.45
Seems more than we shall find it: were it good
Link: 4.1.46
To set the exact wealth of all our states
Link: 4.1.47
All at one cast? to set so rich a main
Link: 4.1.48
On the nice hazard of one doubtful hour?
Link: 4.1.49
It were not good; for therein should we read
Link: 4.1.50
The very bottom and the soul of hope,
Link: 4.1.51
The very list, the very utmost bound
Link: 4.1.52
Of all our fortunes.
Link: 4.1.53
EARL OF DOUGLAS
'Faith, and so we should;
Link: 4.1.54
Where now remains a sweet reversion:
Link: 4.1.55
We may boldly spend upon the hope of what
Link: 4.1.56
Is to come in:
Link: 4.1.57
A comfort of retirement lives in this.
Link: 4.1.58
HOTSPUR
A rendezvous, a home to fly unto.
Link: 4.1.59
If that the devil and mischance look big
Link: 4.1.60
Upon the maidenhead of our affairs.
Link: 4.1.61
EARL OF WORCESTER
But yet I would your father had been here.
Link: 4.1.62
The quality and hair of our attempt
Link: 4.1.63
Brooks no division: it will be thought
Link: 4.1.64
By some, that know not why he is away,
Link: 4.1.65
That wisdom, loyalty and mere dislike
Link: 4.1.66
Of our proceedings kept the earl from hence:
Link: 4.1.67
And think how such an apprehension
Link: 4.1.68
May turn the tide of fearful faction
Link: 4.1.69
And breed a kind of question in our cause;
Link: 4.1.70
For well you know we of the offering side
Link: 4.1.71
Must keep aloof from strict arbitrement,
Link: 4.1.72
And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence
Link: 4.1.73
The eye of reason may pry in upon us:
Link: 4.1.74
This absence of your father's draws a curtain,
Link: 4.1.75
That shows the ignorant a kind of fear
Link: 4.1.76
Before not dreamt of.
Link: 4.1.77
HOTSPUR
You strain too far.
Link: 4.1.78
I rather of his absence make this use:
Link: 4.1.79
It lends a lustre and more great opinion,
Link: 4.1.80
A larger dare to our great enterprise,
Link: 4.1.81
Than if the earl were here; for men must think,
Link: 4.1.82
If we without his help can make a head
Link: 4.1.83
To push against a kingdom, with his help
Link: 4.1.84
We shall o'erturn it topsy-turvy down.
Link: 4.1.85
Yet all goes well, yet all our joints are whole.
Link: 4.1.86
EARL OF DOUGLAS
As heart can think: there is not such a word
Link: 4.1.87
Spoke of in Scotland as this term of fear.
Link: 4.1.88
Enter SIR RICHARD VERNON
HOTSPUR
My cousin Vernon, welcome, by my soul.
Link: 4.1.89
VERNON
Pray God my news be worth a welcome, lord.
Link: 4.1.90
The Earl of Westmoreland, seven thousand strong,
Link: 4.1.91
Is marching hitherwards; with him Prince John.
Link: 4.1.92
HOTSPUR
No harm: what more?
Link: 4.1.93
VERNON
And further, I have learn'd,
Link: 4.1.94
The king himself in person is set forth,
Link: 4.1.95
Or hitherwards intended speedily,
Link: 4.1.96
With strong and mighty preparation.
Link: 4.1.97
HOTSPUR
He shall be welcome too. Where is his son,
Link: 4.1.98
The nimble-footed madcap Prince of Wales,
Link: 4.1.99
And his comrades, that daff'd the world aside,
Link: 4.1.100
And bid it pass?
Link: 4.1.101
VERNON
All furnish'd, all in arms;
Link: 4.1.102
All plumed like estridges that with the wind
Link: 4.1.103
Baited like eagles having lately bathed;
Link: 4.1.104
Glittering in golden coats, like images;
Link: 4.1.105
As full of spirit as the month of May,
Link: 4.1.106
And gorgeous as the sun at midsummer;
Link: 4.1.107
Wanton as youthful goats, wild as young bulls.
Link: 4.1.108
I saw young Harry, with his beaver on,
Link: 4.1.109
His cuisses on his thighs, gallantly arm'd
Link: 4.1.110
Rise from the ground like feather'd Mercury,
Link: 4.1.111
And vaulted with such ease into his seat,
Link: 4.1.112
As if an angel dropp'd down from the clouds,
Link: 4.1.113
To turn and wind a fiery Pegasus
Link: 4.1.114
And witch the world with noble horsemanship.
Link: 4.1.115
HOTSPUR
No more, no more: worse than the sun in March,
Link: 4.1.116
This praise doth nourish agues. Let them come:
Link: 4.1.117
They come like sacrifices in their trim,
Link: 4.1.118
And to the fire-eyed maid of smoky war
Link: 4.1.119
All hot and bleeding will we offer them:
Link: 4.1.120
The mailed Mars shall on his altar sit
Link: 4.1.121
Up to the ears in blood. I am on fire
Link: 4.1.122
To hear this rich reprisal is so nigh
Link: 4.1.123
And yet not ours. Come, let me taste my horse,
Link: 4.1.124
Who is to bear me like a thunderbolt
Link: 4.1.125
Against the bosom of the Prince of Wales:
Link: 4.1.126
Harry to Harry shall, hot horse to horse,
Link: 4.1.127
Meet and ne'er part till one drop down a corse.
Link: 4.1.128
O that Glendower were come!
Link: 4.1.129
VERNON
There is more news:
Link: 4.1.130
I learn'd in Worcester, as I rode along,
Link: 4.1.131
He cannot draw his power this fourteen days.
Link: 4.1.132
EARL OF DOUGLAS
That's the worst tidings that I hear of yet.
Link: 4.1.133
WORCESTER
Ay, by my faith, that bears a frosty sound.
Link: 4.1.134
HOTSPUR
What may the king's whole battle reach unto?
Link: 4.1.135
VERNON
To thirty thousand.
Link: 4.1.136
HOTSPUR
Forty let it be:
Link: 4.1.137
My father and Glendower being both away,
Link: 4.1.138
The powers of us may serve so great a day
Link: 4.1.139
Come, let us take a muster speedily:
Link: 4.1.140
Doomsday is near; die all, die merrily.
Link: 4.1.141
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Talk not of dying: I am out of fear
Link: 4.1.142
Of death or death's hand for this one-half year.
Link: 4.1.143
Exeunt
SCENE II. A public road near Coventry.
Scene 2 of Act 4 of Henry IV, Part 1 takes place in a room in the Archbishop of York's palace. The Archbishop of York, Mowbray, and Hastings are discussing the current state of affairs in England. They are unhappy with the way King Henry IV is running things and believe that he is not fit to be king. They decide to join forces with the rebel forces led by Hotspur and the Archbishop of York promises to provide troops for the rebellion. As they are discussing their plans, a messenger arrives with news that the rebel forces have been defeated at the Battle of Shrewsbury. Hotspur has been killed in battle and the other leaders of the rebellion have been captured. The Archbishop of York and his allies are shocked and dismayed by this news, but they refuse to give up their plans for rebellion. They vow to continue fighting against King Henry IV and his forces, even though they know it will be a difficult and dangerous task. The scene ends with the Archbishop of York and his allies planning their next move. They are determined to overthrow King Henry IV and put their own candidate on the throne. They believe that they have the support of the people and that they can succeed if they stay united and fight with all their might.
Enter FALSTAFF and BARDOLPH
FALSTAFF
Bardolph, get thee before to Coventry; fill me a
Link: 4.2.1
bottle of sack: our soldiers shall march through;
Link: 4.2.2
we'll to Sutton Co'fil' tonight.
Link: 4.2.3
BARDOLPH
Will you give me money, captain?
Link: 4.2.4
FALSTAFF
Lay out, lay out.
Link: 4.2.5
BARDOLPH
This bottle makes an angel.
Link: 4.2.6
FALSTAFF
An if it do, take it for thy labour; and if it make
Link: 4.2.7
twenty, take them all; I'll answer the coinage. Bid
Link: 4.2.8
my lieutenant Peto meet me at town's end.
Link: 4.2.9
BARDOLPH
I will, captain: farewell.
Link: 4.2.10
Exit
FALSTAFF
If I be not ashamed of my soldiers, I am a soused
Link: 4.2.11
gurnet. I have misused the king's press damnably.
Link: 4.2.12
I have got, in exchange of a hundred and fifty
Link: 4.2.13
soldiers, three hundred and odd pounds. I press me
Link: 4.2.14
none but good house-holders, yeoman's sons; inquire
Link: 4.2.15
me out contracted bachelors, such as had been asked
Link: 4.2.16
twice on the banns; such a commodity of warm slaves,
Link: 4.2.17
as had as lieve hear the devil as a drum; such as
Link: 4.2.18
fear the report of a caliver worse than a struck
Link: 4.2.19
fowl or a hurt wild-duck. I pressed me none but such
Link: 4.2.20
toasts-and-butter, with hearts in their bellies no
Link: 4.2.21
bigger than pins' heads, and they have bought out
Link: 4.2.22
their services; and now my whole charge consists of
Link: 4.2.23
ancients, corporals, lieutenants, gentlemen of
Link: 4.2.24
companies, slaves as ragged as Lazarus in the
Link: 4.2.25
painted cloth, where the glutton's dogs licked his
Link: 4.2.26
sores; and such as indeed were never soldiers, but
Link: 4.2.27
discarded unjust serving-men, younger sons to
Link: 4.2.28
younger brothers, revolted tapsters and ostlers
Link: 4.2.29
trade-fallen, the cankers of a calm world and a
Link: 4.2.30
long peace, ten times more dishonourable ragged than
Link: 4.2.31
an old faced ancient: and such have I, to fill up
Link: 4.2.32
the rooms of them that have bought out their
Link: 4.2.33
services, that you would think that I had a hundred
Link: 4.2.34
and fifty tattered prodigals lately come from
Link: 4.2.35
swine-keeping, from eating draff and husks. A mad
Link: 4.2.36
fellow met me on the way and told me I had unloaded
Link: 4.2.37
all the gibbets and pressed the dead bodies. No eye
Link: 4.2.38
hath seen such scarecrows. I'll not march through
Link: 4.2.39
Coventry with them, that's flat: nay, and the
Link: 4.2.40
villains march wide betwixt the legs, as if they had
Link: 4.2.41
gyves on; for indeed I had the most of them out of
Link: 4.2.42
prison. There's but a shirt and a half in all my
Link: 4.2.43
company; and the half shirt is two napkins tacked
Link: 4.2.44
together and thrown over the shoulders like an
Link: 4.2.45
herald's coat without sleeves; and the shirt, to say
Link: 4.2.46
the truth, stolen from my host at Saint Alban's, or
Link: 4.2.47
the red-nose innkeeper of Daventry. But that's all
Link: 4.2.48
one; they'll find linen enough on every hedge.
Link: 4.2.49
Enter the PRINCE and WESTMORELAND
PRINCE HENRY
How now, blown Jack! how now, quilt!
Link: 4.2.50
FALSTAFF
What, Hal! how now, mad wag! what a devil dost thou
Link: 4.2.51
in Warwickshire? My good Lord of Westmoreland, I
Link: 4.2.52
cry you mercy: I thought your honour had already been
Link: 4.2.53
at Shrewsbury.
Link: 4.2.54
WESTMORELAND
Faith, Sir John,'tis more than time that I were
Link: 4.2.55
there, and you too; but my powers are there already.
Link: 4.2.56
The king, I can tell you, looks for us all: we must
Link: 4.2.57
away all night.
Link: 4.2.58
FALSTAFF
Tut, never fear me: I am as vigilant as a cat to
Link: 4.2.59
steal cream.
Link: 4.2.60
PRINCE HENRY
I think, to steal cream indeed, for thy theft hath
Link: 4.2.61
already made thee butter. But tell me, Jack, whose
Link: 4.2.62
fellows are these that come after?
Link: 4.2.63
FALSTAFF
Mine, Hal, mine.
Link: 4.2.64
PRINCE HENRY
I did never see such pitiful rascals.
Link: 4.2.65
FALSTAFF
Tut, tut; good enough to toss; food for powder, food
Link: 4.2.66
for powder; they'll fill a pit as well as better:
Link: 4.2.67
tush, man, mortal men, mortal men.
Link: 4.2.68
WESTMORELAND
Ay, but, Sir John, methinks they are exceeding poor
Link: 4.2.69
and bare, too beggarly.
Link: 4.2.70
FALSTAFF
'Faith, for their poverty, I know not where they had
Link: 4.2.71
that; and for their bareness, I am sure they never
Link: 4.2.72
learned that of me.
Link: 4.2.73
PRINCE HENRY
No I'll be sworn; unless you call three fingers on
Link: 4.2.74
the ribs bare. But, sirrah, make haste: Percy is
Link: 4.2.75
already in the field.
Link: 4.2.76
FALSTAFF
What, is the king encamped?
Link: 4.2.77
WESTMORELAND
He is, Sir John: I fear we shall stay too long.
Link: 4.2.78
FALSTAFF
Well,
Link: 4.2.79
To the latter end of a fray and the beginning of a feast
Link: 4.2.80
Fits a dull fighter and a keen guest.
Link: 4.2.81
Exeunt
SCENE III. The rebel camp near Shrewsbury.
Scene 3 of Act 4 of Henry IV, Part 1 features two characters, Prince Hal and Poins, who are discussing their plan to rob a group of travelers. They are disguised as commoners and are waiting for their target to arrive. As they wait, they hear a noise and hide. The noise turns out to be a group of commoners who are also planning to rob the travelers. Prince Hal and Poins decide to join forces with the commoners and pretend to be on their side. When the travelers arrive, they are confronted by the commoners who demand their money. The travelers refuse to give up their money and a fight ensues. Prince Hal and Poins join the fight and help the commoners overcome the travelers. After the fight, Prince Hal reveals his true identity to the commoners and offers them a reward for their help. The commoners are surprised and grateful to learn that they were fighting alongside the future king of England. This scene is significant because it shows Prince Hal's willingness to associate with commoners and engage in less-than-honorable behavior. It also shows his ability to think on his feet and adapt to unexpected situations. The scene also highlights the theme of appearances versus reality, as Prince Hal and Poins are able to deceive both the travelers and the commoners with their disguises.
Enter HOTSPUR, WORCESTER, DOUGLAS, and VERNON
HOTSPUR
We'll fight with him to-night.
Link: 4.3.1
EARL OF WORCESTER
It may not be.
Link: 4.3.2
EARL OF DOUGLAS
You give him then the advantage.
Link: 4.3.3
VERNON
Not a whit.
Link: 4.3.4
HOTSPUR
Why say you so? looks he not for supply?
Link: 4.3.5
VERNON
So do we.
Link: 4.3.6
HOTSPUR
His is certain, ours is doubtful.
Link: 4.3.7
EARL OF WORCESTER
Good cousin, be advised; stir not tonight.
Link: 4.3.8
VERNON
Do not, my lord.
Link: 4.3.9
EARL OF DOUGLAS
You do not counsel well:
Link: 4.3.10
You speak it out of fear and cold heart.
Link: 4.3.11
VERNON
Do me no slander, Douglas: by my life,
Link: 4.3.12
And I dare well maintain it with my life,
Link: 4.3.13
If well-respected honour bid me on,
Link: 4.3.14
I hold as little counsel with weak fear
Link: 4.3.15
As you, my lord, or any Scot that this day lives:
Link: 4.3.16
Let it be seen to-morrow in the battle
Link: 4.3.17
Which of us fears.
Link: 4.3.18
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Yea, or to-night.
Link: 4.3.19
VERNON
Content.
Link: 4.3.20
HOTSPUR
To-night, say I.
Link: 4.3.21
VERNON
Come, come it nay not be. I wonder much,
Link: 4.3.22
Being men of such great leading as you are,
Link: 4.3.23
That you foresee not what impediments
Link: 4.3.24
Drag back our expedition: certain horse
Link: 4.3.25
Of my cousin Vernon's are not yet come up:
Link: 4.3.26
Your uncle Worcester's horse came but today;
Link: 4.3.27
And now their pride and mettle is asleep,
Link: 4.3.28
Their courage with hard labour tame and dull,
Link: 4.3.29
That not a horse is half the half of himself.
Link: 4.3.30
HOTSPUR
So are the horses of the enemy
Link: 4.3.31
In general, journey-bated and brought low:
Link: 4.3.32
The better part of ours are full of rest.
Link: 4.3.33
EARL OF WORCESTER
The number of the king exceedeth ours:
Link: 4.3.34
For God's sake. cousin, stay till all come in.
Link: 4.3.35
The trumpet sounds a parley
Enter SIR WALTER BLUNT
SIR WALTER BLUNT
I come with gracious offers from the king,
Link: 4.3.36
if you vouchsafe me hearing and respect.
Link: 4.3.37
HOTSPUR
Welcome, Sir Walter Blunt; and would to God
Link: 4.3.38
You were of our determination!
Link: 4.3.39
Some of us love you well; and even those some
Link: 4.3.40
Envy your great deservings and good name,
Link: 4.3.41
Because you are not of our quality,
Link: 4.3.42
But stand against us like an enemy.
Link: 4.3.43
SIR WALTER BLUNT
And God defend but still I should stand so,
Link: 4.3.44
So long as out of limit and true rule
Link: 4.3.45
You stand against anointed majesty.
Link: 4.3.46
But to my charge. The king hath sent to know
Link: 4.3.47
The nature of your griefs, and whereupon
Link: 4.3.48
You conjure from the breast of civil peace
Link: 4.3.49
Such bold hostility, teaching his duteous land
Link: 4.3.50
Audacious cruelty. If that the king
Link: 4.3.51
Have any way your good deserts forgot,
Link: 4.3.52
Which he confesseth to be manifold,
Link: 4.3.53
He bids you name your griefs; and with all speed
Link: 4.3.54
You shall have your desires with interest
Link: 4.3.55
And pardon absolute for yourself and these
Link: 4.3.56
Herein misled by your suggestion.
Link: 4.3.57
HOTSPUR
The king is kind; and well we know the king
Link: 4.3.58
Knows at what time to promise, when to pay.
Link: 4.3.59
My father and my uncle and myself
Link: 4.3.60
Did give him that same royalty he wears;
Link: 4.3.61
And when he was not six and twenty strong,
Link: 4.3.62
Sick in the world's regard, wretched and low,
Link: 4.3.63
A poor unminded outlaw sneaking home,
Link: 4.3.64
My father gave him welcome to the shore;
Link: 4.3.65
And when he heard him swear and vow to God
Link: 4.3.66
He came but to be Duke of Lancaster,
Link: 4.3.67
To sue his livery and beg his peace,
Link: 4.3.68
With tears of innocency and terms of zeal,
Link: 4.3.69
My father, in kind heart and pity moved,
Link: 4.3.70
Swore him assistance and perform'd it too.
Link: 4.3.71
Now when the lords and barons of the realm
Link: 4.3.72
Perceived Northumberland did lean to him,
Link: 4.3.73
The more and less came in with cap and knee;
Link: 4.3.74
Met him in boroughs, cities, villages,
Link: 4.3.75
Attended him on bridges, stood in lanes,
Link: 4.3.76
Laid gifts before him, proffer'd him their oaths,
Link: 4.3.77
Gave him their heirs, as pages follow'd him
Link: 4.3.78
Even at the heels in golden multitudes.
Link: 4.3.79
He presently, as greatness knows itself,
Link: 4.3.80
Steps me a little higher than his vow
Link: 4.3.81
Made to my father, while his blood was poor,
Link: 4.3.82
Upon the naked shore at Ravenspurgh;
Link: 4.3.83
And now, forsooth, takes on him to reform
Link: 4.3.84
Some certain edicts and some strait decrees
Link: 4.3.85
That lie too heavy on the commonwealth,
Link: 4.3.86
Cries out upon abuses, seems to weep
Link: 4.3.87
Over his country's wrongs; and by this face,
Link: 4.3.88
This seeming brow of justice, did he win
Link: 4.3.89
The hearts of all that he did angle for;
Link: 4.3.90
Proceeded further; cut me off the heads
Link: 4.3.91
Of all the favourites that the absent king
Link: 4.3.92
In deputation left behind him here,
Link: 4.3.93
When he was personal in the Irish war.
Link: 4.3.94
SIR WALTER BLUNT
Tut, I came not to hear this.
Link: 4.3.95
HOTSPUR
Then to the point.
Link: 4.3.96
In short time after, he deposed the king;
Link: 4.3.97
Soon after that, deprived him of his life;
Link: 4.3.98
And in the neck of that, task'd the whole state:
Link: 4.3.99
To make that worse, suffer'd his kinsman March,
Link: 4.3.100
Who is, if every owner were well placed,
Link: 4.3.101
Indeed his king, to be engaged in Wales,
Link: 4.3.102
There without ransom to lie forfeited;
Link: 4.3.103
Disgraced me in my happy victories,
Link: 4.3.104
Sought to entrap me by intelligence;
Link: 4.3.105
Rated mine uncle from the council-board;
Link: 4.3.106
In rage dismiss'd my father from the court;
Link: 4.3.107
Broke oath on oath, committed wrong on wrong,
Link: 4.3.108
And in conclusion drove us to seek out
Link: 4.3.109
This head of safety; and withal to pry
Link: 4.3.110
Into his title, the which we find
Link: 4.3.111
Too indirect for long continuance.
Link: 4.3.112
SIR WALTER BLUNT
Shall I return this answer to the king?
Link: 4.3.113
HOTSPUR
Not so, Sir Walter: we'll withdraw awhile.
Link: 4.3.114
Go to the king; and let there be impawn'd
Link: 4.3.115
Some surety for a safe return again,
Link: 4.3.116
And in the morning early shall my uncle
Link: 4.3.117
Bring him our purposes: and so farewell.
Link: 4.3.118
SIR WALTER BLUNT
I would you would accept of grace and love.
Link: 4.3.119
HOTSPUR
And may be so we shall.
Link: 4.3.120
SIR WALTER BLUNT
Pray God you do.
Link: 4.3.121
Exeunt
SCENE IV. York. The ARCHBISHOP'S palace.
In Scene 4 of Act 4, tensions are high as the battle between the rebels and the king's army looms. The rebel leaders, Hotspur and Worcester, are in disagreement over their strategy for the battle. Hotspur is eager to charge into battle, while Worcester is more cautious and wants to wait for reinforcements. Meanwhile, Falstaff, a comical character in the play, is preparing his troops for battle. He is more concerned with getting a good meal and a drink than actually fighting. He jokes with his soldiers and tries to boost their morale with witty quips and exaggerated stories. As the battle begins, Hotspur charges forward with his troops, but they are quickly overwhelmed by the king's army. Hotspur is killed in battle, and Worcester is captured and executed. Falstaff, who had been lingering behind, claims to have played a crucial role in the victory, but his claims are quickly dismissed by the other characters. The scene ends with the king's army victorious, but with many casualties on both sides. The play explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the consequences of rebellion.
Enter the ARCHBISHOP OF YORK and SIR MICHAEL
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
Hie, good Sir Michael; bear this sealed brief
Link: 4.4.1
With winged haste to the lord marshal;
Link: 4.4.2
This to my cousin Scroop, and all the rest
Link: 4.4.3
To whom they are directed. If you knew
Link: 4.4.4
How much they do to import, you would make haste.
Link: 4.4.5
SIR MICHAEL
My good lord,
Link: 4.4.6
I guess their tenor.
Link: 4.4.7
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
Like enough you do.
Link: 4.4.8
To-morrow, good Sir Michael, is a day
Link: 4.4.9
Wherein the fortune of ten thousand men
Link: 4.4.10
Must bide the touch; for, sir, at Shrewsbury,
Link: 4.4.11
As I am truly given to understand,
Link: 4.4.12
The king with mighty and quick-raised power
Link: 4.4.13
Meets with Lord Harry: and, I fear, Sir Michael,
Link: 4.4.14
What with the sickness of Northumberland,
Link: 4.4.15
Whose power was in the first proportion,
Link: 4.4.16
And what with Owen Glendower's absence thence,
Link: 4.4.17
Who with them was a rated sinew too
Link: 4.4.18
And comes not in, o'er-ruled by prophecies,
Link: 4.4.19
I fear the power of Percy is too weak
Link: 4.4.20
To wage an instant trial with the king.
Link: 4.4.21
SIR MICHAEL
Why, my good lord, you need not fear;
Link: 4.4.22
There is Douglas and Lord Mortimer.
Link: 4.4.23
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
No, Mortimer is not there.
Link: 4.4.24
SIR MICHAEL
But there is Mordake, Vernon, Lord Harry Percy,
Link: 4.4.25
And there is my Lord of Worcester and a head
Link: 4.4.26
Of gallant warriors, noble gentlemen.
Link: 4.4.27
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
And so there is: but yet the king hath drawn
Link: 4.4.28
The special head of all the land together:
Link: 4.4.29
The Prince of Wales, Lord John of Lancaster,
Link: 4.4.30
The noble Westmoreland and warlike Blunt;
Link: 4.4.31
And moe corrivals and dear men
Link: 4.4.32
Of estimation and command in arms.
Link: 4.4.33
SIR MICHAEL
Doubt not, my lord, they shall be well opposed.
Link: 4.4.34
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
I hope no less, yet needful 'tis to fear;
Link: 4.4.35
And, to prevent the worst, Sir Michael, speed:
Link: 4.4.36
For if Lord Percy thrive not, ere the king
Link: 4.4.37
Dismiss his power, he means to visit us,
Link: 4.4.38
For he hath heard of our confederacy,
Link: 4.4.39
And 'tis but wisdom to make strong against him:
Link: 4.4.40
Therefore make haste. I must go write again
Link: 4.4.41
To other friends; and so farewell, Sir Michael.
Link: 4.4.42
Exeunt
Act V
In Act 5 of Henry IV, Part 1, the forces of King Henry IV and the rebel forces led by Henry "Hotspur" Percy finally meet in battle. The two sides clash fiercely, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Eventually, Prince Hal, who had been fighting on the side of his father, engages in single combat with Hotspur and kills him.
With Hotspur dead, the rebel forces begin to falter and are eventually defeated. King Henry IV is victorious, but the victory is bittersweet as he mourns the loss of his son, Prince Hal's friend and mentor, Sir John Falstaff.
Throughout the play, Prince Hal has been struggling with his identity and his role in the kingdom. In Act 5, he proves his worth as a warrior and demonstrates his loyalty to his father by fighting bravely in the battle. However, his decision to kill Hotspur also marks a turning point in his character development, as he begins to fully embrace his responsibilities as a future king.
The themes of loyalty, honor, and the struggle for power are all present in Act 5 of Henry IV, Part 1. The play is a complex exploration of these themes and the characters' motivations, and it remains a beloved work of literature to this day.
SCENE I. KING HENRY IV's camp near Shrewsbury.
Scene 1 of Act 5 begins with King Henry IV and his son, Prince Hal, discussing the upcoming battle against the rebel forces led by Hotspur. The King is worried about the outcome of the battle and expresses his concerns to the Prince. Prince Hal assures his father that he will fight bravely and honorably. Lord John of Lancaster enters and reports that the rebel forces have gathered near Shrewsbury. The King orders his army to march towards the enemy, and they leave the stage. Next, Hotspur and his allies, including his father Northumberland and the Scottish Earl of Douglas, discuss their strategy for the upcoming battle. Hotspur is confident in his abilities and believes that victory is within their reach. A messenger arrives and informs Hotspur that the King's army is on the move. Hotspur orders his forces to prepare for battle and they exit the stage. The scene ends with a soliloquy by Prince Hal, who reflects on his transformation from a wild and irresponsible youth to a responsible and honorable warrior. He vows to prove himself in battle and earn his place as a worthy successor to his father's throne.
Enter KING HENRY, PRINCE HENRY, Lord John of LANCASTER, EARL OF WESTMORELAND, SIR WALTER BLUNT, and FALSTAFF
KING HENRY IV
How bloodily the sun begins to peer
Link: 5.1.1
Above yon busky hill! the day looks pale
Link: 5.1.2
At his distemperature.
Link: 5.1.3
PRINCE HENRY
The southern wind
Link: 5.1.4
Doth play the trumpet to his purposes,
Link: 5.1.5
And by his hollow whistling in the leaves
Link: 5.1.6
Foretells a tempest and a blustering day.
Link: 5.1.7
KING HENRY IV
Then with the losers let it sympathize,
Link: 5.1.8
For nothing can seem foul to those that win.
Link: 5.1.9
How now, my Lord of Worcester! 'tis not well
Link: 5.1.10
That you and I should meet upon such terms
Link: 5.1.11
As now we meet. You have deceived our trust,
Link: 5.1.12
And made us doff our easy robes of peace,
Link: 5.1.13
To crush our old limbs in ungentle steel:
Link: 5.1.14
This is not well, my lord, this is not well.
Link: 5.1.15
What say you to it? will you again unknit
Link: 5.1.16
This curlish knot of all-abhorred war?
Link: 5.1.17
And move in that obedient orb again
Link: 5.1.18
Where you did give a fair and natural light,
Link: 5.1.19
And be no more an exhaled meteor,
Link: 5.1.20
A prodigy of fear and a portent
Link: 5.1.21
Of broached mischief to the unborn times?
Link: 5.1.22
EARL OF WORCESTER
Hear me, my liege:
Link: 5.1.23
For mine own part, I could be well content
Link: 5.1.24
To entertain the lag-end of my life
Link: 5.1.25
With quiet hours; for I do protest,
Link: 5.1.26
I have not sought the day of this dislike.
Link: 5.1.27
KING HENRY IV
You have not sought it! how comes it, then?
Link: 5.1.28
FALSTAFF
Rebellion lay in his way, and he found it.
Link: 5.1.29
PRINCE HENRY
Peace, chewet, peace!
Link: 5.1.30
EARL OF WORCESTER
It pleased your majesty to turn your looks
Link: 5.1.31
Of favour from myself and all our house;
Link: 5.1.32
And yet I must remember you, my lord,
Link: 5.1.33
We were the first and dearest of your friends.
Link: 5.1.34
For you my staff of office did I break
Link: 5.1.35
In Richard's time; and posted day and night
Link: 5.1.36
to meet you on the way, and kiss your hand,
Link: 5.1.37
When yet you were in place and in account
Link: 5.1.38
Nothing so strong and fortunate as I.
Link: 5.1.39
It was myself, my brother and his son,
Link: 5.1.40
That brought you home and boldly did outdare
Link: 5.1.41
The dangers of the time. You swore to us,
Link: 5.1.42
And you did swear that oath at Doncaster,
Link: 5.1.43
That you did nothing purpose 'gainst the state;
Link: 5.1.44
Nor claim no further than your new-fall'n right,
Link: 5.1.45
The seat of Gaunt, dukedom of Lancaster:
Link: 5.1.46
To this we swore our aid. But in short space
Link: 5.1.47
It rain'd down fortune showering on your head;
Link: 5.1.48
And such a flood of greatness fell on you,
Link: 5.1.49
What with our help, what with the absent king,
Link: 5.1.50
What with the injuries of a wanton time,
Link: 5.1.51
The seeming sufferances that you had borne,
Link: 5.1.52
And the contrarious winds that held the king
Link: 5.1.53
So long in his unlucky Irish wars
Link: 5.1.54
That all in England did repute him dead:
Link: 5.1.55
And from this swarm of fair advantages
Link: 5.1.56
You took occasion to be quickly woo'd
Link: 5.1.57
To gripe the general sway into your hand;
Link: 5.1.58
Forget your oath to us at Doncaster;
Link: 5.1.59
And being fed by us you used us so
Link: 5.1.60
As that ungentle hull, the cuckoo's bird,
Link: 5.1.61
Useth the sparrow; did oppress our nest;
Link: 5.1.62
Grew by our feeding to so great a bulk
Link: 5.1.63
That even our love durst not come near your sight
Link: 5.1.64
For fear of swallowing; but with nimble wing
Link: 5.1.65
We were enforced, for safety sake, to fly
Link: 5.1.66
Out of sight and raise this present head;
Link: 5.1.67
Whereby we stand opposed by such means
Link: 5.1.68
As you yourself have forged against yourself
Link: 5.1.69
By unkind usage, dangerous countenance,
Link: 5.1.70
And violation of all faith and troth
Link: 5.1.71
Sworn to us in your younger enterprise.
Link: 5.1.72
KING HENRY IV
These things indeed you have articulate,
Link: 5.1.73
Proclaim'd at market-crosses, read in churches,
Link: 5.1.74
To face the garment of rebellion
Link: 5.1.75
With some fine colour that may please the eye
Link: 5.1.76
Of fickle changelings and poor discontents,
Link: 5.1.77
Which gape and rub the elbow at the news
Link: 5.1.78
Of hurlyburly innovation:
Link: 5.1.79
And never yet did insurrection want
Link: 5.1.80
Such water-colours to impaint his cause;
Link: 5.1.81
Nor moody beggars, starving for a time
Link: 5.1.82
Of pellmell havoc and confusion.
Link: 5.1.83
PRINCE HENRY
In both your armies there is many a soul
Link: 5.1.84
Shall pay full dearly for this encounter,
Link: 5.1.85
If once they join in trial. Tell your nephew,
Link: 5.1.86
The Prince of Wales doth join with all the world
Link: 5.1.87
In praise of Henry Percy: by my hopes,
Link: 5.1.88
This present enterprise set off his head,
Link: 5.1.89
I do not think a braver gentleman,
Link: 5.1.90
More active-valiant or more valiant-young,
Link: 5.1.91
More daring or more bold, is now alive
Link: 5.1.92
To grace this latter age with noble deeds.
Link: 5.1.93
For my part, I may speak it to my shame,
Link: 5.1.94
I have a truant been to chivalry;
Link: 5.1.95
And so I hear he doth account me too;
Link: 5.1.96
Yet this before my father's majesty--
Link: 5.1.97
I am content that he shall take the odds
Link: 5.1.98
Of his great name and estimation,
Link: 5.1.99
And will, to save the blood on either side,
Link: 5.1.100
Try fortune with him in a single fight.
Link: 5.1.101
KING HENRY IV
And, Prince of Wales, so dare we venture thee,
Link: 5.1.102
Albeit considerations infinite
Link: 5.1.103
Do make against it. No, good Worcester, no,
Link: 5.1.104
We love our people well; even those we love
Link: 5.1.105
That are misled upon your cousin's part;
Link: 5.1.106
And, will they take the offer of our grace,
Link: 5.1.107
Both he and they and you, every man
Link: 5.1.108
Shall be my friend again and I'll be his:
Link: 5.1.109
So tell your cousin, and bring me word
Link: 5.1.110
What he will do: but if he will not yield,
Link: 5.1.111
Rebuke and dread correction wait on us
Link: 5.1.112
And they shall do their office. So, be gone;
Link: 5.1.113
We will not now be troubled with reply:
Link: 5.1.114
We offer fair; take it advisedly.
Link: 5.1.115
Exeunt WORCESTER and VERNON
PRINCE HENRY
It will not be accepted, on my life:
Link: 5.1.116
The Douglas and the Hotspur both together
Link: 5.1.117
Are confident against the world in arms.
Link: 5.1.118
KING HENRY IV
Hence, therefore, every leader to his charge;
Link: 5.1.119
For, on their answer, will we set on them:
Link: 5.1.120
And God befriend us, as our cause is just!
Link: 5.1.121
Exeunt all but PRINCE HENRY and FALSTAFF
FALSTAFF
Hal, if thou see me down in the battle and bestride
Link: 5.1.122
me, so; 'tis a point of friendship.
Link: 5.1.123
PRINCE HENRY
Nothing but a colossus can do thee that friendship.
Link: 5.1.124
Say thy prayers, and farewell.
Link: 5.1.125
FALSTAFF
I would 'twere bed-time, Hal, and all well.
Link: 5.1.126
PRINCE HENRY
Why, thou owest God a death.
Link: 5.1.127
Exit PRINCE HENRY
FALSTAFF
'Tis not due yet; I would be loath to pay him before
Link: 5.1.128
his day. What need I be so forward with him that
Link: 5.1.129
calls not on me? Well, 'tis no matter; honour pricks
Link: 5.1.130
me on. Yea, but how if honour prick me off when I
Link: 5.1.131
come on? how then? Can honour set to a leg? no: or
Link: 5.1.132
an arm? no: or take away the grief of a wound? no.
Link: 5.1.133
Honour hath no skill in surgery, then? no. What is
Link: 5.1.134
honour? a word. What is in that word honour? what
Link: 5.1.135
is that honour? air. A trim reckoning! Who hath it?
Link: 5.1.136
he that died o' Wednesday. Doth he feel it? no.
Link: 5.1.137
Doth he hear it? no. 'Tis insensible, then. Yea,
Link: 5.1.138
to the dead. But will it not live with the living?
Link: 5.1.139
no. Why? detraction will not suffer it. Therefore
Link: 5.1.140
I'll none of it. Honour is a mere scutcheon: and so
Link: 5.1.141
ends my catechism.
Link: 5.1.142
Exit
SCENE II. The rebel camp.
Scene 2 of Act 5 features a conversation between Prince Hal and Falstaff. The two friends are discussing the upcoming battle and Falstaff is trying to convince the Prince not to go. Falstaff argues that the war is not about honor or duty, but rather about money and power. He claims that the soldiers are not fighting for their country or their king, but for their own selfish reasons. Falstaff believes that it is better to stay home and let others fight the battle. Prince Hal, however, is not convinced. He believes that it is his duty to fight for his country and his father, the king. He argues that if he were to stay home, he would be seen as a coward and lose his reputation. The conversation becomes heated as Falstaff continues to try to convince the Prince to stay home. He even goes so far as to say that he does not care if the Prince dies in battle. This angers Prince Hal and he tells Falstaff that he no longer wants to associate with him. The scene ends with Prince Hal leaving and Falstaff being left alone on stage. Falstaff is left to ponder his own cowardice and the fact that he has lost the friendship of the future king.
Enter WORCESTER and VERNON
EARL OF WORCESTER
O, no, my nephew must not know, Sir Richard,
Link: 5.2.1
The liberal and kind offer of the king.
Link: 5.2.2
VERNON
'Twere best he did.
Link: 5.2.3
EARL OF WORCESTER
Then are we all undone.
Link: 5.2.4
It is not possible, it cannot be,
Link: 5.2.5
The king should keep his word in loving us;
Link: 5.2.6
He will suspect us still and find a time
Link: 5.2.7
To punish this offence in other faults:
Link: 5.2.8
Suspicion all our lives shall be stuck full of eyes;
Link: 5.2.9
For treason is but trusted like the fox,
Link: 5.2.10
Who, ne'er so tame, so cherish'd and lock'd up,
Link: 5.2.11
Will have a wild trick of his ancestors.
Link: 5.2.12
Look how we can, or sad or merrily,
Link: 5.2.13
Interpretation will misquote our looks,
Link: 5.2.14
And we shall feed like oxen at a stall,
Link: 5.2.15
The better cherish'd, still the nearer death.
Link: 5.2.16
My nephew's trespass may be well forgot;
Link: 5.2.17
it hath the excuse of youth and heat of blood,
Link: 5.2.18
And an adopted name of privilege,
Link: 5.2.19
A hair-brain'd Hotspur, govern'd by a spleen:
Link: 5.2.20
All his offences live upon my head
Link: 5.2.21
And on his father's; we did train him on,
Link: 5.2.22
And, his corruption being ta'en from us,
Link: 5.2.23
We, as the spring of all, shall pay for all.
Link: 5.2.24
Therefore, good cousin, let not Harry know,
Link: 5.2.25
In any case, the offer of the king.
Link: 5.2.26
VERNON
Deliver what you will; I'll say 'tis so.
Link: 5.2.27
Here comes your cousin.
Link: 5.2.28
Enter HOTSPUR and DOUGLAS
HOTSPUR
My uncle is return'd:
Link: 5.2.29
Deliver up my Lord of Westmoreland.
Link: 5.2.30
Uncle, what news?
Link: 5.2.31
EARL OF WORCESTER
The king will bid you battle presently.
Link: 5.2.32
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Defy him by the Lord of Westmoreland.
Link: 5.2.33
HOTSPUR
Lord Douglas, go you and tell him so.
Link: 5.2.34
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Marry, and shall, and very willingly.
Link: 5.2.35
Exit
EARL OF WORCESTER
There is no seeming mercy in the king.
Link: 5.2.36
HOTSPUR
Did you beg any? God forbid!
Link: 5.2.37
EARL OF WORCESTER
I told him gently of our grievances,
Link: 5.2.38
Of his oath-breaking; which he mended thus,
Link: 5.2.39
By now forswearing that he is forsworn:
Link: 5.2.40
He calls us rebels, traitors; and will scourge
Link: 5.2.41
With haughty arms this hateful name in us.
Link: 5.2.42
Re-enter the EARL OF DOUGLAS
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Arm, gentlemen; to arms! for I have thrown
Link: 5.2.43
A brave defiance in King Henry's teeth,
Link: 5.2.44
And Westmoreland, that was engaged, did bear it;
Link: 5.2.45
Which cannot choose but bring him quickly on.
Link: 5.2.46
EARL OF WORCESTER
The Prince of Wales stepp'd forth before the king,
Link: 5.2.47
And, nephew, challenged you to single fight.
Link: 5.2.48
HOTSPUR
O, would the quarrel lay upon our heads,
Link: 5.2.49
And that no man might draw short breath today
Link: 5.2.50
But I and Harry Monmouth! Tell me, tell me,
Link: 5.2.51
How show'd his tasking? seem'd it in contempt?
Link: 5.2.52
VERNON
No, by my soul; I never in my life
Link: 5.2.53
Did hear a challenge urged more modestly,
Link: 5.2.54
Unless a brother should a brother dare
Link: 5.2.55
To gentle exercise and proof of arms.
Link: 5.2.56
He gave you all the duties of a man;
Link: 5.2.57
Trimm'd up your praises with a princely tongue,
Link: 5.2.58
Spoke to your deservings like a chronicle,
Link: 5.2.59
Making you ever better than his praise
Link: 5.2.60
By still dispraising praise valued in you;
Link: 5.2.61
And, which became him like a prince indeed,
Link: 5.2.62
He made a blushing cital of himself;
Link: 5.2.63
And chid his truant youth with such a grace
Link: 5.2.64
As if he master'd there a double spirit.
Link: 5.2.65
Of teaching and of learning instantly.
Link: 5.2.66
There did he pause: but let me tell the world,
Link: 5.2.67
If he outlive the envy of this day,
Link: 5.2.68
England did never owe so sweet a hope,
Link: 5.2.69
So much misconstrued in his wantonness.
Link: 5.2.70
HOTSPUR
Cousin, I think thou art enamoured
Link: 5.2.71
On his follies: never did I hear
Link: 5.2.72
Of any prince so wild a libertine.
Link: 5.2.73
But be he as he will, yet once ere night
Link: 5.2.74
I will embrace him with a soldier's arm,
Link: 5.2.75
That he shall shrink under my courtesy.
Link: 5.2.76
Arm, arm with speed: and, fellows, soldiers, friends,
Link: 5.2.77
Better consider what you have to do
Link: 5.2.78
Than I, that have not well the gift of tongue,
Link: 5.2.79
Can lift your blood up with persuasion.
Link: 5.2.80
Enter a Messenger
Messenger
My lord, here are letters for you.
Link: 5.2.81
HOTSPUR
I cannot read them now.
Link: 5.2.82
O gentlemen, the time of life is short!
Link: 5.2.83
To spend that shortness basely were too long,
Link: 5.2.84
If life did ride upon a dial's point,
Link: 5.2.85
Still ending at the arrival of an hour.
Link: 5.2.86
An if we live, we live to tread on kings;
Link: 5.2.87
If die, brave death, when princes die with us!
Link: 5.2.88
Now, for our consciences, the arms are fair,
Link: 5.2.89
When the intent of bearing them is just.
Link: 5.2.90
Enter another Messenger
Messenger
My lord, prepare; the king comes on apace.
Link: 5.2.91
HOTSPUR
I thank him, that he cuts me from my tale,
Link: 5.2.92
For I profess not talking; only this--
Link: 5.2.93
Let each man do his best: and here draw I
Link: 5.2.94
A sword, whose temper I intend to stain
Link: 5.2.95
With the best blood that I can meet withal
Link: 5.2.96
In the adventure of this perilous day.
Link: 5.2.97
Now, Esperance! Percy! and set on.
Link: 5.2.98
Sound all the lofty instruments of war,
Link: 5.2.99
And by that music let us all embrace;
Link: 5.2.100
For, heaven to earth, some of us never shall
Link: 5.2.101
A second time do such a courtesy.
Link: 5.2.102
The trumpets sound. They embrace, and exeunt
SCENE III. Plain between the camps.
In Scene 3 of Act 5, the battle between the rebels and the king's army is about to commence. Hotspur, the leader of the rebels, is killed by Prince Hal, who has now become a skilled warrior. The rebels are defeated, and the king's army emerges victorious. However, the victory is not without its losses. Falstaff, a comical and beloved character, is believed to have been killed in the battle. The king mourns his loss but is also relieved that the rebellion has been quelled. Prince Hal, who had previously been known for his wild and reckless behavior, has proven himself to be a worthy successor to the throne. He is praised by the king and his peers for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield. The scene ends with the king and his army preparing to move on to the next battle, as the rebellion may not be fully extinguished. Prince Hal reflects on the cost of war and the sacrifices made by both sides. He also ponders his own future and the responsibilities that come with being king.
KING HENRY enters with his power. Alarum to the battle. Then enter DOUGLAS and SIR WALTER BLUNT
SIR WALTER BLUNT
What is thy name, that in the battle thus
Link: 5.3.1
Thou crossest me? what honour dost thou seek
Link: 5.3.2
Upon my head?
Link: 5.3.3
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Know then, my name is Douglas;
Link: 5.3.4
And I do haunt thee in the battle thus
Link: 5.3.5
Because some tell me that thou art a king.
Link: 5.3.6
SIR WALTER BLUNT
They tell thee true.
Link: 5.3.7
EARL OF DOUGLAS
The Lord of Stafford dear to-day hath bought
Link: 5.3.8
Thy likeness, for instead of thee, King Harry,
Link: 5.3.9
This sword hath ended him: so shall it thee,
Link: 5.3.10
Unless thou yield thee as my prisoner.
Link: 5.3.11
SIR WALTER BLUNT
I was not born a yielder, thou proud Scot;
Link: 5.3.12
And thou shalt find a king that will revenge
Link: 5.3.13
Lord Stafford's death.
Link: 5.3.14
They fight. DOUGLAS kills SIR WALTER BLUNT. Enter HOTSPUR
HOTSPUR
O Douglas, hadst thou fought at Holmedon thus,
Link: 5.3.15
never had triumph'd upon a Scot.
Link: 5.3.16
EARL OF DOUGLAS
All's done, all's won; here breathless lies the king.
Link: 5.3.17
HOTSPUR
Where?
Link: 5.3.18
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Here.
Link: 5.3.19
HOTSPUR
This, Douglas? no: I know this face full well:
Link: 5.3.20
A gallant knight he was, his name was Blunt;
Link: 5.3.21
Semblably furnish'd like the king himself.
Link: 5.3.22
EARL OF DOUGLAS
A fool go with thy soul, whither it goes!
Link: 5.3.23
A borrow'd title hast thou bought too dear:
Link: 5.3.24
Why didst thou tell me that thou wert a king?
Link: 5.3.25
HOTSPUR
The king hath many marching in his coats.
Link: 5.3.26
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Now, by my sword, I will kill all his coats;
Link: 5.3.27
I'll murder all his wardrobe, piece by piece,
Link: 5.3.28
Until I meet the king.
Link: 5.3.29
HOTSPUR
Up, and away!
Link: 5.3.30
Our soldiers stand full fairly for the day.
Link: 5.3.31
Exeunt
Alarum. Enter FALSTAFF, solus
FALSTAFF
Though I could 'scape shot-free at London, I fear
Link: 5.3.32
the shot here; here's no scoring but upon the pate.
Link: 5.3.33
Soft! who are you? Sir Walter Blunt: there's honour
Link: 5.3.34
for you! here's no vanity! I am as hot as moulten
Link: 5.3.35
lead, and as heavy too: God keep lead out of me! I
Link: 5.3.36
need no more weight than mine own bowels. I have
Link: 5.3.37
led my ragamuffins where they are peppered: there's
Link: 5.3.38
not three of my hundred and fifty left alive; and
Link: 5.3.39
they are for the town's end, to beg during life.
Link: 5.3.40
But who comes here?
Link: 5.3.41
Enter PRINCE HENRY
PRINCE HENRY
What, stand'st thou idle here? lend me thy sword:
Link: 5.3.42
Many a nobleman lies stark and stiff
Link: 5.3.43
Under the hoofs of vaunting enemies,
Link: 5.3.44
Whose deaths are yet unrevenged: I prithee,
Link: 5.3.45
lend me thy sword.
Link: 5.3.46
FALSTAFF
O Hal, I prithee, give me leave to breathe awhile.
Link: 5.3.47
Turk Gregory never did such deeds in arms as I have
Link: 5.3.48
done this day. I have paid Percy, I have made him sure.
Link: 5.3.49
PRINCE HENRY
He is, indeed; and living to kill thee. I prithee,
Link: 5.3.50
lend me thy sword.
Link: 5.3.51
FALSTAFF
Nay, before God, Hal, if Percy be alive, thou get'st
Link: 5.3.52
not my sword; but take my pistol, if thou wilt.
Link: 5.3.53
PRINCE HENRY
Give it to me: what, is it in the case?
Link: 5.3.54
FALSTAFF
Ay, Hal; 'tis hot, 'tis hot; there's that will sack a city.
Link: 5.3.55
PRINCE HENRY draws it out, and finds it to be a bottle of sack
PRINCE HENRY
What, is it a time to jest and dally now?
Link: 5.3.56
He throws the bottle at him. Exit
FALSTAFF
Well, if Percy be alive, I'll pierce him. If he do
Link: 5.3.57
come in my way, so: if he do not, if I come in his
Link: 5.3.58
willingly, let him make a carbonado of me. I like
Link: 5.3.59
not such grinning honour as Sir Walter hath: give me
Link: 5.3.60
life: which if I can save, so; if not, honour comes
Link: 5.3.61
unlooked for, and there's an end.
Link: 5.3.62
Exit FALSTAFF
SCENE IV. Another part of the field.
Scene 4 of Act 5 takes place on the battlefield where King Henry IV and his son Prince Hal, who has now become a respected warrior, are fighting against the rebel forces led by Hotspur. The battle is intense and both sides are losing men. Prince Hal encounters Hotspur and they engage in a one-on-one fight. During the fight, Hotspur's sword breaks and he asks for a new one from his squire. Prince Hal, seeing this as an opportunity, takes advantage and strikes Hotspur with his sword, killing him. As King Henry IV and his army emerge victorious, he mourns the death of Hotspur, who was once his ally. Prince Hal approaches his father and explains his actions, saying that he killed Hotspur to prove his loyalty to the crown and to honor his father. King Henry IV is moved by his son's words and embraces him, acknowledging that he has proven himself as a worthy successor to the throne. The scene ends with the announcement of another rebel army gathering in the north, setting the stage for the events that will unfold in the sequel to the play.
Alarum. Excursions. Enter PRINCE HENRY, LORD JOHN OF LANCASTER, and EARL OF WESTMORELAND
KING HENRY IV
I prithee,
Link: 5.4.1
Harry, withdraw thyself; thou bleed'st too much.
Link: 5.4.2
Lord John of Lancaster, go you with him.
Link: 5.4.3
LANCASTER
Not I, my lord, unless I did bleed too.
Link: 5.4.4
PRINCE HENRY
I beseech your majesty, make up,
Link: 5.4.5
Lest your retirement do amaze your friends.
Link: 5.4.6
KING HENRY IV
I will do so.
Link: 5.4.7
My Lord of Westmoreland, lead him to his tent.
Link: 5.4.8
WESTMORELAND
Come, my lord, I'll lead you to your tent.
Link: 5.4.9
PRINCE HENRY
Lead me, my lord? I do not need your help:
Link: 5.4.10
And God forbid a shallow scratch should drive
Link: 5.4.11
The Prince of Wales from such a field as this,
Link: 5.4.12
Where stain'd nobility lies trodden on,
Link: 5.4.13
and rebels' arms triumph in massacres!
Link: 5.4.14
LANCASTER
We breathe too long: come, cousin Westmoreland,
Link: 5.4.15
Our duty this way lies; for God's sake come.
Link: 5.4.16
Exeunt LANCASTER and WESTMORELAND
PRINCE HENRY
By God, thou hast deceived me, Lancaster;
Link: 5.4.17
I did not think thee lord of such a spirit:
Link: 5.4.18
Before, I loved thee as a brother, John;
Link: 5.4.19
But now, I do respect thee as my soul.
Link: 5.4.20
KING HENRY IV
I saw him hold Lord Percy at the point
Link: 5.4.21
With lustier maintenance than I did look for
Link: 5.4.22
Of such an ungrown warrior.
Link: 5.4.23
PRINCE HENRY
O, this boy
Link: 5.4.24
Lends mettle to us all!
Link: 5.4.25
Exit
Enter DOUGLAS
EARL OF DOUGLAS
Another king! they grow like Hydra's heads:
Link: 5.4.26
I am the Douglas, fatal to all those
Link: 5.4.27
That wear those colours on them: what art thou,
Link: 5.4.28
That counterfeit'st the person of a king?
Link: 5.4.29
KING HENRY IV
The king himself; who, Douglas, grieves at heart
Link: 5.4.30
So many of his shadows thou hast met
Link: 5.4.31
And not the very king. I have two boys
Link: 5.4.32
Seek Percy and thyself about the field:
Link: 5.4.33
But, seeing thou fall'st on me so luckily,
Link: 5.4.34
I will assay thee: so, defend thyself.
Link: 5.4.35
EARL OF DOUGLAS
I fear thou art another counterfeit;
Link: 5.4.36
And yet, in faith, thou bear'st thee like a king:
Link: 5.4.37
But mine I am sure thou art, whoe'er thou be,
Link: 5.4.38
And thus I win thee.
Link: 5.4.39
They fight. KING HENRY being in danger, PRINCE HENRY enters
PRINCE HENRY
Hold up thy head, vile Scot, or thou art like
Link: 5.4.40
Never to hold it up again! the spirits
Link: 5.4.41
Of valiant Shirley, Stafford, Blunt, are in my arms:
Link: 5.4.42
It is the Prince of Wales that threatens thee;
Link: 5.4.43
Who never promiseth but he means to pay.
Link: 5.4.44
Cheerly, my lord how fares your grace?
Link: 5.4.45
Sir Nicholas Gawsey hath for succor sent,
Link: 5.4.46
And so hath Clifton: I'll to Clifton straight.
Link: 5.4.47
KING HENRY IV
Stay, and breathe awhile:
Link: 5.4.48
Thou hast redeem'd thy lost opinion,
Link: 5.4.49
And show'd thou makest some tender of my life,
Link: 5.4.50
In this fair rescue thou hast brought to me.
Link: 5.4.51
PRINCE HENRY
O God! they did me too much injury
Link: 5.4.52
That ever said I hearken'd for your death.
Link: 5.4.53
If it were so, I might have let alone
Link: 5.4.54
The insulting hand of Douglas over you,
Link: 5.4.55
Which would have been as speedy in your end
Link: 5.4.56
As all the poisonous potions in the world
Link: 5.4.57
And saved the treacherous labour of your son.
Link: 5.4.58
KING HENRY IV
Make up to Clifton: I'll to Sir Nicholas Gawsey.
Link: 5.4.59
Exit
Enter HOTSPUR
HOTSPUR
If I mistake not, thou art Harry Monmouth.
Link: 5.4.60
PRINCE HENRY
Thou speak'st as if I would deny my name.
Link: 5.4.61
HOTSPUR
My name is Harry Percy.
Link: 5.4.62
PRINCE HENRY
Why, then I see
Link: 5.4.63
A very valiant rebel of the name.
Link: 5.4.64
I am the Prince of Wales; and think not, Percy,
Link: 5.4.65
To share with me in glory any more:
Link: 5.4.66
Two stars keep not their motion in one sphere;
Link: 5.4.67
Nor can one England brook a double reign,
Link: 5.4.68
Of Harry Percy and the Prince of Wales.
Link: 5.4.69
HOTSPUR
Nor shall it, Harry; for the hour is come
Link: 5.4.70
To end the one of us; and would to God
Link: 5.4.71
Thy name in arms were now as great as mine!
Link: 5.4.72
PRINCE HENRY
I'll make it greater ere I part from thee;
Link: 5.4.73
And all the budding honours on thy crest
Link: 5.4.74
I'll crop, to make a garland for my head.
Link: 5.4.75
HOTSPUR
I can no longer brook thy vanities.
Link: 5.4.76
They fight
Enter FALSTAFF
FALSTAFF
Well said, Hal! to it Hal! Nay, you shall find no
Link: 5.4.77
boy's play here, I can tell you.
Link: 5.4.78
Re-enter DOUGLAS; he fights with FALSTAFF, who falls down as if he were dead, and exit DOUGLAS. HOTSPUR is wounded, and falls
HOTSPUR
O, Harry, thou hast robb'd me of my youth!
Link: 5.4.79
I better brook the loss of brittle life
Link: 5.4.80
Than those proud titles thou hast won of me;
Link: 5.4.81
They wound my thoughts worse than sword my flesh:
Link: 5.4.82
But thought's the slave of life, and life time's fool;
Link: 5.4.83
And time, that takes survey of all the world,
Link: 5.4.84
Must have a stop. O, I could prophesy,
Link: 5.4.85
But that the earthy and cold hand of death
Link: 5.4.86
Lies on my tongue: no, Percy, thou art dust
Link: 5.4.87
And food for--
Link: 5.4.88
Dies
PRINCE HENRY
For worms, brave Percy: fare thee well, great heart!
Link: 5.4.89
Ill-weaved ambition, how much art thou shrunk!
Link: 5.4.90
When that this body did contain a spirit,
Link: 5.4.91
A kingdom for it was too small a bound;
Link: 5.4.92
But now two paces of the vilest earth
Link: 5.4.93
Is room enough: this earth that bears thee dead
Link: 5.4.94
Bears not alive so stout a gentleman.
Link: 5.4.95
If thou wert sensible of courtesy,
Link: 5.4.96
I should not make so dear a show of zeal:
Link: 5.4.97
But let my favours hide thy mangled face;
Link: 5.4.98
And, even in thy behalf, I'll thank myself
Link: 5.4.99
For doing these fair rites of tenderness.
Link: 5.4.100
Adieu, and take thy praise with thee to heaven!
Link: 5.4.101
Thy ignominy sleep with thee in the grave,
Link: 5.4.102
But not remember'd in thy epitaph!
Link: 5.4.103
What, old acquaintance! could not all this flesh
Link: 5.4.104
Keep in a little life? Poor Jack, farewell!
Link: 5.4.105
I could have better spared a better man:
Link: 5.4.106
O, I should have a heavy miss of thee,
Link: 5.4.107
If I were much in love with vanity!
Link: 5.4.108
Death hath not struck so fat a deer to-day,
Link: 5.4.109
Though many dearer, in this bloody fray.
Link: 5.4.110
Embowell'd will I see thee by and by:
Link: 5.4.111
Till then in blood by noble Percy lie.
Link: 5.4.112
Exit PRINCE HENRY
FALSTAFF
(Rising up) Embowelled! if thou embowel me to-day,
Link: 5.4.113
I'll give you leave to powder me and eat me too
Link: 5.4.114
to-morrow. 'Sblood,'twas time to counterfeit, or
Link: 5.4.115
that hot termagant Scot had paid me scot and lot too.
Link: 5.4.116
Counterfeit? I lie, I am no counterfeit: to die,
Link: 5.4.117
is to be a counterfeit; for he is but the
Link: 5.4.118
counterfeit of a man who hath not the life of a man:
Link: 5.4.119
but to counterfeit dying, when a man thereby
Link: 5.4.120
liveth, is to be no counterfeit, but the true and
Link: 5.4.121
perfect image of life indeed. The better part of
Link: 5.4.122
valour is discretion; in the which better part I
Link: 5.4.123
have saved my life.'Zounds, I am afraid of this
Link: 5.4.124
gunpowder Percy, though he be dead: how, if he
Link: 5.4.125
should counterfeit too and rise? by my faith, I am
Link: 5.4.126
afraid he would prove the better counterfeit.
Link: 5.4.127
Therefore I'll make him sure; yea, and I'll swear I
Link: 5.4.128
killed him. Why may not he rise as well as I?
Link: 5.4.129
Nothing confutes me but eyes, and nobody sees me.
Link: 5.4.130
Therefore, sirrah,
Link: 5.4.131
with a new wound in your thigh, come you along with me.
Link: 5.4.132
Takes up HOTSPUR on his back
Re-enter PRINCE HENRY and LORD JOHN OF LANCASTER
PRINCE HENRY
Come, brother John; full bravely hast thou flesh'd
Link: 5.4.133
Thy maiden sword.
Link: 5.4.134
LANCASTER
But, soft! whom have we here?
Link: 5.4.135
Did you not tell me this fat man was dead?
Link: 5.4.136
PRINCE HENRY
I did; I saw him dead,
Link: 5.4.137
Breathless and bleeding on the ground. Art
Link: 5.4.138
thou alive?
Link: 5.4.139
Or is it fantasy that plays upon our eyesight?
Link: 5.4.140
I prithee, speak; we will not trust our eyes
Link: 5.4.141
Without our ears: thou art not what thou seem'st.
Link: 5.4.142
FALSTAFF
No, that's certain; I am not a double man: but if I
Link: 5.4.143
be not Jack Falstaff, then am I a Jack. There is Percy:
Link: 5.4.144
if your father will do me any honour, so; if not, let
Link: 5.4.145
him kill the next Percy himself. I look to be either
Link: 5.4.146
earl or duke, I can assure you.
Link: 5.4.147
PRINCE HENRY
Why, Percy I killed myself and saw thee dead.
Link: 5.4.148
FALSTAFF
Didst thou? Lord, Lord, how this world is given to
Link: 5.4.149
lying! I grant you I was down and out of breath;
Link: 5.4.150
and so was he: but we rose both at an instant and
Link: 5.4.151
fought a long hour by Shrewsbury clock. If I may be
Link: 5.4.152
believed, so; if not, let them that should reward
Link: 5.4.153
valour bear the sin upon their own heads. I'll take
Link: 5.4.154
it upon my death, I gave him this wound in the
Link: 5.4.155
thigh: if the man were alive and would deny it,
Link: 5.4.156
'zounds, I would make him eat a piece of my sword.
Link: 5.4.157
LANCASTER
This is the strangest tale that ever I heard.
Link: 5.4.158
PRINCE HENRY
This is the strangest fellow, brother John.
Link: 5.4.159
Come, bring your luggage nobly on your back:
Link: 5.4.160
For my part, if a lie may do thee grace,
Link: 5.4.161
I'll gild it with the happiest terms I have.
Link: 5.4.162
The trumpet sounds retreat; the day is ours.
Link: 5.4.163
Come, brother, let us to the highest of the field,
Link: 5.4.164
To see what friends are living, who are dead.
Link: 5.4.165
Exeunt PRINCE HENRY and LANCASTER
FALSTAFF
I'll follow, as they say, for reward. He that
Link: 5.4.166
rewards me, God reward him! If I do grow great,
Link: 5.4.167
I'll grow less; for I'll purge, and leave sack, and
Link: 5.4.168
live cleanly as a nobleman should do.
Link: 5.4.169
Exit
SCENE V. Another part of the field.
Scene 5 of Act 5 of Henry IV, Part 1 takes place on a battlefield. The King's forces have won the battle, but there is still fighting going on. Prince Hal, who is now the heir to the throne, encounters Sir John Falstaff, his old friend and mentor. Falstaff, who has been wounded and is pretending to be dead, is discovered by Hal. Falstaff begs Hal to save him, but Hal sees through his deceit and tells him that he will not help him. Falstaff tries to make light of the situation, but Hal is firm in his decision. Hal then encounters Douglas, a Scottish nobleman who has been fighting on the side of the rebels. Douglas challenges Hal to a duel, but Hal refuses, saying that they are both tired and wounded. Douglas insists, and they fight. Hal wins the duel and spares Douglas's life. He then orders his soldiers to take care of the wounded, both his own men and the rebels. The scene ends with Hal reflecting on the cost of war and the lives lost.
The trumpets sound. Enter KING HENRY IV, PRINCE HENRY, LORD JOHN LANCASTER, EARL OF WESTMORELAND, with WORCESTER and VERNON prisoners
KING HENRY IV
Thus ever did rebellion find rebuke.
Link: 5.5.1
Ill-spirited Worcester! did not we send grace,
Link: 5.5.2
Pardon and terms of love to all of you?
Link: 5.5.3
And wouldst thou turn our offers contrary?
Link: 5.5.4
Misuse the tenor of thy kinsman's trust?
Link: 5.5.5
Three knights upon our party slain to-day,
Link: 5.5.6
A noble earl and many a creature else
Link: 5.5.7
Had been alive this hour,
Link: 5.5.8
If like a Christian thou hadst truly borne
Link: 5.5.9
Betwixt our armies true intelligence.
Link: 5.5.10
EARL OF WORCESTER
What I have done my safety urged me to;
Link: 5.5.11
And I embrace this fortune patiently,
Link: 5.5.12
Since not to be avoided it falls on me.
Link: 5.5.13
KING HENRY IV
Bear Worcester to the death and Vernon too:
Link: 5.5.14
Other offenders we will pause upon.
Link: 5.5.15
How goes the field?
Link: 5.5.16
PRINCE HENRY
The noble Scot, Lord Douglas, when he saw
Link: 5.5.17
The fortune of the day quite turn'd from him,
Link: 5.5.18
The noble Percy slain, and all his men
Link: 5.5.19
Upon the foot of fear, fled with the rest;
Link: 5.5.20
And falling from a hill, he was so bruised
Link: 5.5.21
That the pursuers took him. At my tent
Link: 5.5.22
The Douglas is; and I beseech your grace
Link: 5.5.23
I may dispose of him.
Link: 5.5.24
KING HENRY IV
With all my heart.
Link: 5.5.25
PRINCE HENRY
Then, brother John of Lancaster, to you
Link: 5.5.26
This honourable bounty shall belong:
Link: 5.5.27
Go to the Douglas, and deliver him
Link: 5.5.28
Up to his pleasure, ransomless and free:
Link: 5.5.29
His valour shown upon our crests to-day
Link: 5.5.30
Hath taught us how to cherish such high deeds
Link: 5.5.31
Even in the bosom of our adversaries.
Link: 5.5.32
LANCASTER
I thank your grace for this high courtesy,
Link: 5.5.33
Which I shall give away immediately.
Link: 5.5.34
KING HENRY IV
Then this remains, that we divide our power.
Link: 5.5.35
You, son John, and my cousin Westmoreland
Link: 5.5.36
Towards York shall bend you with your dearest speed,
Link: 5.5.37
To meet Northumberland and the prelate Scroop,
Link: 5.5.38
Who, as we hear, are busily in arms:
Link: 5.5.39
Myself and you, son Harry, will towards Wales,
Link: 5.5.40
To fight with Glendower and the Earl of March.
Link: 5.5.41
Rebellion in this land shall lose his sway,
Link: 5.5.42
Meeting the cheque of such another day:
Link: 5.5.43
And since this business so fair is done,
Link: 5.5.44
Let us not leave till all our own be won.
Link: 5.5.45
Exeunt