Henry V
First Produced: 1598-99
Sources: Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1577 and 1587)
Locale: England for Acts 1 and 2; afterward, France.
Dramatis Personae:
CHORUS
KING HENRY THE FIFTH
HUMPHREY DUKE OF GLOUCESTER, brother to the king
JOHN DUKE OF BEDFORD, brother to the king
DUKE OF CLARENCE, brother to the king
DUKE OF EXETER, uncle to the king
DUKE OF YORK, cousin to the king
EARL OF SALISBURY
EARL OF WESTMERLAND
EARL OF WARWICK
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
BISHOP OF ELY
EARL OF CAMBRIDGE
LORD SCROOP
SIR THOMAS GREY
SIR THOMAS ERPINGHAM, officer in King Henry’s army
GOWER, officer in King Henry’s army
FLUELLEN, officer in King Henry’s army
MACMORRIS, officer in King Henry’s army
JAMY, officer in King Henry’s army
BATES, soldier in King Henry’s army
COURT, soldier in King Henry’s army
WILLIAMS, soldier in King Henry’s army
PISTOL
NYM
BARDOLPH
BOY
HERALD
CHARLES THE SIXTH, King of France
LEWIS, the Dolphin
DUKE OF BURGUNDY
DUKE OF ORLEANCE
DUKE OF BOURBON
DUKE OF BRITAIN
DUKE OF BERRI
DUKE OF BEAUMONT
CONSTABLE OF FRANCE
RAMBURES, French lord
GRANDPRE, French lord
GOVERNOR OF HARFLEUR
MONTJOY, a French herald
AMBASSADORS to the king of England
ISABEL, Queen of Grance
KATHERINE, daughter to Charles and Isabel
ALICE, a lady attending on her
HOSTESS of the Boar’s Head Tavern in Eastcheap,
formerly Mistress Quickly, and now married to Pistol
LORDS, LADIES, OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, CITIZENS,
MESSENGERS, and ATTENDANTS
Historical Background. Shakespeare wrote ten historical plays about seven English kings. Of the seven kings,
five were involved in the conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York. Only King John and Henry VIII are
plays whose stories are outside this conflict.
Edward III (reigned 1327-77) had five sons; Edward the Black Prince, who died in 1376 shortly before his father;
Lionel, the Duke of Clarence; John of Gaunt; and Edmund of Langley, the Duke of York. Edward the Black Prince
was the father of Richard II, who became king upon the death of Edward III. John of Gaunt became the 2nd Duke of
Lancaster through his first wife, Blanche, the daughter of Henry, the 1st Duke of Lancaster. John and Blanche were
the parents of Henry Bolingbroke, who became Henry IV, when he overthrew Richard II. Henry was the father of
Henry V, who in turn was the father by Katherine of Henry VI. Henry VI was subject to fits of insanity and he was
eventually overthrown by Edward IV, who was the son of Richard, the Duke of York, and a direct descendant of
Lionel. Richard had inherited the title of Duke of York from his uncle, Edward the Duke of York when Edward was
killed at Agincourt fighting for Henry V. Edward the Duke of York was the son of Edmund of Langley and the
grandson of Edward III.
Henry V - 2
Edward IV of York, died in 1483 and his brother, Richard III, assumed the throne after displacing Edward’s son,
Edward V. Richard III was defeated at Bosworth Field in 1485 by Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII. Henry was
descended from the House of Lancaster through his grandmother, Catherine, the queen of Henry V. When he
married Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward IV, the houses of Lancaster and York were united as the House of
Tudor.
Synopsis. Act 1. The archbishop of Canterbury and the bishop of Ely are concerned that Henry, who had just
assumed the throne, might confiscate lands of the church. They also commented on how Henry had suddenly
transformed himself from a wild, impetuous youth, to a responsible ruler.
Henry asks Canterbury to explain on what basis he (Henry) has a right to the throne of France. Explaining that the
Salic law had been misapplied by the French, Canterbury convinces Henry of his right and he is encouraged by
Canterbury and his nobles to fight for the throne. French ambassadors arrive and they tell Henry that the Dolphin
(i.e., the crown prince of France) rejects Henry’s French claims. The Dolphin considers Henry to be young,
impetuous, and unequal to the power of the French. As a sarcastic gesture of good will, the Dolphin has sent
Henry a barrel of tennis balls. Henry is incensed and vows revenge. Henry gives orders to prepare for an invasion
of France.
Act 2. Pistol and Nym quarrel over Hostess Quickly, with whom Nym had been romantically involved, but who is
now married to Pistol. The boy comes to summon Bardolph, Pistol, and the Hostess to see Falstaff, who is dying.
The Hostess goes with boy while Nym says that Pistol owes him for a betting loss. Bardolph intervenes to stop the
quarrel and Pistol agrees to pay Nym. The Hostess returns to say that Falstaff is very ill and dejected because the
king has rejected him. Pistol then goes to see Falstaff.
As Henry prepares to embark for France, he learns of a plot against his life by three English nobles. He has them
arrested and executed. Shortly thereafter, Pistol says that Falstaff is dead. Pistol, along with Bardolph and Nym,
head for France in search of the spoils of war.
The French prepare their defenses and express great optimism as their army is much larger. The French king is
more cautious. Exeter arrives as the English ambassador and tells the French that Henry is the rightful heir to the
throne of France. He demands an immediate response. The Dolphin ridicules the claim, but the French king says
he will answer the English demands the next day.
Act 3. The English try to breach the wall of Harfleur, the French seaport. Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol are among the
English fighters and Fluellen, with a whip, tries to drive them into battle. Learning that the Irish officer, MacMorris,
plans to blow up the walls, Fluellen is angered as he believes MacMorris has no real knowledge of warfare. Henry
tells the citizens of Harfleur that they can surrender peaceably or face plunder, rape, and murder. Since the
Dolphin is unable to help at the time, the governor surrenders the city.
Katherine, the daughter of the French king, asks Alice, her attendant, to teach her English by identifying the parts
of the body.
The French king learns that the English have crossed the Somme and orders his nobles to assemble a large army.
He sends Montjoy to the English to demand a ransom from Henry so that he and his men will not be destroyed by
the French. The English have in the meantime secured a key bridge because of the brilliance of Exeter, who has
Bardolph executed for stealing a crucifix. Henry admits that his army is weak and ill, but he rejects Montjoy’s
demands and says that his army will fight. The Dolphin brags about his horse and calls it his “mistress.”
Henry V - 3
Act 4. Henry tells Gloucester that they are in great danger. He borrows the cloak of Erpingham, disguises himself
as a gentleman, and goes out among his troops. Pistol speaks well of Henry while Fluellen is concerned that the
French will overhear them. Henry encounters Williams, who says that the king should be responsible for any
carnage from an unjust war and that he doubts Henry’s sincerity in rejecting the ransom offer from the French.
Henry challenges Williams, and still disguise, exchanges gloves with Williams so that they can continue their
quarrel after the battle, provided that they both survive.
Henry laments his responsibilities as a king and prays that God will give courage to his men. The French nobles
prepare for battle and Grandpre wants to know why the French are holding back as the English are ready to fight.
The English nobles gather to say their farewells; they will see each other again in heaven. Henry gives York
permission to lead the first charge and rejects another ransom offer from Montjoy.
Pistol captures a French soldier, but releases him after being offered a substantial ransom. Boy notices that the
Engllish camp is guarded only by boys. The now French realize that they have lost the battle, but they send in
some more reinforcements while Henry orders the execution of the French prisoners. Henry, infuriated by the
news that the French have slaughtered all the boys guarding the English camp, sends heralds to tell the French to
come to him or he will go after them. Montjoy arrives, admits defeat, and asks Henry to allow the French to clear
the field of their dead. He tells Henry that the nearby castle is named “Agincourt,” so Henry calls the field of
battle, the “field of Agincourt.”
Williams is summoned to see the king, who asks him about the glove in his cap. Williams says that it belonged to a
gentleman, whom he vowed to fight after the battle. Fluellen says that Williams should be allowed to honor his
vow. When Williams returns to his commander, Henry gives Fluellen the glove he had exchanged with Williams.
He sends Gloucester and Warwick after Fluellen to prevent any violence. Upon seeing the glove, Williams strikes
Fluellen, who then accuses Williams of treason. Henry arrives and explains the real situation, pardons Williams,
and returns his glove full of gold crowns.
A messenger arrives to tell Henry that 10,000 Frenchmen were killed, but only 25 English soldiers alon with two
noblemen, York and Suffolk.
Act 5. A few years later, Fluellen, wearing a leek for St Davy’s Day, strikes Pistol and forces him to eat the leek.
Pistol will show his scars from Fluellen’s fists and say that they are war wounds. Pistol says that his wife, the
Hostess, died of venereal disease.
Henry meets with the French king, Charles VI, and his queen, Isabella. Burgundy regrets the enormous damage
done to French fields and vineyards by the fighting. Henry gives Charles a list of English demands. While the
demands are being considered, he woos Katherine, the daughter of Charles and Isabella, and she finally agrees to
marry him. Charles finally agrees to the English demands and consents to the marriage of Henry and Katherine. As
the play ends, the nobles are looking forward to the wedding.
Henry V - 4
Act.Scene
0.0
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
1-34
Chorus
1.1
1-98
Canterbury, Ely
1.2
1-6
The audience is urged to use its imagination as the
events reenacted in the play are actually too large for
the stage.
In the 11th year of the reign of Henry IV, a bill had
been passed in which one-half of clerical lands were
to be confiscated by the king. It was forgotten in a
following period of unrest, but now Canterbury is
concerned that it will be revived by the new king,
Henry V. He comments on how Henry changed upon
succession from a wild youth into a responsible king.
He says that Henry seems slightly inclined to ditch the
bill of confiscation, but nonetheless Canterbury
intends to offer a large sum for Henry’s army if he will
claim the French crown.
Henry wants to see Canterbury and asks Exeter to
summon him. He tells Westmerland to wait before
he summons the French ambassador.
Henry asks Canterbury to explain on what basis he
(Henry) has a right to the French throne. He expects
Canterbury to answer truthfully and accurately as the
lives and blood depend on an honest answer.
Canterbury argues that the French are misapplying
the Salic law to the lands claimed by the English and
goes into the history of the Salic law in some detail.
(Salic law prevented anyone from inheriting land
through a female ancestor. Edward III had claimed
the French throne through his mother, Isabel.) Henry
asks if he has a right to make this claim, so
Canterbury cites the Biblical book of Numbers, where
a female is permitted to inherit land and urges Henry
to proceed as the English could defeat a French army
twice as large. Ely, Exeter, and Westmerland all back
up Canterbury, but Henry is worried about the Scots,
who may attack while he is fighting the French. They
others convince Henry that he has sufficient
resources to prevent a Scottish attack. Henry tells
the attendants to summon the French ambassadors.
The ambassadors greet Henry on behalf of the
Dolphin (i.e., crown prince) rather than the king of
France. Henry asks for plain talk from the Dolphin.
The Dolphin has said that Henry has no claim to the
French throne and that, based on his youthful
revelries, he is ill-equipped to fight the French. But as
a token of good will, the Dolphin has sent a barrel of
tennis balls. Henry sarcastically says that he will play
a set with France and take the throne of France by
turning the tennis balls into gun-stones. His
vengeance will leave France with a thousand widows.
The Dolphin should prepare for Henry’s arrival.
7-233
234-297
King Henry, Exeter,
Westmerland, [Gloucester,
Bedford, Clarence, Warwick]
Canterbury, King Henry, Ely,
Exeter, Westmerland,
[Gloucester, Bedford, Clarence,
Warwick, Attendants]
King Henry, Ambassador, Exeter,
[Gloucester, Bedford, Clarence,
Warwick, Westmerland,
Canterbury, Ely, Attendants]
Henry V - 5
Act.Scene
1.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
298-310
Exeter comments on the merriness of the message.
Henry orders preparations for the expedition against
France; he will chide the Dolphin at his father’s door.
2.0
1-40
King Henry, Exeter, [Gloucester,
Bedford, Clarence, Warwick,
Westmerland, Canterbury, Ely,
Attendants
Chorus
2.1
1-25
Bardolph, Nym
26-80
Bardolph, Nym, Pistol, Hostess
[Quickly]
81-89
Boy, Bardolph, Hostess, [Pistol,
Nym]
90-116
117-127
2.2
1-11
12-181
Bardolph, Pistol, Nym
Hostess, Nym, Pistol, [Bardolph]
Bedford, Exeter, Westmerland
King Henry, Scroop, Cambridge,
Grey, Exeter, [Bedford,
Westmerland, Attendants]
The chorus tells of the feverish enthusiasm of the
youth of England to fight for the king, but they also
reveal a French plot to assassinate Henry by bribing
Richard Earl of Cambridge, Henry Lord Scroop of
Masham, and Sir Thomas Grey of Northumberland.
Bardolph asks Nym if he has reconciled with Pistol,
Nym says that he has not done so. Bardolph offers to
make them friends, and sworn brothers to France,
but Nym is not interested .
Nym and Pistol trade insults and threats over Hostess
Quickly, who had married Pistol and ended her
relationship with Nym. They draw their swords, but
Bardolph keeps them from fighting by threatening
them with his own sword.
The boy tries to summon Pistol, the Hostess, and
Bardolph to see [Falstaff], who is very ill. The Hostess
leaves with the boy.
Nym and Pistol again draw their swords as Nym says
that Pistol owes him for a betting loss. Bardolph
threatens them again if they do not become friends
and finally Pistol agrees to pay Nym most of what is
owed in cash.
The Hostess returns to report that [Falstaff] is very ill
with a fever and broken-hearted as the king has
rejected him. Pistol agrees to see [Falstaff].
The three men comment on the treachery of the
conspirators against the king, who has become aware
of the plot against his life.
Scroop, Cambridge, and Grey all laud the king for his
wise governance. A drunk is then presented who had
railed against the king, who wants to show some
leniency, but Scroop, Cambridge, and Grey all argue
that the drunk should be punished. Henry replies
that if small offenses are severely punished, then no
leniency can be shown for serious offenses.
Expecting their commissions, Henry gives the
conspirators papers that order their executions.
Shocked, they admit their guilt. Henry then wonders
why they had betrayed their king and country; what
demon had possessed them. Each one pleads for
mercy, but Henry says that, while he might forgive an
attack on his own person, they betrayed the entire
nation. Exeter arrests them and Henry orders them
to be executed. They are taken away.
Henry V - 6
Act.Scene
2.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
182-193
King Henry, [Exeter, Bedford,
Westmerland, Attendants]
2.3
1-63
Hostess, Pistol, Nym, Bardolph,
Boy
2.4
1-67
French King, Dolphin, Constable,
Messenger, [Dukes of Berri and
Britain, others]
Henry is ready to embark for France. With the
conspirators gone, he is optimistic that he will
succeed in upcoming fight with the French.
Pistol announces that Falstaff is dead and Hostess
describes his last hours. Pistol, Nym, and Bardolph
head for Southampton as they intend to look for the
spoils of war in France.
Aware of the English invasion, the French king orders
preparations for defense. The Dolphin is optimistic
since he views Henry as a shallow, vain, youth. The
Constable, however, warns not to underestimate
Henry, who has good advisors. The French king
recounts how English warriors of the past were tough
opponents; they should assume the same with
respect to Henry. A messenger arrives to announce
the arrival of an English ambassador.
The Dolphin is disdainful of the English threats and
tells his father to stand up to the ambassador.
Exeter tells the French king that he should relinquish
the crown of France since Henry is the rightful heir to
the crown through Edward III. The French king asks
what would be the consequences of his refusal.
Exeter says that war will be result with all of its
attendant horrors and misery for the people of
France. The French king says that he will give a reply
the next day. The Dolphin asks what regard Henry
has for him. Exeter tells him that Henry is eager to
get revenge for the insult he had received from the
Dolphin in the gift of tennis balls. The Dolphin is
defiant, but Exeter warns him of the consequences.
Exeter wants an immediate answer, but the French
king says that one night will make little difference.
The chorus sings the praises of Henry’s fleet and asks
the audience to imagine it crossing the channel to
confront the French.
Henry urges his men to try once again to breach the
walls of Harfleur, the French seaport. Although peace
is to be preferred, when war comes, one must be
prepared to fight like a tiger. He reminds his men to
honor their parents by showing their courage and
valor.
Bardolph wants to join the attack, but Nym, Pistol,
and the Boy would rather be elsewhere.
Fluellen drives the men forward into the battle; he
calls them “dogs.” Pistol asks Fluellen to show some
mercy.
68-74
75-145
French King, Dolphin
French King, Exeter, Dolphin
3.0
1-35
Chorus
3.1
1-34
King Henry, [Exeter, Bedford,
Gloucester]
3.2
1-19
Bardolph, Nym, Pistol, Boy
20-27
Fluellen, Pistol, Nym, [Bardolph,
Boy]
Henry V - 7
Act.Scene
3.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
28-53
Boy, [Fluellen]
54-73
Gower, Fluellen
[Soliloquy] Boy says that Bardolph talks of fighting,
but he actually a coward and a thief. Nym and Pistol
are also cowards as well as petty thieves. He
disapproves of their thievery and vows to get away
from them.
Gower tells Fluellen that Gloucester wants him
(Fluellen) to report so that mines can be laid under
the walls of Harfleur. He also says that the operation
is being conducted by an Irishman, Captain
MacMorris. Fluellen says that the operation violates
the principles of war and that MacMorris has no real
knowledge of warfare.
MacMorris says that the mining operation had been
stopped; he said that he was furious himself with
how it had been handled. Fluellen wants to discuss
Roman military tactics, but MacMorris has other
concerns; he is touchy about the references to his
Irish heritage. Fluellen and MacMorris decide to
postpone their dispute as the citizens of Harfleur
have asked for negotiations.
Henry tells the citizens of Harfleur, who are sitting on
the city wall, that they have a choice. They can
surrender peaceably or they can continue to resist, in
which case Henry will not be able to control his men
once the city falls. The men would then commit
horrible deeds and so he urges peaceful surrender.
The governor has been told that the Dolphin is not in
a position to challenge the siege of Harfleur, so the
governor is surrendering the city to Henry and his
army. Henry tells Exeter to go into the city, fortify it
against the French, and to show mercy to its citizens.
[In French] Katherine asks Alice to teach her English
and so Alice teaches her the different body parts such
as hand, finger, nails, elbow, etc. She advises
Katherine to never use the words “foot” and “count”
(gown) as they are considered indecent.
The French king says that the English have crossed
the Somme. The Dolphin asks if they cannot resist
these English bastards. Not yet fighting, French
women have been taunting their men for their lack of
courage. The king then orders his constable and
dukes to put together a great army, defeat the
English, and capture Henry. The constable points out
that the English men are few in number and in ill
health. The king sends Montjoy to Henry to demand
a ransom so that Henry and his men can be spared.
The Dolphin wants to go with the army, but the king
restrains him.
74-141
3.3
1-43
44-58
Gower, Fluellen, Jamy,
MacMorris
King Henry, [Citizens, King’s
Train]
Governor, King Henry, [Citizens,
King’s Train]
3.4
1-61
Katherine, Alice
3.5
1-68
French King, Constable, Dolphin,
Britain, [Others]
Henry V - 8
Act.Scene
3.6
Lines
1-19
20-86
87-113
114-172
3.7
1-89
90-124
Players
Summary of Conversation
Gower, Fluellen
Gower asks Fluellen about a strategic bridge. Fluellen
says that the bridge is secure, thanks to the brilliance
and honor of Exeter. He also singles out a lieutenant
for his bravery (Pistol).
Fluellen is impressed by Pistol’s valiant language, but
when Pistol asks Fluellen to intercede with Exeter,
who had ordered the execution of Bardolph for
stealing a crucifix, Fluellen says that discipline must
be enforced. Gower calls Pistol a fraud, who goes to
war, avoids any danger, and returns home as a hero.
Fluellen tells the king that the gallantry of Exeter has
saved the bridge. He also tells him about Exeter’s
order to have Bardolph executed for thievery, but the
king says that nothing is to be taken from the villagers
of France unless purchased.
Montjoy arrives on behalf of the French king to a
ransom from Henry; the French king wants
compensation for French losses in persons and
property, but doubts that Henry has the wealth to
provide it. Henry replies that his army is small, weak,
and ill, but when healthy, one Englishman is worth
three French. He does not seek a battle, but if it
comes, his army will fight. He then orders his army to
march to the bridge and to encamp on the other side.
The Dolphin brags extravagantly about his horse and
calls it his “mistress.” He is ridiculed by the
constable. They both regret that it is night and that
they cannot attack the English until morning. They
plan to take English prisoners.
The three men discuss the valor of the Dolphin, who
seems so eager to fight the English. Orleance and the
Constable trade proverbs.
The chorus says that the two armies can see and
nearly hear each other. The French are confident and
play at dice over expected English prisoners. The
English warriors are tired and depressed, but Henry
goes from tent to tent to cheer and encourage them.
The chorus regrets that the battle of Agincourt
cannot be shown on the stage.
Henry tells Gloucester that they are in danger and
that the French have forced them to rise early. The
French that the English should dress for their end.
Henry says that when confronted with doubt and
fear, the mind and body are quickened. He tells
Gloucester to visit and gather the princes on his
behalf. Henry borrows Erpingham’s cloak and asks to
be alone.
Fluellen, Pistol, Gower
King Henry, Fluellen,
[Gloucester, Gower, Pistol]
Monjoy, King Henry, Gloucester,
[Fluellen, Gower, Pistol]
Constable, Orleance, Dolphin,
Rambures, [Others]
Orleance, Rambures, Constable,
[Others]
4.0
1-53
Chorus
4.1
1-12
King Henry, [Bedford,
Gloucester]
13-34
King Henry, Erpingham,
Gloucester, [Bedford]
Henry V - 9
Act.Scene
4.1
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
35-63
Pistol, King Henry
64-84
Gower, Fluellen, King Henry
Henry disguises himself as a gentleman and
encounters Pistol, who speaks well of the king. Henry
says that he is a Welshman and a kinsman of Fluellen,
whom Pistol wants to punch, but Henry warns not to
do so.
Fluellen says that Pompey’s army was quiet, but they
can hear the French army and they sound as asses
and fools. If the English do not keep quiet, they will
sound the same. Gower says he will tone it down.
Henry is impressed by Fluellen.
Court sees morning and Williams laments that they
may not see the end of the day. Henry says he serves
under Erpingham, who believes that the English are
very vulnerable. He then says that the king is just a
man. Williams then argues that the king should be
held responsible for all of the carnage of war if the
war was unjust. Henry argues that each man is
responsible for his own soul and that if his conscience
is clear, despite obeying his king in an unjust cause,
he should not fear death. Williams doubts the
sincerity of Henry in his refusal to be ransomed;
Henry challenges Williams and they exchange gloves
so that they may resume their quarrel after the
battle. Bates tells Henry and Williams that they
should now focus on the French, who are betting 20
to 1 that they will win. Henry says that the French
will be clipped.
[Soliloquy] Henry laments the great cares and
responsibilities he feels as a king; all of the pomp and
ceremony of royalty cannot compensate for them.
The commoner can sleep soundly with few cares; not
so a king.
Erpingham says that the nobles want to see Henry,
who says that he will see them shortly.
[Soliloquy] Henry prays that God will give courage to
his men and not think of how his father had usurped
the throne from Richard II.
Henry says he will go with Gloucester to meet the
nobles.
Orleances asks the Dolphin if his horse will rise above
not just the earth, but air and fire as well. The
Dolphin says it will rise to the heavens.
The Dolphin tells Constable to make incisions in the
hides of the horses so that their blood will splat in
English eyes, but Rambures that they will then not
see the English tears.
The messenger says the English are ready, so the
Constable calls the nobles to mount their steeds and
proceed to defeat the English.
85-229
4.2
Alexander Court, Bates,
Williams, King Henry
230-284
King Henry
285-288
Erpingham, King Henry
289-305
King Henry
306-309
Gloucester, King Henry
1-6
Orleance, Dolphin, [Beaumont,
Rambures]
7-13
Dolphin, Constable, Rambures,
[Beaumont, Orleance]
14-37
Messenger, Constable, [Dolphin,
Beaumont, Orleance, Rambures]
Henry V - 10
Act.Scene
4.2
4.3
Lines
38-63
1-15
Players
Summary of Conversation
Grandpre, Constable, Dolphin,
[Beaumont, Orleance,
Rambures, Messenger]
Grandpre asks why the French are holding back. The
English have taken their positions, but they are weak;
they should be attacked forthwith. The Constable
says that he will take a banner from a trumpet.
Henry, says Bedford, is viewing the battle. Exeter
says that they are outnumbered by the French by
five-to-one. Salisbury says that they may all meet
again in heaven. They wish Salisbury well as he heads
into battle.
Westmerland wishes the English had more fighters,
but Henry says that the fewer men, the greater the
share of honor. Henry only seeks honor and says that
St Crispian Day will be remembered in England;
warriors will show their scars and those who stayed
back in England will wish they had been in the battle.
Salisbury reports that the French are ready to
advance. Henry asks Westmerland if he wished for
more men now, but Westmerland says that he wishes
that he and Henry could together fight the battle
alone. Henry wishes that God be with his nobles.
Sent by the Constable, Montjoy offers Henry one last
opportunity to pay the ransom and live France in
peace, but Henry rejects the demand and says that he
and his men would rather die in France than submit
to French demands. He tells Montjoy that he wants
no more demands from the French.
York asks to lead the English charge and Henry gives
him permission to do so.
Gloucester, Bedford,
Westmerland, Exeter, Salisbury,
[Erpingham]
16-67
Westmerland, King Henry,
[Bedford, Erpingham, Exeter,
Gloucester]
68-78
Salisbury, King Henry,
Westmerland, [Bedford,
Erpingham, Exeter, Gloucester]
79-129
Montjoy, King Henry, [Bedford,
Erpingham, Exeter, Gloucester,
Salisbury, Westmerland]
130-134
York, King Henry, [Bedford,
Erpingham, Exeter, Gloucester,
Salisbury, Westmerland]
Pistol, French Soldier, Boy
4.4
1-77
4.5
1-23
Constable, Orleance, Dolphin,
Bourbon, [Rambures]
4.6
1-38
King Henry, Exeter, [King’s Train,
Prisoners]
Pistol captures a French soldier and demands money
as ransom. After being offered 200 crowns, Pistol lets
him go. Boy notes that the English camp is guarded
only by boys.
The French nobles see the battle going against them
and say that all is lost, Bourbon goes back into the
battle as he would rather die than suffer the shame
of defeat.
Exeter tells Henry that York has died, fighting to the
end. Also dead is Suffolk and York said that their
souls would go together to heaven. York, when
dying, grabbed the hand of Exeter and asked him to
commend him to the king. Henry learns that the
French have reinforced their army, so he orders all
French prisoners killed.
Henry V - 11
4.7
1-54
55-65
66-118
4.8
Fluellen, Gower
King Henry, [Bourbon, French
Prisoners, Warwick, Gloucester,
Exeter, Heralds, others]
Exeter, Gloucester, King Henry,
Montjoy, Fluellen, [Bourbon,
French prisoners, Warwick,
Heralds, others]
119-152
Exeter, King Henry, Williams,
Fluellen, [Gloucester, Bourbon,
French prisoners, Warwick,
others]
153-168
King Henry, Fluellen, [Exeter,
Gloucester, Bourbon, French
prisoners, Warwick, others]
169-183
King Henry, Exeter, Gloucester,
Bourbon, French prisoners,
Warwick, others]
1-18
19-23
24-72
Williams, Fluellen, Gower
Warwick, Fluellen, [Gower,
Williams]
King Henry, Fluellen, Williams,
[Exeter, Gower, Warwick]
Fluellen and Gower are horrified by the French, who
killed all the boys who had been guarding the English
camp. Because of this, they approve of the slaughter
of the French prisoners. Fluellen makes a
comparison between Alexander the Great and Henry
V by pointing out that Alexander killed his best friend,
Cleitus, and Henry V rejected the “fat knight” Falstaff.
Henry, furious at the slaughter of the boys by the
French, sends the heralds to tell the French to come
at him, or he will go after them.
Montjoy arrives to admit defeat and to ask that the
French be allowed to clear their dead from the field.
Henry asks Montjoy for the name of the nearby
castle; he is told that it is “Agincourt,” so Henry calls
the battle site, the “Field of Agincourt.” Fluellen says
that Henry is an honor to his ancestors and to the
Welsh. Henry sends heralds to count the dead.
Williams is summoned to the king, who asks Williams
about the glove in his hat. Williams says that the
glove belongs to one he has vowed to fight. Fluellen
says it is necessary for Williams to keep his vow.
Henry asks Williams for the name of his commander,
whom Williams says is Captain Gower. He tells
Williams to bring Gower to him.
Henry gives to Fluellen the glove he took from
Williams and tells Fluellen to stick it in his cap; he had
taken the glove from the French Duke of Alanson. He
also told Fluellen to arrest anyone who challenged
him on account of the glove. Fluellen tells the king
that Gower is a good friend.
Henry sends Warwick and Gloucester to follow
Fluellen, allow Williams to honor his vow, and then
prevent any further trouble as Fluellen can be hottempered.
Williams asks Fluellen about the glove and then
strikes him. Gower tries to intercede, but Fluellen
says he will take care of the traitor. Williams protests
that he is no traitor.
Warwick asks what is happening and Fluellen says
that he has caught a traitor.
Fluellen accuses Williams of challenging the glove of
Alanson, but Williams says that the glove is his own.
Fluellen says that Williams should be executed, but
Williams protests his innocence. Henry reveals that
he had given Williams his glove and Williams said that
he had been deceived by Henry’s disguise. Henry
tells Exeter to fill Williams’ glove with gold crowns,
but Williams refuses it. Fluellen convinces him to
take the gift.
Henry V - 12
Act.Scene
4.8
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
73-126
King Henry, Herald, Exeter,
Fluellen, [Gower, Warwick,
Williams]
The herald brings a list of the French dead, a total of
10,000, of which 126 were nobles and 1,600 were
mercenaries. There follows a list of some of the
nobles killed. The herald then gives a list of the
English dead, 25 plus the Dukes of Suffolk and York, a
knight, and an esquire. Henry says the God give them
the victory and orders a Non nobis and Te Deum to be
sung. They will arrive happy men back in England.
The chorus asks the audience indulgence as it is not
possible to present the great events that followed
Henry’s miraculous victory. Humble himself, and
deferring the cause of victory to God, Henry is
nonetheless tumultuously welcomed in London. They
note that the Holy Roman Emperor is coming in an
effort to arrange a peace between England and
France and that Henry will be returning to France.
Gower asks why Fluellen he is wearing a leek since St
Davy’s Day is past. Fluellen says that the rascal,
Pistol, brought him bread and salt on St Davy’s Day
and told him to eat the leek he had on his cap. Since
he could not contend with Pistol at the time, he
decided to wear the leek until he sees Pistol again.
Pistol appears and Fluellen forces him to eat the leek,
after striking him twice. Fluellen gives him fourpence
for healing his wounds.
Pistol says that his wounds from Fluellen can pass as
war wounds. He also says that his wife, the Hostess,
has died of venereal disease.
King Henry wishes health to the French delegation
members. The French king and Queen Isabel say that
they are happy to see King Henry. Burgundy has
worked hard to arrange this meeting and then
laments the devastation of war and how the fields
and vineyards of France have been neglected. King
Henry wants to know if the French king agrees to the
English demands. Burgundy replies that the French
king will review the demands and make a prompt
answer. He and the English nobles, along with Isabel,
go to meet together to discuss the terms.
5.0
1-46
Chorus
5.1
1-13
Gower, Fluellen
5.2
14-67
Gower, Fluellen, Pistol
68-89
Pistol, Gower
1-98
King Henry, French King, Queen
Isabel, Burgundy, [Exeter,
Bedford, Gloucester, Warwick,
Westermerland, other Lords,
Katherine, Alice, other French]
Henry V - 13
Act.Scene
5.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
99-280
King Henry, Katherine, Alice
Henry starts to woo Katherine by telling her that he
loves her. She replies that men often tell lies. Henry
says that he is plain and ordinary; he is not glib and
dashing. He then asks her if she loves him. She does
not know and wonders how an Englishman could love
a French woman, but Henry says that he loves France
so much that he will not yield a single village.
Katherine is still dubious, but Henry insists his love for
her is genuine and basically pleads with her to take
him. If her father approves, she will marry Henry.
Henry kisses Katherine’s hand and she is somewhat
shocked. Alice says that kissing is not customary
before marriage. Henry kisses Katherine anyway on
the lips.
Henry says that he is not an eloquent lover in English
and that he has not really conjured up love in
Katherine. Burgundy jokes that love is a naked blind
boy (Cupid) and a bit shocking to a young maiden.
Henry says that he is blind to the fair cities of France
on account of one fair maiden. He then asks the
French king if he can marry Katherine and he agrees.
Westmerland says that the French king had agree to
all demands, but Exeter points out that one demand
had not yet been accepted; namely, the Henry should
be heir of France. The French king finally concedes
this point as well in the interests of peace. Isabel
hopes that the marriage will bring a lasting peace
between England and France. The nobles look
forward to the upcoming wedding.
Again the audience is told that the full story could not
be shown on a stage. Despite Henry’s triumphs, his
son, Henry VI, lost France and made England bleed
from renewed civil war.
281-374
Epilogue
1-14
Burgundy, King Henry, French
King, Westmerland, Exeter,
Lords, Queen Isabel, [other
English and French nobles]
Chorus
Questions: Why did Shakespeare include the opening scene with the conversation between the
Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely?
Why did Skakespeare include the characters Bardolph, Nym, Pistol, and the Hostess?
Why did Shakespeare include the allusion to Falstaff?
Aside from Henry himself, who are the other heroes of the play? The villains?
Who among the French is a hero? A villain?
Why did Shakespeare include the conspiracy story involving Scroop, Cambridge, and Grey?
What was the purpose of the story involving Williams and the glove?