Henry IV, Part 1

by William Shakespeare

  ACT 2 SCENE 2

  Farther down the highway, Poins tells Henry, Peto, and Bardolph that he has hidden Falstaff’s horse for a joke. They stand aside as Falstaff approaches, angrily calling for Poins. Henry tells Falstaff to be quiet and pretends to go to find Poins, but joins the others in the darkness as they listen to Falstaff complaining and cursing them. They join him again, and Henry teases “fat-guts” Falstaff as he demands the return of his horse. Gadshill arrives with the news that there is “money of the king’s” on its way down the hill. Henry says that he and Poins will go further down the lane to catch their victims if they should escape from the others, and they leave, exchanging an aside about their “disguises.” Falstaff, Peto, Bardolph, and Gadshill carry out the robbery, leaving with their victims. Henry and Poins return, disguised, and hide as the robbers reenter, dividing up their profits. As Falstaff says that Poins and Henry will get nothing for being “arrant cowards,” the prince and his companion set upon them. Frightened, the robbers run away, leaving the loot behind. Henry laughs at the fact that Falstaff must walk home.

  ACT 2 SCENE 3

  Hotspur’s serious plans contrast with the low and essentially comic plotting of the last two scenes, reinforcing the deliberate character contrast with Prince Henry. Hotspur is reading a letter from an unnamed nobleman, who has declined to join the rebellion. Hotspur criticizes the letter writer as a “shallow cowardly hind,” showing his quick temper and concerns with honor. Worried that the “frosty-spirited rogue” will reveal the plot to the king, Hotspur decides that he must set off at once to join his fellow conspirators. He is interrupted by his wife, Lady Percy, demanding to know what is wrong. She complains that he has been neglecting her: instead of “pleasure and…golden sleep” in bed, he disturbs her with nightmares, talking of “prisoners’ ransom and of soldiers slain.” She is worried that her brother, Mortimer, intends to stake his claim to the throne, and that Hotspur is involved. Although their exchange reveals a loving relationship, Henry is impatient, saying that he has no time for love. He tells her that she must not question him, as, although he knows her to be “wise” and “constant,” she is a woman, and therefore not to be trusted. He consoles her with the promise that she shall soon join him.

  ACT 2 SCENE 4

  Lines 1–102: Prince Henry continues to lead a disreputable existence, ignoring his noble birth and responsibilities. In the Eastcheap tavern, he boasts to Poins of his drinking exploits. In order to “drive away time” while they wait for Falstaff, he orders Poins to help him tease the young bartender, Francis. The prince mocks Francis for his limited use of language (forcing a contrast with the verbal dexterity of other characters in the play, such as himself, Falstaff, and Hotspur) and for his hardworking nature. He moves on to criticize the similarly industrious character of “the Hotspur of the north,” one of his first acknowledgments of the political world outside his current life.

  Lines 103–274: The others arrive and, as they drink, Henry and Falstaff banter rudely with each other, demonstrating the mixture of affection and contempt that the prince feels for Falstaff, and Falstaff’s simultaneous lack of respect and awareness of Henry’s royal status. Falstaff accuses the prince and Poins of being cowards for not taking part in the robbery. When Henry asks where the loot is, Falstaff tells how they were themselves robbed by “a hundred” men. Dramatic irony compounds the humor as Falstaff boasts of how he fought off their attackers and only escaped “by a miracle.” Encouraged by Poins and Henry, he continues to exaggerate, contradicting himself and inventing details, until the prince calls him a liar. They exchange insults until Henry reveals the truth: it was he and Poins who robbed them. Falstaff quickly recovers, claiming that he knew this, and that he did not fight back because he did not wish “to kill the heir-apparent.” They are interrupted by Hostess Quickly who announces that a nobleman has brought Henry a message from the king. Falstaff goes to “send him packing.”

  Lines 275–443: Falstaff returns, and the prince immediately starts taunting him again, but Falstaff tells Henry that he has been summoned to court the following morning by his father. Falstaff tells Henry of the rebellion, and Hotspur’s alliance with the Welsh and Scottish forces, and urges him to prepare what he is going to say to the king the next day. In a meta-theatrical episode, they “act out” Henry’s coming interview with his father. Despite its comic overtones, this episode explores the relationships that Henry has with both Falstaff and his father. The questions that Falstaff puts to him as to whether the “son of England” should “prove a thief and take purses” emphasize the disparity between the prince’s rank and duty and his current behavior. When Falstaff uses his “role” as king to recommend that Henry keep Falstaff by him even when he banishes the others, Henry decides that they should swap places. He is playing the role of king, and abusing Falstaff, when a knocking is heard and Bardolph runs in.

  Lines 444–507: Bardolph announces that the Watch are at the door. Hostess Quickly adds that they have come to search the house. The prince advises Falstaff to hide while he talks to the sheriff. Henry denies that Falstaff has been there, but promises to find him and send him to the sheriff, who leaves. Peto finds Falstaff snoring behind the arras and Henry goes through his pockets, finding only a bill for food and drink. Henry tells Peto that he will go and see the king in the morning, and warns him that they “must all to the wars,” joking that he will put Falstaff in command of an infantry company.

  ACT 3 SCENE 1

  Lines 1–148: The rebels meet in Wales to discuss their plans. They begin civilly, but Hotspur loses patience with Glendower’s beliefs in astrological signs. Glendower claims that King Henry fears him because, at his birth, heaven was “full of fiery shapes” and the earth “Shaked like a coward,” but Hotspur is rudely dismissive of these claims and mocks Glendower. Mortimer intervenes and they look at a map showing the potential division of land after the defeat of Henry. Mortimer announces that he, Hotspur, and Worcester will set forth the next day to meet Northumberland and the Scottish armies at Shrewsbury, while Glendower gathers his forces to meet them “in fourteen days.” Glendower promises to be with them quickly, and to bring their “ladies” with him (Kate, Lady Percy, and his own daughter, wife of Mortimer). Hotspur, however, is still looking at the map and announces that he is not satisfied that his share is equal. Showing his lack of maturity, he goads Glendower and threatens to divert the course of the River Trent. In contrast to Hotspur, Glendower remains calm and agrees to a minor change in the map before leaving to find the ladies.

  Lines 149–193: Mortimer rebukes Hotspur for his rudeness. Hotspur complains that Glendower angers him by talking about myths and magic and “skimble-skamble stuff.” Worcester tells Hotspur that he must “amend” his behavior, providing an accurate analysis of his nephew’s character: divided between “greatness, courage, blood” and “harsh rage…Pride, haughtiness, opinion and disdain.”

  Lines 194–268: Glendower brings the ladies to bid good-bye. He translates the conversation between his daughter and Mortimer, as husband and wife do not speak each other’s language. Their exchange is apparently romantic, however, and she sings him a parting song in Welsh. Hotspur mocks them as he and Lady Percy wrangle affectionately, perhaps showing a more genuine relationship than that of Mortimer and his wife. Mortimer and Hotspur leave.

  ACT 3 SCENE 2

  King Henry sends his lords away so that he can speak privately with Prince Henry. The king wonders whether God is punishing him through his son for some “displeasing service” he has done in the past. Angry and disappointed, he rebukes Prince Henry for his lifestyle of “barren pleasures [and] rude society.” Prince Henry claims that he has not behaved as badly as rumor suggests and asks for his father’s pardon, but the king continues, pointing out that the prince’s younger brother, Prince John, has had to take on his responsibilities. He argues that if he himself had been “So common- hackneyed in the eyes of men” during his campaign for the throne, he would have lost the good o
pinion of the public, which was so important to his cause. In an emotional appeal, he compares Prince Henry’s behavior to that of Richard II, who “Mingled his royalty with carping fools” and destroyed his popularity by being too much in the public eye. He talks about Hotspur, claiming that he “hath more worthy interest to the state” than Prince Henry does, as he has shown courage and nobility in battle, even in his challenge to the king. He ends by saying that his son is just as likely to fight against him through “fear” and “Base inclination.” Moved, Henry begs him not to “think so” and promises to redeem himself “on Percy’s head,” washing away his own “shame” with the blood of battle. His speech is eloquent and his use of blank verse and stirring imagery form a stark contrast with his speech and behavior in previous scenes.

  The king places Prince Henry in charge of the royal forces. Sir Walter Blunt brings news that the rebels are going to meet in Shrewsbury, and King Henry says that he knows this: Prince John has already set out. He announces that Prince Henry will set out “on Wednesday next,” that he will follow, and that all their forces shall meet “at Bridgnorth” in twelve days.

  ACT 3 SCENE 3

  In the Eastcheap tavern, Falstaff and Bardolph are involved in a humorous exchange. Hostess Quickly interrupts and Falstaff demands to know if she has caught whoever picked his pocket. She is indignant at the suggestion that there are thieves in her house, and reminds him that he owes her money. He claims that as well as his money, a seal ring “worth forty mark” has been stolen, but she tells everyone that the prince said that the ring was made of copper. Falstaff denounces Henry as a “sneak-cup” and threatens to “cudgel” him. As they bicker, Prince Henry arrives. They reveal their argument to him, Falstaff claiming that he has had “three or four bonds of forty pound apiece, and a seal-ring” stolen, and the Hostess telling Henry that Falstaff spoke “most vilely of” him and claimed that the prince owes him a thousand pounds. Falstaff jokes his way out of the accusations, and Henry reveals that it was he who went through Falstaff’s pockets and found nothing of value. He asks Falstaff if he is “not ashamed,” but Falstaff is unrepentant, calling Hostess Quickly to prepare breakfast. Prince Henry reveals that he has paid back the sum taken in the robbery so Falstaff is no longer in trouble, and turns the conversation to the impending conflict, providing a serious conclusion to the boisterous comedy of the scene. Henry tells Falstaff that he has given him command of an infantry company, much to his lazy friend’s disgust, but the humor that this generates is swiftly forgotten as the prince sustains his new, more serious character.

  ACT 4 SCENE 1

  The swift movement between the four scenes of this act emphasizes the increased pace of events.

  Lines 1–88: Hotspur and Douglas are interrupted by a Messenger bringing news that Northumberland is “grievous sick” and unable to lead his forces to join them. Northumberland’s letter urges them to go into battle: in fact, they have no choice as the king is aware of their intentions and is preparing to fight. Worcester is concerned, but Hotspur remains optimistic, arguing that they will not be using all of their military strength at once, and will have “A rendezvous, a home to fly unto” if they are unsuccessful. Douglas agrees, but Worcester worries that it will seem as though there is a division in the rebel forces, suggesting weakness. Hotspur bravely, if naively, retains his optimism.

  Lines 89–143: Vernon brings news that Westmorland and Prince John are marching toward them with an army of seven thousand. The king has also set out “With strong and mighty preparation.” Hotspur listens calmly, then mockingly asks about Prince Henry, “The nimble-footed madcap,” showing contempt for the prince’s lifestyle and reputation. Vernon reports, however, that Henry’s forces are “All furnished, all in arms,” “Glittering in golden coats,” “full of spirit,” and “gorgeous as the sun,” evoking Henry’s own image of himself at the end of Act 1 Scene 2. Vernon recounts how the prince himself is like a “feathered Mercury,” riding on “fiery Pegasus.” Angry at this praise of Henry, Hotspur declares himself “on fire” to go into battle. He wants to meet the prince in single combat, “Harry to Harry,” symbolically emphasizing the dramatic paralleling of the two characters. He asks after Glendower, and Vernon reveals that the Welsh leader is not ready. Worcester and Douglas are disturbed by this news, but Hotspur urges them into battle, to “die all, die merrily.”

  ACT 4 SCENE 2

  On the march to Shrewsbury, Falstaff sends Bardolph to buy wine. Falstaff reveals how he has “misused” the power of conscription, making “in exchange of a hundred and fifty soldiers, three hundred and odd pounds,” by recruiting mostly wealthy men who can buy their way back out of service. Consequently, the troops he now has assembled consist of “scarecrows” such as prisoners, “servingmen…revolted tapsters and ostlers trade-fallen.” While this provides comic relief from the preparations for battle, Falstaff’s sustained dishonesty contrasts with Prince Henry’s newfound sense of duty and honor. Falstaff is joined by the prince and Westmorland, who criticize his troops. Falstaff comments callously that they are good enough for cannon fodder, and Henry urges him to hurry: the king and Hotspur are already encamped and ready for battle.

  ACT 4 SCENE 3

  The rebels argue over when to attack. A trumpet sounds a parley and Blunt brings a message from the king. Henry asks that the rebels “name [their] griefs,” promising to try to resolve matters and to pardon those who have stood against him. Hotspur launches into a long complaint, revealing the grievances of the Percy family against the king, detailing the help that they gave him in overthrowing Richard II and the king’s subsequent ingratitude, such as his refusal to ransom Mortimer. When Blunt offers to relay this, however, Hotspur shows unusual restraint, saying that Worcester will be sent “in the morning early” to talk with the king. He responds graciously to Blunt’s wish for a peaceful solution.

  ACT 4 SCENE 4

  In a scene that foreshadows events in Henry IV Part II, the Archbishop of York sends letters to the Lord Marshal and Lord Scroop. He fears the outcome of a battle without Northumberland and Glendower’s forces and is strengthening his defenses in readiness against the king, who is aware of his role in the conspiracy.

  ACT 5 SCENE 1

  The pace of the previous act is sustained into Act 5, reinforcing the rapidity and confusion of the battle.

  The king and prince discuss the worsening weather. Worcester is brought in and the king chastises him for deceiving his trust and bringing them to conflict. He gives Worcester the opportunity to “unknit / This churlish knot of all-abhorrèd war,” and Worcester responds that he is not the one responsible for the hostilities. He reiterates the complaints made by Hotspur in Act 4 Scene 3, concerning the “unkind usage” of the Percy family by the king. The king responds that this is merely an excuse with which to “face the garment of rebellion.” Prince Henry offers to meet Hotspur in single combat to settle the matter, in order to prevent lives being lost in battle. He acknowledges Hotspur’s bravery and nobility, and admits his own past failings as a “truant…to chivalry.” The king forbids this and again offers to pardon the rebels if they surrender now. Worcester goes to deliver this message, and the prince warns his father that the rebels will not accept his offer of peace. The king leaves to prepare. The prince and Falstaff say good-bye, and, once he is alone, Falstaff muses on the futility of honor if it leads to death, reasoning that “honour” is merely “a word.”

  ACT 5 SCENE 2

  Lines 1–42: Worcester tells Vernon that Hotspur must not learn of the king’s offer. He argues that, while the king may forgive and forget Hotspur’s “trespass” as a youthful misdemeanor, he and Northumberland would be punished by Henry; thus selfishly placing his own concerns before the possibility of averting the war. Hotspur joins them and Worcester announces that the king will engage in battle, dishonestly claiming that he “gently” told Henry of their “grievances” and that the king called them traitors.

  Lines 43–102: Douglas returns from sendin
g Westmorland to the king with a message of defiance and Worcester tells Hotspur that Prince Henry offered to meet him in single combat. Hotspur is pleased with this idea, echoing Henry’s honorable concern for the lives of his men. Vernon describes how Henry praised Hotspur and confessed his own “truant youth,” but Hotspur is unimpressed, expressing his intention to meet Henry on the battlefield. A messenger brings in letters, but Hotspur claims that “the time of life is short” and that he cannot read them now. Another Messenger announces that the king is approaching and Hotspur leads the rebels to battle.

  Lines 103–133: Douglas and Blunt enter, Blunt disguised as the king. They fight and Blunt is killed. Hotspur arrives and recognizes Blunt, revealing that Henry has many decoys on the battlefield. They head back to battle.

  Lines 134–161: Falstaff enters, alone, and sees Blunt’s body, remarking: “There’s honour for you!” Prince Henry finds him and demands his sword, chastising him for standing idle. Falstaff offers him a pistol, but the prince finds a bottle of wine in the holster. Disgusted, he leaves, and Falstaff reiterates his point that he would rather live than achieve honor in death.

  ACT 5 SCENE 3