Fluellen
bemoans the fact that the French, against the laws of war, have killed
the English boys who were guarding the luggage. They have also looted
the King's tent.
Gower's
comment in praise of the King's decision to kill the French prisoners
prompts Fluellen to compare Henry favorably with Alexander the Great.
Henry
enters with his army and some noble French prisoners, including Bourbon.
This makes it clear that the French counter-attack has failed.
Henry
is angry at the killing of the boys, and sends a message to the
remaining French either to come and fight or withdraw from the
battlefield. If they do neither, the English will attack, and show no
mercy. He will also order the killing of all the latest prisoners.
Montjoy
the herald enters, asking permission for the French to bury their many
dead. Henry replies that he does not know the outcome of the
battle, since many French still ride over the battlefield. Montjoy
confirms that the French have surrendered. Henry praises God rather than
attributing the victory to their own strength.
Fluellen
engages the King in a conversation that recalls the victories in France
of Henry's grandfather (he actually means Henry's great-grandfather
Edward III) and emphasizes the fighting qualities of the Welsh.
Williams
enters as Montjoy and Gower depart. Williams has the glove in his cap
that Henry gave him, as a sign of the quarrel they were to resume after
the battle. Henry has Williams brought to him. Williams of course does
not know that his adversary is the King himself, and Henry tells him he
must keep his vow when he meets the man concerned. After Williams exits,
Henry gives Williams's other glove to Fluellen and tells him to wear
it in his cap. He knows that Williams will probably strike Fluellen, and
that the hot-tempered Fluellen will try to hit back. He sends Warwick
after them to make sure that his little joke does not cause any real
harm.
Analysis
In
this scene Henry displays the character traits we have become familiar
with during the course of the play. He can on occasion display ferocity,
as when he threatens to kill the second batch of prisoners. But
accompanying that there is a humility that allows him to attribute his
success not to his own skill and courage but to God. He does not boast
of his achievements. And in the prank he plays on Williams, there is
even a hint that the playfulness of the old Prince Hal is not entirely
extinguished.
|