Production 1994

Act 4 Prologue

Chorus The morning's danger, and their gesture sad
Investing lank-lean cheeks and war-worn coats
Presenteth them unto the gazing moon
So many horrid ghosts. O! now, who will behold.

The Chorus (Tony Britton) introduces the scene in the moonlit camp, the night before battle.

Photo: Malcolm Davies Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 4 Scene 1

Henry V O hard condition,
Twin-born with greatness, subject to the breath
Of every fool, whose sense no more can feel
But his own wringing! What infinite heart's-ease
Must kings neglect, that private men enjoy!

Henry (Iain Glen) borrows Erpingham's cloak to disguise himself and wanders through the camp pretending to be an ordinary soldier. After talking to Pistol, Fluellen and other soldiers, he is left alone, musing on the isolation he feels in his position of great power.

Photo: Malcolm Davies Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 4 Scene 3

Earl of Westmoreland O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England / hat do no work to-day!

Henry V What's he that wishes so? / My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin:
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow / To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
...
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me / Shall be my brother

Before going into battle with the French, the English soliders fear defeat because there are so few of them. In this famous 'St Crispin's Day' speech, Henry (Iain Glen) inspires them, saying that their small number means they will each have a greater share of the glory.

Photo: Malcolm Davies Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 4 Scene 3

Henry V Now, soldiers, march away: / And how thou pleasest, God, dispose the day!

Henry and the English soldiers fight the French at Agincourt.

Photo: Malcolm Davies Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 5 Scene 2

Henry V O fair Katharine, if you will love me soundly with your French heart,
I will be glad to hear you confess it brokenly with your English tongue. Do you like me, Kate?
Katharine Pardonnez-moi, I cannot tell vat is 'like me.'

With the language barrier creating some comic comments, Henry (Iain Glen) clumsily woos Princess Katherine of France (Monica Dolan) after winning the battle of Agincourt.
Their union will ensure that Henry and his heirs will inherit France as well as England.

Photo: Malcolm Davies Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust