# Scene II explained — Henry IV, Part I

> Chapter companion for Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Prince Hal and Poins play a trick on Falstaff by hiding his horse and then, after Falstaff and his crew rob some travelers, Hal and Poins rob the thieves themselves, sending them fleeing in fear.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Hal and Poins disguise themselves to rob the thieves, while Falstaff's bravado masks his cowardice.

### Honor and Reputation

Falstaff's concern about being seen as a coward contrasts with his actual behavior during the robbery.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Hal

Plans and executes the trick on Falstaff, then robs the thieves.

### Poins

Helps Hal hide Falstaff's horse and participates in the counter-robbery.

### Falstaff

Frets over his missing horse, participates in the robbery, and flees when Hal and Poins attack.

### Gadshill

Acts as the setter for the robbery, announcing the travelers carrying the king's money.

### Bardolph

Joins the robbery crew and reports the travelers' approach.

### Peto

Part of the robbery crew, asks about the number of travelers.

## Key lines

> I have removed Falstaff’s horse, and he frets like a gummed velvet.

I've taken Falstaff's horse, and he's as agitated as stiffened velvet.

_Poins describes Falstaff's irritation at losing his horse._

> If I travel but four foot by the squier further afoot, I shall break my wind.

If I walk even four more feet, I'll be out of breath.

_Falstaff complains about the physical exertion of walking._

> I have forsworn his company hourly any time this two and twenty years, and yet I am bewitched with the rogue’s company.

I've sworn to leave his company every hour for twenty-two years, but I'm still enchanted by him.

_Falstaff admits his contradictory feelings about Poins._

> Eight yards of uneven ground is threescore and ten miles afoot with me.

Eight yards of rough ground feels like seventy miles to me on foot.

_Falstaff exaggerates his difficulty walking._

> Now could thou and I rob the thieves and go merrily to London, it would be argument for a week, laughter for a month and a good jest for ever.

If you and I rob the thieves and go happily to London, it will be a story for a week, laughter for a month, and a lasting joke.

_Prince Hal proposes the counter-robbery as a great jest._

> Falstaff sweats to death, And lards the lean earth as he walks along.

Falstaff sweats profusely, greasing the ground as he walks.

_Hal humorously describes Falstaff's heavy sweating._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters