# Scene III explained — Henry IV, Part II

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

## What happens

In Gloucestershire, Falstaff and his companions enjoy a merry evening with Justice Shallow and Justice Silence. The revelry is interrupted by Pistol, who arrives from court with news that King Henry IV has died and Prince Hal is now King Henry V. Falstaff, overjoyed, immediately plans to ride to London, believing he will be favored by the new king and that his enemies, like the Lord Chief Justice, will suffer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Rumor

Pistol brings news from court, and Falstaff eagerly believes it will lead to his own advancement, though the truth of the new king's intentions is yet unknown.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Falstaff celebrates his supposed favor with the new king, while anticipating the downfall of the Lord Chief Justice, highlighting the shifting loyalties of the court.

## Character check-ins

### Sir John Falstaff

Revels with Shallow and Silence, then receives news of the king's death and exults in his anticipated rise to power.

### Justice Shallow

Hosts Falstaff and his company in his orchard, drinking and making merry.

### Justice Silence

Sings and drinks heartily, showing a surprisingly merry side.

### Davy

Serves the company and expresses a wish to see London.

### Bardolph

Drinks with the company and rejoices at the news of the king's death.

### Ancient Pistol

Arrives from court with the news of King Henry IV's death and Prince Hal's accession.

## Key lines

> What, is the old king dead?

Falstaff asks if King Henry IV has died.

_Falstaff's immediate question upon hearing Pistol's news._

> I know the young king is sick for me.

Falstaff believes the new king, Prince Hal, eagerly desires his company.

_Falstaff's deluded confidence in his influence over the new monarch._

> Blessed are they that have been my friends; and woe to my lord chief-justice!

Falstaff declares that his friends will be blessed and his enemies, especially the Lord Chief Justice, will suffer.

_Falstaff anticipates rewarding his allies and punishing his foes under the new reign._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters