# Scene IV explained — Henry IV, Part II

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

## What happens

Hostess Quickly and Doll Tearsheet are dragged through the streets by beadles, accused of involvement in a man's death. They hurl insults at the beadles and lament that Sir John Falstaff is not there to defend them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Law

The beadles enforce the law against the women, but the Hostess laments that 'right should thus overcome might,' questioning the fairness of justice.

### Deception and Rumor

The accusation of killing a man may be exaggerated or false, as the women vehemently deny and insult the beadles.

## Character check-ins

### Mistress Quickly

Dragged by beadles, she wishes for Sir John's help and laments that might overcomes right.

### Doll Tearsheet

Arrested alongside the Hostess, she threatens the beadles and claims she may miscarry.

### Sir John Falstaff

Mentioned by the Hostess as the one who could make a bloody day for the beadles.

### Ancient Pistol

Mentioned as one of those who beat the man that died.

## Key lines

> O God, that right should thus overcome might! Well, of sufferance comes ease.

Oh God, that justice should be overpowered by force! But patience brings relief.

_Hostess Quickly laments the injustice of her arrest and resigns herself to suffering._

> O the Lord, that Sir John were come! he would make this a bloody day to somebody.

Oh Lord, if only Sir John were here! He would make this a violent day for someone.

_Hostess Quickly wishes Falstaff were present to defend them with force._

## Links

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