# Scene III explained — Henry V

> Chapter companion for Henry V by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Before a tavern in London, Pistol, Hostess, Nym, Bardolph, and the Boy mourn the death of Falstaff. The Hostess describes his peaceful end, while the others recall his final words. They then prepare to depart for France, with Pistol giving farewell instructions to his wife.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Common Soldier and Class

The scene focuses on the lower-class companions of Falstaff, mourning their friend and preparing for war, highlighting the lives of ordinary soldiers.

### Transformation and Redemption

Falstaff's death marks a transition for these characters, as they move from a life of revelry to the harsh realities of war.

## Character check-ins

### Pistol

Bids farewell to his wife and prepares to leave for France, urging his companions to follow.

### Mistress Quickly

Mourns Falstaff's death and describes his final moments in vivid detail.

### Corporal Nym

Recalls Falstaff's complaints about sack and women, and urges the group to move on.

### Bardolph

Expresses regret for Falstaff's death and laments the loss of his livelihood.

### The Boy

Remembers Falstaff's remarks about women and the flea on Bardolph's nose.

## Key lines

> Prithee, honey-sweet husband, let me bring thee to Staines.

Please, my sweet husband, let me accompany you to Staines.

_The Hostess pleads with Pistol to let her go with him part of the way._

> A' made a finer end and went away an it had been any christom child; a' parted even just between twelve and one, even at the turning o' the tide.

He died as peacefully as a baptized infant, passing away just after midnight as the tide turned.

_The Hostess describes Falstaff's death as gentle and timely._

> For oaths are straws, men's faiths are wafer-cakes, And holdfast is the only dog, my duck.

Promises are worthless, people's loyalty is fragile, and only holding on to what you have matters, my dear.

_Pistol advises his wife to trust no one and to guard her possessions._

## Links

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