Henry V · Chapter
The Siege of Harfleur explained
King Henry V delivers an ultimatum to the Governor of Harfleur, threatening brutal violence if the town does not surrender.
What happens
King Henry V delivers an ultimatum to the Governor of Harfleur, threatening brutal violence if the town does not surrender. The Governor, having received word that the Dauphin cannot provide reinforcements, yields the town to Henry's mercy. Henry orders Exeter to fortify Harfleur and announces his army will retreat to Calais due to winter and sickness.
Themes in this chapter
War and Its Costs
Henry vividly describes the horrors of war—rape, infanticide, and destruction—to compel surrender, highlighting the devastating costs of conflict.
Kingship and Leadership
Henry asserts his authority as a soldier-king, commanding both his army and the terms of surrender, while also showing strategic prudence in retreating to Calais.
Legitimacy of Power
The Governor's decision to yield to Henry's 'soft mercy' underscores the acceptance of Henry's rightful conquest and the legitimacy of his claim.
Characters to notice
- King Henry V
Delivers a fierce ultimatum to the Governor of Harfleur, threatening destruction and violence if the town does not surrender.
- Duke of Exeter
Ordered by King Henry to enter and fortify Harfleur, and to use mercy toward the townspeople.
- The Dauphin
Mentioned as having been entreated for succours but his powers are not yet ready to raise the siege.
Key passages
“If I begin the battery once again, I will not leave the half-achieved Harfleur Till in her ashes she lie buried.”
If I resume the attack, I will not stop until Harfleur is completely destroyed and reduced to ashes.
Henry's threat to utterly destroy the town if they do not surrender.
“The gates of mercy shall be all shut up, And the flesh’d soldier, rough and hard of heart, In liberty of bloody hand shall range With conscience wide as hell, mowing like grass Your fresh-fair virgins and your flowering infants.”
Mercy will be withdrawn, and the battle-hardened soldiers will be free to slaughter your young women and children without restraint.
Henry warns of the atrocities that will follow if the town resists.
“We yield our town and lives to thy soft mercy.”
We surrender our town and ourselves to your gentle mercy.
The Governor capitulates, acknowledging Henry's power and pleading for leniency.