Henry V · Chapter
Scene VI explained
Fluellen reports to King Henry about the successful defense of the bridge by the Duke of Exeter, and mentions that Bardolph is to be executed for robbing a church.
What happens
Fluellen reports to King Henry about the successful defense of the bridge by the Duke of Exeter, and mentions that Bardolph is to be executed for robbing a church. Henry reaffirms his policy of discipline and lenity. Montjoy delivers a defiant message from the French king demanding ransom, but Henry responds with a firm refusal and a willingness to fight if necessary. Later, Fluellen and Gower discuss Pistol's true character, and Fluellen refuses to intervene for Bardolph, upholding military discipline.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Leadership
Henry demonstrates decisive leadership by enforcing discipline and delivering a measured, defiant response to the French herald.
War and Its Costs
The execution of Bardolph for theft and the weakened state of the English army highlight the harsh realities and moral costs of war.
Honor and Glory
Fluellen's praise of Exeter's valor and Henry's refusal to seek battle but willingness to fight reflect the tension between honor and pragmatism.
Characters to notice
- King Henry V
Receives Fluellen's report, issues orders against plundering, and delivers a resolute answer to Montjoy's demand for ransom.
- Captain Fluellen
Reports on the bridge action, praises Exeter, and refuses to plead for Bardolph's life, emphasizing discipline.
- Captain Gower
Converses with Fluellen about Pistol's true nature as a counterfeit soldier.
- Pistol
Pleads with Fluellen to save Bardolph from execution, but is rebuffed.
- Bardolph
Reported to be under sentence of death for stealing a pax from a church.
- Montjoy
Delivers the French king's defiant message and demand for ransom to Henry.
- Duke of Exeter
Praised by Fluellen for valiantly holding the bridge.
- Duke of Gloucester
Accompanies Henry and expresses hope that the French will not attack.
Key passages
“We would have all such offenders so cut off: and we give express charge, that in our marches through the country, there be nothing compelled from the villages, nothing taken but paid for, none of the French upbraided or abused in disdainful language; for when lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the soonest winner.”
Henry orders that all thieves be executed and commands his army to take nothing without payment and to treat the French respectfully, arguing that mercy is more effective than cruelty in winning a kingdom.
Henry's policy of restraint and discipline as a strategic advantage.
“My people are with sickness much enfeebled, My numbers lessened, and those few I have Almost no better than so many French; Who when they were in health, I tell thee, herald, I thought upon one pair of English legs Did march three Frenchmen.”
Henry admits his army is weakened by disease and reduced in number, but boasts that in health one English soldier was worth three Frenchmen.
Henry's candid assessment of his army's condition mixed with national pride.
“If we may pass, we will; if we be hinder'd, We shall your tawny ground with your red blood Discolour; and so, Montjoy, fare you well.”
Henry tells Montjoy that if allowed to pass peacefully he will, but if blocked he will dye the French soil with blood.
Henry's defiant warning to the French.
“Certainly, aunchient, it is not a thing to rejoice at: for if, look you, he were my brother, I would desire the duke to use his good pleasure, and put him to execution; for discipline ought to be used.”
Fluellen tells Pistol that even if Bardolph were his brother, he would still urge the duke to execute him because discipline must be maintained.
Fluellen's unwavering commitment to military discipline over personal loyalty.
