# Scene IV explained — Henry V

> Chapter companion for Henry V by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

On the battlefield, Pistol captures a French soldier named Monsieur Le Fer and demands ransom. The Boy translates, and Pistol agrees to accept two hundred crowns. After they leave, the Boy reflects on Pistol's cowardice and the vulnerability of the English camp's luggage, guarded only by boys.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Common Soldier and Class

Pistol's greed and the Boy's lowly role highlight the experiences and motivations of common soldiers, contrasting with noble ideals of honor.

### Language and Communication

The scene relies on translation between English and French, emphasizing language barriers and the role of interpreters in war.

## Character check-ins

### Pistol

Captures a French soldier and demands ransom, showing his blustering and mercenary nature.

### The Boy

Serves as translator for Pistol and the French soldier; later comments on Pistol's cowardice and the camp's lack of defense.

### Monsieur Le Fer

A French gentleman captured by Pistol; offers two hundred crowns for his life.

## Key lines

> I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a heart: but the saying is true, 'The empty vessel makes the greatest sound.'

I've never heard such a loud voice come from such a cowardly heart; as the saying goes, 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

_The Boy reflects on Pistol's bluster, revealing his lack of true courage._

> Bardolph and Nym had ten times more valour than this roaring devil i' the old play, that everyone may pare his nails with a wooden dagger; and they are both hanged;

Bardolph and Nym were ten times braver than this loud villain from an old play, whom anyone can defeat easily; and they were both hanged.

_The Boy compares Pistol unfavorably to the hanged Bardolph and Nym, underscoring Pistol's cowardice._

## Links

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