Henry IV, Part 2 | Quotes

Rumor explains the harm he does by spreading false information. He is not limited by language or lands because rumor is everywhere, spreading lies and slander.

Northumberland suffers furious grief when he finds out his son, Hotspur, died at the Battle of Shrewsbury. He vows revenge on those who killed him (King Henry IV and Prince Hal), invoking the biblical Cain who slew his brother.

Falstaff is a loveable rogue who constantly borrows and steals money from friends, lovers, and acquaintances. He likens his spending with the disease consumption, saying that no matter how much he borrows, his purse will never be filled because he spends it all.

Lord Bardolph is referring to Hotspur during his rebellion against the king. He was a passionate and fiery man who could rouse his men to war, but his fire burned too bright and eventually led to his defeat and death.

The crown is a heavy responsibility and has not brought Henry IV any peace. Kingship is difficult and dangerous, and it has cost him his peace of mind. It also literally threatens his life—a king's head is never safe on his shoulders.

Falstaff believes that Henry IV's cold-bloodedness has been overcome in Prince Hal because the prince drinks. He has overcome the deficiencies of his lordly blood by engaging in the common practice, as he did with Falstaff, and that makes him a good man and leader.

Prince Hal considers the crown that has caused his father so much trouble. It has cost Henry IV his health and peace of mind. He struggles to understand how such a small thing can cause so much grief, even though he knows the responsibility is great. He is coming to terms with becoming king, acknowledging the crown's importance and power.

King Henry IV accuses Prince Hal of stealing his crown while he slept, thinking he was dead. Based on his misgivings about his son's character, he believes that Hal wishes him dead sooner, impatient to take his place. He upbraids Hal, telling him he is not ready for the challenges the crown brings.

Henry IV reflects upon his path to the crown. He overthrew Richard II by rebelling, but he has been beset by rebellions against him throughout his reign. He hopes that his son has an easier time since Prince Hal follows proper laws of succession.

Prince Hal accepts his duty and responsibility, acknowledging all that his father has offered him. He vows that he will be a good king, reconciling with his father and assuaging his fears.

The archbishop speaks to Westmoreland of why he and the other lords rebel against the king. The state of the nation is a direct reflection of the state of the monarchy and vice versa. They are symbiotic. Richard was a weak king that made England weaker, but now they have a new infection in the form of a usurper to the throne.

The Lord Chief Justice assures the other princes that he will not apologize to King Henry V for having upheld the law. He did the right thing based on what King Henry IV ordered him to do, and he stands by his actions, though he is afraid that Henry V wants revenge for the way the Lord Chief Justice treated him and his friends.

Prince Hal, now King Henry V, finds a new father figure in the Lord Chief Justice. He asks the man to stay on and be his adviser, like he was to the last king. He wants the Lord Chief Justice as his mentor, filling the place where Falstaff once stood.

Falstaff still labors under the belief that he will be advanced in position once Henry V is on the throne. He has made grandiose promises to all of his friends that they can ride his coattails to power. Here he plans to greet the king, expecting to be taken up during the coronation.

Prince Hal, now King Henry V, makes an official break with Falstaff that is particularly harsh. He denies their friendship and ever knowing him. The new king is acknowledging that he is past his callow youth and has taken up the mantle of a true monarch.