Act V, Scene 5

Summary

The scene takes place in Westminster. Two grooms are rushing down the street as if some important event is going to take place. One of them states that it is the Coronation of Henry V. Falstaff, Page, Bardolph, Pistol and Shallow enter. Falstaff is confident that Henry will be glad to see his old friend. He also regrets that he did not get a chance to spend the one thousand pounds he received from Shallow. He and his group are tired after a long journey. Falstaff says he has ridden all day and night to reach the court to express his affection for the King. Pistol reports that Doll is in prison, but Falstaff assures him that he will find ways to release her. Shouts announcing the arrival of the King are heard. The Chief Justice is also with them. Falstaff and Pistol greet the King. The King asks the Chief Justice to reprove Falstaff. Surprised at the King’s attitude, Falstaff again addresses Henry, “My King, My Jove, I speak to thee my heart.” He replies, “I know thee not old man.” The King warns Falstaff not to answer “with a fool-born jest.” Then he pronounces the sentence for Falstaff and asks the Chief Justice to see that it is carried out. Falstaff is banished, but if he reforms, things can change. The King then leaves. The shocked Falstaff says to Shallow that he will see the King privately and see to it that Shallow gets royal treatment. Falstaff doesn’t lose hope. He thinks that the King is pretending to dismiss his old friend. Prince John and the Lord Chief Justice enter. The latter orders Falstaff and his companions to be taken to the prison. Both of them approve of the King’s actions. Finally the audience comes to know that the King has called for the assembly of Parliament and an invasion of France can be expected.

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