Henry V by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare is meant to be watched, not read. So I would suggest watching the 1989 Kenneth Branagh adaption of this play before tackling the print version. I've seen the movie at least ten times and I still struggled through some parts of the written story. After reading it, I was much more appreciative of the editing Branagh did for the film. He left out some of the more confusing dialogues while preserving all the best scenes and lines. The movie is a work of art that my husband and I return to over and over again.

Back to the play itself. . . .Young King Henry (1886-1422) is convinced by his religious advisors that France rightly belongs to England. He takes his rag-tag bunch of soldiers and defeats the better-armed french army, wins the hand of the lovely princess Catherine and lives happily ever after. (Well, not exactly, but the play ends at their marriage.)

There are too many memorable quotes to mention them all. The most famous is the St. Crispin's Day speech. Another that I love involves Henry's proposal to Catherine. He considers himself very ugly so he tells her: The elder I wax, the better I shall appear. My comfort is, that old age, that ill layer up of beauty, can do no more spoil upon my face. Thou hast me, if thou hast me, at the worst; and thou shalt wear me, if thou wear me, better and better. (Act 5, scene II)

Several others: 

As many fresh streams meet in one salt sea; as many lines close in the dial's centre; so many a thousand actions, once afoot, end in one purpose. (Act 1, scene II)

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. (Act 2, scene I)

We are in God's hands, brother, not theirs. (Act 3, scene VI)

I and my bosom must debate awhile. (Act 4, scene I)

If you haven't guessed already, this is my favorite Shakespeare play. I'm glad I finally read it!