This Month's Henry IV Feature >>

The opening lines of Henry IV: Part I are given to the play's title character, as the king and founder of the Bolingbrook dynasty says, "So shaken as we are, wan with care" (I, i.,l.1). The play begins in the midst of tumultuous historical events, the overthrow of the "sad poet" king Richard II, civil war and rebellion arising in its wake. In this first speech of the play, Henry IV expresses heartfelt relief that civil butchery is over, and turns to his anointed role as a defender of Christendom and Christian England.

Forthwith a power of English shall we levy, Whose arms were moulded in their mother's womb, To chase these pagan in those holy fields, Over whose acres walk'd the blessed feet Which fourteen hundred years ago were nail'd For our advantage on the bitter cross. (I, i., ll.22-27)