| Henry IV, Part 2 |
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Following King Henry IV's victory at the battle of Shrewsbury Rumour sends false news to the Earl of Northumberland that his son, Hotspur, is the victor. The Archbishop of York and the rebel lords meet in council and resolve to oppose the King's forces led by Prince John. When the word of Hotspur's death finally reaches his father Lady Northumberland and Hotspur's widow persuade the earl not to oppose Prince John's army.
Falstaff makes his journey via Gloucestershire where Justice Shallow and Master Silence reminisce about their youthful days. Falstaff takes the weakest of Shallow's pressed-men to serve as soldiers (allowing others to buy themselves out) and he enjoys Shallow's hospitality before setting off to join the army. York, Mowbray and Hastings prepare for battle as the Earl of Westmorland comes on Prince John's behalf to learn their grievances. Prince John agrees to look into their demands and offers a toast to future peace. The rebel armies disperse before Westmorland arrests York, Mowbray and Hastings for treason as the Prince's offer had been to answer the petitions, not to make peace with the petitioners. Falstaff is among the last to take a prisoner as the Prince orders his forces back to London, where the King is very ill. Setting off for a visit to Justice Shallow, Falstaff extols the benefits of drinking sherry wine. The King is giving advice to Hal's younger brothers when news of the peace arrives. His illness attacks him and, as he sleeps to recover, Hal arrives from the city. He finds his father apparently dead and, mourning his position as heir, he takes the crown from the bedside into the next room. The King awakes and is angered by Hal's action, but father and son make up their quarrel before Henry is moved into the room called the Jerusalem Chamber to prepare to die. When news of Henry lV's death and Hal's succession as Henry V reaches Gloucestershire Falstaff sets off at once with Shallow. They travel night and day to reach London in time for the coronation, expecting to be given high office at court. Falstaff is amazed and deeply hurt when Henry denies knowing him and banishes him from coming within ten miles of his court. Henry calls a Parliament and Falstaff is left wondering if his beloved Hal will change his mind later and greet him in private, while Prince John and the Lord Chief Justice anticipate the new King's wars in France. Henry IV, Part II was written directly after Henry IV, Part I in 1596-7. It was printed in 1600.
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Sir John Falstaff, returned to London after the battle, is criticised for his former behaviour by the Lord Chief Justice who then wishes him well on his campaign to join Prince John. Before he can depart Falstaff is arrested for his debts to Mistress Quickly at the Boar's Head Tavern. The ensuing brawl is examined by the Lord Chief Justice and Mistress Quickly is persuaded by Falstaff to make up the quarrel. Back at the tavern Falstaff, Nym and Bardolph and Falstaff's lady friend, Doll Tearsheet, are joined by Prince Hal and his companion Poins, disguised as servants. Their friendships are renewed and Falstaff, who has known Mistress Quickly for 29 years, is enjoying his evening with Doll Tearsheet when the swaggering Pistol comes to warn Falstaff he should have departed for the wars by now. Hal and Poins have remained in disguise at the tavern, despite the King's being ill, sleepless and worried about his country's future. 
