The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely discuss a bill that Parliament is debating. The bill would take away most of the temporal lands held by the church (lands used for secular purposes). In order to avert the passage of the bill, Canterbury has spoken with King Henry and promised him the largest sum of money ever given by the church if he

will make sure the bill fails. Canterbury also has to decide for Henry whether he has a legal right to claim the throne of France, and whether the church will support him in such a claim. Henry orders Canterbury to tell him whether his claim is valid, and Canterbury informs him that based precedent he has a right to demand the French throne. The outcome of this war will prove whether or not Henry has put aside his wild youth and become an effective ruler, and whether he has the moral authority of a legitimate king in other words, whether or not God is on his side. Henry is a very confident leader that has no doubts his soldiers will succeed. "His soldiers sick and famished in their march, For I am sure when he shall see our army, He'll drop his heart into the sink of fear" (3.5.57-59). Using Canterbury’s explanation of Salic law as justification, Henry lays claim to France, but the French mock Henry’s kingship and authority by sending him tennis balls as a token of his idle youth. "But tell the Dauphin I will keep my state, Be like a king and show my sail of greatness, When I do rouse me in my throne of France; For that I have laid by my majesty, And plodded like a man for working-days, But I will rise there with so full a glory, That I will dazzle all the eyes of France" (1.2.273-279) Very frustrated and infuriated, Henry launches an invasion of France, putting his political aims above his personal ties and therefore showing no favoritism or leniency to his former friends. Before the Battle of Agincourt, in Act IV, Henry’s delivers his impassioned St. Crispin’s Day speech, emphasizing his unity with his subjects and his total commitment to the glory of England and the justice of hi

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