One more thing about Henry VI, Part Three…
Act 2, scene 5 is a miniature masterpiece–its first 124 lines anyway. It begins with King Henry going to sit by himself on a hill, after his wife has sent him away from the battle. There he thinks over his unhappy life, wishing he were a shepherd.
Thereby to see the minutes how they run:
How many makes the hour full complete,
How many hours brings about the day
How many days will finish up the year,
How many years a mortal man may live.
When this is known, then to divide the times:
So many hours must I tend my flock,
So many hours must I take my rest…Ah, what a life were this! How sweet, how lovely!
Then, at one door, a son comes in carrying a body.
Who’s this? O God! It is my father’s face,
Whom in this conflict I unawares have killed…And I, who at his hands received my life,
Have by my hands of life bereaved him.
Then, at another door, a father comes in carrying a body.
But let me see: is this our foeman’s face
Ah, no, no, no, it is mine only son!O, boy, thy father gave thee life too soon [readily],
And hath bereft thee of thy life too late [recently]!
Henry alone upon a hill. To one side, a son has unknowingly killed his father; to the other, a father has unknowingly killed his son.
Was ever son so rued a father’s death?
Was ever father so bemoaned his son?
Was ever king so grieved for subjects’ woe?
Henry VI, Part Three is (at least approximately) the third play Shakespeare wrote. Genius.
Wishing I could join you on this journey, Cynthia, but know I can’t. It’s so nice to read about it, though, and have you bring bits of Shakespeare to us here 🙂
So glad you’re interested in these posts, Donna. I appreciate the encouragement.
“to see the minutes how they run”, perfect quote for your blog, Catching days. This is a brilliant reading project Cynthia. I admire your drive to plough your way through all these wonderful plays, All best to you, Susanna.
Thanks, Susanna. That quote is great, isn’t it? That scene made such an impression on me.
Nobody does tragedy quite like the Bard or such gorgeous language. I’m enjoying these Shakespeare posts.
Thanks, Sarah. I had no idea I would enjoy these earlier plays so much.