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Prologue
Henry IV, Part 2 Translation Table of Contents
After suffering a loss at the Battle of Shrewsbury, the rebellion against King Henry IV reign finds new figureheads in the Arcbishop of York, Lord Mowbray, and Lord Hastings. With the King’s health in decline, it’s up to Prince John to quash the rebellion, and Prince Hal to prepare to assume the throne as England’s new monarch. Comic interludes of Falstaff and his friends preparing to fight, and moments of contention between Falstaff and Mistress Quickly, pepper the plot. In the Shakescleare modern English translation of Henry IV Part II, Shakespeare’s history play comes to life, allowing you to grasp key lines like “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” and “Presume not that I am the thing I was.”
Prologue
Rumor sets the scene for the rest of the play, picking up from the end of Henry IV Part 1.
Act 1, Scene 1
Various rumors are reported before Northumberland finds out that his son Hotspur is dead. He resolves to go to battle.
Act 1, Scene 2
The Lord Chief Justice reprimands Falstaff for his earlier actions. Falstaff prepares to go to battle.
Act 1, Scene 3
The rebels discuss the cause of their fighting, and decide to publish a list of their complaints.
Act 2, Scene 1
Mistress Quickly files a lawsuit against Falstaff. He is apprehended, but in the end they negotiate a settlement.
Act 2, Scene 2
Hal and Poins discuss Falstaff after receiving a ridiculous letter from him. They decide to play a trick on Falstaff.
Act 2, Scene 3
Lady Northumberland and Lady Percy beg Northumberland to stay out of the fighting. He is confused about what to do.
Act 2, Scene 4
Pistol is kicked out of the bar for being drunk and violent. Hal and Poins trick Falstaff into slandering them to Doll.
Act 3, Scene 1
The King reflects on battles and past events as he struggles to sleep. He resolves himself to defeat the rebels.
Act 3, Scene 2
Falstaff recruits new soldiers with Justices Shallow and Silence. He then mocks Justice Shallow.
Act 4, Scene 1
Westmoreland negotiates what seems to be peace. But after sending their troops away, the rebels are arrested.
Act 4, Scene 2
Falstaff apprehends Coleville, and shows off to Prince John. He laments Prince John's sober habits.
Act 4, Scene 3
Sick on his deathbed, the King hears the news about the rebels. He reconciles with Hal, and gives him advice.
Act 5, Scene 1
Falstaff visits Justice Shallow, and once again criticizes Shallow's character.
Act 5, Scene 2
The Princes and lords mourn the death of the King. The Lord Chief Justice asks for Hal's support and he gives it to him.
Act 5, Scene 3
Falstaff hears of the old King's death, and thinks his fortunes have been made. He sets off for Hal's court.
Act 5, Scene 4
Mistress Quickly and Doll are arrested for their crimes.
Act 5, Scene 5
Falstaff waits for honors from Hal, but the new King casts him aside. Falstaff and his companions are arrested.
Epilogue
The Epilogue apologizes for the play in case the audience didn't like, and promises another play with Sir John in it.
About the Translator: Lani Strange
Lani is currently studying for an MA in Shakespeare Studies at King's College London and Shakespeare's Globe. She has a BA in English and Latin Literature from the University of Warwick and worked as a Teacher of Drama for a year in between her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. She has a love for all things theatrical and spends all of her free time either watching theatre or taking part in it herself.
