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Henry IV, Part 1 is the first of two historical plays play by William Shakespeare which deal with the reign of Henry IV. The earliest recorded performance occurred on 6 March 1600, when it was acted at court, although it had probably been in performance at least by 1597. The play begins with the battle at Homildon Hill late in 1402, and ends with King Henry's victory in the Battle of Shrewsbury in mid-1403. In parallel to the political conflict between the king and rebellious nobles, the play depicts the escapades of King Henry's son, Prince Hal, and his eventual return to court and favour.

[London. The Palace]

Enter the King, Lord John of Lancaster, Earl of Westmoreland, with others.

King. So shaken as we are, so wan with care,
Find we a time for frighted peace to pant,
And breathe short-winded accents of new broils
To be commenc'd in stronds afar remote.
No more the thirsty entrance of this soil
Shall daub her lips with her own children's blood;
No more shall trenching war channel her fields,
Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs
Of hostile paces: those opposed eyes,
Which, like the meteors of a troubled heaven,
All of one nature, of one substance bred,
Did lately meet in the intestine shock
And furious close of civil butchery,
Shall now, in mutual well-beseeming ranks,
March all one way, and be no more oppos'd
Against acquaintance, kindred, and allies…

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