Henry IV Part 1 Act 3 - “I shall hereafter, my thrice-gracious lord, be more myself.”

Henry IV Part 1 Act 3 -  “I shall hereafter, my thrice-gracious lord, be more myself.”

Act 3 of ‘Henry IV Part 1 is strangely modern. This act sees Mortimer’s embarrassment at the cultural insensitivity of his brother in law Hotspur, as well as the growth of Hal into a young man of regal worth.

We start with the leaders of the rebellion at Owan Glyndwr’s castle in Wales. Hotspur mocks his host Glymdwr’s Welsh culture and his belief in spirits and more pagan traditions. Mortimer criticizes Hotspur’s attitude to Glyndwr who barely tolerates Hotspur’s youth and arrogance. A map is produced and the rebels start to decide how Britain will be carved up when they beat Henry and his forces in battle. Hotspur is upset that the river through his share is meandering and he declares he will dam and straighten the river. Glyndwr argues with Hotspur over this through what seems like an objection to Hotspur's trying to change nature for the sake of change. Glyndwr does eventually back off from the young arrogant Hotspur.

When Glyndwr goes to get Hotspur and Mortimer’s wives, Hotspur derides Glyndwr but Mortimer points out how tolerant Glyndwr has been and that an alliance with him is vital for the rebellion to succeed. If Doctor Who is masquerading as one of the characters in this scene, he must be Mortimer. Enter the wives with Glyndwr and Lady Mortimer (Glyndwr’s daughter) shows her great love and devotion for Mortimer in Welsh and eventually sings a Welsh song. This can be contrasted with the largely unpassionate farewell of Hotspur and his family. The men prepare to sign agreements and move into battle.

Meanwhile, Prince Hal has finally come to answer his father’s summons at the palace. Henry IV chastises his son and shows his great disappointment in young Hal. Henry compares himself to his young rival Hotspur while comparing Prince Hal to Richard II. Hal is truly contrite and promises to change his attitude and behaviour.  “I shall hereafter, my thrice-gracious lord, be more myself.”

Suddenly, news of the Scottish forces of Douglas joining the English rebels at Shrewsbury is revealed. Now the time for battle approaches. Hal knows that when he sets out on Thursday, he must change and prove his resolve or die trying.

Later in London at the Boar’s Head Tavern in London, we see a drunken Falstaff complaining about being pickpocketed. The tavern’s hostess claims that Falstaff is only trying to get out of paying his bill. Hal arrives with news of the impending war at hand. Hal reveals how he pick-pocketed and deceived Falstaff. Falstaff claimed that he knew this all of the time. While Hal pays the bill and prepares for war, Falstaff prepares for a good battle with breakfast.

“Hostess, my breakfast come!

O, I could wish this tavern were my drum!”