Act 3 Summary
Scene 1
Hotspur meets with Worcester, Mortimer, and Glendower at an Archdeacon's house in Bangor. Hotspur has no patience for Glendower's claims to supernatural signs and powers. He taunts the Welshman, and Mortimer cautions him, diverting attention to the way the conspirators will divide up England after they have defeated the king. Hotspur approves of the plan but thinks that he must change the course of the river Trent. Glendower will have none of that, and Hotspur challenges him, saying, “Who shall say me nay?” Glendower leaves to get the ladies before a fight can break out.
Mortimer warns Hotspur not to cross Glendower. If Hotspur were anyone else, Glendower would not tolerate such speech. The Welshman is both a powerful ally and a powerful enemy. He is only holding his temper out of respect for Hotspur. Worcester, too, warns his nephew to check his pride and mind his manners.
Glendower returns with the ladies. Mortimer's wife (Glendower's daughter) is distraught at the thought of being separated from her husband. She speaks only Welsh, so her father translates. Lady Percy is not nearly so upset. She spars verbally with her husband.
Scene 2
At the palace, King Henry scolds Harry for his “inordinate and low desires” and his overall poor behavior, which does not befit a prince. Harry argues that his father has probably heard worse than the deeds actually were. Henry compares Harry to himself at Harry's age. He was always kingly and courteous, earning the respect of all. Harry, he thinks, will earn the people's disdain and even hatred. Hotspur would do better on the throne than Harry, and Henry even worries that Harry will desert his father and join the rebels. Harry assures his father of his loyalty. He will make up for his shame by earning glory against Hotspur.
Sir Walter Blunt enters with news that the rebels have gathered at Shrewsbury. Henry gives orders for action.
Scene 3
Falstaff talks to Bardolph at the Boar's-Head Tavern. He is upset that someone has picked his pocket, and he accuses Mistress Quickly, who denies the charge and accuses Falstaff of not paying his bill. Harry enters in the midst of the argument and tells Falstaff that he was the one who picked his pocket and that there was nothing valuable in it anyway. Harry also informs his friend that he has paid back the money stolen in the robbery. He begins commanding his friends to take their places in the military effort. Falstaff must lead a brigade of infantry, but he refuses to do so without breakfast.
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