KING HENRY THE FIFTH
I know thee not old man, fall to thy prayers.
How ill white hairs become a fool and jester.
I have long dreamed of such a kind of man,
So surfeit-swelled, so old, and so profane;
But being awaked, I do despise my dream.
Make less thy body hence, and more thy grace,
Leave gormandizing, know the grave doth gape
For thee thrice wider than for other men.
Reply not to me with a fool-born jest,
Presume not that I am the thing I was;
For God doth know, so shall the world perceive,
That I have turned away my former self,
So will I those that kept me company.
. . .

In this passage, King Henry V publicly renounces his past and those who were part of it, particularly Sir John Falstaff. The new king's transformation is encapsulated in his rejection, as he makes clear his intent to leave behind his youthful indiscretions and assume the mantle of a responsible ruler. By declaring "I know thee not," Henry symbolically severs ties with Falstaff, illustrating a significant shift in his identity. The mention of "white hairs" serves as a poignant reminder of Falstaff's age and his incongruous behavior, emphasizing the inappropriateness of his antics now that Henry has ascended to the throne. This speech underscores the importance of maturity and responsibility in leadership, highlighting the stark contrast between the king's former life and his new role. Henry's words are a declaration of his commitment to his kingly duties, solidifying his resolve to be a monarch worthy of respect and reverence.