"The Wish Was Father To The Thought"
KING HENRY
Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought.
I stay too long by thee, I weary thee.
Dost thou so hunger for mine empty chair,
That thou wilt needs invest thee with my honours,
Before thy hour be ripe? O foolish youth,
Thou seek'st the greatness that will overwhelm thee.
. . .
In this passage from Henry IV, Part II, King Henry IV confronts his son, Prince Hal, upon awakening to find Hal wearing the crown. He suspects that Hal's actions stem from a premature desire for power. The phrase "Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought" suggests that Hal's ambition influenced his belief in the king's death, implying that his desire for the throne clouded his judgment. King Henry warns Hal of the burdens that accompany the crown, describing them as "greatness that will overwhelm thee." This moment underscores the tension between youthful ambition and the sobering reality of leadership. It also highlights the complex relationship between father and son, as well as the heavy responsibilities awaiting Hal as he prepares to ascend the throne.
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