Henry V Patriotism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)

Quote #4

KING HENRY
On, on, you noblest English,
Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof,
Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,
Have in these parts from morn till even fought
And sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
Dishonor not your mothers. Now attest
That those whom you called fathers did beget you.
Be copy now to men of grosser blood,
And teach them how to war. And you, good
   yeoman,
Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
The mettle of your pasture. Let us swear
That you are worth your breeding, which I doubt
   not,
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble luster in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot. (3.1.18-35)

Remember when Canterbury and Ely told Henry that he should invade France for his country's (and his family's) honor? Well, here, Henry uses the same tactic to motivate his soldiers.

Quote #5

KING HENRY
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' (3.1.37)

It doesn't get more patriotic than this. When Henry declares that God is "for England," we're reminded that national pride and religious zeal go hand in hand in this play.

Quote #6

KING HENRY
I dare say you love him not so ill to wish
him here alone, howsoever you speak this to feel
other men's minds: methinks I could not die anywhere
so contented as in the king's company, his
cause being just and his quarrel honorable.
WILLIAMS
That's more than we know. (4.1.128-133)

When Henry (disguised as a common soldier) attempts to justify his invasion of France, Williams replies with much skepticism: "That's more than we know." In other words, Williams doesn't necessarily buy into Henry's patriotic call to arms but concedes that it's not his place to criticize the king.