How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
KING HENRY
Now, God be praised, that to believing souls
Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair. (2.1.73-74)
Immediately after hearing about the "miracle" of Simpcox gaining his sight, Henry turns to praise God. His beliefs seem to run deep; they are always on his mind. But maybe this is not such a good thing: Henry believes so easily that he is totally fooled by Simpcox's story, even though Gloucester senses right away that it's a scam.
Quote #5
KING HENRY
Stand forth, Dame Eleanor Cobham, Gloucester's
wife.
In sight of God and us, your guilt is great.
Receive the sentence of the law for sins
Such as by God's book are adjudged to death. (2.3.1-5)
Henry takes a back seat for pretty much every political action in the play, except for sentencing Eleanor and cohort after they have conjured witches. It's no coincidence that Henry feels comfortable dishing out punishment for this crime, specifically. Witchcraft goes directly against his religious beliefs, so that may be why it's so black and white to him. Still, we think it's a little strange that Henry feels so comfortable passing judgment here when he feels so uncomfortable passing judgment elsewhere. It almost seems like Henry deliberately tries not to think for himself.
Quote #6
PETER
I thank you all. Drink, and pray for me, I pray
you, for I think I have taken my last draught in this
world. Here, Robin, an if I die, I give thee my
apron.—And, Will, thou shalt have my hammer.—
And here, Tom, take all the money that I have. He
distributes his possessions. O Lord, bless me, I
pray God, for I am never able to deal with my
master. He hath learnt me so much fence already. (2.3.74-81)
Peter asks for prayer because he's forced to fight Horner but has no idea how to fence. Horner is drunk during the fight, and Peter ends up winning. Henry thinks this is a sign that God has proven Peter's innocence. Is that the case? Or was Horner just drunk? It's strange that Henry only considers one of these possibilities.