How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
KING HENRY
Was ever king that joyed an earthly throne
And could command no more content than I?
No sooner was I crept out of my cradle
But I was made a king at nine months old.
Was never subject longed to be a king
As I do long and wish to be a subject. (4.9.1-6)
Henry doesn't want to be king, and he complains about not being happy with his life. He's pretty honest about himself and his own abilities. Are we sympathetic toward him because he admits he's not the right guy for the job? He knows he's weak, but he sits back and does nothing. Does this make us annoyed with him all the more?
Quote #8
CADE
Tell
Kent from me, she hath lost her best man, and
exhort all the world to be cowards; for I, that never
feared any, am vanquished by famine, not by valor. (4.10.75-77)
Cade's dying wish is to be remembered as more than a coward. He wants people to remember his rebellious streak—and the fact that he led an army to the king's door. Still, he is weak from not eating; acting strong can only get you so far on an empty stomach.
Quote #9
YORK
I am far better born than is the King,
More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts.
But I must make fair weather yet awhile,
Till Henry be more weak and I more strong. (5.1.29-32)
York pretends he's not going to steal the kingdom; he's just going to remove Somerset. These words might just be part of his game, but they also reveal what he believes about himself compared to Henry. York admits he's better than Henry, and that it's just a matter of time until Henry's forces are weakened. Too bad for Henry that this happens immediately after York's little speech.