I Henry IV - Jig!

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Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on November 15, 2015 at 9:30

Thanks, William.

Comment by William Douglas on November 14, 2015 at 12:16

That was a good find, Ruaidri

Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on November 14, 2015 at 10:14

http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/characters/charlin...

Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on November 14, 2015 at 9:50

Thank you for the synopsis William. I do have a oldish copy of Henry IV, but admittedly, I've never read it all the way through. I enjoy some plays, but don't tend to find them to be enjoyable reading material. Indeed, the Douglas has very few lines in the play and I understand that Shakespeare employed considerable poetic licence in his work. There are some great lines in regards to the virility of the Douglas in combat. On a lighter note, enjoyed the little dance and thought to add it to the site. Besides it's Shakespeare! 

Comment by William Douglas on November 13, 2015 at 22:13

We are told of capture of Archibald, 4th Earl of Douglas in the opening scene of 1 Henry IV after the Battle of Homildon Hill. He does not appear, however, until the final act of the play when he is seen conferring with the English rebel army (whom he has joined forces with against the king) under Hotspur's command. During the battle, Douglas kills Sir Walter Blunt and several other soldiers disguised as the king. When he is finally on the verge of vanquishing the king himself, he is chased away by Prince Hal. He is last seen doing battle with Sir John Falstaff (after their encounter Falstaff pretends to be dead). In the play's final scene we are informed that Douglas is once again a prisoner of the English. Prince Hal, who is put in charge of him, asks the king to set him free without ransom. This event is purely fictitious, considering that the historical Douglas remained in the king's custody for five years as a royal prisoner.