French Ambassador report to the Dauphin of France on Henry V.

by justbrowsingforastorytoread (student)

January 23, 1997

Dauphin Of France,

France, Paris

Dear,

Your Majesty

Good greetings lord how now Dauphin? I am writing to thee to inform my lord of Henry the fifth’s happenings and behaviour.

It twas a few days ago I took part in this occasion. As I, French ambassador walk into the room I shall put a stop to momentous chatter in the hall, I am met by a craving audience, and it is this audience of prelates propose to attend, though they can calculate its import in advance.

I now bow low before the English monarch (Henry V), who graciously announces he is ready to receive your message, since it comes in his name. After a courteous preamble, I briefly state Henry's claims to certain estates in France are rejected, and that you wish to hear no more about it. I go on to say your highness, lately sending into France, 395 did claim some certain dukedoms, in the right of your great predecessor, King Edward the Third. In answer of which claim, the prince our master says that you savour too much of your youth, And bids you be advised there's nought in France 400That can be with a nimble galliard won; You cannot revel into dukedoms there. He therefore sends you a gift, meeter for your spirit,

Thee Henry shows his military abilities as a young man—while being Prince of Wales--taking part in the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403 he successfully crushed a conspiracy to put Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March, on the throne presents Henry’s leadership and potency.

This is a preview of the whole essay

However thou wilt defend France through this perilous invasion as Henry send tho threats of gun stones ‘Hath turn is balls to gun stones’ he sends threats of your subjects mocking you because of this insult – he comments with such fierce single minded opposition. ‘Shalt this his mock mock out of their dear husbands; mock mothers from their sons, mock castle down; and some are yet ungotten and unborn. That shalt have cause to curse the Dauphin’s scorn!’ Stating you will cause havoc everywhere and will be a blemish in history for this insult. He intends a storm is coming your majesty I must warn you with all my integrity.

We have been weakened by internal power struggles. Henry the fifth could strike at anytime. He recognizes the offence and immediately and, using the language of tennis, declares that his army is going to destroy all the royal "courts" of France during their deadly "match."

By sending a gigantic chest of tennis balls you honour, is basically telling everyone that he thinks Henry is immature and would be better off playing a meaningless game than getting involved in messy foreign affairs. The insulting gift you sent also gestures at the fact that Henry spent the "wilder days" of his youth running amok through England instead of paying attention to politics. Bishop of Exeter comments-‘This is a merry message’

I have gleaned that he is intelligent, energetic, and a favourable leader. He is very pious, with lots of masses, hymns and stays close to his bishops. Staying strategic he keeps his nobles close. On thee contry he has a bad temper, and can go off into towering rages.

Fare thee well in your travels, and may by fate we meet again.

Yours, Faithfully,

French Ambassador.