13 THE BARD AND THE BULLDOG Insult and Intimidation to Enemies Like the Assyrians in 2 Kings 18 calling to the Jewish people inside the walls of Jerusalem to surrender, Act III, scene iii begins with a speech by King Henry to the citizens of Harfleur. Following the siege, the townspeople are broken and abandoned by their French monarch. Without supplies or military support, they face certain defeat and possible death. In an attempt to end the siege and avoid further bloodshed, Henry calls out to the governor of the town. The historical Henry faced Harfleur with his army in danger. Already a third of his army was dead or very sick due to disease.20 To defeat the town with as little bloodshed as possible, Henry sends his rhetoric into battle. In his impassioned speech, Henry shows contempt and disdain for his enemies and leverages his rhetoric to force the town into submission. How yet resolves the governor of the town? This is the latest parle we will admit; Therefore to our best mercy give yourselves; Or like to men proud of destruction Defy us to our worst: for, as I am a soldier, A name that in my thoughts becomes me best. (III.iii.1-6) Henry knows the town has little chance of overcoming his army and encourages them to humble themselves in defeat. At the same time, he reminds them that he is a soldier and is unafraid of doing his duty should they refuse. The brutal nature of Henry’s taunts is often criticized for being vicious and cruel. Threatening the city and its inhabitants, Henry says: If I begin the battery once again, I will not leave the half-achieved Harfleur Till in her ashes she lie buried. The gates of mercy shall be all shut up . . . . (III.iii.7-10) Not to let up, he further describes what will happen to their women and children at the hands of his unleashed warriors:
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