You speak like a fool, for by God in heaven ... I should not wish to have even a single man more than I have now, if I could. For this is God's people whom I have and whom he thinks it right to have at this time. Do you not believe that the Almighty, with this small force of men on his side, can conquer the hostile arrogance of the French, who pride themselves on their own strength ?
- Henry, before the Battle of Agincourt, on being asked if he did not wish for more troops, Oct. 1415.

Additional Information on
Henry V (b.1387 r.1413-1422)

Henry V was the son of Henry IV - he ruled for only nine years (dying aged 35) and yet stands out as one of the greatest medieval kings. The playwright William Shakespeare wrote one of his most popular plays about Henry V which has helped to ensure his fame and reputation as a great King throughout history. Henry was loved and honoured by his people and like his father, loved the arts. He showed great self-discipline, was extremely successful in war and was very religious.

Within months of succeeding to the throne he had re-opened the 100 years war with France in order to win back territories lost there by his ancestors. After taking an army across in 1415, Henry managed to defeat an army over three times the size of his own at the battle of Agincourt, near Calais. More brilliant victories followed until in 1419 the French king made peace. The two kings signed a treaty which allowed Henry to keep all the land he had conquered - in fact he was often referred to as 'Henry the Conqueror' - a triumphant king. It also gave him the French king's daughter Catherine in marriage and said that Henry should become the next king of France, but unfortunately he died before he could be crowned.

QUOTATIONS

If God wills and I keep my life and health, in a few months, I shall play such a ball game with the French in their own courtyards, that they will lose their fun in the end and win grief instead of the game.
- His remark to ambassadors returning from France with an insulting gift of tennis balls, 1414.

Everyone knows that I act in everything with kindness and mercy, for I am forcing Rouen into submission by starvation, not by fire, sword or bloodshed.
- To an envoy from Rouen, during the siege, 1418