The King uses these references to convey his honor by the defeat of such a ruthless rebel that he mocks the notability of Douglas. King Henry endorses a heightened, glorified use of language describing Douglas when proclaiming his defeat, showing the audience he does not deserve those titles. King Henry IV uses this language correlated with "discomfited" to show that this not so great figure cannot withstand the same honor as himself. The word "discomfited" appeals to the way King Henry utilizes it in illustrating just how dishonorable The Earl of Douglas truly is to him. .
In the opening scene Sir Walter Blunt, a loyal friend to the King, is the one to announce the discomfiture of Douglas: .
"Sir Walter Blunt, new lighted from his horse, .
Stained with the variation of each soil.
Betwixt that Holmedon and this seat of ours; .
And he hath brought us the smooth and welcome news.
The Earl of Douglas is discomfited." (1.1.63-67).
Irony flows through the concept of this statement because of course, the Earl of Douglas is not defeated in the sense that his fortitude has wavered. Later, it is discovered that Hotspur does not intend on turning over Douglas and the rest of rebels, however, he devises a strategy to use Douglas as a weapon against the King. Therefore, when King Henry IV exclaims his prestige position against the rebels now that Douglas is "discomfited" he ironically gives the rebels more power because he has overlooked Hotspur's ability to revolt against him and keep the prisoners for himself. Irony identifies itself with this scene because Sir Walter Blunt is not only the one to witness Douglas's defeat, Blunt is the one to report to the King the "welcomed news" of Douglas's discomfiture. In the end, Blunt's loyalty kills him by none other than Douglas, himself. Blunt is so willing to serve the King that he does not realize how his services will come back to bite him.
