In so doing, Henry lures them into setting their own sentences when they try to persuade the King to exact punishment on the offender instead of offering him mercy. .
'If little faults, proceeding on distemper, .
Shall not be winked at, how shall we stretch our eye .
When capital crimes, chewed, swallowed, and digested, .
Appear before us?' (Act II, sc 2, p.83, lines 54-57, course text).
At this instance, the king lays out his so-called commission letters to them, which were in fact their charges against them for treason. They then unanimously confess their crimes, but are denied mercy since they themselves would not show mercy to the minor offender. This scenario is an example of a classic dramatic irony that helps the audience appreciates the wisdom of the king as well as his altruistic nature. Scroop, in particular, had been a bosom friend of Henry who "knew'st the very bottom of my (Henry's) soul" (line 97). Thus, in putting his personal loyalties aside for the sake of his country, Henry wins the support of his followers even further. .
This scene could be even more powerful with some specific art and stage directions that highlight the king's valour and nobility. For instance, the three conspirators could all be donned in dark, somber colours to symbolize their sinister intents; while the king could be dressed with the skeleton outfit for battle consisting of a red and gold vest, Armour-clad pants, shiny battle boots and a silver dagger worn at his waist (should the traitors turn on him). Their contrasting appearances could be further brought out with lightings focused mainly on Henry throughout the scene, and accentuated on him upon his announcement: "Now, lords, for France- (line 182) after dismissing his traitors. This kind of theatrical politicking has the effect of showing Henry's ability to switch from an emotional moment of apparent disappointment to continue the task at hand with unmoved easiness.
