How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
KING HENRY
For my part, noble lords, I care not which;
Or Somerset or York, all's one to me. (1.3.104-105)
At least no one can accuse Henry of lying: he openly admits he doesn't care who is regent. He's not interested in reigning, but then he gets surprised when someone challenges his crown. It's his by divine right... isn't it?
Quote #5
QUEEN MARGARET
Henry my lord is cold in great affairs,
Too full of foolish pity; and Gloucester's show
Beguiles him, as the mournful crocodile
With sorrow snares relenting passengers, (3.1.226-229)
Telling Suffolk and Beaufort that Gloucester should be dead regardless of what he's done, Margaret paints us an unflattering picture of her hubby: Henry gets easily trapped in a crocodile's teeth, she claims. Well, she should know, we guess. Who's the real crocodile here: Gloucester, or Margaret and company?
Quote #6
SUFFOLK
Suffolk's imperial tongue is stern and rough,
Used to command, untaught to plead for favor.
Far be it we should honor such as these
With humble suit (4.1.129-132).
On the brink of death, Suffolk tells Whitmore that he won't be weak or beg for mercy. He'll stay strong until the end. He shows us how most men in the play think: they have to be courageous and tough until the end. His valor makes us compare him to Henry in our minds. Maybe the problem isn't that Henry is bookish or religious; it could just be that he won't stand up for himself, even when he's got right on his side.