Shakespeare Takes: The Final Act

by Jacob White

 

Off in a narrow chamber in the coronation hall. The distant murmur of nobles and clergy echoes through each wall. A crown rests upon a velvet pillow, awaiting to be placed on the new king's head. The soon-to-be King HENRY V stands near, already dressed in white and gold for his coronation. FALSTAFF enters quietly, shutting the door behind him.

 

FALSTAFF: So this is where kings are kept before they’re let loose. (Looking around)

 

HAL: It is where boys are put away. (Without turning)

 

FALSTAFF: Ah, then I’ve come to the wrong room. I was looking for my Hal.

 

HAL: You found him. For a moment, before that all changes. (Facing FALSTAFF)

 

(A beat. The uproar of the crowd swelling, before soon fading from earshot).

 

FALSTAFF: They’re hungry for you out there. Hungry as I’ve ever been for supper. (A sly grin escaping to the corners of his mouth) You’ll feed them well—speeches that is, instead of sausages. (Letting out a soft chuckle)

 

HAL: Jack. (A beat) Please don’t make this harder.

 

FALSTAFF: Harder? I thought we’d share a good laugh before you trade me for bishops.

 

HAL: That’s just it. I can’t laugh the same way. (A beat) Not anymore. Not where they can see me.

 

FALSTAFF: Then let them shut their eyes.

 

HAL: A king has no such luxury.

 

(HAL picks up the crown, feeling the colossal weight it bears in his hands).

 

HAL: I knew this day would come. I played the fool so they would measure me wrongly. I was surprised.

 

FALSTAFF: And I? Was I part of the trick? (Pain streaking across his face)

 

HAL: (Painfully quiet) Yes. (A beat) And more than that. You were my friend.

 

FALSTAFF: Were. (A painful sigh of recognition, fleeting from him)

 

HAL: If you stand beside me now, they will see the taverns in my shadow. Every debt, every prank, every lie (a beat)—we become a joke before we begin.

 

FALSTAFF: We were a joke. A glorious one at that! (Mixture of pride and hurt tinging each word)

 

HAL: England cannot be ruled like the Boar’s Head Tavern.

 

FALSTAFF: No. (A beat) England has worse company and calls it honor. (Venom dripping from each word and pause)

 

(Silence settles about the room. HENRY V returns the crown to its resting place).

 

HAL: I will provide for you. Money. Protection. Comfort. But you cannot come to court. You cannot call me “Hal” again. (Pain striking each word, like a dagger to the heart)

 

FALSTAFF: (A look of painful acceptance) Say it plainly.

 

HAL: When I exit this room, I am Henry V. And you must not follow.

 

(Falstaff absorbs this hurt, as the bravado drains).

 

FALSTAFF: You’re cutting me loose. (Each word breaking with emotion)

 

HENRY V: No. (A beat) I am cutting myself loose.

 

FALSTAFF: (Softly and barely audible) I always knew you’d grow out of me. I just hoped I’d be there when you did.

 

(The distant sound of trumpets begins to swell around them).

 

HENRY V: (Quickly averting his gaze from FALSTAFF) That is my summons.

 

FALSTAFF: (Stepping back) Then go. Be magnificent. Be cold. Be absolutely everything they want.

 

HENRY V: Goodbye, Jack.

 

FALSTAFF: God save you (a long beat), Henry.

 

HENRY V exits toward the coronation. FALSTAFF remains alone waiting, in his ever-fading hope that his Hal may return, as the lights begin to fade around FALSTAFF’s lonely visage.