Written by William Shakespeare
The Pageant of English History

The burdens of kingship and of failing health weigh heavily upon Henrv IV. After his victory at Shrewsbury he has to organise a new campaign against the Northern rebels. Disappointed in Prince Hal, who returns to his customary low haunts in London, the King sends his younger son, Prince John of Lancaster, to negotiate with the rebel leaders. Falstaff goes off to Gloucestershire to muster recruits, and there falls in with a former acquaintance, a simple country Justice, Master Shallow.