Henry VI Part 1

At Westminster Abbey, the Dukes of Exeter, Bedford and Gloucester, the Earl of Warwick, and the Bishop of Winchester mourn the death of King Henry V. They reflect on what a perfect King he was, and how England is doomed to war and destruction now that he is gone. The country is in the middle of a war with France, and they worry what will happen now that their valiant King is no longer around to save the country.

A messenger enters and tells and brings news that England has lost many cities in France: Guienne, Champagne, Rheims, Orleans, Paris, Guysors, Poictiers. The Duke of Exeter asks how they were lost, and the messenger tells them that there are not enough soldiers and not enough money. The soldiers are losing their confidence in the generals who are arguing amongst themselves instead of sending more soldiers. The messenger moves the Dukes and the Duke of Bedford, who is Regent of France, vows to lose his mourning clothes and instead put on armor to fight for his country.

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