The Chorus returns to tell the audience that the population of England is preparing for war with France. He also reveals that the French monarchy has approached a number of disloyal English noblemen and bribed these corrupt men to act as agents on France’s behalf. The Chorus identifies these traitors as Richard, Earl of Cambridge, Lord Henry Scrope of Masham, and Sir Thomas Grey of Northumberland. King Henry is preparing to travel from London to the port town of Southampton (from where his force will sail to France); the traitors’ plot is to assassinate King Henry before he can set sail. The Chorus tells the audience that the action will move to Southampton “till the King come forth” (i.e., invades France) (2.Prologue.41).

In a Southampton tavern, Lieutenant Bardolph and Corporal Nym discuss the imminent invasion, of which they will form a part. They are common soldiers and Bardolph has a criminal past. Nym argues with Ensign Pistol, another soldier who is recently married to the Hostess Quickly, the landlady of the tavern, although she had previously promised to marry Nym. The men are drunk and exchange insults. Nym challenges Pistol to a duel and they draw swords.