The Fears of Henry IV

A kiss is a fleeting thing, but once it has taken place it cannot be undone.

Few men confront the basic tenets of the society in which they live and try to change them. Very few of those are successful. And even fewer survive to reflect on their success. Henry IV was one of these very few.

Most of all, he wanted so much to be a good king – attempting to please everyone all the time – that he inevitably displeased some.

Such a mercurial ruler could hardly be an inspiration to his people. Wise men do not follow leaders whom they suspect might later reproach them for their loyalty.

The king was purposefully creating the maximum amount of fear. In Richard’s mind, the fear of his subjects equated to his own sense of power.