Page:History of the Kings & Queens of England.pdf/15

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HENRY V.

Born 1386. Begins Reign March 22, 1413. Died August 31. Reigned 9 Years.

Eldest son of Henry IV, succeeded at his father's death to the throne. Though he had been publicly known for his dissolute and unrestrained conduct before his father's death, yet, on ascending the throne he threw off every mark of his former career; called on his late companions to follow his admonitions, and leave off their dissolute life. Sir William Gascoigne, who had imprisoned him, he treated with respect, and exhorted him to follow the same trust and disinterested performance of his duty, Henry, after a successful inroad into France, married Catherine, the king's daughter, and had himself declared heir after the king's death. Henry, when in the height of his glory and prosperity, was seized with a complaint which proved fatal. He was firm, and patient; uniformly chaste and temperate.

Eminent men in this reign :--Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester: Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury.