Montjoy is a herald, or royal messenger, of the French King in William Shakespeare's play Henry V. His job is to convey the King of France 's messages, including the constable's harsh message to King Henry. However, he conveys them in such a polite and respectable way that King Henry thinks on him favourably; an example of this can be seen when King Henry tips him when he has conveyed a message.
Montjoy first appears in Act Ⅲ, scene Ⅵ of the play to convey the King of France's messages to King Henry V. King of France thought that English troops defeat if France's rush to the battlefield because English has not enough strength of an army than France, so he let him ask the King of England what he is willing to pay us to get out of the war. In the second act Montjoy appears in Act Ⅳ, Scene Ⅲ in the English Camp. He delivered the constable of France's messages to King Henry. Montjoy changed the message of harsh language to polite language. France's constable ordered unconditional attack to English army, but Montjoy summoned to surrender in a polite way. After he conveyed the message, he said, "I shall, King Harry. And so fare thee well. Thou never shalt hear herald anymore." However, Henry predicted that he will come to Henry again for king of France's ransom. In the final act, Montjoy briefly appears in Act Ⅳ, Scene Ⅶ in the another part of the field. He capitulated to English enemy, saying that "I come to thee for charitable license. The day is yours." He finally admitted France's defeat.
Important lines
ActⅢ, Scene Ⅵ.
Three lines spoken by Henry Ⅴ to Montjoy are important lines which show the relationship between Henry Ⅴ and Montjoy. KING HENRY
"What is thy name? I know thy quality." - Montjoy asks him, "You know from my clothing who I am." Then, Henry says, "Well then, I know who you are." Although Henry and Monjoy first meet when Monjoy visit English camp to convey the French King's message in ActⅢ, Scene Ⅵ in this play, it seems that they have met before. This line shows that they already know each other. "Thou dost thy office fairly."- Although Montjoy is an enemy, Henry said a word of praise to the Montjoy. "There’s for thy labor, Montjoy." - Henry was giving the money to Montjoy after hearing the message: " Though we seemed dead, we did but sleep."
