In Shakespeare's Henry V, King Henry is presented as the ideal Christian king. His piety, mercy and wisdom are all characteristics which demonstrate this. Yet at the same time he is shown to be a man like any other and this is evident through his past, the way he behaves as an ordinary man and his thoughts in his soliloquy.
             Described as "the mirror of all Christian kings" (II.Cho.6) and a "true lover of the holy church" (I.i.23), Henry is set up to be the ideal Christian king early on in the play. Shakespeare is clearly highlighting this as an important characteristic as it occurs at such an early point. Therefore the audience is positioned to respect and support Henry's actions later on in the play because they seem him as the ideal Christian king.
             His Christian virtues are strongly shown in his soliloquy before the battle of Agincourt. "[Henry is] not covetous for gold" (IV.iii.23) and "it yearns [him] not if men [his] garments wear" (IV.iii.26). Caring not for "such outward things" (IV.iii.27), he is more concerned about his country and what must be done as a king. This is an important characteristic of any leader, and it would have assisted the audience to warm to the character of Henry and see him as the ideal king.
             Another aspect of Henry being the ideal Christian king is that he recognises that everything which happens is part of God's will. When the English were facing probable defeat before the battle of Agincourt, Henry tells his men that it is up to "God's will" (IV.iii.23) and asks them to "wish [for] not one man more" (IV.iii.23). This is a great act of faith and trust in God and it emphasises his noble Christian qualities.
             After this, Henry gave those who "hath no stomach to this fight" (IV.iii.35) the option to leave; for "[he] would not die in that man's company that fears his fellowship to die ...