The second scene takes place in the King's presence chamber, the place where he meets all visitors. He is joined with several dukes and earls, and he has come to hear the bishops' reasoning for his claim to the throne. He is aware that any claim he makes on the crown of France would throw England into a war and cost many lives, so he asks the Archbishop to tell the truth. The French are using the "Salic Law" to disprove Henry's claim.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, in a long speech, tells the king there is no merit to the Salic Law. The Salic Law essentially says that no person shall claim the throne if the claim is made because of his relationship to a woman in the line of royalty. However,.....
