Hark! a blare of trumpets sounds as in a dream
And lo! the king and train in mail and helmets gleam.
Mid fluttering scarfs, the Queen of Beauty sat
While in the lists brave knights did wage combat.
All these have you from history’s page
Now shall you see them pictured on our stage.
Grant us your patience, lend eyes and ears as well,
The truth our puppets now will strive to tell.
There were many things in this play that every member of the class was uncertain about. No one knew about the kinds of costumes that were worn in England in the time of Henry IV. Neither did anyone know about houses, gardens, and furniture, nor about the armor and the musical instruments of that day until he had studied reference books. Here is a list of some of the books that were found helpful:
Heraldry—Complete Guide to Heraldry—Fox-Davies