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Shakespeare plays PRINCE HAL on stage

A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are in a chamber in Henry's palace; lighted candles indicate that it is night, and there is a low bed in the middle of the stage. Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as Prince Hal dressed in medieval style. He looks in awe as he places the crown on his head, while behind him his father the King lies on the bed asleep

PRINCE Thy due, from me,
Is tears, and heavy sorrows of the blood,
Which nature, love, and filial tenderness
Shall (O dear father) pay thee plenteously.
My due, from thee, is this imperial crown,
Which (as immediate from thy place and blood)
Derives itself to me. Lo, here it sits,
Which Heaven shall guard.

Henry IV part 2, Act 3 Scene 2

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