|Question 7Verbal

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The following text is adapted from William Shakespeare's 1598 play Henry IV, Part 1. King Henry is addressing several noblemen who are rumored to have been disloyal to him.

KING HENRY: My blood hath been too cold and temperate,
Unapt to stir at these indignities,
And you have found me, for accordingly
You tread upon my patience; but be sure
I will from henceforth rather be myself,
Mighty and to be fear'd, than my [disposition],
Which hath been smooth as oil, soft as young down,
And therefore lost that title of respect
Which the proud soul ne'er pays but to the proud.
Which statement best describes how King Henry presents himself in the text?
He defends his calm disposition, which he sees as fundamental to his personality, and vows to maintain his tranquil demeanor even if it causes him to lose the respect of overly proud noblemen.
A
He concedes that he has treated the noblemen with indifference, which in part explains why they have defied him, but he asserts that their disrespectful behavior is primarily driven by their excessive pride.
B
He acknowledges to the noblemen that his tolerance of their conduct has undermined their respect for him, and he resolves to display his genuine nature, which is more forceful and compels deference.
C
He declares that he has judged the noblemen's conduct in an impartial manner, and that despite their attempts to regain his trust through professions of submissiveness, they have irrevocably lost his respect.
D