Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes King Henry’s self-presentation in the text. Henry states that his temperament has been “too cold and temperate, / Unapt to stir at these indignities” (that is, too calm and slow to react to insults), and he asserts that the noblemen have taken advantage of this: “accordingly / You tread upon my patience.” He then resolves to change, declaring he will “from henceforth rather be myself, / Mighty and to be fear’d,” since being lenient (“smooth as oil, soft as young down”) has caused him to lose “that title of respect / Which the proud soul ne’er pays but to the proud.” In other words, Henry recognizes that proud people like the noblemen respect only strength and resolves to show his more forceful, true nature.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t describe Henry as having judged the noblemen impartially, nor does it mention any attempts by the noblemen to regain his trust through submissiveness. Rather, Henry describes the noblemen as taking advantage of his patience and declares he will adopt a more commanding demeanor in the future.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect. Although Henry concedes that he has perhaps been too calm and mild, Henry does not defend or vow to maintain his calm disposition. On the contrary, he explicitly states he will “from henceforth rather be myself, / Mighty and to be fear’d,” resolving to abandon the mild manner that has cost him the respect of the noblemen.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because Henry characterizes his manner as patient and mild—“smooth as oil, soft as young down”—not indifferent. Indifference implies a lack of concern, whereas Henry describes himself as being overly lenient. Additionally, although the final lines mention “the proud soul,” the focus is not on the noblemen’s excessive pride but rather on how Henry’s apparent lack of pride has caused him to lose the noblemen’s respect.