Ralph

The word henchman derives from the German word, hengst, which referred to a male horse. Originally, a henchman was a servant who tended to the horses.

Athena

By Shakespeare’s day, henchman had come to refer to boys and young men from noble families serving as attendants to the king or to other high ranking lords. 

Ralph

Here Oberon, king of the fairies,  is hoping to have the changeling boy as one of his attendants.

Athena

It was only in the 20th century that the word henchman took on its modern negative meaning of someone who unquestionably follows his leader in carrying out violent or criminal acts.