The life and death of King Iohn

The life and death of King Iohn.

Actus Primus, Scæna Prima.

Enter King Iohn, Queene Elinor, Pembroke, Essex, and Sa­ lisbury, with the Chattylion of France.

King Iohn. NOw say Chatillion, what would France with vs?

Chat. Thus (after greeting) speakes the King of France, In my behauior to the Maiesty, The borrowed Maiesty…

Elea. A strange beginning: borrowed Maiesty?

K. Iohn. Silenced (good mother) heare the Embassie.

Chat. Philip of France, in right and true behalfe Of thy deceased brother, Geffreyes sonne, Arthur Plantaginet, laies…

K. Iohn. What followes if we disallow of this?

Chat. The proud controle of fierce and bloudy warre, To inforce these rights, so forcibly with‑held,

K. Io. Heere haue we war for war, & bloud for bloud, Controlement for controlement: so answer France.

Chat. Then take my Kings defiance from my mouth, The farthest limit of my Embassie.

K. Iohn. Beare mine to him, and so depart in peace, Be thou as lightning in the eies…

Exit Chat. and Pem.

Ele. What now my sonne, haue I not euer said How that ambitious Constance would not cease Till…

K. Iohn. Our strong possession, and our right for vs.

Eli. Your strong possessiō much more then your right, Or else it must go wrong with you and…

Enter a Sheriffe.

Essex. My Liege, here is the strangest controuersie Come from the Country to be iudg'd by you That…

K. Iohn. Let them approach: Our Abbies and our Priories shall pay The expeditious charge□ what men are…

Enter Robert Faulconbridge, and Philip.

Philip. Your faithfull subiect, I a gentleman, Borne in Northamptonshire, and eldest sonne As I suppose, to Robert…

K. Iohn. What art thou?

Robert. The son and heire to that same Faulconbridge.

K. Iohn. Is that the elder, and art thou the heyre? You came not of one mother then…

Philip. Most certain of one mother, mighty King, That is well knowne, and as I thinke one father:…

Eli. Out on thee rude man, yu dost shame thy mother, And wound her honor with this diffidence.

Phil. I Madame? No, I haue no reason for it, That is my brothers plea, and none of…

K. Iohn. A good blunt fellow: why being younger born Doth he lay claime to thine inheritance?

Phi. I know not why, except to get the land: But once he slanderd me with bastardy: But…

K. Iohn. Why what a mad‑cap hath heauen lent vs here?

Elen. He hath a tricke of Cordilions face, The accent of his tongue affecteth him: Doe you not…

K. Iohn. Mine eye hath well examined his parts, And findes them perfect Richard: sirra speake, What doth…

Philip. Because he hath a half‑face like my father? With halfe that face would he haue all my…

Rob. My gracious Liege, when that my father liv'd, Your brother did imploy my father much.

Phil. Well sir, by this you cannot get my land, Your tale must be how he employ'd my…

Rob. And once dispatch'd him in an Embassie To Germany, there with the Emperor To treat of high…

K. Iohn. Sirra, your brother is Legittimate, Your fathers wife did after wedlock beare him: And if she…

Rob. Shal then my fathers Will be of no force, To dispossesse that childe which is not his.

Phil. Of no more force to dispossesse me sir, Then was his will to get me, as I…

Eli. Whether hadst thou rather be a Faulconbridge, And like thy brother to enioy the land: Or the…

Bast. Madam and if my brother had my shape And I had his, sir Roberts his like him,…

Elinor. I like thee well: wilt thou forsake thy fortune, Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me?…

Bast. Brother, take you my land, Ie take my chance; Your face hath got fiue hundred pound a…

Elinor. Nay, I would haue you go before me thither.

Bast. Our Country manners giue our betters way.

K. Iohn. What is thy name?

Bast. Philip my Liege, so is my name begun, Philip, good old Sir Roberts wiues eldest sonne.

K. Iohn. From henceforth beare his name Whose forme thou bearest: Kneele thou downe Philip, but rise more…

Bast. Brother by th'mothers side, giue me your hand, My father gaue me honor, yours gaue land: Now…

Ele. The very spirit of Plantaginet: I am thy granddame Richard, call me so.

Bast. Madam by chance, but not by truth, what tho; Something about a little from the right, In…

K. Iohn. Goe, Faulconbridge, now hast thou thy desire, A landlesse Knight, make thee a landed Squire: Come…

Bast. Brother adieu, good fortune come to thee, For thou wast got i'th way of honesty.

Exeunt all but bastard.

Bast. A foot of Honor better then I was, But many a many foot of Land the worse.…

Enter Lady Faulconbridge and Iames Gurney.

Lady. Where is that slaue thy brother? where is he? That holds in chase mine honour vp and…

Bast. My brother Robert, old Sir Roberts sonne: Colbrand the Gyant, that same mighty man, Is it Sir…

Lady. Sir Roberts sonne, I thou vnreuerend boy, Sir Roberts sonne? why scorn'st thou at sir Robert? He…

Bast. Iames Gournie, wilt thou giue vs leaue a while?

Gour. Good leaue good Philip.

Bast. Philip, sparrow, Iames, There's toyes abroad, anon Ile tell thee more. Exit Iames. Madam, I was not…

Lady. Hast thou conspired with thy brother too, That for thine owne gaine shouldst defend mine honor? What…

Bast. Knight, knight good mother, Basilisco‑like: What, I am dub'd, I haue it on my shoulder: But mother,…

Lady. Hast thou denied thy selfe a Faulconbridge?

Bast. As faithfully as I denie the deuil.

Lady. King Richard Cordelion was thy father, By long and vehement suit I was seduc'd To make roome…

Bast. Now by this light were I to get againe, Madam I would not wish a better father:…

Exeunt.

Scæna Secunda.

Enter Angiers, Philip King of France, Lewis, Daul­ phin, Austria, Constance, Arthur.

Lewis. Before Angiers well met braue Austria, Arthur that great fore‑runner of thy bloud, Richard that rob'd the…

Arth. God shall forgiue you Cordelions death The rather that you giue his off‑spring life, Shadowing their right…

Lewis. A noble boy, who would not doe thee right?

Aust. Vpon thy cheeke lay I this zelous kisse, As seale to this indenture of my loue: That…

Const. O take his mothers thanks, a widdows thanks, Till your strong hand shall helpe to giue him…

Aust. The peace of heauen is theirs yt lift their swords In such a iust and charitable warre.

King. Well, then to worke our Cannon shall be bent Against the browes of this resisting towne, Call…

Con. Stay for an answer to your Embassie, Lest vnaduis'd you staine your swords with bloud, My Lord…

Enter Chattilion.

King. A wonder Lady: lo vpon thy wish Our Messenger Chattilion is arriu'd, What England saies, say breefely…

Chat. Then turne your forces from this paltry siege, And stirre them vp against a mightier taske: England…

Kin. How much vnlook'd for, is this expedition.

Aust. By how much vnexpected, by so much We must awake indeuor for defence, For courage mounteth with…

Enter K. of England, Bastard, Queene, Blanch, Pembroke, and others.

K. Iohn. Peace be to France: If France in peace permit Our iust and lineall entrance to our…

Fran. Peace be to England, if that warre returne From France to England, there to liue in peace:…

K. Iohn. From whom hast thou this great commission (France, To draw my answer from thy Articles?

Fra. Frō that supernal Iudge that stirs good thoughts In any beast of strong authoritie, To looke into…

K. Iohn. Alack thou dost vsurpe authoritie.

Fran. Excuse it is to beat vsurping downe.

Queen. Who is it thou dost call vsurper France?

Const. Let me make answer: thy vsurping sonne.

Queen. Out insolent, thy bastard shall be King, That thou maist be a Queen, and checke the world.

Con. My bed was euer to thy sonne as true As thine was to thy husband, and this…

Queen. Theres a good mother boy, that blots thy fa­ (ther

Const. There's a good granddame boy That would blot thee.

Aust. Peace.

Bast. Heare the Cryer.

Aust. What the deuill art thou?

Bast. One that wil play the deuill sir with you, And a may catch your hide and you…

Blan. O well did he become that Lyons robe, That did disrobe the Lion of that robe.

Bast. It lies as sightly on the backe of him As great Alcides shooes vpon an Asse: But…

Aust. What cracker is this same that deafes our eares With this abundance of superfluous breath? King Lewis,…

Lew. Women & fooles, breake off your conference. King Iohn, this is the very summe of all: England…

Iohn. My life as soone: I doe defie thee France, Arthur of Britaine, yeeld thee to my hand,…

Queen. Come to thy grandame child.

Cons. Doe childe, goe to yt grandame childe, Giue grandame kingdome, and it grandame will Giue yt a…

Arthur. Good my mother peace, I would that I were low laid in my graue, I am not…

Qu. Mo. His mother shames him so, poore boy hee (weepes.

Con. Now shame vpon you where she does or no. His grandames wrongs, and not his mothers shames…

Qu. Thou monstrous slanderer of heauen and earth.

Con. Thou monstrous Iniurer of heauen and earth, Call not me slanderer, thou and thine vsurpe The Dominations,…

Iohn. Bedlam haue done.

Con. I haue but this to say, That he is not onely plagued for her sin, But God…

Que. Thou vnaduised scold, I can produce A Will, that barres the title of thy sonne.

Con. I who doubts that, a Will: a wicked will, A womans will, a cankred Grandams will.

Fra. Peace Lady, pause, or be more temperate, It ill beseemes this presence to cry ay me To…

Trumpet sounds.

Enter a Citizen vpon the walles.

Cit. Who is it that hath warn'd vs to the walles?

Fra. 'Tis France, for England.

Iohn. England for it selfe: You men of Angiers, and my louing subiects.

Fra. You louing men of Angiers, Arthurs subiects Our Trumpet call'd you to this gentle parle.

Iohn. For our aduantage, therefore heare vs first: These flagges of France that are aduanced heere Before the…

France. When I haue saide, make answer to vs both. Loe in this right hand, whose protection Is…

Cit. In breefe, we are the King of Englands subiects For him, and in his right, we hold…

Iohn. Acknowledge then the King, and let me in. To him will we proue loyall, till that time…

Iohn. Doth not the Crowne of England, prooue the King? And if not that, I bring you Witnesses…

Bast. Bastards and else.

Iohn. To verifie our title with their liues.

Fran. As many and as well‑borne bloods as those.

Bast. Some Bastards too.

Fran. Stand in his face to contradict his claime.

Cit. Till you compound whose right is worthiest, We for the worthiest hold the right from both.

Iohn. Then God forgiue the sinne of all those soules, That to their euerlasting residence, Before the dew…

Fran. Amen, Amen, mount Cheualiers to Armes.

Bast. Saint George that swindg'd the Dragon, And ere since sit's on's horsebacke at mine Hostesse dore At…

Aust. Peace, no more.

Bast. O tremble: for you heare the Lyon rore.

Iohn. Vp higher to the plaine, where we'l set forth In best appointment all our Regiments.

Bast. Speed then to take aduantage of the field.

Fra. It shall be so, and at the other hill Command the rest to stand, God and our…

Exeunt

Heere after excursions, Enter the Herald of France with Trumpets to the gates.

F. Her. You men of Angiers open wide your gates, And let yong Arthur Duke of Britaine in,…

Enter English Herald with Trumpet.

E. Har. Reioyce you men of Angiers, ring your bels, King Iohn, your king and Englands, doth approach,…

Hubert. Heralds, from off our towres we might behold From first to last, the on‑set and retyre Of…

Enter the two Kings with their powers, at seuerall doores.

Iohn. France, hast thou yet more blood to cast away? Say, shall the currant of our right rome…

Fra. England thou hast not sau'd one drop of blood In this hot triall more then we of…

Bast. Ha Maiesty: how high thy glory towres, When the rich blood of kings is set on fire:…

Iohn. Whose party do the Townesmen yet admit?

Fra. Speake Citizens for England, whose your king.

Hub. The king of England, when we know the king.

Fra. Know him in vs, that heere hold vp his right.

Iohn. In Vs, that are our owne great Deputie, And beare possession of our Person heere, Lord of…

Fra. A greater powre then We denies all this, And till it be vndoubted, we do locke Our…

Bast. By heauen, these scroyles of Angiers flout you (kings, And stand securely on their battelments, As in…

Iohn. Now by the sky that hangs aboue our heads, I like it well. France, shall we knit…

Bast. And if thou hast the mettle of a king, Being wrong'd as we are by this peeuish…

Fra. Let it be so: say, where will you assault?

Iohn. We from the West will send destruction Into this Cities bosome.

Aust. I from the North.

Fran. Our Thunder from the South, Shall raine their drift of bullets on this Towne.

Bast. O prudent discipline! From North to South: Austria and France shoot in each others mouth. Ile stirre…

Hub. Heare vs great kings, vouchsafe awhile to stay And I shall shew you peace, and faire‑fac'd league:…

Iohn. Speake on with fauour, we are bent to heare.

Hub. That daughter there of Spaine, the Lady Blanch Is neere to England, looke vpon the yeeres Of…

Bast. Heeres a stay, That shakes the rotten carkasse of old death Out of his ragges. Here's a…

Old Qu. Son, list to this coniunction, make this match Giue with our Neece a dowrie large enough,…

Hub. Why answer not the double Maiesties, This friendly treatie of our threatned Towne.

Fra. Speake England first, that hath bin forward first To speake vnto this Cittie: what say you?

Iohn. If that the Dolphin there thy Princely sonne, Can in this booke of beautie read, I loue:…

Fra. What sai'st thou boy? Looke in the Ladies face.

Dol. I do my Lord, and in her eie I find A wonder, or a wondrous miracle, The…

Whispers with Blanch.

Bast. Drawne in the flattering table of her eie, Hang'd in the frowning wrinkle of her brow, And…

Blan. My vnckles will in this respect is mine, If he see ought in you that makes him…

Iohn. What saie these yong‑ones? What say you my Neece?

Blan. That she is bound in honor still to do What you in wisedome still vouchsafe to say.

Iohn. Speake then Prince Dolphin, can you loue this Ladie?

Dol. Nay aske me if I can refraine from loue, For I doe loue her most vnfainedly.

Iohn. Then do I giue Volquessen, Toraine, Maine, Poyctiers, and Aniow, these fiue Prouinces With her to thee,…

Fra. It likes vs well young Princes: close your hands

Aust. And your lippes too, for I am well assur'd, That I did so when I was first…

Fra. Now Cittizens of Angires ope your gates, Let in that amitie which you haue made, For at…

Dol. She is sad and passionate at your highnes Tent.

Fra. And by my faith, this league that we haue made Will giue her sadnesse very little cure:…

Iohn. We will heale vp all, For wee'l create yong Arthur Duke of Britaine And Earle of Richmond,…

Exeunt.

Bast. Mad world, mad kings, mad composition: Iohn to stop Arthurs Title in the whole, Hath willingly departed…

Exit.

Actus Secundus

Enter Constance, Arthur, and Salisbury.

Con. Gone to be married? Gone to sweare a peace? False blood to false blood ioyn'd. Gone to…

Sal. As true as I beleeue you thinke them false, That giue you cause to proue my saying…

Con. Oh if thou teach me to beleeue this sorrow, Teach thou this sorrow, how to make me…

Sal. What other harme haue I good Lady done, But spoke the harme, that is by others done?

Con. Which harme within it selfe so heynous is, As it makes harmefull all that speake of it.

Ar. I do beseech you Madam be content.

Con. If thou that bidst me be content, wert grim Vgly, and slandrous to thy Mothers wombe, Full…

Sal. Pardon me Madam, I may not goe without you to the kings.

Con. Thou maist, thou shalt, I will not go with thee, I will instruct my sorrowes to bee…

Actus Tertius, Scæna prima.

Enter King Iohn, France, Dolphin, Blanch, Elianor, Philip, Austria, Constance.

Fran. 'Tis true (faire daughter) and this blessed day, Euer in France shall be kept festiuall: To solemnize…

Const. A wicked day, and not a holy day. What hath this day deseru'd? what hath it done,…

Fra. By heauen Lady, you shall haue no cause To curse the faire proceedings of this day: Haue…

Const. You haue beguil'd me with a counterfeit Resembling Maiesty, which being touch'd and tride, Proues valuelesse: you…

Aust. Lady Constance, peace.

Const. War, war, no peace, peace is to me a warre: O Lymoges, O Austria, thou dost shame…

Aus. O that a man should speake those words to me.

Phil. And hang a Calues‑skin on those recreant limbs

Aus. Thou dar'st not say so villaine for thy life.

Phil. And hang a Calues‑skin on those recreant limbs.

Iohn. We like not this, thou dost forget thy selfe.

Enter Pandulph.

Fra. Heere comes the holy Legat of the Pope.

Pan. Haile you annointed deputies of heauen; To thee King Iohn my holy errand is: I Pandulph, of…

Iohn. What earthie name to Interrogatories Can tast the free breath of a sacred King? Thou canst not…

Fra. Brother of England, you blaspheme in this.

Iohn. Though you, and all the Kings of Christendom Are led so grossely by this medling Priest, Dreading…

Pand. Then by the lawfull power that I haue, Thou shalt stand curst, and excommunicate, And blessed shall…

Con. O lawfull let it be That I haue roome with Rome to curse a while, Good Father…

Pan. There's Law and Warrant (Lady) for my curse.

Cons. And for mine too, when Law can do no right. Let it be lawfull, that Law barre…

Pand. Philip of France, on perill of a curse, Let goe the hand of that Arch‑heretique, And raise…

Elea. Look'st thou pale France? do not let go thy hand.

Con. Looke to that Deuill, lest that France repent, And by disioyning hands hell lose a soule.

Aust. King Philip, listen to the Cardinall.

Bast. And hang a Calues‑skin on his recreant limbs.

Aust. Well ruffian, I must pocket vp these wrongs, Because,

Bast. Your breeches best may carry them.

Iohn. Philip, what saist thou to the Cardinall?

Con. What should he say, but as the Cardinall?

Dolph. Bethinke you father, for the difference Is purchase of a heauy curse from Rome, Or the light…

Bla. That s the curse of Rome.

Con. O Lewis, stand fast, the deuill tempts thee heere In likenesse of a new vntrimmed Bride.

Bla. The Lady Constance speakes not from her faith, But from her need.

Con. Oh, if thou grant my need, Which onely liues but by the death of faith, That need,…

Iohn. The king is moud, and answers not to this.

Con. O be remou'd from him, and answere well.

Aust. Doe so king Philip, hang no more in doubt.

Bast. Hang nothing but a Calues skin most sweet lout.

Fra. I am perplext, and know not what to say.

Pan. What canst thou say, but wil perplex thee more? If thou stand excommunicate, and curst?

Fra. Good reuerend father, make my person yours, And tell me how you would bestow your selfe? This…

Pand. All forme is formelesse, Order orderlesse, Saue what is opposite to Englands loue. Therefore to Armes, be…

Fra. I may dis‑ioyne my hand, but not my faith.

Pand. So mak'st thou faith an enemy to faith, And like a ciuill warre setst oath to oath,…

Aust. Rebellion, flat rebellion.

Bast. Wil't not be? Will not a Calues‑skin stop that mouth of thine?

Daul. Father, to Armes.

Blanch. Vpon thy wedding day? Against the blood that thou hast married? What, shall our feast be kept…

Const. O, vpon my knee made hard with kneeling, I doe pray to thee, thou vertuous Daulphin, Alter…

Blan. Now shall I see thy loue, what motiue may Be stronger with thee, then the name of…

Con. That which vpholdeth him, that thee vpholds, His Honor, Oh thine Honor, Lewis thine Honor.

Dolph. I muse your Maiesty doth seeme so cold, When such profound respects doe pull you on?

Pand. I will denounce a curse vpon his head.

Fra. Thou shalt not need. England, I will fall frō thee.

Const. O faire returne of banish'd Maiestie.

Elen. O foule reuolt of French inconstancy.

Eng. France, yu shalt rue this houre within this houre.

Bast. Old Time the clocke setter, yt bald sexton Time: Is it as he will? well then, France…

Bla. The Sun's orecast with bloud: faire day adieu, Which is the side that I must goe withall?…

Dolph. Lady, with me, with me thy fortune lies.

Bla. There where my fortune liues, there my life dies.

Iohn. Cosen, goe draw our puisance together, France, I am burn'd vp with inflaming wrath, A rage, whose…

Fra. Thy rage shall burne thee, vp, & thou shalt turne To ashes, ere our blood shall quench…

Iohn. No more then he that threats. To Arms le'ts hie.

Exeunt.

Scœna Secunda.

Allarums, Excursions: Enter Bastard with Austria's head.

Bast. Now by my life, this day grows wondrous hot, Some ayery Deuill houers in the skie, And…

Iohn. Hubert, keepe this boy: Philip make vp, My Mother is assayled in our Tent, And tane I…

Bast. My Lord I rescued her, Her Highnesse is in safety, feare you not: But on my Liege,…

Exit.

Alarums, excursions, Retreat. Enter Iohn, Eleanor, Arthur Bastard, Hubert, Lords.

Iohn. So shall it be: your Grace shall stay behinde So strongly guarded: Cosen, looke not sad, Thy…

Arth. O this will make my mother die with griefe.

Iohn. Cosen away for England, haste before, And ere our comming see thou shake the bags Of hoording…

Bast. Bell, Booke, & Candle, shall not driue me back, When gold and siluer becks me to come…

Ele. Farewell gentle Cosen.

Iohn. Coz, farewell.

Ele. Come hether little kinsman, harke, a worde.

Iohn. Come hether Hubert. O my gentle Hubert, We owe thee much: within this wall of flesh There…

Hub. I am much bounden to your Maiesty.

Iohn. Good friend, thou hast no cause to say so yet, But thou shalt haue: and creepe time…

Hub. So well, that what you bid me vndertake, Though that my death were adiunct to my Act,…

Iohn. Doe not I know thou wouldst? Good Hubert, Hubert, Hubert throw thine eye On yon young boy:…

Hub. And Ile keepe him so, That he shall not offend your Maiesty.

Iohn. Death.

Hub. My Lord.

Iohn. A Graue.

Hub. He shall not liue.

Iohn. Enough. I could be merry now, Hubert, I loue thee. Well, Ile not say what I intend…

Ele. My blessing goe with thee.

Iohn. For England Cosen, goe. Hubert shall be your man, attend on you With al true duetie: On…

Exeunt.

Scæna Tertia.

Enter France, Dolphine, Pandulpho, Attendants.

Fra. So by a roaring Tempest on the flood, A whole Armado of conuicted saile Is scattered and…

Pand. Courage and comfort, all shall yet goe well.

Fra. What can goe well, when we haue runne so ill? Are we not beaten? Is not Angiers…

Dol. What he hath won, that hath he fortified: So hot a speed, with such aduice dispos'd, Such…

Fra. Well could I beare that England had this praise, So we could finde some patterne of our…

Con. Lo; now: now see the issue of your peace.

Fra. Patience good Lady, comfort gentle Constance.

Con. No, I defie all Counsell, all redresse, But that which ends all counsell, true Redresse: Death, death,…

Fra. O faire affliction, peace.

Con. No, no, I will not, hauing breath to cry: O that my tongue were in the thunders…

Pand. Lady, you vtter madnesse, and not sorrow.

Con. Thou art holy to belye me so, I am not mad: this haire I teare is mine,…

Fra. Binde vp those tresses: O what loue I note In the faire multitude of those her haires;…

Con. To England, if you will.

Fra. Binde vp your haires.

Con. Yes that I will: and wherefore will I do it? I tore them from their bonds, and…

Pand. You hold too heynous a respect of greefe.

Const. He talkes to me, that neuer had a sonne.

Fra. You are as fond of greefe, as of your childe.

Con. Greefe fils the roome vp of my absent childe: Lies in his bed, walkes vp and downe…

Exit.

Fra. I feare some out‑rage, and Ile follow her.

Exit.

Dol. There's nothing in this world can make me ioy, Life is as tedious as a twice‑told tale,…

Pand. Before the curing of a strong disease, Euen in the instant of repaire and health, The fit…

Dol. All daies of glory, ioy, and happinesse.

Pan. If you had won it, certainely you had. No, no: when Fortune meanes to men most good,…

Dol. As heartily as he is glad he hath him.

Pan. Your minde is all as youthfull as your blood. Now heare me speake with a propheticke spirit:…

Dol. But what shall I gaine by yong Arthurs fall?

Pan. You, in the right of Lady Blanch your wife, May then make all the claime that Arthur…

Dol. And loose it, life and all, as Arthur did.

Pan. How green you are, and fresh in this old world? Iohn layes you plots: the times conspire…

Dol. May be he will not touch yong Arthurs life, But hold himselfe safe in his prisonment.

Pan. O Sir, when he shall heare of your approach, If that yong Arthur be not gone alreadie,…

Dol. Strong reasons makes strange actions: let vs go, If you say I, the King will not say…

Exeunt.

Actus Quartus, Scæna prima.

Enter Hubert and Executioners.

Hub. Heate me these Irons hot, and looke thou stand Within the Arras: when I strike my foot…

Exec. I hope your warrant will beare out the deed.

Hub. Vncleanly scruples feare not you: looke too't. Yong Lad come forth; I haue to say with you.

Enter Arthur.

Ar. Good morrow Hubert.

Hub. Good morrow, little Prince.

Ar. As little Prince, hauing so great a Title To be more Prince, as may be: you are…

Hub. Indeed I haue beene merrier.

Art. 'Mercie on me: Me thinkes no body should be sad but I: Yet I remember, when I…

Hub. If I talke to him, with his innocent prate He will awake my mercie, which lies dead:…

Ar. Are you sicke Hubert? you looke pale to day, Insooth I would you were a little sicke,…

Hub. His words do take possession of my bosome. Reade heere yong Arthur. How now foolish rheume? Turning…

Ar. Too fairely Hubert, for so foule effect, Must you with hot Irons, burne out both mine eyes?

Hub. Yong Boy, I must.

Art. And will you?

Hub. And I will.

Art. Haue you the heart? When your head did but ake, I knit my hand‑kercher about your browes…

Hub. I haue sworne to do it: And with hot Irons must I burne them out.

Ar. Ah, none but in this Iron Age, would do it: The Iron of it selfe though he…

Hub. Come forth: Do as I bid you do.

Art. O saue me Hubert, saue me: my eyes are out Euen with the fierce lookes of these…

Hub. Giue me the Iron I say, and binde him heere.

Art. Alas, what neede you be so boistrous rough? I will not struggle, I will stand stone still:…

Hub. Go stand within: let me alone with him.

Exec. I am best pleas'd to be from such a deede.

Art. Alas, I then haue chid away my friend, He hath a sterne looke, but a gentle heart:…

Hub. Come (Boy) prepare your selfe.

Art. Is there no remedie?

Hub. None, but to lose your eyes.

Art. O heauen: that there were but a moth in yours, A graine, a dust, a gnat, a…

Hub. Is this your promise? Go too, hold your toong

Art. Hubert, the vtterance of a brace of tongues, Must needes want pleading for a paire of eyes:…

Hub. I can heate it, Boy.

Art. No, in good sooth: the fire is dead with griefe, Being create for comfort, to be vs'd…

Hub. But with my breath I can reuiue it Boy.

Art. And if you do, you will but make it blush, And glow with shame of your proceedings,…

Hub. Well, see to liue: I will not touch thine eye, For all the Treasure that thine Vnckle…

Art. O now you looke like Hubert. All this while You were disguis'd.

Hub. Peace: no more. Adieu, Your Vnckle must not know but you are dead. Ile fill these dogged…

Art. O heauen! I thanke you Hubert.

Hub. Silence, no more; go closely in with mee, Much danger do I vndergo for thee.

Exeunt

Scena Secunda.

Enter Iohn, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other Lordes.

Iohn. Heere once againe we sit: once against crown'd And look'd vpon, I hope, with chearefull eyes.

Pem. This once again (but that your Highnes pleas'd) Was once superfluous: you were Crown'd before, And that…

Sal. Therefore, to be possess'd with double pompe, To guard a Title, that was rich before; To gilde…

Pem. But that your Royall pleasure must be done, This acte, is as an ancient tale new told,…

Sal. In this the Anticke, and well noted face Of plaine old forme, is much disfigured, And like…

Pem. When Workemen striue to do better then wel, They do confound their skill in couteousnesse, And oftentimes…

Sal. To this effect, before you were new crown'd We breath'd our Councell: but it pleas'd your Highnes…

Ioh. Some reasons of this double Corronation I haue possest you with, and thinke them strong. And more,…

Pem. Then I, as one that am the tongue of these To sound the purposes of all their…

Enter Hubert.

Iohn. Let it be so: I do commit his youth To your direction: Hubert, what newes with you?

Pem. This is the man should do the bloody deed: He shew'd his warrant to a friend of…

Sal. The colour of the King doth come, and go Betweene his purpose and his conscience, Like Heralds…

Pem. And when it breakes, I feare will issue thence The foule corruption of a sweet childes death.

Iohn. We cannot hold mortalities strong hand. Good Lords, although my will to giue, is liuing, The suite…

Sal. Indeed we fear'd his sicknesse was past cure.

Pem. Indeed we heard how neere his death he was, Before the childe himselfe felt he was sicke:…

Ioh. Why do you bend such solemne browes on me? Thinke you I beare the Sheeres of destiny?…

Sal. It is apparant foule‑play, and 'tis shame That Greatnesse should so grossely offer it; So thriue it…

Pem. Stay yet (Lord Salisbury) Ile go with thee, And finde th'inheritance of this poore childe, His little…

Exeunt

Io. They burn in indignation: I repent: Enter Mes. There is no sure foundation set on blood: No…

Mes. From France to England, neuer such a powre For any forraigne preparation, Was leuied in the body…

Ioh. Oh where hath our Intelligence bin drunke? Where hath it slept? Where is my Mothers care? That…

Mes. My Liege, her eare Is stopt with dust: the first of Aprill di'de Your noble mother; and…

Iohn. With‑hold thy speed, dreadfull Occasion: O make a league with me, 'till I haue pleas'd My discontented…

Mes. Vnder the Dolphin.

Enter Bastard and Peter of Pomfret.

Ioh. Thou hast made me giddy With these ill tydings: Now? What sayes the world To your proceedings?…

Bast. But if you be a‑feard to heare the worst, Then let the worst vn‑heard, fall on your…

Iohn. Beare with me Cosen, for I was amaz'd Vnder the tide; but now I breath againe Aloft…

Bast. How I haue sped among the Clergy men, The summes I haue collected shall expresse: But as…

Iohn. Thou idle Dreamer, wherefore didst thou so?

Pet. Fore‑knowing that the truth will fall out so.

Iohn. Hubert, away with him: imprison him, And on that day at noone, whereon he sayes I shall…

Bast. The French (my Lord) mens mouths are ful of it: Besides I met Lord Bigot, and Lord…

Iohn. Gentle kinsman, go And thrust thy selfe into their Companies, I haue a way to winne their…

Bast. I will seeke them out.

Iohn. Nay, but make haste: the better foote before, O, let me haue no subiect enemies, When aduerse…

Bast. The spirit of the time shall teach me speed.

Exit

Iohn. Spoke like a sprightfull Noble Gentleman. Go after him: for he perhaps shall neede Some Messenger betwixt…

Mes. With all my heart, my Liege.

Iohn. My mother dead?

Enter Hubert.

Hub. My Lord, they say fiue Moones were seene to (night: Foure fixed, and the fift did whirle…

Ioh. Fiue Moones?

Hub. Old men, and Beldames, in the streets Do prophesie vpon it dangerously: Yong Arthurs death is common…

Io. Why seek'st thou to possesse me with these feares? Why vrgest thou so oft yong Arthurs death?…

H No had (my Lord?) why did you not prouoke me?

Iohn. It is the curse of Kings, to be attended By slaues, that take their humors for a…

Hub. Herere is your hand and Seale for what I did.

Ioh. Oh, when the last accompt twixt heauen & earth Is to be made, then shall this hand…

Hub. My Lord.

Ioh. Had'st thou but shooke thy head, or made a pause When I spake darkely, what I purposed:…

Hub. Arme you against your other enemies: Ile make a peace betweene your soule, and you. Yong Arthur…

Iohn. Doth Arthur liue? O hast thee to the Peeres, Throw this report on their incensed rage, And…

Exeunt.

Scœna Tertia.

Enter Arthur on the walles.

Ar. The Wall is high, and yet will I leape downe. Good ground be pittifull, and hurt me…

Dies

Enter Pembroke Salisbury, & Bigot.

Sal. Lords, I will meet him at S. Edmondsbury, It is our safetie, and we must embrace This…

Pem. Who brought that Letter from the Cardinall?

Sal. The Count Meloone, a Noble Lord of France, Whose priuate with me of the Dolphines loue, Is…

Big. To morrow morning let vs meete him then.

Sal. Or rather then set forward, for 'twill be Two long dayes iourney (Lords) or ere we meete.

Enter Bastard.

Bast. Once more to day well met, distemper'd Lords, The King by me requests your presence straight.

Sal. The king hath dispossest himselfe of vs, We will not lyne his thin‑bestained cloake With our pure…

Bast. What ere you thinke, good words I thinke were best.

Sal. Our greefes, and not our manners reason now.

Bast. But there is little reason in your greefe. Therefore 'twere reason you had manners now.

Pem. Sir, sir, impatience hath his priuiledge.

Bast. 'Tis true, to hurt his master, no mans else.

Sal. This is the prison: What is he lyes heere?

P. Oh death, made proud with pure & princely beuty, The earth had not a hole to hide…

Sal. Murther, as hating what himselfe hath done, Doth lay it open to vrge on reuenge.

Big. Or when he doom'd this Beautie to graue, Found it too precious Princely, for a graue.

Sal. Sir Richard, what thinke you? you haue beheld, Or haue you read, or heard, or could you…

Pem. All murthers past, do stand excus'd in this: And this so sole, and so vnmatcheable, Shall giue…

Bast. It is a damned, and a bloody worke, The gracelesse action of a heauy hand, If that…

Sal. If that it be the worke of any hand? We had a kinde of light, what would…

Pem. Big. Our soules religiously confirme thy words.

Enter Hubert.

Hub. Lords, I am hot with haste, in seeking you, Arthur doth liue, the king hath sent for…

Sal. Oh he is bold, and blushes not at death, Auant thou hatefull villain, get thee gone.

Hu. I am no villaine.

Sal. Must I rob (the Law?

Bast. Your sword is bright sir, put it vp againe.

Sal. Not till I sheath it in a murtherers skin.

Hub. Stand backe Lord Salsbury, stand backe I say: By heauen, I thinke my sword's as sharpe as…

Big. Out dunghill: dar'st thou braue a Nobleman?

Hub. Not for my life: But yet I dare defend My innocent life against an Emperor.

Sal. Thou art a Murtherer.

Hub. Do not proue me so: Yet I am none. Whose tongue so ere speakes false, Not truely…

Pem. Cut him to peeces.

Bast. Keepe the peace, I say.

Sal. Stand by, or I shall gaul you Faulconbridge. If thou but frowne on me, or stirre thy…

Big. What wilt thou do, renowned Faulconbridge? Second a Villaine, and a Murtherer?

Hub. Lord Bigot, I am none.

Big. Who kill'd this Prince?

Hub. 'Tis not an houre since I left him well: I honour'd him, I lou'd him, and will…

Sal. Trust not those cunning waters of his eyes, For villanie is not without such rheume, And he,…

Big. Away, toward Burie, to the Dolphin there.

P. There tel the king, he may inquire vs out.

Ex. Lords.

Ba. Here's a good world: knew you of this faire work? Beyond the infinite and boundlesse reach of…

Hub. Do but heare me sir.

Bast. Ha? Ile tell thee what. Thou'rt damn'd as blacke, nay nothing is so blacke, Thou art more…

Hub. Vpon my soule.

Bast. If thou didst but consent To this most cruell Act: do but dispaire, And if thou want'st…

Hub. If I in act, consent, or sinne of thought, Be guiltie of the stealing that sweete breath…

Bast. Go, beare him in thine armes: I am amaz'd me thinkes, and loose my way Among the…

Exit.

Actus Quartus, Scæna prima.

Enter King Iohn and Pandolph, attendants.

K. Iohn. Thus haue I yeelded vp into your hand The Circle of my glory.

Pan. Take againe From this my hand, as holding of the Pope Your Soueraigne greatnesse and authoritie.

Iohn. Now keep your holy word, go meet the French, And from his holinesse vse all your power…

Pand. It was my breath that blew this Tempest vp, Vpon your stubborne vsage of the Pope: But…

Exit.

Iohn. Is this Ascension day? did not the Prophet Say, that before Ascension day at noone, My Crowne…

Enter Bastard.

Bast. All Kent hath yeelded: nothing there holds out But Douer Castle: London hath receiu'd Like a kinde…

Iohn. Would not my Lords returne to me againe After they heard yong Arthur was aliue?

Bast. They found him dead, and cast into the streets, An empty Casket, where the Iewell of life…

Iohn. That villaine Hubert told me he did liue.

Bast. So on my soule he did, for ought he knew: But wherefore doe you droope? why looke…

Iohn. The Legat of the Pope hath beene with mee, And I haue made a happy peace with…

Bast. Oh inglorious league: Shall we vpon the footing of our land, Send fayre‑play‑orders, and make comprimise, Insinuation,…

Iohn. Haue thou the ordering of this present time.

Bast. Away then with good courage: yet I know Our partie may well meet a prowder foe.

Exeunt.

Scœna Secunda.

Enter (in Armes) Dolphin, Salisbury, Meloone, Pem­ broke, Bigot, Souldiers.

Dol. My Lord Melloone, let this be coppied out, And keepe it safe for our remembrance: Returne the…

Sal. Vpon our sides it neuer shall be broken. And Noble Dolphin, albeit we sweare A voluntary zeale,…

Dolph. A noble temper dost thou shew in this, And great affections wrastling in thy bosome Doth make…

Pand. Haile noble Prince of France: The next is this: King Iohn hath reconcil'd Himselfe to Rome, his…

Dol. Your Grace shall pardon me, I will not backe: I am too high‑borne to be proportied To…

Pand. You looke but on the out‑side of this worke.

Dol. Out‑side or in‑side, I will not returne Till my attempt so much be glorified, As to my…

Enter Bastard.

Bast. According to the faire‑play of the world, Let me haue audience: I am sent to speake: My…

Pand. The Dolphin is too wilfull opposite And will not temporize with my intreaties: He flatly saies, hee…

Bast. By all the bloud that euer fury breath'd, The youth saies well. Now heare our English King,…

Dol. There end thy braue, and turn thy face in peace, We grant thou canst out‑scold vs: Far…

Pan. Giue me, leaue to speake.

Bast. No, I will speake.

Dol. We will attend to neyther: Strike vp the drummes, and let the tongue of warre Pleade for…

Bast. Indeede your drums being beaten, wil cry out; And so shall you, being beaten: Do but start…

Dol. Strike vp our drummes, to finde this danger out.

Bast. And thou shalt finde it (Dolphin) do not doubt

Exeunt.

Scæna Tertia.

Alarums. Enter Iohn and Hubert.

Iohn. How goes the day with vs? oh tell me Hubert.

Hub. Badly I feare; how fares your Maiesty?

Iohn. This Feauer that hath troubled me so long, Lyes heauie on me: oh, my heart is sicke.

Enter a Messenger.

Mes. My Lord: your valiant kinsman Falconbridge, Desires your Maiestie to leaue the field, And send him word…

Iohn. Tell him toward Swinsted, to the Abbey there.

Mes. Be of good comfort: for the great supply, That was expected by the Dolphin heere, Are wrack'd…

Iohn. Aye me, this tyrant Feuer burnes mee vp, And will not let me welcome this good newes,…

Exeunt.

Scena Quarta.

Enter Salisbury, Pembroke, and Bigot.

Sal. I did not thinke the King so stor'd with friends.

Pem. Vp once againe: put spirit in the French, If they miscarry: we miscarry too.

Sal. That misbegotten diuell Falconbridge, In spight of spight, alone vpholds the day.

Pem. They say King Iohn sore sick, hath left the field.

Enter Meloon wounded.

Mel. Lead me to the Reuolts of England heere.

Sal. When we were happie, we had other names.

Pem. It is the Count Meloone.

Sal. Wounded to death.

Mel. Fly Noble English, you are bought and sold, Vnthred the rude eye of Rebellion, And welcome home…

Sal. May this be possible? May this be true?

Mel. Haue I not hideous death within my view, Retaining but a quantity of life, Which bleeds away,…

Exeunt

Scena Quinta.

Enter Dolphin, and his Traine.

Dol. The Sun of heauen (me thought) was loth to set; But staid, and made the Westerne Welkin…

Enter a Messenger.

Mes. Where is my Prince, the Dolphin?

Dol. Heere: what newes?

Mes. The Count Meloone is slaine: The English Lords By his perswasion, are againe falne off, And your…

Dol. Ah fowle, shrew'd newes. Beshrew thy very (hart: I did not thinke to be so sad to…

Mes. Who euer spoke it, it is true my Lord.

Dol. Well: keepe good quarter, & good care to night, The day shall not be vp so soone…

Exeunt

Scena Sexta.

Enter Bastard and Hubert, seuerally.

Hub. Whose there? Speake hoa, speake quickely, or I shoote.

Bast. A Friend. What art thou?

Hub. Of the part of England.

Bast. Whether doest thou go?

Hub. What's that to thee? Why may not I demand of thine affaires, As well as thou of…

Bast. Hubert, I thinke.

Hub. Thou hast a perfect thought: I will vpon all hazards well beleeue Thou art my friend, that…

Bast. Who thou wilt: and if thou please Thou maist be‑friend me so much, as to thinke I…

Hub. Vnkinde remembrance: thou, & endles night, Haue done me shame: Braue Soldier, pardon me, That any accent…

Bast. Come, come: sans complement, What newes abroad?

Hub. Why heere walke I, in the black brow of night To finde you out.

Bast. Breefe then: and what's the newes?

Hub. O my sweet sir, newes fitting to the night, Blacke, fearefull, comfortlesse, and horrible.

Bast. Shew me the very wound of this ill newes, I am no woman, Ile not swound at…

Hub. The King I feare is poyson'd by a Monke, I left him almost speechlesse, and broke out…

Bast. How did he take it? Who did taste to him?

Hub. A Monke I tell you, a resolued villaine Whose Bowels sodainly burst out: The King Yet speakes,…

Bast. Who didst thou leaue to tend his Maiesty?

Hub. Why know you not? The Lords are all come backe, And brought Prince Henry in their companie,…

Bast. With‑hold thine indignation, mighty heauen, And tempt vs not to beare aboue our power. Ile tell thee…

Exeunt

Scena Septima.

Enter Prince Henry, Salisburie, and Bigot.

Hen. It is too late, the life of all his blood Is touch'd, corruptible: and his pure braine…

Enter Pembroke.

Pem. His Highnesse yet doth speak, & holds beleefe, That being brought into the open ayre, It would…

Hen. Let him be brought into the Orchard heere: Doth he still rage?

Pem. He is more patient Then when you left him; euen now he sung.

Hen. Oh vanity of sicknesse: fierce extreames In their continuance, will not feele themselues. Death hauing praide vpon…

Sal. Be of good comfort (Prince) for you are borne To set a forme vpon that indigest Which…

Iohn brought in.

Iohn. I marrie, now my soule hath elbow roome, It would not out at windowes, nor at doores,…

Hen. How fares your Maiesty?

Ioh. Poyson'd, ill fare: dead, forsooke, cast off, And none of you will bid the winter come To…

Hen. Oh that there were some vertue in my teares, That might releeue you.

Iohn. The salt in them is hot. Within me is a hell, and there the poyson Is, as…

Enter Bastard.

Bast. Oh, I am scalded with my violent motion And spleene of speede, to see your Maiesty.

Iohn. Oh Cozen, thou art come to set mine eye: The tackle of my heart, is crack'd and…

Bast. The Dolphin is preparing hither‑ward, Where heauen he knowes how we shall answer him. For in a…

Sal. You breath these dead newes in as dead an eare My Liege, my Lord: but now a…

Hen. Euen so must I run on, and euen so stop. What surety of the world, what hope,…

Bast. Art thou gone so? I do but stay behinde, To do the office for thee, of reuenge,…

Sal. It seems you know not then so much as we, The Cardinall Pandulph is within at rest,…

Bast. He will the rather do it, when he sees Our selues well sinew'd to our defence.

Sal. Nay, 'tis in a manner done already, For many carriages hee hath dispatch'd To the sea side,…

Bast. Let it be so, and you my noble Prince, With other Princes that may best be spar'd,…

Hen. At Worster must his bodie be interr'd, For so he will'd it.

Bast. Thither shall it then, And happily may your sweet selfe put on The lineall state, and glorie…

Sal. And the like tender of our loue wee make To rest without a spot for euermore.

Hen. I haue a kinde soule, that would giue thankes, And knowes not how to do it, but…

Bast. Oh let vs pay the time: but needfull woe, Since it hath beene before hand with our…

Exeunt.