Troublesome Reign of john King of England, with the discovery of King Richard Cordelion's Base son (vulgarly named, The Bastard Fawconbridge): also the death of King john at Swinstead Abbey.  
As it was (sundry times) publicly acted by the Queen's majesties Players, in the honourable City of London.  
Imprinted at London for Samson Clarke, and are to be sold at his shop▪ on the backside of the Royal Exchange. 1591.   

To the Gentlemen Readers.  
YOu that with friendly grace of smoothed brow  
Have entertained the Scythian Ta●burlaine,  
And given applause unto an Infidel:  
Vouchsafe to welcome (with like courtesy)  
A warlike Christian and your Countryman.  
For Christ's true faith endured he many a storm.  
And set himself against the Man of Rome.  
Until ace treason (by a damned wight)  
Di●● all his former triumphs put to ●ight,  
Accept of it (sweet Gentles) in good sort,  
And think it was prepared for your disport.   

The troublesome Reign of King john.  Enter K. john, Queen Elinor his mother, William Marshal Earl of Pembroke, the Earls of Essex, and of Salisbury Queen Elinor. 
BArons of England, and my noble Lords;  
Though 〈◊〉 Fortune have bereft from us  
Victorious 〈…〉 scourge of Infidels,  
And clad this 〈◊〉 in stole of dismal hieu:  
Yet give me leave to joy, and joy you all,  
That from this womb hath sprung a second hope,  
A King that may in rule and virtue both  
Succeed his brother in his Empery.  K. John 
My gracious mother Queen, and Barons all;  
Though far unworthy of so high a place,  
As is the Throne of mighty England's King:  
Yet john your Lord, contented uncontent,  
Will (as he may) sustain the heavy yoke  
Of pressing cares, that hang upon a Crown.  
My Lord of Pembroke and Lord Salisbury,  
Admit the Lord Shattilion to our presence;  
That we may know what Philip King of France  
(By his Ambassadors) requires of us.  Q. Elinor. 
Dame lay my hand that Elinor can guess  
Whereto this w●ightie ambassade doth tend:  
〈◊〉 of my Nephew Arthur and his claim,  
Then say my Son I have not missed my aim.  Enter Chattilion and the two Earls. john 
My Lord Chattilion, welcome into England:  
How fares our Brother Philip King of France?  Chatt. 
His Highness at my coming was in health,  
And willed me to salute your Majesty,  
And say the message he hath given in charge.  john 
And spare not man, we are prepared to hear.  Chattilion 
Philip by the grace of God most Christian K. of France, having taken into his guardain and protection Arthur Duke of Britain, son & heir to jeffrey thine elder brother, requireth in the behalf of the said Arthur, the Kingdom of England, with the Lordship of Ireland, Poiteer, Anjou, Torain, Main: and I attend thine answer.  john 
A small request: belike he makes account  
That England, Ireland, Poiteer, Anjou, Torain, Main,  
Are nothing for a King to give at once:  
I wonder what he means to leave for me.  
Tell Philip, he may keep his Lords at home,  
With greater honour than to send them thus  
On Embassades that not concern himself,  
Or if they did, would yield but small return.  Chatilion 
Is this thine answer?  john 
It is, and too good an answer for so proud a message.  Chattilion 
Then King of England, in my Master's name,  
And in Prince Arthur Duke of Britain's name,  
I do defy chee as an Enemy,  
And wish thee to prepare for bloody wars.  Q. Elinor 
My Lord (that stands upon defiance thus)  
Commend me to my Nephew, tell the boy,  
That I Queen Elinor (his Grandmother)  
Upon my blessing charge him leave his Arms,  
Whereto his headstrong Mother pricks him so:  
Her pride we know, and know her for a Dame  
That will not stick to bring him to his end,  
So she may bring herself to rule a Realm.  
Next wish him to forsake the King of France,  
And come to me and to his Uncle here,  
And he shall want for nothing at our hands.  Chattilion. 
This shall I do, and thus I take my leave.  john 
Pembroke, convey him safely to the sea,  
But not in haste: for as we are advised,  
We mean to be in France as soon as he,  
To fortesie such towns as we possess  
In Anjou, Torain and in Normandy.  Exit Enter the Shrive, & whispers the Earl of Sals in the 〈…〉 Salisbury. 
Please it your Majesty, here is the 〈◊〉 Northhamptonshire, with certain persons that of late ●●mitted a riot, and have appealed to your Majesty beseech 〈…〉 your Highness for special cause to hear them.  john 
Will them come near, and while we hear the cause,  
Go Salisbury and make provision,  
We mean with speed to pass the sea to France.  
Say Shrieve, what are these men, what have they done?  
Or whereto tends the course of this appeal?  Shrieve 
Please it your Majesty these two brethren unnaturally falling at odds about their Father's living have broken your highness peace, in seeking to right their own wrongs without cause of Law, or order of justice, and unlawfully assembled themselves in mutinous manner, having committed a riot, appealing from trial in their Country to your Highness: and here I Thomas Nidigate Shrieve of Northhamptonshire, do deliver them over to their trial.  john 
My Lord of Essex, will the offenders to stand forth, and tell the cause of their quarrel.  Essex 
Gentlemen, it is the King's pleasure that you discover your griefs, & doubt not but you shall have justice.  Philip 
Please it your Majesty, the wrong is mine; yet will I abide all wrongs, before I once open my mouth to unrippe the shameful slander of my parents, the dishonour of myself, & the wicked dealing of my brother in this princely assembly.  Robert 
Then by my Prince his leave shall Robert speak,  
And tell your Majesty? what right I have  
To offer wrong, as he accounteth wrong.  
My Father (not unknown unto your Grace)  
Received his spurs of Knighthood in the Field,  
At Kingly Richard's hands in Palestine,  
When as the walls of Acon gave him way:  
His name Sir Robert Fauconbridge of Mountbery.  
What by succession from his Ancestors,  
And warlike service under England's Arms,  
His living did amount too at his death  
Two thousand Marks revenue every year:  
And this (my Lord) I challenge for my right,  
As lawful heir to Robert Fauconbridge.  Philip 
If first-born son be heir indubitate  
By certain right of England's ancient Law,  
How should myself make any other doubt,  
But I am heir to Robert Fauconbridge?  john 
Fond Youth, to trouble these our Princely ears  
Or make a question in so plain a case:  
Speak, is this man thine elder Brother borne?  Robert 
Please it your Grace with patience for to hear;  
I not deny but he mine Elder is,  
Mine elder Brother too: yet in such sort,  
As he can make no title to the Land.  john 
A doubtful tale as ever I did hear,  
Thy Brother and thine elder, and no heir:  
Explain this dark Aenigma.  Robert 
I grant (my Lord) he is my mother's son,  
Base borne, and base begot, no Fauconbridge.  
Indeed the world reputes him lawful heir,  
My Father in his life did count him so,  
And here my Mother stands to prove him so:  
But I (my Lord) can prove, and do ●uer●e  
Both to my Mother's shame and his reproach,  
He is no heir, nor yet legitimate.  
Then (gracious Lord) let Fauconbridge enjoy  
The living that belongs to Fauconbridge.  
And let not him possess another's right.  john 
Prove this, the land is thine by England's law.  Q. Elinor 
Ungracious youth, to rip thy mother's shame,  
The womb from whence thou didst thy being take,  
All honest ears abhor thy wickedness,  
But gold I see doth beat down nature's law.  Mother. 
My gracious Lord, & you thrice reverend Dame,  
That see the tears distilling from mine eyes,  
And scalding sighs blown from a rent heart:  
For honour and regard of womanhood,  
Let me entreat to be commanded hence.  
Let not these ears receive the hissing sound  
Of such a viper, who with poisoned words  
Doth macerate the bowels of my soul.  john 
Lady, stand up, be patiented for a while:  
And fellow, say, whose bastard is thy brother.  Philip 
Not for myself, nor for my mother now:  
But for the honour of so brave a Man,  
Whom he accuseth with adultery:  
Here I beseech your Grace upon my knees,  
To count him mad, and so dismiss us hence.  Robert 
Nor mad, nor amazed, but well advised, I  
Charge thee before this royal presence here  
To be a Bastard to King Richard's self,  
Son to your Grace, and Brother to your Majesty.  
Thus bluntly, and  Elinor 
Young man thou néedst not be ashamed of thy kin,  
Nor of thy Sire. But forward with thy proof.  Robert 
The proof so plain, the argument so strong,  
As that your Highness and these noble Lords,  
And all (save those that have no eyes to see)  
Shall swear him to be Bastard to the King.  
First when my Father was Ambassador  
In Germany unto the Emperor,  
The King lay often at my Father's house;  
And all the Realm suspected what befell:  
And at my Fathers back return again  
My Mother was delivered as 'tis said,  
Six weeks before the account my Father made.  
But more than this: look but on Philip's face,  
His features, actions, and his lineaments,  
And all this Princely presence shall confess,  
He is no other but King Richard's Son.  
Then gracious Lord, rest he King Richard's Son,  
And let me rest safe in my Father's right,  
That am his rightful son and only heir.  john 
Is this thy proof, and all thou hast to say?  Robert 
I have no more, nor need I greater proof.  John 
First, where thou saidst in absence of thy Sire  
My Brother often lodged in his house:  
And what of that? base groom to slander him,  
That honoured his Ambassador so much,  
In absence of the man to cheer the wife?  
This will not hold, proceed unto the next.  Q. Elinor 
Thou sayst she téemde six weeks before her time.  
Why good Sir Squire are you so cunning grown  
To make account of women's reckonings:  
Spit in your hand and to your other proofs:  
Many mischances hap in such affairs  
To make a woman come before her time.  john 
And where thou sayst he looketh like the King  
In action, feature and proportion:  
Therein I hold with thee, for in my life  
I never saw so lively counterfeit  
Of Richard Cordelion, as in him.  Robert 
Then good my Lord, be you indifferent judge,  
And let me have my living and my right.  Q Elinor 
Nay hear you Sir, you run away too fast:  
Know you not, Omne simile non est idem?  
Or have read in. Hark ye good sir,  
T●was thus I warrant, and no otherwise,  
She lay with Sir Robert your Father, and thought upon King Richard my Son, and so your Brother was form in this fashion.  Robert 
Madame, you wrong me thus to jest it out,  
I crave my right: King john as thou art King.  
So be thou just, and let me have my right.  john 
Why (foolish boy) thy proofs are frivolous,  
Nor canst thou challenge any thing thereby.  
But thou shalt see how I will help thy claim,  
This is my doom, and this my doom shall stand  
Irrevocable, as I am King of England.  
For thou know'st not, we'll ask of them that know,  
His mother and himself shall end this strife:  
And as they say, so shall thy living pass.  Robert 
My Lord, herein I challenge you of wrong,  
To give away my right, and put the doom  
Unto themselves. Can there be likelihood  
That she will lose?  
Or he will give the living from himself?  
It may not be my Lord. Why should it be?  john 
Lords keep him back, and let him hear the doom.  
Essex, first ask the Mother thrice who was his Sire?  Essex 
Lady Margaret Widow of Fauconbridge,  
Who was Father to thy Son Philip?  Mother 
Please it your Majesty, Sir Robert Fauconbridge.  Robert 
This is right, ask my fellow there if I be a thief.  john 
Ask Philip whose Son he is.  Essex 
Philip, who was thy Father?  Philip 
Ma● my Lord, and that's a question: and you had not taken some pains with her before, I should have desired you to ask my Mother.  john 
Say who was thy Father?  Philip 
Faith (my Lord) to answer you sure he is my father that was nearest my mother when I was gotten, & him I think to be Sir Robert Fauconbridge.  john 
Essex, for fashion's sake demand again,  
And so an end to this contention.  Robert 
Was ever man thus wronged as Robert is?  Essex 
Philip speak I say, who was thy Father?  john 
Young man how now, what art thou in a trance?  Elinor 
Philip awake, the man is in a dream.  Philip 
Philippus atavis a●dite Regibus.  
What sayst thou Philip, sprung of ancient Kings?  
Quo me rapit tempestas?  
What wind of honour blows this fury forth?  
Or whence proeede these fumes of Majesty?  
Me thinks I hear a hollow Echo sound,  
That Philip is the Son unto a King:  
The whistling leaves upon the trembling trees,  
Whistle in consort I am Richard's Son:  
The bubbling murmur of the waters fall,  
Records Philippus Regius filius:  
Birds in their flight make music with their wings,  
Filling the air with glory of my birth:  
Birds, bubbles, leaves, and mountains, Echo, all  
Ring in mine ears, that I am Richard's Son.  
Fond man, ah whether art thou carried?  
How are thy thoughts ywrapt in honours heaven?  
Forgetful what thou art, and whence thou camest.  
Thy Father's land cannot maintain these thoughts,  
These thoughts are far unfitting Fauconbridge:  
And well they may; for why this monnting mind  
Doth soar too high to stoop to Fauconbridge.  
Why how now? knowest thou where thou art?  
And knowest thou who expects thine answer here?  
Wilt thou upon a frantic madding vain  
Go lose thy land, and say thyself base borne?  
No, keep thy land, though Richard were thy Sire,  
What ere thou thinkest, say thou art Fauconbridge.  John 
Speak man, be sudden, who thy Father was.  Philip 
Please it your Majesty, Sir Robert  
Philip, that Fauconbridge cleaves to thy jaws:  
It will not out, I cannot for my life  
Say I am Son unto a Fauconbridge.  
Let land and living go, 'tis honours fire  
That makes me swear King Richard was my Sire.  
Base to a King adds title of more State,  
Than Knights begotten, though legitimate.  
Please it your Grace, I am King Richard's Son.  Robert 
Robert revive thy heart, let sorrow die,  
His faltering tongue not suffers him to lie.  Mother 
What headstrong fury doth enchant my son?  Philip 
Philip cannot repent for he hath done.  john 
Then Philip blame not me, thyself hast lost  
By wilfulness, thy living and thy land.  
Robert, thou art the heir of Fauconbridge,  
God give thee joy, greater than thy desert.  Q Elinor 
Why how now Philip, give away thine own?  Philip 
Madame, I am bold to make myself your nephew,  
The poorest kinsman that your Highness hath:  
And with this Proverb gi'en the world anew,  
Help hands, I have no lands, honour is my desire;  
Let Philip live to show himself worthy so great a Sire.  Elinor 
Philip, I think thou knewst thy Grandams mind:  
But cheer thee boy, I will not see thee want  
As long as Elinor hath foot of land;  
Henceforth thou shalt be taken for my son,  
And wait on me and on thine Uncle here,  
Who shall give honour to thy noble mind.  john 
Philip kneel down, that thou mayst thoroughly know  
How much thy resolution pleaseth us,  
Rise up Sir Richard Plantagenet K. Richard's Son.  Phil. 
Grant heavens that Philip once may show himself  
Worthy the honour of Plantagenet,  
Or basest glory of a Bastard's name.  john 
Now Gentlemen, we will away to France,  
To check the pride of Arthur and his mates:  
Essex, thou shalt be Ruler of my Realm,  
And toward the main charges of my wars,  
I'll cease the lazy Abbey lubbers lands  
Into my hands to pay my men of war.  
The Pope and Popelings shall not grease themselves  
With gold and groats, that are the soldiers due.  
Thus forward Lords, let our command be done,  
And march we forward mightily to France.  Exeunt. 
Manet Philip and his Mother.  Philip 
Madam I beseech you deign me so much leisure as the hearing of a matter that I long to impart to you.  Mother 
What's the matter Philip. I think your suit in secret, tends to some money matter, which you suppose burns in the bottom of my chest.  Phil. 
No Madam, it is no such suit as to beg or borrow,  
But such a suit, as might some other grant.  
I would not now have troubled you withal.  Mother 
A God's name let us hear it.  Philip 
Then Madam thus, your Ladyship sees well,  
How that my scandal grows by means of you,  
In that report hath rumoured up and down,  
I am a bastard, and no Fauconbridge.  
This gross attaint so tilteth in my thoughts,  
Maintaining combat to abridge my ease,  
That field and town, and company alone,  
Whatso I do, or wheresoe'er I am,  
I cannot chase the slander from thy thoughts.  
If it be true, resolve me of my Sire,  
For pardon Madam, if I think amiss.  
Be Philip Philip and no Fauconbridge,  
His Father doubtless was as brave a man.  
To you on knees as sometime Phaeton,  
Mistrusting silly Merop for his Sire,  
Straining a little bashful modesty,  
I beg some instance whence I am extraught.  Mother 
Yet more ado to haste me to my grave,  
And wilt thou too become a Mother's cross?  
Must I accuse myself to close with you?  
Slander myself to quiet your affects:  
Thou mooust me Philip with this idle talk,  
Which I remit, in hope this mood will die.  Philip 
Nay Lady mother, hear me further yet,  
For strong conceit drives duty hence awhile:  
Your husband Fauconbridge was Father to that son,  
That carries marks of Nature like the Sire,  
The son that blotteth you with wedlock's breach,  
And holds my right, as lineal in descent  
From him whose form was figured in his face.  
Can Nature so dissemble in her frame,  
To make the one so like as like may be,  
And in the other print no character  
To challenge any mark of true descent?  
My brother's mind is base, and too too dull,  
To mount where Philip lodgeth his affects,  
And his external graces that you view  
(Though I report it) counterpoise not mine:  
His constitution plain debility,  
Requires the chair, and mine the seat of ste●le.  
Nay, what is he, or what am I to him?  
When any one that knoweth how to carp,  
Will scarcely judge us both one Country borne.  
This Madam, this, hath drove me from myself:  
And here by heavens eternal lamps I swear,  
As cursed Nero with his mother did,  
So I with you, if you resolve me not.  Mother 
Let mother's tears quench out thy anger's fire,  
And urge no further what thou dost require.  Philip 
Let sons entreaty sway the 〈◊〉 now,  
Or else she dies: I'll not infringe my vow.  Mother 
Unhappy task: must I recount my shame,  
Blab my misdeeds, or by concealing die?  
Some power strike me speechless for a time▪  
Or take from him awhile his hear use,  
Why wish I so, unhappy as I am?  
The fault is mine, and he the faulty fruit,  
I blush, I faint, oh would I might be mute.  Philip 
Mother be brief, I long to know my name.  Mother 
And longing die to shroud thy Mother's shame.  Philip 
Come Madam come, you need not be so loath,  
The shame is shared equal twixt us both.  
Is't not a slackness in me worthy blame,  
To be so old, and cannot write my name.  
Good Mother resolve me.  Mother 
Then Philip hear thy fortune and my grief,  
My honour's loss by purchase of thyself,  
My shame, thy name, and husbands secret wrong,  
All maind and stained by youths unruly sway.  
And when thou knowest from whence thou art extraught,  
Or if thou knewst what suits, what threats, what fears,  
To move by love, or massacre by death.  
To yield with love, or end by loves contempt.  
The mightiness of him that courted me,  
Who tempered terror with his wanton talk,  
That something may extenuate the guilt.  
But let it not advantage me so much:  
Upbraid me rather with the Roman Dame  
That shed her blood to wash away her shame.  
Why stand I to expostulate the crime  
With pro & contra, now the deed is done,  
When to conclude two words may tell the tale,  
That Philip's Father was a Prince's Son,  
Rich England's rule, words only terror he,  
For honour's loss left me with child of thee:  
Whose Son thou art, then pardon me the rather,  
For fair King Richard was thy noble Father.  Philip 
Then Robin Fauconbridge I wish thee joy,  
My Sire a King, and I a landles' Boy.  
God's Lady Mother, the world is in my debt,  
There's something owing to Plantagenet.  
I marry Sir, let me alone for game,  
I'll act some wonders now I know my name.  
By blessed Marie I'll not sell that pride  
For England's wealth, and all the world beside.  
Sat fast the proudest of my Father's foes,  
Away good Mother, there the comfort goes.  Execunt. Enter Philip the French King, and Lewes, Lymoges, Constance, and her son Arthur. King 
Now gi'en we broach the title of thy claim  
Young Arthur in the Albion Territories,  
Scaring proud Angiers with a puissant siege:  
Brave Austria, cause of Cordelion's death,  
Is also come to aid thee in thy wars;  
And all our Forces join for Arthur's right.  
And, but for causes of great consequence,  
Pleading delay till news from England come,  
Twice should not Titan hide him in the West,  
To cool the fetlocks of his weary team,  
Till I had with an unresisted shock  
Controlled the manage of proud Angiers walls,  
Or made a forfeit of my fame to Chance.  Constance 
May be that john in conscience or in fear  
To offer wrong where you impugn the ill,  
Will send such calm conditions back to France,  
As shall rebate the edge of fearful wars:  
If so, forbearance is a deed well done.  Arthur 
Ah Mother, possession of a Crown is much,  
And john as I have heard reported of,  
For present vantage would adventure far.  
The world can witness in his Brother's time,  
He took upon him rule any almost reign:  
Then must it follow as a doubtful point,  
That he ●eresigne the rule unto his Nephew.  
I rather think the menace of the world  
Sounds in his ears as threats of no esteem,  
And sooner would he scorn Europa's power,  
Than lose the smallest title he enjoys;  
For questionless he is an Englishman.  Lewes 
Why are the English peerless in compare?  
Brave Cavaliers as ere that Island bred,  
Have lived and died, and dared and done enough,  
Yet never graced their Country for the cause:  
England is England, yielding good and bad,  
And John of England is as other johns.  
Trust me young Arthur, if thou like my reed,  
Praise thou the French that help thee in this need.  Lymoges 
The Englishman hath little cause I trow,  
To spend good speeches on so proud a foe.  
Why Arthur here's his spoil that now is gone,  
Who when he lived outroude his Brother john:  
But hasty curs that lie so long to catch,  
Come halting home, and meet their overmatch.  
But news comes now, here's the Ambassador.  Enter Chattilion. K Philip 
And in good time, welcome my Lord Chattilion:  
What news? will john accord to our command.  Chattilion 
Be I not brief to tell your Highness all,  
He will approach to interrupt my tale:  
For one self bottom brought us both to France.  
He on his part will try the chance of war,  
And if his words infer assured truth,  
Will lose himself and all his followers,  
Ere yield unto the least of your demands.  
The Mother Queen she taketh on amain  
'Gainst Lady Constance, counting her the cause  
That doth effect this claim to Albion,  
Conjuring Arthur with a Grandames care,  
To leave his Mother; willing him submit  
His state to john and her protection,  
Who (as she saith) are studious for his good:  
More circumstance the season intercepts:  
This is the sum, which briefly I have shown.  K. Phil. 
This bitter wind must nip some body's spring,  
Sudden and brief, why so, 'tis harvest weather.  
But say Chattilion, what persons of account are with him?  Chattilion 
Of England Earl Pembroke and Salisbury,  
The only noted men of any name.  
Next them a Bastard of the Kings deceased,  
A hardy wild head, tough and venturous,  
With many other men of high resolve.  
Then is there with them Elinor Mother Queen,  
And Blanche her niece daughter to the King of Spain:  
These are the prime Birds of this hot adventure.  Enter john & his followers, Queen, Bastard, Earles, etc. K. Philip 
Me seemeth john an overdaring spirit  
Effect some frenzy in thy rash approach,  
Treading my Confines with thy armed Troops.  
I rather looked for some submiss reply  
Touching the claim thy Nephew Arthur makes  
To that which thou unjustly dost usurp.  K john 
For that Chattilion can discharge you all,  
I list not plead my Title with my tongue.  
Nor came I hither with intent of wrong  
To France or thee, or any right of thine;  
But in defence and purchase of my right,  
The Town of Angiers: which thou dost begirt  
In the behalf of Lady Constance Son,  
whereto nor he nor she can lay just claim.  Constance 
Yes (false intruder) if that just be just,  
And headstrong usurpation put apart,  
Arthur my Son, heir to thy elder Brother,  
Without ambiguous shadow of descent,  
Is Sovereign to the substance thou withholdst.  Q Elinor 
Misgoverned Gossip, stain to this resort,  
Occasion of these undecided jars,  
I say (that know) to check thy vain suppose,  
Thy Son hath nought to do with that he claims.  
For proof whereof, I can infer a Will,  
That barr●s the way he urgeth by descent.  Constance 
A Will indeed, a crabbed Woman's will,  
Wherein the Devil is an overseer,  
And proud dame Elinor sole Executress:  
More wills than so, on peril of my soul,  
Were never made to hinder Arthur's right.  Arthur 
But say there was, as sure there can be none,  
The law intends such testaments as void,  
Where right descent can no way be impeached.  Q Elinor 
Peace Arthur peace, thy mother makes thee wings  
To soar with peril after Icarus,  
And trust me youngling for the Father's sake,  
I pity much the hazard of thy youth.  Constance 
Beshrew you else how pitiful you are,  
Ready to weep to hear him ask his own;  
Sorrow betid such Grandames and such grief,  
That minister a poison for pure love.  
But who so blind, as cannot see this beam,  
That you forsooth would keep your cousin down,  
For fear his Mother should be used too well?  
I there's the grief, confusion catch the brain,  
That hammer's shifts to stop a Prince's reign.  Q. Elinor 
Impatient, frantic, common slanderer,  
Immodest Dame, unnurtred quarreler,  
I tell thee I, not envy to thy Son,  
But justice makes me speak as I have done.  K. Philip 
But here's no proof that shows your son a King.  K. john. 
What wants, my sword shall more at large set down.  Lewes 
But that may break before the truth be known.  Bastard 
Then this may hold till all his right be shown.  Lymoges 
Good words sir sauce, your betters are in place.  Bastard 
Not you sir doughty with your Lion's case.  Blanch 
Ah joy betid his soul, to whom that spoil belonged  
Ah Richard how thy glory hate is wronged.  Lymoges 
Me 〈…〉 pride, & Richard's fall,  
Should be a precedent t'affright you all.  Bastard 
What words are these? how do my sinews shake?  
My Father's foe clad in my Father's spoil,  
A thousand furies kindle with revenge,  
This heart that choler keeps a consistory,  
Searing my inwards with a brand of hate:  
How doth Alecte whisper in mine ears?  
Delay not Philip, kill the villain strait,  
Disrobe him of the matchless monument  
Thy Father's triumph o'er the Savages,  
Base heardgroome, coward, peasant, worse than a threshing slave,  
What mak'st thou with the Trophei of a King?  
Shams● thou not coistrel, loathsome dunghill swad,  
To grace thy carcase with an ornament  
Too precious for a Monarch's coverture?  
Scarce can I temper due obedience  
Unto the presence of my Sovereign,  
From acting outrage on this trunk of hate:  
But arm thee traitor, wronger of renown,  
For by his soul I swear, my Father's soul,  
Twice will I not review the Mornings rise,  
Till I have torn that Trophei from thy back,  
And split thy heart, for wearing it so long.  
Philip hath sworn, and if it be not done,  
Let not the world repute me Richard's Son.  Lymoges 
Nay soft sir Bastard, hearts are not split so soon,  
Let them rejoice that at the end do win:  
And take this lesson at thy foeman's hand,  
Pawn not thy life, to get thy Father's skin.  Blanch 
Well may the world speak of his knightly valour,  
That wins this hide to wear a Lady's favour.  Bastard 
Ill ●ay I thrive, and nothing brook with me,  
If shortly I present it not to thee.  K. Philip 
Lordings forbear, fortune is coming fast,  
That deeds may try what words cannot determine.  
And to the purpose for the cause you come.  
Me seems you set right in chance of war,  
Yielding no other reasons for your claim,  
But so and so, because it shall be so.  
So wrong shallbe suborned by trust of strength:  
A Tyrant's practise to invest himself.  
Where weak resistance giveth wrong the way.  
To check the which, in holy lawful Arms,  
I in the right of Arthur Geoffrey's Son,  
Am come before this City of Angiers,  
To bar all other false supposed claim,  
From whence or howsoe'er the error springs.  
And in his quarrel on my Princely word,  
I'll fight it out unto the latest man.  john 
Know King of France, I will not be commanded  
By any power or Prince in Christendom,  
To yield an instance how I hold mine own,  
More than to answer, that mine own is mine.  
But wilt thou see me parley with the Town,  
And hear them offer me allegiance,  
Fealty and homage, as true liege men ought.  K. Philip 
Summon them, I will not believe it till I see it, and when I see it I'll soon change it.  
They summon the Town, the Citizens appear upon the walls.  K. john 
You men of Angiers, and as I take it my loyal Subjects, I have summoned you to the walls: to dispute on my right, were to think you doubtful therein, which I am persuaded you are not. In few words, our Brother's Son, backed with the King of France, have beleaguered your Town upon a false pretended title to the same: in defence whereof I your liege Lord have brought our power to fence you from the Usurper, to free your intended servitude, and utterly to supplant the foemen, to my right & your rest. Say then, who who keep you the Town for?  Citizen 
For our lawful King.  John 
I was no less persuaded: then in God's name open your gates, and let me enter.  Citizen 
And it please your Highness we control not your title, neither will we rashly admit your entrance: if you be lawful King, with all obedience we keep it to your use, if not King, our rashness to be impeached for yielding, without more considerate trial: we answer not as men lawless, but to the behoof of him that proves lawful.  john 
I shall not come in then?  Citizen 
No my Lord, till we know more.  K. Philip 
Then hear me speak in the behalf of Arthur Son of Geffrey elder Brother to john, his title manifest without contradiction to the Crown and Kingdom of England, with Angiers and divers Towns on this side the sea: will you acknowledge him your liege Lord, who speaketh in my word to entertain you with all favours as bescemeth a King to his subjects, or a friend to his well-willers: or stand to the peril of your contempt, when his title is proved by the sword.  Citizen 
We answer as before till you have proved one right, we acknowledge none right, he that tries himself our Sovereign, to him will we remain firm subjects, and for him, and in his right we hold our Town as desirous to know the truth as loath to subscribe before we know? More than this we cannot say and more than this we dare not do.  K. Philip 
Then john I defy thee in the name and behalf of Arthur Plantagenet thy King and cousin, whose right and patrimony thou detainest, as I doubt not ere the day end in a set battle make thee confess; whereunto with a zeal to right I challenge thee.  K. john 
I accept the challenge, and turn the defiance to thy throat.  Excursions. The Bastard chaseth Lymoges the Ostrich Duke, and maketh him leave the lions skin. Bastard 
And art thou gone, misfortune haunt thy steps,  
And chill cold fear assail thy times of rest.  
Morpheus leave here thy silent Eban cave,  
Besiege his thoughts with dismal fantasies.  
And ghastly objects of pale threatening Mors.  
Affright him every minute with stern looks,  
Let shadow temper terror in his thoughts,  
And let the terror make the coward mad,  
And in his madness let him fear pursuit,  
And so in frenzy let the peasant die.  
Here is the ransom that alleys his rage,  
The first freehold that Richard left his son:  
With which I shall surprise his living foes,  
As Hector's statue did the fainting Greeks'. Exit.  Enter the Kings Herold's with Trumpets to the walls of Angiers: they summon the Town. Eng. Herold 
john by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, Anjou, Touraine, etc. demandeth once again of you his subjects of Angiers, if you will quietly surrender up the Town into his hands?  Fr. Herold 
Philip by the grace of God King of France, demandeth in the behalf of Arthur Duke of Britain, if you will surrender up the Town into his hands, to the use of the said Arthur.  Citizens 
heralds go tell the two victorious Princes, that we the poor Inhabitants of Angiers, require a parley of their Matesties.  Herold's 
We go.  Enter the Kings, Queen Elinor, Blanch, Bastard, Lymoges, 'Lows, Castilean, Pembroke, Salisbury, Constance, and Arthur Duke of Britain. John 
Herold, what answer do the Townsmen send?  Philip 
Will Angiers yield to Philip King of France,  En. Her. 
The Townsmen on the walls accept your Grace.  Fr. Her. 
And crave a parley of your Majesty.  john 
You Citizens of Angiers, have your eyes  
Beheld the slaughter that our English bows  
Have made upon the coward frawdfull French?  
And have you wisely pondered therewithal  
Your gain in yielding to the English King?  Philip 
Their loss in yielding to the English King.  
But john, they saw from out their highest Towers  
The Chevaliers of France and crossbow shot  
Make lanes of slaughtered bodies through thine host,  
And are resolved to yield to Arthur's right.  john 
Why Philip, though thou bravest it fore the walls,  
Thy conscience knows that john hath won the field.  Philip 
What ere my conscience knows, thy Army feels  
That Philip had the better of the day.  Bastard 
Philip indeed hath got the lions case,  
Which here he holds to Lymoges disgrace.  
Base Duke to fly and leave such spoils behind:  
But this thou knewst of force to make me stay.  
It fared with thee as with the mariner,  
Spying the huge Whale, whose monstrous bulk  
Doth bear the waves like mountains fore the wind,  
That throws out empty vessels, so to stay  
His fury, while the ship doth sail away.  
Philip 'tis thine: and fore this Princely presence,  
Madam I humbly lay it at your feet,  
Being the first adventure I atchieud,  
And first exploit your Grace did enjoin:  
Yet many more I long to be enjoind.  Blanch 
Philip I take it, and I thee command  
To wear the same as erst thy Father did:  
Therewith receive this favour at my hands,  
T'encourage thee to follow Richard's fame.  Arthur 
Ye Citizens of Angiers, are ye mute?  
Arthur or john, say which shall be your King?  Citizen 
We care not which, if once we knew the right,  
But till we know we will not yield our right.  Bastard 
Might Philip counsel two so mighty Kings,  
As are the Kings of England and of France,  
He would advise your Graces to unite  
And knit your forces 'gainst these Citizens,  
Pulling their battered walls about their ears.  
The Town once won then strive about the claim,  
For they are minded to delude you both.  Citizen 
Kings, Princes, Lords & Knights assembled here,  
The Citizens of Angiers all by me  
Entreat your Majesty to hear them speak:  
And as you like the motion they shall make,  
So to account and follow their advice.  john. Philip. 
Speak on, we give thee leave.  Citizen 
Then thus: whereas that young & lusty knight  
Incites you on to knit your kingly strengths:  
The motion cannot choose but please the good,  
And such as love the quiet of the State.  
But how my Lords, how should your strengths be knit?  
Not to oppress your subjects and your friends,  
And fill the world with brawls and mutinies:  
But unto peace your forces should be knit  
To live in Princely league and amity:  
Do this, the gates of Angiers shall give way  
And stand wide open to your heart's content.  
To make this peace a lasting bond of love,  
Remains one only honourable means,  
Which by your pardon I shall here display.  
Lewes the Dolphin and the heir of France,  
A man of noted valour through the world,  
Is yet unmarried: let him take to wife  
The beauteous daughter of the King of Spain,  
near to K. john, the lovely Lady Blanch,  
Begotten on his Sister Elinor.  
With her in marriage will her uncle give  
Castles and Towers as fitteth such a match.  
The Kings thus joined in league of perfect love,  
They may so deal with Arthur Duke of Britain,  
Who is but young, and yet unmeet to reign,  
As he shall stand contented every way.  
Thus have I boldly (for the common good)  
Delivered what the City gave in charge.  
And as upon conditions you agree,  
So shall we stand content to yield the Town.  Arthur 
A proper peace, if such a motion hold;  
These Kings bear arms for me, and for my right,  
And they shall share my lands to make them friends.  Q. Elinor 
Son john, follow this motion, as thou lovest thy mother,  
Make league with Philip, yield to any thing:  
Lewes shall have my Niece, and then be sure  
Arthur shall have small succour out of France.  John 
Brother of France, you hear the Citizens:  
Then tell me, how you mean to deal herein.  Constance 
Why John, what canst thou give unto thy Niece,  
That hast no foot of land, but Arthur's right?  Lewes 
By'r Lady Citizens, I like your choice,  
A lovely Damsel is the Lady Blanch,  
Worthy the heir of Europe for her fere.  Constance 
What Kings, why stand you gazing in a trance?  
Why how now Lords? accursed Citizens  
To fill and tickle their ambitious ears,  
With hope of gain, that springs from Arthur's loss.  
Some dismal Planet at thy birthday reigned,  
For now I see the fall of all thy hopes.  K. Philip 
Lady, and Duke of Britain, know you both,  
The King of France respects his honour more,  
Than to betray his friends and favourers.  
Princess of Spain, could you affect my Son,  
If we upon conditions could agree?  Bastard 
'Swounds Madam, take an English Gentleman:  
Slave as I was, I thought to have moved the match.  
Grandam you made me half a promise once,  
That Lady Blanch should bring me wealth enough,  
And make me heir of store of English land.  Q. Elinor 
Peace Philip, I will look thee out a wife,  
We must with policy compound this strife.  Bastard 
If Lewes get her, well, I say no more:  
But let the frolic Frenchman take no scorn,  
If Philip front him with an English horn.  john 
Lady, what answer make you to the King of France?  
Can you affect the Dolphin for your Lord?  Blanch 
I thank the King that likes of me so well,  
To make me Bride unto so great a Prince:  
But give me leave my Lord to pause on this.  
Lest being too too forward in the cause,  
It may be blemish to my modesty.  Q Elinor 
Son John, and worthy Philip K. of France,  
Do you confer awhile about the Dower,  
And I will school my modest Niece so well,  
That she shall yield assoon as you have done.  Constance 
I, there's the wretch that broacheth all this ill,  
Why fly I not upon the Beldames face,  
And with my nails pull forth her hateful eyes.  Arthur 
Sweet Mother cease these hasty madding fits:  
For my sake, let my Grandam have her will.  
O would she with her hands pull forth my heart,  
I could afford it to appease these broils.  
But mother let us wisely wink at all:  
Lest farther harms ensue our hasty speech.  Philip 
Brother of England, what dowry wilt thou give  
Unto my Son in marriage with thy Niece?  john 
First Philip knows her dowry out of Spain  
To be so great as may content a King:  
But more to mend and amplify the same,  
I give in money thirty thousand marks.  
For land I leave it to thine own demand.  Philip 
Then I demand Volquesson, Torain, Main,  
Poiteer and Anjou, these five Provinces,  
Which thou as King of England hold'st in France:  
Then shall our peace be soon concluded on.  Bastard 
No less than five such Provinces at once?  
john Mother what shall I do? my brother got these lands  
With much effusion of our English blood:  
And shall I give it all away at once?  Q. Elinor 
john give it him, so shalt thou live in peace,  
And keep the residue sanz jeopardy.  jon 
Philip bring forth thy Son, here is my Niece,  
And here in marriage I do give with her  
From me and my Successors English Kings,  
Volquesson, Poiteer, Anjou, Torain, Main,  
And thirty thousand marks of stipend coin.  
Now Citizens, how like you of this match?  Citizen 
We joy to see so sweet a peace begun.  Lewes 
Lewes with Blanch shall ever live content.  
But now King john, what say you to the Duke?  
Father, speak as you may in his behalf.  Philip 
K. john, be good unto thy Nephewhere,  
And give him some what that shall please thee best.  John 
Arthur, although thou troublest England's peace:  
Yet here I give thee Britain for thine own,  
Together with the Earldom of Richmont,  
And this rich City of Angiers withal.  Q. Elinor 
And if thou seek to please thine Uncle John,  
Shalt see my Son how I will make of thee.  john 
Now every thing is sorted to this end,  
Let's in and there prepare the marriage rites,  
Which in S. Mary's Chapel presently  
shallbe performed ere this Presence part.  Exeunt. Madent Constance & Arthur. Arthur 
Madam good chcere, these drooping languishmentes  
Add no redress to salve our awkward haps.  
If heavens have concluded these events,  
To small avail is bitter pensiveness:  
Seasons will change, and so our present grief  
May change with them, and all to our relief.  Constance 
Ah boy, thy years I see are far too green  
To look into the bottom ofthese cares.  
But I, who see the poised that weigheth down  
Thy weal, my wish, and all the willing means  
Wherewith thy fortune and thy fame should mount.  
What joy, what ease, what rest can lodge in me,  
With whom all hope and hap doth disagree?  Arthur 
Yet Ladies tears, and cares, and solemn shows,  
Rather than helps, heap up more work for woes.  Constance 
If any Power will hear a widows plaint,  
That from a wounded soul implores revenge;  
Send fell contagion to infect this Clime,  
This cursed Country, where the traitors breath.  
Whose perjury as proud Briareus,  
Beleaguers all the Sky with misbelief.  
He promised Arthur, and he swore it too,  
To fence thy right, and check thy foeman's pride:  
But now black-spotted Perjure as he is,  
He takes a truce with Elnor's damned brat,  
And marries Lewes to her lovely Niece,  
Sharing thy fortune, and thy birthdays gift  
Between these lovers: ill betid the match.  
And as they shoulder thee from out thy own,  
And triumph in a widows tearful cares:  
So heavens cross them with a thriftless course.  
Is all the blood yspilt on either part,  
Closing the crannies of the thirsty earth,  
Grown to a lovegame and a Bridal feast?  
And must thy birthright hide the wedding banes?  
Poor helpless boy, hopeless and helpless too,  
To whom misfortune seems no yoke at all.  
Thy stay, thy state, thy imminent mishaps  
Woundeth thy mother's thoughts with feeling care,  
Why look'st thou pale? the colour flies thy face,  
I trouble now the fountain of thy youth,  
And make it moody with my doles discourse,  
Go in with me, reply not lovely boy,  
We must obscure this moan with melody,  
Lest worse wrack ensue our malcontent.  Exeunt. Enter the King of England the King of France, Arthur, Bastard, Lewes, Lymoges, Constance, Blanch, Chattilion, Pembroke, Salisbury, and Elinor. john 
This is the day, the long desired day,  
Wherein the Realms of England and of France  
Stand highly blessed in a lasting peace.  
Thrice happy is the Bridegroom and the Bride,  
From whose sweet Bridal such a concord springs,  
To make of mortal foes immortal friends.  Constance 
ungodly peace made by an others war.  Philip 
Unhappy peace, that ties thee from revenge.  
Rouse thee Plantagenet, live not to see  
The butcher of the great Plantiginet.  
Kings, Princes, and ye Peers of either Realms,  
Pardon my rashness, and forgive the zeal  
That carries me in fury to a deed  
Of high desert, of honour, and of arms.  
A boon O Kings, a boon doth Philip beg  
Prostrate upon his knee: which knee shall cleave  
Unto the superficies of the earth,  
Till France and England grant this glorious boon.  john 
Speak Philip, England grants thee thy request.  Philip 
And France confirms what ere is in his power.  Bastard 
Then Duke sit fast, I level at thy head,  
Too base a ransom for my father's life.  
Princes, I crave the Combat with the Duke  
That braves it in dishonour of my Sire.  
Your words are past nor can you now reverse  
The Princely promise that revives my soul,  
Whereat me thinks I see his sinews shake:  
This is the boon (dread Lords) which granted once  
Or life or death are pleasant to my soul;  
Since I shall live and die in Richard's right.  Lymoges 
Base Bastard, misbegotten of a King.  
To interrupt these holy nuptial rites  
With brawls and tumults to a Duke's disgrace:  
Let it suffice, I scorn to join in fight,  
With one so far unequal to myself.  Bastard 
A fine excuse, Kings if you willbe Kings,  
Then keep your words, and let us combat it.  john 
Philip, We cannot force the Duke to fight,  
Being a subject unto neither Realm:  
But tell me Austria, if an English Duke  
Should dare thee thus, wouldst thou accept the challenged?  Lymoges 
Else let the world account the Ostrich Duke  
The greatest coward living on the Earth.  john 
Then cheer thee Philip, john will keep his word,  
Kneel down, in sight of Philip King of France  
And all these Princely Lords assembled here,  
I gird thee with the sword of Normandy,  
And of that land I do invest thee Duke:  
So shalt thou be in living and in land  
Nothing inferior unto Austria.  Lymoges 
K. john, I tell thee flatly to thy face  
Thou wrong'st mine honour: and that thou mayst see  
How much I scorn thy new made Duke and thee,  
I flatly say, I will not be compelled:  
And so farewell Sir Duke of low degree,  
I'll find a time to match you for this gear.  Exit. john 
Stay Philip, let him go the honours thine.  Bastard 
I cannot live unless his life be mine.  Q. Elinor 
Thy forwardness this day hath joyed my soul.  
And made me think my Richard lives in th●●.  K. Philip 
Lordings lets in, and spend the wedding day  
In masks and triumphs, letting quarrels cease.  Enter a cardinal from Rome. Card. 
Stay King of France, I charge thee join not hands With him that stands accursed of God and men.  
Know john, that I Pandulph Cardinal of Milan, and Legate from the Sea of Rome, demand of thee in the name of our holy Father the Pope Innocent, why thou dost (contrary to the laws of our holy mother the Church, and our holy father the Pope) disturb the quiet of the Church, and disannul the election of Stephen Langhton, whom his Holiness hath elected Archbishop of Canterbury: this in his Holiness name I demand of thee?  john 
And what hast thou or the Pope thy master to do to demand of me, how I employ mine own? Know sir Priest as I honour the Church and holy Churchmen, so I scorn to be subject to the greatest Prelate in the world. Tell thy Master so from me, and say, john of England said it, that never an Italian Priest of them all, shall either have tithe, toll, or poling penny out of England, but as I am King, so will I reign next under God, supreme head both over spiritual and temrall: and he that contradicts me in this, I'll make him hop headless.  K. Philip 
What King john, know you what you say, thus to blaspheme against our holy father the Pope.  john 
Philip, though thou and all the Princes of Christendom suffer themselves to be abused by a Prelate's slavery, my mind is not of such base temper. If the Pope will be King in England, let him win it with the sword, I know no other title he can allege to mine inheritance.  Card. 
john, this is thine answer?  john 
What then?  Card. 
Then I Pandulph of Padua, Legate from the Apostolic Sea, do in the name of S. Peter and his successor our holy Father Pope Innocent, pronounce thee accursed discharging every of thy subjects of all duty and fealty that they do owe to thee, and pardon and forgiveness of sin to those or them whatsoever, which shall carry arms against thee, or murder thee: this I pronounce, and charge all good men to abhor thee as an excommunicate person.  john 
So sir, the more the Fox is cursed the better a fares: if God bless me and my Land, let the Pope and his shavelings curse and spare not.  Card. 
Furthermore I charge thee Philip King of France, and all the Kings and Princes of Christendom, to make war upon this miscreant: and whereas thou hast made a league with him, and confirmed it by oath, I do in the name of our foresaid father the Pope, acquit thee of that oath as unlawful, being made with an heretic, how sayst thou Philip, dost thou obey?  john 
Brother of France, what say you to the Cardinal?  Philip 
I say, I am sorry for your Majesty, requesting you to submit yourself to the Church of Rome.  John 
And what say you to our league, if I do not submit?  Philip 
What should I say? I must obey the Pope.  john 
Obey the Pope, and break your oath to God?  Philip 
The Legate hath absolved me of mine oath:  
Then yield to Rome, or I defy thee here.  john 
Why Philip, I defy the Pope and thee,  
False as thou art, and perjured K. of France,  
Unworthy man to be accounted King.  
Giv'st thou thy sword into a Prelate's hands?  
Pandulph, where I of Abbots, Monks and Friars  
Have taken somewhat to maintain my wars,  
Now will I take no more but all they have.  
I'll rouse the lazy lubbers from their Cells,  
And in despite I'll send them to the Pope.  
Mother, come you with me, and for the rest  
That will not follow john in this attempt,  
Confusion light upon their damned souls.  
Come Lords, fight for your King that fighteth for your good?  Philip 
And are they gone? Pandulph thyself shalt see  
How France will fight for Rome and Romish rites.  
Nobles, to arms, let him not pass the seas.  
Let's take him captive, and in triumph lead  
The K. of England to the gates of Rome.  
Arthur, 〈◊〉 thee man, and thou shalt see  
What Philip K. of France will do for thee.  Blanch 
And will your Grace upon your wedding day  
Forsake your Bride and follow dreadful drums:  
Nay, good my Lord, stay you at home with me.  Lewes 
Sweet heart content thee, and we shall agree.  Philip 
Fellow me Lords, Lord cardinal lead the way,  
Drums shallbe music to this wedding day.  Exeunt. Excursions. The Bastard pursues Austria, and kills him. Bastard 
Thus hath K. Richard's Son perform his vows.  
And offered Austria's blood for sacrifice  
Unto his father's ●uerliuing soul.  
Brave Cordelion, now my heart doth say,  
I have deserved, though not to be thy heir  
Yet as I am, thy base begotten son,  
A name as pleasing to thy Philip's heart,  
As to be called the Duke of Normandy.  
Lie there a pray to every ravening fowl:  
And as my Father triumphed in thy spoils,  
And trod thine Ensigns underneath his feet,  
So do I tread upon thy cursed self,  
And leave thy body to the fowls for food.  Exit. Excursions, Arthur, Constance, Lewes, having taken Q. Elinor prisoner. Constance 
Thus hath the God of Kings with conquering arm  
Dispersed the foes to true succession.  
Proud, and disturber of thy Countries' peace,  
Constance doth live to came thine insolence,  
And on thy head will now avenged be  
For all the mischiefs hatched in thy brain.  Q Elinor 
Contemptuous dame unrevent Duchess thou,  
To brave so great a Queen as Elinor.  
Base scold hast thou forgot, that I was wife,  
And mother to three mighty English Kings?  
I charge thee then, and you forsooth sir Boy,  
To set your Grandmother at liberty,  
And yield to John your Uncle and your King.  Constance 
'tis not thy words proud Queen shall carry it.  Elinor 
Nor yet thy threats proud Dame shall daunt my mind.  Arthur 
Sweet grandam, and good Mother leave these brawls.  Elinor 
I'll find a time to triumph in thy fall.  Constance 
My time is now to triumph in thy fall,  
And thou shalt know that Constance will triumph.  Arthur 
Good Mother weigh it is Queen Elinor,  
Though she be captive, use her like herself.  
Sweet grandam bear with what my Mother says,  
Your Highness shallbe used honourably.  Enter a Messenger. Mess. Lewes 
my Lord, Duke Arthur, and the rest,  
To arms in haste, K. John relies his men,  
And gins the fight afresh: and swears withal  
To lose his life, or set his Mother free.  Lewes 
Arthur away, 'tis time to look about.  Elinor 
Why how ●●●daine, what is your courage cooled?  Constance 
No Elinor, my courage gathers strength,  
And hopes to lead both John and thee as slaves:  
And in that hope, I hale thee to the field.  Exeunt. Excursions. Elinor is rescued by john, and Arthur is taken prisoner. Exeunt. Sound victory. Enter john, Elinor, and Arthur Prisoner, Bastard, Pembroke, Salisbury, and Hubert de Burgh. john 
Thus right triumphs, and John triumphs in right.  
thou seest, France cannot bolster thee:  
Thy Mother's pride hath brought thee to this fall.  
But if at last, Nephew thou yield thyself  
Into the guard of thine Uncle John,  
Thou shalt be used as becomes a Prince.  Arthur 
Uncle, my Grandam taught her Nephew this,  
To bear captivity with patience.  
Might hath prevailed not right, for I am King  
Of England, though thou wear the Diadem.  Q. Elinor 
Son john, soon shall we teach him to forget  
These proud presumptions, and to know himself.  john 
Mother, he never will forget his claim,  
I would he lived not to remember it.  
But leaving this, we will to England now,  
And take some order with our Popelings there,  
That swell with pride, and fat of lay men's lands.  Philip. 
I make thee chief in this affair,  
Ransack the Abbeys, Cloisters, Priories,  
Convert their coin unto my soldiers use:  
And whatsoe'er he be within my Land,  
That goes to Rome for justice and for law,  
While he may have his right within the Realm,  
Let him be judged a traitor to the State,  
And suffer as an enemy to England.  
Mother, we leave you here beyond the seas,  
As Regent of our Provinces in France,  
While we to England take a speedy course,  
And thank our God that gave us victory.  
Hubert de Burgh take Arthur here to thee,  
Be he thy prisoner: Hubert keep him safe,  
For on his life doth hang thy Sovereign's crown,  
But in his death consists thy Sovereign's bliss:  
Then Hubert, as thou shortly hearst from me,  
So use the prisoner I have given in charge.  Hubert 
Frolic young Prince, though I your keeper be,  
Yet shall your keeper live at your command.  Arthur 
As please my God, so shall become of me.  Q. Elinor 
My Son to England, I will see thee ship●,  
And pray to God to send thee safe ashore.  Bastard 
Now wars are done, I long to be at home  
To dive into the Monks and Abbot's bags.  
To make some sport among the smooth skin Nuns,  
And keep some revel with the fanzen Friars.  john 
To England Lords, each look unto your charge,  
And arm yourselves against the Roman pride.  Exeunt. Enter the K. of France, Lewes his son, Cardinal Pundolph Legate, and Constance. Philip 
What every man attached with this mishap?  
Why frown you so, why droop ye Lords of France?  
Me thinks it differs from a warlike mind  
To lower it for a check or two of chance.  
Had Lymoges escaped the bastard's spite,  
A little sorrow might have served our loss.  
Brave Austria, heaven joys to have thee there.  Card. 
His soul is safe and free from Purgatory,  
Our holy Father hath dispensed his sins,  
The blessed Saints have heard our orisons,  
And all are Mediators for his soul,  
And in the right of these most holy wars,  
His holiness free pardon doth pronounce  
To all that follow you 'gainst English heretics,  
Who stand accursed in our mother Church.  Enter Constance alone. Philip 
To aggravate the measure of our grief,  
All malcontent comes Constance for her Son.  
Be brief good Madam, for your face imports  
A tragic tale behind that's yet untold.  
Her passions stop the organ of her voice,  
Deep sorrow throbbeth misbefalne events,  
Out with it Lady, that our Act may end  
A full Catastrophe of sad laments.  Const. 
My tongue is tuned to story forth mishap:  
When did I breath to tell a pleasing tale?  
Must Constance speak? let tears prevent her talk:  
Must I discourse? let Did● sigh and say,  
She weeps again to hear the wrack of Troy:  
Two words will serve, and then my tale is done:  
Elnors proud brat hath robbed me of my Son.  Lewes 
Have patience Madam, this is chance of war:  
He may be ransomed, we revenge his wrong.  Constance 
Beit ●er so soon, I shall not live so long.  Philip 
Despair not yet, come Constance, go with me,  
These clouds will fleet, the day will clear again.  Exeunt. Card. 
Now Lewes, thy fortune buds with happy spring,  
Our holy Father's prayers effecteth this.  
Arthur is safe, let john alone with him,  
Thy title next is fairest to England's Crown:  
Now stir thy Father to begin with John,  
The Pope says I, and so is Albiox thine.  Lewes 
Thanks my Lord Legate for your good conceit,  
'tis best we follow now the game is fair.  
My Father wants to work him your good words.  Card. 
A few will serve to forward him in this,  
Those shall not want: but let's about it then.  Exeunt. Enter Philip leading a Friar, charging him to show where the Abbot's gold lay. Philip 
Come on you fat Franciscans, dally no longer, but show me where the Abbot's treasure lies, or die.  Friar 
Benedicamus Domini, was ever such an injury.  
Sweet S. Withold of thy lenity, defend us from extremity,  
And hear us for S. Charity, oppressed with austerity.  
In nomini Domini, make I my homily,  
Gentle Gentility griene not the Clergy.  Philip 
Grey gownd good face, conjure ye,  
nor trust me for a groat,  
If this waste girdle hang thee not  
that girdeth in thy coat.  
Now bald and barefoot Bungie birds  
when up the gallows climbing,  
Say Philip he had words enough  
to put you down with rhyming.  Friar 
A pardon, Oparce, Saint Frances for mercy,  
Shall shield thee from nightspells and dreaming of devils,  
If thou wilt forgive me, and never more grieve me,  
With fasting and praying, and Hail Marie saying.  
From black Purgatory a penance right sorry.  
Friar Thomas will warm you,  
It shall never harm you.  Philip 
Come leave off your rabble,  
Sirs hang up this lozel.  2. Friar 
For charity I beg his life,  
Saint Francis chiefest Friar,  
The best in all our Covent Sir,  
to keep a Wintersster.  
O strangle not the good old man,  
my hostess oldest guest,  
And I will bring you by and by  
unto the Prior's chest.  Philip 
I, sayst thou so, & if thou wilt the friar is at liberty,  
If not, as I am honest man, I'll hang you both for company.  Friar. 
Come hither, this is the chest though simple to behold  
That wanteth not a thousand pound in silver and in gold.  
Myself will warrant full so much, I know the Abbot's store,  
I'll pawn my life there is no less to have what ere is more.  Philip 
I take thy word, the overplus unto thy share shall come,  
But if there want of full so much, thy neck shall pay the sum.  
Break up the coffer, Friar.  Friar 
Oh I am undun, fair Alice the Nun  
Hath took up her rest in the Abbot's chest,  
Sancte benedicite, pardon my simplicity.  
Fie Alice, confession will not salve this transgression.  Philip 
What have we here, a holy Nun? So keep me God in health,  
A smooth fact Nun (for aught I know) is all the Abbot's wealth.  
Is this the No●ries chastity? Beshrew me but I think  
They go as oft to Venery, as niggards to their drink.  
Why paltrey Friar and Pandarus too, ye shameless shaven crown,  
Is this the chest that held a hoard, at least a thousand pound?  
And is the hoard a holy whore? Well be the hangman nimble,  
he'll take the pain to pay you home, and teach you to dissemble.  Nun 
O spare the Friar Anthony, a better never was  
To sing a Dirige solemnly, or read a morning Mass.  
If money be the means of this, I know an ancient Nun,  
That hath a hoard this seven years, did never see the sun;  
And that is yours, and what is ours, so favour now be shown,  
You shall command as commonly, as if it were your own,  Friar 
Your honour excepted.  Nun 
I Thomas, I mean so.  Philip 
From all save from Friars.  Nun 
Good Sir, do not think so?  
and you Friar Laurence remember your ransom a hundred pound, and a pardon for yourself, and the rest come on. Sir Prophet, you shall with me, to receive a Prophet's reward.  Exeunt. Enter Hubert de Burgh with three men. Hubert 
My masters. I have showed you what warrant I have for this attempt; I perceive by your heavy countenances, you had rather be otherwise employed, and for my own part, I would the King had made choice of some other executioner: only this is my comfort, that a King commands, whose precepts neglected or omitted, threateneth torture for the default. Therefore in brief, leave me, and be ready to attend the adventure: stay within that entry, and when you hear me cry, God save the King, issue suddenly forth, lay hands on Arthur, set him in this chair, wherein (once fast bound) leave him with me to finish the rest.  Attendants 
We go, though loath.  Exeunt. Hubert 
My Lord, will it please your Honour to take the benefit of the fair evening?  Enter Arthur to Hubert de Burgh. Arthur 
Gramttcie Hubert for thy care of me,  
In or to whom restraint is newly known,  
The joy of walking is small beue●●●,  
Yet will I take thy offer with small thanks,  
I would not lose the pleasure of the eye.  
But tell me courteous keeper if you can,  
How long the King will have me tarry here.  Hubert 
I know not Prince, but as I guess not long.  
God send you freedom, and God save the King,  
They issue forth.  Arthur 
Why how now sirs, what, may this outrage mean?  
O help me Hubert, gentle keeper help:  
God send this sudden mutinous approach  
Tend not to reave a wretched guiltless life.  Hubert 
So sirs, depart, and leave the rest for me.  Arthur 
Then Arthur yield, death frowneth in thy face,  
What meaneth this? Good Hubert plead the case.  Hubert 
Patience young Lord, and listen words of woe,  
Harmful and harsh, hell's horror to be heard:  
A dismal tale fit for a fury's tongue.  
I faint to tell, deep sorrow is the sound.  Arthur 
What, must I die?  Hubert 
No news of death, but tidings of more hate,  
A wrathful doom, and most unlucky fate:  
Death's dish were dainty at so fell a feast,  
Be deaf, hear not, its hell to tell the rest.  Arthur 
Alas thou wrong'st my youth with words of fear,  
'tis hell, 'tis horror, not for one to hear:  
What is it man if it must needs bedon,  
Act it, and end it, that the pain were gone.  Hubert 
I will not chant such dolour with my tongue,  
Yet must I act the outrage with my hand.  
My heart my head, and all my powers beside,  
To aid the office have at once divide.  
Peruse this letter, lines of triple woe,  
Read over my charge, and pardon when you know.  
Hubert these are to command thee, as thou tenderest our quiet in mind and the estate of our person, that presently upon the receipt of our command, thou put out the eyes of Arthur Plantagenet.  Arthur 
Ah monstrous damned man, his very breath infects the elements,  
Contagious venom dwelleth in his heart,  
Effecting means to poison all the world.  
unreverent may I be to blame the heavens  
Of great injustice, that the miscreant  
lives to oppress the innocents with wrong.  
Ah Hubert, makes he thee his instrument  
To sound the tromp that causeth hell triumph?  
Heaven weeps, the Saints do shed celestial tears,  
They fear thy fall, and city thee with remorse,  
They knock thy conscience, moving pity there,  
Willing to fence thee from the rage of hell:  
Hell Hubert, trust me all the plagues of hell  
Hangs on performance of this damned deed.  
This seal, the warrant of the body's bliss,  
Ensureth Satan chieftain of thy soul:  
Subscribe not Hubert, give not God's part away.  
I speak not only for eyes privilege,  
The chief exterior that I would enjoy:  
But for thy peril, far beyond my pain,  
Thy sweet soul's loss, more than my eyes vain lack;  
A cause internal, and eternal too.  
Advise thee Hubert, for the case is hard,  
To lose salvation for a King's reward.  Hubert 
My Lord, a subject dwelling in the land  
Is tied to execute the King's command.  Arthur. 
Yet God commands, whose power reacheth further,  
That no command should stand in force to murder.  Hubert 
But 〈◊〉 me Essence hath ordained a law,  
A death for guilt, to keep the world in awe.  Arthur 
I plead not guilty, treasonles and free.  Hubert 
But that appeal my Lord concerns not me.  Arthur 
Why, thou art he that mayst omit the peril.  Hubert 
I, if my Sovereign would remit his quarrel.  Arthur 
His quarrel is unhallowed false and wrong.  Hubert 
Then be the blame to whom it doth belong.  Arthur 
Why that's to thee if thou as they proceed,  
Conclude their judgement with so vile a deed.  Hubert 
Why then no execution can be lawful,  
If judges dooms must be reputed doubtful.  Arthur 
Yes where in form of Law in place and time,  
The offender is convicted of the crime.  Hubert 
My Lord, my Lord, this long expostulation,  
Heaps up more grief, than promise of redress;  
For this I know, and so resolved I end,  
That subjects lives on Kings commands depend.  
I must not reason why he is your foe,  
But do his charge since he commands it so.  Arthur 
Then do thy charge, and charged be thy soul  
With wrongful persecution done this day.  
You rolling eyes, whose superficies yet  
I do behold with eyes that Nature lent:  
Send forth the terror of your movers frown,  
To wreak my wrong upon the murderers  
That rob me of your fair reflecting view:  
Let hell to them (as earth they wish to me)  
Be dark and direful guerdon for their guilt,  
And let the black torments of deep Tartary  
Upbraid them with this damned enterprise,  
Inflicting change of tortures on their souls.  
Delay not Hubert, my orisons are ended,  
Begin I pray thee, reave me of my sight:  
But to perform a tragedy indeed,  
Conclude the period with a mortal stab.  
Constance farewell, tormentor come away,  
Make my dispatch the tyrants feasting day.  Hubert 
I faint, I fear, my conscience bids desist:  
Faint did I say, fear was it that I named?  
My King commands, that warrant sets me free:  
But God forbids, and he commandeth Kings,  
That great Commander counterchecks my charge,  
He stays my hand, he maketh soft my heart,  
Go cursed tools, your office is exempt,  
Cheer thee young Lord, thou shalt not loose an eye,  
Though I should purchase it with loss of life.  
I'll to the King, and say his willis done,  
And of the languor tell him thou art dead,  
Go in with me, for Hubert was not borne  
To blind those lamps that Nature polished so,  Arthur 
Hubert, if ever Arthur be in state,  
Look for amends of this received gift  
I took my eyesight by thy courtesy,  
Thou lenest them me, I will not be ingrate.  
But now procrastination may offend  
The issue that thy kindness undertakes:  
Depart we Hubert to prevent the worst.  Exeunt. Enter King john, Essex, Salisbury, Pembroke. john 
Now warlike followers resteth aught undone  
That may impeach us of foud oversight?  
The French have felt the temper of our swords,  
Cold terror keeps possession in their souls,  
Checking their over-daring arrogance  
For buckling with so great an overmatch.  
The Arch proud titled Priest of Italy,  
That calls himself grand Vicar under God  
Is busied now with trental obsequies,  
Mass and mouths mind, dirge and I know not what  
To ease their souls in painful purgatory,  
That have miscarried in these bloody wars.  
Herd you not Lords when first his holiness  
Had tidings of our small account of him,  
How with a taunt vaunting upon his toes  
He urdge a reason why the English Ass  
Disdaingd the blessed ordinance of Rome?  
The title (reverently might I infer)  
Became the Kings that erst have borne the load,  
The slavish weight of that controlling Priest:  
Who at his pleasure tempered them like wax  
To carry arms on danger of his curse,  
Banding their souls with warrants of his hand.  
I grieve to think how Kings in ages past  
(Simply devoted to the Sea of Rome)  
Have run into a thousand acts of shame.  
But now for confirmation of our State,  
Sith we have pruned the more than needful branch  
That did oppress the true wel-growing stock,  
It resteth we throughout our Territories  
Be reproclaimed and invested King.  Pembroke 
My Liege, that were to busy men with doubts,  
Once were you crowned, proclaimed, and with applause  
Your city streets have echoed to the ear,  
God save the King, God save our Sovereign john.  
Pardon my fear, my censure doth infer  
Your Highness not deposed from Regal State,  
Would breed a mutiny in people's minds,  
What it should mean to have you crowned again.  john 
Pembroke perform what I have bid thee do,  
Thou know'st not what induceth me to this.  
Essex go in, and Lordings all be gone  
About this task, I will be crowned anon.  Enter the Bastard. Philip, 
what news, how do the Abbot's chests?  
Are Friars fatter than the Nuns are fair?  
What cheer with Churchmen, had they gold or no?  
Tell me how hath thy office took effect?  Philip 
My Lord, I have performed your highness charge:  
The ease bred Abbots and the bare foot Friars,  
The Monks the Priors and holy cloistered Nuns,  
Are all in health, and were my Lord in wealth,  
Till I had tythde and told their holy boards.  
I doubt not when your Highness sees my prize,  
You may proportion all their former pride.  john 
Why so, now sorts it Philip as it should:  
This small intrusion into Abbey trunks,  
Will make the Popelings excommunicate,  
Curse, ban, and breath out damned orisons,  
As thick as hailstones fore the springs approach:  
But yet as harmless and without effect,  
As is the echo of a Cannons crack  
Discharged against the battlements of heaven.  
But what news else befell there Philip?  Bastard 
Strange news my Lord: within your territories,  
Near Pomfret is a Prophet new sprung up,  
Whose divination volleys wonders forth;  
To him the Commons throng with Country gifts,  
He sets a date unto the Beldames death,  
Prescribes how long the Virgin's state shall last,  
Distinguisheth the moving of the heavens,  
Gives limits unto holy nuptial rites,  
Foretelleth famine, aboundeth plenty forth,  
Of fate, of fortune, life and death he chats,  
With such assurance, scruples put apart,  
As if he knew the certain dooms of heaven,  
Or kept a Register of all the Destinies.  john 
Thou tellest me marvels, would thou hadst brought the man,  
We might have questioned him of things to come.  Bastard 
My Lord, I took a care of had I witted,  
And brought the Prophet with me to the Court,  
He stays my Lord but at the Presence door:  
Pleaseth your Highness, I will call him in.  john 
Nay stay awhile, we'll have him here anon,  
A thing of weight is first to be performed.  Enter the Nobles and crown King john, and then cry God save the King. john 
Lordings and friends supporters of our state,  
Admire not at this unaccustomd course,  
Nor in your thoughts blame not this deed of yours.  
Once ere this time was I invested King,  
Your fealty sworn as Liegemen to our state▪  
Once since that time ambitious weeds have sprung  
To stain the beauty of our garden plot:  
But heavens in our conduct rooting thence  
The false intruders, breakers of world's peace,  
Have to our joy, made Sunshine chase the storm.  
After the which, to try your constancy,  
That now I see is worthy of your names,  
We craved once more your helps for to invest us  
Into the right that envy sought to wrack.  
Once was I not deposed, your former choice;  
Now twice been crowned and applauded King:  
Your cheered action to install me so,  
Infers assured witness of your loves,  
And binds me over in a Kingly care  
To render love with love, rewards of worth  
To balance down requital to the full.  
But thanks the while, thanks Lordings to you all:  
Ask me and use me, try me and find me yours.  Essex 
A boon my Lord, at vantage of your words  
We ask to guerdon all our loyalties.  Pembroke 
We take the time your Highness bids us ask:  
Please it you grant, you make your promise good,  
With lesser loss than one superfluous hair  
That not remembered falleth from your head.  john 
My words past, receive your boon my Lords.  
What may it be? Ask it, and it is yours.  Essex 
We crave my Lord, to please the Commons with  
The liberty of Lady Constance Son:  
Whose durance darkeneth your highness right,  
As if you kept him prisoner, to the end  
Yourself were doubtful of the thing you have.  
Dismiss him thence, your Highness needs not fear,  
Twice by consent you are proclaimed our King.  Pembroke 
This if you grant, were all unto your good:  
For simple people muse you keep him close.  john 
Your words have searched the centre of my thoughts,  
Confirming warrant of your loyalties,  
Dismiss your counsel, sway my state,  
Let John do nothing but by your consents.  
Why how now Philip, what ecstasy is this?  
Why casts thou up thy eyes to heaven so?  There the five Moons appear. Bastard 
See, see my Lord strange apparitions.  
Glancing mine eye to see the Diadem  
Placte by the Bishops on your highness head,  
From forth a gloomy cloud, which curtain like  
Displayed itself, I suddenly espied  
Five Moons reflecting, as you see them now:  
Even in the moment that the Crown was placte  
'Gan they appear, holding the course you see.  john 
What might portend these apparitions,  
Unusual signs, forerunners of event,  
Presages of strange terror to the world:  
Believe me Lords the object fears me much.  
Philip thou toldst me of me of wizard late,  
Fetch in the man to descant of this show.  Pembroke 
The heavens frown upon the sinful earth,  
When with prodigious unaccustomd signs  
They spot their superficies with such wonder.  Essex 
Before the ruins of jerusalem,  
Such Meteors were the Ensigns of his wrath  
That hastened to destroy the faultful Town.  Enter the Bastard with the Prophet. john 
Is this the man?  Bastard 
It is my Lord.  john 
Prophet of Pomfret, for so I hear thou art,  
That calculatst of many things to come:  
Who by a power replete with heavenly gift  
Canst blab the counsel of thy Maker's will.  
If fame be true, or truth be wronged by thee,  
Decide in ciphering what these five Moons  
Portend this Clime, if they presage at all.  
Breath out thy gift, and if I live to see  
Thy divination take a true effect,  
I'll honour thee above all earthly men.  Peter 
The Sky wherein these Moons have residence,  
Presenteth Rome the great Metropolis,  
Where sits the Pope in all his holy pomp.  
Four of the Moons present four Provinces,  
To wit, Spain, Denmark, Germany, and France,  
That bear the yoke of proud commanding Rome,  
And stand in fear to tempt the Prelate's curse.  
The smallest Moon that whirls about the rest,  
Impatient of the place he holds with them,  
Doth figure forth this Island Albion,  
Who 'gins to scorn the Sea and State of Rome,  
And seeks to shun the Edicts of the Pope:  
This shows the heaven, and this I do aver  
Is figured in these apparitions.  john 
Why then it seems the heavens smile on us,  
Giving applause for leaving of the Pope.  
But for they chance in our Meridian,  
Do they effect no private growing ill  
To be inflicted on us in this Clime?  Peter 
The moons effect no more than what I said:  
But on some other knowledge that I have  
By my prescience, ere Ascension day  
Have brought the Sun unto his usual height,  
Of Crown, Estate, and Royal dignity,  
Thou shalt be clean despoiled and dispossessed.  john 
False Dreamer, perish with thy witched news,  
Villain thou woundst me with thy fallacies:  
If it be true, die for thy tidings price;  
If false, for fearing me with vain suppose:  
Hence with the Witch, hell's damned secretary.  
Lock him up sure: for by my faith I swear,  
True or not true, the wizard shall not live.  
Before Ascension day: who should be cause hereof?  
Cut off the cause and then the effect will die.  
Tut, tut, my mercy serves to maim myself,  
The root doth live, from whence these thorns spring up,  
I and my promise passed for his deliury:  
Frown friends, fail faith, the devil go withal,  
The brat shall die, that terrifies me thus.  
Pembroke and Essex I recall my grant,  
I will not buy your favours with my fear:  
Nay murmur not, my will is law enough,  
I love you well, but if I loud you better,  
I would not buy it with my discontent.  Enter Hubert. 
How now, what news with thee.  Hubert 
According to your highness strict command  
Young Arthur's eyes are blinded and extinct.  John 
Why so, than he may feel the crown, but never see it.  Hubert 
Nor see nor feel, for of the extreme pain,  
Within one hour gave he up the Ghost.  John 
What is he dead?  Hubert 
He is my Lord.  john 
Then with him die my cares.  Essex 
Now joy betid thy soul.  Pembroke 
And heavens revenge thy death.  Essex 
What have you done my Lord? Was ever heard  
A deed of more inhuman consequence?  
Your foes will curse, your friends will cry revenge.  
Unkindly rage more rough than Northern wind,  
To chip the beauty of so sweet a flower.  
What hope in us for mercy on a fault,  
When kinsman dies without impeach of cause,  
As you have done, so come to cheer you with,  
The guilt shall never be cast me in my teeth.  Exeunt. john 
And are you gone? The devil be your guide:  
Proud Rebels as you are to brave me so:  
Saucy, uncivil, checkers of my will.  
Your tongues give edge unto the fatal knife:  
That shall have passage through your traitorous throats.  
But hushed, breathe not bugs words to soon abroad,  
Lest time prevent the issue of thy reach.  
Arthur is dead, I there the corzie grows:  
But while he lived, the danger was the more;  
His death hath freed me from a thousand fears,  
But it hath purchased me ten times ten thousand foes.  
Why all is one, such luck shall haunt his game,  
To whom the devil owes an open shame:  
His life a foe that leveled at my crown,  
His death a frame to pull my building down.  
My thoughts harped still on quiet by his end,  
Who living aimed shrewdly at my room:  
But to prevent that plea twice was I crowned,  
Twice did my subjects swear me fealty,  
And in my conscience loud me as their liege,  
In whose defence they would have pawned their lives.  
But now they shun me as a Serpent's sting,  
A tragic Tyrant stern and pitiles,  
And not a title follows after john.  
But Butcher, bloodsucker and murderer,  
What Planet governed my nativity,  
To bode me sovereign types of high estate,  
So interlacte with hellish discontent,  
Wherein fell fury hath no interest.  
Cursed be the Crown chief author of my care,  
Nay cursed my will that made the Crown my care:  
Cursed be my birthday, cursed ten times the womb  
That yielded me alive into the world.  
Art thou there villain, Furies haunt thee still,  
For killing him whom all the world laments.  Hubert 
Why here's my Lord your highness hand & scale,  
Charging on lives regard to do the deed.  John 
Ah dull conceited peazant know'st thou not,  
It was a damned execrable deed:  
Show'st me a seal? Oh villain, both our souls  
Have sold their freedom to the thrall of hell,  
Under the warrant of that cursed seal.  
Hence villain, hang thyself, and say in hell  
That I am coming for a kingdom there.  Hubert 
My Lord attend the happy tale I tell,  
For heavens health send Satan packing hence  
That instigates your Highness to despair.  
If Arthur's death be dismal to be heard,  
Bandy the news for rumours of untruth:  
He lives my Lord the sweetest youth alive,  
In health, with eyesight, not a hair amiss.  
This heart took vigour from this forward hand,  
Making it weak to execute your charge.  john 
What lives he? Then sweet hope come home again,  
Chase hence despair, the purveyor for hell.  
high Hubert, tell these tidings to my Lords  
That throb in passions for young Arthur's death:  
Hence Hubert, stay not till thou hast revealed  
The wished news of Arthur's happy health.  
I go myself, the joyfull'st man alive  
To story out this new supposed crime.  Exeunt. 
The end of the first part.