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  • Title: The Troublesome Reign of King John ((Quarto, 1581))
  • Editor: Karen Oberer

    • Copyright Queen's Men Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Anonymous
    Editor: Karen Oberer
    Not Peer Reviewed

    The Troublesome Reign of King John ((Quarto, 1581))

    0.01Troublesome Raigne
    of Iohn King of England, with the dis-
    couerie of King Richard Cordelions
    Base sonne (vulgarly named, The Ba-
    0.05stard Fawconbridge):also the
    death of King Iohn at Swinstead
    Abbey.
    As it was (sundry times) publikely acted by the
    Queenes Maiesties Players, in the ho-
    0.10nourable Citie of
    London.
    Imprinted at London for Sampson Clarke,
    and are to be solde at his shop, on the backe-
    side of the Royall Exchange
    0.151591.
    To the Gentlemen Readers.
    YOu that with friendly grace of smoothed brow
    Haue entertaind the Scythian Tamburlaine,
    And giuen applause unto an Infidel:
    0.20Vouchsafe to welcome (with like curtesie)
    A warlike Christian and your Countreyman.
    For Christs true faith indur'd he many a storme,
    And set himselfe against the Man of Rome.
    Untill base treason (by a damned wight)
    0.25Did all his former triumphs put to flight.
    Accept of it (sweete Gentles) in good sort,
    And thinke it was preparde for your disport.
    A 2
    The Troublesome Raigne of
    King Iohn.
    1Enter K. Iohn, Queene Elinor his mother, William Marshal
    Earle of Pembrooke,the Earles of Essex, and of Salisbury.
    Queene Elianor.
    BArons of England, and my noble Lords:
    5Though God and Fortune haue bereft from vs
    Uictorious Richard scourge of Infidels,
    And clad this Land in stole of dismall hieu:
    Yet giue me leaue to ioy, and ioy you all,
    That from this wombe hath sprung a second hope,
    10A King that may in rule and vertue both
    Succeede his brother in his Emperie.
    K. John My gracious mother Queene, and Barons all;
    Though farre vnworthie of so high a place,
    As is the Throne of mightie Englands King:
    15Yet Iohn your Lord, contented vncontent,
    Will (as he may) sustaine the heauie yoke
    Of pressing cares, that hang vpon a Crowne.
    My Lord of Pembrooke and Lord Salsbury,
    Admit the Lord Shattilion to our presence;
    20That we may know what Philip King of Fraunce
    (By his Ambassadors) requires of vs.
    Q. Elinor Dare lay my hand that Elinor can gesse
    Whereto this weightie Embassade doth tend:
    If of my Nephew Arthur and his claime,
    25Then say my Sonne I haue not mist my aime.
    A 3
    The troublesome Raigne
    Enter Chattilion and the two Earles.
    Iohn My Lord Chattilion, welcome into England :
    How fares our Brother Philip King of Fraunce?
    Chatt. His Highnes at my comming was in health,
    30And wild me to salute your Maiestie,
    And say the message he hath giuen in charge.
    Iohn And spare not man, we are preparde to heare.
    Chattilion Philip by the grace of God most Christian K.
    of France, hauing taken into his guardain and protection Ar-
    35thur Duke of Brittaine, son & heire to Ieffrey thine elder bro-
    ther, requireth in the behalfe of the said Arthur, the Kingdom
    of England, with the Lordship of Ireland, Poiters, Aniow,
    Torain, Main: and I attend thine aunswere.
    Iohn A small request: belike he makes account
    40That England, Ireland, Poiters, Aniow, Torain, Main,
    Are nothing for a King to giue at once:
    I wonder what he meanes to leaue for me.
    Tell Philip, he may keepe his Lords at home,
    With greater honour than to send them thus
    45On Embassades that not concerne himselfe,
    Or if they did, would yeeld but small returne.
    Chatilion Is this thine answere?
    Iohn It is, and too good an answer for so proud a message.
    Chattilion Then King of England, in my Masters name,
    50And in Prince Arthur Duke of Britaines name,
    I doo defie thee as an Enemie,
    And wish thee to prepare for bloodie warres.
    Q. Elinor My Lord (that stands vpon defiance thus)
    Commend me to my Nephew, tell the boy,
    55That I Queene Elianor (his Grandmother)
    Upon my blessing charge him leaue his Armes,
    Whereto his head-strong Mother pricks him so:
    Her pride we know, and know her for a Dame
    That will not sticke to bring him to his ende,
    60So she may bring her selfe to rule a Realme.
    Next wish him to forsake the King of Fraunce,
    And
    of King Iohn.
    And come to me and to his Unckle here,
    And he shall want for nothing at our hands.
    Chattilion. This shall I doo, and thus I take my leaue.
    65Iohn Pembrooke, conuay him safely to the sea,
    But not in hast: for as we are aduisde,
    We meane to be in Fraunce as soone as he,
    To fortefie such townes as we possesse
    In Aniou, Torain and in Normandy. Exit Chatt.
    70Enter the Shriue, & whispers the Earle of Sals in the eare
    Salisbury. Please it your Maiestie, heere is the Shriue of
    Northhamptonshire, with certaine persons that of late com-
    mitted a riot, and haue appeald to your Maiestie beseeching
    your Highnes for speciall cause to heare them.
    75Iohn Wil them come neere, and while we heare the cause,
    Goe Salsbury and make prouision,
    We meane with speede to passe the sea to Fraunce.
    Say Shrieue, what are these men, what haue they done?
    Or wheretoo tends the course of this appeale?
    80Shrieue Please it your Maiestie these two brethren vnna-
    turally falling at odds about their Fathers liuing haue bro-
    ken your Highnes peace, in seeking to right their own wrõgs
    without cause of Law, or order of Iustice, and vnlawfully as-
    sembled themselues in mutinous manner, hauing committed
    85a riot, appealing from triall in their Countrey to your High-
    nes : and here I Thomas Nidigate Shrieue of Northhamp-
    tonshire, doo deliuer them ouer to their triall.
    Iohn My Lord of Essex, will the offenders to stand foorth,
    and tell the cause of their quarrell.
    90Essex Gentlemen, it is the Kings pleasure that you disco-
    uer your griefes, & doubt not but you shall haue iustice.
    Philip Please it your Maiestie, the wrong is mine; yet wil
    I abide all wrongs, before I once open my mouth to vnrippe
    the shamefull slaunder of my parents, the dishonour of myself,
    95& the wicked dealing of my brother in this princely assembly.
    Robert Then by my Prince his leaue shall Robert speake,
    And tell your Maiestie what right I haue
    To
    The troublesome Raigne
    To offer wrong, as he accounteth wrong.
    My Father (not vnknowen vnto your Grace)
    100Receiud his spurres of Knighthood in the Field,
    At Kingly Richards hands in Palestine,
    When as the walls of Acon gaue him way:
    His name Sir Robert Fauconbridge of Mountbery.
    What by succession from his Auncestours,
    105And warlike seruice vnder Englands Armes,
    His liuing did amount too at his death
    Two thousand Markes reuenew euery yeare:
    And this (my Lord) I challenge for my right,
    As lawfull heire to Robert Fauconbridge.
    110Philip If first-borne sonne be heire indubitate
    By certaine right of Englands auncient Lawe,
    How should myselfe make any other doubt,
    But I am heire to Robert Fauconbridge?
    Iohn Fond Youth, to trouble these our Princely eares
    115Or make a question in so plaine a case:
    Speake, is this man thine elder Brother borne?
    Robert Please it your Grace with patience for to heare;
    I not denie but he mine Elder is,
    Mine elder Brother too: yet in such sort,
    120As he can make no title to the Land.
    Iohn A doubtfull tale as euer I did heare,
    Thy Brother and thine elder, and no heire:
    Explaine this darke AEnigma.
    Robert I graunt (my Lord) he is my mothers sonne,
    125Base borne, and base begot, no Fauconbridge.
    Indeede the world reputes him lawfull heire,
    My Father in his life did count him so,
    And here my Mother stands to prooue him so:
    But I (my Lord) can prooue, and doo auerre
    130Both to my Mothers shame and his reproach,
    He is no heire, nor yet legitimate.
    Then (gracious Lord) let Fauconbridge enioy
    The liuing that belongs to Fauconbridge.
    And
    of King Iohn.
    And let not him possesse anothers right.
    135Iohn Proue this, the land is thine by Englands law.
    Q. Elianor Ungracious youth, to rip thy mothers shame,
    The wombe from whence thou didst thy being take,
    All honest eares abhorre thy wickednes,
    But gold I see doth beate downe natures law.
    140Mother. My gracious Lord, & you thrice reuerend Dame,
    That see the teares distilling from mine eyes,
    And scalding sighes blowne from a rented heart:
    For honour and regard of womanhood,
    Let me entreate to be commaunded hence.
    145Let not these eares receiue the hissing sound
    Of such a viper, who with poysoned words
    Doth masserate the bowels of my soule.
    Iohn Ladie, stand vp, be patient for a while:
    And fellow, say, whose bastard is thy brother.
    150Philip Not for my selfe, nor for my mother now:
    But for the honour of so braue a Man,
    Whom he accuseth with adulterie:
    Here I beseech your Grace vpon my knees,
    To count him mad, and so dismisse vs hence.
    155Robert Nor mad, nor mazde, but well aduised, I
    Charge thee before this royall presence here
    To be a Bastard to King Richards self,
    Sonne to your Grace, and Brother to your Maiestie.
    Thus bluntly, and
    160Elianor Yong man thou néedst not be ashamed of thy kin,
    Nor of thy Sire. But forward with thy proofe.
    Robert The proofe so plaine, the argument so strong,
    As that your Highnes and these noble Lords,
    And all (saue those that haue no eyes to see)
    165Shall sweare him to be Bastard to the King.
    First when my Father was Embassadour
    In Germanie vnto the Emperour,
    The King lay often at my Fathers house;
    And all the Realme suspected what befell:
    B And
    The troublesome Raigne
    170And at my Fathers back returne agen
    My Mother was deliuered as tis sed,
    Sixe weekes before the account my Father made.
    But more than this: looke but on Philips face,
    His features, actions, and his lineaments,
    175And all this Princely presence shall confesse,
    He is no other but King Richards Sonne.
    Then gracious Lord, rest he King Richards Sonne,
    And let me rest safe in my Fathers right,
    That am his rightfull sonne and onely heire.
    180Iohn Is this thy proofe, and all thou hast to say?
    Robert I haue no more, nor néede I greater proofe.
    John First, where thou saidst in absence of thy Sire
    My Brother often lodged in his house:
    And what of that? base groome to slaunder him,
    185That honoured his Embassador so much,
    In absence of the man to cheere the wife?
    This will not hold, proceede vnto the next.
    Q Elinor Thou saist she téemde six wéeks before her time.
    Why good Sir Squire are you so cunning growen
    190To make account of womens reckonings:
    Spit in your hand and to your other proofes:
    Many mischaunces hap in such affaires
    To make a woman come before her time.
    Iohn And where thou saist he looketh like the King
    195In action, feature and proportion:
    Therein I holde with thée, for in my life
    I neuer saw so liuely counterfet
    Of Richard Cordelion, as in him.
    Robert Then good my Lord, be you indifferent Iudge,
    200And let me haue my liuing and my right.
    Q. Elinor Nay heare you Sir, you runne away too fast:
    Know you not, Omne simile non est idem?
    Or haue read in. Harke ye good sir,
    Twas thus I warrant, and no otherwise,
    205She lay with Sir Robert your Father, and thought vppon
    King
    of King Iohn.
    King Richard my Sonne, and so your Brother was formed
    in this fashion.
    Robert Madame, you wrong me thus to iest it out,
    I craue my right: King Iohn as thou art King,
    210So be thou iust, and let me haue my right.
    Iohn Why (foolish boy) thy proofes are friuolous,
    Nor canst thou chalenge any thing thereby.
    But thou shalt see how I will helpe thy claime,
    This is my doome, and this my doome shall stand
    215Irreuocable, as I am King of England.
    For thou knowst not, weele aske of them that know,
    His mother and himselfe shall ende this strife:
    And as they say, so shall thy liuing passe.
    Robert My Lord, herein I chalenge you of wrong,
    220To giue away my right, and put the doome
    Unto themselues. Can there be likelihood
    That she will loose?
    Or he will giue the liuing from himselfe?
    It may not be my Lord. Why should it be?
    225Iohn Lords keepe him back, and let him heare the doome.
    Essex, first aske the Mother thrice who was his Sire?
    Essex Ladie Margaret Widow of Fauconbridge,
    Who was Father to thy Sonne Philip?
    Mother Please it your Maiestie, Sir Robert Fauconbridge.
    230Robert This is right, aske my felow there if I be a thiefe.
    Iohn Aske Philip whose Sonne he is.
    Essex Philip, who was thy Father?
    Philip Mas my Lord, and thats a question: and you had
    not taken some paines with her before, I should haue desired
    235you to aske my Mother.
    Iohn Say who was thy Father?
    Philip Faith (my Lord) to answere you sure he is my fa-
    ther that was néerest my mother when I was gotten, & him
    I thinke to be Sir Robert Fauconbridge.
    240Iohn Essex, for fashions sake demaund agen,
    And so an ende to this contention.
    B 2 Was
    The troublesome Raigne
    Robert Was euer man thus wrongd as Robert is?
    Essex Philip speake I say, who was thy Father?
    Iohn Yong man how now, what art thou in a traunce?
    245Elianor Philip awake, the man is in a dreame.
    Philip Philippus at auis aedite Regibus.
    What saist thou Philip, sprung of auncient Kings?
    Quo me rapit tempestas?
    What winde of honour blowes this furie forth?
    250Or whence proeede these fumes of Maiestie?
    Me thinkes I heare a hollow Eccho sound,
    That Philip is the Sonne vnto a King:
    The whistling leaues vpon the trembling trees,
    Whistle in consort I am Richards Sonne:
    255The bubling murmur of the waters fall,
    Records Philippus Regius filius:
    Birds in their flight make musicke with their wings,
    Filling the ayre with glorie of my birth:
    Birds, bubbles, leaues, and mountaines, Eccho, all
    260Ring in mine eares, that I am Richards Sonne.
    Fond man, ah whether art thou carried?
    How are thy thoughts ywrapt in Honors heauen?
    Forgetfull what thou art, and whence thou camst.
    Thy Fathers land cannot maintaine these thoughts,
    265These thoughts are farre vnfitting Fauconbridge:
    And well they may; for why this mounting minde
    Doth soare too high to stoupe to Fauconbridge.
    Why how now? knowest thou where thou art?
    And knowest thou who expects thine answere here?
    270Wilt thou vpon a frantick madding vaine
    Goe loose thy land, and say thy selfe base borne?
    No, keepe thy land, though Richard were thy Sire,
    What ere thou thinkst, say thou art Fauconbridge.
    John Speake man, be sodaine, who thy Father was.
    275Philip Please it your Maiestie, Sir Robert
    Philip, that Fauconbridge cleaues to thy iawes:
    It will not out, I cannot for my life
    Say
    of King Iohn.
    Say I am Sonne vnto a Fauconbridge.
    Let land and liuing goe, tis honors fire
    280That makes me sweare King Richard was my Sire.
    Base to a King addes title of more State,
    Than Knights begotten, though legittimate.
    Please it your Grace, I am King Richards Sonne.
    Robert Robert reuiue thy heart, let sorrow die,
    285His faltring tongue not suffers him to lie.
    Mother What head-strong furie doth enchaunt my sonne?
    Philip Philip cannot repent, for he hath done.
    Iohn Then Philip blame not me, thy selfe hast lost
    By wilfulnesse, thy liuing and thy land.
    290Robert, thou art the heire of Fauconbridge,
    God giue thee ioy, greater than thy desert.
    Q Elianor Why how now Philip, giue away thine owne?
    Philip Madame, I am bold to make my selfe your nephew,
    The poorest kinsman that your Highnes hath:
    295And with this Prouerb gin the world anew,
    Help hands, I haue no lands, honour is my desire;
    Let Philip liue to shew himselfe worthie so great a Sire.
    Elinor Philip, I think thou knewst thy Grandams minde:
    But chéere thée boy, I will not see thée want
    300As long as Elinor hath foote of land;
    Henceforth thou shalt be taken for my sonne,
    And waite on me and on thine Unckle heere,
    Who shall giue honour to thy noble minde.
    Iohn Philip kneele down, that thou maist throughly know
    305How much thy resolution pleaseth vs,
    Rise vp Sir Richard Plantaginet K. Richards Sonne.
    Phil. Graunt heauens that
    Philip once may shew himself
    Worthie the honour of Plantaginet,
    Or basest glorie of a Bastards name.
    310Iohn Now Gentlemen, we will away to France,
    To checke the pride of Arthur and his mates:
    Essex, thou shalt be Ruler of my Realme,
    And toward the maine charges of my warres,
    B 3 Ile
    The troublesome Raigne
    Ile ceaze the lazie Abbey lubbers lands
    315Into my hands to pay my men of warre.
    The Pope and Popelings shall not grease themselues
    With golde and groates, that are the souldiers due.
    Thus forward Lords, let our commaund be done,
    And march we forward mightely to Fraunce.Exeunt.
    320Manet Philip and his Mother.
    Philip Madame I beseech you deigne me so much leasure
    as the hearing of a matter that I long to impart to you.
    Mother Whats the matter Philip. I thinke your sute iu
    secret, tends to some money matter, which you suppose burns
    325in the bottome of my chest.
    Phil. No Madam, it is no such sute as to beg or borrow,
    But such a sute, as might some other grant,
    I would not now haue troubled you withall.
    Mother A Gods name let vs heare it.
    330Philip Then Madame thus, your Ladiship sees well,
    How that my scandall growes by meanes of you,
    In that report hath rumord vp and downe,
    I am a bastard, and no Fauconbridge.
    This grose attaint so tilteth in my thoughts,
    335Maintaining combat to abridge my ease,
    That field and towne, and company alone,
    Whatso I doo, or wheresoere I am,
    I cannot chase the slaunder from thy thoughts.
    If it be true, resolue me of my Sire,
    340For pardon Madame, if I thinke amisse.
    Be Philip Philip and no Fauconbridge,
    His Father doubtles was as braue a man.
    To you on knees as sometime Phaeton,
    Mistrusting silly Merop for his Sire,
    345Strayning a little bashfull modestie,
    I beg some instance whence I am extraught.
    Mother Yet more adoo to haste me to my graue,
    And wilt thou too become a Mothers crosse?
    Must I accuse myself to close with you?
    Slaun-
    of King Iohn.
    350Slaunder myself to quiet your affects:
    Thou mooust me Philip with this idle talke,
    Which I remit, in hope this mood will die.
    Philip Nay Ladie mother, heare me further yet,
    For strong conceipt driues dutie hence awhile:
    355Your husband Fauconbridge was Father to that sonne,
    That carries marks of Nature like the Sire,
    The sonne that blotteth you with wedlocks breach,
    And holds my right, as lineall in discent
    From him whose forme was figured in his face.
    360Can Nature so dissemble in her frame,
    To make the one so like as like may be,
    And in the other print no character
    To chalenge any marke of true discent?
    My brothers minde is base, and too too dull,
    365To mount where Philip lodgeth his affects,
    And his externall graces that you view
    (Though I report it) counterpoise not mine:
    His constitution plaine debilitie,
    Requires the chayre, and mine the seate of steele.
    370Nay, what is he, or what am I to him?
    When any one that knoweth how to carpe,
    Will scarcely iudge vs both one Countrey borne.
    This Madame, this, hath droue me from myselfe:
    And here by heauens eternall lampes I sweare,
    375As cursed Nero with his mother did,
    So I with you, if you resolue me not.
    Mother Let mothers teares quench out thy angers fire,
    And vrge no further what thou doost require.
    Philip Let sonnes entreatie sway the mother now,
    380Or els she dies: Ile not infringe my vow.
    Mother Unhappy taske: must I recount my shame,
    Blab my misdeedes, or by concealing die?
    Some power strike me speechlesse for a time,
    Or take from him awhile his hearings vse.
    385Why wish I so, vnhappy as I am?
    The
    The troublesome Raigne
    The fault is mine, and he the faultie frute,
    I blush, I faint, oh would I might be mute.
    Philip Mother be briefe, I long to know my name.
    Mother And longing dye to shrowd thy Mothers shame.
    390Philip Come Madame come, you neede not be so loth,
    The shame is shared equall twixt vs both.
    Ist not a slacknes in me worthie blame,
    To be so olde, and cannot write my name.
    Good Mother resolue me.
    395Mother Then Philip heare thy fortune and my griefe,
    My honours losse by purchase of thy selfe,
    My shame, thy name, and husbands secret wrong,
    All maind and staind by youths vnruly sway.
    And when thou knowest from whence thou art extraught,
    400Or if thou knewst what sutes, what threates, what feares,
    To mooue by loue, or massacre by death.
    To yeeld with loue, or end by loues contempt.
    The mightines of him that courted me,
    Who tempred terror with his wanton talke,
    405That something may extenuate the guilt.
    But let it not aduantage me so much:
    Upbraid me rather with the Romane Dame
    That shed her blood to wash away her shame.
    Why stand I to expostulate the crime
    410With pro & contra, now the déede is don,
    When to conclude two words may tell the tale,
    That Philips Father was a Princes Son,
    Rich Englands rule, worlds onely terror hee,
    For honours losse left me with childe of thee:
    415Whose Sonne thou art, then pardon me the rather,
    For faire King Richard was thy noble Father.
    Philip Then Robin Fauconbridge I wish thee ioy,
    My Sire a King, and I a landles Boy.
    Gods Ladie Mother, the world is in my debt,
    420There's something owing to Plantaginet.
    I marrie Sir, let me alone for game,
    Ile
    of King Iohn.
    Ile act some wonders now I know my name.
    By blessed Marie Ile not sell that pride
    For Englands wealth, and all the world beside.
    425Sit fast the proudest of my Fathers foes,
    Away good Mother, there the comfort goes. Exeunt.
    Enter Philip the French King, and Lewes, Limoges, Con-
    stance, and her sonne Arthur.
    King Now gin we broach the title of thy claime
    430Yong Arthur in the Albion Territories,
    Scaring proud Angiers with a puissant siedge:
    Braue Austria, cause of Cordelions death,
    Is also come to aide thee in thy warres;
    And all our Forces ioyne for Arthurs right.
    435And, but for causes of great consequence,
    Pleading delay till newes from England come,
    Twice should not Titan hide him in the West,
    To coole the fet-locks of his wearie teame,
    Till I had with an vnresisted shock
    440Controld the mannage of proud Angiers walls,
    Or made a forfet of my fame to Chaunce.
    Constance May be that Iohn in conscience or in feare
    To offer wrong where you impugne the ill,
    Will send such calme conditions backe to Fraunce,
    445As shall rebate the edge of fearefull warres:
    If so, forbearance is a deede well done.
    Arthur Ah Mother, possession of a Crowne is much,
    And Iohn as I haue heard reported of,
    For present vantage would aduenture farre.
    450The world can witnes in his Brothers time,
    He tooke vpon him rule and almost raigne:
    Then must it follow as a doubtfull poynt,
    That hee'le resigne the rule vnto his Nephew.
    I rather thinke the menace of the world
    455Sounds in his eares as threats of no estéeme,
    C And
    The troublesome Raigne
    And sooner would he scorne Europaes power,
    Than loose the smallest title he enioyes;
    For questionles he is an Englishman.
    Lewes Why are the English péereles in compare?
    460Braue Caualiers as ere that Iland bred,
    Haue liude and dyde, and darde and done inough,
    Yet neuer gracde their Countrey for the cause:
    England is England, yéelding good and bad,
    And John of England is as other Iohns.
    465Trust me yong Arthur, if thou like my réede,
    Praise thou the French that helpe thee in this neede.
    Lymoges The Englishman hath little cause I trow,
    To spend good speaches on so proud a foe.
    Why Arthur heres his spoyle that now is gon,
    470Who when he liude outroude his Brother Iohn:
    But hastie curres that lie so long to catch,
    Come halting home, and meete their ouermatch.
    But newes comes now, heres the Embassadour.
    Enter Chattilion.
    475K Philip And in good time, welcome my Lord Chattilion:
    What newes? will Iohn accord to our commaund.
    Chattilion Be I not briefe to tell your Highnes all,
    He will approach to interrupt my tale:
    For one selfe bottome brought vs both to Fraunce.
    480He on his part will try the chaunce of warre,
    And if his words inferre assured truth,
    Will loose himselfe and all his followers,
    Ere yéeld vnto the least of your demaunds.
    The Mother Quéene she taketh on amaine
    485Gainst Ladie Constance, counting her the cause
    That doth effect this claime to Albion,
    Coniuring Arthur with a Grandames care,
    To leaue his Mother; willing him submit
    His state to Iohn and her protection,
    490Who (as she saith) are studious for his good:
    More circumstance the season intercepts:
    This
    of King Iohn.
    This is the summe, which briefly I haue showne.
    K. Phil. This bitter winde must nip some bodies spring,
    Sodaine and briefe, why so, tis haruest weather.
    495But say Chattilion, what persons of accompt are with him?
    Chattilion Of England Earle Pembrooke and Salsbury,
    The onely noted men of any name.
    Next them a Bastard of the Kings deceast,
    A hardy wilde head, tough and venturous,
    500With many other men of high resolue.
    Then is there with them Elinor Mother Queene,
    And Blanch her Néece daughter to the King of Spaine:
    These are the prime Birds of this hot aduenture.
    Enter Iohn & his followers, Queene, Bastard, Earles, &c.
    505K. Philip Me seemeth Iohn an ouer-daring spirit
    Effects some frenzie in thy rash approach,
    Treading my Confines with thy armed Troupes.
    I rather lookt for some submisse reply
    Touching the claime thy Nephew Arthur makes
    510To that which thou vniustly dost vsurpe.
    K Iohn For that Chattilion can discharge you all,
    I list not plead my Title with my tongue.
    Nor came I hether with intent of wrong
    To Fraunce or thee, or any right of thine;
    515But in defence and purchase of my right,
    The Towne of Angiers: which thou doost begirt
    In the behalfe of Ladie Constance Sonne,
    Wheretoo nor he nor she can lay iust claime.
    Constance Yes (false intruder) if that iust be iust,
    520And headstrong vsurpation put apart,
    Arthur my Sonne, heire to thy elder Brother,
    Without ambiguous shadow of discent,
    Is Soueraigne to the substance thou withholdst.
    Q. Elinor Misgouernd Gossip, staine to this resort,
    525Occasion of these vndecided iarres,
    I say (that know) to check thy vaine suppose,
    Thy Sonne hath naught to doo with that he claymes.
    C 2 For
    The troublesome Raigne
    For proofe whereof, I can inferre a Will,
    That barres the way he vrgeth by discent.
    530Constance A Will indéede, a crabbed Womans will,
    Wherein the Diuell is an ouerséer,
    And proud dame Elnor sole Executresse:
    More wills than so, on perill of my soule,
    Were neuer made to hinder Arthurs right.
    535Arthur But say there was, as sure there can be none,
    The law intends such testaments as voyd,
    Where right discent can no way be impeacht.
    Q Elinor Peace Arthur peace, thy mother makes thee wings
    To soare with perill after Icarus,
    540And trust me yongling for the Fathers sake,
    I pitie much the hazard of thy youth.
    Constance Beshrew you els how pitifull you are,
    Readie to weepe to heare him aske his owne;
    Sorrow betide such Grandames and such griefe,
    545That minister a poyson for pure loue.
    But who so blinde, as cannot see this beame,
    That you forsooth would kéepe your cousin downe,
    For feare his Mother should be vsde too well?
    I theres the griefe, confusion catch the braine,
    550That hammers shifts to stop a Princes raigne.
    Q. Elianor Impatient, frantike, common slanderer,
    Immodest Dame, vnnurtred quarreller,
    I tell thee I, not enuie to thy Son,
    But iustice makes me speake as I haue don.
    555K. Philip But heres no proof that showes your son a King.
    K.Iohn. What wants, my sword shal more at large set down.
    Lewes But that may breake before the truth be knowne.
    Bastard Then this may hold till all his right be showne.
    Lymoges Good words sir sauce, your betters are in place.
    560Bastard Not you sir doughtie with your Lions case.
    Blanch Ah ioy betide his soule, to whom that spoile belõgd
    Ah Richard how thy glorie here is wrongd.
    Lymoges Me thinkes that Richards pride, & Richards fall,
    Should
    of King Iohn.
    Should be a president t'affright you all.
    565Bastard What words are these? how doo my sinews shake?
    My Fathers foe clad in my Fathers spoyle,
    A thousand furies kindle with reuendge,
    This hart that choller keepes a consistorie,
    Searing my inwards with a brand of hate:
    570How doth Alecto whisper in mine eares?
    Delay not Philip, kill the villaine straight,
    Disrobe him of the matchles moniment
    Thy Fathers triumph ore the Sauages,
    Base heardgroome, coward, peasant, worse than a threshing
    575 slaue,
    What makst thou with the Trophei of a King?
    Shamst thou not coystrell, loathsome dunghill swad,
    To grace thy carkasse with an ornament
    Too precious for a Monarchs couerture?
    580Scarce can I temper due obedience
    Unto the presence of my Soueraigne,
    From acting outrage on this trunke of hate:
    But arme thee traytor, wronger of renowme,
    For by his soule I sweare, my Fathers soule,
    585Twice will I not review the Mornings rise,
    Till I haue torne that Trophei from thy back,
    And split thy heart, for wearing it so long.
    Philip hath sworne, and if it be not done,
    Let not the world repute me Richards Sonne.
    590Lymoges Nay soft sir Bastard, harts are not split so soone,
    Let them reioyce that at the ende doo win:
    And take this lesson at thy foemans hand,
    Pawne not thy life, to get thy Fathers skin.
    Blanch Well may the world speake of his knightly valor,
    595That winnes this hide to weare a Ladies fauour.
    Bastard Ill may I thriue, and nothing brooke with mee,
    If shortly I present it not to thee.
    K. Philip Lordings forbeare, for time is comming fast,
    That deedes may trie what words cannot determine,
    C 3 And
    The troublesome Raigne
    600And to the purpose for the cause you come.
    Me seemes you set right in chaunce of warre,
    Yeelding no other reasons for your claime,
    But so and so, because it shall be so.
    So wrong shalbe subornd by trust of strength:
    605A Tyrants practize to inuest himselfe,
    Where weake resistance giueth wrong the way.
    To check the which, in holy lawfull Armes,
    I in the right of Arthur Geffreys Sonne,
    Am come before this Citie of Angiers,
    610To barre all other false supposed clayme,
    From whence or howsoere the error springs.
    And in his quarrell on my Princely word,
    Ile fight it out vnto the latest man.
    Iohn Know King of Fraunce, I will not be commaunded
    615By any power or Prince in Christendome,
    To yeeld an instance how I hold mine owne,
    More than to answere, that mine owne is mine.
    But wilt thou see me parley with the Towne,
    And heare them offer me alleageance,
    620Fealtie and homage, as true liege men ought.
    K. Philip Summon them, I will not beleeue it till I see
    it, and when I see it Ile soone change it.
    They summon the Towne, the Citizens appeare vpon the
    walls.
    625K. Iohn You men of Angiers, and as I take it my loyall
    Subiects, I haue summoned you to the walls: to dispute on
    my right, were to thinke you doubtfull therein, which I am
    perswaded you are not. In few words, our Brothers Sonne,
    backt with the King of Fraunce, haue beleagred your Towne
    630vpon a false pretended title to the same: in defence whereof
    I your liege Lord haue brought our power to fence you from
    the Usurper, to free your intended seruitude, and vtterly to
    supplant the foemen, to my right & your rest. Say then, who
    who keepe you the Towne for?
    635Citizen For our lawfull King.
    Iohn
    of King Iohn.
    John I was no lesse perswaded: then in Gods name open
    your gates, and let me enter.
    Citizen And it please your Highnes we comptroll not your
    title, neither will we rashly admit your entrance: if you bee
    640lawfull King, with all obedience we keepe it to your vse, if not
    King, our rashnes to be impeached for yeelding, without more
    considerate triall: we answere not as men lawles, but to the
    behoofe of him that prooues lawfull.
    Iohn I shall not come in then?
    645Citizen No my Lord, till we know more.
    K. Philip Then heare me speake in the behalfe of Arthur
    Sonne of Geffrey elder Brother to Iohn, his title manifest
    without contradiction to the Crowne and Kingdome of Engl-,
    Land, with Angiers and diuers Townes on this side the sea:
    650will you acknowledge him your liege Lord, who speaketh in
    my word to intertaine you with all fauours as beseemeth a
    King to his subiects, or a friend to his wel-willers: or stand
    to the perill of your contempt, when his title is prooued by
    the sword.
    655Citizen We answere as before till you haue prooued one
    right, we acknowledge none right, he that tries himselfe our
    Soueraigne, to him will we remaine firme subiects, and for
    him, and in his right we hold our Towne as desirous to know
    the truth as loath to subscribe before we knowe? More than
    660this we cannot say, and more than this we dare not doo.
    K. Philip Then Iohn I defie thee in the name and behalfe
    of Arthur Plantaginet thy King and cousin, whose right and
    patrimonie thou detainest, as I doubt not ere the day ende in
    a set battell make thee confesse; whereunto with a zeale to
    665right I challenge thee.
    K.Iohn I accept the challenge, and turne the defiance to
    thy throate.
    Excursions. The Bastard chaseth Lymoges the Austrich
    Duke, and maketh him leaue the Lyons skinne.
    Ba-
    The troublesome Raigne
    670Bastard And art thou gone, misfortune haunt thy steps,
    And chill colde feare assaile thy times of rest.
    Morpheus leaue here thy silent Eban caue,
    Besiedge his thoughts with dismall fantasies,
    And ghastly obiects of pale threatning Mors.
    675Affright him euery minute with stearne lookes,
    Let shadowe temper terror in his thoughts,
    And let the terror make the coward mad,
    And in his madnes let him feare pursute,
    And so in frenzie let the peasant die.
    680Here is the ransome that allayes his rage,
    The first freehold that Richard left his sonne:
    With which I shall surprize his liuing foes,
    As Hectors statue did the fainting Greekes. Exit.
    Enter the Kings Herolds with Trumpets to the wals of
    685 Angiers: they summon the Towne.
    Eng. Herold Iohn by the grace of God King of England,
    Lord of Ireland, Aniou, Toraine, &c. demaundeth once againe
    of you his subiects of Angiers, if you will quietly surrender
    vp the Towne into his hands?
    690Fr. Herold Philip by the grace of God King of Fraunce, demaundeth
    in the behalfe of Arthur Duke of Britaine, if you
    will surrender vp the Towne into his hands, to the vse of the
    said Arthur.
    Citizens Herrolds goe tell the two victorious Princes,
    695that we the poore Inhabitants of Angiers, require a parle of
    their Maiesties.
    Herolds We goe.
    Enter the Kings, Queene Elianor, Blaunch, Bastard, Ly-
    moges, Lewes, Castilean, Pembrooke, Salisbury, Constance,
    700 and Arthur Duke of Britaine.
    John Herold, what answere doo the Townsmen send?
    Philip
    of King Iohn.
    Philip Will Angiers yéeld to Philip King of Fraunce,
    En. Her. The Townsmen on the wals accept your Grace.
    Fr. Her. And craue a parley of your Maiestie.
    705Iohn You Citizens of Angiers, haue your eyes
    Beheld the slaughter that our English bowes
    Haue made vpon the coward frawdfull French?
    And haue you wisely pondred therewithall
    Your gaine in yeelding to the English King?
    710Philip Their losse in yéelding to the English King.
    But Iohn, they saw from out their highest Towers
    The Cheualiers of Fraunce and crossebow shot
    Make lanes of slaughtred bodies through thine hoast,
    And are resolude to yéelde to Arthurs right.
    715Iohn Why Philip, though thou brauest it fore the walls,
    Thy conscience knowes that Iohn hath wonne the field.
    Philip What ere my conscience knows, thy Armie feeles
    That Philip had the better of the day.
    Bastard Philip indéede hath got the Lyons case,
    720Which here he holds to Lymoges disgrace.
    Base Duke to flye and leaue such spoyles behinde:
    But this thou knewst of force to make mée stay.
    It farde with thée as with the marriner,
    Spying the hugie Whale, whose monstrous bulke
    725Doth beare the waues like mountaines fore the winde,
    That throwes out emptie vessells, so to stay
    His furie, while the ship doth saile away.
    Philip tis thine: and fore this Princely presence,
    Madame I humbly lay it at your feete,
    730Being the first aduenture I atchieud,
    And first exployt your Grace did enioyne:
    Yet many more I long to be enioynd.
    Blaunch Philip I take it, and I thee commaund
    To weare the same as earst thy Father did:
    735Therewith receiue this fauour at my hands,
    T'incourage thee to follow Richards fame.
    Arthur Ye Citizens of Angiers, are ye mute?
    D Arthur
    The troublesome Raigne
    Arthur or Iohn, say which shall be your King?
    Citizen We care not which, if once we knew the right,
    740But till we know we will not yeeld our right.
    Bastard Might Philip counsell two so mightie Kings,
    As are the Kings of England and of Fraunce,
    He would aduise your Graces to vnite
    And knit your forces gainst these Citizens,
    745Pulling their battered walls about their eares.
    The Towne once wonne then striue about the claime,
    For they are minded to delude you both.
    Citizen Kings, Princes, Lords & Knights assembled here,
    The Citizens of Angiers all by me
    750Entreate your Maiestie to heare them speake:
    And as you like the motion they shall make,
    So to account and follow their aduice.
    Iohn. Philip. Speake on, we giue thee leaue.
    Citizen Then thus: whereas that yong & lustie knight
    755Incites you on to knit your kingly strengths:
    The motion cannot choose but please the good,
    And such as loue the quiet of the State.
    But how my Lords, how should your strengths be knit?
    Not to oppresse your subiects and your friends,
    760And fill the world with brawles and mutinies:
    But vnto peace your forces should be knit
    To liue in Princely league and amitie:
    Doo this, the gates of Angiers shall giue way
    And stand wide open to your harts content.
    765To make this peace a lasting bond of loue,
    Remains one onely honorable meanes,
    Which by your pardon I shall here display.
    Lewes the Dolphin and the heire of Fraunce,
    A man of noted valor through the world,
    770Is yet vnmaried: let him take to wife
    The beauteous daughter of the King of Spaine,
    Neece to K. Iohn, the louely Ladie Blanche,
    Begotten on his Sister Elianor.
    With
    of King Iohn.
    With her in marriage will her vnckle giue
    775Castles aud Towers as fitteth such a match.
    The Kings thus ioynd in league of perfect loue,
    They may so deale with Arthur Duke of Britaine,
    Who is but yong, and yet vnmeete to raigne,
    As he shall stand contented euerie way.
    780Thus haue I boldly (for the common good)
    Deliuered what the Citie gaue in charge.
    And as vpon conditions you agree,
    So shall we stand content to yeeld the Towne.
    Arthur A proper peace, if such a motion hold;
    785These Kings beare armes for me, and for my right,
    And they shall share my lands to make them friends.
    Q. Elianor Sonne Iohn, follow this motion, as thou louest
    thy mother,
    Make league with Philip, yeeld to any thing:
    790Lewes shall haue my Neece, and then be sure
    Arthur shall haue small succour out of Fraunce.
    John Brother of Fraunce, you heare the Citizens:
    Then tell me, how you meane to deale herein.
    Constance Why John, what canst thou giue vnto thy Neece,
    795That hast no foote of land, but Arthurs right?
    Lewes Byr Ladie Citizens, I like your choyce,
    A louely Damsell is the Ladie Blanche,
    Worthie the heire of Europe for her pheere.
    Constance What Kings, why stand you gazing in a trance?
    800Why how now Lords? accursed Citizens
    To fill and tickle their ambicious eares,
    With hope of gaine, that springs from Arthurs losse.
    Some dismall Plannet at thy birthday raignd,
    For now I see the fall of all thy hopes.
    805K. Philip Ladie, and Duke of Britaine, know you both,
    The King of Fraunce respects his honor more,
    Than to betray his friends and fauourers.
    Princesse of Spaine, could you affect my Sonne,
    If we vpon conditions could agree?
    D 2 Bastard
    The troublesome Raigne
    810Bastard Swounds Madam, take an English Gentleman:
    Slaue as I was, I thought to haue mooude the match.
    Grandame you made me halfe a promise once,
    That Lady Blanch should bring me wealth inough,
    And make me heire of store of English land.
    815Q. Elianor Peace Philip, I will looke thee out a wife,
    We must with pollicie compound this strife.
    Bastard If Lewes get her, well, I say no more:
    But let the frolicke Frenchman take no scorne,
    If Philip front him with an English horne.
    820Iohn Ladie, what answere make you to the King of France?
    Can you affect the Dolphin for your Lord?
    Blanch I thanke the King that likes of me so well,
    To make me Bride vnto so great a Prince:
    But giue me leaue my Lord to pause on this,
    825Least being too too forward in the cause,
    It may be blemish to my modestie.
    Q Elinor Sonne John, and worthie Philip K. of Fraunce,
    Doo you confer awhile about the Dower,
    And I will schoole my modest Neece so well,
    830That she shall yéeld assoone as you haue done.
    Constance I, theres the wretch that broacheth all this ill,
    Why flye I not vpon the Beldames face,
    And with my nayles pull foorth her hatefull eyes.
    Arthur Swéete Mother cease these hastie madding fits:
    835For my sake, let my Grandame haue her will.
    O would she with her hands pull forth my heart,
    I could affoord it to appease these broyles.
    But mother let vs wisely winke at all:
    Least farther harmes ensue our hastie speach.
    840Philip Brother of England, what dowrie wilt thou giue
    Unto my Sonne in marriage with thy Neece?
    Iohn First Philip knowes her dowrie out of Spaine
    To be so great as may content a King:
    But more to mend and amplifie the same,
    845I giue in money thirtie thousand markes.
    For
    of King Iohn.
    For land I leaue it to thine owne demaund.
    Philip Then I demaund Volquesson, Torain, Main,
    Poiters and Aniou, these fiue Prouinces,
    Which thou as King of England holdst in Fraunce:
    850Then shall our peace be soone concluded on.
    Bastard No lesse than fiue such Prouinces at once?
    Iohn Mother what shall I doo? my brother got these lands
    With much effusion of our English bloud:
    And shall I giue it all away at once?
    855Q. Elinor Iohn giue it him, so shalt thou liue in peace,
    And keepe the residue sanz ieopardie.
    Ion Philip bring forth thy Sonne, here is my Neece,
    And here in mariage I doo giue with her
    From me and my Successors English Kings,
    860Volquesson, Poiters, Aniou, Torain, Main,
    And thirtie thousand markes of stipend coyne.
    Now Citizens, how like you of this match?
    Citizen We ioy to see so sweete a peace begun.
    Lewes Lewes with Blanch shall euer liue content.
    865But now King Iohn, what say you to the Duke?
    Father, speake as you may in his behalfe.
    Philip K.Iohn, be good vnto thy Nephew here,
    And giue him somewhat that shall please thee best.
    John Arthur, although thou troublest Englands peace:
    870Yet here I giue thee Brittaine for thine owne,
    Together with the Earledome of Richmont,
    And this rich Citie of Angiers withall.
    Q. Elianor And if thou seeke to please thine Unckle John,
    Shalt see my Sonne how I will make of thee.
    875Iohn Now euery thing is sorted to this end,
    Lets in and there prepare the mariage rytes,
    Which in S. Maries Chappell presently
    Shalbe performed ere this Presence part. Exeunt.
    Manent Constance & Arthur.
    880Arthur Madam good cheere, these drouping languishmẽts
    D 3 Adde
    The troublesome Raigne
    Adde no redresse to salue our awkward haps.
    If heauens haue concluded these euents,
    To small auaile is bitter pensiuenes:
    Seasons will change, and so our present griefe
    885May change with them, and all to our reliefe.
    Constance Ah boy, thy yeares I see are farre too greene
    To looke into the bottome of these cares.
    But I, who see the poyse that weigheth downe
    Thy weale, my wish, and all the willing meanes
    890Wherewith thy fortune and thy fame should mount.
    What ioy, what ease, what rest can lodge in me,
    With whom all hope and hap doth disagree?
    Arthur Yet Ladies teares, and cares, and solemne shows,
    Rather than helpes, heape vp more worke for woes.
    895Constance If any Power will heare a widdowes plaint,
    That from a wounded soule implores reuenge;
    Send fell contagion to infect this Clyme,
    This cursed Countrey, where the traytors breath,
    Whose periurie as prowd Briareus,
    900Beleaguers all the Skie with misbeliefe.
    He promist Arthur, and he sware it too,
    To fence thy right, and check thy foemans pride:
    But now black-spotted Periure as he is,
    He takes a truce with Elnors damned brat,
    905And marries Lewes to her louely Neece,
    Sharing thy fortune, and thy birth-dayes gift
    Betweene these louers: ill betide the match.
    And as they shoulder thee from out thy owne,
    And triumph in a widowes tearefull cares:
    910So heauens crosse them with a thriftles course.
    Is all the bloud yspilt on either part,
    Closing the cranies of the thirstie earth,
    Growne to a louegame and a Bridall feast?
    And must thy birthright bid the wedding banes?
    915Poore helples boy, hopeles and helples too,
    To whom misfortune seemes no yoke at all.
    Thy
    of King Iohn.
    Thy stay, thy state, thy imminent mishaps
    Woundeth thy mothers thoughts with feeling care,
    Why lookst thou pale? the colour flyes thy face,
    920I trouble now the fountaine of thy youth,
    And make it moodie with my doles discourse,
    Goe in with me, reply not louely boy,
    We must obscure this mone with melodie,
    Least worser wrack ensue our malecontent. Exeunt.
    925 Enter the King of England, the King of Fraunce, Arthur,
    Bastard, Lewes, Lymoges, Constance, Blanche, Chattilion,
    Pembrooke, Salisburie, and Elianor.
    Iohn This is the day, the long desired day,
    Wherein the Realmes of England and of Fraunce
    930Stand highly blessed in a lasting peace.
    Thrice happie is the Bridegroome and the Bride,
    From whose sweete Bridale such a concord springs,
    To make of mortall foes immortall friends.
    Constance Ungodly peace made by an others warre.
    935Philip Unhappie peace, that ties thee from reuenge.
    Rouse thée Plantaginet, liue not to see
    The butcher of the great Plantiginet.
    Kings, Princes, and ye Peeres of either Realmes,
    Pardon my rashnes, and forgiue the zeale
    940That caries me in furie to a deede
    Of high desert, of honour, and of armes.
    A boone O Kings, a boone doth Philip beg
    Prostrate vpon his knee: which knee shall cleaue
    Unto the superficies of the earth,
    945Till Fraunce and England graunt this glorious boone.
    Iohn Speake Philip, England graunts thee thy request.
    Philip And Fraunce confirmes what ere is in his power.
    Bastard Then Duke sit fast, I leuell at thy head,
    Too base a ransome for my fathers life.
    950Princes, I craue the Combat with the Duke
    That
    The troublesome Raigne
    That braues it in dishonor of my Sire.
    Your words are past nor can you now reuerse
    The Princely promise that reuiues my soule,
    Whereat me thinks I see his sinnews shake:
    955This is the boon (dread Lords) which granted once
    Or life or death are pleasant to my soule;
    Since I shall liue and die in Richards right.
    Lymoges Base Bastard, misbegotten of a King.
    To interrupt these holy nuptiall rytes
    960With brawles and tumults to a Dukes disgrace:
    Let it suffice, I scorne to ioyne in fight,
    With one so farre vnequall to my selfe.
    Bastard A fine excuse, Kings if you wilbe Kings,
    Then keepe your words, and let vs combat it.
    965Iohn Philip, we cannot force the Duke to fight,
    Being a subiect vnto neither Realme:
    But tell me Austria, if an English Duke
    Should dare thee thus, wouldst thou accept the challendge?
    Lymoges Els let the world account the Austrich Duke
    970The greatest coward liuing on the Earth.
    Iohn Then cheere thee Philip, Iohn will keepe his word,
    Kneele downe, in sight of Philip King of Fraunce
    And all these Princely Lords assembled here,
    I gird thee with the sword of Normandie,
    975And of that land I doo inuest thee Duke:
    So shalt thou be in liuing and in land
    Nothing inferiour vnto Austria.
    Lymoges K. Iohn, I tell thee flatly to thy face
    Thou wrongst mine honour: and that thou maist see
    980How much I scorne thy new made Duke and thee,
    I flatly say, I will not be compeld:
    And so farewell Sir Duke of low degree,
    Ile finde a time to match you for this geere. Exit.
    Iohn Stay Philip, let him goe the honors thine.
    985Bastard I cannot liue vnles his life be mine.
    Q. Elianor Thy forwardnes this day hath ioyd my soule.
    And
    of King Iohn.
    And made me thinke my Richard liues in thée.
    K. Philip Lordings lets in, and spend the wedding day
    In maskes and triumphs, letting quarrells cease.
    990Enter a Cardynall from Rome.
    Card. Stay King of France, I charge thee ioyn not hands
    With him that stands accurst of God and men.
    Know Iohn, that I Pandulph Cardinall of Millaine, and
    Legate from the Sea of Rome, demaund of thee in the name
    995of our holy Father the Pope Innocent, why thou dost (contra-
    rie to the lawes of our holy mother the Church, and our holye
    father the Pope) disturbe the quiet of the Church, and disanull
    the election of Stephen Langhton, whom his Holines hath ele-
    cted Archbishop of Canterburie: this in his Holines name I
    1000demaund of thee?
    Iohn And what hast thou or the Pope thy maister to doo to
    demaund of me, how I employ mine owne? Know sir Priest
    as I honour the Church and holy Churchmen, so I scorne to
    be subiect to the greatest Prelate in the world. Tell thy Mai-
    1005ster so from me, and say, Iohn of England said it, that neuer an
    Italian Priest of them all, shall either haue tythe, tole, or po-
    ling penie out of England, but as I am King, so wil I raigne
    next vnder God, supreame head both ouer spirituall and tem-
    rall: and hee that contradicts me in this, Ile make him hoppe
    1010headlesse.
    K. Philip What King Iohn, know you what you say, thus
    to blaspheme against our holy father the Pope.
    Iohn Philip, though thou and all the Princes of Christen-
    dome suffer themselues to be abusde by a Prelates slauerie,
    1015my minde is not of such base temper. If the Pope will bee
    King in England, let him winne it with the sword, I know no
    other title he can alleage to mine inheritance.
    Card. Iohn, this is thine answere?
    Iohn What then?
    1020Card. Then I Pandulph of Padoa, Legate from the Apo-
    E stolike
    The troublesome Raigne
    stolick Sea, doo in the name of S. Peter and his successor our
    holy Father Pope Innocent, pronounce thee accursed dischar-
    ging euery of thy subiectes of all dutie and fealtie that they
    doo owe to thee, and pardon and forgiuenes of sinne to those or
    1025them whatsoeuer, which shall carrie armes against thee, or
    murder thée: this I pronounce, and charge all good men to
    abhorre thee as an excommunicate person.
    Iohn So sir, the more the Fox is curst the better a fares: if
    God blesse me and my Land, let the Pope and his shauelings
    1030curse and spare not.
    Card. Furthermore I charge thée Philip King of France,
    and al the Kings and Princes of Christendome, to make war
    vppon this miscreant: and whereas thou hast made a league
    with him, and confirmed it by oath, I doo in the name of our
    1035foresaid father the Pope, acquit thée of that oath as vnlawful,
    being made with an heretike, how saist thou Philip, doost thou
    obey?
    Iohn Brother of Fraunce, what say you to the Cardinall?
    Philip I say, I am sorrie for your Maiestie, requesting
    1040you to submit your selfe to the Church of Rome.
    John And what say you to our league, if I doo not submit?
    Philip What should I say? I must obey the Pope.
    Iohn Obey the Pope, and breake your oath to God?
    Philip The Legate hath absolude me of mine oath:
    1045Then yeeld to Rome, or I defie thée héere.
    Iohn Why Philip, I defie the Pope and thée,
    False as thou art, and periurde K. of Fraunce,
    Unworthie man to be accompted King.
    Giu'st thou thy sword into a Prelates hands?
    1050Pandulph, where I of Abbots, Monkes and Friers
    Haue taken somewhat to maintaine my warres,
    Now will I take no more but all they haue.
    Ile rowze the lazie lubbers from their Cells,
    And in despight Ile send them to the Pope.
    1055Mother, come you with me, and for the rest
    That will not follow Iohn in this attempt,
    Con-
    of King Iohn.
    Confusion light vpon their damned soules.
    Come Lords, fight for your King that fighteth for your good?
    Philip And are they gone? Pandulph thy selfe shalt see
    1060How Fraunce will fight for Rome and Romish rytes.
    Nobles, to armes, let him not passe the seas,
    Lets take him captiue, and in triumph lead
    The K. of England to the gates of Rome.
    Arthur, bestirre thee man, and thou shalt see
    1065What Philip K. of Fraunce will doo for thee.
    Blanche And will your Grace vpon your wedding day
    Forsake your Bride and follow dreadfull drums:
    Nay, good my Lord, stay you at home with mee.
    Lewes Sweete heart content thée, and we shall agree.
    1070Philip Follow me Lords, Lord Cardynall lead the way,
    Drums shalbe musique to this wedding day. Exeunt.
    Excursions. The Bastard pursues Austria, and kills
    him.
    Bastard Thus hath K. Richards Sonne performde his
    1075 vowes.
    And offred Austrias bloud for sacrifice
    Unto his fathers euerliuing soule.
    Braue Cordelion, now my heart doth say,
    I haue deserude, though not to be thy heire
    1080Yet as I am, thy base begotten sonne,
    A name as pleasing to thy Philips heart,
    As to be cald the Duke of Normandie.
    Lie there a pray to euery rauening fowle:
    And as my Father triumpht in thy spoyles,
    1085And trode thine Ensignes vnderneath his féete,
    So doo I tread vpon thy cursed selfe,
    And leaue thy bodie to the fowles for food. Exit.
    Excursions. Arthur, Constance, Lewes, hauing taken
    Q. Elianor prisoner.
    E 2 2 Con-
    The troublesome Raigne
    1090Constance Thus hath the God of Kings with conquering
    arme
    Dispearst the foes to true succession.
    Proud, and disturber of thy Countreyes peace,
    Constance doth liue to tame thine insolence,
    1095And on thy head will now auenged be
    For all the mischiefes hatched in thy braine.
    Q Elinor Contemptuous dame vnreuent Dutches thou,
    To braue so great a Quéene as Elianor.
    Base scolde hast thou forgot, that I was wife,
    1100And mother to three mightie English Kings?
    I charge thée then, and you forsooth sir Boy,
    To set your Grandmother at libertie,
    And yéeld to Iohn your Unckle and your King.
    Constance Tis not thy words proud Queene shal carry it.
    1105Elianor Nor yet thy threates proud Dame shal daunt my
    minde.
    Arthur Sweete Grandame, and good Mother leaue these
    brawles.
    Elianor Ile finde a time to triumph in thy fall.
    1110Constance My time is now to triumph in thy fall,
    And thou shalt know that Constance will triumph.
    Arthur Good Mother weigh it is Queene Elianor,
    Though she be captiue, vse her like herselfe.
    Swéete Grandame beare with what my Mother sayes,
    1115Your Highnes shalbe vsed honourably.
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. Lewes my Lord, Duke Arthur, and the rest,
    To armes in hast, K. Iohn relyes his men,
    And ginnes the fight afresh: and sweares withall
    1120To lose his life, or set his Mother free.
    Lewes Arthur away, tis time to looke about.
    Elianor Why how now dame, what is your courage coold?
    Constance No Elianor, my courage gathers strength,
    And
    of King Iohn.
    And hopes to lead both John and thee as slaues:
    1125And in that hope, I hale thee to the field. Exeunt.
    Excursions. Elianor is rescued by Iohn, and Arthur
    is taken prisoner. Exeunt. Sound victorie.
    Enter Iohn, Elianor, and Arthur Prisoner, Bastard, Pem-
    brooke, Salisbury, and Hubert de Burgh.
    1130Iohn Thus right triumphs, and John triumphs in right.
    Arthur thou seest, Fraunce cannot bolster thee:
    Thy Mothers pride hath brought thee to this fall.
    But if at last, Nephew thou yeeld thy selfe
    Into the gardance of thine Unckle John,
    1135Thou shalt be vsed as becomes a Prince.
    Arthur Unckle, my Grandame taught her Nephew this,
    To beare captiuitie with patience.
    Might hath preuayld not right, for I am King
    Of England, though thou we are the Diadem.
    1140Q. Elianor Sonne Iohn, soone shall we teach him to forget
    These proud presumptions, and to know himselfe.
    Iohn Mother, he neuer will forget his claime,
    I would he liude not to remember it.
    But leauing this, we will to England now,
    1145And take some order with our Popelings there,
    That swell with pride, and fat of lay mens lands.
    Philip I make thee chiefe in this affaire,
    Ransack the Abbeys, Cloysters, Priories,
    Conuert their coyne vnto my souldiers vse:
    1150And whatsoere he be within my Land,
    That goes to Rome for iustice and for law,
    While he may haue his right within the Realme,
    Let him be iudgde a traitor to the State,
    And suffer as an enemie to England.
    1155Mother, we leaue you here beyond the seas,
    As Regent of our Prouinces in Fraunce,
    E 3 While
    The troublesome Raigne
    While we to England take a speedie course,
    And thanke our God that gaue vs victorie.
    Hubert de Burgh take Arthur here to thee,
    1160Be he thy prisoner: Hubert kéepe him safe,
    For on his life doth hang thy Soueraignes crowne,
    But in his death consists thy Soueraignes blisse:
    Then Hubert, as thou shortly hearst from me,
    So vse the prisoner I haue giuen in charge.
    1165Hubert Frolick yong Prince, though I your keeper bee,
    Yet shall your kéeper liue at your commaund.
    Arthur As please my God, so shall become of me.
    Q. Elianor My Sonne to England, I will see thee shipt,
    And pray to God to send thee safe ashore.
    1170Bastard Now warres are done, I long to be at home
    To diue into the Monkes and Abbots bags,
    To make some sport among the smooth skin Nunnes,
    And keepe some reuell with the fanzen Friers.
    Iohn To England Lords, each looke vnto your charge,
    1175And arme yourselues against the Romane pride. Exeunt.
    Enter the K. of Fraunce, Lewes his sonne, Cardinall Pan-
    dolph Legate, and Constance.
    Philip What euery man attacht with this mishap?
    Why frowne you so, why droop ye Lords of Fraunce?
    1180Me thinkes it differs from a warlike minde
    To lowre it for a checke or two of chaunce.
    Had Lymoges escapt the bastards spight,
    A little sorrow might haue serude our losse.
    Braue Austria, heauen ioyes to haue thee there.
    1185Card. His sowle is safe and free from Purgatorie,
    Our holy Father hath dispenst his sinnes,
    The blessed Saints haue heard our orisons,
    And all are Mediators for his soule,
    And in the right of these most holy warres,
    1190His holines free pardon doth pronounce
    To
    of King Iohn.
    To all that follow you gainst English heretiques,
    Who stand accursed in our mother Church.
    Enter Constance alone.
    Philip To aggrauate the measure of our griefe,
    1195All malcontent comes Constance for her Sonne.
    Be briefe good Madame, for your face imports
    A tragick tale behinde thats yet vntolde.
    Her passions stop the organ of her voyce,
    Deepe sorrow throbbeth misbefalne euents,
    1200Out with it Ladie, that our Act may end
    A full Catastrophe of sad laments.
    Const. My tongue is tunde to storie forth mishap:
    When did I breath to tell a pleasing tale?
    Must Constance speake? let teares preuent her talke:
    1205Must I discourse? let Dido sigh and say,
    She weepes againe to heare the wrack of Troy:
    Two words will serue, and then my tale is done:
    Elnors proud brat hath robd me of my Sonne.
    Lewes Haue patience Madame, this is chaunce of warre:
    1210He may be ransomde, we reuenge his wrong.
    Constance Be it ner so soone, I shall not liue so long.
    Philip Despaire not yet, come Constance, goe with me,
    These clowdes will fleet, the day will cleare againe.Exeunt.
    Card. Now Lewes, thy fortune buds with happie spring,
    1215Our holy Fathers prayers effecteth this.
    Arthur is safe, let John alone with him,
    Thy title next is fairst to Englands Crowne:
    Now stirre thy Father to begin with Iohn,
    The Pope sayes I, and so is Albion thine.
    1220Lewes Thankes my Lord Legate for your good conceipt,
    Tis best we follow now the game is faire,
    My Father wants to worke him your good words.
    Card. A few will serue to forward him in this,
    Those shal not want: but lets about it then. Exeunt.
    Enter
    The troublesome Raigne
    1225Enter Philip leading a Frier, charging him to show where
    the Abbots golde lay.
    Philip Come on you fat Franciscans, dallie no longer, but
    shew me where the Abbots treasure lyes, or die.
    Frier Benedicamus Domini, was euer such an iniurie.
    1230Sweete S. Withold of thy lenitie, defend vs from extremitie,
    And heare vs for S. Charitie, oppressed with austeritie.
    In nomini Domini, make I my homilie,
    Gentle Gentilitie grieue not the Cleargie.
    Philip Grey gownd good face, coniure ye,
    1235 ner trust me for a groate,
    If this waste girdle hang thee not
    that girdeth in thy coate.
    Now balde and barefoote Bungie birds
    when vp the gallowes climing,
    1240Say Philip he had words inough
    to put you downe with ryming.
    Frier A pardon, O parce, Saint Fraunces for mercie,
    Shall shield thee from nightspells and dreaming of diuells,
    If thou wilt forgiue me, and neuer more grieue me,
    1245With fasting and praying, and Haile Marie saying.
    From black Purgatorie a penance right sorie.
    Frier Thomas will warme you,
    It shall neuer harme you.
    Philip Come leaue off your rabble,
    1250Sirs hang vp this lozell.
    2. Frier For charitie I beg his life,
    Saint Frauncis chiefest Frier,
    The best in all our Couent Sir,
    to keepe a Winters fier.
    1255 O strangle not the good olde man,
    my hostesse oldest guest,
    And I will bring you by and by
    vnto the Priors chest.
    Philip
    of King Iohn.
    Philip I, saist thou so, & if thou wilt the frier is at libertie,
    1260If not, as I am honest man, Ile hang you both for companie.
    Frier Come hether, this is the chest though simple to behold
    That wanteth not a thousand pound in siluer and in gold.
    My selfe will warrant full so much, I know the Abbots store,
    Ile pawne my life there is no lesse to haue what ere is more.
    1265Philip I take thy word, the ouerplus vnto thy share shall
    come,
    But if there want of full so much, thy neck shall pay the sum.
    Breake vp the Cofer, Frier.
    Frier Oh I am vndun, faire Alice the Nun
    1270Hath tooke vp her rest in the Abbots chest,
    Sancte benedicite, pardon my simplicitie.
    Fie Alice, confession will not salue this transgression.
    Philip What haue wee here, a holy Nun? So kéeeepe mee
    God in health,
    1375A smooth facte Nunne (for ought I knowe) is all the Abbots
    wealth.
    Is this the Nonries chastitie? Beshrewe me but I thinke
    They goe as oft to Uenery, as niggards to their drinke.
    Why paltrey Frier and Pandar too, yee shamelesse shauen
    1380 crowne,
    Is this the chest that held a hoord, at least a thousand pound?
    And is the hoord a holy whore? Wel be the hangman nimble,
    Hee'le take the paine to paye you home, and teach you to dis-
    semble.
    1385Nunne O spare the Frier Anthony, a better neuer was
    To sing a Dirige solemnly, or read a morning Masse.
    If money be the meanes of this, I know an ancient Nunne,
    That hath a hoord this seauen yeares, did neuer sée the sunne;
    And that is yours, and what is ours, so fauour now be shown,
    1390You shall commaund as commonly, as if it were your owne.
    Frier Your honour excepted.
    Nunne I Thomas, I meane so.
    Philip From all saue from Friers.
    Nunne Good Sir, doo not thinke so?
    F Philip
    The troublesome Raigne
    1395Philip I thinke and see so: why how camst thou here?
    Frier To hide her from lay meu.
    Nunne Tis true sir, for feare.
    Philip For feare of the laytie: a pitifull dred
    When a Nunne flies for succour to a fat Friers bed.
    1400But now for your ransome my Cloyster-bred Conney,
    To the chest that you speake of where lyes so much money.
    Nunne Faire Sir, within this presse, of plate & money is
    The valew of a thousand markes, and other thing by gis.
    Let vs alone, and take it all, tis yours Sir, now you know it.
    1405Philip Come on sir Frier, pick the locke, this geere dooth
    cotton hansome,
    That couetousnes so cunningly must pay ye letchers ransom.
    What is in the hoord?
    Frier Frier Laurence my Lord, now holy water help vs,
    1410Some witch, or some diuell is sent to delude vs:
    Haud credo Laurentius, that thou shouldst be pend thus
    In the presse of a Nun we are all vndon,
    And brought to discredence if thou be Frier Laureuce,
    Frier Amor vincit omnia, so Cato affirmeth,
    1415And therefore a Frier whose fancie soone burneth:
    Because he is mortall and made of mould,
    He omits what he ought, and doth more than he should.
    Philip How goes this géere? the Friers chest filde with
    a fausen Nunne,
    1420The Nunne again locks Frier vp, to keep him frõ the Sun.
    Belike the presse is purgatorie, or penance passing grieuous:
    The Friers chest a hel for Nuns. How do these dolts deceiue
    Is this the labour of their liues to féede and liue at ease, (vs?
    To reuell so lasciuiously as often as they please.
    1425Ile mend the fault or fault my ayme, if I do misse amending,
    Tis better burn ye cloisters down than leaue thẽ for offending.
    But holy you, to you I speake, to you religious diuell,
    Is this the presse that holdes the summe to quite you for your
    euill.
    1430Nunne I crie Peccaui, parce me, good Sir I was beguild.
    Frier
    of King Iohn.
    Frier Absolue Sir for charitie she would be reconcilde.
    Phi. And so I shall, sirs binde them fast, this is their absolutiõ,
    Go hang them vp for hurting them, hast them to execution.
    Fr. Lawrence O tempus edax rerum,
    1435Geue children bookes they teare them.
    O vanitas vanitatis, in this waning aetatis,
    At threescore welneere to goe to this geere,
    To my conscience a clog to dye like a dog.
    Exaudi me Domine, siuis me parce
    1440Dabo pecuniam, si habeo veniam
    To goe and fetch it, I will dispatch it,
    A hundred pound sterling for my liues sparing.
    Enter Peter a Prophet, with people.
    Peter Hoe, who is here, S. Fraunces be your spéed,
    1445Come in my flock, and follow me, your fortunes I will reed
    Come hether boy, goe get thee home, and clime not ouerhie:
    For from aloft thy fortunes stands in hazard thou shalt die.
    Boy God be with you Peter, I pray you come to our house
    a Sunday.
    1450Peter My boy show me thy hand, blesse thee my boy,
    For in thy palme I sée a many troubles are ybent to dwell,
    But thou shalt scape them all and doo full well.
    Boy I thanke you Peter, theres a cheese for your labor: my
    sister prayes ye to come home, & tell her how many husbands
    1455she shall haue, and shee'l giue you a rib of bacon.
    Peter My masters, stay at the towns end for me, Ile come
    to you all anon: I must dispatch some busines with a Frier,
    and then Ile read your fortunes.
    Philip How now, a Prophet? Sir prophet whence are ye?
    1460Peter I am of the world and in the world, but liue not as
    others by the world: what I am I know, and what thou wilt
    be I know. If thou knowest me now be answered: if not, en-
    quire no more what I am.
    Phil. Sir, I know you will be a dissembling knaue, that
    1465deludes the people with blinde prophecies: you are him I
    looke for, you shall away with me: bring away all the rabble,
    F 2 and
    The troublesome Raigne
    and you Frier Laurence remember your raunsome a hundred
    pound, and a pardon for your selfe, and the rest come on. Sir
    Prophet, you shall with me, to receiue a Prophets rewarde.
    1470Exeunt.
    Enter Hubert de Burgh with three men.
    Hubert My masters, I haue shewed you what warrant I
    haue for this attempt; I perceiue by your heauie countenan-
    ces, you had rather be otherwise imployed, and for my owne
    1475part, I would the King had made choyce of some other execu-
    tioner: onely this is my comfort, that a King commaunds,
    whose precepts neglected or omitted, threatneth torture for the
    default. Therefore in briefe, leaue me, and be readie to attend
    the aduenture: stay within that entry, and when you heare me
    1480crie, God saue the King, issue sodainly foorth, lay handes on
    Arthur, set him in this chayre, wherin (once fast bound) leaue
    him with me to finish the rest.
    Attendants We goe, though loath. Exeunt.
    Hubert My Lord, will it please your Honour to take the
    1485benefite of the faire euening?
    Enter Arthur to Hubert de Burgh.
    Arthur Gramercie Hubert for thy care of me,
    In or to whom restraint is newly knowen,
    The ioy of walking is small benefit,
    1490Yet will I take thy offer with small thankes,
    I would not loose the pleasure of the eye.
    But tell me curteous keeper if you can,
    How long the King will haue me tarrie heere.
    Hubert I know not Prince, but as I gesse not long.
    1495God send you freedome, and God saue the King,
    They issue forth.
    Arthur Why how now sirs, what may this outrage
    meane?
    O helpe
    of King Iohn.
    O helpe me Hubert, gentle keeper helpe:
    1500God send this sodaine mutinous approach
    Tend not to reaue a wretched guiltles life.
    Hubert So sirs, depart, and leaue the rest for me.
    Arthur Then Arthur yéeld, death frowneth in thy face,
    What meaneth this? Good Hubert plead the case.
    1505Hubert Patience yong Lord, and listen words of woe,
    Harmfull and harsh, hells horror to be heard:
    A dismall tale fit for a furies tongue.
    I faint to tell, déepe sorrow is the sound.
    Arthur What, must I die?
    1510Hubert No newes of death, but tidings of more hate,
    A wrathfull doome, and most vnluckie fate:
    Deaths dish were daintie at so fell a feast,
    Be deafe, heare not, its hell to tell the rest.
    Arthur Alas thou wrongst my youth with words of feare,
    1515Tis hell, tis horror, not for one to heare:
    What is it man if it must needes be don,
    Act it, and end it, that the paine were gon.
    Hubert I will not chaunt such dolour with my tongue,
    Yet must I act the outrage with my hand.
    1520My heart my head, and all my powers beside,
    To aide the office haue at once denide.
    Peruse this letter, lines of treble woe,
    Read ore my charge, and pardon when you know.
    Hubert
    these are to commaund thee, as thou tendrest our
    1525quiet in minde and the estate of our person, that pre-
    sently vpon the receipt of our commaund, thou put out
    the eyes of Arthur Plantaginet.
    ArthurAh monstrous damned man, his very breath in-
    fects the elements,
    1530 Contagious venyme dwelleth in his heart,
    Effecting meanes to poyson all the world.
    Unreuerent may I be to blame the heauens
    F 3 Of
    The troublesome Raigne
    Of great iniustice, that the miscreant
    Liues to oppresse the innocents with wrong.
    1535Ah Hubert, makes he thee his instrument
    To sound the tromp that causeth hell triumph?
    Heauen weepes, the Saints doo shed celestiall teares,
    They feare thy fall, and cyte thee with remorse,
    They knock thy conscience, moouing pitie there,
    1540Willing to fence thee from the rage of hell:
    Hell Hubert, trust me all the plagues of hell
    Hangs on performance of this damned deede.
    This seale, the warrant of the bodies blisse,
    Ensureth Satan chieftaine of thy soule:
    1545Subscribe not Hubert, giue not Gods part away.
    I speake not onely for eyes priuiledge,
    The chiefe exterior that I would enioy:
    But for thy perill, farre beyond my paine,
    Thy sweete soules losse, more than my eyes vaine lack;
    1550A cause internall, and eternall too.
    Aduise thee Hubert, for the case is hard,
    To loose saluation for a Kings reward.
    Hubert My Lord, a subiect dwelling in the land
    Is tyed to execute the Kings commaund.
    1555Arthur. Yet God commands, whose power reacheth further,
    That no commaund should stand in force to murther.
    Hubert But that same Essence hath ordaind a law,
    A death for guilt, to keepe the world in awe.
    Arthur I plead not guiltie, treasonles and free.
    1560Hubert But that appeale my Lord concernes not me.
    Arthur Why, thou art he that maist omit the perill.
    Hubert I, if my Soueraigne would remit his quarrell.
    Arthur His quarrell is vnhallowed false and wrong.
    Hubert Then be the blame to whom it doth belong.
    1565Arthur Why thats to thee if thou as they proceede,
    Conclude their iudgement with so vile a déede.
    Hubert Why then no execution can be lawfull,
    If Iudges doomes must be reputed doubtfull.
    Arthur
    of King Iohn.
    Arthur Yes where in forme of Lawe in place and time,
    1570The offender is conuicted of the crime.
    Hubert My Lord, my Lord, this long expostulation,
    Heapes vp more griefe, than promise of redresse;
    For this I know, and so resolude I end,
    That subiects liues on Kings commaunds depend.
    1575I must not reason why he is your foe,
    But doo his charge since he commaunds it so.
    Arthur Then doo thy charge, and charged be thy soule
    With wrongfull persecution done this day.
    You rowling eyes, whose superficies yet
    1580I doo behold with eyes that Nature lent:
    Send foorth the terror of your Moouers frowne,
    To wreake my wrong vpon the murtherers
    That rob me of your faire reflecting view:
    Let hell to them (as earth they wish to mée)
    1585Be darke and direfull guerdon for their guylt,
    And let the black tormenters of deepe Tartary
    Upbraide them with this damned enterprise,
    Inflicting change of tortures on their soules.
    Delay not Hubert, my orisons are ended,
    1590Begin I pray thée, reaue me of my sight:
    But to performe a tragedie indéede,
    Conclude the period with a mortall stab.
    Constance farewell, tormentor come away,
    Make my dispatch the Tirants feasting day.
    1595Hubert I faint, I feare, my conscience bids desist:
    Faint did I say, feare was it that I named?
    My King commaunds, that warrant sets me frée:
    But God forbids, and he commaundeth Kings,
    That great Commaunder counterchecks my charge,
    1600He stayes my hand, he maketh soft my heart,
    Goe cursed tooles, your office is exempt,
    Cheere thée yong Lord, thou shalt not loose an eye,
    Though I should purchase it with losse of life.
    Ile to the King, and say his will is done,
    And
    The troublesome Raigne
    1605And of the langor tell him thou art dead,
    Goe in with me, for Hubert was not borne
    To blinde those lampes that Nature pollisht so,
    Arthur Hubert, if euer Arthur be in state,
    Looke for amends of this receiued gift
    1610I tooke my eysight by thy curtesie,
    Thou lentst them me, I will not be ingrate.
    But now procrastination may offend
    The issue that thy kindnes vndertakes:
    Depart we Hubert to preuent the worst.Exeunt.
    1615 Enter King Iohn, Essex, Salisbury, Penbrooke.
    Iohn Now warlike followers resteth ought vndon
    That may impeach vs of fond ouersight?
    The French haue felt the temper of our swords,
    Cold terror keepes possession in their sowles,
    1620Checking their ouerdaring arrogance
    For buckling with so great an ouermatch.
    The Arche proud titled Priest of Italy,
    That calles himselfe grand Uiccar vnder God
    Is busied now with trentall obsequies,
    1625Masse and months minde, dirge and I know not what
    To ease their sowles in painefull purgatory,
    That haue miscaried in these bloudy warres.
    Heard you not Lords when first his holines
    Had tidings of our small account of him,
    1630How with a taunt vaunting vpon his toes
    He vrdge a reason why the English Asse
    Disdaingd the blessed ordinance of Rome?
    The title (reuerently might I inferre)
    Became the Kings that earst haue borne the load,
    1635The slauish weight of that controlling Priest:
    Who at his pleasure temperd them like waxe
    To carrie armes on danger of his curse,
    Banding their sowles with warrants of his hand.
    I grieue to thinke how Kings in ages past
    (Simplie
    of King Iohn.
    1640(Simply deuoted to the Sea of Rome)
    Haue run into a thousand acts of shame.
    But now for confirmation of our State,
    Sith we haue proynd the more than needfull braunch
    That did oppresse the true wel-growing stock,
    1645It resteth we throughout our Territories
    Be reproclaimed and inuested King.
    Pembrook My Liege, that were to busie men with doubts,
    Once were you crownd, proclaimd, and with applause
    Your Citie stréetes haue ecchoed to the eare,
    1650God saue the King, God saue our Soueraigne Iohn.
    Pardon my feare, my censure doth infer
    Your Highnes not deposde from Regall State,
    Would breed a mutinie in peoples mindes,
    What it should meane to haue you crownd againe.
    1655Iohn Pembrooke performe what I haue bid thée doo,
    Thou knowst not what induceth me to this,
    Essex goe in, and Lordings all be gon
    About this taske, I will be crownd anon.
    Enter the Bastard.
    1660Philip, what newes, how doo the Abbots chests?
    Are Friers fatter than the Nunnes are faire?
    What chéere with Churchmen, had they golde or no?
    Tell me how hath thy office tooke effect?
    Philip My Lord, I haue performd your Highnes charge:
    1665The ease bred Abbots and the bare foote Friers,
    The Monkes the Priors and holy cloystred Nunnes,
    Are all in health, and were my Lord in wealth,
    Till I had tythde and tolde their holy hoords.
    I doubt not when your Highnes sées my prize,
    1670You may proportion all their former pride.
    Iohn Why so, now sorts it Philip as it should:
    This small intrusion into Abbey trunkes,
    Will make the Popelings excommunicate,
    G Curse,
    The troublesome Raigne
    Curse, ban, and breath out damned orisons,
    1675As thick as hailestones fore the springs approach:
    But yet as harmles and without effect,
    As is the eccho of a Cannons crack
    Dischargd against the battlements of heauen.
    But what newes els befell there Philip?
    1680Bastard Strange newes my Lord: within your territo-
    Nere Pomfret is a Prophet new sprong vp, (ries,
    Whose diuination volleys wonders foorth;
    To him the Commons throng with Countrey gifts,
    He sets a date vnto the Beldames death,
    1685Prescribes how long the Uirgins state shall last,
    Distinguisheth the moouing of the heauens,
    Giues limits vnto holy nuptiall rytes,
    Foretelleth famine, aboundeth plentie forth,
    Of fate, of fortune, life and death he chats,
    1690With such assurance, scruples put apart,
    As if he knew the certaine doomes of heauen,
    Or kept a Register of all the Destinies.
    Iohn Thou telst me meruailes, would thou hadst brought
    We might haue questiond him of things to come. (the mau,
    1695Bastard My Lord, I tooke a care of had I wist,
    And brought the Prophet with me to the Court,
    He stayes my Lord but at the Presence doore:
    Pleaseth your Highnes, I will call him in.
    Iohn Nay stay awhile, wée'l haue him here anon,
    1700A thing of weight is first to be performd.
    Enter the Nobles and crowne King Iohn, and then crie
    God saue the King.
    Iohn Lordings and friends supporters of our state,
    Admire not at this vnaccustomd course,
    1705Nor in your thoughts blame not this déede of yours.
    Once ere this time was I inuested King,
    Your fealtie sworne as Liegmen to our state:
    Once
    of King Iohn.
    Once since that time ambicious wéedes haue sprung
    To staine the beautie of our garden plot:
    1710But heauens in our conduct rooting thence
    The false intruders, breakers of worlds peace,
    Haue to our ioy, made Sunshine chase the storme.
    After the which, to try your constancie,
    That now I see is worthie of your names,
    1715We craude once more your helps for to inuest vs
    Into the right that enuie sought to wrack.
    Once was I not deposde, your former choyce;
    Now twice been crowned and applauded King:
    Your cheered action to install me so,
    1720Infers assured witnes of your loues,
    And binds me ouer in a Kingly care
    To render loue with loue, rewards of worth
    To ballance downe requitall to the full.
    But thankes the while, thankes Lordings to you all:
    1725Aske me and vse me, try me and finde me yours.
    Essex A boon my Lord, at vauntage of your words
    We aske to guerdon all our loyalties.
    Pembrooke We take the time your Highnes bids vs aske:
    Please it you graunt, you make your promise good,
    1730With lesser losse than one superfluous haire
    That not remembred falleth from your head.
    Iohn My word is past, receiue your boone my Lords.
    What may it be? Aske it, and it is yours.
    Essex We craue my Lord, to please the Commons with
    1735The libertie of Ladie Constance Sonne:
    Whose durance darkeneth your Highnes right,
    As if you kept him prisoner, to the end
    Your selfe were doubtfull of the thing you haue.
    Dismisse him thence, your Highnes néedes not feare,
    1740Twice by consent you are proclaimd our King.
    Pembrooke This if you graunt, were all vnto your good:
    For simple people muse you keepe him close.
    Iohn Your words haue searcht the center of my thoughts,
    G 2 Confir-
    The troublesome Raigne
    Confirming warrant of your loyalties,
    1745Dismisse your counsell, sway my state,
    Let John doo nothing but by your consents.
    Why how now Philip, what extasie is this?
    Why casts thou vp thy eyes to heauen so?
    There the fiue Moones appeare.
    1750Bastard See, see my Lord strange apparitions.
    Glauncing mine eye to see the Diadem
    Placte by the Bishops on your Highnes head,
    From foorth a gloomie cloude, which curtaine like
    Displaide it selfe, I sodainly espied
    1755Fiue Moones reflecting, as you sée them now:
    Euen in the moment that the Crowne was placte
    Gan they appeare, holding the course you see.
    Iohn What might portend these apparitions,
    Unvsuall signes, forerunners of euent,
    1760Presages of strange terror to the world:
    Beleeue me Lords the obiect feares me much.
    Philip thou toldst me of me of Wizzard late,
    Fetch in the man to descant of this show.
    Pembrooke The heauens frowne vpon the sinfull earth,
    1765When with prodigious vnaccustomd signes
    They spot their superficies with such wonder.
    Essex Before the ruines of Ierusalem,
    Such Meteors were the Ensignes of his wrath
    That hastned to destroy the faultfull Towne.
    1770 Enter the Bastard with the Prophet.
    Iohn Is this the man?
    Bastard It is my Lord.
    Iohn Prophet of Pomfret, for so I heare thou art,
    That calculatst of many things to come:
    1775Who by a power repleate with heauenly gift
    Canst
    of King Iohn.
    Canst blab the counsell of thy Makers will.
    If fame be true, or truth be wrongd by thee,
    Decide in cyphering what these fiue Moones
    Portend this Clyme, if they presage at all.
    1780Breath out thy gift, and if I liue to see
    Thy diuination take a true effect,
    Ile honour thee aboue all earthly men.
    Peter The Skie wherein these Moones haue residence,
    Presenteth Rome the great Metropolis,
    1785Where sits the Pope in all his holy pompe.
    Fowre of the Moones present fowre Prouinces,
    To wit, Spaine, Denmarke, Germanie, and Fraunce,
    That beare the yoke of proud commaunding Rome,
    And stand in feare to tempt the Prelates curse.
    1790The smallest Moone that whirles about the rest,
    Impatient of the place he holds with them,
    Doth figure foorth this Iland Albion,
    Who gins to scorne the Sea and State of Rome,
    And seekes to shun the Edicts of the Pope:
    1795This showes the heauen, and this I doo auerre
    Is figured in these apparitions.
    Iohn Why then it seemes the heauens smile on vs,
    Giuing applause for leauing of the Pope.
    But for they chaunce in our Meridian,
    1800Doo they effect no priuate growing ill
    To be inflicted on vs in this Clyme?
    Peter The Moones effect no more than what I said:
    But on some other knowledge that I haue
    By my prescience, ere Ascension day
    1805Haue brought the Sunne vnto his vsuall height,
    Of Crowne, Estate, and Royall dignitie,
    Thou shalt be cleane dispoyld and dispossest.
    Iohn False Dreamer, perish with thy witched newes,
    Uillaine thou woundst me with thy fallacies:
    1810If it be true, dye for thy tidings price;
    If false, for fearing me with vaine suppose:
    G 3 Hence
    The troublesome Raigne
    Hence with the Witch, hells damned secretarie.
    Lock him vp sure: for by my faith I sweare,
    True or not true, the Wizzard shall not liue.
    1815Before Ascension day: who should be cause hereof?
    Cut off the cause and then the effect will dye.
    Tut, tut, my mercie serues to maime my selfe,
    The roote doth liue, from whence these thornes spring vp,
    I and my promise past for his deliury:
    1820Frowne friends, faile faith, the diuell goe withall,
    The brat shall dye, that terrifies me thus.
    Pembrooke and Essex I recall my graunt,
    I will not buy your fauours with my feare:
    Nay murmur not, my will is law enough,
    1825I loue you well, but if I loude you better,
    I would not buy it with my discontent.
    Enter Hubert.
    How now, what newes with thee.
    Hubert According to your Highnes strickt commaund
    1830Yong Arthurs eyes are blinded and extinct.
    John Why so, then he may feele the crowne, but neuer sée it.
    Hubert Nor see nor féele, for of the extreame paine,
    Within one hower gaue he vp the Ghost.
    John What is he dead?
    1835Hubert He is my Lord.
    Iohn Then with him dye my cares.
    Essex Now ioy betide thy soule.
    Pembrooke And heauens reuenge thy death.
    Essex What haue you done my Lord? Was euer heard
    1840A deede of more inhumane consequence?
    Your foes will curse, your friends will crie reuenge.
    Unkindly rage more rough than Northern winde,
    To chip the beautie of so sweete a flower.
    What hope in vs for mercie on a fault,
    1845When kinsman dyes without impeach of cause,
    As you haue done, so come to chéere you with,
    The guilt shall neuer be cast me in my teeth. Exeunt.
    Iohn
    of King Iohn.
    Iohn And are you gone? The diuell be your guide:
    Proud Rebels as you are to braue me so:
    1850Saucie, vnciuill, checkers of my will.
    Your tongues giue edge vnto the fatall knife:
    That shall haue passage through your traitrous throats.
    But husht, breath not buggs words to soone abroad,
    Least time preuent the issue of thy reach.
    1855Arthur is dead, I there the corzie growes:
    But while he liude, the danger was the more;
    His death hath freed me from a thousand feares,
    But it hath purchast me ten times ten thousand foes.
    Why all is one, such luck shall haunt his game,
    1860To whome the diuell owes an open shame:
    His life a foe that leueld at my crowne,
    His death a frame to pull my building downe.
    My thoughts harpt still on quiet by his end,
    Who liuing aymed shrowdly at my roome:
    1865But to preuent that plea twice was I crownd,
    Twice did my subiects sweare me fealtie,
    And in my conscience loude me as their liege,
    In whose defence they would haue pawnd their liues.
    But now they shun me as a Serpents sting,
    1870A tragick Tyrant sterne and pitiles,
    And not a title followes after Iohn.
    But Butcher, bloudsucker and murtherer,
    What Planet gouernde my natiuitie,
    To bode me soueraigne types of high estate,
    1875So interlacte with hellish discontent,
    Wherein fell furie hath no interest.
    Curst be the Crowne chiefe author of my care,
    Nay curst my will that made the Crowne my care:
    Curst be my birthday, curst ten times the wombe
    1880That yeelded me aliue into the world.
    Art thou there villaine, Furies haunt thee still,
    For killing him whom all the world laments.
    Hubert
    The troublesome Raigne
    Hubert Why heres my Lord your Highnes hand & seale,
    Charging on liues regard to doo the deede.
    1885John Ah dull conceipted peazant knowst thou not,
    It was a damned execrable deede:
    Showst me a seale? Oh villaine, both our soules
    Haue solde their freedome to the thrall of hell,
    Under the warrant of that cursed seale.
    1890Hence villaine, hang thy selfe, and say in hell
    That I am comming for a kingdome there.
    Hubert My Lord attend the happie tale I tell,
    For heauens health send Sathan packing hence
    That instigates your Highnes to despaire.
    1895If Arthurs death be dismall to be heard,
    Bandie the newes for rumors of vntruth:
    He liues my Lord, the sweetest youth aliue,
    In health, with eysight, not a haire amisse.
    This hart tooke vigor from this forward hand,
    1900Making it weake to execute your charge.
    Iohn What liues he? Then sweete hope come hom agen,
    Chase hence despaire, the purueyer for hell.
    Hye Hubert, tell these tidings to my Lords
    That throb in passions for yong Arthurs death:
    1905Hence Hubert, stay not till thou hast reueald
    The wished newes of Arthurs happy health.
    I goe my selfe, the ioyfulst man aliue
    To storie out this new supposed crime. Exeunt.
    The ende of the first part.
    1910.1THE
    Second part of the
    troublesome Raigne of King
    Iohn, conteining the death
    1910.5of Arthur Plantaginet,
    the landing of Lewes, and
    the poysning of King
    Iohn at Swinstead
    Abbey.
    1910.10As it was (sundry times) publikely acted by the
    Queenes Maiesties Players, in the ho-
    nourable Citie of
    London.
    Imprinted at London for Sampson Clarke,
    1910.15and are to be solde at his shop, on the backe-
    side of the Royall Exchange.
    1591.
    To the Gentlemen Readers.
    THe changeles purpose of determinde Fate.
    1910.20Giues period to our care, or harts content,
    When heauens fixt time for this or that hath end:
    Nor can earths pomp or pollicie preuent
    The doome ordained in their secret will.
    Gentles we left King Iohn repleate with blisse
    1910.25That Arthur liude, whom he supposed slaine;
    And Hubert posting to returne those Lords,
    Who deemd him dead, and parted discontent:
    Arthur himselfe begins our latter Act,
    Our Act of outrage, desprate furie, death;
    1910.30Wherein fond rashnes murdreth first a Prince,
    And Monkish falsnes poysneth last a King.
    First Scene shews Arthurs death in infancie,
    And last concludes Iohns fatall tragedie.
    A 2
    The second part of the troublesome Raigne
    of King Iohn, containing the entrance of Lewes
    the French Kings sonne: with the poysoning of King
    Iohn by a Monke.
    1915Enter yong Arthur on the walls.
    NOw helpe good hap to further mine entent,
    Crosse not my youth with any more extreames:
    I venter life to gaine my libertie,
    And if I die, worlds troubles haue an end.
    1920Feare gins disswade the strength of my resolue,
    My holde will faile, and then alas I fall,
    And if I fall, no question death is next:
    Better desist, and liue in prison still.
    Prison said I? nay rather death than so:
    1925Comfort and courage come againe to me.
    Ile venter sure: tis but a leape for life.
    He leapes, and brusing his bones, after he was from
    his traunce, speakes thus;
    Hoe, who is nigh? some bodie take me vp.
    1930Where is my mother? let me speake with her.
    Who hurts me thus? speake hoe, where are you gone?
    Ay me poore Arthur, I am here alone.
    Why cald I mother, how did I forget?
    My fall, my fall, hath kilde my Mothers Sonne.
    1935How will she wéepe at tidings of my death?
    My death indéed, O God my bones are burst.
    A 3Swéete
    The troublesome Raigne
    Sweete Iesu saue my soule, forgiue my rash attempt.
    Comfort my Mother, shield her from despaire,
    When she shall heare my tragick ouerthrowe.
    1940My heart controules the office of my toong,
    My vitall powers forsake my brused trunck,
    I dye I dye, heauen take my fleeting soule,
    And Lady Mother all good hap to thee. He dyes.
    Enter Penbrooke, Salsburie, Essex.
    1945Essex My Lords of Penbroke and of Salsbury
    We must be carefull in our pollicie
    To vndermine the kepers of this place,
    Else shall we neuer find the Princes graue.
    Penbrooke My Lord of Essex take no care for that,
    1950I warrant you it was not closely done.
    But who is this? lo Lords the withered flowre
    Who in his life shinde like the Mornings blush,
    Cast out a doore, denide his buriall right,
    A pray for birds and beasts to gorge vpon.
    1955Salsburie O ruthfull spectacle, O damned deede;
    My sinnewes shake, my very heart doth bleede.
    Essex Leaue childish teares braue Lords of England,
    If waterfloods could fetch his life againe,
    My eyes should conduit foorth a sea of teares.
    1960If sobbs would helpe, or sorrowes serue the turne,
    My heart should volie out deepe piercing plaints.
    But bootlesse wert to breath as many sighes
    As might eclipse the brightest Sommers sunne,
    Heere rests the helpe, a seruice to his ghost.
    1965Let not the tyrant causer of this dole,
    Liue to triumph in ruthfull massacres,
    Giue hand and hart, and Englishmen to armes,
    Tis Gods decree to wreake vs of these harmes,
    Penbrok The best aduise: But who commes posting heere.
    Enter
    of King Iohn.
    1970Enter Hughbert.
    Right noble Lords, I speake vnto you all,
    The King intreates your soonest speed
    To visit him, who on your present want,
    Did ban and cursse his birth, himselfe and me.
    1975For executing of his strict commaund.
    I saw his passion, and at fittest time,
    Assurde him of his cousins being safe,
    Whome pittie would not let me doo to death,
    He craues your company my Lords in haste,
    1980To whome I will conduct young Arthur streight,
    Who is in health vnder my custodie.
    Essex In health base villaine, wert not I leaue thy crime
    To Gods reuenge, to whome reuenge belongs,
    Heere shouldst thou perish on my Rapires point.
    1985Calst thou this health? such health betide thy friends,
    And all that are of thy condition.
    Hughbert My Lords, but heare me speake, & kil me then,
    If heere I left not this yong Prince aliue,
    Maugre the hasty Edict of the King,
    1990Who gaue me charge to put out both his eyes,
    That God that gaue me liuing to this howre,
    Thunder reuenge vpon me in this place:
    And as I tenderd him with earnest loue,
    So God loue me, and then I shall be well.
    1995Sals. Hence traytor hence thy councel is herein. Exit Hughb.
    Some in this place appoynted by the King
    Haue throwne him from this lodging here aboue,
    And sure the murther hath bin newly done,
    For yet the body is not fully colde.
    2000Essex How say you Lords, shall we with speed dispatch
    Under our hands a packet into Fraunce
    To bid the Dolphin enter with his force
    To claime the Kingdome for his proper right,
    His title maketh lawfull strength thereto.
    2005Besides the Pope, on perill of his cursse,
    Hath
    The troublesome Raigne
    Hath bard vs of obedience vnto Iohn,
    This hatefull murder Lewes his true discent,
    The holy charge that wee receiude from Rome,
    Are weightie reasons if you like my reede,
    2010To make vs all perseuer in this deede.
    Pembrooke My Lord of Essex, well haue you aduisde,
    I will accord to further you in this.
    Salsbury And Salsbury will not gainsay the same.
    But aid that course as far foorth as he can.
    2015Essex Then each of vs send straight to his Allyes.
    To winne them to this famous enterprise,
    And let vs all yclad in Palmers weede,
    The tenth of April at Saint Edmonds Bury
    Meete to confer, and on the Altar there
    2020Sweare secrecie and aid to this aduise.
    Meane while let vs conueigh this body hence,
    And giue him buriall as befits his state,
    Keeping his months minde and his obsequies
    With solemne intercession for his soule.
    2025How say you Lordings, are you all agreed?
    Pembrooke The tenth of Aprill at Saint Edmonds Bury
    God letting not, I will not faile the time.
    Essex Then let vs all conuey the body hence. Exeunt.
    Enter King Iohn with two or three and the Prophet.
    2030Iohn Disturbed thoughts, foredoomers of mine ill,
    Distracted passions, signes of growing harmes,
    Strange Prophecies of imminent mishaps,
    Confound my wits, and dull my senses so,
    That euery obiect these mine eyes behold
    2035Séeme instruments to bring me to my end.
    Ascension day is come, Iohn feare not then
    The prodigies this pratling Prophet threates.
    Tis come indeede: ah were it fully past,
    Then were I careles of a thousand feares.
    The
    of King Iohn.
    2040The Diall tells me, it is twelue at noone.
    Were twelue at midnight past, then might I vaunt
    False seers prophecies of no import.
    Could I as well with this right hand of mine
    Remoue the Sunne from our Meridian,
    2045Unto the moonsted circle of thantipodes,
    As turne this steele from twelue to twelue agen,
    Then Iohn the date of fatall prophecies
    Should with the Prophets life together end.
    But Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque labra.
    2050Peter, vnsay thy foolish doting dreame,
    And by the Crowne of England héere I sweare,
    To make thee great, and greatest of thy kin.
    Peter King Iohn, although the time I haue prescribed
    Be but twelue houres remayning yet behinde,
    2055Yet do I know by inspiration,
    Ere that fixt time be fully come about,
    King Iohn shall not be King as heeretofore.
    Iohn Uain buzzard, what mischaunce can chaunce so soone
    To set a King beside his regall seate:
    2060My heart is good, my body passing strong,
    My land in peace, my enemies subdewd,
    Only my Barons storme at Arthurs death,
    But Arthur liues, I there the challenge growes,
    Were he dispatcht vnto his longest home,
    2065Then were the King secure of thousand foes.
    Hubert what news with thée, where are my Lords?
    Hubert Hard newes my Lord, Arthur the louely Prince
    Seeking to escape ouer the Castle walles,
    Fell headlong downe, and in the cursed fall
    2070He brake his bones, and there before the gate
    Your Barons found him dead, and breathlesse quite.
    Iohn Is Arthur dead? then Hubert without more words
    hang the Prophet.
    Away with Peter, villen out of my sight,
    2075I am deafe, be gone, let him not speake a word.
    BNow
    The troublesome Raigne
    Now Iohn, thy feares are vanisht into smoake,
    Arthur is dead, thou guiltlesse of his death.
    Swéete Youth, but that I striued for a Crowne,
    I could haue well affoorded to thine age
    2080Long life, and happines to thy content.
    Enter the Bastard.
    Iohn Philip, what newes with thee?
    Bastard The newes I heard was Peters prayers,
    Who wisht like fortune to befall vs all:
    2085And with that word, the rope his latest friend,
    Kept him from falling headlong to the ground.
    Iohn There let him hang, and be the Rauens food,
    While Iohn triumphs in spight of Prophecies.
    But whats the tidings from the Popelings now.
    2090What say the Monkes and Priests to our proceedings?
    Or wheres the Barons that so sodainly
    Did leaue the King vpon a false surmise?
    Bastard The Prelates storme & thrirst for sharpe reuẽge
    But please your Maiestie, were that the worst,
    2095It little skild: a greater danger growes,
    Which must be weeded out by carefull speede,
    Or all is lost, for all is leueld at.
    Iohn More frights and feares, what ere thy tidings be,
    I am preparde: then Philip quickly say,
    2100Meane they to murder, or imprison me,
    To giue my crowne away to Rome or Fraunce;
    Or will they each of them become a King?
    Worse than I thinke it is, it cannot be.
    Bastard Not worse my Lord, but euerie whit as bad.
    2105The Nobles haue elected Lewes King,
    In right of Ladie Blanche your Neece, his Wife:
    His landing is expected euery hower,
    The Nobles, Commons, Clergie, all Estates,
    Incited chiefely by the Cardinall,
    Pandulph
    of King Iohn.
    2110Pandulph that lies here Legate for the Pope,
    Thinks long to sée their new elected King.
    And for vndoubted proofe, sée here my Liege
    Letters to me from your Nobilitie,
    To be a partie in this action:
    2115Wha vnder show of fained holines,
    Appoynt their meeting at S. Edmonds Bury,
    There to consult, conspire, and conclude
    The ouerthrow and downfall of your State.
    Iohn Why so it must be: one hower of content
    2120Matcht with a month of passionate effects.
    Why shines the Sunne to fauour this consort?
    Why doo the windes not breake their brazen gates,
    And scatter all these periurd complices,
    With all their counsells and their damned drifts.
    2125But see the welkin rolleth gently on,
    Theres not a lowring clowde to frowne on them;
    The heauen, the earth, the sunne, the moone and all
    Conspire with those confederates my decay.
    Then hell for me if any power be there,
    2130Forsake that place, and guide me step by step
    To poyson, strangle, murder in their steps
    These traitors: oh that name is too good for them,
    And death is easie: is there nothing worse
    To wreake me on this proud peace-breaking crew?
    2135What saist thou Philip? why assists thou not,
    Bastard These curses (good my Lord) fit not the season:
    Help must descend from heauen against this treason?
    Iohn Nay thou wilt prooue a traitor with the rest,
    Goe get thee to them, shame come to you all.
    2140Bastard I would be loath to leaue your Highnes thus,
    Yet you command, and I though grieud will goe.
    Iohn Ah Philip whether goest thou, come againe.
    Bastard My Lord these motions are as passions of a mad (man.
    Iohn A mad man Philip, I am mad indeed,
    2145My hart is mazd, my senses all foredone.
    B 2And
    The troublesome Raigne
    And Iohn of England now is quite vndone.
    Was euer King as I opprest with cares?
    Dame Elianor my noble Mother Quéene,
    My onely hope and comfort in distresse,
    2150Is dead, and England excommunicate,
    And I am interdicted by the Pope,
    All Churches curst, their doores are sealed vp,
    And for the pleasure of the Romish Priest,
    The seruice of the Highest is neglected;
    2155The multitude (a beast of many heads)
    Doo wish confusion to their Soueraigne;
    The Nobles blinded with ambitions fumes,
    Assemble powers to beat mine Empire downe,
    And more than this, elect a forren King.
    2160O England, wert thou euer miserable,
    King Iohn of England sées thée miserable:
    Iohn, tis thy sinnes that makes it miserable,
    Quicquid delirunt Reges, plectuntur Achius.
    Philip, as thou hast euer loude thy King,
    2165So show it now: post to S. Edmonds Bury,
    Dissemble with the Nobles, know their drifts,
    Confound their diuelish plots, and damnd deuices.
    Though Iohn be faultie, yet let subiects beare,
    He will amend and right the peoples wrongs.
    2170A Mother though she were vnnaturall,
    Is better than the kindest Stepdame is:
    Let neuer Englishman trust forraine rule.
    Then Philip shew thy fealtie to thy King,
    And mongst the Nobles plead thou for the King.
    2175Bastard I goe my Lord: sée how he is distraught,
    This is the cursed Priest of Italy
    Hath heapt these mischiefes on this haplesse Land.
    Now Philip, hadst thou Tullyes eloquence,
    Then mightst thou hope to plead with good successe. Exit.
    2180Iohn And art thou gone? successe may follow thee:
    Thus hast thou shewd thy kindnes to thy King.
    Sirra,
    of King Iohn.
    Sirra, in hast goe greete the Cardinall,
    Pandulph I meane, the Legate from the Pope.
    Say that the King desires to speake with him.
    2185Now John bethinke thee how thou maist resolue:
    And if thou wilt continue Englands King,
    Then cast about to kéepe thy Diadem;
    For life and land, and all is leueld at.
    The Pope of Rome, tis he that is the cause,
    2190He curseth thee, he sets thy subiects free
    From due obedience to their Soueraigne:
    He animates the Nobles in their warres,
    He giues away the Crowne to Philips Sonne,
    And pardons all that seeke to murther thee:
    2195And thus blinde zeale is still predominant.
    Then Iohn there is no way to kéepe thy Crowne,
    But finely to dissemble with the Pope:
    That hand that gaue the wound must giue the salue
    To cure the hurt, els quite incurable.
    2200Thy sinnes are farre too great to be the man
    T'abolish Pope, and Popery from thy Realme:
    But in thy Seate, if I may gesse at all,
    A King shall raigne that shall suppresse them all.
    Peace John, here comes the Legate of the Pope,
    2205Dissemble thou, and whatsoere thou saist,
    Yet with thy heart wish their confusion.
    Enter Pandulph.
    Pand. Now Iohn, vnworthie man to breath on earth,
    That dost oppugne against thy Mother Church:
    2210Why am I sent for to thy cursed selfe?
    Iohn Thou man of God, Uicegerent for the Pope,
    The holy Uicar of S. Peters Church,
    Upon my knees, I pardon craue of thee,
    And doo submit me to the sea of Rome,
    2215Iud vow for penaunce of my high offence,
    B 3To
    The troublesome Raigne
    To take on me the holy Crosse of Christ,
    And cary Armes in holy Christian warres.
    Pandulph. No Iohn, thy crowching and dissembling thus
    Cannot deceiue the Legate of the Pope,
    2220Say what thou wilt, I will not credit thee:
    Thy Crowne and Kingdome both are tane away,
    And thou art curst without redemption.
    Iohn Accurst indéede to kneele to such a drudge,
    And get no help with thy submission,
    2225Unsheath thy sword, and sley the misprowd Priest
    That thus triumphs ore thée a mighty King:
    No Iohn submit againe dissemble yet,
    For Priests and Women must be flattered.
    Yet holy Father thou thy selfe dost know
    2230No time to late for sinners to repent,
    Absolue me then, and Iohn doth sweare to doo
    The vttermost what euer thou demaundst.
    Pandulph Iohn, now I see thy harty penitence,
    I rew and pitty thy distrest estate,
    2235One way is left to reconcile thy selfe,
    And only one which I shall shew to thee.
    Thou must surrender to the sea of Rome
    Thy Crowne and Diademe, then shall the Pope
    Defend thee from thinuasion of thy foes.
    2240And where his holinesse hath kindled Fraunce,
    And set thy subiects hearts at warre with thee,
    Then shall he cursse thy foes, and beate them downe,
    That seeke the discontentment of the King.
    Iohn From bad to woorse or I must loose my realme,
    2245Or giue my Crowne for pennance vnto Rome?
    A miserie more piercing than the darts
    That breake from burning exhalations power.
    What? shall I giue my Crowne with this right hand?
    No: with this hand defend thy Crowne and thee.
    2250What newes with thee.
    Enter
    of King Iohn.
    Enter Messenger.
    Please it your Maiestie, there is descried on the Coast of
    Kent an hundred Sayle of Ships, which of all men is
    thought to be the French Fleete, vnder the conduct of the
    2255Dolphin, so that it puts the Cuntrie in a mutinie, so they
    send to your Grace for succour.
    K. Iohn How now Lord Cardinall, whats your best aduise,
    These mutinies must be allayd in time
    By pollicy or headstrong rage at least.
    2260O Iohn, these troubles tyre thy wearyed soule,
    And like to Luna in a sad Eclipse,
    So are thy thoughts and passions for this newes.
    Well may it be when Kings are grieued so,
    The vulgar sort worke Princes ouerthrow.
    2265Cardinall K. Iohn, for not effecting of thy plighted vow,
    This strange annoyance happens to thy land:
    But yet be reconcild vnto the Church,
    And nothing shall be grieuous to thy state.
    Iohn On Pandulph be it as thou hast decreed,
    2270Iohn will not spurne against thy sound aduise,
    Come lets away, and with thy helpe I trow
    My Realme shall florish and my Crowne in peace.
    Enter the Nobles, Penbrooke, Essex, Chester, Bewchampe,
    Clare, with others.
    2275Penbrooke Now sweet S. Edmond holy Saint in heauen,
    Whose Shrine is sacred, high esteemd on earth,
    Infuse a constant zeale in all our hearts
    To prosecute this act of mickle waight,
    Lord Bewchampe say, what friends haue you procurde.
    2280Bewchamp. The L. Fitz Water, L. Percy, and L. Rosse,
    Uowd meeting heere this day the leuenth houre.
    Essex Under the cloke of holie Pilgrimage,
    By
    The troublesome Raigne
    By that same houre on warrant of their faith,
    Phillip Plantagenet, a bird of swiftest wing,
    2285Lord Eustace, Vescy, Lord Cressy, and Lord Mowbrey,
    Appoynted meeting at S. Edmonds Shrine.
    Pembroke Untill their presence ile conceale my tale,
    Sweete complices in holie Christian acts,
    That venture for the purchase of renowne,
    2290Thrice welcome to the league of high resolue,
    That pawne their bodies for their soules regard.
    Essex Now wanteth but the rest to end this worke,
    In Pilgrims habit commes our holie troupe
    A furlong hence with swift vnwonted pace,
    2295May be they are the persons you expect.
    Pembroke With swift vnwonted gate, sée what a thing is (zeale,
    That spurrs them on with feruence to this Shrine,
    Now ioy come to them for their true intent
    And in good time heere come the warmen all
    2300That sweate in body by the minds disease
    Hap and hartsease braue Lordings be your lot.
    Enter the Bastard Philip. & c.
    Amen my Lords, the like betide your lucke,
    And all that trauaile in a Christian cause.
    2305Essex Cheerely replied braue braunch of kingly stock,
    A right Plantaginet should reason so.
    But silence Lords, attend our commings cause,
    The seruile yoke that payned vs with toyle,
    On strong instinct hath framd this conuentickle,
    2310To ease our necks of seruitudes contempt.
    Should I not name the foeman of our rest,
    Which of you all so barraine in conceipt,
    As cannot leuell at the man I meane?
    But least Enigmas shadow shining truth
    2315Plainely to paint as truth requires no arte.
    Theffect of this resort importeth this,
    To roote and cleane extirpate tirant Iohn,
    Tirant I say, appealing to the man,
    If
    of King Iohn.
    If any heere that loues him, and I aske
    2320What kindship, lenitie, or christian raigne
    Rules in the man, to barre this foule impeach.
    First I inferre the Chesters bannishment:
    For reprehending him in most vnchristian crimes,
    Was speciall notice of a tyrants will.
    2325But were this all, the deuill should be saud,
    But this the least of many thousand faults,
    That circumstance with leisure might display.
    Our priuate wrongs, no parcell of my tale
    Which now in presence, but for some great cause
    2330Might wish to him as to a mortall foe.
    But shall I close the period with an acte
    Abhorring in the eares of Christian men,
    His Cosens death, that sweet vnguilty childe,
    Untimely butcherd by the tyrants meanes,
    2335Héere is my proofes as cleere as grauell brooke,
    And on the same I further must inferre,
    That who vpholds a tyrant in his course,
    Is culpable of all his damned guilt.
    To show the which, is yet to be describd.
    2340My Lord of Penbrooke shew what is behinde,
    Only I say that were there nothing else
    To moue vs but the Popes most dreadfull cursse,
    Whereof we are assured if we fayle,
    It were inough to instigate vs all
    2345With earnestnesse of sprit to seeke a meane
    To dispossesse Iohn of his regiment.
    Penbrooke Well hath my Lord of Essex tolde his tale,
    Which I auer for most substanciall truth,
    And more to make the matter to our minde,
    2350I say that Lewes in chalenge of his wife,
    Hath title of an vncontrouled plea
    To all that longeth to our English Crowne.
    Short tale to make, the Sea apostolick
    Hath offerd dispensation for the fault.
    CIf
    The troublesome Raigne
    2355If any be, as trust me none I know
    By planting Lewes in the Usurpers roome:
    This is the cause of all our presence héere,
    That on the holie Altar we protest
    To ayde the right of Lewes with goods and life,
    2360Who on our knowledge is in Armes for England.
    What say you Lords?
    Salsburie As Pembrooke sayth, affirmeth Salsburie:
    Faire Lewes of Fraunce that spoused Lady Blanch,
    Hath title of an vncontrouled strength
    2365To England, and what longeth to the Crowne:
    In right whereof, as we are true informd,
    The Prince is marching hitherward in Armes.
    Our purpose to conclude that with a word,
    Is to inuest him as we may deuise,
    2370King of our Countrey in the tyrants stead:
    And so the warrant on the Altar sworne,
    And so the intent for which we hither came.
    Bastard. My Lord of Salsbury, I cannot couch
    My speeches with the néedfull words of arte,
    2375As doth beseeme in such a waightie worke,
    But what my conscience and my dutie will
    I purpose to impart.
    For Chesters exile, blame his busie wit,
    That medled where his dutie quite forbade:
    2380For any priuate causes that you haue,
    Me thinke they should not mount to such a height,
    As to depose a King in their reuenge.
    For Arthurs death King Iohn was innocent,
    He desperat was the deathsman to himselfe,
    2385With you to make a colour to your crime iniustly do impute (to his default,
    But where fell traytorisme hath residence,
    There wants no words to set despight on worke.
    I say tis shame, and worthy all reproofe,
    To wrest such pettie wrongs in tearmes of right,
    2390Against a King annoynted by the Lord.
    Why
    of King Iohn.
    Why Salsburie admit the wrongs are true,
    Yet subiects may not take in hand reuenge,
    And rob the heauens of their proper power,
    Where sitteth he to whome reuenge belongs.
    2395And doth a Pope, a Priest, a man of pride
    Giue charters for the liues of lawfull Kings?
    What can he blesse, or who regards his cursse,
    But such as giue to man, and takes from God.
    I speake it in the sight of God aboue,
    2400Theres not a man that dyes in your beliefe,
    But sels his soule perpetually to payne.
    Ayd Lewes, leaue God, kill Iohn, please hell,
    Make hauock of the welfare of your soules,
    For héere I leaue you in the sight of heauen,
    2405A troupe of traytors foode for hellish feends;
    If you desist, then follow me as friends,
    If not, then doo your worst as hatefull traytors.
    For Lewes his right alas tis too too lame,
    A senselesse clayme, if truth be titles friend.
    2410In briefe, if this be cause of our resort,
    Our Pilgrimage is to the Deuils Shrine.
    I came not Lords to troup as traytors doo,
    Nor will I counsaile in so bad a cause:
    Please you returne, wee go againe as friends,
    2415If not, I to my King, and you where traytors please. Exit.
    Percy A hote young man, and so my Lords proceed,
    I let him go, and better lost then found.
    Penbrooke What say you Lords, will all the rest proceed,
    Will you all with me sweare vpon the Aulter
    2420That you wil to the death be ayd to Lewes, & enemy to Iohn?
    Euery man lay his hãd by mine, in witnes of his harts accord,
    Well then, euery man to Armes to meete the King
    Who is alreadie before London.
    Messenger Enter.
    2425Penbrooke What newes Harrold.
    C 2The
    The troublesome Raigne
    The right Christian Prince my Maister, Lewes of Fraunce, is
    at hand, comming to visit your Honors, directed hether by
    the right honorable Richard Earle of Bigot, to conferre
    with your Honors.
    2430Penbrooke How néere is his Highnesse,
    Messenger Ready to enter your presence.
    Enter Lewes, Earle Bigot, with his troupe.
    Lewes Faire Lords of England, Lewes salutes you all
    As friends, and firme welwillers of his weale,
    2435At whose request from plenty flowing Fraunce
    Crossing the Ocean with a Southern gale,
    He is in person come at your commaunds
    To vndertake and gratifie withall
    The fulnesse of your fauours proffred him.
    2440But worlds braue men, omitting promises,
    Till time be minister of more amends,
    I must acquaint you with our fortunes course.
    The heauens dewing fauours on my head,
    Haue in their conduct safe with victorie,
    2445Brought me along your well manured bounds,
    With small repulse, and little crosse of chaunce.
    Your Citie Rochester with great applause
    By some deuine instinct layd armes aside:
    And from the hollow holes of Thamesis
    2450Eccho apace replide Viue la roy.
    From thence, along the wanton rowling glade
    To Troynouant your fayre Metropolis,
    With luck came Lewes to shew his troupes of Fraunce,
    Wauing our Ensignes with the dallying windes,
    2455The fearefull obiect of fell frowning warre;
    Where after some assault, and small defence,
    Heauens may I say, and not my warlike troupe,
    Temperd their hearts to take a friendly foe
    Within the compasse of their high built walles,
    2460Geuing me title as it seemd they wish.
    Thus
    of King Iohn.
    Thus Fortune (Lords) acts to your forwardnes
    Meanes of content in lieu of former griefe:
    And may I liue but to requite you all,
    Worlds wish were mine in dying noted yours.
    2465Salisbury Welcome the balme that closeth vp our wounds,
    The soueraigne medcine for our quick recure,
    The anchor of our hope, the onely prop,
    Whereon depends our liues, our lands, our weale,
    Without the which, as sheepe without their heard,
    2470(Except a shepheard winking at the wolfe)
    We stray, we pine, we run to thousand harmes.
    No meruaile then though with vnwonted ioy,
    We welcome him that beateth woes away.
    Lewes Thanks to you all of this religious league,
    2475A holy knot of Catholique consent.
    I cannot name you Lordings, man by man,
    But like a stranger vnacquainted yet,
    In generall I promise faithfull loue:
    Lord Bigot, brought me to S Edmonds Shrine,
    2480Giuing me warrant of a Christian oath,
    That this assembly came deuoted heere,
    To sweare according as your packets showd,
    Homage and loyall seruice to our selfe,
    I néede not doubt the suretie of your wills;
    2485Since well I know for many of your sakes
    The townes haue yeelded on their owne accords:
    Yet for a fashion, not for misbeliefe,
    My eyes must witnes, and these eares must heare
    Your oath vpon the holy Altar sworne,
    2490And after march to end our commings cause.
    Sals. That we intend no other than good truth,
    All that are present of this holy League,
    For confirmation of our better trust,
    In presence of his Highnes sweare with me,
    2495The sequel that my selfe shal vtter heere.
    C 3Thomas
    The troublesome Raigne
    I Thomas Plantaginet Earle of Salisbury, sweare vpon the
    Altar, and by the holy Armie of Saints, homage and alleag-
    ance to the right Christian Prince Lewes of Fraunce, as true
    and rightfull King to England, Cornwall and Wales, & to their
    2500Territories, in the defence whereof I vppon the holy Altare
    sweare all forwardnes. All the Eng. Lords sweare,
    As the noble Earle hath sworne, so sweare we all.
    Lewes I rest assured on your holy oath,
    And on this Altar in like sort I sweare
    2505Loue to you all, and Princely recompence
    To guerdon your good wills vnto the full.
    And since I am at this religious Shrine,
    My good welwillers, giue vs leaue awhile
    To vse some orisons our selues apart
    2510To all the holy companie of heauen,
    That they will smile vpon our purposes,
    And bring them to a fortunate euent.
    Salsbury We leaue your Highnes to your good intent.
    Exeunt Lords of England.
    2515Lewes Now Uicount Meloun, what remaines behinde?
    Trust me these traitors to their souereigne State
    Are not to be beléeude in any sort.
    Meloun Indéed my Lord, they that infringe their oaths,
    And play the rebells gainst their natiue King,
    2520Will for as little cause reuolt from you,
    If euer opportunitie incite them so:
    For once forsworne, and neuer after sound,
    Theres no affiance after periurie.
    Lewes Well Meloun well, lets smooth with them awhile,
    2525Untill we haue asmuch as they can doo:
    And when their vertue is exhaled drie,
    Ile hang them for the guerdon of their help,
    Meane while wee'l vse them as a precious poyson
    To vndertake the issue of our hope.
    2530Fr. Lord Tis policie (my Lord) to bait our hookes
    With merry smiles, and promise of much waight:
    But
    of King Iohn.
    But when your Highnes needeth them no more,
    Tis good make sure work with them, least indeede
    They prooue to you as to their naturall King.
    2535Melun Trust me my Lord, right well haue you aduisde
    Uenyme for vse, but neuer for a sport
    Is to be dallyed with, least it infect.
    Were you instald, as soone I hope you shall:
    Be free from traitors, and dispatch them all.
    2540Lewes That so I meane, I sweare before you all
    On this same Altar, and by heauens power,
    Theres not an English traytor of them all,
    Iohn once dispatcht, and I faire Englands King,
    Shall on his shoulders beare his head one day,
    2545But I will crop it for their guilts desert:
    Nor shall their heires enioy their Signories,
    But perish by their parents fowle amisse.
    This haue I sworne, and this will I performe,
    If ere I come vnto the height I hope.
    2550Lay downe your hands, and sweare the same with mee.
    The French Lords sweare.
    Why so, now call them in, and speake them faire,
    A smile of France will feed an English foole.
    Beare them in hand as friends, for so they be:
    2555But in the hart like traytors as they are.
    Enter the English Lords.
    Now famous followers, chieftaines of the world,
    Haue we sollicited with heartie prayer
    The heauen in fauour of our high attempt.
    2560Leaue we this place, and march we with our power
    To rowse the Tyrant from his chiefest hold:
    And when our labours haue a prosprous end,
    Each man shall reape the fruite of his desert.
    And so resolude, braue followers let vs hence.
    Enter
    The troublesome Raigne
    2565 Enter K. Iohn, Bastard, Pandulph, and a many priests
    with them.
    Thus Iohn thou art absolude from all thy sinnes,
    And freed by order from our Fathers curse.
    Receiue thy Crowne againe, with this prouiso,
    2570That thou remaine true liegeman to the Pope,
    And carry armes in right of holy Rome.
    Iohn I holde the same as tenaunt to the Pope,
    And thanke your Holines for your kindnes showne.
    Philip A proper iest, when Kings must stoop to Friers,
    2575Neede hath no law, when Friers must be Kings.
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. Please it your Maiestie, the Prince of Fraunce,
    With all the Nobles of your Graces Land,
    Are marching hetherward in good aray.
    2580Where ere they set their foote, all places yéeld:
    Thy Land is theirs, and not a foote holds out
    But Douer Castle, which is hard besiegd.
    Pandulph Feare not King Iohn, thy kingdome is ye popes,
    And they shall know his Holines hath power,
    2585To beate them soone from whence he hath to doo.
    Drums and Trumpets. Enter Lewes, Melun, Salis-
    bury, Essex, Pembrooke, and all the Nobles from
    Fraunce, and England.
    Lewes Pandulph, as gaue his Holines in charge,
    2590So hath the Dolphin mustred vp his troupes
    And wonne the greatest part of all this Land.
    But ill becomes your Grace Lord Cardinall,
    Thus to conuerse with Iohn that is accurst.
    Pandulph
    of King Iohn.
    Pandulph Lewes of France, victorious Conqueror,
    2595Whose sword hath made this Iland quake for fear;
    Thy forwardnes to fight for holy Rome,
    Shalbe remunerated to the full:
    But know my Lord, K. Iohn is now absolude,
    The Pope is pleasde, the Land is blest agen,
    2600And thou hast brought each thing to good effect.
    It resteth then that thou withdraw thy powers,
    And quietly returne to Fraunce againe:
    For all is done the Pope would wish thée doo.
    Lewes But als not done that Lewes came to doo.
    2605Why Pandulph, hath K. Philip sent his sonne
    And been at such excessiue charge in warres,
    To be dismist with words? K. Iohn shall know,
    England is mine, and he vsurps my right.
    Pand. Lewes, I charge thee and thy complices
    2610Upon the paine of Pandulphs holy curse,
    That thou withdraw thy powers to Fraunce againe,
    And yeeld vp London and the neighbour Townes
    That thou hast tane in England by the sword.
    Melun Lord Cardinall, by Lewes princely leaue,
    2615It can be nought but vsurpation
    In thee, the Pope, and all the Church of Rome,
    Thus to insult on Kings of Christendome,
    Now with a word to make them carie armes,
    Then with a word to make them leaue their armes.
    2620This must not be: Prince Lewes keepe thine owne,
    Let Pope and Popelings curse their bellyes full.
    Bast. My Lord of Melun, what title had the Prince
    To England and the Crowne of Albion,
    But such a title as the Pope confirmde:
    2625The Prelate now lets fall his fained claime:
    Lewes is but the agent for the Pope,
    Then must the Dolphin cease, sith he hath ceast:
    But cease or no, it greatly matters not,
    If you my Lords and Barrons of the Land
    DWill
    The troublesome Raigne
    2630Will leaue the French, and cleaue vnto your King.
    For shame ye Peeres of England, suffer not
    Your selues, your honours, and your land to fall:
    But with resolued thoughts beate back the French,
    And free the Land from yoke of seruitude.
    2635Salisbury Philip, not so, Lord Lewes is our King,
    And we will follow him vnto the death.
    Pand. Then in the name of Innocent the Pope,
    I curse the Prince and all that take his part,
    And excommunicate the rebell Peeres
    2640As traytors to the King, and to the Pope.
    Lewes Pandolph, our swords shall blesse our selues agen:
    Prepare thee Iohn, Lords follow me your King. Exeunt.
    Iohn Accursed Iohn, the diuell owes thée shame,
    Resisting Rome, or yeelding to the Pope, alls one.
    2645The diuell take the Pope, the Peeres, and Fraunce:
    Shame be my share for yeelding to the Priest.
    Pand. Comfort thy self K. Iohn, the Cardnall goes
    Upon his curse to make them leaue their armes. Exit.
    Bastard Comfort my Lord, and curse the Cardinall,
    2650Betake your self to armes, my troupes are prest
    To answere Lewes with a lustie shocke:
    The English Archers haue their quiuers full,
    Their bowes are bent, the pykes are prest to push:
    God chéere my Lord, K. Richards fortune hangs
    2655Upon the plume of warlike Philips helme.
    Then let them know his brother and his sonne
    Are leaders of the Englishmen at armes.
    Iohn Philip I know not how to answere thee:
    But let vs hence, to answere Lewes pride.
    2660 Excursions. Enter Meloun with English Lords.
    Mel. O I am slaine, Nobles, Salsbury, Pembrooke,
    My soule is charged, heare me: for what I say
    Concernes the Peeres of England, and their State.
    Listen
    of King Iohn.
    Listen, braue Lords, a fearfull mourning tale
    2665To be deliuered by a man of death.
    Behold these scarres, the dole of bloudie Mars
    Are harbingers from natures common foe,
    Cyting this trunke to Tellus prison house;
    Lifes charter (Lordings) lasteth not an hower:
    2670And fearfull thoughts, forerunners of my end,
    Bids me giue Phisicke to a sickly soule.
    O Peeres of England, know you what you doo,
    Theres but a haire that sunders you from harme,
    The hooke is bayted, and the traine is made,
    2675And simply you runne doating to your deaths.
    But least I dye, and leaue my tale vntolde,
    With silence slaughtering so braue a crew,
    This I auerre, if Lewes win the day,
    Theres not an Englishman that lifts his hand
    2680Against King Iohn to plant the heire of Fraunce,
    But is already damnd to cruell death.
    I heard it vowd; my self amongst the rest
    Swore on the Altar aid to this Edict.
    Two causes Lords, makes me display this drift,
    2685The greatest for the freedome of my soule,
    That longs to leaue this mansion free from guilt:
    The other on a naturall instinct,
    For that my Grandsire was an Englishman.
    Misdoubt not Lords the truth of my discourse,
    2690No frenzie, nor no brainsick idle fit,
    But well aduisde, and wotting what I say,
    Pronounce I here before the face of heauen,
    That nothing is discouered but a truth.
    Tis time to flie, submit your selues to Iohn,
    2695The smiles of Fraunce shade in the frownes of death,
    Lift vp your swords, turne face against the French,
    Expell the yoke thats framed for your necks.
    Back warmen, back, imbowell not the clyme,
    Your seate, your nurse, your birth dayes breathing place,
    D 2That
    The troublesome Raigne
    2700That bred you, beares you, brought you vp in armes.
    Ah be not so ingrate to digge your Mothers graue,
    Preserue your lambes and beate away the Wolfe.
    My soule hath said, contritions penitence
    Layes hold on mans redemption for my sinne.
    2705Farewell my Lords, witnes my faith when wee are met in (heauen,
    And for my kindnes giue me graue roome heere.
    My soule doth fleete, worlds vanities farewell.
    Sals. Now ioy betide thy soule wel-meaning man.
    Now now my Lords, what cooling card is this,
    2710A greater griefe growes now than earst hath been.
    What counsell giue you, shall we stay and dye?
    Or shall we home, and kneele vnto the King.
    Pemb. My hart misgaue this sad accursed newes:
    What haue we done, fie Lords, what frenzie moued
    2715Our hearts to yeeld vnto the pride of Fraunce?
    If we perseuer, we are sure to dye:
    If we desist, small hope againe of life.
    Salsb. Beare hence the bodie of this wretched man,
    That made vs wretched with his dying tale,
    2720And stand not wayling on our present harmes,
    As women wont: but seeke our harmes redresse.
    As for my selfe, I will in hast be gon:
    And kneele for pardon to our Souereigne Iohn.
    Pemb. I, theres the way, lets rather kneele to him,
    2725Than to the French that would confound vs all. Exeunt.
    Enter King Iohn carried betweene 2. Lords.
    Iohn Set downe, set downe the load not worth your pain,
    For done I am with deadly wounding griefe:
    Sickly and succourles, hopeles of any good,
    2730The world hath wearied me, and I haue wearied it:
    It loaths I liue, I liue and loath my selfe.
    Who pities me? to whom haue I been kinde?
    But to a few; a few will pitie me.
    Why dye I not? Death scornes so vilde a pray.
    Why
    of King Iohn.
    2735Why liue I not, life hates so sad a prize.
    I sue to both to be retaynd of either,
    But both are deafe, I can be heard of neither.
    Nor death nor life, yet life and neare the neere,
    Ymixt with death biding I wot not where.
    2740Philip. How fares my Lord that he is caryed thus,
    Not all the aukward fortunes yet befalne,
    Made such impression of lament in me.
    Nor euer did my eye attaynt my heart
    With any obiect mouing more remorse,
    2745Than now beholding of a mighty King,
    Borne by his Lords in such distressed state.
    Iohn What news with thee, if bad, report if straite:
    If good, be mute, it doth but flatter me.
    Phillip Such as it is, and heauie though it be
    2750To glut the world with tragick elegies,
    Once will I breath to agrauate the rest,
    Another moane to make the measure full.
    The brauest bowman had not yet sent forth
    Two arrowes from the quiuer at his side,
    2755But that a rumor went throughout our Campe,
    That Iohn was fled, the King had left the field.
    At last the rumor scald these eares of mine,
    Who rather chose as sacrifice for Mars,
    Than ignominious scandall by retyre.
    2760I cheerd the troupes as did the Prince of Troy
    His weery followers gainst the Mirmidons,
    Crying alowde S. George, the day is ours.
    But feare had captiuated courage quite,
    And like the Lamb before the greedie Wolfe,
    2765So hartlesse fled our warmen from the feeld.
    Short tale to make, my selfe amongst the rest,
    Was faine to flie before the eager foe.
    By this time night had shadowed all the earth,
    With sable curteines of the blackest hue,
    2770And fenst vs from the fury of the French,
    D 3As
    The troublesome Raigne
    As Io from the iealous Iunos eye, -- renumber from here
    When in the morning our troupes did gather head,
    Passing the washes with our carriages,
    The impartiall tyde deadly and inexorable,
    2775Came raging in with billowes threatning death,
    And swallowed vp the most of all our men,
    My selfe vpon a Galloway right frée, well pacde,
    Out stript the flouds that followed waue by waue,
    I so escapt to tell this tragick tale.
    2780Iohn Griefe vpon griefe, yet none so great a griefe,
    To end this life, and thereby rid my griefe.
    Was euer any so infortunate,
    The right Idea of a curssed man,
    As I, poore I, a triumph for despight,
    2785My feuer growes, what ague shakes me so?
    How farre to Swinsteed, tell me do you know,
    Present vnto the Abbot word of my repaire.
    My sicknesse rages, to tirannize vpon me,
    I cannot liue vnlesse this feuer leaue me.
    2790Phillip. Good cheare my Lord, the Abbey is at hand,
    Behold my Lord the Churchmen come to meete you.
    Enter the Abbot, and certayne Monks.
    Abbot All health & happines to our soueraigne Lord the (King,
    Iohn Nor health nor happines hath Iohn at all.
    2795Say Abbot am I welcome to thy house.
    Abbot Such welcome as out Abbey can affoord,
    Your Maiesty shalbe assured of.
    Phillip The King thou seest is weake and very faint,
    What victuals hast thou to refresh his Grace.
    2800Abbot Good store my Lord, of that you neede not feare,
    For Lincolneshire, and these our Abbey grounds
    Were neuer fatter, nor in better plight.
    Iohn Phillip, thou neuer needst to doubt of cates,
    Nor King nor Lord is seated halfe so well,
    2805As are the Abbeys throughout all the land,
    If any plot of ground do passe another,
    The
    of King Iohn.
    The Friers fasten on it streight:
    But let vs in to taste of their repast,
    It goes against my heart to feed with them,
    2810Or be beholding to such Abbey groomes. Exeunt.
    Manet the Monke.
    Monk. Is this the King that neuer loud a Frier?
    Is this the man that doth contemne the Pope?
    Is this the man that robd the holy Church,
    2815And yet will flye vnto a Friory?
    Is this the King that aymes at Abbeys lands?
    Is this the man whome all the world abhorres,
    And yet will flye vnto a Friory?
    Accurst be Swinsteed Abbey, Abbot, Friers,
    2820Moncks, Nuns, and Clarks, and all that dwells therein,
    If wicked Iohn escape aliue away.
    Now if that thou wilt looke to merit heauen,
    And be canonizd for a holy Saint:
    To please the world with a deseruing worke,
    2825Be thou the man to set thy cuntrey free,
    And murder him that seekes to murder thee.
    Enter the Abbot.
    Abbot Why are not you within to cheare the King?
    He now begins to mend, and will to meate.
    2830Monk What if I say to strangle him in his sleepe?
    Abbot What at thy mumpsimus? away,
    And seeke some meanes for to pastime the King.
    Monk Ile set a dudgeon dagger at his heart,
    And with a mallet knock him on the head.
    2835Abbot Alas, what meanes this Monke to murther me?
    Dare lay my life heel kill me for my place.
    Monk Ile poyson him, and it shall neare be knowne,
    And then shall I be chiefest of my house.
    Abbot If I were dead, indeed he is the next,
    2840But ile away, for why the Monke is mad,
    And in his madnesse he will murther me.
    Monk My
    The troublesome Raigne
    Monk My L. I cry your Lordship mercy, I saw you not.
    Abbot Alas good Thomas doo not murther me, and thou
    shalt haue my place with thousand thanks.
    2845Monk I murther you, God sheeld from such a thought.
    Abbot If thou wilt needes, yet let me say my prayers.
    Monk I will not hurt your Lordship good my Lord: but
    if you please, I will impart a thing that shall be beneficiall to
    vs all.
    2850Abbot Wilt thou not hurt me holy Monke, say on.
    Monk You know my Lord the King is in our house,
    Abbot True.
    Monk You know likewise the King abhors a Frier,
    Abbot True.
    2855Monk And he that loues not a Frier is our enemy.
    Abbot Thou sayst true.
    Monk Then the King is our enemy.
    Abbot True.
    Monk Why then should we not kil our enemy, & the King
    2860being our enemy, why then should we not kill the King.
    Abbot O blessed Monke, I see God moues thy minde to
    free this land from tyrants slauery.
    But who dare venter for to do this deede?
    Monk Who dare? why I my Lord dare do the deede,
    2865Ile free my Countrey and the Church from foes,
    And merit heauen by killing of a King.
    Abbot Thomas kneele downe, and if thou art resolude,
    I will absolue thee heere from all thy sinnes,
    For why the deede is meritorious.
    2870Forward and feare not man, for euery month,
    Our Friers shall sing a Masse for Thomas soule.
    Monk God and S. Francis prosper my attempt,
    For now my Lord I goe about my worke. Exeunt.
    Enter Lewes and his armie.
    2875Lewes Thus victory in bloudy Lawrell clad,
    Followes the fortune of young Lodowicke,
    The Englishmen as daunted at our sight,
    Fall
    of King Iohn.
    Fall as the fowle before the Eagles eyes.
    Only two crosses of contrary change
    2880Do nip my heart, and vexe me with vnrest.
    Lord Melons death, the one part of my soule,
    A brauer man did neuer liue in Fraunce.
    The other griefe, I thats a gall in deede,
    To thinke that Douer Castell should hold out
    2885Gainst all assaults, and rest impregnable.
    Yee warlike race of Francus Hectors sonne,
    Triumph in conquest of that tyrant Iohn,
    The better halfe of England is our owne,
    And towards the conquest of the other part,
    2890We haue the face of all the English Lords,
    What then remaines but ouerrun the land.
    Be resolute my warlike followers,
    And if good fortune serue as she begins,
    The poorest peasant of the Realme of Fraunce
    2895Shall be a maister ore an English Lord.
    Enter a Messenger.
    Lewes Fellow what newes.
    Messen. Pleaseth your Grace, the Earle of Salsbury, Pen-,
    broke, Essex, Clare, and Arundell, with all the Barons that did
    2900fight for thee, are on a suddeine fled with all their powers, to
    ioyne with Iohn, to driue thee back againe.
    Enter another Messenger.
    Messen. Lewes my Lord why standst thou in a maze,
    Gather thy troups, hope out of help from Fraunce,
    2905For all thy forces being fiftie sayle,
    Conteyning twenty thousand souldyers,
    With victuall and munition for the warre,
    Putting from Callis in vnluckie time,
    Did crosse the seas, and on the Goodwin sands,
    2910The men, munition, and the ships are lost.
    Enter another Messenger.
    Lewes More newes? say on.
    Messen. Iohn (my Lord) with all his scattered troupes,
    EFlying
    The troublesome Raigne
    Flying the fury of your conquering sword,
    2915As Pharaoh earst within the bloody sea,
    So he and his enuironed with the tyde,
    On Lincolne washes all were ouerwhelmed,
    The Barons fled, our forces cast away.
    Lewes Was euer heard such vnexspected newes?
    2920Messenger Yet Lodowike reuiue thy dying heart,
    King Iohn and all his forces are consumde.
    The lesse thou néedst the ayd of English Earles,
    The lesse thou néedst to grieue thy Nauies wracke,
    And follow tymes aduantage with successe.
    2925Lewes Braue Frenchmen armde with magnanimitie,
    March after Lewes who will leade you on
    To chase the Barons power that wants a head,
    For Iohn is drownd, and I am Englands King.
    Though our munition and our men be lost,
    2930Phillip of Fraunce will send vs fresh supplyes. Exeunt.
    Enter two Friers laying a Cloth.
    Frier Dispatch, dispatch, the King desires to eate,
    Would a might eate his last for the loue hee beares to
    Churchmen.
    2935Frier I am of thy minde to, and so it should be and we
    might be our owne caruers.
    I meruaile why they dine heere in the Orchard.
    Frier I know not, nor I care not. The King coms.
    Iohn Come on Lord Abbot, shall we sit together?
    2940Abbot Pleaseth your Grace sit downe.
    Iohn Take your places sirs, no pomp in penury, all beg-
    gers and friends may come, where necessitie keepes the
    house, curtesie is bard the table, sit downe Phillip.
    Bast. My Lord, I am loth to allude so much to ye prouerb
    2945honors change maners: a King is a King, though fortune do
    her worst, and we as dutifull in despight of her frowne, as if
    your hignesse were now in the highest type of dignitie.
    Iohn Come, no more ado, and you tell me much of digni-
    tie, youle mar my appetite in a surfet of sorrow.
    What
    of King Iohn.
    2950What cheere Lord Abbot, me thinks you frowne like an host
    that knowes his guest hath no money to pay the reckning?
    Abbot No my Liege, if I frowne at all, it is for I feare
    this cheere too homely to entertaine so mighty a guest as
    your Maiesty.
    2955Bastard I thinke rather my Lord Abbot you remember
    my last being heere, when I went in progresse for powtches,
    and the rancor of his heart breakes out in his countenance,
    to shew he hath not forgot me.
    Abbot Not so my Lord, you, and the meanest follower
    2960of his maiesty, are hartely welcome to me.
    Monke Wassell my Liege, and as a poore Monke may
    say, welcome to Swinsted.
    Iohn Begin Monke, and report hereafter thou wast taster
    to a King.
    2965Monk As much helth to your highnes, as to my own hart.
    Iohn I pledge thee kinde Monke.
    Monke The meriest draught yt euer was dronk in Englãd.
    Am I not too bold with your Highnesse.
    Iohn Not a whit, all friends and fellowes for a time.
    2970Monke If the inwards of a Toad be a compound of any
    proofe: why so it works.
    Iohn Stay Phillip wheres the Monke?
    Bastard He is dead my Lord.
    Iohn Then drinke not Phillip for a world of wealth.
    2975Bast. What cheere my Liege, your cullor gins to change.
    Iohn So doth my life, O Phillip I am poysond.
    The Monke, the Deuill, the poyson gins to rage,
    It will depose my selfe a King from raigne.
    Bastard This Abbot hath an interest in this act.
    2980At all aduentures take thou that from me.
    There lye the Abbot, Abbey, Lubber, Deuill.
    March with the Monke vnto the gates of hell.
    How fares my Lord?
    Iohn Phillip some drinke, oh for the frozen Alps,
    2985To tumble on and coole this inward heate,
    That rageth as the fornace seuenfold hote.
    E 2To
    The troublesome Raigne
    To burne the holy tree in Babylon,
    Power after power forsake their proper power,
    Only the hart impugnes with faint resist
    2990The fierce inuade of him that conquers Kings,
    Help God, O payne, dye Iohn, O plague
    Inflicted on thee for thy grieuous sinnes.
    Phillip a chayre, and by and by a graue,
    My leggs disdaine the carriage of a King.
    2995Bastard. A good my Lege with patience conquer griefe,
    And beare this paine with kingly fortitude.
    Iohn Me thinks I see a cattalogue of sinne
    Wrote by a fiend in Marble characters,
    The least enough to loose my part in heauen.
    3000Me thinks the Deuill whispers in mine eares
    And tels me tis in vayne to hope for grace,
    I must be damnd for Arthurs sodaine death,
    I see I see a thousand thousand men
    Come to accuse me for my wrong on earth,
    3005And there is none so mercifull a God
    That will forgiue the number of my sinnes.
    How haue I liud, but by anothers losse?
    What haue I loud but wrack of others weale?
    When haue I vowd, and not infringd mine oath?
    3010Where haue I done a deede deseruing well?
    How, what, when, and where, haue I bestowd a day
    That tended not to some notorious ill.
    My life repleat with rage and tyranie,
    Craues little pittie for so strange a death.
    3015Or who will say that Iohn disceasd too soone,
    Who will not say he rather liud too long.
    Dishonor did attaynt me in my life,
    And shame attendeth Iohn vnto his death.
    Why did I scape the fury of the French,
    3020And dyde not by the temper of their swords?
    Shamelesse my life, and shamefully it ends,
    Scornd by my foes, disdained of my friends.
    Bastard
    of King Iohn.
    Bastard Forgiue the world and all your earthly foes,
    And call on Christ, who is your latest friend.
    3025Iohn My tongue doth falter: Philip, I tell thee man,
    Since Iohn did yeeld vnto the Priest of Rome,
    Nor he nor his haue prospred on the earth:
    Curst are his blessings, and his curse is blisse.
    But in the spirit I cry vnto my God,
    3030As did the Kingly Prophet Dauid cry,
    (Whose hands, as mine, with murder were attaint)
    I am not he shall buyld the Lord a house,
    Or roote these Locusts from the face of earth:
    But if my dying heart deceaue me not,
    3035From out these loynes shall spring a Kingly braunch
    Whose armes shall reach vnto the gates of Rome,
    And with his feete treads downe the Strumpets pride,
    That sits vpon the chaire of Babylon.
    Philip, my heart strings breake, the poysons flame
    3040Hath ouercome in me weake Natures power,
    And in the faith of Iesu Iohn doth dye.
    Bastard Sée how he striues for life, vnhappy Lord,
    Whose bowells are deuided in themselues.
    This is the fruite of Poperie, when true Kings
    3045Are slaine and shouldred out by Monkes and Friers.
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. Please it your Grace, the Barons of the Land,
    Which all this while bare armes against the King,
    Conducted by the Legate of the Pope,
    3050Together with the Prince his Highnes Sonne,
    Doo craue to be admitted to the presence of the King.
    Bastard Your Sonne my Lord, yong Henry craues to sée
    Your Maiestie, and brings with him beside
    The Barons that reuolted from your Grace.
    3055O piercing sight, he fumbleth in the mouth,
    His speech doth faile: lift vp your selfe my Lord,
    E 3And
    The troublesome Raigne
    And sée the Prince to comfort you in death.
    Enter Pandulph, yong Henry, the Barons with daggers
    in their hands.
    3060Prince O let me see my Father ere he dye:
    O Unckle were you here, and sufferd him
    To be thus poysned by a damned Monke.
    Ah he is dead, Father sweete Father speake.
    Bastard His speach doth faile, he hasteth to his end.
    3065Pandulph Lords, giue me leaue to ioy the dying King,
    With sight of these his Nobles knéeling here
    With daggers in their hands, who offer vp
    Their liues for ransome of their fowle offence.
    Then good my Lord, if you forgiue them all,
    3070Lift vp your hand in token you forgiue.
    Salisbury We humbly thanke your royall Maiestie,
    And vow to fight for England and her King:
    And in the sight of Iohn our soueraigne Lord,
    In spight of Lewes and the power of Fraunce
    3075Who hetherward are marching in all hast,
    We crowne yong Henry in his Fathers sted.
    Henry Help, help, he dyes, a Father, looke on me.
    Legat K. Iohn farewell: in token of thy faith,
    And signe thou dyest the seruant of the Lord,
    3080Lift vp thy hand, that we may witnes here
    Thou dyedst the seruant of our Sauiour Christ.
    Now ioy betide thy soule: what noyse is this?
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. Help Lords, the Dolphin maketh hetherward
    3085With Ensignes of defiance in the winde,
    And all our armie standeth at a gaze
    Expecting what their Leaders will commannd.
    Bastard Lets arme our selues in yong K. Henries right,
    And
    of King Iohn.
    And beate the power of Fraunce to sea againe.
    3090Legat Philip not so, but I will to the Prince,
    And bring him face to face to parle with you.
    Bastard Lord Salsbury, your selfe shall march with me,
    So shall we bring these troubles to an ende.
    King Sweete Unckle, if thou loue thy Soueraigne,
    3095Let not a stone of Swinsted Abbey stand,
    But pull the house about the Friers eares:
    For they haue kilde my Father and my King. Exeunt.
    A parle sounded, Lewes, Pandulph, Salsbury, &c.
    Pandulph Lewes of Fraunce, yong Henry Englands King
    3100Requires to know the reason of the claime
    That thou canst make to any thing of his.
    King Iohn that did offend is dead and gone,
    See where his breathles trunke in presence lyes,
    And he as heire apparant to the crowne
    3105Is now succeeded in his Fathers roome.
    Henry Lewes, what law of Armes doth lead thée thus,
    To keepe possession of my lawfull right?
    Answere in fine if thou wilt take a peace,
    And make surrender of my right againe,
    3110Or trie thy title with the dint of sword?
    I tell thée Dolphin, Henry feares thée not,
    For now the Barons cleaue vnto their King,
    And what thou hast in England they did get.
    Lewes Henry of England, now that Iohn is dead,
    3115That was the chiefest enemie to Fraunce,
    I may the rather be inducde to peace.
    But Salsbury, and you Barons of the Realme.
    This strange reuolt agrees not with the oath
    That you on Bury Altare lately sware.
    3120Salsbury Nor did the oath your Highnes there did take
    Agree with honour of the Prince of Fraunce.
    Bastard My Lord, what answere make you to the King.
    Dolphin
    The troublesome Raigne
    Dolphin Faith Philip this I say: It bootes not me,
    Nor any Prince, nor power of Christendome
    3125To seeke to win this Iland Albion,
    Unles he haue a partie in the Realme
    By treason for to help him in his warres.
    The Péeres which were the partie on my side,
    Are fled from me: then bootes not me to fight,
    3130But on conditions, as mine honour wills,
    I am contented to depart the Realme.
    Henry On what conditions will your Highnes yeeld?
    Lewes That shall we thinke vpon by more aduice.
    Bastard Then Kings & Princes, let these broils haue end,
    3135And at more leasure talke vpon the League.
    Meane while to Worster let vs beare the King,
    And there interre his bodie, as beseemes.
    But first, in sight of Lewes heire of Fraunce,
    Lords take the crowne, and set it on his head,
    3140That by succession is our lawfull King.
    They crowne yong Henry.
    Thus Englands peace begins in Henryes Raigne,
    And bloody warres are closde with happie league.
    Let England liue but true within it selfe,
    3145And all the world can neuer wrong her State.
    Lewes, thou shalt be brauely shipt to France,
    For neuer Frenchman got of English ground
    The twentith part that thou hast conquered.
    Dolphin thy hand, to Worster we will march,
    3150Lords all lay hands to beare your Soueraigne
    With obsequies of honor to his graue:
    If Englands Peeres and people ioyne in one,
    Nor Pope, nor Fraunce, nor Spaine can doo them wrong.
    FINIS.
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