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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    Not Peer Reviewed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))

    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
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