QueenʼsMen Editions

Toolbox




Jump to line
Through Line Number
Help on texts
About this text
Print this page

About this text

  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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.

    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
    About
    Contact us
    © Queen's Men Editions
    Published by the ISE
    Copyright details
    Privacy policy
    This site is supported by:
    Friends of the ISE
    McMaster University
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
    University of Toronto
    Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies
    University of Victoria