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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    Not Peer Reviewed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))

    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
    Enter