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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    Not Peer Reviewed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.

    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-
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