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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    Not Peer Reviewed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))

    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.
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