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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
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    The Troublesome Reign of King John ((Quarto, 1581))

    of King Iohn.
    And beate the power of Fraunce to sea againe.
    3090Legat Philip not so, but I will to the Prince,
    And bring him face to face to parle with you.
    Bastard Lord Salsbury, your selfe shall march with me,
    So shall we bring these troubles to an ende.
    King Sweete Unckle, if thou loue thy Soueraigne,
    3095Let not a stone of Swinsted Abbey stand,
    But pull the house about the Friers eares:
    For they haue kilde my Father and my King. Exeunt.

    A parle sounded, Lewes, Pandulph, Salsbury, &c.

    Pandulph Lewes of Fraunce, yong Henry Englands King
    3100Requires to know the reason of the claime
    That thou canst make to any thing of his.
    King Iohn that did offend is dead and gone,
    See where his breathles trunke in presence lyes,
    And he as heire apparant to the crowne
    3105Is now succeeded in his Fathers roome.
    Henry Lewes, what law of Armes doth lead thée thus,
    To keepe possession of my lawfull right?
    Answere in fine if thou wilt take a peace,
    And make surrender of my right againe,
    3110Or trie thy title with the dint of sword?
    I tell thée Dolphin, Henry feares thée not,
    For now the Barons cleaue vnto their King,
    And what thou hast in England they did get.
    Lewes Henry of England, now that Iohn is dead,
    3115That was the chiefest enemie to Fraunce,
    I may the rather be inducde to peace.
    But Salsbury, and you Barons of the Realme.
    This strange reuolt agrees not with the oath
    That you on Bury Altare lately sware.
    3120Salsbury Nor did the oath your Highnes there did take
    Agree with honour of the Prince of Fraunce.
    Bastard My Lord, what answere make you to the King.
    Dolphin