ACTISCENEI。KINGJOHN’Spalace。EnterKINGJOHN，QUEENELINOR，PEMBROKE，ESSEX，SALISBURY，andothers，withCHATILLONKINGJOHNNow，say，Chatillon，whatwouldFrancewithus？CHATILLONThus，aftergreeting，speakstheKingofFranceInmybehaviortothemajesty，Theborrow’dmajesty，ofEnglandhere。QUEENELINORAstrangebeginning：’borrow’dmajesty！’KINGJOHNSilence，goodmother；heartheembassy。CHATILLONPhilipofFrance，inrightandtruebehalfOfthydeceasedbrotherGeffrey’sson，ArthurPlantagenet，laysmostlawfulclaimTothisfairislandandtheterritories，ToIreland，Poictiers，Anjou，Touraine，Maine，DesiringtheetolayasidetheswordWhichswaysusurpinglytheseseveraltitles，AndputthesesameintoyoungArthur’shand，Thynephewandrightroyalsovereign。KINGJOHNWhatfollowsifwedisallowofthis？CHATILLONTheproudcontroloffierceandbloodywar，Toenforcetheserightssoforciblywithheld。KINGJOHNHerehavewewarforwarandbloodforblood，Controlmentforcontrolment：soanswerFrance。CHATILLONThentakemyking’sdefiancefrommymouth，Thefarthestlimitofmyembassy。KINGJOHNBearminetohim，andsodepartinpeace：
BethouaslightningintheeyesofFrance；
ForerethoucanstreportIwillbethere，Thethunderofmycannonshallbeheard：
Sohence！BethouthetrumpetofourwrathAndsullenpresageofyourowndecay。
Anhonourableconductlethimhave：
Pembroke，lookto’t。Farewell，Chatillon。
ExeuntCHATILLONandPEMBROKEQUEENELINORWhatnow，myson！haveInoteversaidHowthatambitiousConstancewouldnotceaseTillshehadkindledFranceandalltheworld，Upontherightandpartyofherson？
ThismighthavebeenpreventedandmadewholeWithveryeasyargumentsoflove，WhichnowthemanageoftwokingdomsmustWithfearfulbloodyissuearbitrate。KINGJOHNOurstrongpossessionandourrightforus。QUEENELINORYourstrongpossessionmuchmorethanyourright，Orelseitmustgowrongwithyouandme：
Somuchmyconsciencewhispersinyourear，WhichnonebutheavenandyouandIshallhear。
EnteraSheriffESSEXMyliege，hereisthestrangestcontroversyComefromcountrytobejudgedbyyou，Thate’erIheard：shallIproducethemen？KINGJOHNLetthemapproach。
OurabbeysandourprioriesshallpayThisexpedition’scharge。
EnterROBERTandtheBASTARD
Whatmenareyou？BASTARDYourfaithfulsubjectI，agentlemanBorninNorthamptonshireandeldestson，AsIsuppose，toRobertFaulconbridge，Asoldier，bythehonour-givinghandOfCoeur-de-lionknightedinthefield。KINGJOHNWhatartthou？ROBERTThesonandheirtothatsameFaulconbridge。KINGJOHNIsthattheelder，andartthoutheheir？
Youcamenotofonemotherthen，itseems。BASTARDMostcertainofonemother，mightyking；
Thatiswellknown；and，asIthink，onefather：
ButforthecertainknowledgeofthattruthIputyouo’ertoheavenandtomymother：
OfthatIdoubt，asallmen’schildrenmay。QUEENELINOROutonthee，rudeman！thoudostshamethymotherAndwoundherhonourwiththisdiffidence。BASTARDI，madam？no，Ihavenoreasonforit；
Thatismybrother’spleaandnoneofmine；
Thewhichifhecanprove，a’popsmeoutAtleastfromfairfivehundredpoundayear：
Heavenguardmymother’shonourandmyland！KINGJOHNAgoodbluntfellow。Why，beingyoungerborn，Dothhelayclaimtothineinheritance？BASTARDIknownotwhy，excepttogettheland。
Butonceheslander’dmewithbastardy：
ButwhetherIbeastruebegotorno，ThatstillIlayuponmymother’shead，ButthatIamaswellbegot，myliege，——
Fairfallthebonesthattookthepainsforme！——
Compareourfacesandbejudgeyourself。
IfoldsirRobertdidbegetusbothAndwereourfatherandthissonlikehim，OoldsirRobert，father，onmykneeIgiveheaventhanksIwasnotliketothee！KINGJOHNWhy，whatamadcaphathheavenlentushere！QUEENELINORHehathatrickofCoeur-de-lion’sface；
Theaccentofhistongueaffectethhim。
DoyounotreadsometokensofmysonInthelargecompositionofthisman？KINGJOHNMineeyehathwellexaminedhispartsAndfindsthemperfectRichard。Sirrah，speak，Whatdothmoveyoutoclaimyourbrother’sland？BASTARDBecausehehathahalf-face，likemyfather。
Withhalfthatfacewouldhehaveallmyland：
Ahalf-facedgroatfivehundredpoundayear！ROBERTMygraciousliege，whenthatmyfatherlived，Yourbrotherdidemploymyfathermuch，——BASTARDWell，sir，bythisyoucannotgetmyland：
Yourtalemustbehowheemploy’dmymother。ROBERTAndoncedispatch’dhiminanembassyToGermany，therewiththeemperorTotreatofhighaffairstouchingthattime。
TheadvantageofhisabsencetookthekingAndinthemeantimesojourn’datmyfather’s；
WherehowhedidprevailIshametospeak，Buttruthistruth：largelengthsofseasandshoresBetweenmyfatherandmymotherlay，AsIhaveheardmyfatherspeakhimself，Whenthissamelustygentlemanwasgot。
Uponhisdeath-bedhebywillbequeath’dHislandstome，andtookitonhisdeathThatthismymother’ssonwasnoneofhis；
Andifhewere，hecameintotheworldFullfourteenweeksbeforethecourseoftime。
Then，goodmyliege，letmehavewhatismine，Myfather’sland，aswasmyfather’swill。KINGJOHNSirrah，yourbrotherislegitimate；
Yourfather’swifedidafterwedlockbearhim，Andifshedidplayfalse，thefaultwashers；
WhichfaultliesonthehazardsofallhusbandsThatmarrywives。Tellme，howifmybrother，Who，asyousay，tookpainstogetthisson，Hadofyourfatherclaim’dthissonforhis？
Insooth，goodfriend，yourfathermighthavekeptThiscalfbredfromhiscowfromalltheworld；
Insoothhemight；then，ifheweremybrother’s，Mybrothermightnotclaimhim；noryourfather，Beingnoneofhis，refusehim：thisconcludes；
Mymother’ssondidgetyourfather’sheir；
Yourfather’sheirmusthaveyourfather’sland。ROBERTShallthenmyfather’swillbeofnoforceTodispossessthatchildwhichisnothis？BASTARDOfnomoreforcetodispossessme，sir，Thanwashiswilltogetme，asIthink。QUEENELINORWhetherhadstthouratherbeaFaulconbridgeAndlikethybrother，toenjoythyland，OrthereputedsonofCoeur-de-lion，Lordofthypresenceandnolandbeside？BASTARDMadam，anifmybrotherhadmyshape，AndIhadhis，sirRobert’shis，likehim；
Andifmylegsweretwosuchriding-rods，Myarmssucheel-skinsstuff’d，myfacesothinThatinmineearIdurstnotstickaroseLestmenshouldsay’Look，wherethree-farthingsgoes！’
And，tohisshape，wereheirtoallthisland，WouldImightneverstirfromoffthisplace，Iwouldgiveiteveryfoottohavethisface；
IwouldnotbesirNobinanycase。QUEENELINORIliketheewell：wiltthouforsakethyfortune，Bequeaththylandtohimandfollowme？
IamasoldierandnowboundtoFrance。BASTARDBrother，takeyoumyland，I’lltakemychance。
Yourfacehathgotfivehundredpoundayear，Yetsellyourfaceforfivepenceand’tisdear。
Madam，I’llfollowyouuntothedeath。QUEENELINORNay，Iwouldhaveyougobeforemethither。BASTARDOurcountrymannersgiveourbettersway。KINGJOHNWhatisthyname？BASTARDPhilip，myliege，soismynamebegun，Philip，goodoldsirRobert’swife’seldestson。KINGJOHNFromhenceforthbearhisnamewhoseformthoubear’st：
KneelthoudownPhilip，butrisemoregreat，ArisesirRichardandPlantagenet。BASTARDBrotherbythemother’sside，givemeyourhand：
Myfathergavemehonour，yoursgaveland。
Nowblessedbythehour，bynightorday，WhenIwasgot，sirRobertwasaway！QUEENELINORTheveryspiritofPlantagenet！
Iamthygrandam，Richard；callmeso。BASTARDMadam，bychancebutnotbytruth；whatthough？
Somethingabout，alittlefromtheright，Inatthewindow，orelseo’erthehatch：
Whodaresnotstirbydaymustwalkbynight，Andhaveishave，howevermendocatch：
Nearorfaroff，wellwonisstillwellshot，AndIamI，howe’erIwasbegot。KINGJOHNGo，Faulconbridge：nowhastthouthydesire；
Alandlessknightmakestheealandedsquire。
Come，madam，andcome，Richard，wemustspeedForFrance，forFrance，foritismorethanneed。BASTARDBrother，adieu：goodfortunecometothee！
Forthouwastgoti’thewayofhonesty。
ExeuntallbutBASTARD
AfootofhonourbetterthanIwas；
Butmanyamanyfootoflandtheworse。
Well，nowcanImakeanyJoanalady。
’Goodden，sirRichard！’——’God-a-mercy，fellow！’——
AndifhisnamebeGeorge，I’llcallhimPeter；
Fornew-madehonourdothforgetmen’snames；
’TistoorespectiveandtoosociableForyourconversion。Nowyourtraveller，Heandhistoothpickatmyworship’smess，Andwhenmyknightlystomachissufficed，WhythenIsuckmyteethandcatechiseMypickedmanofcountries：’Mydearsir，’
Thus，leaningonmineelbow，Ibegin，’Ishallbeseechyou’——thatisquestionnow；
AndthencomesanswerlikeanAbseybook：
’Osir，’saysanswer，’atyourbestcommand；
Atyouremployment；atyourservice，sir；’
’No，sir，’saysquestion，’I，sweetsir，atyours：’
Andso，ereanswerknowswhatquestionwould，Savingindialogueofcompliment，AndtalkingoftheAlpsandApennines，ThePyreneanandtheriverPo，Itdrawstowardsupperinconclusionso。
ButthisisworshipfulsocietyAndfitsthemountingspiritlikemyself，ForheisbutabastardtothetimeThatdothnotsmackofobservation；
AndsoamI，whetherIsmackorno；
Andnotaloneinhabitanddevice，Exteriorform，outwardaccoutrement，ButfromtheinwardmotiontodeliverSweet，sweet，sweetpoisonfortheage’stooth：
Which，thoughIwillnotpractisetodeceive，Yet，toavoiddeceit，Imeantolearn；
Foritshallstrewthefootstepsofmyrising。
Butwhocomesinsuchhasteinriding-robes？
Whatwoman-postisthis？hathshenohusbandThatwilltakepainstoblowahornbeforeher？
EnterLADYFAULCONBRIDGEandGURNEY
Ome！itismymother。Hownow，goodlady！
Whatbringsyouheretocourtsohastily？LADYFAULCONBRIDGEWhereisthatslave，thybrother？whereishe，Thatholdsinchaseminehonourupanddown？BASTARDMybrotherRobert？oldsirRobert’sson？
Colbrandthegiant，thatsamemightyman？
IsitsirRobert’ssonthatyouseekso？LADYFAULCONBRIDGESirRobert’sson！Ay，thouunreverendboy，SirRobert’sson：whyscorn’stthouatsirRobert？
HeissirRobert’sson，andsoartthou。BASTARDJamesGurney，wiltthougiveusleaveawhile？GURNEYGoodleave，goodPhilip。BASTARDPhilip！sparrow：James，There’stoysabroad：anonI’lltelltheemore。
ExitGURNEY
Madam，IwasnotoldsirRobert’sson：
SirRobertmighthaveeathispartinmeUponGood-Fridayandne’erbrokehisfast：
SirRobertcoulddowell：marry，toconfess，Couldhegetme？SirRobertcouldnotdoit：
Weknowhishandiwork：therefore，goodmother，TowhomamIbeholdingfortheselimbs？
SirRobertneverholptomakethisleg。LADYFAULCONBRIDGEHastthouconspiredwiththybrothertoo，Thatforthineowngainshouldstdefendminehonour？
Whatmeansthisscorn，thoumostuntowardknave？BASTARDKnight，knight，goodmother，Basilisco-like。
What！Iamdubb’d！Ihaveitonmyshoulder。
But，mother，IamnotsirRobert’sson；
Ihavedisclaim’dsirRobertandmyland；
Legitimation，nameandallisgone：
Then，goodmymother，letmeknowmyfather；
Someproperman，Ihope：whowasit，mother？LADYFAULCONBRIDGEHastthoudeniedthyselfaFaulconbridge？BASTARDAsfaithfullyasIdenythedevil。LADYFAULCONBRIDGEKingRichardCoeur-de-lionwasthyfather：
BylongandvehementsuitIwasseducedTomakeroomforhiminmyhusband’sbed：
Heavenlaynotmytransgressiontomycharge！
Thouarttheissueofmydearoffence，Whichwassostronglyurgedpastmydefence。BASTARDNow，bythislight，wereItogetagain，Madam，Iwouldnotwishabetterfather。
Somesinsdobeartheirprivilegeonearth，Andsodothyours；yourfaultwasnotyourfolly：
Needsmustyoulayyourheartathisdispose，Subjectedtributetocommandinglove，AgainstwhosefuryandunmatchedforceTheawelesslioncouldnotwagethefight，NorkeephisprincelyheartfromRichard’shand。
HethatperforcerobslionsoftheirheartsMayeasilywinawoman’s。Ay，mymother，WithallmyheartIthanktheeformyfather！
WholivesanddaresbutsaythoudidstnotwellWhenIwasgot，I’llsendhissoultohell。
Come，lady，Iwillshowtheetomykin；
Andtheyshallsay，whenRichardmebegot，Ifthouhadstsaidhimnay，ithadbeensin：
Whosaysitwas，helies；Isay’twasnot。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。France。BeforeAngiers。EnterAUSTRIAandforces，drums，etc。ononeside：ontheotherKINGPHILIPandhispower；LEWIS，ARTHUR，CONSTANCEandattendantsLEWISBeforeAngierswellmet，braveAustria。
Arthur，thatgreatforerunnerofthyblood，Richard，thatrobb’dthelionofhisheartAndfoughttheholywarsinPalestine，Bythisbravedukecameearlytohisgrave：
Andforamendstohisposterity，Atourimportancehitherishecome，Tospreadhiscolours，boy，inthybehalf，AndtorebuketheusurpationOfthyunnaturaluncle，EnglishJohn：
Embracehim，lovehim，givehimwelcomehither。ARTHURGodshallforgiveyouCoeur-de-lion’sdeathTheratherthatyougivehisoffspringlife，Shadowingtheirrightunderyourwingsofwar：
Igiveyouwelcomewithapowerlesshand，Butwithaheartfullofunstainedlove：
WelcomebeforethegatesofAngiers，duke。LEWISAnobleboy！Whowouldnotdotheeright？AUSTRIAUponthycheeklayIthiszealouskiss，Assealtothisindentureofmylove，ThattomyhomeIwillnomorereturn，TillAngiersandtherightthouhastinFrance，Togetherwiththatpale，thatwhite-facedshore，Whosefootspurnsbacktheocean’sroaringtidesAndcoopsfromotherlandsherislanders，EventillthatEngland，hedgedinwiththemain，Thatwater-walledbulwark，stillsecureAndconfidentfromforeignpurposes，EventillthatutmostcornerofthewestSalutetheeforherking：tillthen，fairboy，WillInotthinkofhome，butfollowarms。CONSTANCEO，takehismother’sthanks，awidow’sthanks，TillyourstronghandshallhelptogivehimstrengthTomakeamorerequitaltoyourlove！AUSTRIAThepeaceofheavenistheirsthatlifttheirswordsInsuchajustandcharitablewar。KINGPHILIPWellthen，towork：ourcannonshallbebentAgainstthebrowsofthisresistingtown。
Callforourchiefestmenofdiscipline，Toculltheplotsofbestadvantages：
We’lllaybeforethistownourroyalbones，Wadetothemarket-placeinFrenchmen’sblood，Butwewillmakeitsubjecttothisboy。CONSTANCEStayforananswertoyourembassy，Lestunadvisedyoustainyourswordswithblood：
MyLordChatillonmayfromEnglandbring，Thatrightinpeacewhichhereweurgeinwar，AndthenweshallrepenteachdropofbloodThathotrashhastesoindirectlyshed。
EnterCHATILLONKINGPHILIPAwonder，lady！lo，uponthywish，OurmessengerChatillonisarrived！
WhatEnglandsays，saybriefly，gentlelord；
Wecoldlypauseforthee；Chatillon，speak。CHATILLONThenturnyourforcesfromthispaltrysiegeAndstirthemupagainstamightiertask。
England，impatientofyourjustdemands，Hathputhimselfinarms：theadversewinds，WhoseleisureIhavestay’d，havegivenhimtimeTolandhislegionsallassoonasI；
Hismarchesareexpedienttothistown，Hisforcesstrong，hissoldiersconfident。
Withhimalongiscomethemother-queen，AnAte，stirringhimtobloodandstrife；
Withherherniece，theLadyBlanchofSpain；
Withthemabastardoftheking’sdeceased，Andalltheunsettledhumoursoftheland，Rash，inconsiderate，fieryvoluntaries，Withladies’facesandfiercedragons’spleens，Havesoldtheirfortunesattheirnativehomes，Bearingtheirbirthrightsproudlyontheirbacks，Tomakehazardofnewfortuneshere：
Inbrief，abraverchoiceofdauntlessspiritsThannowtheEnglishbottomshavewafto’erDidnearerfloatupontheswellingtide，TodooffenceandscathinChristendom。
DrumbeatsTheinterruptionoftheirchurlishdrumsCutsoffmorecircumstance：theyareathand，Toparleyortofight；thereforeprepare。KINGPHILIPHowmuchunlook’dforisthisexpedition！AUSTRIAByhowmuchunexpected，bysomuchWemustawakeendavourfordefence；
Forcouragemountethwithoccasion：
Letthembewelcomethen：weareprepared。
EnterKINGJOHN，QUEENELINOR，BLANCH，theBASTARD，Lords，andforcesKINGJOHNPeacebetoFrance，ifFranceinpeacepermitOurjustandlinealentrancetoourown；
Ifnot，bleedFrance，andpeaceascendtoheaven，Whileswe，God’swrathfulagent，docorrectTheirproudcontemptthatbeatsHispeacetoheaven。KINGPHILIPPeacebetoEngland，ifthatwarreturnFromFrancetoEngland，theretoliveinpeace。
Englandwelove；andforthatEngland’ssakeWithburdenofourarmourherewesweat。
Thistoilofoursshouldbeaworkofthine；
ButthoufromlovingEnglandartsofar，Thatthouhastunder-wroughthislawfulkingCutoffthesequenceofposterity，Out-facedinfantstateanddonearapeUponthemaidenvirtueofthecrown。
LookhereuponthybrotherGeffrey’sface；
Theseeyes，thesebrows，weremouldedoutofhis：
ThislittleabstractdothcontainthatlargeWhichdiedinGeffrey，andthehandoftimeShalldrawthisbriefintoashugeavolume。
ThatGeffreywasthyelderbrotherborn，Andthishisson；EnglandwasGeffrey’srightAndthisisGeffrey’s：inthenameofGodHowcomesitthenthatthouartcall’daking，Whenlivingblooddothinthesetemplesbeat，Whichowethecrownthatthouo’ermasterest？KINGJOHNFromwhomhastthouthisgreatcommission，France，Todrawmyanswerfromthyarticles？KINGPHILIPFromthatsupernaljudge，thatstirsgoodthoughtsInanybreastofstrongauthority，Tolookintotheblotsandstainsofright：
Thatjudgehathmademeguardiantothisboy：
UnderwhosewarrantIimpeachthywrongAndbywhosehelpImeantochastiseit。KINGJOHNAlack，thoudostusurpauthority。KINGPHILIPExcuse；itistobeatusurpingdown。QUEENELINORWhoisitthoudostcallusurper，France？CONSTANCELetmemakeanswer；thyusurpingson。QUEENELINOROut，insolent！thybastardshallbeking，Thatthoumaystbeaqueen，andchequetheworld！CONSTANCEMybedwasevertothysonastrueAsthinewastothyhusband；andthisboyLikerinfeaturetohisfatherGeffreyThanthouandJohninmanners；beingaslikeAsraintowater，ordeviltohisdam。
Myboyabastard！Bymysoul，IthinkHisfatherneverwassotruebegot：
Itcannotbe，anifthouwerthismother。QUEENELINORThere’sagoodmother，boy，thatblotsthyfather。CONSTANCEThere’sagoodgrandam，boy，thatwouldblotthee。AUSTRIAPeace！BASTARDHearthecrier。AUSTRIAWhatthedevilartthou？BASTARDOnethatwillplaythedevil，sir，withyou，Ana’maycatchyourhideandyoualone：
Youarethehareofwhomtheproverbgoes，Whosevalourplucksdeadlionsbythebeard；
I’llsmokeyourskin-coat，anIcatchyouright；
Sirrah，lookto’t；i’faith，Iwill，i’faith。BLANCHO，welldidhebecomethatlion’srobeThatdiddisrobethelionofthatrobe！BASTARDItliesassightlyonthebackofhimAsgreatAlcides’showsuponanass：
But，ass，I’lltakethatburthenfromyourback，Orlayonthatshallmakeyourshoulderscrack。AUSTRIAWhatcrakeristhissamethatdeafsourearsWiththisabundanceofsuperfluousbreath？KINGPHILIPLewis，determinewhatweshalldostraight。LEWISWomenandfools，breakoffyourconference。
KingJohn，thisistheverysumofall；
EnglandandIreland，Anjou，Touraine，Maine，InrightofArthurdoIclaimofthee：
Wiltthouresignthemandlaydownthyarms？KINGJOHNMylifeassoon：Idodefythee，France。
ArthurofBretagne，yieldtheetomyhand；
AndoutofmydearloveI’llgivetheemoreThane’erthecowardhandofFrancecanwin：
Submitthee，boy。QUEENELINORCometothygrandam，child。CONSTANCEDo，child，gotoitgrandam，child：
Givegrandamkingdom，anditgrandamwillGiveitaplum，acherry，andafig：
There’sagoodgrandam。ARTHURGoodmymother，peace！
IwouldthatIwerelowlaidinmygrave：
Iamnotworththiscoilthat’smadeforme。QUEENELINORHismothershameshimso，poorboy，heweeps。CONSTANCENowshameuponyou，whethershedoesorno！
Hisgrandam’swrongs，andnothismother’sshames，Drawsthoseheaven-movingpearlsfromhispooreyes，Whichheavenshalltakeinnatureofafee；
Ay，withthesecrystalbeadsheavenshallbebribedTodohimjusticeandrevengeonyou。QUEENELINORThoumonstrousslandererofheavenandearth！CONSTANCEThoumonstrousinjurerofheavenandearth！
Callnotmeslanderer；thouandthineusurpThedominations，royaltiesandrightsOfthisoppressedboy：thisisthyeld’stson’sson，Infortunateinnothingbutinthee：
Thysinsarevisitedinthispoorchild；
Thecanonofthelawislaidonhim，BeingbutthesecondgenerationRemovedfromthysin-conceivingwomb。KINGJOHNBedlam，havedone。CONSTANCEIhavebutthistosay，Thatheisnotonlyplaguedforhersin，ButGodhathmadehersinandhertheplagueOnthisremovedissue，plagueforherAndwithherplague；hersinhisinjury，Herinjurythebeadletohersin，Allpunish’dinthepersonofthischild，Andallforher；aplagueuponher！QUEENELINORThouunadvisedscold，IcanproduceAwillthatbarsthetitleofthyson。CONSTANCEAy，whodoubtsthat？awill！awickedwill：
Awoman’swill；acanker’dgrandam’swill！KINGPHILIPPeace，lady！pause，orbemoretemperate：
ItillbeseemsthispresencetocryaimTotheseill-tunedrepetitions。
SometrumpetsummonhithertothewallsThesemenofAngiers：letushearthemspeakWhosetitletheyadmit，Arthur’sorJohn’s。
Trumpetsounds。EntercertainCitizensuponthewallsFirstCitizenWhoisitthathathwarn’dustothewalls？KINGPHILIP’TisFrance，forEngland。KINGJOHNEngland，foritself。
YoumenofAngiers，andmylovingsubjects——KINGPHILIPYoulovingmenofAngiers，Arthur’ssubjects，Ourtrumpetcall’dyoutothisgentleparle——KINGJOHNForouradvantage；thereforehearusfirst。
TheseflagsofFrance，thatareadvancedhereBeforetheeyeandprospectofyourtown，Havehithermarch’dtoyourendamagement：
Thecannonshavetheirbowelsfullofwrath，AndreadymountedaretheytospitforthTheirironindignation’gainstyourwalls：
AllpreparationforabloodysiegeAllmercilessproceedingbytheseFrenchConfrontsyourcity’seyes，yourwinkinggates；
Andbutforourapproachthosesleepingstones，Thatasawaistdothgirdleyouabout，BythecompulsionoftheirordinanceBythistimefromtheirfixedbedsoflimeHadbeendishabited，andwidehavocmadeForbloodypowertorushuponyourpeace。
Butonthesightofusyourlawfulking，WhopainfullywithmuchexpedientmarchHavebroughtacounterchequebeforeyourgates，Tosaveunscratch’dyourcity’sthreatenedcheeks，Behold，theFrenchamazedvouchsafeaparle；
Andnow，insteadofbulletswrapp’dinfire，Tomakeashakingfeverinyourwalls，Theyshootbutcalmwordsfoldedupinsmoke，Tomakeafaithlesserrorinyourears：
Whichtrustaccordingly，kindcitizens，Andletusin，yourking，whoselabour’dspirits，Forweariedinthisactionofswiftspeed，Craveharbouragewithinyourcitywalls。KINGPHILIPWhenIhavesaid，makeanswertousboth。
Lo，inthisrighthand，whoseprotectionIsmostdivinelyvow’dupontherightOfhimitholds，standsyoungPlantagenet，Sontotheelderbrotherofthisman，Andkingo’erhimandallthatheenjoys：
Forthisdown-troddenequity，wetreadInwarlikemarchthesegreensbeforeyourtown，BeingnofurtherenemytoyouThantheconstraintofhospitablezealInthereliefofthisoppressedchildReligiouslyprovokes。BepleasedthenTopaythatdutywhichyoutrulyoweTothatowesit，namelythisyoungprince：
Andthenourarms，liketoamuzzledbear，Saveinaspect，hathalloffenceseal’dup；
Ourcannons’malicevainlyshallbespentAgainsttheinvulnerablecloudsofheaven；
Andwithablessedandunvex’dretire，Withunhack’dswordsandhelmetsallunbruised，WewillbearhomethatlustybloodagainWhichherewecametospoutagainstyourtown，Andleaveyourchildren，wivesandyouinpeace。
Butifyoufondlypassourproffer’doffer，’Tisnottheroundureofyourold-facedwallsCanhideyoufromourmessengersofwar，ThoughalltheseEnglishandtheirdisciplineWereharbour’dintheirrudecircumference。
Thentellus，shallyourcitycalluslord，Inthatbehalfwhichwehavechallengedit？
OrshallwegivethesignaltoourrageAndstalkinbloodtoourpossession？FirstCitizenInbrief，wearethekingofEngland’ssubjects：
Forhim，andinhisright，weholdthistown。KINGJOHNAcknowledgethentheking，andletmein。FirstCitizenThatcanwenot；buthethatprovestheking，Tohimwillweproveloyal：tillthattimeHaveweramm’dupourgatesagainsttheworld。KINGJOHNDothnotthecrownofEnglandprovetheking？
Andifnotthat，Ibringyouwitnesses，TwicefifteenthousandheartsofEngland’sbreed，——BASTARDBastards，andelse。KINGJOHNToverifyourtitlewiththeirlives。KINGPHILIPAsmanyandaswell-bornbloodsasthose，——BASTARDSomebastardstoo。KINGPHILIPStandinhisfacetocontradicthisclaim。FirstCitizenTillyoucompoundwhoserightisworthiest，Wefortheworthiestholdtherightfromboth。KINGJOHNThenGodforgivethesinofallthosesoulsThattotheireverlastingresidence，Beforethedewofeveningfall，shallfleet，Indreadfultrialofourkingdom’sking！KINGPHILIPAmen，amen！Mount，chevaliers！toarms！BASTARDSaintGeorge，thatswingedthedragon，ande’ersinceSitsonhishorsebackatminehostess’door，Teachussomefence！
ToAUSTRIA
Sirrah，wereIathome，Atyourden，sirrah，withyourlionessIwouldsetanox-headtoyourlion’shide，Andmakeamonsterofyou。AUSTRIAPeace！nomore。BASTARDOtremble，foryouhearthelionroar。KINGJOHNUphighertotheplain；wherewe’llsetforthInbestappointmentallourregiments。BASTARDSpeedthen，totakeadvantageofthefield。KINGPHILIPItshallbeso；andattheotherhillCommandtheresttostand。Godandourright！
ExeuntHereafterexcursions，entertheHeraldofFrance，withtrumpets，tothegatesFrenchHeraldYoumenofAngiers，openwideyourgates，AndletyoungArthur，DukeofBretagne，in，WhobythehandofFrancethisdayhathmadeMuchworkfortearsinmanyanEnglishmother，Whosesonsliescatteredonthebleedingground；
Manyawidow’shusbandgrovellinglies，Coldlyembracingthediscolour’dearth；
Andvictory，withlittleloss，dothplayUponthedancingbannersoftheFrench，Whoareathand，triumphantlydisplay’d，ToenterconquerorsandtoproclaimArthurofBretagneEngland’skingandyours。
EnterEnglishHerald，withtrumpetEnglishHeraldRejoice，youmenofAngiers，ringyourbells：
KingJohn，yourkingandEngland’sdothapproach，Commanderofthishotmaliciousday：
Theirarmours，thatmarch’dhencesosilver-bright，HitherreturnallgiltwithFrenchmen’sblood；
TherestucknoplumeinanyEnglishcrestThatisremovedbyastaffofFrance；
OurcoloursdoreturninthosesamehandsThatdiddisplaythemwhenwefirstmarch’dforth；
And，likeatroopofjollyhuntsmen，comeOurlustyEnglish，allwithpurpledhands，Dyedinthedyingslaughteroftheirfoes：
Openyourgatesandgivesthevictorsway。FirstCitizenHeralds，fromoffourtowerswemightbehold，Fromfirsttolast，theonsetandretireOfbothyourarmies；whoseequalityByourbesteyescannotbecensured：
Bloodhathboughtbloodandblowshaveansweredblows；
Strengthmatch’dwithstrength，andpowerconfrontedpower：
Botharealike；andbothalikewelike。
Onemustprovegreatest：whiletheyweighsoeven，Weholdourtownforneither，yetforboth。
Re-enterKINGJOHNandKINGPHILIP，withtheirpowers，severallyKINGJOHNFrance，hastthouyetmorebloodtocastaway？
Say，shallthecurrentofourrightrunon？
Whosepassage，vex’dwiththyimpediment，Shallleavehisnativechannelando’erswellWithcoursedisturb’deventhyconfiningshores，UnlessthoulethissilverwaterkeepApeacefulprogresstotheocean。KINGPHILIPEngland，thouhastnotsavedonedropofblood，Inthishottrial，morethanweofFrance；
Rather，lostmore。AndbythishandIswear，Thatswaystheearththisclimateoverlooks，Beforewewilllaydownourjust-bornearms，We’llputtheedown，’gainstwhomthesearmswebear，Oraddaroyalnumbertothedead，Gracingthescrollthattellsofthiswar’slossWithslaughtercoupledtothenameofkings。BASTARDHa，majesty！howhighthyglorytowers，Whentherichbloodofkingsissetonfire！
O，nowdothDeathlinehisdeadchapswithsteel；
Theswordsofsoldiersarehisteeth，hisfangs；
Andnowhefeasts，mousingthefleshofmen，Inundetermineddifferencesofkings。
Whystandtheseroyalfrontsamazedthus？
Cry，’havoc！’kings；backtothestainedfield，Youequalpotents，fierykindledspirits！
ThenletconfusionofonepartconfirmTheother’speace：tillthen，blows，bloodanddeath！KINGJOHNWhosepartydothetownsmenyetadmit？KINGPHILIPSpeak，citizens，forEngland；who’syourking？FirstCitizenThekingofEngland；whenweknowtheking。KINGPHILIPKnowhiminus，thathereholduphisright。KINGJOHNInus，thatareourowngreatdeputyAndbearpossessionofourpersonhere，Lordofourpresence，Angiers，andofyou。FirstCitizenAgreaterpowerthenwedeniesallthis；
Andtillitbeundoubted，wedolockOurformerscrupleinourstrong-barr’dgates；
King’dofourfears，untilourfears，resolved，Bebysomecertainkingpurgedanddeposed。BASTARDByheaven，thesescroylesofAngiersfloutyou，kings，Andstandsecurelyontheirbattlements，Asinatheatre，whencetheygapeandpointAtyourindustriousscenesandactsofdeath。
Yourroyalpresencesberuledbyme：
DolikethemutinesofJerusalem，BefriendsawhileandbothconjointlybendYoursharpestdeedsofmaliceonthistown：
ByeastandwestletFranceandEnglandmountTheirbatteringcannonchargedtothemouths，Tilltheirsoul-fearingclamourshavebrawl’ddownTheflintyribsofthiscontemptuouscity：
I’ldplayincessantlyuponthesejades，EventillunfenceddesolationLeavethemasnakedasthevulgarair。
Thatdone，disseveryourunitedstrengths，Andpartyourmingledcoloursonceagain；
Turnfacetofaceandbloodypointtopoint；
Then，inamoment，FortuneshallcullforthOutofonesideherhappyminion，Towhominfavoursheshallgivetheday，Andkisshimwithagloriousvictory。
Howlikeyouthiswildcounsel，mightystates？
Smacksitnotsomethingofthepolicy？KINGJOHNNow，bytheskythathangsaboveourheads，Ilikeitwell。France，shallweknitourpowersAndlaythisAngierseventotheground；
Thenafterfightwhoshallbekingofit？BASTARDAnifthouhastthemettleofaking，Beingwrongedaswearebythispeevishtown，Turnthouthemouthofthyartillery，Aswewillours，againstthesesaucywalls；
Andwhenthatwehavedash’dthemtotheground，Whythendefyeachotherandpell-mellMakeworkuponourselves，forheavenorhell。KINGPHILIPLetitbeso。Say，wherewillyouassault？KINGJOHNWefromthewestwillsenddestructionIntothiscity’sbosom。AUSTRIAIfromthenorth。KINGPHILIPOurthunderfromthesouthShallraintheirdriftofbulletsonthistown。BASTARDOprudentdiscipline！Fromnorthtosouth：
AustriaandFranceshootineachother’smouth：
I’llstirthemtoit。Come，away，away！FirstCitizenHearus，greatkings：vouchsafeawhiletostay，AndIshallshowyoupeaceandfair-facedleague；
Winyouthiscitywithoutstrokeorwound；
Rescuethosebreathinglivestodieinbeds，Thatherecomesacrificesforthefield：
Persevernot，buthearme，mightykings。KINGJOHNSpeakonwithfavour；wearebenttohear。FirstCitizenThatdaughterthereofSpain，theLadyBlanch，IsniecetoEngland：lookupontheyearsOfLewistheDauphinandthatlovelymaid：
Iflustyloveshouldgoinquestofbeauty，WhereshouldhefinditfairerthaninBlanch？
Ifzealousloveshouldgoinsearchofvirtue，WhereshouldhefinditpurerthaninBlanch？
Ifloveambitioussoughtamatchofbirth，WhoseveinsboundricherbloodthanLadyBlanch？
Suchassheis，inbeauty，virtue，birth，IstheyoungDauphineverywaycomplete：
Ifnotcompleteof，sayheisnotshe；
Andsheagainwantsnothing，tonamewant，Ifwantitbenotthatsheisnothe：
Heisthehalfpartofablessedman，Lefttobefinishedbysuchasshe；
Andsheafairdividedexcellence，Whosefulnessofperfectionliesinhim。
O，twosuchsilvercurrents，whentheyjoin，Doglorifythebanksthatboundthemin；
Andtwosuchshorestotwosuchstreamsmadeone，Twosuchcontrollingboundsshallyoube，kings，Tothesetwoprinces，ifyoumarrythem。
ThisunionshalldomorethanbatterycanToourfast-closedgates；foratthismatch，Withswifterspleenthanpowdercanenforce，Themouthofpassageshallweflingwideope，Andgiveyouentrance：butwithoutthismatch，Theseaenragedisnothalfsodeaf，Lionsmoreconfident，mountainsandrocksMorefreefrommotion，no，notDeathhimselfInmoralfuryhalfsoperemptory，Aswetokeepthiscity。BASTARDHere’sastayThatshakestherottencarcassofoldDeathOutofhisrags！Here’salargemouth，indeed，Thatspitsforthdeathandmountains，rocksandseas，TalksasfamiliarlyofroaringlionsAsmaidsofthirteendoofpuppy-dogs！
Whatcannoneerbegotthislustyblood？
Hespeaksplaincannonfire，andsmokeandbounce；
Hegivesthebastinadowithhistongue：
Ourearsarecudgell’d；notawordofhisButbuffetsbetterthanafistofFrance：
Zounds！Iwasneversobethump’dwithwordsSinceIfirstcall’dmybrother’sfatherdad。QUEENELINORSon，listtothisconjunction，makethismatch；
Givewithournieceadowrylargeenough：
ForbythisknotthoushaltsosurelytieThynowunsuredassurancetothecrown，ThatyongreenboyshallhavenosuntoripeThebloomthatpromisethamightyfruit。
IseeayieldinginthelooksofFrance；
Mark，howtheywhisper：urgethemwhiletheirsoulsArecapableofthisambition，Lestzeal，nowmeltedbythewindybreathOfsoftpetitions，pityandremorse，Coolandcongealagaintowhatitwas。FirstCitizenWhyanswernotthedoublemajestiesThisfriendlytreatyofourthreaten’dtown？KINGPHILIPSpeakEnglandfirst，thathathbeenforwardfirstTospeakuntothiscity：whatsayyou？KINGJOHNIfthattheDauphinthere，thyprincelyson，Caninthisbookofbeautyread’Ilove，’
Herdowryshallweighequalwithaqueen：
ForAnjouandfairTouraine，Maine，Poictiers，Andallthatweuponthissidethesea，Exceptthiscitynowbyusbesieged，Findliabletoourcrownanddignity，ShallgildherbridalbedandmakeherrichIntitles，honoursandpromotions，Assheinbeauty，education，blood，Holdshandwithanyprincessoftheworld。KINGPHILIPWhatsay’stthou，boy？lookinthelady’sface。LEWISIdo，mylord；andinhereyeIfindAwonder，orawondrousmiracle，Theshadowofmyselfform’dinhereye：
Whichbeingbuttheshadowofyourson，Becomesasunandmakesyoursonashadow：
IdoprotestIneverlovedmyselfTillnowinfixedIbeheldmyselfDrawnintheflatteringtableofhereye。
WhisperswithBLANCHBASTARDDrawnintheflatteringtableofhereye！
Hang’dinthefrowningwrinkleofherbrow！
Andquarter’dinherheart！hedothespyHimselflove’straitor：thisispitynow，Thathang’danddrawnandquartered，thereshouldbeInsuchalovesovilealoutashe。BLANCHMyuncle’swillinthisrespectismine：
Ifheseeaughtinyouthatmakeshimlike，Thatanythinghesees，whichmoveshisliking，Icanwitheasetranslateittomywill；
Orifyouwill，tospeakmoreproperly，Iwillenforceiteasilytomylove。
FurtherIwillnotflatteryou，mylord，ThatallIseeinyouisworthylove，Thanthis；thatnothingdoIseeinyou，Thoughchurlishthoughtsthemselvesshouldbeyourjudge，ThatIcanfindshouldmeritanyhate。KINGJOHNWhatsaytheseyoungones？Whatsayyoumyniece？BLANCHThatsheisboundinhonourstilltodoWhatyouinwisdomstillvouchsafetosay。KINGJOHNSpeakthen，princeDauphin；canyoulovethislady？LEWISNay，askmeifIcanrefrainfromlove；
ForIdolovehermostunfeignedly。KINGJOHNThendoIgiveVolquessen，Touraine，Maine，PoictiersandAnjou，thesefiveprovinces，Withhertothee；andthisadditionmore，FullthirtythousandmarksofEnglishcoin。
PhilipofFrance，ifthoubepleasedwithal，Commandthysonanddaughtertojoinhands。KINGPHILIPItlikesuswell；youngprinces，closeyourhands。AUSTRIAAndyourlipstoo；forIamwellassuredThatIdidsowhenIwasfirstassured。KINGPHILIPNow，citizensofAngiers，opeyourgates，Letinthatamitywhichyouhavemade；
ForatSaintMary’schapelpresentlyTheritesofmarriageshallbesolemnized。
IsnottheLadyConstanceinthistroop？
Iknowsheisnot，forthismatchmadeupHerpresencewouldhaveinterruptedmuch：
Whereissheandherson？tellme，whoknows。LEWISSheissadandpassionateatyourhighness’
tent。KINGPHILIPAnd，bymyfaith，thisleaguethatwehavemadeWillgivehersadnessverylittlecure。
BrotherofEngland，howmaywecontentThiswidowlady？Inherrightwecame；
Whichwe，Godknows，haveturn’danotherway，Toourownvantage。KINGJOHNWewillhealupall；
Forwe’llcreateyoungArthurDukeofBretagneAndEarlofRichmond；andthisrichfairtownWemakehimlordof。CalltheLadyConstance；
SomespeedymessengerbidherrepairTooursolemnity：Itrustweshall，Ifnotfillupthemeasureofherwill，YetinsomemeasuresatisfyhersoThatweshallstopherexclamation。
Gowe，aswellashastewillsufferus，Tothisunlook’dfor，unpreparedpomp。
ExeuntallbuttheBASTARDBASTARDMadworld！madkings！madcomposition！
John，tostopArthur’stitleinthewhole，Hathwillinglydepartedwithapart，AndFrance，whosearmourconsciencebuckledon，WhomzealandcharitybroughttothefieldAsGod’sownsoldier，roundedintheearWiththatsamepurpose-changer，thatslydevil，Thatbroker，thatstillbreaksthepateoffaith，Thatdailybreak-vow，hethatwinsofall，Ofkings，ofbeggars，oldmen，youngmen，maids，Who，havingnoexternalthingtoloseButtheword’maid，’cheatsthepoormaidofthat，Thatsmooth-facedgentleman，ticklingCommodity，Commodity，thebiasoftheworld，Theworld，whoofitselfispeisedwell，Madetorunevenuponevenground，Tillthisadvantage，thisvile-drawingbias，Thisswayofmotion，thisCommodity，Makesittakeheadfromallindifferency，Fromalldirection，purpose，course，intent：
Andthissamebias，thisCommodity，Thisbawd，thisbroker，thisall-changingword，Clapp’dontheoutwardeyeoffickleFrance，Hathdrawnhimfromhisowndeterminedaid，Fromaresolvedandhonourablewar，Toamostbaseandvile-concludedpeace。
AndwhyrailIonthisCommodity？
Butforbecausehehathnotwoo’dmeyet：
NotthatIhavethepowertoclutchmyhand，Whenhisfairangelswouldsalutemypalm；
Butformyhand，asunattemptedyet，Likeapoorbeggar，railethontherich。