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。