The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: b1r - Histories, p. 14

Left Column


The life and death of King Iohn. If heauen be pleas'd that you must vse me ill, Why then you must. Will you put out mine eyes?
[1575]
These eyes, that neuer did, nor neuer shall So much as frowne on you.
Hub. I haue sworne to do it: And with hot Irons must I burne them out. Ar. Ah, none but in this Iron Age, would do it:
[1580]
The Iron of it selfe though he ate red hot, Approaching neere these eyes, would drinke my teares, And quench this fierie indignation, Euen in the matter of mine innocence: Nay, after that, consume away in rust,
[1585]
But for containing fire to harme mine eye: Are you more stubborne hard, then hammer'd Iron? And if an Angell should haue come to me, And told me Hubert should put out mine eyes, I would not haue beleeu'd him: no tongue but Huberts.
Hub.
[1590]
Come forth: Do as I bid you do.
Art. O saue me Hubert, saue me: my eyes are out Euen with the fierce lookes of these bloody men. Hub. Giue me the Iron I say, and binde him heere. Art. Alas, what neede you be so boistrous rough?
[1595]
I will not struggle, I will stand stone still: For heauen sake Hubert let me not be bound: Nay heare me Hubert, driue these men away, And I will sit as quiet as a Lambe. I will not stirre, nor winch, nor speake a word,
[1600]
Nor looke vpon the Iron angerly: Thrust but these men away, and Ile forgiue you, What euer torment you do put me too.
Hub. Go stand within: let me alone with him. Exec. I am best pleas'd to be from such a deede. Art.
[1605]
Alas, I then haue chid away my friend, He hath a sterne looke, but a gentle heart: Let him come backe, that his compassion may Giue life to yours.
Hub. Come (Boy) prepare your selfe. Art.
[1610]
Is there no remedie?
Hub. None, but to lose your eyes. Art. O heauen: that there were but a moth in yours, A graine, a dust, a gnat, a wandering haire, Any annoyance in that precious sense:
[1615]
Then feeling what small things are boysterous there, Your vilde intent must needs seeme horrible.
Hub. Is this your promise? Go too, hold your toong Art. Hubert, the vtterance of a brace of tongues, Must needes want pleading for a paire of eyes:
[1620]
Let me not hold my tongue: let me not Hubert, Or Hubert, if you will cut out my tongue, So I may keepe mine eyes. O spare mine eyes, Though to no vse, but still to looke on you. Loe, by my troth, the Instrument is cold, An ink mark follows the end of this line.
[1625]
And would not harme me.
Hub. I can heate it, Boy. Art. No, in good sooth: the fire is dead with griefe, Being create for comfort, to be vs'd In vndeserued extreames: See else your selfe,
[1630]
There is no malice in this burning cole, The breath of heauen, hath blowne his spirit out, And strew'd repentant ashes on his head.
Hub. But with my breath I can reuiue it Boy. Art. And if you do, you will but make it blush,
[1635]
And glow with shame of your proceedings, Hubert: Nay, it perchance will sparkle in your eyes: And, like a dogge that is compell'd to fight, Snatch at his Master that doth tarre him on.

Right Column


All things that you should vse to do me wrong
[1640]
Deny their office: onely you do lacke That mercie, which fierce fire, and Iron extends, Creatures of note for mercy, lacking vses.
Hub. Well, see to liue: I will not touch thine eye, For all the Treasure that thine Vnckle owes,
[1645]
Yet am I sworne, and I did purpose, Boy, With this same very Iron, to burne them out.
Art. O now you looke like Hubert. All this while You were disguis'd. Hub. Peace: no more. Adieu,
[1650]
Your Vnckle must not know but you are dead. Ile fill these dogged Spies with false reports: And, pretty childe, sleepe doubtlesse, and secure, That Hubert for the wealth of all the world, Will not offend thee.
Art.
[1655]
O heauen! I thanke you Hubert.
Hub. Silence, no more; go closely in with mee, Much danger do I vndergo for thee. Exeunt
Scena Secunda. [Act 4, Scene 2] Enter Iohn, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other Lordes. Iohn. Heere once againe we sit: once against crown'd And look'd vpon, I hope, with chearefull eyes. Pem.
[1660]
This once again (but that your Highnes pleas'd) Was once superfluous: you were Crown'd before, And that high Royalty was nere pluck'd off: The faiths of men, nere stained with reuolt: Fresh expectation troubled not the Land
[1665]
With any long'd‑for‑change, or better State.
Sal. Therefore, to be possess'd with double pompe, To guard a Title, that was rich before; To gilde refined Gold, to paint the Lilly; To throw a perfume on the Violet,
[1670]
To smooth the yce, or adde another hew Vnto the Raine‑bow, or with Taper‑light To seeke the beauteous eye of heauen to garnish, Is wastefull, and ridiculous excesse.
Pem. But that your Royall pleasure must be done,
[1675]
This acte, is as an ancient tale new told, And, in the last repeating, troublesome, Being vrged at a time vnseasonable.
Sal. In this the Anticke, and well noted face Of plaine old forme, is much disfigured,
[1680]
And like a shifted winde vnto a saile, It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about, Startles, and frights consideration: Makes sound opinion sicke, and truth suspected, For putting on so new a fashion'd robe.
Pem.
[1685]
When Workemen striue to do better then wel, They do confound their skill in couteousnesse, And oftentimes excusing of a fault, Doth make the fault the worse by th'excuse: As patches set vpon a little breach,
[1690]
Discredite more in hiding of the fault, Then did the fault before it was so patch'd.
Sal. To this effect, before you were new crown'd We breath'd our Councell: but it pleas'd your Highnes To ouer‑beare it, and we are all well pleas'd,
[1695]
Since all, and euery part of what we would Doth make a stand, at what your Highnesse will.
Iohn.

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Scena Secunda. [Act 4, Scene 2] Enter Iohn, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other Lordes. Iohn. Heere once againe we sit: once against crown'd And look'd vpon, I hope, with chearefull eyes. Pem.
[1660]
This once again (but that your Highnes pleas'd) Was once superfluous: you were Crown'd before, And that high Royalty was nere pluck'd off: The faiths of men, nere stained with reuolt: Fresh expectation troubled not the Land
[1665]
With any long'd‑for‑change, or better State.
Sal. Therefore, to be possess'd with double pompe, To guard a Title, that was rich before; To gilde refined Gold, to paint the Lilly; To throw a perfume on the Violet,
[1670]
To smooth the yce, or adde another hew Vnto the Raine‑bow, or with Taper‑light To seeke the beauteous eye of heauen to garnish, Is wastefull, and ridiculous excesse.
Pem. But that your Royall pleasure must be done,
[1675]
This acte, is as an ancient tale new told, And, in the last repeating, troublesome, Being vrged at a time vnseasonable.
Sal. In this the Anticke, and well noted face Of plaine old forme, is much disfigured,
[1680]
And like a shifted winde vnto a saile, It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about, Startles, and frights consideration: Makes sound opinion sicke, and truth suspected, For putting on so new a fashion'd robe.
Pem.
[1685]
When Workemen striue to do better then wel, They do confound their skill in couteousnesse, And oftentimes excusing of a fault, Doth make the fault the worse by th'excuse: As patches set vpon a little breach,
[1690]
Discredite more in hiding of the fault, Then did the fault before it was so patch'd.
Sal. To this effect, before you were new crown'd We breath'd our Councell: but it pleas'd your Highnes To ouer‑beare it, and we are all well pleas'd,
[1695]
Since all, and euery part of what we would Doth make a stand, at what your Highnesse will.
Ioh. Some reasons of this double Corronation I haue possest you with, and thinke them strong. And more, more strong, then lesser is my feare
[1700]
I shall indue you with: Meane time, but aske What you would haue reform'd, that is not well, And well shall you perceiue, how willingly I will both heare, and grant you your requests.
Pem. Then I, as one that am the tongue of these
[1705]
To sound the purposes of all their hearts, Both for my selfe, and them: but chiefe of all Your safety: for the which, my selfe and them Bend their best studies, heartily request Th'infranchisement of Arthur, whose restraint An ink mark follows the end of this line.
[1710]
Doth moue the murmuring lips of discontent To breake into this dangerous argument. If what in rest you haue, in right you hold, Why then your feares, which (as they say) attend The steppes of wrong, should moue you to mew vp
[1715]
Your tender kinsman, and to choake his dayes With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youth The rich aduantage of good exercise, That the times enemies may not haue this To grace occasions: let it be our suite,
[1720]
That you haue bid vs aske his libertie, Which for our goods, we do no further aske, Then, whereupon our weale on you depending, Counts it your weale: he haue his liberty.
Enter Hubert. Iohn. Let it be so: I do commit his youth
[1725]
To your direction: Hubert, what newes with you?
Pem. This is the man should do the bloody deed: He shew'd his warrant to a friend of mine, The image of a wicked heynous fault Liues in his eye: that close aspect of his,
[1730]
Do shew the mood of a much troubled brest, And I do fearefully beleeue 'tis done, What we so fear'd he had a charge to do.
Sal. The colour of the King doth come, and go Betweene his purpose and his conscience,
[1735]
Like Heralds 'twixt two dreadfull battailes set: His passion is so ripe, it needs must breake.
Pem. And when it breakes, I feare will issue thence The foule corruption of a sweet childes death. Iohn. We cannot hold mortalities strong hand.
[1740]
Good Lords, although my will to giue, is liuing, The suite which you demand is gone, and dead. He tels vs Arthur is deceas'd to night.
Sal. Indeed we fear'd his sicknesse was past cure. Pem. Indeed we heard how neere his death he was,
[1745]
Before the childe himselfe felt he was sicke: This must be answer'd either heere, or hence.
Ioh. Why do you bend such solemne browes on me? Thinke you I beare the Sheeres of destiny? Haue I commandement on the pulse of life? Sal.
[1750]
It is apparant foule‑play, and 'tis shame That Greatnesse should so grossely offer it; So thriue it in your game, and so farewell.
Pem. Stay yet (Lord Salisbury) Ile go with thee, And finde th'inheritance of this poore childe,
[1755]
His little kingdome of a forced graue. That blood which ow'd the bredth of all this Ile, Three foot of it doth hold; bad world the while: This must not be thus borne, this will breake out To all our sorrowes, and ere long I doubt.
Exeunt Io.
[1760]
They burn in indignation: I repent: Enter Mes. There is no sure foundation set on blood: No certaine life atchieu'd by others death: A fearefull eye thou hast. Where is that blood, That I haue seene inhabite in those cheekes?
[1765]
So foule a skie, cleeres not without a storme, Poure downe thy weather: how goes all in France?
Mes. From France to England, neuer such a powre For any forraigne preparation, Was leuied in the body of a land.
[1770]
The Copie of your speede is learn'd by them: For when you should be told they do prepare, The tydings comes, that they are all arriu'd.
Ioh. Oh where hath our Intelligence bin drunke? Where hath it slept? Where is my Mothers care?
[1775]
That such an Army could be drawne in France, And she not heare of it?
Mes. My Liege, her eare Is stopt with dust: the first of Aprill di'de Your noble mother; and as I heare, my Lord,
[1780]
The Lady Constance in a frenzie di'de Three dayes before: but this from Rumors tongue I idely heard: if true, or false I know not.
Iohn. With‑hold thy speed, dreadfull Occasion: O make a league with me, 'till I haue pleas'd
[1785]
My discontented Peeres. What? Mother dead? How wildely then walkes my Estate in France? Vnder whose conduct came those powres of France, That thou for truth giu'st out are landed heere?
Mes. Vnder the Dolphin. Enter Bastard and Peter of Pomfret. Ioh.
[1790]
Thou hast made me giddy With these ill tydings: Now? What sayes the world To your proceedings ? Do not seeke to stuffe My head with more ill newes: for it is full.
Bast. But if you be a‑feard to heare the worst,
[1795]
Then let the worst vn‑heard, fall on your head.
Iohn. Beare with me Cosen, for I was amaz'd Vnder the tide; but now I breath againe Aloft the flood, and can giue audience To any tongue, speake it of what it will. Bast.
[1800]
How I haue sped among the Clergy men, The summes I haue collected shall expresse: But as I trauail'd hither through the land, I finde the people strangely fantasied, Possest with rumors, full of idle dreames,
[1805]
Not knowing what they feare, but full of feare. And here's a Prophet that I brought with me From forth the streets of Pomfret, whom I found With many hundreds treading on his heeles: To whom he sung in rude harsh sounding rimes,
[1810]
That ere the next Ascension day at noone, Your Highnes should deliuer vp your Crowne.
Iohn. Thou idle Dreamer, wherefore didst thou so? Pet. Fore‑knowing that the truth will fall out so. Iohn. Hubert, away with him: imprison him,
[1815]
And on that day at noone, whereon he sayes I shall yeeld vp my Crowne, let him be hang'd. Deliuer him to safety, and returne, For I must vse thee. O my gentle Cosen, Hear'st thou the newes abroad, who are arriu'd?
Bast.
[1820]
The French (my Lord) mens mouths are ful of it: Besides I met Lord Bigot, and Lord Salisburie With eyes as red as new enkindled fire, And others more, going to seeke the graue Of Arthur, whom they say is kill'd to night, on your (suggestion.
Iohn.
[1825]
Gentle kinsman, go And thrust thy selfe into their Companies, I haue a way to winne their loues againe: Bring them before me.
Bast. I will seeke them out. Iohn.
[1830]
Nay, but make haste: the better foote before, O, let me haue no subiect enemies, When aduerse Forreyners affright my Townes With dreadfull pompe of stout inuasion. Be Mercurie, set feathers to thy heeles,
[1835]
And flye (like thought) from them, to me againe.
Bast. The spirit of the time shall teach me speed. Exit Iohn. Spoke like a sprightfull Noble Gentleman. Go after him: for he perhaps shall neede Some Messenger betwixt me, and the Peeres,
[1840]
And be thou hee.
Mes. With all my heart, my Liege. Iohn. My mother dead? Enter Hubert. Hub. My Lord, they say fiue Moones were seene to (night: Foure fixed, and the fift did whirle about
[1845]
The other foure, in wondrous motion.
Ioh. Fiue Moones? Hub. Old men, and Beldames, in the streets Do prophesie vpon it dangerously: Yong Arthurs death is common in their mouths,
[1850]
And when they talke of him, they shake their heads, And whisper one another in the eare. And he that speakes, doth gripe the hearers wrist, Whilst he that heares, makes fearefull action With wrinkled browes, with nods, with rolling eyes.
[1855]
I saw a Smith stand with his hammer (thus) The whilst his Iron did on the Anuile coole, With open mouth swallowing a Taylors newes, Who with his Sheeres, and Measure in his hand, Standing on slippers, which his nimble haste
[1860]
Had falsely thrust vpon contrary feete, Told of a many thousand warlike French, That were embattailed, and rank'd in Kent. Another leane, vnwash'd Artificer, Cuts off his tale, and talkes of Arthurs death.
Io.
[1865]
Why seek'st thou to possesse me with these feares ? Why vrgest thou so oft yong Arthurs death? Thy hand hath murdred him: I had a mighty cause To wish him dead, but thou hadst none to kill him.
H No had (my Lord?) why did you not prouoke me? Iohn.
[1870]
It is the curse of Kings, to be attended By slaues, that take their humors for a warrant, To breake within the bloody house of life, And on the winking of Authoritie To vnderstand a Law; to know the meaning
[1875]
Of dangerous Maiesty, when perchance it frownes More vpon humor, then aduis'd respect.
Hub. Herere is your hand and Seale for what I did. Ioh. Oh, when the last accompt twixt heauen & earth Is to be made, then shall this hand and Seale
[1880]
Witnesse against vs to damnation. How oft the sight of meanes to do ill deeds, Make deeds ill done? Had'st not thou beene by, A fellow by the hand of Nature mark'd, Quoted, and sign'd to do a deede of shame,
[1885]
This murther had not come into my minde. But taking note of thy abhorr'd Aspect, Finding thee fit for bloody villanie: Apt, liable to be employ'd in danger, I faintly broke with thee of Arthurs death:
[1890]
And thou, to be endeered to a King, Made it no conscience to destroy a Prince.
Hub. My Lord. Ioh. Had'st thou but shooke thy head, or made a pause When I spake darkely, what I purposed:
[1895]
Or turn'd an eye of doubt vpon my face; As bid me tell my tale in expresse words: Deepe shame had struck me dumbe, made me break off, And those thy feares, might haue wrought feares in me. But, thou didst vnderstand me by my signes,
[1900]
And didst in signes againe parley with sinne, Yea, without stop, didst let thy heart consent, And consequently, thy rude hand to acte The deed, which both our tongues held vilde to name. Out of my sight, and neuer see me more:
[1905]
My Nobles leaue me, and my State is braued, Euen at my gates, with rankes of forraigne powres; Nay, in the body of this fleshly Land, This kingdome, this Confine of blood, and breathe Hostilitie, and ciuill tumult reignes
[1910]
Betweene my conscience, and my Cosins death.
Hub. Arme you against your other enemies: Ile make a peace betweene your soule, and you. Yong Arthur is aliue: This hand of mine Is yet a maiden, and an innocent hand.
[1915]
Not painted with the Crimson spots of blood, Within this bosome, neuer entred yet The dreadfull motion of a murderous thought, And you haue slander'd Nature in my forme, Which howsoeuer rude exteriorly,
[1920]
Is yet the couer of a fayrer minde, Then to be butcher of an innocent childe.
Iohn. Doth Arthur liue? O hast thee to the Peeres, Throw this report on their incens ed rage, And make them tame to their obedience.
[1925]
Forgiue the Comment that my passion made Vpon thy feature, for my rage was blinde, And foule immaginarie eyes of blood Presented thee more hideous then thou art. Oh, answer not; but to my Closset bring
[1930]
The angry Lords, with all expedient hast, I coniure thee but slowly: run more fast.
Exeunt.
 

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="2">
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Secunda.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 4, Scene 2]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Iohn, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other Lordes.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1658">Heere once againe we sit: once against crown'd</l>
      <l n="1659">And look'd vpon, I hope, with chearefull eyes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1660">This once again (but that your Highnes pleas'd)</l>
      <l n="1661">Was once superfluous: you were Crown'd before,</l>
      <l n="1662">And that high Royalty was nere pluck'd off:</l>
      <l n="1663">The faiths of men, nere stained with reuolt:</l>
      <l n="1664">Fresh expectation troubled not the Land</l>
      <l n="1665">With any long'd‑for‑change, or better State.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-sal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Sal.</speaker>
      <l n="1666">Therefore, to be possess'd with double pompe,</l>
      <l n="1667">To guard a Title, that was rich before;</l>
      <l n="1668">To gilde refined Gold, to paint the Lilly;</l>
      <l n="1669">To throw a perfume on the Violet,</l>
      <l n="1670">To smooth the yce, or adde another hew</l>
      <l n="1671">Vnto the Raine‑bow, or with Taper‑light</l>
      <l n="1672">To seeke the beauteous eye of heauen to garnish,</l>
      <l n="1673">Is wastefull, and ridiculous excesse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1674">But that your Royall pleasure must be done,</l>
      <l n="1675">This acte, is as an ancient tale new told,</l>
      <l n="1676">And, in the last repeating, troublesome,</l>
      <l n="1677">Being vrged at a time vnseasonable.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-sal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Sal.</speaker>
      <l n="1678">In this the Anticke, and well noted face</l>
      <l n="1679">Of plaine old forme, is much disfigured,</l>
      <l n="1680">And like a shifted winde vnto a saile,</l>
      <l n="1681">It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about,</l>
      <l n="1682">Startles, and frights consideration:</l>
      <l n="1683">Makes sound opinion sicke, and truth suspected,</l>
      <l n="1684">For putting on so new a fashion'd robe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1685">When Workemen striue to do better then wel,</l>
      <l n="1686">They do confound their skill in couteousnesse,</l>
      <l n="1687">And oftentimes excusing of a fault,</l>
      <l n="1688">Doth make the fault the worse by th'excuse:</l>
      <l n="1689">As patches set vpon a little breach,</l>
      <l n="1690">Discredite more in hiding of the fault,</l>
      <l n="1691">Then did the fault before it was so patch'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-sal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Sal.</speaker>
      <l n="1692">To this effect, before you were new crown'd</l>
      <l n="1693">We breath'd our Councell: but it pleas'd your Highnes</l>
      <l n="1694">To ouer‑beare it, and we are all well pleas'd,</l>
      <l n="1695">Since all, and euery part of what we would</l>
      <l n="1696">Doth make a stand, at what your Highnesse will.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0339-0.jpg" n="15"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1697">Some reasons of this double Corronation</l>
      <l n="1698">I haue possest you with, and thinke them strong.</l>
      <l n="1699">And more, more strong, then lesser is my feare</l>
      <l n="1700">I shall indue you with: Meane time, but aske</l>
      <l n="1701">What you would haue reform'd, that is not well,</l>
      <l n="1702">And well shall you perceiue, how willingly</l>
      <l n="1703">I will both heare, and grant you your requests.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1704">Then I, as one that am the tongue of these</l>
      <l n="1705">To sound the purposes of all their hearts,</l>
      <l n="1706">Both for my selfe, and them: but chiefe of all</l>
      <l n="1707">Your safety: for the which, my selfe and them</l>
      <l n="1708">Bend their best studies, heartily request</l>
      <l n="1709">Th'infranchisement of<hi rend="italic">Arthur</hi>, whose restraint</l>
      <note type="physical" resp="#ES">An ink mark follows the end of this line.</note>
      <l n="1710">Doth moue the murmuring lips of discontent</l>
      <l n="1711">To breake into this dangerous argument.</l>
      <l n="1712">If what in rest you haue, in right you hold,</l>
      <l n="1713">Why then your feares, which (as they say) attend</l>
      <l n="1714">The steppes of wrong, should moue you to mew vp</l>
      <l n="1715">Your tender kinsman, and to choake his dayes</l>
      <l n="1716">With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youth</l>
      <l n="1717">The rich aduantage of good exercise,</l>
      <l n="1718">That the times enemies may not haue this</l>
      <l n="1719">To grace occasions: let it be our suite,</l>
      <l n="1720">That you haue bid vs aske his libertie,</l>
      <l n="1721">Which for our goods, we do no further aske,</l>
      <l n="1722">Then, whereupon our weale on you depending,</l>
      <l n="1723">Counts it your weale: he haue his liberty.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hubert.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1724">Let it be so: I do commit his youth</l>
      <l n="1725">To your direction:<hi rend="italic">Hubert</hi>, what newes with you?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1726">This is the man should do the bloody deed:</l>
      <l n="1727">He shew'd his warrant to a friend of mine,</l>
      <l n="1728">The image of a wicked heynous fault</l>
      <l n="1729">Liues in his eye: that close aspect of his,</l>
      <l n="1730">Do shew the mood of a much troubled brest,</l>
      <l n="1731">And I do fearefully beleeue 'tis done,</l>
      <l n="1732">What we so fear'd he had a charge to do.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-sal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Sal.</speaker>
      <l n="1733">The colour of the King doth come, and go</l>
      <l n="1734">Betweene his purpose and his conscience,</l>
      <l n="1735">Like Heralds 'twixt two dreadfull battailes set:</l>
      <l n="1736">His passion is so ripe, it needs must breake.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1737">And when it breakes, I feare will issue thence</l>
      <l n="1738">The foule corruption of a sweet childes death.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1739">We cannot hold mortalities strong hand.</l>
      <l n="1740">Good Lords, although my will to giue, is liuing,</l>
      <l n="1741">The suite which you demand is gone, and dead.</l>
      <l n="1742">He tels vs<hi rend="italic">Arthur</hi>is deceas'd to night.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-sal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Sal.</speaker>
      <l n="1743">Indeed we fear'd his sicknesse was past cure.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1744">Indeed we heard how neere his death he was,</l>
      <l n="1745">Before the childe himselfe felt he was sicke:</l>
      <l n="1746">This must be answer'd either heere, or hence.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1747">Why do you bend such solemne browes on me?</l>
      <l n="1748">Thinke you I beare the Sheeres of destiny?</l>
      <l n="1749">Haue I commandement on the pulse of life?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-sal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Sal.</speaker>
      <l n="1750">It is apparant foule‑play, and 'tis shame</l>
      <l n="1751">That Greatnesse should so grossely offer it;</l>
      <l n="1752">So thriue it in your game, and so farewell.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pem">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pem.</speaker>
      <l n="1753">Stay yet (Lord Salisbury) Ile go with thee,</l>
      <l n="1754">And finde th'inheritance of this poore childe,</l>
      <l n="1755">His little kingdome of a forced graue.</l>
      <l n="1756">That blood which ow'd the bredth of all this Ile,</l>
      <l n="1757">Three foot of it doth hold; bad world the while:</l>
      <l n="1758">This must not be thus borne, this will breake out</l>
      <l n="1759">To all our sorrowes, and ere long I doubt.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt</stage>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Io.</speaker>
      <l n="1760">They burn in indignation: I repent:</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="entrance">Enter Mes.</stage>
      <l n="1761">There is no sure foundation set on blood:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1762">No certaine life atchieu'd by others death:</l>
      <l n="1763">A fearefull eye thou hast. Where is that blood,</l>
      <l n="1764">That I haue seene inhabite in those cheekes?</l>
      <l n="1765">So foule a skie, cleeres not without a storme,</l>
      <l n="1766">Poure downe thy weather: how goes all in France?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mes.</speaker>
      <l n="1767">From France to England, neuer such a powre</l>
      <l n="1768">For any forraigne preparation,</l>
      <l n="1769">Was leuied in the body of a land.</l>
      <l n="1770">The Copie of your speede is learn'd by them:</l>
      <l n="1771">For when you should be told they do prepare,</l>
      <l n="1772">The tydings comes, that they are all arriu'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1773">Oh where hath our Intelligence bin drunke?</l>
      <l n="1774">Where hath it slept? Where is my Mothers care?</l>
      <l n="1775">That such an Army could be drawne in France,</l>
      <l n="1776">And she not heare of it?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mes.</speaker>
      <l n="1777">My Liege, her eare</l>
      <l n="1778">Is stopt with dust: the first of Aprill di'de</l>
      <l n="1779">Your noble mother; and as I heare, my Lord,</l>
      <l n="1780">The Lady<hi rend="italic">Constance</hi>in a frenzie di'de</l>
      <l n="1781">Three dayes before: but this from Rumors tongue</l>
      <l n="1782">I idely heard: if true, or false I know not.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1783">With‑hold thy speed, dreadfull Occasion:</l>
      <l n="1784">O make a league with me, 'till I haue pleas'd</l>
      <l n="1785">My discontented Peeres. What? Mother dead?</l>
      <l n="1786">How wildely then walkes my Estate in France?</l>
      <l n="1787">Vnder whose conduct came those powres of France,</l>
      <l n="1788">That thou for truth giu'st out are landed heere?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mes.</speaker>
      <l n="1789">Vnder the Dolphin.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Bastard and Peter of Pomfret.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1790">Thou hast made me giddy</l>
      <l n="1791">With these ill tydings: Now? What sayes the world</l>
      <l n="1792">To your proceedings<c rend="italic">?</c>Do not seeke to stuffe</l>
      <l n="1793">My head with more ill newes: for it is full.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-phi">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="1794">But if you be a‑feard to heare the worst,</l>
      <l n="1795">Then let the worst vn‑heard, fall on your head.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1796">Beare with me Cosen, for I was amaz'd</l>
      <l n="1797">Vnder the tide; but now I breath againe</l>
      <l n="1798">Aloft the flood, and can giue audience</l>
      <l n="1799">To any tongue, speake it of what it will.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-phi">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="1800">How I haue sped among the Clergy men,</l>
      <l n="1801">The summes I haue collected shall expresse:</l>
      <l n="1802">But as I trauail'd hither through the land,</l>
      <l n="1803">I finde the people strangely fantasied,</l>
      <l n="1804">Possest with rumors, full of idle dreames,</l>
      <l n="1805">Not knowing what they feare, but full of feare.</l>
      <l n="1806">And here's a Prophet that I brought with me</l>
      <l n="1807">From forth the streets of Pomfret, whom I found</l>
      <l n="1808">With many hundreds treading on his heeles:</l>
      <l n="1809">To whom he sung in rude harsh sounding rimes,</l>
      <l n="1810">That ere the next Ascension day at noone,</l>
      <l n="1811">Your Highnes should deliuer vp your Crowne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1812">Thou idle Dreamer, wherefore didst thou so?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-pet">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pet.</speaker>
      <l n="1813">Fore‑knowing that the truth will fall out so.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1814">
         <hi rend="italic">Hubert</hi>, away with him: imprison him,</l>
      <l n="1815">And on that day at noone, whereon he sayes</l>
      <l n="1816">I shall yeeld vp my Crowne, let him be hang'd.</l>
      <l n="1817">Deliuer him to safety, and returne,</l>
      <l n="1818">For I must vse thee. O my gentle Cosen,</l>
      <l n="1819">Hear'st thou the newes abroad, who are arriu'd?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-phi">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="1820">The<hi rend="italic">French</hi>(my Lord) mens mouths are ful of it:</l>
      <l n="1821">Besides I met Lord<hi rend="italic">Bigot</hi>, and Lord<hi rend="italic">Salisburie</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1822">With eyes as red as new enkindled fire,</l>
      <l n="1823">And others more, going to seeke the graue</l>
      <l n="1824">Of<hi rend="italic">Arthur</hi>, whom they say is kill'd to night, on your
      <lb rend="turnunder"/>
         <pc rend="turnunder">(</pc>suggestion.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1825">Gentle kinsman, go</l>
      <l n="1826">And thrust thy selfe into their Companies,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0340-0.jpg" n="16"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1827">I haue a way to winne their loues againe:</l>
      <l n="1828">Bring them before me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-phi">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="1829">I will seeke them out.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1830">Nay, but make haste: the better foote before,</l>
      <l n="1831">O, let me haue no subiect enemies,</l>
      <l n="1832">When aduerse Forreyners affright my Townes</l>
      <l n="1833">With dreadfull pompe of stout inuasion.</l>
      <l n="1834">Be Mercurie, set feathers to thy heeles,</l>
      <l n="1835">And flye (like thought) from them, to me againe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-phi">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="1836">The spirit of the time shall teach me speed.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit</stage>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1837">Spoke like a sprightfull Noble Gentleman.</l>
      <l n="1838">Go after him: for he perhaps shall neede</l>
      <l n="1839">Some Messenger betwixt me, and the Peeres,</l>
      <l n="1840">And be thou hee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mes.</speaker>
      <l n="1841">With all my heart, my Liege.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1842">My mother dead?</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hubert.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-jn-hub">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hub.</speaker>
      <l n="1843">My Lord, they say fiue Moones were seene to
      <lb rend="turnunder"/>
         <pc rend="turnunder">(</pc>night:</l>
      <l n="1844">Foure fixed, and the fift did whirle about</l>
      <l n="1845">The other foure, in wondrous motion.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1846">Fiue Moones?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-hub">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hub.</speaker>
      <l n="1847">Old men, and Beldames, in the streets</l>
      <l n="1848">Do prophesie vpon it dangerously:</l>
      <l n="1849">Yong<hi rend="italic">Arthurs</hi>death is common in their mouths,</l>
      <l n="1850">And when they talke of him, they shake their heads,</l>
      <l n="1851">And whisper one another in the eare.</l>
      <l n="1852">And he that speakes, doth gripe the hearers wrist,</l>
      <l n="1853">Whilst he that heares, makes fearefull action</l>
      <l n="1854">With wrinkled browes, with nods, with rolling eyes.</l>
      <l n="1855">I saw a Smith stand with his hammer (thus)</l>
      <l n="1856">The whilst his Iron did on the Anuile coole,</l>
      <l n="1857">With open mouth swallowing a Taylors newes,</l>
      <l n="1858">Who with his Sheeres, and Measure in his hand,</l>
      <l n="1859">Standing on slippers, which his nimble haste</l>
      <l n="1860">Had falsely thrust vpon contrary feete,</l>
      <l n="1861">Told of a many thousand warlike French,</l>
      <l n="1862">That were embattailed, and rank'd in Kent.</l>
      <l n="1863">Another leane, vnwash'd Artificer,</l>
      <l n="1864">Cuts off his tale, and talkes of<hi rend="italic">Arthurs</hi>death.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Io.</speaker>
      <l n="1865">Why seek'st thou to possesse me with these feares<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
      <l n="1866">Why vrgest thou so oft yong<hi rend="italic">Arthurs</hi>death?</l>
      <l n="1867">Thy hand hath murdred him: I had a mighty cause</l>
      <l n="1868">To wish him dead, but thou hadst none to kill him.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-hub">
      <speaker rend="italic">H</speaker>
      <l n="1869">No had (my Lord?) why did you not prouoke me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1870">It is the curse of Kings, to be attended</l>
      <l n="1871">By slaues, that take their humors for a warrant,</l>
      <l n="1872">To breake within the bloody house of life,</l>
      <l n="1873">And on the winking of Authoritie</l>
      <l n="1874">To vnderstand a Law; to know the meaning</l>
      <l n="1875">Of dangerous Maiesty, when perchance it frownes</l>
      <l n="1876">More vpon humor, then aduis'd respect.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-hub">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hub.</speaker>
      <l n="1877">Herere is your hand and Seale for what I did.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1878">Oh, when the last accompt twixt heauen &amp; earth</l>
      <l n="1879">Is to be made, then shall this hand and Seale</l>
      <l n="1880">Witnesse against vs to damnation.</l>
      <l n="1881">How oft the sight of meanes to do ill deeds,</l>
      <l n="1882">Make deeds ill done? Had'st not thou beene by,</l>
      <l n="1883">A fellow by the hand of Nature mark'd,</l>
      <l n="1884">Quoted, and sign'd to do a deede of shame,</l>
      <l n="1885">This murther had not come into my minde.</l>
      <l n="1886">But taking note of thy abhorr'd Aspect,</l>
      <l n="1887">Finding thee fit for bloody villanie:</l>
      <l n="1888">Apt, liable to be employ'd in danger,</l>
      <l n="1889">I faintly broke with thee of<hi rend="italic">Arthurs</hi>death:</l>
      <l n="1890">And thou, to be endeered to a King,</l>
      <l n="1891">Made it no conscience to destroy a Prince.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-jn-hub">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hub.</speaker>
      <l n="1892">My Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ioh.</speaker>
      <l n="1893">Had'st thou but shooke thy head, or made a pause</l>
      <l n="1894">When I spake darkely, what I purposed:</l>
      <l n="1895">Or turn'd an eye of doubt vpon my face;</l>
      <l n="1896">As bid me tell my tale in expresse words:</l>
      <l n="1897">Deepe shame had struck me dumbe, made me break off,</l>
      <l n="1898">And those thy feares, might haue wrought feares in me.</l>
      <l n="1899">But, thou didst vnderstand me by my signes,</l>
      <l n="1900">And didst in signes againe parley with sinne,</l>
      <l n="1901">Yea, without stop, didst let thy heart consent,</l>
      <l n="1902">And consequently, thy rude hand to acte</l>
      <l n="1903">The deed, which both our tongues held vilde to name.</l>
      <l n="1904">Out of my sight, and neuer see me more:</l>
      <l n="1905">My Nobles leaue me, and my State is braued,</l>
      <l n="1906">Euen at my gates, with rankes of forraigne powres;</l>
      <l n="1907">Nay, in the body of this fleshly Land,</l>
      <l n="1908">This kingdome, this Confine of blood, and breathe</l>
      <l n="1909">Hostilitie, and ciuill tumult reignes</l>
      <l n="1910">Betweene my conscience, and my Cosins death.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-hub">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hub.</speaker>
      <l n="1911">Arme you against your other enemies:</l>
      <l n="1912">Ile make a peace betweene your soule, and you.</l>
      <l n="1913">Yong<hi rend="italic">Arthur</hi>is aliue: This hand of mine</l>
      <l n="1914">Is yet a maiden, and an innocent hand.</l>
      <l n="1915">Not painted with the Crimson spots of blood,</l>
      <l n="1916">Within this bosome, neuer entred yet</l>
      <l n="1917">The dreadfull motion of a murderous thought,</l>
      <l n="1918">And you haue slander'd Nature in my forme,</l>
      <l n="1919">Which howsoeuer rude exteriorly,</l>
      <l n="1920">Is yet the couer of a fayrer minde,</l>
      <l n="1921">Then to be butcher of an innocent childe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-jn-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <l n="1922">Doth<hi rend="italic">Arthur</hi>liue? O hast thee to the Peeres,</l>
      <l n="1923">Throw this report on their incens<c rend="inverted">e</c>d rage,</l>
      <l n="1924">And make them tame to their obedience.</l>
      <l n="1925">Forgiue the Comment that my passion made</l>
      <l n="1926">Vpon thy feature, for my rage was blinde,</l>
      <l n="1927">And foule immaginarie eyes of blood</l>
      <l n="1928">Presented thee more hideous then thou art.</l>
      <l n="1929">Oh, answer not; but to my Closset bring</l>
      <l n="1930">The angry Lords, with all expedient hast,</l>
      <l n="1931">I coniure thee but slowly: run more fast.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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