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King John

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scene I

scene I II III IV

scene I II III

scene I II III IV V VI VII

First folio	Modern text	Definitions	Key line
Enter Iohn, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other	Enter King John, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other		KJ IV.ii.1.1
Lordes.	lords		KJ IV.ii.1.2
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Heere once againe we sit: once against crown'd	Here once again we sit, once again crowned,		KJ IV.ii.1
And look'd vpon, I hope, with chearefull eyes.	And looked upon, I hope, with cheerful eyes.		KJ IV.ii.2
Pem.	PEMBROKE
This once again (but that your Highnes pleas'd)	This ‘ once again,’ but that your highness pleased,		KJ IV.ii.3
Was once superfluous: you were Crown'd before,	Was once superfluous. You were crowned before,		KJ IV.ii.4
And that high Royalty was nere pluck'd off:	And that high royalty was ne'er plucked off,	royalty (n.) emblem of royalty, symbol of sovereignty	KJ IV.ii.5
The faiths of men, nere stained with reuolt:	The faiths of men ne'er stained with revolt;	stain (v.) corrupt, spoil, taint	KJ IV.ii.6
Fresh expectation troubled not the Land	Fresh expectation troubled not the land		KJ IV.ii.7
With any long'd-for-change, or better State.	With any longed-for change or better state.	state (n.) government, ruling body, administration	KJ IV.ii.8
Sal.	SALISBURY
Therefore, to be possess'd with double pompe,	Therefore, to be possessed with double pomp,	pomp (n.) old form: pompe pageant, ceremony, procession	KJ IV.ii.9
To guard a Title, that was rich before;	To guard a title that was rich before,	guard (v.) adorn, ornament, deck out	KJ IV.ii.10
To gilde refined Gold, to paint the Lilly;	To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,		KJ IV.ii.11
To throw a perfume on the Violet,	To throw a perfume on the violet,		KJ IV.ii.12
To smooth the yce, or adde another hew	To smooth the ice, or add another hue		KJ IV.ii.13
Vnto the Raine-bow; or with Taper-light	Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light	taper-light (n.) candle-light	KJ IV.ii.14
To seeke the beauteous eye of heauen to garnish,	To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,		KJ IV.ii.15
Is wastefull, and ridiculous excesse.	Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.		KJ IV.ii.16
Pem.	PEMBROKE
But that your Royall pleasure must be done,	But that your royal pleasure must be done,		KJ IV.ii.17
This acte, is as an ancient tale new told,	This act is as an ancient tale new told,		KJ IV.ii.18
And, in the last repeating, troublesome,	And in the last repeating troublesome,	troublesome (adj.) annoying, irritating, vexatious	KJ IV.ii.19
Being vrged at a time vnseasonable.	Being urged at a time unseasonable.	unseasonable (adj.) old form: vnseasonable unsuitable, inappropriate, unwelcome	KJ IV.ii.20
Sal.	SALISBURY
In this the Anticke, and well noted face	In this the antique and well noted face	noted (adj.) recognizable, well-known, familiar	KJ IV.ii.21
		antic, antick(e), antique (adj.) ancient, olden, former
Of plaine old forme, is much disfigured,	Of plain old form is much disfigured;	form (n.) old form: forme way of behaving, behaviour, code of conduct	KJ IV.ii.22
And like a shifted winde vnto a saile,	And, like a shifted wind unto a sail,		KJ IV.ii.23
It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about,	It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about,	fetch about (v.) change tack, move in a roundabout way	KJ IV.ii.24
Startles, and frights consideration:	Startles and frights consideration,	fright (v.), past form frighted frighten, scare, terrify	KJ IV.ii.25
		consideration (n.) moody contemplation, deep reflection
Makes sound opinion sicke, and truth suspected,	Makes sound opinion sick and truth suspected,	sound (adj.) healthy, robust, uninfected	KJ IV.ii.26
For putting on so new a fashion'd robe.	For putting on so new a fashioned robe.		KJ IV.ii.27
Pem.	PEMBROKE
When Workemen striue to do better then wel,	When workmen strive to do better than well,		KJ IV.ii.28
They do confound their skill in couetousnesse,	They do confound their skill in covetousness;	confound (v.) mar, corrupt, spoil	KJ IV.ii.29
And oftentimes excusing of a fault,	And oftentimes excusing of a fault	oftentimes (adv.) often, frequently, on many occasions	KJ IV.ii.30
		fault (n.) mistake, error, blunder
Doth make the fault the worse by th'excuse:	Doth make the fault the worse by th' excuse,		KJ IV.ii.31
As patches set vpon a little breach,	As patches set upon a little breach	breach (n.) tear, gap, hole	KJ IV.ii.32
Discredite more in hiding of the fault,	Discredit more in hiding of the fault		KJ IV.ii.33
Then did the fault before it was so patch'd.	Than did the fault before it was so patched.		KJ IV.ii.34
Sal.	SALISBURY
To this effect, before you were new crown'd	To this effect, before you were new crowned,		KJ IV.ii.35
We breath'd our Councell: but it pleas'd your Highnes	We breathed our counsel. But it pleased your highness	breathe (v.) old form: breath'd speak, utter, talk	KJ IV.ii.36
To ouer-beare it, and we are all well pleas'd,	To overbear it, and we are all well pleased,	overbear (v.) old form: ouer-beare overrule, overcome, put down	KJ IV.ii.37
Since all, and euery part of what we would	Since all and every part of what we would		KJ IV.ii.38
Doth make a stand, at what your Highnesse will.	Doth make a stand at what your highness will.	will (v.), past form would desire, wish, want	KJ IV.ii.39
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Some reasons of this double Corronation	Some reasons of this double coronation		KJ IV.ii.40
I haue possest you with, and thinke them strong.	I have possessed you with, and think them strong;		KJ IV.ii.41
And more, more strong, then lesser is my feare	And more, more strong, when lesser is my fear,		KJ IV.ii.42
I shall indue you with: Meane time, but aske	I shall indue you with. Meantime but ask	indue, endue (v.) endow, furnish, provide	KJ IV.ii.43
What you would haue reform'd. that is not well,	What you would have reformed that is not well,		KJ IV.ii.44
And well shall you perceiue, how willingly	And well shall you perceive how willingly		KJ IV.ii.45
I will both heare, and grant you your requests.	I will both hear and grant you your requests.		KJ IV.ii.46
Pem.	PEMBROKE
Then I, as one that am the tongue of these	Then I, as one that am the tongue of these	tongue (n.) spokesman, voice	KJ IV.ii.47
To sound the purposes of all their hearts,	To sound the purposes of all their hearts,	purpose (n.) intention, aim, plan	KJ IV.ii.48
Both for my selfe, and them: but chiefe of all	Both for myself and them – but, chief of all,		KJ IV.ii.49
Your safety: for the which, my selfe and them	Your safety, for the which myself and them		KJ IV.ii.50
Bend their best studies, heartily request	Bend their best studies – heartily request	study (n.) effort, endeavour	KJ IV.ii.51
		bend (v.) aim, direct, level, turn
Th'infranchisement of Arthur, whose restraint	Th' enfranchisement of Arthur, whose restraint	enfranchisement (n.) old form: infranchisement freedom, liberation, release	KJ IV.ii.52
		restraint (n.) captivity, imprisonment, confinement
Doth moue the murmuring lips of discontent	Doth move the murmuring lips of discontent		KJ IV.ii.53
To breake into this dangerous argument.	To break into this dangerous argument:	argument (n.) quarrel, dispute, point of contention	KJ IV.ii.54
If what in rest you haue, in right you hold,	If what in rest you have in right you hold,	rest (n.) [period of] peace, calm, repose	KJ IV.ii.55
Why then your feares, which (as they say) attend	Why then your fears, which, as they say, attend	attend (v.) accompany, follow closely, go with	KJ IV.ii.56
The steppes of wrong, should moue you to mew vp	The steps of wrong, should move you to mew up	mew up (v.) old form: vp coop up, confine, shut up	KJ IV.ii.57
Your tender kinsman, and to choake his dayes	Your tender kinsman, and to choke his days		KJ IV.ii.58
With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youth	With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youth		KJ IV.ii.59
The rich aduantage of good exercise,	The rich advantage of good exercise.	exercise (n.) manly sport, martial practice	KJ IV.ii.60
That the times enemies may not haue this	That the time's enemies may not have this	time (n.) circumstance, particular occasion	KJ IV.ii.61
To grace occasions: let it be our suite,	To grace occasions, let it be our suit,	suit (n.) old form: suite formal request, entreaty, petition	KJ IV.ii.62
		grace (v.) give credit to, lend plausibility to
That you haue bid vs aske his libertie,	That you have bid us ask, his liberty;		KJ IV.ii.63
Which for our goods, we do no further aske,	Which for our goods we do no further ask		KJ IV.ii.64
Then, whereupon our weale on you depending,	Than whereupon our weal, on you depending,	weal (n.) old form: weale welfare, well-being, prosperity	KJ IV.ii.65
Counts it your weale: he haue his liberty.	Counts it your weal he have his liberty.		KJ IV.ii.66
Enter Hubert.	Enter Hubert		KJ IV.ii.67
Iohn,	KING JOHN
Let it be so: I do commit his youth	Let it be so. I do commit his youth		KJ IV.ii.67
To your direction: Hubert, what newes with you?	To your direction. Hubert, what news with you?		KJ IV.ii.68
	He takes Hubert aside		KJ IV.ii.69
Pem.	PEMBROKE
This is the man should do the bloody deed:	This is the man should do the bloody deed;		KJ IV.ii.69
He shew'd his warrant to a friend of mine,	He showed his warrant to a friend of mine.		KJ IV.ii.70
The image of a wicked heynous fault	The image of a wicked heinous fault		KJ IV.ii.71
Liues in his eye: that close aspect of his,	Lives in his eye; that close aspect of his	aspect (n.) [of a human face] look, appearance, expression	KJ IV.ii.72
		close (adj.) secretive, tight-lipped, uncommunicative
Do shew the mood of a much troubled brest,	Does show the mood of a much troubled breast,		KJ IV.ii.73
And I do fearefully beleeue 'tis done,	And I do fearfully believe 'tis done,		KJ IV.ii.74
What we so fear'd he had a charge to do.	What we so feared he had a charge to do.	charge (n.) command, order, injunction, instruction	KJ IV.ii.75
Sal.	SALISBURY
The colour of the King doth come, and go	The colour of the King doth come and go		KJ IV.ii.76
Betweene his purpose and his conscience,	Between his purpose and his conscience,	purpose (n.) intention, aim, plan	KJ IV.ii.77
Like Heralds 'twixt two dreadfull battailes set:	Like heralds 'twixt two dreadful battles set.	battle (n.) old form: battailes army, fighting force, battalion	KJ IV.ii.78
His passion is so ripe, it needs must breake.	His passion is so ripe it needs must break.	passion (n.) emotional state, mental condition	KJ IV.ii.79
Pem.	PEMBROKE
And when it breakes, I feare will issue thence	And when it breaks, I fear will issue thence		KJ IV.ii.80
The foule corruption of a sweet childes death.	The foul corruption of a sweet child's death.		KJ IV.ii.81
Iohn.	KING JOHN
	(coming forward)		KJ IV.ii.81
We cannot hold mortalities strong hand.	We cannot hold mortality's strong hand.		KJ IV.ii.82
Good Lords, although my will to giue, is liuing,	Good lords, although my will to give is living,		KJ IV.ii.83
The suite which you demand is gone, and dead.	The suit which you demand is gone and dead.		KJ IV.ii.84
He tels vs Arthur is deceas'd to night.	He tells us Arthur is deceased tonight.	tonight (adv.) old form: to night last night, this past night	KJ IV.ii.85
Sal.	SALISBURY
Indeed we fear'd his sicknesse was past cure.	Indeed we feared his sickness was past cure.		KJ IV.ii.86
Pem.	PEMBROKE
Indeed we heard how neere his death he was,	Indeed we heard how near his death he was,		KJ IV.ii.87
Before the childe himselfe felt he was sicke:	Before the child himself felt he was sick.		KJ IV.ii.88
This must be answer'd either heere, or hence.	This must be answered – either here or hence.	answer (v.) old form: answer'd account for, justify, defend	KJ IV.ii.89
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Why do you bend such solemne browes on me?	Why do you bend such solemn brows on me?	bend (v.) [of brows] knit, wrinkle, frown	KJ IV.ii.90
		brow (n.) old form: browes eyebrow
Thinke you I beare the Sheeres of destiny?	Think you I bear the shears of destiny?		KJ IV.ii.91
Haue I commandement on the pulse of life?	Have I commandment on the pulse of life?	commandment, commandement (n.) old form: commandement control, authority, sovereignty [over]	KJ IV.ii.92
Sal.	SALISBURY
It is apparant foule-play, and 'tis shame	It is apparent foul play; and 'tis shame	apparent (adj.) old form: apparant plainly visible, conspicuous, evident, obvious	KJ IV.ii.93
That Greatnesse should so grossely offer it;	That greatness should so grossly offer it.	offer (v.) dare, presume, venture	KJ IV.ii.94
		grossly (adv.) old form: grossely openly, blatantly, brazenly
So thriue it in your game, and so farewell.	So thrive it in your game! And so, farewell.		KJ IV.ii.95
Pem.	PEMBROKE
Stay yet (Lord Salisbury) Ile go with thee,	Stay yet, Lord Salisbury. I'll go with thee,		KJ IV.ii.96
And finde th'inheritance of this poore childe,	And find th' inheritance of this poor child,		KJ IV.ii.97
His little kingdome of a forced graue.	His little kingdom of a forced grave.		KJ IV.ii.98
That blood which ow'd the bredth of all this Ile,	That blood which owed the breadth of all this isle,	owe (v.) old form: ow'd own, possess, have	KJ IV.ii.99
		blood (n.) life-blood, spirit
Three foot of it doth hold; bad world the while:	Three foot of it doth hold – bad world the while!		KJ IV.ii.100
This must not be thus borne, this will breake out	This must not be thus borne; this will break out	break out (v.) old form: breake rush out, come out	KJ IV.ii.101
To all our sorrowes,and ere long I doubt.	To all our sorrows, and ere long, I doubt.	doubt (v.) fear, be afraid [for], feel anxious [for]	KJ IV.ii.102
Exeunt	Exeunt Pembroke, Salisbury, and the other lords		KJ IV.ii.102
Io.	KING JOHN
They burn in indignation: I repent:	They burn in indignation. I repent.		KJ IV.ii.103
There is no sure foundation set on blood:	There is no sure foundation set on blood,		KJ IV.ii.104
No certaine life atchieu'd by others death:	No certain life achieved by others' death.	certain (adj.) old form: certaine secure, safe	KJ IV.ii.105
Enter Mes.	Enter a Messenger		KJ IV.ii.106.1
A fearefull eye thou hast. Where is that blood,	A fearful eye thou hast. Where is that blood	fearful (adj.) old form: fearefull timid, timorous, frightened, full of fear	KJ IV.ii.106
That I haue seene inhabite in those cheekes?	That I have seen inhabit in those cheeks?		KJ IV.ii.107
So foule a skie, cleeres not without a storme,	So foul a sky clears not without a storm;		KJ IV.ii.108
Poure downe thy weather: how goes all in France?	Pour down thy weather – how goes all in France?	weather (n.) tempest, storm	KJ IV.ii.109
Mes.	MESSENGER
From France to England, neuer such a powre	From France to England; never such a power	power (n.) old form: powre armed force, troops, host, army	KJ IV.ii.110
For any forraigne preparation,	For any foreign preparation	preparation (n.) expedition, military proceeding	KJ IV.ii.111
Was leuied in the body of a land.	Was levied in the body of a land.	body (n.) length and breadth, extent	KJ IV.ii.112
The Copie of your speede is learn'd by them:	The copy of your speed is learned by them;	copy (n.) old form: Copie example, model, pattern	KJ IV.ii.113
For when you should be told they do prepare,	For when you should be told they do prepare,		KJ IV.ii.114
The tydings comes, that they are all arriu'd.	The tidings comes that they are all arrived.		KJ IV.ii.115
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Oh where hath our Intelligence bin drunke?	O, where hath our intelligence been drunk?	intelligence (n.) source of information, secret service	KJ IV.ii.116
Where hath it slept? Where is my Mothers care?	Where hath it slept? Where is my mother's care,	care (n.) attentiveness, heedfulness, diligence	KJ IV.ii.117
That such an Army could be drawne in France,	That such an army could be drawn in France	draw (v.) old form: drawne bring together, draw in, gather	KJ IV.ii.118
And she not heare of it?	And she not hear of it?		KJ IV.ii.119.1
Mes.	MESSENGER
My Liege, her eare	My liege, her ear	liege (n.) lord, sovereign	KJ IV.ii.119.2
Is stopt with dust: the first of Aprill di'de	Is stopped with dust. The first of April died		KJ IV.ii.120
Your noble mother; and as I heare, my Lord,	Your noble mother; and, as I hear, my lord,		KJ IV.ii.121
The Lady Constance in a frenzie di'de	The Lady Constance in a frenzy died	frenzy (n.) old form: frenzie distraction, agitation, delirium	KJ IV.ii.122
Three dayes before: but this from Rumors tongue	Three days before. But this from rumour's tongue		KJ IV.ii.123
I idely heard: if true, or false I know not.	I idly heard; if true or false I know not.	idly (adv.) old form: idely without paying attention, casually	KJ IV.ii.124
		false (adj.) wrong, mistaken
Iohn.	KING JOHN
With-hold thy speed, dreadfull Occasion:	Withhold thy speed, dreadful occasion!	occasion (n.) course of events, state of affairs	KJ IV.ii.125
O make a league with me, 'till I haue pleas'd	O, make a league with me till I have pleased	please (v.) old form: pleas'd requite, satisfy, appease	KJ IV.ii.126
My discontented Peeres. What? Mother dead?	My discontented peers. What! Mother dead?		KJ IV.ii.127
How wildely then walkes my Estate in France?	How wildly then walks my estate in France!	estate (n.) state, situation, circumstances	KJ IV.ii.128
Vnder whose conduct came those powres of France,	Under whose conduct came those powers of France	power (n.) old form: powres armed force, troops, host, army	KJ IV.ii.129
		conduct (n.) leadership, command
That thou for truth giu'st out are landed heere?	That thou for truth givest out are landed here?		KJ IV.ii.130
Mes.	MESSENGER
Vnder the Dolphin.	Under the Dauphin.		KJ IV.ii.131.1
Enter Bastard and Peter of Pomfret.	Enter the Bastard and Peter of Pomfret	Pomfret (n.) Pontefract, West Yorkshire; site of a castle in which Richard II was imprisoned; later, a Lancastrian stronghold	KJ IV.ii.131
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Thou hast made me giddy	Thou hast made me giddy	giddy (adj.) bewildered, confused, nonplussed	KJ IV.ii.131.2
With these ill tydings: Now? What sayes the world	With these ill tidings. (to the Bastard) Now, what says the world	ill (adj.) bad, adverse, unfavourable	KJ IV.ii.132
To your proceedings? Do not seeke to stuffe	To your proceedings? Do not seek to stuff		KJ IV.ii.133
My head with more ill newes: for it is full.	My head with more ill news, for it is full.		KJ IV.ii.134
Bast.	BASTARD
But if you be a-feard to heare the worst,	But if you be afeard to hear the worst,	afeard (adj.) old form: a-feard afraid, frightened, scared	KJ IV.ii.135
Then let the worst vn-heard, fall on your head.	Then let the worst unheard fall on your bead.		KJ IV.ii.136
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Beare with me Cosen, for I was amaz'd	Bear with me, cousin, for I was amazed	amazed (adj.) old form: amaz'd dumbfounded, stunned, thunderstruck, overwhelmed	KJ IV.ii.137
Vnder the tide; but now I breath againe	Under the tide; but now I breathe again		KJ IV.ii.138
Aloft the flood, and can giue audience	Aloft the flood, and can give audience	flood (n.) sea, deep, waves, rushing water	KJ IV.ii.139
		aloft (prep.) above, over
To any tongue, speake it of what it will.	To any tongue, speak it of what it will.		KJ IV.ii.140
Bast.	BASTARD
How I haue sped among the Clergy men,	How I have sped among the clergymen,	speed (v.) fare, manage, get on	KJ IV.ii.141
The summes I haue collected shall expresse:	The sums I have collected shall express.		KJ IV.ii.142
But as I trauail'd hither through the land,	But as I travelled hither through the land,		KJ IV.ii.143
I finde the people strangely fantasied,	I find the people strangely fantasied,	fantasied (adj.) full of strange fancies	KJ IV.ii.144
Possest with rumors, full of idle dreames,	Possessed with rumours, full of idle dreams,		KJ IV.ii.145
Not knowing what they feare, but full of feare.	Not knowing what they fear, but full of fear.		KJ IV.ii.146
And here's a Prophet that I brought with me	And here's a prophet that I brought with me		KJ IV.ii.147
From forth the streets of Pomfret, whom I found	From forth the streets of Pomfret, whom I found		KJ IV.ii.148
With many hundreds treading on his heeles:	With many hundreds treading on his heels;		KJ IV.ii.149
To whom he sung in rude harsh sounding rimes,	To whom he sung, in rude harsh-sounding rhymes,	sing (v.) declaim in verse	KJ IV.ii.150
		rude (adj.) cacophonous, raucous, barbarous
That ere the next Ascension day at noone,	That, ere the next Ascension Day at noon,		KJ IV.ii.151
Your Highnes should deliuer vp your Crowne.	Your highness should deliver up your crown.		KJ IV.ii.152
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Thou idle Dreamer, wherefore didst thou so?	Thou idle dreamer, wherefore didst thou so?		KJ IV.ii.153
Pet.	PETER
Fore-knowing that the truth will fall out so.	Foreknowing that the truth will fall out so.	foreknow (v.) old form: Fore-knowing know in advance, have previous knowledge	KJ IV.ii.154
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Hubert, away with him: imprison him,	Hubert, away with him! Imprison him;		KJ IV.ii.155
And on that day at noone, whereon he sayes	And on that day at noon whereon he says		KJ IV.ii.156
I shall yeeld vp my Crowne, let him be hang'd.	I shall yield up my crown, let him be hanged.		KJ IV.ii.157
Deliuer him to safety, and returne,	Deliver him to safety and return,	safety (n.) safe keeping, custody	KJ IV.ii.158
For I must vse thee.	For I must use thee.		KJ IV.ii.159.1
	Exeunt Hubert with Peter of Pomfret		KJ IV.ii.159
O my gentle Cosen,	O my gentle cousin,	gentle (adj.) well-born, honourable, noble	KJ IV.ii.159.2
Hear'st thou the newes abroad, who are arriu'd?	Hearest thou the news abroad, who are arrived?		KJ IV.ii.160
Bast.	BASTARD
The French (my Lord) mens mouths are ful of it:	The French, my lord – men's mouths are full of it.		KJ IV.ii.161
Besides I met Lord Bigot, and Lord Salisburie	Besides, I met Lord Bigot and Lord Salisbury,		KJ IV.ii.162
With eyes as red as new enkindled fire,	With eyes as red as new-enkindled fire,	new-enkindled (adj.) old form: new enkindled freshly lit	KJ IV.ii.163
And others more, going to seeke the graue	And others more, going to seek the grave		KJ IV.ii.164
Of Arthur, whom they say is kill'd to night,	Of Arthur, whom they say is killed tonight	tonight (adv.) old form: to night last night, this past night	KJ IV.ii.165
on your suggestion.	On your suggestion.	suggestion (n.) temptation, instigation, prompting towards evil	KJ IV.ii.166.1
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Gentle kinsman, go	Gentle kinsman, go,		KJ IV.ii.166.2
And thrust thy selfe into their Companies,	And thrust thyself into their companies.		KJ IV.ii.167
I haue a way to winne their loues againe:	I have a way to win their loves again;		KJ IV.ii.168
Bring them before me.	Bring them before me.		KJ IV.ii.169.1
Bast.	BASTARD
I will seeke them out.	I will seek them out.		KJ IV.ii.169.2
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Nay, but make haste: the better foote before.	Nay, but make haste! The better foot before!		KJ IV.ii.170
O, let me haue no subiect enemies,	O, let me have no subject enemies,		KJ IV.ii.171
When aduerse Forreyners affright my Townes	When adverse foreigners affright my towns	affright (v.) frighten, terrify, scare	KJ IV.ii.172
		adverse (adj.) old form: aduerse hostile, belligerent, antagonistic
With dreadfull pompe of stout inuasion.	With dreadful pomp of stout invasion.	pomp (n.) old form: pompe pageant, ceremony, procession	KJ IV.ii.173
		stout (adj.) firm, bold, determined
Be Mercurie, set feathers to thy heeles,	Be Mercury, set feathers to thy heels,	Mercury (n.) messenger of the Roman gods; also, god of commerce	KJ IV.ii.174
And flye (like thought) from them, to me againe.	And fly like thought from them to me again.		KJ IV.ii.175
Bast.	BASTARD
The spirit of the time shall teach me speed.	The spirit of the time shall teach me speed.		KJ IV.ii.176
Exit	Exit		KJ IV.ii.176
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Spoke like a sprightfull Noble Gentleman.	Spoke like a sprightful noble gentleman!	sprightful, spriteful (adj.) old form: sprightfull spirited, animated, lively	KJ IV.ii.177
	(to the Messenger)		KJ IV.ii.178
Go after him: for he perhaps shall neede	Go after him; for he perhaps shall need		KJ IV.ii.178
Some Messenger betwixt me, and the Peeres,	Some messenger betwixt me and the peers;		KJ IV.ii.179
And be thou hee.	And be thou he.		KJ IV.ii.180.1
Mes.	MESSENGER
With all my heart, my Liege.	With all my heart, my liege.		KJ IV.ii.180.2
	Exit		KJ IV.ii.180
Iohn.	KING JOHN
My mother dead?	My mother dead!		KJ IV.ii.181
Enter Hubert.	Enter Hubert		KJ IV.ii.182
Hub.	HUBERT
My Lord, they say fiue Moones were seene to night:	My lord, they say five moons were seen tonight –		KJ IV.ii.182
Foure fixed, and the fift did whirle about	Four fixed, and the fifth did whirl about	fift (adj) variant spelling of ‘fifth’	KJ IV.ii.183
The other foure, in wondrous motion.	The other four in wondrous motion.	wondrous (adj.) unbelievable, bizarre, strange	KJ IV.ii.184
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Fiue Moones?	Five moons?		KJ IV.ii.185.1
Hub.	HUBERT
Old men, and Beldames, in the streets	Old men and beldams in the streets	beldam, beldame (n.) old form: Beldames old woman, crone	KJ IV.ii.185.2
Do prophesie vpon it dangerously:	Do prophesy upon it dangerously.		KJ IV.ii.186
Yong Arthurs death is common in their mouths,	Young Arthur's death is common in their mouths,		KJ IV.ii.187
And when they talke of him, they shake their heads,	And when they talk of him they shake their heads		KJ IV.ii.188
And whisper one another in the eare.	And whisper one another in the ear;		KJ IV.ii.189
And he that speakes, doth gripe the hearers wrist,	And he that speaks doth gripe the hearer's wrist,	gripe (v.) clutch, grasp, seize	KJ IV.ii.190
Whilst he that heares, makes fearefull action	Whilst he that hears makes fearful action,	fearful (adj.) old form: fearefull timid, timorous, frightened, full of fear	KJ IV.ii.191
		action (n.) movement, demeanour, gesture
With wrinkled browes, with nods, with rolling eyes.	With wrinkled brows, with nods, with rolling eyes.	brow (n.) old form: browes forehead [often plural, referring to the two prominences of the forehead]	KJ IV.ii.192
I saw a Smith stand with his hammer (thus)	I saw a smith stand with his hammer, thus,		KJ IV.ii.193
The whilst his Iron did on the Anuile coole,	The whilst his iron did on the anvil cool,		KJ IV.ii.194
With open mouth swallowing a Taylors newes,	With open mouth swallowing a tailor's news;		KJ IV.ii.195
Who with his Sheeres, and Measure in his hand,	Who, with his shears and measure in his hand,		KJ IV.ii.196
Standing on slippers, which his nimble haste	Standing on slippers which his nimble haste		KJ IV.ii.197
Had falsely thrust vpon contrary feete,	Had falsely thrust upon contrary feet,	contrary (adj.) wrong, incorrect, erroneous	KJ IV.ii.198
Told of a many thousand warlike French,	Told of a many thousand warlike French		KJ IV.ii.199
That were embattailed, and rank'd in Kent.	That were embattailed and ranked in Kent.	embattailed (adj.) old form: embattailed in battle positions, marshalled for fight	KJ IV.ii.200
		ranked (adj.) old form: rank'd drawn up in battle order
Another leane, vnwash'd Artificer,	Another lean unwashed artificer	artificer (n.) workman, artisan, craftsman	KJ IV.ii.201
Cuts off his tale, and talkes of Arthurs death.	Cuts off his tale and talks of Arthur's death.	cut off (v.) interrupt, break off	KJ IV.ii.202
Io.	KING JOHN
Why seek'st thou to possesse me with these feares?	Why seekest thou to possess me with these fears?	possess (v.) old form: possesse notify, inform, acquaint	KJ IV.ii.203
Why vrgest thou so oft yong Arthurs death?	Why urgest thou so oft young Arthur's death?	oft (adv.) often	KJ IV.ii.204
Thy hand hath murdred him: I had a mighty cause	Thy hand hath murdered him: I had a mighty cause	cause (n.) reason, motive, ground	KJ IV.ii.205
To wish him dead, but thou hadst none to kill him.	To wish him dead, but thou hadst none to kill him.		KJ IV.ii.206
H.	HUBERT
No had (my Lord?) why, did you not prouoke me?	No had, my lord! Why, did you not provoke me?	provoke (v.) old form: prouoke incite, rouse, urge on	KJ IV.ii.207
Iohn.	KING JOHN
It is the curse of Kings, to be attended	It is the curse of kings to be attended	attend (v.) serve, follow, wait [on/upon]	KJ IV.ii.208
By slaues, that take their humors for a warrant,	By slaves that take their humours for a warrant	humour (n.) old form: humors fancy, whim, inclination, caprice	KJ IV.ii.209
To breake within the bloody house of life,	To break within the bloody house of life,	bloody (adj.) blood-containing	KJ IV.ii.210
And on the winking of Authoritie	And on the winking of authority	winking (n.) shutting the eyes	KJ IV.ii.211
To vnderstand a Law; to know the meaning	To understand a law, to know the meaning		KJ IV.ii.212
Of dangerous Maiesty, when perchance it frownes	Of dangerous majesty, when perchance it frowns	perchance (adv.) perhaps, maybe	KJ IV.ii.213
More vpon humor, then aduis'd respect.	More upon humour than advised respect.	respect (n.) attention, heed, deliberation	KJ IV.ii.214
		humour (n.) old form: humor fancy, whim, inclination, caprice
		advised, avised (adj.) old form: aduis'd calculated, premeditated, intentional
Hub.	HUBERT
Heere is your hand and Seale for what I did.	Here is your hand and seal for what I did.	hand (n.) signature, written authorization	KJ IV.ii.215
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Oh, when the last accompt twixt heauen & earth	O, when the last account 'twixt heaven and earth		KJ IV.ii.216
Is to be made, then shall this hand and Seale	Is to be made, then shall this hand and seal		KJ IV.ii.217
Witnesse against vs to damnation.	Witness against us to damnation!		KJ IV.ii.218
How oft the sight of meanes to do ill deeds,	How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds	ill (adj.) evil, wicked, immoral	KJ IV.ii.219
		oft (adv.) often
Make deeds ill done? Had'st not thou beene by,	Make deeds ill done! Hadst not thou been by,	ill (adv.) badly, adversely, unfavourably	KJ IV.ii.220
A fellow by the hand of Nature mark'd,	A fellow by the hand of nature marked,		KJ IV.ii.221
Quoted, and sign'd to do a deede of shame,	Quoted, and signed to do a deed of shame,	quote (v.) closely observe, note, examine	KJ IV.ii.222
		sign (v.) old form: sign'd mark distinctively, bear a signature
This murther had not come into my minde.	This murder had not come into my mind.		KJ IV.ii.223
But taking note of thy abhorr'd Aspect,	But taking note of thy abhorred aspect,	aspect (n.) [of a human face] look, appearance, expression	KJ IV.ii.224
		abhorred (adj.) old form: abhorr'd horrifying, disgusting, abominable
Finding thee fit for bloody villanie:	Finding thee fit for bloody villainy,		KJ IV.ii.225
Apt, liable to be employ'd in danger,	Apt, liable to be employed in danger,	liable (adj.) fitting, apt, suitable	KJ IV.ii.226
		apt (adj.) fit, ready, prepared
I faintly broke with thee of Arthurs death:	I faintly broke with thee of Arthur's death;	faintly (adv.) timidly, half-heartedly, without conviction	KJ IV.ii.227
		break (v.) broach a matter, speak
And thou, to be endeered to a King,	And thou, to be endeared to a king,		KJ IV.ii.228
Made it no conscience to destroy a Prince.	Made it no conscience to destroy a prince.		KJ IV.ii.229
Hub.	HUBERT
My Lord.	My lord –		KJ IV.ii.230
Ioh.	KING JOHN
Had'st thou but shooke thy head, or made a pause	Hadst thou but shook thy head or made a pause		KJ IV.ii.231
When I spake darkely, what I purposed:	When I spake darkly what I purposed,	darkly (adv.) old form: darkely obscurely, cryptically, enigmatically	KJ IV.ii.232
Or turn'd an eye of doubt vpon my face;	Or turned an eye of doubt upon my face,		KJ IV.ii.233
As bid me tell my tale in expresse words:	As bid me tell my tale in express words,	express (adj.) old form: expresse explicit, specific, clear	KJ IV.ii.234
Deepe shame had struck me dumbe, made me break off,	Deep shame had struck me dumb, made me break off,		KJ IV.ii.235
And those thy feares, might haue wrought feares in me.	And those thy fears might have wrought fears in me.		KJ IV.ii.236
But, thou didst vnderstand me by my signes,	But thou didst understand me by my signs		KJ IV.ii.237
And didst in signes againe parley with sinne,	And didst in signs again parley with sin;	parle, parley (v.) talk, discuss, enter into conversation	KJ IV.ii.238
Yea, without stop, didst let thy heart consent,	Yea, without stop, didst let thy heart consent,	stop (n.) pause, hesitation, breaking off	KJ IV.ii.239
And consequently, thy rude hand to acte	And consequently thy rude hand to act	rude (adj.) violent, harsh, unkind	KJ IV.ii.240
		consequently (adv.) subsequently, later, then
The deed, which both our tongues held vilde to name.	The deed which both our tongues held vile to name.		KJ IV.ii.241
Out of my sight, and neuer see me more:	Out of my sight, and never see me more!		KJ IV.ii.242
My Nobles leaue me, and my State is braued,	My nobles leave me; and my state is braved,	state (n.) government, ruling body, administration	KJ IV.ii.243
		brave (v.) old form: braued challenge, defy, confront, provoke
Euen at my gates, with rankes of forraigne powres;	Even at my gates, with ranks of foreign powers;		KJ IV.ii.244
Nay, in the body of this fleshly Land,	Nay, in the body of this fleshly land,	fleshly (adj.) made of flesh, mortal	KJ IV.ii.245
This kingdome, this Confine of blood, and breathe	This kingdom, this confine of blood and breath,	confine (n.) territory, region, domain	KJ IV.ii.246
Hostilitie, and ciuill tumult reignes	Hostility and civil tumult reigns		KJ IV.ii.247
Betweene my conscience, and my Cosins death.	Between my conscience and my cousin's death.		KJ IV.ii.248
Hub.	HUBERT
Arme you against your other enemies:	Arm you against your other enemies;		KJ IV.ii.249
Ile make a peace betweene your soule, and you.	I'll make a peace between your soul and you.		KJ IV.ii.250
Yong Arthur is aliue: This hand of mine	Young Arthur is alive. This hand of mine		KJ IV.ii.251
Is yet a maiden, and an innocent hand.	Is yet a maiden and an innocent hand,	maiden (adj.) unblemished, unstained, not put to use	KJ IV.ii.252
Not painted with the Crimson spots of blood,	Not painted with the crimson spots of blood.		KJ IV.ii.253
Within this bosome, neuer entred yet	Within this bosom never entered yet	bosom (n.) old form: bosome heart, inner person	KJ IV.ii.254
The dreadfull motion of a murderous thought,	The dreadful motion of a murderous thought;	motion (n.) emotion, inclination, desire, impulse	KJ IV.ii.255
And you haue slander'd Nature in my forme,	And you have slandered nature in my form,	form (n.) old form: forme physical appearance, outward appearance	KJ IV.ii.256
Which howsoeuer rude exteriorly,	Which, howsoever rude exteriorly,	exteriorly (adv.) on the outside, superficially	KJ IV.ii.257
		rude (adj.) rough, wild, harsh-looking
Is yet the couer of a fayrer minde,	Is yet the cover of a fairer mind		KJ IV.ii.258
Then to be butcher of an innocent childe.	Than to be butcher of an innocent child.		KJ IV.ii.259
Iohn.	KING JOHN
Doth Arthur liue? O hast thee to the Peeres,	Doth Arthur live? O, haste thee to the peers!		KJ IV.ii.260
Throw this report on their incensed rage,	Throw this report on their incensed rage	incensed (adj.) inflamed, angered, enraged	KJ IV.ii.261
And make them tame to their obedience.	And make them tame to their obedience.	tame (adj.) submissive, resigned, habituated	KJ IV.ii.262
Forgiue the Comment that my passion made	Forgive the comment that my passion made	passion (n.) passionate outburst, emotional passage	KJ IV.ii.263
Vpon thy feature, for my rage was blinde,	Upon thy feature; for my rage was blind,	feature (n.) physical appearance, bodily shape, looks	KJ IV.ii.264
And foule immaginarie eyes of blood	And foul imaginary eyes of blood		KJ IV.ii.265
Presented thee more hideous then thou art.	Presented thee more hideous than thou art.		KJ IV.ii.266
Oh, answer not; but to my Closset bring	O, answer not, but to my closet bring	closet (n.) old form: Closset private chamber, study, own room	KJ IV.ii.267
The angry Lords, with all expedient hast,	The angry lords with all expedient haste.	expedient (adj.) speedy, rapid, expeditious	KJ IV.ii.268
I coniure thee but slowly: run more fast.	I conjure thee but slowly – run more fast!	conjure (v.) old form: coniure ask solemnly, entreat earnestly, beseech	KJ IV.ii.269
Exeunt.	Exeunt		KJ IV.ii.269


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