King John & Henry VIII by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online

her to tie up her hair. She agrees, saying that she untied it in her grief, wishing she could have released Arthur as easily, but she will tie it up again since her son is a bound prisoner. She imagines Arthur pale and ill and says she will not recognize him when they meet again in heaven. The Cardinal is impatient and Philip accuses her of being “as fond of grief as of your child.” Constance, however, replies that “Grief fills the room up of my absent child”: she sees him everywhere. She lets down her hair again since “there is such disorder in my wit” and leaves, still lamenting bitterly. Philip goes after her, fearing she may kill herself.
    Lines 109–185: Lewis expresses his discontent to the Cardinal, who replies that in the long run, this will be to his advantage. Lewis does not understand how this can be the case and the Cardinal explains that while Arthur lives, John can have no peace. He will, therefore,have him murdered, at which point Lewis may claim the English throne for himself through his wife, Blanche (her mother was John’s older sister, Eleanor). Lewis is unconvinced, believing that he will lose everything, but the Cardinal explains how public opinion will turn against John for Arthur’s death: he will be blamed for everything, including the weather. Lewis suggests that perhaps John will let Arthur live but Pandulph assures him that as soon as he learns of the dauphin’s approach he will have him killed and then his people will be revolted and desire change. Furthermore “the Bastard Falconbridge” is busy “ransacking the Church / Offending charity” so that even a dozen Frenchmen would gather the support of the English; that support would then snowball. He tells Lewis to go with him to Philip and he will urge him on. The dauphin agrees, “If you say ay, the king will not say no.”
ACT 4 SCENE 1
    Lines 1–44: Hubert gives instructions to the Executioners to heat irons for branding, hide behind the arras, and when he stamps his foot, to rush out and bind Arthur to the chair. The First Executioner says he hopes Hubert has a warrant for “the deed.” Hubert rejects such scruples and calls Arthur to come to him. Arthur greets him and notices that he seems sad. Hubert confesses, “Indeed, I have been merrier.” Arthur goes on to say that no one should be as sad as he: he’d be delighted to be free—it’s not his fault he’s Geoffrey’s son; he wishes he were Hubert’s son. Hubert is determined to harden his heart. Arthur, however shows his concern, wishing Hubert were ill since he could then sit and watch with him. He believes he cares more for Hubert than Hubert does for him. Hubert is moved and shows Arthur the warrant. Arthur reads it and asks him if he has to burn out his eyes. Hubert replies that he must. Arthur asks him if he will do it and he replies that he will.
    Lines 49–51: Arthur goes on to remind Hubert of how when he had a headache, he looked after him, and always asked how he was and what he needed. But he says if Hubert must do it then he must, although his eyes have done him no harm, not so much as to frownon him. Hubert says he’s sworn to do it. Arthur believes that such a thing could only happen in “this iron age.” Even the iron itself would pity him, drink his tears, and rust away. Arthur asks if Hubert is harder than iron. He would not have believed it, even if an angel told him that Hubert would put out his eyes. Hubert stamps his foot and the Executioners come out. Arthur begs Hubert to save him: the men’s looks terrify him. He implores him not to bind him and promises he’ll sit quietly, and will forgive him whatever he does. Hubert sends the men away; they’re glad to be away from “such a deed.”
    Lines 92–144: Arthur then regrets sending away one who, he now realizes, despite his harsh looks, was his “friend.” Hubert tells him to prepare. Arthur asks if there is no remedy but Hubert assures him there is “None, but to lose your