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

eyes.” Arthur wishes there were something in Hubert’s eyes and Hubert complains that he promised to sit quietly. Arthur again pleads with him to spare his eyes; he’d rather he cut out his tongue. He thinks the iron has gone cold. Hubert replies that it can be heated again but Arthur says “it’s dead for grief”—the breath of heaven has blown it out. Hubert says he can revive it with his breath but Arthur replies that if he does, he’ll make it blush for shame. Even iron and fire have more pity than him. Hubert is won over. He will let Arthur live but John mustn’t know. He’ll report Arthur’s death but will not harm him “for the wealth of all the world.”
ACT 4 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–82: John has had himself crowned a second time, although the Earls of Salisbury and Pembroke think it a pointless waste of time and money—“wasteful and ridiculous excess.” John says he’s explained it to them and is willing to listen and grant their demands. Pembroke says the lords wish Arthur to be set free—the people think it wrong that he’s imprisoned and not at liberty. John agrees and says he will entrust Arthur to them. Hubert enters and John takes him to one side; Pembroke believes he’s the one charged with Arthur’s murder—he showed the warrant to a friend. He thinks Hubert hasa wicked look and believes he’s already done “What we so feared he had a charge to do.” They note John’s changing color as Hubert speaks to him.
    Lines 83–135: John announces that unfortunately Arthur is dead. The lords said they feared as much. John wonders why they look so hard at him, arguing that he doesn’t hold the power of life or death but Salisbury claims it is “apparent foul play” and that John will have to answer for it, either on earth or in heaven. Pembroke says he’ll go and seek Arthur’s grave. Once they’ve gone, John repents the deed since they’re so angry and his position is even less secure—“There is no sure foundation set on blood.” A messenger arrives to tell him that the French army have arrived led by the dauphin. John is surprised not to have heard of it before—why did his mother not warn him—but the messenger adds that both she and Constance are dead.
    Lines 136–187: The Bastard enters with Peter of Pomfret. John says he doesn’t want any more bad news—he’s had enough. Richard tells him it’s better to know and John pulls himself together. He relates how he has traveled up and down the country collecting money for John’s wars and on his journeys heard strange rumors. He has brought one with him who prophesies that before the “next Ascension Day at noon” John will deliver up his crown. John orders Hubert to take the man to prison, to be hanged on that day. He asks Richard if he’s heard the news. Richard knows about the French and also the lords’ anger over Arthur’s death, holding John responsible. John orders Richard to go after them and bring them back to him. He sends the messenger off with him. John is alone just long enough on stage to reflect on the news: “My mother dead!”
    Lines 188–276: Hubert reenters and says that five moons have been seen. People take it as a dangerous portent: everyone is afraid and rumors are spreading of the arrival of the French, and of Arthur’s death. John asks him why he urged him to kill his nephew—Hubert had no reason to wish Arthur dead. Hubert protests that John ordered him. John complains that it’s “the curse of kings” to be servedby those who take their whims for orders. Hubert shows him the warrant, signed and sealed by John for Arthur’s death. John replies that it was Hubert’s fault: his presence and villainous appearance put the idea into his head. He blames Hubert for the deed and orders him out of his sight. Finally Hubert tells him that “Young Arthur is alive.” John is delighted and tells him to hurry and give the lords the news and bring them to him.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
    Lines 1–73: Arthur is high