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

up on the prison wall, planning to escape, disguised as a ship boy. Despite his fear he decides to jump—he might as well “die and go, as die and stay.” He falls and is killed. Salisbury, Pembroke, and Bigot are making plans to join with the dauphin. Richard arrives, saying that the king would like to see them straightaway. They reply that they are no longer loyal to him since they do not wish to be stained with his dishonor, claiming they “know the worst.” The Bastard tries to persuade them, when they find Arthur’s body. They are shocked and horrified by the sight, believing he has been murdered. Salisbury and the others vow to avenge him.
    Lines 74–165: Hubert enters to tell them that Arthur is alive but they believe that Hubert has killed him. They threaten him with their swords while Richard strives to keep the peace. Hubert tries to convince them that he’s not responsible. They refuse to believe him and leave to meet the dauphin at Bury. Richard asks Hubert if he knew of Arthur’s death. If he knew of “this most cruel act,” he should despair and kill himself. Hubert tries to convince him of his innocence, assuring Richard that he “left him [Arthur] well.” Richard orders him to lift the body up: Richard thinks he’s losing his way “Among the thorns and dangers of this world.” He foresees all the troubles that will now descend on England through foreign and civil war and John’s authority diminished at home. He reflects that he who can survive “this tempest” is fortunate and orders Hubert to follow him, carrying Arthur. There are a “thousand businesses” to attend to and “heaven itself” looks angrily on England.
ACT 5 SCENE 1
    Lines 1–30: King John gives up his crown to Cardinal Pandulph who returns it to him with the authority of the Pope. He then asks the Cardinal to go to meet the French and persuade them to return before there’s civil war and strife. The Cardinal agrees that since it was he that “blew this tempest up” because John refused to do the Pope’s will, now that he’s compliant he’ll calm the situation down, bidding him remember his oath of service to the Pope “On this Ascension Day.” He departs and while briefly alone, John recalls the prophecy that he would give the crown up before noon this day. He believed it meant he would be forced to but is thankful that it was “voluntary” on his part.
    Lines 31–81: The Bastard reports that the war with France is going badly: Kent has yielded apart from Dover Castle, and London has welcomed the dauphin. The nobles refuse to listen to John and have gone to offer their services to the enemy; his few friends are all amazed. John asks if the lords wouldn’t return after hearing that Arthur was alive but Richard replies that they found his dead body. John says that “villain Hubert” told him he was alive and Richard replies that Hubert believed he was. He encourages John to behave proudly like a king and set a good example to his followers: “Show boldness and aspiring confidence.” John tells him the Pope’s legate has been with him and they’ve made peace—he’s going to dismiss the dauphin’s army. Richard is dismayed: “O inglorious league!” and thinks they should still make their arrangements to fight, in case the Cardinal fails: it should not be said that they didn’t try to defend their country. John tells him to organize everything, but privately fears that the French may be superior in strength.
ACT 5 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–118: Lewis accepts the services of Salisbury and the other rebel English lords. Salisbury swears to keep faith with him, regretting the need for war, grieving that they should follow a foreign lord and fighting their fellow countrymen, wishing their two Christian armies might join arms against a pagan enemy. Lewis praises those noble sentiments, which do him honour, but is amazed at histears—“such manly drops.” He tells him to overcome them since he will “thrust