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Enter KING JOHN, QUEEN ELEANOR, PEMBROKE, ESSEX, and SALISBURY, with the CHATILLION OF FRANCE.
Enter KING JOHN, QUEEN ELEANOR, PEMBROKE, ESSEX, and SALISBURY, with the CHATILLION OF FRANCE.
KING JOHN
Now say, Chatillion, what would France with us?
KING JOHN
Now say, Chatillion, what would France with us?
CHATILLION
Thus, after greeting, speaks the King of France
In my behavior to the majesty,
The borrowed majesty, of England here.
CHATILLION
Thus, after greeting, speaks the King of France
In my behavior to the majesty,
The borrowed majesty, of England here.
QUEEN ELEANOR
5
A strange beginning: “borrowed majesty”!
QUEEN ELEANOR
5
A strange beginning: “borrowed majesty”!
KING JOHN
Silence, good mother. Hear the embassy.
KING JOHN
Silence, good mother. Hear the embassy.
CHATILLION
Philip of France, in right and true behalf
Of thy deceasèd brother Geoffrey’s son,
Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claim
10
To this fair island and the territories,
To Ireland, Poitiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
Which sways usurpingly these several titles,
And put the same into young Arthur’s hand,
15
Thy nephew and right royal sovereign.
CHATILLION
Philip of France, in right and true behalf
Of thy deceasèd brother Geoffrey’s son,
Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claim
10
To this fair island and the territories,
To Ireland, Poitiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
Which sways usurpingly these several titles,
And put the same into young Arthur’s hand,
15
Thy nephew and right royal sovereign.
KING JOHN
What follows if we disallow of this?
KING JOHN
What follows if we disallow of this?
CHATILLION
The proud control of fierce and bloody war,
To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld.
CHATILLION
The proud control of fierce and bloody war,
To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld.
KING JOHN
Here have we war for war and blood for blood,
20
Controlment for controlment: so answer France.
KING JOHN
Here have we war for war and blood for blood,
20
Controlment for controlment: so answer France.
CHATILLION
Then take my king’s defiance from my mouth,
The farthest limit of my embassy.
CHATILLION
Then take my king’s defiance from my mouth,
The farthest limit of my embassy.
KING JOHN
Bear mine to him, and so depart in peace.
Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France,
25
For ere thou canst report, I will be there;                    
The thunder of my cannon shall be heard.
So, hence. Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
And sullen presage of your own decay.—
An honorable conduct let him have.
30
Pembroke, look to ’t.—Farewell, Chatillion.
KING JOHN
Bear mine to him, and so depart in peace.
Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France,
25
For ere thou canst report, I will be there;                    
The thunder of my cannon shall be heard.
So, hence. Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
And sullen presage of your own decay.—
An honorable conduct let him have.
30
Pembroke, look to ’t.—Farewell, Chatillion.
CHATILLION and PEMBROKE exit.
CHATILLION and PEMBROKE exit.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
What now, my son! Have I not ever said
How that ambitious Constance would not cease
Till she had kindled France and all the world
Upon the right and party of her son?
35
This might have been prevented and made whole    
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
What now, my son! Have I not ever said
How that ambitious Constance would not cease
Till she had kindled France and all the world
Upon the right and party of her son?
35
This might have been prevented and made whole    
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Our strong possession and our right for us.
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Our strong possession and our right for us.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
40
Your strong possession much more than your right,
Or else it must go wrong with you and me—
So much my conscience whispers in your ear,
Which none but God and you and I shall hear.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
40
Your strong possession much more than your right,
Or else it must go wrong with you and me—
So much my conscience whispers in your ear,
Which none but God and you and I shall hear.
Enter a SHERIFF, who speaks aside to ESSEX.
Enter a SHERIFF, who speaks aside to ESSEX.
ESSEX
My liege, here is the strangest controversy
45
Come from the country to be judged by you              
That e’er I heard. Shall I produce the men?
ESSEX
My liege, here is the strangest controversy
45
Come from the country to be judged by you              
That e’er I heard. Shall I produce the men?
KING JOHN  
Let them approach.                                                                
SHERIFF exits .
Our abbeys and our priories shall pay
This expedition’s charge.
Enter ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE and PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE.
50
What men are you?
KING JOHN  
Let them approach.                                                                
SHERIFF exits .
Our abbeys and our priories shall pay
This expedition’s charge.
Enter ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE and PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE.
50
What men are you?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
Your faithful subject I, a gentleman,
Born in Northamptonshire, and eldest son,
As I suppose, to Robert Faulconbridge,
A soldier, by the honor-giving hand
55
Of Coeur de Lion knighted in the field.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
Your faithful subject I, a gentleman,
Born in Northamptonshire, and eldest son,
As I suppose, to Robert Faulconbridge,
A soldier, by the honor-giving hand
55
Of Coeur de Lion knighted in the field.
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE  
What art thou?
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE  
What art thou?
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
The son and heir to that same Faulconbridge.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
The son and heir to that same Faulconbridge.
KING JOHN
Is that the elder, and art thou the heir?
You came not of one mother then, it seems.
KING JOHN
Is that the elder, and art thou the heir?
You came not of one mother then, it seems.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
60
Most certain of one mother, mighty king—                
That is well known—and, as I think, one father.
But for the certain knowledge of that truth
I put you o’er to heaven and to my mother.
Of that I doubt, as all men’s children may.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
60
Most certain of one mother, mighty king—                
That is well known—and, as I think, one father.
But for the certain knowledge of that truth
I put you o’er to heaven and to my mother.
Of that I doubt, as all men’s children may.
QUEEN ELEANOR
65
Out on thee, rude man! Thou dost shame thy            
               mother
And wound her honor with this diffidence.
QUEEN ELEANOR
65
Out on thee, rude man! Thou dost shame thy            
               mother
And wound her honor with this diffidence.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
I, madam? No, I have no reason for it.
That is my brother’s plea, and none of mine,
70
The which if he can prove, he pops me out                 
At least from fair five hundred pound a year.
Heaven guard my mother’s honor and my land!
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
I, madam? No, I have no reason for it.
That is my brother’s plea, and none of mine,
70
The which if he can prove, he pops me out                 
At least from fair five hundred pound a year.
Heaven guard my mother’s honor and my land!
KING JOHN
A good blunt fellow.—Why, being younger born,
Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance?
KING JOHN
A good blunt fellow.—Why, being younger born,
Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
75
I know not why, except to get the land.                       
But once he slandered me with bastardy.
But whe’er I be as true begot or no,
That still I lay upon my mother’s head.
But that I am as well begot, my liege—
80
Fair fall the bones that took the pains for me!—       
Compare our faces and be judge yourself.
If old Sir Robert did beget us both
And were our father, and this son like him,
O, old Sir Robert, father, on my knee
85
I give heaven thanks I was not like to thee!                
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
75
I know not why, except to get the land.                       
But once he slandered me with bastardy.
But whe’er I be as true begot or no,
That still I lay upon my mother’s head.
But that I am as well begot, my liege—
80
Fair fall the bones that took the pains for me!—       
Compare our faces and be judge yourself.
If old Sir Robert did beget us both
And were our father, and this son like him,
O, old Sir Robert, father, on my knee
85
I give heaven thanks I was not like to thee!                
KING JOHN
Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!
KING JOHN
Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
He hath a trick of Coeur de Lion’s face;
The accent of his tongue affecteth him.
Do you not read some tokens of my son
90
In the large composition of this man?                          
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
He hath a trick of Coeur de Lion’s face;
The accent of his tongue affecteth him.
Do you not read some tokens of my son
90
In the large composition of this man?                          
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Mine eye hath well examinèd his parts
And finds them perfect Richard. To ROBERT
FAULCONBRIDGE Sirrah, speak.
What doth move you to claim your brother’s land?
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Mine eye hath well examinèd his parts
And finds them perfect Richard. To ROBERT
FAULCONBRIDGE Sirrah, speak.
What doth move you to claim your brother’s land?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
95
Because he hath a half-face, like my father.                
With half that face would he have all my land—
A half-faced groat five hundred pound a year!
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
95
Because he hath a half-face, like my father.                
With half that face would he have all my land—
A half-faced groat five hundred pound a year!
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
My gracious liege, when that my father lived,
Your brother did employ my father much—
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
My gracious liege, when that my father lived,
Your brother did employ my father much—
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
100
Well, sir, by this you cannot get my land.                  
Your tale must be how he employed my mother.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
100
Well, sir, by this you cannot get my land.                  
Your tale must be how he employed my mother.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
And once dispatched him in an embassy
To Germany, there with the Emperor
To treat of high affairs touching that time.
105
Th’ advantage of his absence took the King              
And in the meantime sojourned at my father’s;
Where how he did prevail I shame to speak.
But truth is truth: large lengths of seas and shores
Between my father and my mother lay,
110
As I have heard my father speak himself,                  
When this same lusty gentleman was got.
Upon his deathbed he by will bequeathed
His lands to me, and took it on his death
That this my mother’s son was none of his;
115
An if he were, he came into the world                       
Full fourteen weeks before the course of time.
Then, good my liege, let me have what is mine,
My father’s land, as was my father’s will.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
And once dispatched him in an embassy
To Germany, there with the Emperor
To treat of high affairs touching that time.
105
Th’ advantage of his absence took the King              
And in the meantime sojourned at my father’s;
Where how he did prevail I shame to speak.
But truth is truth: large lengths of seas and shores
Between my father and my mother lay,
110
As I have heard my father speak himself,                  
When this same lusty gentleman was got.
Upon his deathbed he by will bequeathed
His lands to me, and took it on his death
That this my mother’s son was none of his;
115
An if he were, he came into the world                       
Full fourteen weeks before the course of time.
Then, good my liege, let me have what is mine,
My father’s land, as was my father’s will.
KING JOHN
Sirrah, your brother is legitimate.
120
Your father’s wife did after wedlock bear him,        
An if she did play false, the fault was hers,
Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
That marry wives. Tell me, how if my brother,
Who as you say took pains to get this son,
125
Had of your father claimed this son for his?             
In sooth, good friend, your father might have kept
This calf, bred from his cow, from all the world;
In sooth he might. Then if he were my brother’s,
My brother might not claim him, nor your father,
130
Being none of his, refuse him. This concludes:         
My mother’s son did get your father’s heir;
Your father’s heir must have your father’s land.
KING JOHN
Sirrah, your brother is legitimate.
120
Your father’s wife did after wedlock bear him,        
An if she did play false, the fault was hers,
Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
That marry wives. Tell me, how if my brother,
Who as you say took pains to get this son,
125
Had of your father claimed this son for his?             
In sooth, good friend, your father might have kept
This calf, bred from his cow, from all the world;
In sooth he might. Then if he were my brother’s,
My brother might not claim him, nor your father,
130
Being none of his, refuse him. This concludes:         
My mother’s son did get your father’s heir;
Your father’s heir must have your father’s land.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Shall then my father’s will be of no force
To dispossess that child which is not his?
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Shall then my father’s will be of no force
To dispossess that child which is not his?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
135
Of no more force to dispossess me, sir,                     
Than was his will to get me, as I think.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
135
Of no more force to dispossess me, sir,                     
Than was his will to get me, as I think.
QUEEN ELEANOR
Whether hadst thou rather: be a Faulconbridge
And, like thy brother, to enjoy thy land,
Or the reputed son of Coeur de Lion,
140
Lord of thy presence, and no land besides?
QUEEN ELEANOR
Whether hadst thou rather: be a Faulconbridge
And, like thy brother, to enjoy thy land,
Or the reputed son of Coeur de Lion,
140
Lord of thy presence, and no land besides?
BASTARD
Madam, an if my brother had my shape
And I had his, Sir Robert’s his like him,
And if my legs were two such riding-rods,
My arms such eel-skins stuffed, my face so thin
145
That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose,                    
Lest men should say “Look where three-farthings
               goes,”
And, to his shape, were heir to all this land,
Would I might never stir from off this place,
150
I would give it every foot to have this face.               
I would not be Sir Nob in any case.
BASTARD
Madam, an if my brother had my shape
And I had his, Sir Robert’s his like him,
And if my legs were two such riding-rods,
My arms such eel-skins stuffed, my face so thin
145
That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose,                    
Lest men should say “Look where three-farthings
               goes,”
And, to his shape, were heir to all this land,
Would I might never stir from off this place,
150
I would give it every foot to have this face.               
I would not be Sir Nob in any case.
QUEEN ELEANOR
I like thee well. Wilt thou forsake thy fortune,
Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me?
I am a soldier and now bound to France.
QUEEN ELEANOR
I like thee well. Wilt thou forsake thy fortune,
Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me?
I am a soldier and now bound to France.
BASTARD
155
Brother, take you my land. I’ll take my chance.       
Your face hath got five hundred pound a year,
Yet sell your face for five pence and ’tis dear.—
Madam, I’ll follow you unto the death.
BASTARD
155
Brother, take you my land. I’ll take my chance.       
Your face hath got five hundred pound a year,
Yet sell your face for five pence and ’tis dear.—
Madam, I’ll follow you unto the death.
QUEEN ELEANOR
Nay, I would have you go before me thither.
QUEEN ELEANOR
Nay, I would have you go before me thither.
BASTARD
160
Our country manners give our betters way.             
BASTARD
160
Our country manners give our betters way.             
KING JOHN  
What is thy name?
KING JOHN  
What is thy name?
BASTARD
Philip, my liege, so is my name begun,
Philip, good old Sir Robert’s wife’s eldest son.
BASTARD
Philip, my liege, so is my name begun,
Philip, good old Sir Robert’s wife’s eldest son.
KING JOHN
From henceforth bear his name whose form thou
165
bearest.                                                                              
Kneel thou down Philip, but rise more great.
PHILIP kneels. KING JOHN dubs him a knight, tapping him on the shoulder with his sword.
Arise Sir Richard and Plantagenet.
KING JOHN
From henceforth bear his name whose form thou
165
bearest.                                                                              
Kneel thou down Philip, but rise more great.
PHILIP kneels. KING JOHN dubs him a knight, tapping him on the shoulder with his sword.
Arise Sir Richard and Plantagenet.
BASTARD , rising, to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Brother by th’ mother’s side, give me your hand.
My father gave me honor, yours gave land.
170
Now blessèd be the hour, by night or day,                
When I was got, Sir Robert was away!
BASTARD , rising, to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Brother by th’ mother’s side, give me your hand.
My father gave me honor, yours gave land.
170
Now blessèd be the hour, by night or day,                
When I was got, Sir Robert was away!
QUEEN ELEANOR
The very spirit of Plantagenet!
I am thy grandam, Richard. Call me so.
QUEEN ELEANOR
The very spirit of Plantagenet!
I am thy grandam, Richard. Call me so.
BASTARD
Madam, by chance but not by truth. What though?
175
Something about, a little from the right,                   
               In at the window, or else o’er the hatch.
Who dares not stir by day must walk by night,
               And have is have, however men do catch.
Near or far off, well won is still well shot,
180
And I am I, howe’er I was begot.
BASTARD
Madam, by chance but not by truth. What though?
175
Something about, a little from the right,                   
               In at the window, or else o’er the hatch.
Who dares not stir by day must walk by night,
               And have is have, however men do catch.
Near or far off, well won is still well shot,
180
And I am I, howe’er I was begot.
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Go, Faulconbridge, now hast thou thy desire.
A landless knight makes thee a landed squire.—
Come, madam,—and come, Richard. We must
               speed
185
For France, for France, for it is more than need.
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Go, Faulconbridge, now hast thou thy desire.
A landless knight makes thee a landed squire.—
Come, madam,—and come, Richard. We must
               speed
185
For France, for France, for it is more than need.
BASTARD
Brother, adieu, good fortune come to thee,
For thou wast got i’ th’ way of honesty.
All but BASTARD exit.
A foot of honor better than I was,
But many a many foot of land the worse.
190
Well, now can I make any Joan a lady.                       
“Good den, Sir Richard!” “God-a-mercy, fellow!”
An if his name be George, I’ll call him “Peter,”
For new-made honor doth forget men’s names;
’Tis too respective and too sociable
195
For your conversion. Now your traveler,                   
He and his toothpick at my Worship’s mess,
And when my knightly stomach is sufficed,
Why then I suck my teeth and catechize
My pickèd man of countries: “My dear sir,”
200
Thus leaning on mine elbow I begin,                           
“I shall beseech you”—that is Question now,
And then comes Answer like an absey-book:
“O, sir,” says Answer, “at your best command,
At your employment, at your service, sir.”
205
“No, sir,” says Question, “I, sweet sir, at yours.”     
And so, ere Answer knows what Question would,
Saving in dialogue of compliment
And talking of the Alps and Apennines,
The Pyrenean and the river Po,
210
It draws toward supper in conclusion so.                  
But this is worshipful society
And fits the mounting spirit like myself;
For he is but a bastard to the time
That doth not smack of observation,
215
And so am I whether I smack or no;                            
And not alone in habit and device,
Exterior form, outward accouterment,
But from the inward motion to deliver
Sweet, sweet, sweet poison for the age’s tooth,
220
Which though I will not practice to deceive,             
Yet to avoid deceit I mean to learn,
For it shall strew the footsteps of my rising.
Enter LADY FAULCONBRIDGE and JAMES GURNEY.
But who comes in such haste in riding robes?
What woman post is this? Hath she no husband
225
That will take pains to blow a horn before her?      
O me, ’tis my mother.—How now, good lady?
What brings you here to court so hastily?
BASTARD
Brother, adieu, good fortune come to thee,
For thou wast got i’ th’ way of honesty.
All but BASTARD exit.
A foot of honor better than I was,
But many a many foot of land the worse.
190
Well, now can I make any Joan a lady.                       
“Good den, Sir Richard!” “God-a-mercy, fellow!”
An if his name be George, I’ll call him “Peter,”
For new-made honor doth forget men’s names;
’Tis too respective and too sociable
195
For your conversion. Now your traveler,                   
He and his toothpick at my Worship’s mess,
And when my knightly stomach is sufficed,
Why then I suck my teeth and catechize
My pickèd man of countries: “My dear sir,”
200
Thus leaning on mine elbow I begin,                           
“I shall beseech you”—that is Question now,
And then comes Answer like an absey-book:
“O, sir,” says Answer, “at your best command,
At your employment, at your service, sir.”
205
“No, sir,” says Question, “I, sweet sir, at yours.”     
And so, ere Answer knows what Question would,
Saving in dialogue of compliment
And talking of the Alps and Apennines,
The Pyrenean and the river Po,
210
It draws toward supper in conclusion so.                  
But this is worshipful society
And fits the mounting spirit like myself;
For he is but a bastard to the time
That doth not smack of observation,
215
And so am I whether I smack or no;                            
And not alone in habit and device,
Exterior form, outward accouterment,
But from the inward motion to deliver
Sweet, sweet, sweet poison for the age’s tooth,
220
Which though I will not practice to deceive,             
Yet to avoid deceit I mean to learn,
For it shall strew the footsteps of my rising.
Enter LADY FAULCONBRIDGE and JAMES GURNEY.
But who comes in such haste in riding robes?
What woman post is this? Hath she no husband
225
That will take pains to blow a horn before her?      
O me, ’tis my mother.—How now, good lady?
What brings you here to court so hastily?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Where is that slave thy brother? Where is he
That holds in chase mine honor up and down?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Where is that slave thy brother? Where is he
That holds in chase mine honor up and down?
BASTARD
230
My brother Robert, old Sir Robert’s son?                  
Colbrand the Giant, that same mighty man?
Is it Sir Robert’s son that you seek so?
BASTARD
230
My brother Robert, old Sir Robert’s son?                  
Colbrand the Giant, that same mighty man?
Is it Sir Robert’s son that you seek so?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
“Sir Robert’s son”? Ay, thou unreverent boy,
Sir Robert’s son. Why scorn’st thou at Sir Robert?
235
He is Sir Robert’s son, and so art thou.
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
“Sir Robert’s son”? Ay, thou unreverent boy,
Sir Robert’s son. Why scorn’st thou at Sir Robert?
235
He is Sir Robert’s son, and so art thou.
BASTARD
James Gurney, wilt thou give us leave awhile?
BASTARD
James Gurney, wilt thou give us leave awhile?
GURNEY
Good leave, good Philip.
GURNEY
Good leave, good Philip.
BASTARD  
“Philip Sparrow,” James.
There’s toys abroad. Anon I’ll tell thee more.
JAMES GURNEY exits.
240
Madam, I was not old Sir Robert’s son.                      
Sir Robert might have eat his part in me
Upon Good Friday and ne’er broke his fast.
Sir Robert could do well—marry, to confess—
Could he get me. Sir Robert could not do it;
245
We know his handiwork. Therefore, good mother,
To whom am I beholding for these limbs?
Sir Robert never holp to make this leg.
BASTARD  
“Philip Sparrow,” James.
There’s toys abroad. Anon I’ll tell thee more.
JAMES GURNEY exits.
240
Madam, I was not old Sir Robert’s son.                      
Sir Robert might have eat his part in me
Upon Good Friday and ne’er broke his fast.
Sir Robert could do well—marry, to confess—
Could he get me. Sir Robert could not do it;
245
We know his handiwork. Therefore, good mother,
To whom am I beholding for these limbs?
Sir Robert never holp to make this leg.
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou conspirèd with thy brother too,
That for thine own gain shouldst defend mine
250
honor?                                                                                
What means this scorn, thou most untoward knave?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou conspirèd with thy brother too,
That for thine own gain shouldst defend mine
250
honor?                                                                                
What means this scorn, thou most untoward knave?
BASTARD
Knight, knight, good mother, Basilisco-like.
What, I am dubbed! I have it on my shoulder.
But, mother, I am not Sir Robert’s son.
255
I have disclaimed Sir Robert and my land.                 
Legitimation, name, and all is gone.
Then, good my mother, let me know my father—
Some proper man, I hope. Who was it, mother?
BASTARD
Knight, knight, good mother, Basilisco-like.
What, I am dubbed! I have it on my shoulder.
But, mother, I am not Sir Robert’s son.
255
I have disclaimed Sir Robert and my land.                 
Legitimation, name, and all is gone.
Then, good my mother, let me know my father—
Some proper man, I hope. Who was it, mother?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge?
BASTARD
260
As faithfully as I deny the devil.                                    
BASTARD
260
As faithfully as I deny the devil.                                    
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
King Richard Coeur de Lion was thy father.
By long and vehement suit I was seduced
To make room for him in my husband’s bed.
Heaven lay not my transgression to my charge!
265
Thou art the issue of my dear offense,                       
Which was so strongly urged past my defense.
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
King Richard Coeur de Lion was thy father.
By long and vehement suit I was seduced
To make room for him in my husband’s bed.
Heaven lay not my transgression to my charge!
265
Thou art the issue of my dear offense,                       
Which was so strongly urged past my defense.
BASTARD
Now, by this light, were I to get again,
Madam, I would not wish a better father.
Some sins do bear their privilege on Earth,
270
And so doth yours. Your fault was not your folly.    
Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose,
Subjected tribute to commanding love,
Against whose fury and unmatchèd force
The aweless lion could not wage the fight,
275
Nor keep his princely heart from Richard’s hand.   
He that perforce robs lions of their hearts
May easily win a woman’s. Ay, my mother,
With all my heart I thank thee for my father.
Who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
280
When I was got, I’ll send his soul to hell.                   
Come, lady, I will show thee to my kin,
               And they shall say when Richard me begot,
If thou hadst said him nay, it had been sin.
               Who says it was, he lies. I say ’twas not.
BASTARD
Now, by this light, were I to get again,
Madam, I would not wish a better father.
Some sins do bear their privilege on Earth,
270
And so doth yours. Your fault was not your folly.    
Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose,
Subjected tribute to commanding love,
Against whose fury and unmatchèd force
The aweless lion could not wage the fight,
275
Nor keep his princely heart from Richard’s hand.   
He that perforce robs lions of their hearts
May easily win a woman’s. Ay, my mother,
With all my heart I thank thee for my father.
Who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
280
When I was got, I’ll send his soul to hell.                   
Come, lady, I will show thee to my kin,
               And they shall say when Richard me begot,
If thou hadst said him nay, it had been sin.
               Who says it was, he lies. I say ’twas not.
They exit.
They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter KING JOHN, QUEEN ELEANOR, PEMBROKE, ESSEX, and SALISBURY, with the CHATILLION OF FRANCE.
Enter KING JOHN, QUEEN ELEANOR, PEMBROKE, ESSEX, and SALISBURY, with the CHATILLION OF FRANCE.
KING JOHN
Now say, Chatillion, what would France with us?
KING JOHN
Now say, Chatillion, what would France with us?
CHATILLION
Thus, after greeting, speaks the King of France
In my behavior to the majesty,
The borrowed majesty, of England here.
CHATILLION
Thus, after greeting, speaks the King of France
In my behavior to the majesty,
The borrowed majesty, of England here.
QUEEN ELEANOR
5
A strange beginning: “borrowed majesty”!
QUEEN ELEANOR
5
A strange beginning: “borrowed majesty”!
KING JOHN
Silence, good mother. Hear the embassy.
KING JOHN
Silence, good mother. Hear the embassy.
CHATILLION
Philip of France, in right and true behalf
Of thy deceasèd brother Geoffrey’s son,
Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claim
10
To this fair island and the territories,
To Ireland, Poitiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
Which sways usurpingly these several titles,
And put the same into young Arthur’s hand,
15
Thy nephew and right royal sovereign.
CHATILLION
Philip of France, in right and true behalf
Of thy deceasèd brother Geoffrey’s son,
Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claim
10
To this fair island and the territories,
To Ireland, Poitiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
Which sways usurpingly these several titles,
And put the same into young Arthur’s hand,
15
Thy nephew and right royal sovereign.
KING JOHN
What follows if we disallow of this?
KING JOHN
What follows if we disallow of this?
CHATILLION
The proud control of fierce and bloody war,
To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld.
CHATILLION
The proud control of fierce and bloody war,
To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld.
KING JOHN
Here have we war for war and blood for blood,
20
Controlment for controlment: so answer France.
KING JOHN
Here have we war for war and blood for blood,
20
Controlment for controlment: so answer France.
CHATILLION
Then take my king’s defiance from my mouth,
The farthest limit of my embassy.
CHATILLION
Then take my king’s defiance from my mouth,
The farthest limit of my embassy.
KING JOHN
Bear mine to him, and so depart in peace.
Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France,
25
For ere thou canst report, I will be there;                    
The thunder of my cannon shall be heard.
So, hence. Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
And sullen presage of your own decay.—
An honorable conduct let him have.
30
Pembroke, look to ’t.—Farewell, Chatillion.
KING JOHN
Bear mine to him, and so depart in peace.
Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France,
25
For ere thou canst report, I will be there;                    
The thunder of my cannon shall be heard.
So, hence. Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
And sullen presage of your own decay.—
An honorable conduct let him have.
30
Pembroke, look to ’t.—Farewell, Chatillion.
CHATILLION and PEMBROKE exit.
CHATILLION and PEMBROKE exit.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
What now, my son! Have I not ever said
How that ambitious Constance would not cease
Till she had kindled France and all the world
Upon the right and party of her son?
35
This might have been prevented and made whole    
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
What now, my son! Have I not ever said
How that ambitious Constance would not cease
Till she had kindled France and all the world
Upon the right and party of her son?
35
This might have been prevented and made whole    
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Our strong possession and our right for us.
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Our strong possession and our right for us.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
40
Your strong possession much more than your right,
Or else it must go wrong with you and me—
So much my conscience whispers in your ear,
Which none but God and you and I shall hear.
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
40
Your strong possession much more than your right,
Or else it must go wrong with you and me—
So much my conscience whispers in your ear,
Which none but God and you and I shall hear.
Enter a SHERIFF, who speaks aside to ESSEX.
Enter a SHERIFF, who speaks aside to ESSEX.
ESSEX
My liege, here is the strangest controversy
45
Come from the country to be judged by you              
That e’er I heard. Shall I produce the men?
ESSEX
My liege, here is the strangest controversy
45
Come from the country to be judged by you              
That e’er I heard. Shall I produce the men?
KING JOHN  
Let them approach.                                                                
SHERIFF exits .
Our abbeys and our priories shall pay
This expedition’s charge.
Enter ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE and PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE.
50
What men are you?
KING JOHN  
Let them approach.                                                                
SHERIFF exits .
Our abbeys and our priories shall pay
This expedition’s charge.
Enter ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE and PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE.
50
What men are you?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
Your faithful subject I, a gentleman,
Born in Northamptonshire, and eldest son,
As I suppose, to Robert Faulconbridge,
A soldier, by the honor-giving hand
55
Of Coeur de Lion knighted in the field.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
Your faithful subject I, a gentleman,
Born in Northamptonshire, and eldest son,
As I suppose, to Robert Faulconbridge,
A soldier, by the honor-giving hand
55
Of Coeur de Lion knighted in the field.
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE  
What art thou?
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE  
What art thou?
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
The son and heir to that same Faulconbridge.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
The son and heir to that same Faulconbridge.
KING JOHN
Is that the elder, and art thou the heir?
You came not of one mother then, it seems.
KING JOHN
Is that the elder, and art thou the heir?
You came not of one mother then, it seems.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
60
Most certain of one mother, mighty king—                
That is well known—and, as I think, one father.
But for the certain knowledge of that truth
I put you o’er to heaven and to my mother.
Of that I doubt, as all men’s children may.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
60
Most certain of one mother, mighty king—                
That is well known—and, as I think, one father.
But for the certain knowledge of that truth
I put you o’er to heaven and to my mother.
Of that I doubt, as all men’s children may.
QUEEN ELEANOR
65
Out on thee, rude man! Thou dost shame thy            
               mother
And wound her honor with this diffidence.
QUEEN ELEANOR
65
Out on thee, rude man! Thou dost shame thy            
               mother
And wound her honor with this diffidence.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
I, madam? No, I have no reason for it.
That is my brother’s plea, and none of mine,
70
The which if he can prove, he pops me out                 
At least from fair five hundred pound a year.
Heaven guard my mother’s honor and my land!
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
I, madam? No, I have no reason for it.
That is my brother’s plea, and none of mine,
70
The which if he can prove, he pops me out                 
At least from fair five hundred pound a year.
Heaven guard my mother’s honor and my land!
KING JOHN
A good blunt fellow.—Why, being younger born,
Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance?
KING JOHN
A good blunt fellow.—Why, being younger born,
Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
75
I know not why, except to get the land.                       
But once he slandered me with bastardy.
But whe’er I be as true begot or no,
That still I lay upon my mother’s head.
But that I am as well begot, my liege—
80
Fair fall the bones that took the pains for me!—       
Compare our faces and be judge yourself.
If old Sir Robert did beget us both
And were our father, and this son like him,
O, old Sir Robert, father, on my knee
85
I give heaven thanks I was not like to thee!                
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
75
I know not why, except to get the land.                       
But once he slandered me with bastardy.
But whe’er I be as true begot or no,
That still I lay upon my mother’s head.
But that I am as well begot, my liege—
80
Fair fall the bones that took the pains for me!—       
Compare our faces and be judge yourself.
If old Sir Robert did beget us both
And were our father, and this son like him,
O, old Sir Robert, father, on my knee
85
I give heaven thanks I was not like to thee!                
KING JOHN
Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!
KING JOHN
Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
He hath a trick of Coeur de Lion’s face;
The accent of his tongue affecteth him.
Do you not read some tokens of my son
90
In the large composition of this man?                          
QUEEN ELEANOR , aside to KING JOHN
He hath a trick of Coeur de Lion’s face;
The accent of his tongue affecteth him.
Do you not read some tokens of my son
90
In the large composition of this man?                          
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Mine eye hath well examinèd his parts
And finds them perfect Richard. To ROBERT
FAULCONBRIDGE Sirrah, speak.
What doth move you to claim your brother’s land?
KING JOHN , aside to QUEEN ELEANOR
Mine eye hath well examinèd his parts
And finds them perfect Richard. To ROBERT
FAULCONBRIDGE Sirrah, speak.
What doth move you to claim your brother’s land?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
95
Because he hath a half-face, like my father.                
With half that face would he have all my land—
A half-faced groat five hundred pound a year!
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
95
Because he hath a half-face, like my father.                
With half that face would he have all my land—
A half-faced groat five hundred pound a year!
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
My gracious liege, when that my father lived,
Your brother did employ my father much—
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
My gracious liege, when that my father lived,
Your brother did employ my father much—
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
100
Well, sir, by this you cannot get my land.                  
Your tale must be how he employed my mother.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
100
Well, sir, by this you cannot get my land.                  
Your tale must be how he employed my mother.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
And once dispatched him in an embassy
To Germany, there with the Emperor
To treat of high affairs touching that time.
105
Th’ advantage of his absence took the King              
And in the meantime sojourned at my father’s;
Where how he did prevail I shame to speak.
But truth is truth: large lengths of seas and shores
Between my father and my mother lay,
110
As I have heard my father speak himself,                  
When this same lusty gentleman was got.
Upon his deathbed he by will bequeathed
His lands to me, and took it on his death
That this my mother’s son was none of his;
115
An if he were, he came into the world                       
Full fourteen weeks before the course of time.
Then, good my liege, let me have what is mine,
My father’s land, as was my father’s will.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
And once dispatched him in an embassy
To Germany, there with the Emperor
To treat of high affairs touching that time.
105
Th’ advantage of his absence took the King              
And in the meantime sojourned at my father’s;
Where how he did prevail I shame to speak.
But truth is truth: large lengths of seas and shores
Between my father and my mother lay,
110
As I have heard my father speak himself,                  
When this same lusty gentleman was got.
Upon his deathbed he by will bequeathed
His lands to me, and took it on his death
That this my mother’s son was none of his;
115
An if he were, he came into the world                       
Full fourteen weeks before the course of time.
Then, good my liege, let me have what is mine,
My father’s land, as was my father’s will.
KING JOHN
Sirrah, your brother is legitimate.
120
Your father’s wife did after wedlock bear him,        
An if she did play false, the fault was hers,
Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
That marry wives. Tell me, how if my brother,
Who as you say took pains to get this son,
125
Had of your father claimed this son for his?             
In sooth, good friend, your father might have kept
This calf, bred from his cow, from all the world;
In sooth he might. Then if he were my brother’s,
My brother might not claim him, nor your father,
130
Being none of his, refuse him. This concludes:         
My mother’s son did get your father’s heir;
Your father’s heir must have your father’s land.
KING JOHN
Sirrah, your brother is legitimate.
120
Your father’s wife did after wedlock bear him,        
An if she did play false, the fault was hers,
Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
That marry wives. Tell me, how if my brother,
Who as you say took pains to get this son,
125
Had of your father claimed this son for his?             
In sooth, good friend, your father might have kept
This calf, bred from his cow, from all the world;
In sooth he might. Then if he were my brother’s,
My brother might not claim him, nor your father,
130
Being none of his, refuse him. This concludes:         
My mother’s son did get your father’s heir;
Your father’s heir must have your father’s land.
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Shall then my father’s will be of no force
To dispossess that child which is not his?
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Shall then my father’s will be of no force
To dispossess that child which is not his?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
135
Of no more force to dispossess me, sir,                     
Than was his will to get me, as I think.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
135
Of no more force to dispossess me, sir,                     
Than was his will to get me, as I think.
QUEEN ELEANOR
Whether hadst thou rather: be a Faulconbridge
And, like thy brother, to enjoy thy land,
Or the reputed son of Coeur de Lion,
140
Lord of thy presence, and no land besides?
QUEEN ELEANOR
Whether hadst thou rather: be a Faulconbridge
And, like thy brother, to enjoy thy land,
Or the reputed son of Coeur de Lion,
140
Lord of thy presence, and no land besides?
BASTARD
Madam, an if my brother had my shape
And I had his, Sir Robert’s his like him,
And if my legs were two such riding-rods,
My arms such eel-skins stuffed, my face so thin
145
That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose,                    
Lest men should say “Look where three-farthings
               goes,”
And, to his shape, were heir to all this land,
Would I might never stir from off this place,
150
I would give it every foot to have this face.               
I would not be Sir Nob in any case.
BASTARD
Madam, an if my brother had my shape
And I had his, Sir Robert’s his like him,
And if my legs were two such riding-rods,
My arms such eel-skins stuffed, my face so thin
145
That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose,                    
Lest men should say “Look where three-farthings
               goes,”
And, to his shape, were heir to all this land,
Would I might never stir from off this place,
150
I would give it every foot to have this face.               
I would not be Sir Nob in any case.
QUEEN ELEANOR
I like thee well. Wilt thou forsake thy fortune,
Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me?
I am a soldier and now bound to France.
QUEEN ELEANOR
I like thee well. Wilt thou forsake thy fortune,
Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me?
I am a soldier and now bound to France.
BASTARD
155
Brother, take you my land. I’ll take my chance.       
Your face hath got five hundred pound a year,
Yet sell your face for five pence and ’tis dear.—
Madam, I’ll follow you unto the death.
BASTARD
155
Brother, take you my land. I’ll take my chance.       
Your face hath got five hundred pound a year,
Yet sell your face for five pence and ’tis dear.—
Madam, I’ll follow you unto the death.
QUEEN ELEANOR
Nay, I would have you go before me thither.
QUEEN ELEANOR
Nay, I would have you go before me thither.
BASTARD
160
Our country manners give our betters way.             
BASTARD
160
Our country manners give our betters way.             
KING JOHN  
What is thy name?
KING JOHN  
What is thy name?
BASTARD
Philip, my liege, so is my name begun,
Philip, good old Sir Robert’s wife’s eldest son.
BASTARD
Philip, my liege, so is my name begun,
Philip, good old Sir Robert’s wife’s eldest son.
KING JOHN
From henceforth bear his name whose form thou
165
bearest.                                                                              
Kneel thou down Philip, but rise more great.
PHILIP kneels. KING JOHN dubs him a knight, tapping him on the shoulder with his sword.
Arise Sir Richard and Plantagenet.
KING JOHN
From henceforth bear his name whose form thou
165
bearest.                                                                              
Kneel thou down Philip, but rise more great.
PHILIP kneels. KING JOHN dubs him a knight, tapping him on the shoulder with his sword.
Arise Sir Richard and Plantagenet.
BASTARD , rising, to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Brother by th’ mother’s side, give me your hand.
My father gave me honor, yours gave land.
170
Now blessèd be the hour, by night or day,                
When I was got, Sir Robert was away!
BASTARD , rising, to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Brother by th’ mother’s side, give me your hand.
My father gave me honor, yours gave land.
170
Now blessèd be the hour, by night or day,                
When I was got, Sir Robert was away!
QUEEN ELEANOR
The very spirit of Plantagenet!
I am thy grandam, Richard. Call me so.
QUEEN ELEANOR
The very spirit of Plantagenet!
I am thy grandam, Richard. Call me so.
BASTARD
Madam, by chance but not by truth. What though?
175
Something about, a little from the right,                   
               In at the window, or else o’er the hatch.
Who dares not stir by day must walk by night,
               And have is have, however men do catch.
Near or far off, well won is still well shot,
180
And I am I, howe’er I was begot.
BASTARD
Madam, by chance but not by truth. What though?
175
Something about, a little from the right,                   
               In at the window, or else o’er the hatch.
Who dares not stir by day must walk by night,
               And have is have, however men do catch.
Near or far off, well won is still well shot,
180
And I am I, howe’er I was begot.
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Go, Faulconbridge, now hast thou thy desire.
A landless knight makes thee a landed squire.—
Come, madam,—and come, Richard. We must
               speed
185
For France, for France, for it is more than need.
KING JOHN , to ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
Go, Faulconbridge, now hast thou thy desire.
A landless knight makes thee a landed squire.—
Come, madam,—and come, Richard. We must
               speed
185
For France, for France, for it is more than need.
BASTARD
Brother, adieu, good fortune come to thee,
For thou wast got i’ th’ way of honesty.
All but BASTARD exit.
A foot of honor better than I was,
But many a many foot of land the worse.
190
Well, now can I make any Joan a lady.                       
“Good den, Sir Richard!” “God-a-mercy, fellow!”
An if his name be George, I’ll call him “Peter,”
For new-made honor doth forget men’s names;
’Tis too respective and too sociable
195
For your conversion. Now your traveler,                   
He and his toothpick at my Worship’s mess,
And when my knightly stomach is sufficed,
Why then I suck my teeth and catechize
My pickèd man of countries: “My dear sir,”
200
Thus leaning on mine elbow I begin,                           
“I shall beseech you”—that is Question now,
And then comes Answer like an absey-book:
“O, sir,” says Answer, “at your best command,
At your employment, at your service, sir.”
205
“No, sir,” says Question, “I, sweet sir, at yours.”     
And so, ere Answer knows what Question would,
Saving in dialogue of compliment
And talking of the Alps and Apennines,
The Pyrenean and the river Po,
210
It draws toward supper in conclusion so.                  
But this is worshipful society
And fits the mounting spirit like myself;
For he is but a bastard to the time
That doth not smack of observation,
215
And so am I whether I smack or no;                            
And not alone in habit and device,
Exterior form, outward accouterment,
But from the inward motion to deliver
Sweet, sweet, sweet poison for the age’s tooth,
220
Which though I will not practice to deceive,             
Yet to avoid deceit I mean to learn,
For it shall strew the footsteps of my rising.
Enter LADY FAULCONBRIDGE and JAMES GURNEY.
But who comes in such haste in riding robes?
What woman post is this? Hath she no husband
225
That will take pains to blow a horn before her?      
O me, ’tis my mother.—How now, good lady?
What brings you here to court so hastily?
BASTARD
Brother, adieu, good fortune come to thee,
For thou wast got i’ th’ way of honesty.
All but BASTARD exit.
A foot of honor better than I was,
But many a many foot of land the worse.
190
Well, now can I make any Joan a lady.                       
“Good den, Sir Richard!” “God-a-mercy, fellow!”
An if his name be George, I’ll call him “Peter,”
For new-made honor doth forget men’s names;
’Tis too respective and too sociable
195
For your conversion. Now your traveler,                   
He and his toothpick at my Worship’s mess,
And when my knightly stomach is sufficed,
Why then I suck my teeth and catechize
My pickèd man of countries: “My dear sir,”
200
Thus leaning on mine elbow I begin,                           
“I shall beseech you”—that is Question now,
And then comes Answer like an absey-book:
“O, sir,” says Answer, “at your best command,
At your employment, at your service, sir.”
205
“No, sir,” says Question, “I, sweet sir, at yours.”     
And so, ere Answer knows what Question would,
Saving in dialogue of compliment
And talking of the Alps and Apennines,
The Pyrenean and the river Po,
210
It draws toward supper in conclusion so.                  
But this is worshipful society
And fits the mounting spirit like myself;
For he is but a bastard to the time
That doth not smack of observation,
215
And so am I whether I smack or no;                            
And not alone in habit and device,
Exterior form, outward accouterment,
But from the inward motion to deliver
Sweet, sweet, sweet poison for the age’s tooth,
220
Which though I will not practice to deceive,             
Yet to avoid deceit I mean to learn,
For it shall strew the footsteps of my rising.
Enter LADY FAULCONBRIDGE and JAMES GURNEY.
But who comes in such haste in riding robes?
What woman post is this? Hath she no husband
225
That will take pains to blow a horn before her?      
O me, ’tis my mother.—How now, good lady?
What brings you here to court so hastily?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Where is that slave thy brother? Where is he
That holds in chase mine honor up and down?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Where is that slave thy brother? Where is he
That holds in chase mine honor up and down?
BASTARD
230
My brother Robert, old Sir Robert’s son?                  
Colbrand the Giant, that same mighty man?
Is it Sir Robert’s son that you seek so?
BASTARD
230
My brother Robert, old Sir Robert’s son?                  
Colbrand the Giant, that same mighty man?
Is it Sir Robert’s son that you seek so?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
“Sir Robert’s son”? Ay, thou unreverent boy,
Sir Robert’s son. Why scorn’st thou at Sir Robert?
235
He is Sir Robert’s son, and so art thou.
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
“Sir Robert’s son”? Ay, thou unreverent boy,
Sir Robert’s son. Why scorn’st thou at Sir Robert?
235
He is Sir Robert’s son, and so art thou.
BASTARD
James Gurney, wilt thou give us leave awhile?
BASTARD
James Gurney, wilt thou give us leave awhile?
GURNEY
Good leave, good Philip.
GURNEY
Good leave, good Philip.
BASTARD  
“Philip Sparrow,” James.
There’s toys abroad. Anon I’ll tell thee more.
JAMES GURNEY exits.
240
Madam, I was not old Sir Robert’s son.                      
Sir Robert might have eat his part in me
Upon Good Friday and ne’er broke his fast.
Sir Robert could do well—marry, to confess—
Could he get me. Sir Robert could not do it;
245
We know his handiwork. Therefore, good mother,
To whom am I beholding for these limbs?
Sir Robert never holp to make this leg.
BASTARD  
“Philip Sparrow,” James.
There’s toys abroad. Anon I’ll tell thee more.
JAMES GURNEY exits.
240
Madam, I was not old Sir Robert’s son.                      
Sir Robert might have eat his part in me
Upon Good Friday and ne’er broke his fast.
Sir Robert could do well—marry, to confess—
Could he get me. Sir Robert could not do it;
245
We know his handiwork. Therefore, good mother,
To whom am I beholding for these limbs?
Sir Robert never holp to make this leg.
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou conspirèd with thy brother too,
That for thine own gain shouldst defend mine
250
honor?                                                                                
What means this scorn, thou most untoward knave?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou conspirèd with thy brother too,
That for thine own gain shouldst defend mine
250
honor?                                                                                
What means this scorn, thou most untoward knave?
BASTARD
Knight, knight, good mother, Basilisco-like.
What, I am dubbed! I have it on my shoulder.
But, mother, I am not Sir Robert’s son.
255
I have disclaimed Sir Robert and my land.                 
Legitimation, name, and all is gone.
Then, good my mother, let me know my father—
Some proper man, I hope. Who was it, mother?
BASTARD
Knight, knight, good mother, Basilisco-like.
What, I am dubbed! I have it on my shoulder.
But, mother, I am not Sir Robert’s son.
255
I have disclaimed Sir Robert and my land.                 
Legitimation, name, and all is gone.
Then, good my mother, let me know my father—
Some proper man, I hope. Who was it, mother?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge?
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge?
BASTARD
260
As faithfully as I deny the devil.                                    
BASTARD
260
As faithfully as I deny the devil.                                    
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
King Richard Coeur de Lion was thy father.
By long and vehement suit I was seduced
To make room for him in my husband’s bed.
Heaven lay not my transgression to my charge!
265
Thou art the issue of my dear offense,                       
Which was so strongly urged past my defense.
LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
King Richard Coeur de Lion was thy father.
By long and vehement suit I was seduced
To make room for him in my husband’s bed.
Heaven lay not my transgression to my charge!
265
Thou art the issue of my dear offense,                       
Which was so strongly urged past my defense.
BASTARD
Now, by this light, were I to get again,
Madam, I would not wish a better father.
Some sins do bear their privilege on Earth,
270
And so doth yours. Your fault was not your folly.    
Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose,
Subjected tribute to commanding love,
Against whose fury and unmatchèd force
The aweless lion could not wage the fight,
275
Nor keep his princely heart from Richard’s hand.   
He that perforce robs lions of their hearts
May easily win a woman’s. Ay, my mother,
With all my heart I thank thee for my father.
Who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
280
When I was got, I’ll send his soul to hell.                   
Come, lady, I will show thee to my kin,
               And they shall say when Richard me begot,
If thou hadst said him nay, it had been sin.
               Who says it was, he lies. I say ’twas not.
BASTARD
Now, by this light, were I to get again,
Madam, I would not wish a better father.
Some sins do bear their privilege on Earth,
270
And so doth yours. Your fault was not your folly.    
Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose,
Subjected tribute to commanding love,
Against whose fury and unmatchèd force
The aweless lion could not wage the fight,
275
Nor keep his princely heart from Richard’s hand.   
He that perforce robs lions of their hearts
May easily win a woman’s. Ay, my mother,
With all my heart I thank thee for my father.
Who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
280
When I was got, I’ll send his soul to hell.                   
Come, lady, I will show thee to my kin,
               And they shall say when Richard me begot,
If thou hadst said him nay, it had been sin.
               Who says it was, he lies. I say ’twas not.
They exit.
They exit.
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