King John

Share
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'dHere 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 LandFresh 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 hewTo smooth the ice, or add another hue KJ IV.ii.13
Vnto the Raine-bow; or with Taper-lightUnto the rainbow, or with taper-lighttaper-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 faceIn this the antique and well noted facenoted (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 faultoftentimes (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 breachbreach (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'dTo this effect, before you were new crowned, KJ IV.ii.35
We breath'd our Councell: but it pleas'd your HighnesWe breathed our counsel. But it pleased your highnessbreathe (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 wouldSince 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 CorronationSome 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 feareAnd more, more strong, when lesser is my fear, KJ IV.ii.42
I shall indue you with: Meane time, but askeI shall indue you with. Meantime but askindue, 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 willinglyAnd 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 theseThen I, as one that am the tongue of thesetongue (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 allBoth for myself and them – but, chief of all, KJ IV.ii.49
Your safety: for the which, my selfe and themYour safety, for the which myself and them KJ IV.ii.50
Bend their best studies, heartily requestBend their best studies – heartily requeststudy (n.)
effort, endeavour
KJ IV.ii.51
bend (v.)
aim, direct, level, turn
Th'infranchisement of Arthur, whose restraintTh' enfranchisement of Arthur, whose restraintenfranchisement (n.)

old form: infranchisement
freedom, liberation, release
KJ IV.ii.52
restraint (n.)
captivity, imprisonment, confinement
Doth moue the murmuring lips of discontentDoth 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) attendWhy then your fears, which, as they say, attendattend (v.)
accompany, follow closely, go with
KJ IV.ii.56
The steppes of wrong, should moue you to mew vpThe steps of wrong, should move you to mew upmew up (v.)

old form: vp
coop up, confine, shut up
KJ IV.ii.57
Your tender kinsman, and to choake his dayesYour tender kinsman, and to choke his days KJ IV.ii.58
With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youthWith 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 thisThat the time's enemies may not have thistime (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 youthLet 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 faultThe 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 hisaspect (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 goThe 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 thenceAnd 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 shameIt is apparent foul play; and 'tis shameapparent (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 outThis must not be thus borne; this will break outbreak 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
ExeuntExeunt 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 bloodfearful (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 powreFrom France to England; never such a powerpower (n.)

old form: powre
armed force, troops, host, army
KJ IV.ii.110
For any forraigne preparation,For any foreign preparationpreparation (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 Francedraw (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 eareMy liege, her earliege (n.)
lord, sovereign
KJ IV.ii.119.2
Is stopt with dust: the first of Aprill di'deIs 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'deThe Lady Constance in a frenzy diedfrenzy (n.)

old form: frenzie
distraction, agitation, delirium
KJ IV.ii.122
Three dayes before: but this from Rumors tongueThree 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'dO, make a league with me till I have pleasedplease (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 Francepower (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 PomfretPomfret (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 giddyThou hast made me giddygiddy (adj.)
bewildered, confused, nonplussed
KJ IV.ii.131.2
With these ill tydings: Now? What sayes the worldWith these ill tidings. (to the Bastard) Now, what says the worldill (adj.)
bad, adverse, unfavourable
KJ IV.ii.132
To your proceedings? Do not seeke to stuffeTo 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'dBear with me, cousin, for I was amazedamazed (adj.)

old form: amaz'd
dumbfounded, stunned, thunderstruck, overwhelmed
KJ IV.ii.137
Vnder the tide; but now I breath againeUnder the tide; but now I breathe again KJ IV.ii.138
Aloft the flood, and can giue audienceAloft the flood, and can give audienceflood (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 meAnd here's a prophet that I brought with me KJ IV.ii.147
From forth the streets of Pomfret, whom I foundFrom 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 sayesAnd 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 SalisburieBesides, 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 graueAnd 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 tonighttonight (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, goGentle 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 TownesWhen adverse foreigners affright my townsaffright (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
ExitExit 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 needeGo 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 aboutFour fixed, and the fifth did whirl aboutfift (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 streetsOld men and beldams in the streetsbeldam, 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 actionWhilst 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 hasteStanding 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 artificerartificer (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 causeThy hand hath murdered him: I had a mighty causecause (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 attendedIt is the curse of kings to be attendedattend (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 warranthumour (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 AuthoritieAnd on the winking of authoritywinking (n.)
shutting the eyes
KJ IV.ii.211
To vnderstand a Law; to know the meaningTo understand a law, to know the meaning KJ IV.ii.212
Of dangerous Maiesty, when perchance it frownesOf dangerous majesty, when perchance it frownsperchance (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 & earthO, when the last account 'twixt heaven and earth KJ IV.ii.216
Is to be made, then shall this hand and SealeIs 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 deedsill (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 pauseHadst 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 acteAnd consequently thy rude hand to actrude (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 breatheThis kingdom, this confine of blood and breath,confine (n.)
territory, region, domain
KJ IV.ii.246
Hostilitie, and ciuill tumult reignesHostility 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 mineYoung 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 yetWithin this bosom never entered yetbosom (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 rageincensed (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 madeForgive the comment that my passion madepassion (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 bloodAnd 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 bringO, answer not, but to my closet bringcloset (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
 Previous Act IV, Scene II Next  
x

Jump directly to