Page 138 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

KING JOHN

What follows if we disallow of this?

CHATILLON
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,

Controlment for controlment: so answer France. [20]

CHATILLON

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,
For, ere thou canst report, I will be there: [25]

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 honourable conduct let him have:
Pembroke, look to’t. Farewell, Chatillon. [30]
[Exeunt Chatillon and Pembroke.]

ELEANOR
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?
This might have been prevented and made whole [35]
With very easy arguments of love,

Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful-bloody issue arbitrate.

KING JOHN