Page 153 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

That Geoffrey was thy elder brother born,
And this his son; England was Geoffrey’s right, [105]
And this is Geoffrey’s; in the name of God
How comes it then that thou art call’d a king,

When living blood doth in these temples beat,
Which owe the crown that thou o’ermasterest?

KING JOHN
From whom hast thou this great commission, France, [110]
To draw my answer from thy articles?

KING PHILIP
From that supernal judge that stirs good thoughts

In any beast of strong authority
To look into the blots and stains of right.
That judge hath made me guardian to this boy: [115]
Under whose warrant I impeach thy wrong

And by whose help I mean to chastise it.

KING JOHN
Alack, thou dost usurp authority.

KING PHILIP
Excuse it is to beat usurping down.

ELEANOR
Who is it thou dost call usurper, France? [120]

CONSTANCE
Let me make answer: thy usurping son.

ELEANOR
Out, insolent! thy bastard shall be king,

That thou mayst be a queen, and check the world!

CONSTANCE

My bed was ever to thy son as true