Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: King John (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: Michael Best
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-410-3

    Copyright Michael Best. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Michael Best
    Peer Reviewed

    King John (Folio 1, 1623)

    Scena Quinta.
    Enter Dolphin, and his Traine.
    2525Dol. The Sun of heauen (me thought) was loth to set;
    But staid, and made the Westerne Welkin blush,
    When English measure backward their owne ground
    In faint Retire: Oh brauely came we off,
    When with a volley of our needlesse shot,
    2530After such bloody toile, we bid good night,
    And woon'd our tott'ring colours clearly vp,
    Last in the field, and almost Lords of it.
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mes. Where is my Prince, the Dolphin?
    2535Dol. Heere: what newes?
    Mes. The Count Meloone is slaine: The English Lords
    By his perswasion, are againe falne off,
    And your supply, which you haue wish'd so long,
    Are cast away, and sunke on Goodwin sands.
    2540Dol. Ah fowle, shrew'd newes. Beshrew thy very (hart:
    I did not thinke to be so sad to night
    As this hath made me. Who was he that said
    King Iohn did flie an houre or two before
    The stumbling night did part our wearie powres?
    2545Mes. Who euer spoke it, it is true my Lord.
    Dol. Well: keepe good quarter, & good care to night,
    The day shall not be vp so soone as I,
    To try the faire aduenture of to morrow. Exeunt