Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: King John (Modern)
  • Editor: Michael Best
  • General textual editor: Eric Rasmussen
  • Coordinating 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
    Not Peer Reviewed

    King John (Modern)

    [5.3]
    Alarums. Enter [King] John and Hubert.
    2440King John
    How goes the day with us? O, tell me Hubert.
    Hubert
    Badly I fear. How fares your majesty?
    King John
    This fever that hath troubled me so long
    Lies heavy on me. O, my heart is sick.
    Enter a messenger.
    2445Messenger
    My lord, your valiant kinsman, Falconbridge,
    Desires your Majesty to leave the field
    And send him word by me which way you go.
    King John
    Tell him toward Swinstead, to the Abbey there.
    Messenger
    Be of good comfort, for the great supply
    2450That was expected by the Dauphin here
    Are wrecked three nights ago on Goodwin Sands.
    This news was brought to Richard but even now.
    The French fight coldly and retire themselves.
    King John
    Ay me, this tyrant fever burns me up
    2455And will not let me welcome this good news.
    Set on toward Swinsted. To my litter straight.
    Weakness possesseth me, and I am faint.
    Exeunt.