Internet Shakespeare Editions

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Not Peer Reviewed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.