Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Michael Best
Not Peer Reviewed

King John (Modern)

[5.5]
Enter [Lewis the] Dauphin and his train.
2525Lewis
The sun of heaven, methought, was loath to set,
But stayed, and made the western welkin blush
When English measured backward their own ground
In faint retire. Oh bravely came we off,
When with a volley of our needless shot,
2530After such bloody toil, we bid good night,
And wound our tott'ring colors clearly up,
Last in the field, and almost lords of it.
Enter a messenger.
Messenger
Where is my prince, the Dauphin?
2535Lewis
Here. What news?
Messenger
The Count Melun is slain. The English lords,
By his persuasion, are again fall'n off,
And your supply, which you have wished so long,
Are cast away and sunk on Goodwin Sands.
Ah foul, shrewd news! beshrew thy very heart!
I did not think to be so sad tonight
As this hath made me. Who was he that said
King John did fly an hour or two before
The stumbling night did part our weary powers?
2545Messenger
Whoever spoke it, it is true, my lord.
Well: keep good quarter and good care tonight.
The day shall not be up so soon as I,
To try the fair adventure of tomorrow.
Exeunt