KING JOHN.
What follows if we disallow of this?
CHATILLION.
The proud control of fierce and bloody war,
To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld.
KING JOHN.
Here have we war for war and blood for blood,
Controlment for controlment: so answer France.
CHATILLION.
Then take my king’s defiance from my mouth,
The farthest limit of my embassy.
KING JOHN.
Bear mine to him, and so depart in peace.
Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France,
For ere thou canst report, I will be there,
The thunder of my cannon shall be heard.
So, hence! Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
And sullen presage of your own decay.—
An honourable conduct let him have.
Pembroke, look to ’t. Farewell, Chatillion.
[Exeunt Chatillion and Pembroke.]
QUEEN ELEANOR.
What now, my son! Have I not ever said
How that ambitious Constance would not cease
Till she had kindled France and all the world
Upon the right and party of her son?
This might have been prevented and made whole
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.
KING JOHN.
Our strong possession and our right for us.
QUEEN ELEANOR.
Your strong possession much more than your right,
Or else it must go wrong with you and me:
So much my conscience whispers in your ear,
Which none but heaven and you and I shall hear.
Enter a Sheriff, who whispers to Essex.