KING JOHN.
Acknowledge then the King, and let me in.
CITIZEN.
That can we not; but he that proves the King,
To him will we prove loyal. Till that time
Have we ramm’d up our gates against the world.
KING JOHN.
Doth not the crown of England prove the King?
And if not that, I bring you witnesses,
Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England’s breed—
BASTARD.
Bastards and else.
KING JOHN.
To verify our title with their lives.
KING PHILIP.
As many and as well-born bloods as those—
BASTARD.
Some bastards too.
KING PHILIP.
Stand in his face to contradict his claim.
FIRST CITIZEN.
Till you compound whose right is worthiest,
We for the worthiest hold the right from both.
KING JOHN.
Then God forgive the sin of all those souls
That to their everlasting residence,
Before the dew of evening fall, shall fleet,
In dreadful trial of our kingdom’s king!