K. 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,—275
Bast. Bastards, and else.[148]
K. John. To verify our title with their lives.
K. Phi. As many and as well-born bloods as those,—
Bast. Some bastards too.[148]
K. Phi. Stand in his face to contradict his claim.280
First Cit. Till you compound whose right is worthiest,
We for the worthiest hold the right from both.
K. John. Then God forgive the sin of all those souls[149]
That to their everlasting residence,
Before the dew of evening fall, shall fleet,285
In dreadful trial of our kingdom's king!
K. Phi. Amen, amen! Mount, chevaliers! to arms!
Bast. Saint George, that swinged the dragon, and e'er since[150]
Sits on his horse back at mine hostess' door,[150][151]
Teach us some fence! [To Aust.] Sirrah, were I at home,[152]290
At your den, sirrah, with your lioness,
I would set an ox-head to your lion's hide,[153]
And make a monster of you.