HISTORIES.

The life and death of King John.

Actus Primus, Scana Prima.

Enter King John, Queene Elinor, Pembroke, Essex, and Salisbury, with the Chattylion of France.

King John.

Ow say

Chattillion, what would France with us?

Chat. Thus (after greeting) speakes the King of
France,

In my behaviour to the Majesty,

The borrowed Majesty of England heere.

Elea. A strange beginning: borrowed Majesty ?
K. John. Silence (good mother) heare the Embassie.
Chat. Philip of France, in right and true behalfe

Of thy deceased brother, Geffreyes sonne,
Arthur Plantaginet, laies most lawfull claime
To this faire Iland, and the Territories:
To Ireland, Poydiers, Anjowe, Torayne, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword

Which swaies usurpingly these severall titles,
And put the same into yong Arthurs hand,

Thy Nephew, and right royall Soveraigne.

K. John. What followes if we disallow of this?
Chat. The proud controle of fierce and bloudy warre,

To inforce these rights, so forcibly with-held.

K. Jo. Heere have we war for war, & bloud for bloud, Controlement for controlement: so answer France.