1 ’Tis true Philip and Blanche enter mid-conversation

1 daughter i.e. daughter-in-law

4 Stays … course stands still

4 plays the alchemist i.e. turns base metals into gold

8 holy day holiday/blessed occasion

11 golden letters used to mark feast days in the Church calendar

12 high tides important festival dates

15 stand still remain

15 with child pregnant

16 fall i.e. be born

17 prodigiously with ill omen, i.e. with the birth of a deformed child

17 crossed thwarted

18 But except

18 wreck shipwreck

19 No … made break only agreements made on this day

24 pawned pledged

24 majesty royal dignity, i.e. his word

25 beguiled deceived

26 touched and tried put to the test

27 forsworn perjured, guilty of breaking your word

28 in arms with weapons/in friendship

29 arms coat of arms (Blanche and Lewis’s heraldic emblems will now be united)

29 yours i.e. your arms/blood

31 painted superficial/feigned

32 our i.e. Constance and Arthur’s

32 made up composed, accomplished

32 league alliance

36 Wear out survive/waste

36 days some editors emend to “day”

41 Limoges i.e. Austria (Shakespeare combined two historical figures in one character, Duke Leopold of Austria and Viscount Vidomar of Limoges)

42 bloody spoil i.e. the lion’s skin

42 spoil plunder, booty

45 champion one who fights on behalf of another

46 humorous temperamental

46 by nearby

47 safety i.e. the best course of action, how to avoid getting injured

48 sooth’st up greatness flatter powerful people

49 ramping rampant/roaring/excessive

49 swear … party declare your support for my cause

54 fall over defect

55 Doff remove

56 calf’s-skin associated with fools and cowards

56 recreant cowardly

61 Pandulph a fusion of two historical figures, one a cardinal, the other a legate

62 legate papal representative

66 Pope Innocent Innocent III

67 religiously solemnly/in the name of religion

69 spurn rebel, kick

69 force perforce with violent compulsion

70 Stephen Langton elected Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Innocent, but rejected by John

71 see bishopric/the seat of a bishop in his church

72 foresaid aforementioned

74 earthy earthly

74 interrogatories questions put to an accused person

75 test put to the proof

78 charge order

81 tithe levy a tax (specifically the tenth of one’s goods owed to the Church)

81 toll exact a payment

83 great supremacy highest authority or power

84 Where in which

84 uphold maintain/rule

86 set apart discarded, ignored

88 blaspheme speak irreverently

90 grossly foolishly

90 meddling priest i.e. the Pope

91 the curse i.e. excommunication

91 buy out cancel

92 vile base

92 dross impure substance

93 of from

94 sells … himself incurs his own damnation/sells pardons that do not come from God

96 juggling cheating, deceiving

96 cherish nourish, maintain

97 me oppose place myself in opposition

100 excommunicate excommunicated

102 heretic one who maintains unorthodox religious views

108 room space (puns on Rome)

110 keen eager/sharp

110 my wrong the wrong done to me (my motivation)

111 right properly, correctly, rightfully (plays on the sense of “good”)

112 warrant authority

114 bar no wrong does not prevent retaliation, i.e. cursing

116 holds maintains, controls

117 perfect completely

120 arch-heretic chief rebel to the Christian Church

121 power of France i.e. army

121 his head him/his army

124 Look to that beware of/consider that possibility

128 pocket up endure/swallow (the Bastard plays on the literal sense of pockets in breeches)

132 as the cardinal i.e. as the cardinal says

133 Bethink you consider carefully

133 difference disagreement/choice

134 purchase acquisition

135 light minor

139 untrimmèd unadorned/unbedded, i.e. virgin

142 need appeal for help

143 but by because of

143 faith i.e. King Philip’s promise

144 needs necessarily

148 moved affected with sympathy/angered

149 be removed stand apart/separate yourself from his plans/be estranged (plays on moved)

151 Hang i.e. wear

155 make … yours i.e. put yourself in my position

156 bestow yourself behave

161 latest last

164 even right

164 but new just immediately

166 clap strike hands reciprocally in token of a bargain

166 bargain transaction

167 overstained covered with stains/dyed

168 pencil paintbrush

169 fearful awesome, fear-inducing

169 difference dispute, discord

172 Unyoke this seizure unclasp this grasp (of hands)

172 regreet return of salutation

173 fast and loose i.e. gamble (literally, game of betting whether the end of a rope was fastened or not)

173 so in the same manner

174 unconstant changeable, fickle

177 bloody bloodstained/violent

177 host army

178 brow forehead

181 ordain establish

188 revolting rebelling

189 hold … tongue “take a serpent by the tongue” (proverbial; a snake’s venom was thought to be located in the tongue)

190 casèd wearing a skin, i.e. living

190 mortal fatal, lethal

193 faith promise (to King John)

194 faith religious faith, i.e. the Church

195 to against

199 since subsequently, i.e. since swearing allegiance to the Church

199 swor’st i.e. allegiance with John

202 truly done i.e. not done at all

203 to toward

205 act action

205 purposes mistook misguided aims, erroneous outcomes

206 mistake again i.e. break your oath to John

206 indirect roundabout, devious

208 fire … burned “one heat drives out another” (proverbial; heat was used to treat burns)

210 religion religious belief, obligation or fear

212 By … swear’st i.e. you swear against the very faith by which you swear (in the making of your second oath to John)

213 And … truth i.e. in making an oath that apparently guarantees your loyalty and integrity, you in fact violate your faith

214 unsure uncertain, hesitant

215 swears … forsworn you swear never to break your word

224 part side

226 light descend (heavy creates a play on the sense of “of little weight”)

227 as that

228 black deadly

229 Rebellion i.e. Philip’s rebellion against the Church or against himself

229 flat outright

230 be i.e. be still and silent

231 stop fill/silence

234 blood … marrièd i.e. as Blanche is John’s niece

235 kept celebrated

237 measures melodious accompaniment

245 doom judgment/destiny

245 forethought anticipated, planned

248 that thee upholds who supports you

250 muse wonder

251 profound respects important considerations

252 denounce proclaim

253 fall from desert/renounce

256 rue grieve for/regret

257 bald proverbially, Time was hairless

259 adieu good-bye

263 dismember mutilate, tear limb from limb

266 Father i.e. father-in-law

272 Cousin i.e. kinsman

272 puissance power/army

274 condition nature/stipulation

276 dearest-valued i.e. royal/life-sustaining

280 threats threatens

280 hie hasten

3.2 Alarums calls to battle

3.2 excursions fighting (across the stage)

2 airy devil aerial demons were associated with storms and, here, battle

4 Philip i.e. the Bastard

4 breathes catches his breath

4.1 Hubert probably based on Hubert de Burgh, chief judicial officer under King John

5 keep look after/guard

5 make up move forward, press on

6 assailèd attacked

7 ta’en taken, captured

10 liege lord, superior entitled to feudal allegiance and service

10 pains … labour a birth metaphor

11 happy end fortunate outcome/pleasing conclusion

11.1 retreat call for withdrawal of army

12 stay behind i.e. remain behind in charge of John’s territories

17 Haste before hurry ahead (of us)

19 angels gold coins (playing on the sense of “heavenly angels”)

22 commission warrant/authority

22 his its

23 Bell … candle items involved in the ceremony of excommunication

24 becks beckons

28 gentle kind/noble

29 Coz cousin

34 advantage profit/interest

34 pay repay

35 voluntary freely offered, willing

36 bosom i.e. heart

38 tune i.e. words, speech

40 respect regard

41 bounden indebted, obliged

48 wanton lively, playful

48 gauds showy playthings, attractive trifles

49 give me audience listen to me

49 midnight bell i.e. bell tolling midnight

50 brazen made of brass/shameless

51 Sound on continue striking

51 race course

56 else otherwise

57 idiot clown/fool

57 keep occupy, hold captive

59 passion emotion

62 conceit thought

64 despite spite

64 watchful wakeful/vigilant

67 troth faith

68 what whatever

69 adjunct to attendant upon, linked to

73 yon yonder, that

78 so in such a way

88 powers forces

90 cousin i.e. Arthur

91 man servant

1 flood sea

2 armado armada, fleet

2 convicted defeated

3 fellowship puns on “fellow ships”

5 run fared/followed a course

7 Divers various/several

8 bloody bloodstained/violent

8 England the King of England

9 O’erbearing overcoming

9 interruption resistance, obstacles

9 spite in defiance

11 hot active, vigorous, quick

11 advice prudence

11 disposed handled

12 temperate calm, composed

13 want example lack precedent

14 kindred related, allied in qualities

14 like similar

16 So provided that

16 pattern previous example

17 grave i.e. shell of the body, mere container

21 issue outcome

21 peace i.e. agreement, treaty

23 defy reject

23 counsel advice

23 redress assistance, comfort

24 But except

25 amiable lovable

26 odoriferous sweet-smelling

26 sound wholesome, healthy

27 lasting everlasting

30 vaulty empty/sepulchral

32 gap of breath i.e. mouth

32 fulsome repulsive

33 carrion skeletal/rotting

35 buss kiss

37 affliction i.e. afflicted one

41 fell terrible/cruel

41 anatomy skeleton

43 modern commonplace, everyday

43 invocation entreaty

45 belie slander

50 like likely

54 sensible of sensitive to, capable of feeling

55 reasonable part rational faculty

56 delivered of released from (perhaps with connotations of childbirth)

59 babe of clouts ragdoll

59 clouts cloths/rags

61 different distinct, individual

61 plague affliction

62 Bind … tresses in her distress, Constance’s hair is loose and disheveled

64 silver drop i.e. tear

65 wiry friends i.e. hairs (wiry does not necessarily suggest “coarse, tough”)

66 sociable sympathetic

69 To … will Constance’s response to Philip’s invitation earlier in the scene

71 wherefore why

73 redeem liberate

75 envy at resent

79 know recognize/be acquainted with

81 Cain in the Bible, Adam and Eve’s eldest son (who killed his brother Abel)

82 suspire (first) breathe

83 gracious filled with divine grace/virtuous/delightful

84 canker-sorrow the gnawing worm of grief

84 bud i.e. young son

85 native natural

87 dim dull/pale

87 meagre gaunt

87 an ague’s fit (the victim of) a bout of shaking caused by fever

88 so in that way/in that condition

88 rising i.e. from death/into heaven

90 know recognize

92 heinous grave, severe

92 respect view

94 fond of doting on

95 room place

98 Remembers reminds

103 form orderly arrangement

108 outrage passionate act of violence (i.e. suicide)

109 joy feel happy, take pleasure

111 dull bored/inattentive/sleepy

112 word’s i.e. Life

113 That so that

115 in the instant at the precise moment

115 repair recovery

116 fit bout of illness

118 day i.e. battle (Lewis employs the more literal sense)

120 had would have (lost all those things)

121 means intends

124 accounts reckons

130 rub obstacle (a term from the game of bowls)

132 mark pay attention

134 infant young child/minor, too young to claim sovereignty (legal term)

135 misplaced i.e. usurping

135 entertain receive, experience

138 boisterously violently

140 Makes … no is not fussy about using any

140 stay prop, keep

141 That in order that

147 green young, inexperienced

148 lays you plots makes schemes for you

149 steeps soaks

149 true legitimate/royal

150 untrue deceptive/uncertain

152 zeal fervent loyalty

153 none … advantage not even the smallest opportunity

154 check inhibit, curb, control

154 reign rule (puns on “rein”)

155 exhalation vapor/meteor (considered a bad omen)

156 scope circumstance

156 distempered disordered/stormy

157 customèd customary, ordinary

158 pluck away disregard

158 his its

158 cause explanation

159 prodigies omens

160 Abortives abnormalities

160 presages signs, portents

161 denouncing declaring

163 hold consider

163 himself i.e. John

163 in his prisonment i.e. while Arthur is John’s prisoner

164 approach arrival

168 kiss … of i.e. welcome

168 unacquainted unfamiliar

169 pick extract/find

169 strong matter of compelling reason for

170 Out … John i.e. in John’s crimes, symbolized by his bloodstained hands

171 hurly uproar, turmoil

171 on foot underway

172 breeds develops

176 call decoy, bait/call to arms

177 train lure

179 Anon instantly

181 wrought fashioned

182 top-full brim-full

182 offence hostility, sense of wrong (in reaction to John’s deeds)

183 whet on encourage (as if sharpening a sword)

184 strange actions unusual/unexpected military deeds

185 ay yes

4.1 Location: England, a prison

1 me for me

1 irons branding tools

1 look be sure

2 Within behind

2 arras large tapestry wall-hanging

5 heedful watchful/careful

6 bear out support, authorize

7 Uncleanly scruples improper concerns/concerns about being morally tainted

8 to say with something to say to

10 little young, small (Arthur then shifts the sense)

11 As … be I am as little a prince as possible, despite having claims to being much greater

12 sad serious, solemn

14 ’Mercy i.e. God’s mercy

17 sad serious/mournful/dark-colored

18 Only merely

18 wantonness foolish behavior/whim

18 by my christendom i.e. as I am a Christian

19 So provided that

21 doubt suspect, fear

22 practises plots

25 would wish

26 so if

27 prate chatter

29 dispatch put (him) to death/hurry up

31 sooth truth

32 watch stay awake

33 warrant assure (you)

35 rheum i.e. tears

36 Turning … door banishing pitiless torture

37 brief quick

37 resolution determination

39 fair writ written clearly, well

40 effect purpose

46 knit tied

46 handkercher handkerchief

47 wrought it embroidered it for

48 it you for it back from you

50 watchful time-keeping/wakeful/vigilant

51 Still and anon continually

51 heavy slow-moving/sad

52 lack you i.e. do you need

52 grief physical pain/sorrow

53 love act of kindness

54 lien lain

56 at … service i.e. to look after you through your illness

57 crafty devious

58 an if if

59 ill badly, wrongfully

65 iron age the present/the last and worst of the four classical ages: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron/a period of wickedness and cruelty (puns on irons)

66 heat heated

68 this its

69 Even … matter in the very substance, i.e. tears

71 But for containing merely because it contained

73 should have had

78 out put out/blinded

86 winch wince

87 angerly angrily

91 from away from

92 chid scolded/driven

97 remedy alternative/relief

99 mote particle of dust; making literal the biblical reference to “a mote in the eye,” i.e. a minor fault observed in another person by someone who ignores a greater fault of his or her own (Matthew 7:3)

101 annoyance irritation

101 sense organ of sense, i.e. eye

102 boisterous painful

104 Go to expression of irritated impatience

105 a brace (even) a pair

106 Must … pleading would not be sufficient to plead

107 Let me not do not make me

110 still always

111 troth faith

114 in good sooth truly

115 create created

116 undeserved extremes unjust cruelties

116 else otherwise, i.e. if it isn’t true

121 but only

123 perchance perhaps

123 sparkle in send sparks into

125 Snatch snap, bite

125 tarre provoke, urge

127 office proper function

128 extends offers

129 Creatures … uses instruments noted for compassion when they are not put to evil uses

131 owes owns

132 purpose intend

137 but anything other than that

138 doggèd doglike/cruel

139 doubtless without fear

141 offend harm

143 closely secretly

4.2 Location: England, the court of King John

4 once in a word/one occasion (that was)

7 Fresh new

8 state state of affairs/monarch

9 possessed invested, given possession (of the royal title)

9 double pomp second ceremony

10 guard adorn/protect

11 gild cover with a thin layer of gold

14 taper-light candlelight

15 eye of heaven i.e. the sun

17 But i.e. were it not

17 pleasure will/desire

20 unseasonable unsuitable (probably four syllable; Being at beginning of line may be monosyllabic for sake of meter)

21 antique old

21 well-noted well-known

22 form custom

22 disfigurèd altered

23 shifted changed (in direction)

24 It i.e. having a second coronation

24 fetch about change tack

25 consideration deep reflection

26 sound healthy

27 new a fashioned newly made/of new design

29 confound ruin

30 excusing … th’excuse i.e. excuses draw attention to faults rather than explaining them away

32 breach tear, hole

33 Discredit bring into disrepute

35 new crowned i.e. crowned again

36 breathed spoke

37 overbear overrule

39 make … at stop and give way for/resist

41 possessed you with informed you of

42 more … fear I shall give you further reasons that are as great as my fear is small

43 indue supply

47 tongue spokesperson

48 sound proclaim/discover the depth of

50 them they

51 Bend direct, focus

51 studies efforts

52 enfranchisement release

55 rest peace/freedom from exertion

55 in right rightfully

56 attend accompany

57 attend … wrong i.e. are bent toward wrongdoing

57 mew up confine

58 tender young

60 exercise occupations/gentlemanly physical training in the martial arts

61 That so that

61 this i.e. such an argument

62 grace occasions suit their purposes

62 suit request (that John earlier invited them to make)

64 goods personal benefits

65 weal welfare

66 Counts considers

67 commit entrust

68 direction responsibility (for Arthur’s upbringing)

70 should do who was to have done

72 heinous hateful, odious

73 Lives i.e. is apparent

73 close secretive

73 aspect appearance

74 Do most editions since the Fourth Folio emend to “Does,” but “Does show” sounds infelicitous: an elision Do’ show is possible (“Doth show” is also possible)

76 charge order

77 colour i.e. of his complexion (which alternates between pale and red)

79 ’twixt between

79 dreadful battles terrifying fighting forces

80 ripe swollen (like an abscess)

80 break burst

83 hold hold back

84 give i.e. grant your request

86 tonight last night

90 answered accounted for/recompensed

90 hence elsewhere/in the future/in the next world

91 brows faces, expressions

92 shears of destiny i.e. like Atropos, one of the three Fates, responsible for cutting the thread of life

93 commandment on control over

94 apparent evidently

95 greatness i.e. a king

95 grossly blatantly

95 offer undertake, venture to do

96 So thus, i.e. grossly

96 game intrigue, undertaking

99 forcèd compelled, brought about by violence

100 owed owned

101 the while in the meantime/while such things happen

103 doubt fear

105 sure secure

105 set i.e. built

107 fearful frightened

110 weather i.e. stormy news

111 From … England the messenger interprets John’s how goes (“how is it going”) in terms of literal movement (France invading England)

111 power army

112 preparation military expedition

113 levied mustered, raised

113 body length and breadth

114 copy example

117 intelligence military information, spies

118 care diligence

119 drawn gathered

124 frenzy madness/fit of agitation

126 idly casually

127 Occasion course of events

128 league alliance/truce

130 wildly disorderedly, without rule

130 walks goes, progresses

130 estate affairs/holdings

131 conduct leadership

132 for … out claim in the name of truth

135 Pomfret Pontefract in Yorkshire

136 proceedings course of action, i.e. to collect money from the monasteries

138 afeard afraid

139 unheard … head befall you without warning, i.e. it is better to be prepared for the worst

140 amazed stunned/bewildered

141 tide i.e. torrent of bad news

142 Aloft above, afloat in

144 sped succeeded/fared

145 express communicate/reveal

147 strangely fantasied full of strange imaginings

148 idle foolish/crazy

152 treading … heels i.e. following him closely

153 rude unlearned/lacking in polish

154 Ascension Day celebration of the feast of ascension of Christ into heaven, the Thursday forty days after Easter

155 deliver up surrender

161 safety safekeeping, i.e. custody

162 gentle noble

163 abroad out there, in public

168 is was

168 tonight last night

169 suggestion instigation

175 the … before i.e. quickly

176 subject enemies i.e. subjects who are enemies

177 adverse hostile

178 stout bold/determined

179 Mercury messenger of the Roman gods, often depicted with feathered sandals or feet

181 spirit … time i.e. circumstances (conceivably spirit plays on the alchemical sense of “mercury”)

182 sprightful spirited

184 betwixt between

188 tonight last night

190 wondrous bizarre, unbelievable

192 beldams old women

193 prophesy upon it make predictions based on it

196 one to one

198 fearful action frightened gestures

205 Had … feet he had mistakenly put on the wrong feet

206 a many thousand i.e. many thousands of

207 embattailèd drawn up in battle array

207 ranked arranged in ranks

208 artificer artisan

210 possess acquaint/occupy

211 urgest thou do you present, bring forward

211 oft often

212 cause reason

214 No had had none

214 provoke incite

216 humours whims, moods

217 bloody … life i.e. the body

218 winking i.e. subtle signal

219 understand a law interpret it as a mandate

220 dangerous threatening

220 perchance perhaps

221 upon humour because of a whim

221 advised respect careful deliberation

222 hand signature

223 account judgment

226 means to do ways of doing, instruments for

227 by at hand

228 marked physically blemished/taken note of

229 Quoted noted, specified

229 signed marked distinctively

231 aspect face/appearance

233 liable suitable

234 faintly halfheartedly/tentatively

234 broke spoke

236 conscience i.e. matter of moral dilemma

239 darkly obscurely

241 As as though to

241 express specific

242 had would have

243 wrought created

245 parley negotiate

247 rude violent/unkind

250 state authority, sovereignty

250 braved challenged, defied

252 body … land refers to England as a body, as well as to the king’s own body (the popular metaphor of monarch as microcosm of state)

253 confine territory/limit/prison

254 tumult disturbance, insurrection/confused and violent emotion

259 maiden unblemished/virginal (a similarity continued in the idea of hymenal/murderous blood)

262 motion suggestion/impulse

263 form appearance

264 rude exteriorly outwardly harsh-looking

268 Throw cast (as if water on the fire of their rage)

269 tame submissive

272 imaginary imaginative/nonexistent

272 eyes of blood passionate, angry eyes/bloodshot eyes

274 closet private room

276 conjure entreat, ask earnestly

4.3 Location: England, a prison

4 semblance appearance

4 quite totally

5 venture risk

7 shifts stratagems (possibly puns on the sense of “changes of clothing”)

8 die … stay i.e. risk death by escaping than stay and face certain death

11 him i.e. Lewis the dauphin

11 Saint Edmundsbury Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk

12 safety best safeguard

13 gentle courteous/noble

16 private confidential talk

17 general universal, all-embracing

20 or ere before

20 we i.e. the English lords and Lewis

21 distempered vexed, discontented

22 straight straight away

23 dispossessed himself caused himself to lose possession, i.e. lost our support

24 line supply a lining for, i.e. fortify

24 bestainèd marked with stains

24 cloak cover for his deeds

25 attend the foot i.e. serve one

29 griefs grievances, complaints

29 reason speak, debate (the Bastard shifts the sense to “good sense, rationality”)

32 impatience anger

32 privilege freedom/advantage

33 ’Tis … else refers to the proverbial saying “anger punishes itself”

37 as as if

38 lay it open reveal the deed openly

39 he i.e. murder

41 Sir Richard i.e. the Bastard

41 beheld … think i.e. ever encountered or imagined (anything like this)

43 think wonder

44 That … see what you see in front of you/that your eyes are functioning correctly

44 object sight (of Arthur’s body)

46 crest heraldic device in the upper portion of a coat of arms (sense has shifted from “pinnacle”)

47 arms coat of arms

49 wall-eyed pale-eyed/squinting

50 remorse pity

51 excused pardoned

51 in i.e. in comparison to

52 sole unique, unrivaled

54 times the future

56 Exampled compared with the precedent of

56 heinous infamous, wicked

58 graceless ungodly/coarse

58 heavy oppressive/clumsy

61 light foresight, indication

63 practice plot

66 breathless dead/inexpressible

67 incense perfumed smoke/breath

69 infected affected, stirred

71 set added

72 worship honor

73 religiously solemnly/devoutly

73 confirm strengthen, support

77 Avaunt be gone

79 rob the law i.e. by taking the law into my own hands and killing you myself

81 bright i.e. unused

81 up away

81 murderer’s skin animal leather was the usual material used for sword scabbards

85 tempt test

85 danger damage/peril

85 defence legal defense/self-defense in a fight

86 marking paying sole attention to

88 brave challenge, defy

92 prove me so i.e. by making me kill you

93 Yet so far

93 Whose tongue soe’er whoever’s tongue

97 by aside

97 gall injure

100 spleen temper/spirit

101 betime at once

102 toasting-iron i.e. sword (contemptuous)

105 Second support/act as deputy to

110 date duration

112 rheum watery matter/tears

113 traded practiced

116 savours smells

119 inquire us out seek us

126 black traditionally the color of the devil

127 Prince Lucifer the rebel archangel who fell from heaven to hell, i.e. Satan, the devil

131 but nothing but

132 want’st lack

132 cord rope (to hang yourself)

134 rush reed

135 wouldst should you/if you wish to

138 stifle suffocate, drown

139 grievously strongly

142 embounded enclosed

142 clay i.e. Arthur’s flesh

143 want lack

146 amazed confused

148 take … up i.e. lift up Arthur’s body (playing on the sense of “cause the English nation to take up arms”)

152 scamble scramble, struggle, make shift

152 part tear apart

153 unowed interest portion not owned by a universally recognized king (plays on the financial senses of the words: the nobles do not owe the king allegiance, imagined as monetary interest to be fought over)

154 for on behalf of

154 bare-picked … majesty sovereign authority that has been almost stripped bare of dignity and grandeur by being fought over like dogs with a bone

155 doggèd fierce/cruel/doglike

155 crest hackles/heraldic device on a coat of arms

157 powers armies

157 from away from

157 discontents discontented persons

158 line i.e. united purpose

158 confusion disaster/chaos/destruction

160 wrested pomp majesty seized by force

161 he is he

161 cincture belt

162 Hold out weather, endure

164 brief in hand will soon be underway/must be dealt with urgently

5.1 Location: England, the court of King John

2 circle … glory i.e. my stately crown

4 as holding of in tenure, leasehold from (i.e. John must recognize papal authority once more)

8 inflamed consumed by fire

9 counties shires/counts, i.e. noblemen

11 love of soul deepest love

12 stranger foreign

13 inundation flood

13 mistempered humour anger, ill-temper/bodily imbalance

14 Rests remains

14 only alone

14 qualified calmed

16 present instant, taking immediate effect

16 ministered administered, given

17 overthrow bodily collapse (with political connotations)

19 usage treatment

20 convertite convert/penitent

22 blust’ring turbulent, stormy

28 give off give up, hand over

29 constraint compulsion

34 hear listen to, take notice of

37 doubtful fearful/untrustworthy

45 droop look downcast

48 motion movement

49 stirring as active

49 the time i.e. current events

50 outface defy

50 brow countenance

51 bragging boastful/bullying

51 inferior eyes i.e. the king’s subjects

52 borrow … from model their actions on

55 god of war i.e. the Roman god Mars

56 become grace/come to

56 field battlefield

60 forage overrun (an area)/ pillage

62 nigh near

64 happy fortunate, opportune

67 inglorious shameful

68 upon … land standing on our own soil/because land is being paced by foreign soldiers

69 fair-play honorable, lacking cunning

70 Insinuation suggestions, attempts to gain favor

70 base dishonorable, cowardly

72 cockered pampered

72 silken effeminate/luxurious/clothed in silk

72 wanton spoiled child

72 brave challenge

73 flesh initiate (in warfare)/ plunge in (as one would a weapon into flesh)

74 colours battle flags

74 idly foolishly/frivolously

75 check resistance

78 purpose intention, plan

79 ordering management

81 prouder superior/more arrogant

5.2 Location: England, the French camp

3 precedent original (copy)

4 fair just/neatly written

4 order agreement

6 took the sacrament received communion (a way of confirming the sacredness of vows)

7 faiths pledges

9 albeit although

12 sore of time wound of the present

13 contemned despised, contemptible

14 canker ulcer/corruption

16 metal i.e. sword

18 rescue and defence rescue of England from John/defense of England against the French

19 Cries out upon appeals to/rejects

21 physic cure

22 deal but proceed in any way other than

23 confusèd disastrous, disorderly

27 step after march behind, support

27 stranger foreigner

30 spot place/blemish, moral stain

31 grace honor, support

32 unacquainted unfamiliar

33 remove move, depart

34 Neptune Roman god of the sea

34 clippeth embrace

35 bear carry

36 grapple bind, attach

36 pagan … league i.e. the English and French might unite against a common non-Christian enemy

39 spend … unneighbourly waste it in such an unneighborly manner

40 temper disposition

41 affections emotions, loyalties

42 earthquake i.e. tumult

44 compulsion necessity (of opposing John)

44 brave respect noble regard (for your country)

45 dew i.e. tears

48 ordinary commonplace, everyday

52 vaulty arched roof

53 Figured adorned

55 heave bear

56 Commend commit, entrust

56 those baby eyes i.e. babies

59 blood liveliness

62 nobles may play on the sense of “gold coins”

63 knit join

63 sinews muscles, i.e. strength

64 Even … spake i.e. in this heaven supports us/I see already that the promise of financial reward will secure your support (alternatively, some editors speculate that the reference is to a trumpet signaling Pandulph’s arrival)

64 angel gold coin/heavenly being

65 apace quickly

71 come in become reconciled, returned

73 see bishopric/seat of a bishop in his church

74 wind up furl

76 fostered … hand brought up by hand

78 show appearance

79 back go back

80 propertied treated as an object

81 secondary at control second in command, deputy

89 right justice/a rightful claim

90 Acquainted me with introduced me to, made me aware of

90 interest valid claim

98 penny … borne expense has Rome sustained

100 underprop support

101 charge expense

102 liable subject

105 ‘Vive le roi’ “Long live the king” (French; also a phrase in playing cards)

105 banked besieged (within banks of fortifications)/ captured, confined/skirted around (“bank” may also be a card-playing term, perhaps meaning “to secure as a winning” or “a card player’s stake”)

107 match game, contest (may play on the sense of “marriage,” given Lewis’s union with Blanche)

107 crown royal crown/coin, i.e. bet at cards

108 set series of games (won at cards)

113 ample complete, great

114 drew gathered

114 head army

115 culled selected

116 outlook overcome/outstare

118 lusty vigorous

119 According to in accordance with

120 have audience be heard

122 dealt for him proceeded on his behalf

123 scope extent

124 warrant authority

124 limited designated, permitted

125 wilful-opposite stubbornly hostile

126 temporize negotiate

131 reason with good reason

132 apish apelike, foolish

132 unmannerly inappropriate, impolite (puns on “unmanly”—i.e. cowardly/not like a human)

133 harnessed armored

133 masque courtly entertainment involving dancing and elaborate costumes

133 unadvisèd ill-considered

134 unheard unheard of, extraordinary (plays on the literal sense as King John is not present, though he responds through the Bastard; some editors emend to “unhaired”—i.e. boyishly beardless)

136 whip i.e. drive

136 pigmy very small

139 take the hatch leap over the lower half of the door, i.e. retreat hastily

141 litter animal straw

141 planks floors

142 pawns goods pledged in exchange for a loan of money

143 hug i.e. curl up

144 vaults cellars/tombs

144 thrill tremble

145 crow cockerel, the French national symbol

150 eyrie nest/brood

151 souse swoop down on

152 revolts rebels

153 Neroes the Roman Emperor Nero was supposed to have torn open his mother’s womb after killing her

156 Amazons race of warrior women

156 tripping moving quickly and lightly

157 gauntlets armored gloves

160 brave challenge

160 turn thy face i.e. retreat

161 outscold outdo us in scolding/have more quarrelsome women than us

163 brabbler brawler/quarrelsome fault-finder

166 attend listen

172 ready braced prepared, with the skin tightened

175 welkin sky

177 halting hesitating

178 sport amusement

179 forehead countenance

180 bare-ribbed skeletal

180 office duty, task

183 find discover/suffer, experience

5.3 Location: England, the battlefield Alarums battle calls

8 Swinstead actually Swineshead, Lincolnshire

9 supply reinforcements

11 Goodwin Sands dangerous sandbanks off the coast of Kent

12 Richard i.e. the Bastard

13 coldly unenthusiastically

13 retire themselves retreat

16 litter bed for the transport of the sick or wounded

1 stored well supplied

2 Up once again i.e. onward, back to battle

3 miscarry fail

4 misbegotten wrongfully conceived

5 In … spite despite everything

6 sore grievously

7 revolts rebels

11 Fly flee

11 bought and sold betrayed

12 Unthread withdraw (like thread from a needle)

12 eye needle’s eye

16 He i.e. Lewis, the French dauphin

24 quantity small amount

26 Resolveth dissolves, melts

26 his figure its shape

28 use practice/benefit

30 hence from now on/in the next world

32 forsworn perjured

35 smokes grows misty/moves like smoke

38 fine penalty

38 rated assessed/rebuked

39 fine ending/penalty

42 respect factor

45 lieu exchange, payment

45 whereof of which

46 rumour tumult, noise

47 remnant remainder

50 beshrew curse

51 favour appearance/face/benevolence

51 form appearance/outcome

53 untread retrace

54 bated diminished

55 rankness swelling, excess (plays on the sense of “vileness”)

56 bounds limits, boundaries

61 Right clearly

61 New flight i.e. toward King John

62 happy fortunate

62 old right i.e. loyalty to King John

5.5 Location: England, the French camp

5.5 train retinue

1 loath reluctant

2 welkin sky

3 measure travel (over)

4 faint retire weak retreat

4 bravely splendidly

4 came we off we left the field of combat

5 needless superfluous, unnecessary

7 tott’ring waving/tattered (from the battle)

12 are … off have once again withdrawn their allegiance

15 shrewd harsh

19 stumbling i.e. causing the men to stumble

21 quarter watch

23 adventure fortune/hazard

5.6 Location: England, not far from Swinstead Abbey

5.6 severally separately

3 Of the part on the side

8 perfect accurate

9 upon all hazards whatever the risks

14 come … of am descended from (via one of my parents)

15 Unkind remembrance! Unnatural memory! (Hubert addresses his own memory; unkind may play on the sense of “lacking proper kinship”)

17 accent utterance/way of speaking

17 breaking coming

18 scape escape, elude

19 sans compliment without ceremony

19 abroad at large, out there

21 find you out find you

22 Brief be brief

25 very wound most painful part, worst

28 broke out rushed out, left

30 to for

30 sudden time unexpected events, emergency

31 at leisure later, without urgency

32 taste act as taster (i.e. person who ate some of the king’s food to see whether it was poisoned)

34 bowels intestines

35 Yet still

35 peradventure perhaps, by chance

38 Prince Henry John’s son, the future Henry III, who ruled 1216–72

42 bear … power endure more than we are able to

43 power army

44 Passing passing over

44 flats sandbanks

45 Lincoln Washes sandbanks in Lincolnshire

46 hardly barely/with difficulty

47 Away before lead on, go ahead

48 doubt fear

48 or ere before

5.7 Location: England, the garden of Swinstead Abbey

2 touched tainted/endangered

2 corruptibly in a manner causing decay

2 pure clear, lucid

4 idle nonsensical

9 fell cruel/fierce

10 orchard garden

11 rage rave

14 vanity absurdity

15 not feel themselves be unaware/become unaware of physical pain

17 invisible invisibly

19 legions multitudes/armies

20 hold stronghold (i.e. the mind)

21 Confound destroy, defeat/confuse

22 cygnet young swan, i.e. Prince Henry, the dying John’s youthful son

22 swan the swan was thought to sing only once, just before it died

27 indigest shapeless mass/confused situation

28 rude undefined, rough, disordered

29 elbow-room i.e. enough space

33 scribbled form indistinctly drawn shape/hasty sketch

37 fare food (plays on the sense of the verb—i.e. “to do”)

37 forsook rejected, abandoned

39 maw throat/stomach

41 north north wind

44 cold comfort comforting coolness/no comfort

44 strait severe/stingy (“straight” in Folio)

45 ingrateful ungrateful

46 virtue power/remedy

52 motion urge

53 spleen eagerness

54 set close (after death)

55 tackle rigging and sails

56 shrouds ship’s ropes (plays on the sense of “burial sheet”)

58 string heartstring/rope

58 stay support/anchor

60 clod lump of earth

61 module model, image

61 confounded destroyed

62 preparing hitherward on his way here/preparing to come here

63 heaven he probably originally “God he,” altered because of 1606 Parliamentary “Act to restrain the Abuses of Players,” which sought to put an end to blasphemous language on the stage

65 upon i.e. to gain (tactical)

65 remove move, change the position of

67 flood rushing water/tide

68 dead deadly/grave

69 But just

69 thus i.e. dead

70 Even so in the same way

71 stay support

75 wait on escort

76 still always

77 right spheres proper orbits

82 Straight at once

88 respect self-respect

89 presently immediately

90 rather sooner

91 sinewèd strengthened

93 carriages gun-carriages (i.e. supports for artillery)

95 disposing management

97 meet fitting

97 post hasten

98 consummate conclude

100 princes nobles

101 wait upon attend, serve in

105 happily with good fortune

106 lineal state i.e. rightfully inherited kingship

108 bequeath give

110 like tender same offer

111 rest remain

111 spot blot

114 but ambiguous here since it can mean both “only” and “not merely”

114 needful woe necessary mourning

115 beforehand in credit, had more than enough (financial term)

118 But except

120 three corners i.e. all other parts

121 shock repel with force

121 rue grieve

122 rest remain