* List of parts: LEWIS anglicized form of French “Louis”
1.1 Location: England King John youngest son of Henry II and Elinor; born 1166, reigned 1199–1216 Queen Elinor daughter of William V, Duke of Aquitaine; she married and divorced Louis VII of France before marrying Henry II of England
1 would France does the King of France want
3 behaviour person, i.e., through me majesty sovereignty, splendor
4 borrowed assumed/feigned
6 embassy message (from the ambassador)
7 Philip of France King Philip II, son of Louis VII; lived 1165–1223, reigned from 1180
8 Geoffrey fourth son of Henry II
9 Arthur Plantagenet son of Geoffrey and Constance
10 territories dominions/dependencies
11 Poitiers i.e., the province of Poitou
12 sword i.e., state control
13 sways rules/controls several various/individual
15 right by right, i.e., true
16 disallow of refuse
17 control constraint/mastery
22 embassy message/ambassadorial role
25 ere before report deliver your message/make the noise of a cannon or of thunder
27 hence go from here trumpet herald/musical wind instrument used to announce important arrivals
28 sullen presage gloomy portent decay downfall/death
29 conduct escort
32 Constance heiress of Conan IV, Duke of Brittany; married Geoffrey in 1181 with whom she had Arthur
33 kindled stirred up, inflamed France king and nation
34 Upon on behalf of party part, side
35 made whole i.e., resolved
36 arguments proofs love friendship
37 manage management, government
38 issue outcome
44 liege lord controversy dispute
46 produce bring out
49 expeditious charge sudden cost
55 Coeur-de-lion Richard I, nicknamed “the Lionheart” field battlefield
63 put you o’er direct you heaven here and on several subsequent occasions “heaven” may be an alteration from “God,” following 1606 Parliamentary “Act to restrain the Abuses of Players”
65 Out on thee expression of indignation rude uncivilized
66 diffidence mistrust
69 a he pops me out disinherits me
70 fair fully
75 once in a word/at some time
76 whe’er whether true begot honorably conceived, legitimate
77 lay…head i.e., leave my mother to answer
79 Fair fall may good fortune befall
84 like similar
85 madcap lunatic/wild fellow lent brought
86 trick distinctive look, habit
87 affecteth imitates, assumes the character of
88 tokens signs, evidence
89 large composition general/robust constitution
90 parts qualities
91 Sirrah sir (used to an inferior)
92 move prompt
93 half-face profile/thin face
94 face plays on the sense of “brazen defiance”
95 half-faced groat coin worth four old pence with the monarch’s face in profile; also, “imperfect/insignificant”
96 when that when
97 Your brother i.e., Richard I, Coeur-de-lion 99 tale story (perhaps plays on sense of “genitals”) employed made use of/occupied sexually
102 treat of discuss high important touching relating to/affecting
104 sojourned stayed
105 prevail gain the mastery/succeed in attaining/persuade
109 lusty vigorous, lively (plays on the sense of “product of lust”) got begot, conceived
111 took…death i.e., swore most solemnly
114 before…time i.e., before the full nine months were up
119 did play false was unfaithful fault sin, moral defect (may play on the sense of “vagina”)
120 lies…hazards i.e., is one of the risks
121 how what brother i.e., Richard I
124 sooth truth kept…world the owner of a cow has the right to keep any calf born of that cow
128 refuse him spurn Philip (the Bastard) concludes settles it
131 will legal testament/wishes
134 will wish/carnal desire/penis
135 Whether which of the two
137 reputed recognized/supposed
138 presence self/personal dignity
139 an if if shape appearance
140 Sir…him i.e., that resembles Sir Robert’s
141 riding-rods horsewhips, i.e., skinny
143 in behind
144 three-farthings the thin three-farthing coin bore the queen’s image in front of a rose
145 to his shape in addition to having his inherited physical appearance
146 Would I might may I
147 it every foot every foot of it this i.e., my own
148 Nob nickname for Robert (puns on senses of “head/head of the family”) case puns on the sense of “face/appearance”
154 dear expensive, because more than a groat (fourpence)
156 thither i.e., to death
157 give…way allow our superiors to go first, as is polite
161 form likeness, image
162 rise some editors emend to “arise” for the sake of meter
166 hour possible pun on “whore”
169 grandam grandmother
170 truth chaste loyalty what though what of that
171 Something about in a somewhat indirect way from the right distant from the correct way, i.e., legitimacy
172 window with vaginal connotations hatch lower part of a door (with vaginal connotations)
173 stir plays on the senses of “get an erection/engage in sex” walk plays on the sexual sense of “be erect”
174 have (sexual) possession catch seize, get hold of
175 Near…off i.e., to the target (in archery/sexually) shot plays on the sense of “ejaculated”
179 speed travel hastily
180 need necessary
181 adieu good-bye
183 foot degree (may pun on French foutre, i.e., “fuck”)
184 many a many i.e., many (emphatic)
185 Joan typical name for a country or lower-class woman
186 den evening (from “God give you good even”) God-a-mercy God have mercy on you
189 ’Tis i.e., remembering men’s names respective attentive/respectful
190 conversion i.e., newly titled man
191 toothpick ornate toothpicks were fashionable and seen as a foreign sophistication worship’s mess company of people eating together (now honored by his title)
192 stomach appetite sufficed satisfied
193 catechize question
194 pickèd foppish/having used the toothpick/specially chosen of countries i.e., well-traveled
197 Absey book book of ABC
201 would wants, asks
202 Saving except dialogue of compliment polite/affected conversation
205 supper i.e., suppertime so thus
207 mounting (socially) ascending/aspiring
208 bastard…time not a true son of the current age
209 smack show the characteristics (literally, taste); Folio spelling “smoake” was alternative form of same word, which could also mean “observe, suspect” observation observance of polite, fashionable practices
210 so am I i.e., a literal bastard
211 habit dress device outward show/ingenuity/heraldic design
212 accoutrement formal trappings
213 motion desire, impulse
214 sweet poison i.e., flattery tooth appetite, sweet tooth
215 practise plot
216 to…learn i.e., learn how to spot other people’s deception by studying it myself
217 strew be scattered rising i.e., ascent to greatness
218 riding-robes horse-riding clothes
219 woman-post female messenger
220 blow a horn i.e., to announce her arrival (plays on the fact that her husband has recently been shown to be a cuckold; men with unfaithful wives were popularly imagined to wear horns on their forehead)
223 slave wretch, villain
224 holds in chase hunts up and down in every respect/everywhere
226 Colbrand the Giant part of an invading Danish army defeated by Guy of Warwick, the eponymous hero of a medieval romance story
228 unreverend irreverent, disrespectful
231 give us leave leave us
233 Philip Sparrow the Bastard rejects his former name (since he has been renamed “Sir Richard Plantagenet”) as a common name for sparrows (as it resembles their call)
234 toys trifling matters abroad about, going on anon soon
236 eat…fast “He may his part on Good Friday eat and fast never the worse for ought he shall get” was proverbial eat i.e., eaten (pronounced “et”) in of
238 do perform, achieve/make, produce/copulate marry by the Virgin Mary confess admit/agree
239 Could get i.e., were it possible he could conceive
240 handiwork i.e., his half-brother, Robert Falconbridge
241 beholding beholden, indebted
242 holp helped
244 That you who
245 untoward unmannerly, improper knave scoundrel; the Bastard puns on the meaning “servant”
246 Basilisco a character in a contemporary play who insisted on his knighthood being acknowledged
247 dubbed knighted, by having a sword placed on the shoulder
250 Legitimation legitimacy
252 proper fine/respectable
254 deny renounce
256 suit urging, courtship
258 Heaven may heaven charge account/responsibility
259 issue offspring dear cherished/grievous/costly
260 defence resistance
261 get be conceived
263 privilege immunity
264 folly foolishness/lust
265 dispose disposal, command
266 Subjected obedient/as his royal subject
268 aweless fearless lion…hand as punishment for killing the Duke of Austria’s son, Richard I was imprisoned with a lion, whose heart he tore out by putting his hand down its throat
270 perforce forcibly
273 Who whoever
275 kin (new) relations
277 said him nay refused him
278 was i.e., a sin
2.1 Location: France before Angiers in front of the gates of Angiers, on the Loire river Dauphin title for heir to the French throne Austria historically Leopold V; apparently wearing a lion’s skin, supposedly taken from Richard I
2 that…blood i.e., your predecessor
4 holy…Palestine the Crusades
5 By i.e., at the hand of
6 posterity descendants
7 importance request
8 spread display colours battle flags
9 rebuke repress
10 unnatural i.e., behaving in a manner that contradicts natural kinship
13 offspring descendants
14 Shadowing sheltering
15 powerless i.e., without a military force behind it
16 unstainèd pure, unblemished
19 zealous earnest
20 seal…indenture wax seal on a legal contract
23 pale…shore i.e., the chalk cliffs of England’s southeastern coast (hence England) pale either adjectival (colorless) or a noun (boundary, enclosure)
24 spurns kicks, rejects
25 coops encloses, protects
26 main sea
27 bulwark fortification still always
28 confident from self-assured against purposes plans, i.e., threats of invasion
31 follow arms i.e., take part in military action
34 more requital to greater recompense for
37 bent directed
38 brows i.e., walls/battlements
39 discipline military strategy
40 cull select plots positions, sites advantages i.e., military advantage in attack
43 But we will if necessary to subject to ruled by/answerable to
44 Stay wait embassy message
45 unadvised rashly, without full thought or information
49 indirectly wrongfully
50 lo look
52 England the King of England gentle noble
53 coldly calmly
55 against in preparation for
56 impatient of angered by
58 leisure convenience stayed waited for
59 legions forces
60 expedient rapid
62 Mother-Queen Queen-Mother, i.e., Elinor
63 Ate Greek goddess of discord and revenge
64 niece female relative; actually Elinor’s granddaughter and John’s niece Blanche of Spain daughter of John’s sister Eleanor and Alfonso VIII, King of Castile
65 king’s deceased dead king (Richard I)
66 unsettled humours i.e., unruly persons, malcontents; humours four chief bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, choler, black choler) governing mental qualities and disposition
67 inconsiderate reckless voluntaries volunteers
68 ladies’ faces i.e., beardless and young spleens tempers, impulses
69 sold…backs i.e., they have spent everything on armor and military equipment
71 make…of risk, venture
72 braver more splendid, finer choice selection
73 bottoms keels, i.e., ships waft wafted, i.e., conveyed (suggesting a quick easy journey)
75 scathe damage
76 churlish rough, harsh
77 circumstance details
78 parley negotiate
79 expedition warlike enterprise/haste
82 occasion (needful) circumstances others i.e., troops
85 lineal hereditary own i.e., territories/role of ruler
88 beats drives, forces
89 if that if
91 England’s i.e., Arthur’s
93 toil i.e., supporting Arthur’s cause work duty, undertaking
95 underwrought undermined, sought to overthrow his its
96 sequence of posterity lawful succession
97 Outfacèd defied/intimidated infant state young majesty, i.e., Arthur
99 Geoffrey’s i.e., Arthur’s father’s
101 abstract essence, summary
103 brief summary
109 owe own
110 commission warrant
111 articles points/charges
112 supernal judge i.e., God supernal celestial
116 impeach challenge, accuse
118 Alack exclamation of dissatisfaction, regret
119 Excuse…down preventing (your) usurpation of authority is a good enough excuse
122 Out expression of irritation and scorn
123 check control, discipline
126 Liker in feature more similar in physical appearance
127 in manners (who are) in behavior/character
128 dam mother (devil and parent were proverbially similar)
130 His…mother Constance insults Elinor by suggesting that it is likelier that Geoffrey was a bastard than that Arthur might be one
131 an if if
132 blots slanders
133 grandam grandmother blot defile/erase
135 crier announcing officer in a law court/town crier (a mocking reference to Austria)
137 play the devil i.e., make trouble
138 An a if he catch seize, get hold of hide i.e., lion’s skin
139 hare…beard “even hares may pull dead lions by the beard” (proverbial)
141 smoke subject to smoke/disinfect/beat an if
142 look to’t beware
143 become earn/befit
145 sightly appropriately
146 Alcides Hercules (Greek hero, one of whose twelve labors involved killing a lion, whose skin he then wore); some editors emend “shoes” to “shows,” i.e., distinctive clothing
148 lay on that i.e., inflict blows
149 cracker boaster (playing on the sense of “supposed breaker of shoulders“) deafs deafens
151 straight straight away
153 very sum final summary, absolute essence
158 Bretagne Brittany
163 it its
165 fig fruit/something valueless/rude gesture
169 coil turmoil, fuss
170 shames dishonors, embarrasses
173 pearls i.e., tears
174 in…fee as a bribe for divine support
175 beads teardrops (plays on the sense of “prayer beads on a rosary”)
177 monstrous unnatural
180 dominations dominions royalties royal rights
181 eldest son’s son eldest grandson
182 Infortunate unfortunate
183 visited punished
184 canon…law scriptural rule (that the sins of the parents will be visited upon their children)
185 but only
186 Removèd distant
187 Bedlam i.e., madwoman
190 her sin implies John, whom Constance suggests was conceived adulterously (in sin)
191 removèd issue relative at one remove, i.e., Arthur for because of
192 his injury harm done to Arthur
193 beadle parish officer entitled to punish minor offenses, i.e., punisher
195 for because of/instead of
196 unadvisèd rash, thoughtless
197 title legal claim
199 will willfulness, wish cankered corrupt
200 temperate calm
201 beseems befits presence royal company cry aim shout encouragement (archery term)
202 ill-tunèd harsh-sounding repetitions repeated accusations
203 trumpet trumpeter
205 admit grant, recognize
206 warned summoned
207 France, for England i.e., the French king on behalf of Arthur (who should be King of England)
211 gentle peaceful/noble parle negotiation
213 advancèd raised, displayed
214 prospect view
215 endamagement damage, detriment
216 bowels entrails
222 stones i.e., city walls
223 waist belt
224 ordinance artillery
225 lime mortar
226 dishabited dislodged
227 bloody power violent, fierce troops
229 much expedient very hasty
230 countercheck rebuke/check to oppose (the course of something)
232 amazed stunned/overwhelmed vouchsafe permit
233 bullets cannonballs
235 folded…smoke i.e., concealed in deceitful rhetoric
236 faithless error untrustworthy lie
237 accordingly in the same manner/as it deserves
238 laboured exhausted with hard work
239 Forwearied worn out
240 harbourage shelter
241 said finished speaking
242 Lo see
243 right i.e., just claim
246 enjoys possesses
247 For on behalf of downtrodden equity oppressed right tread picks up on downtrodden
248 greens grassy areas
250 constraint compulsion
254 owes owns
256 Save except aspect appearance offence hostility, harm sealed up i.e., prevented
257 spent expended, fired
259 unvexed untroubled/unimpeded retire retreat
260 unhacked unused/undamaged (from battle)
261 lusty vigorous
264 fondly foolishly pass pass up, disregard
265 roundure roundness, circumference
266 messengers of war i.e., cannonballs
267 Though even if discipline skill in warfare
268 rude rough
270 In…which on behalf of him (Arthur) for whom
276 proves proves to be
282 else others, suchlike
284 bloods hot-blooded fellows/noble men
286 in his face against him
287 compound agree
288 for on behalf of hold withhold
290 everlasting residence i.e., the grave, death
291 fleet pass, fly off
292 dreadful terrifying, daunting trial contest, putting to the proof
293 chevaliers knights
294 Saint George patron saint of England who famously slew a dragon swinged beat, thrashed
295 Sits…door i.e., as a tavern sign hostess tavern landlady
296 fence fencing skill
297 lioness i.e., Austria’s wife; also means “whore”
298 set…hide i.e., give Austria the cuckold’s horns by sleeping with his wife
299 monster because a combination of lion and ox
303 appointment order, arrangement
304 advantage superior military position/opportunity
306 God …right! a battle cry excursions fighting (across the stage) Trumpets trumpeters
309 by…France with the help of the French king
312 grovelling prostrate, face down
316 displayed drawn up (if referring to the troops)/unfurled (if referring to the banners)
321 Commander victor malicious violent, hostile
322 hence from here
323 gilt coated/glittering
324 crest i.e., helmet
325 staff spear/lance
326 colours battle flags
328 like…huntsmen traditionally huntsmen smeared their hands with blood of the kill
333 onset and retire attack and retreat
335 censured judged
338 alike equally like approve
343 passage progress, course
344 native natural, habitual o’erswell flood (John threatens French territory)
347 progress journey (may play on the sense of “official royal tour”)
351 sways rules climate part of the sky
352 just-borne justly carried
353 put thee down defeat you
354 royal number i.e., a king’s name
355 tells of records/counts
357 towers soars, mounts (falconry term)
359 chaps jaws
361 mousing tearing at (like a cat or an owl with its prey)
362 undetermined differences unresolved disagreements
363 fronts faces
364 havoc a call for general slaughter
365 potents potentates, rulers
366 confusion overthrow, destruction part side
367 peace i.e., victory
368 yet admit now recognize
371 hold up support
372 that…here i.e., John has no need for a spokesperson, representing himself as rightful king
374 presence own existence/majesty
378 Kings of i.e., ruled by
379 some certain i.e., one or the other/the particular rightful purged and deposed refers to the fears
380 scroyles scoundrels flout mock, insult
383 industrious ingenious/painstaking/hardworking acts deeds/theatrical actions/parts of a play
385 mutines of Jerusalem rival Jewish factions who united to fight the Romans besieging Jerusalem in AD 70 mutines mutineers, rebels
386 conjointly bend jointly aim
388 mount raise/prepare for firing
389 chargèd loaded
390 soul-fearing terrifying brawled down destroyed noisily
392 play torment by firing at jades wretches (literally, worthless horses)
393 unfencèd without walls, i.e., unprotected desolation barren ruin/despondency
394 vulgar common
397 point i.e., sword point
398 cull forth select
399 happy minion fortunate favorite
400 day i.e., victory
402 wild irregular/audacious states sovereigns
403 Smacks…something has it not a flavor the policy stratagem
405 knit unite
406 lay level, flatten
407 who i.e., to determine who
408 An if if mettle spirit, disposition
409 peevish obstinate/foolish
411 saucy insolent
412 when that when
413 pell-mell headlong/in hand-to-hand combat
414 ourselves i.e., each other heaven or hell i.e., eternal life or damnation
419 thunder i.e., cannon
420 drift shower, deluge
421 discipline military strategy
424 vouchsafe agree, grant
425 league alliance, friendship
427 breathing lives i.e., living people
429 Persever persevere, proceed
430 favour permission, approval bent resolved/inclined
432 years age
434 lusty lively, merry/fertile/lustful
438 birth noble ancestry
439 bound contain
441 complete fully equipped, perfect in
442 If…she i.e., the only fault in his perfection is that he is not her complete of full of (those virtues)
443 wants lacks
444 If…he unless it could be a fault that she is not him
446 finishèd completed
447 divided incomplete
452 bounds boundaries
453 princes royal persons (of either sex)
454 battery assault
455 fast-closèd firmly, tightly shut match marriage (puns on the sense of “match that lights gunpowder”)
456 spleen eagerness, angry energy powder gunpowder
457 mouth of passage i.e., entrance ope open
462 mortal fatal peremptory determined
464 stay obstacle
470 lusty blood spirited fellow
471 plain cannon i.e., just like a cannon bounce explosion
472 bastinado beating with a stick
474 buffets beats, strikes
475 Zounds by God’s wounds bethumped pounded, thumped soundly
476 Since…dad i.e., since I learned to speak (conceivably suggesting punishment for the illegitimate boy calling Sir Robert “Dad”)
477 list listen conjunction union
480 unsured insecure
481 yon yonder, that (one over there) green youthful/inexperienced boy i.e., Arthur sun i.e., royal patronage
484 Mark note, observe
485 capable of receptive to
486 zeal enthusiasm
487 soft petitions gentle pleas remorse sorrow/compassion
490 treaty proposition
491 forward ready
494 in…love i.e., love Blanche
496 Anjou Folio prints “Anglers,” presumably mistaking the province of Anjou for the city of Angiers, where the scene takes place
497 the of the
499 liable subject
501 promotions social advancement
503 Holds hand with i.e., is equal to
507 shadow reflection, image (sense then shifts to “mere imitation/shadow cast by the sun”)
508 son plays on “sun” (popular image of royal glory)
509 makes…shadow i.e., outshines my actual or former self (plays on sense of “dims even your royal glory”)
511 infixèd fastened firmly
512 table tablet, painting surface
513 Drawn plays on the sense of “disembowelled” (being hanged, drawn and quartered was a traitor’s punishment)
515 quartered cut into pieces/lodged espy discern
518 love expression of love/lover
519 will desire, determination
520 aught anything
521 That anything whatever it is
522 translate convert, transform
523 properly correctly, decorously
524 enforce urge/compel, impose
526 That i.e., by saying that worthy worthy of
528 churlish harsh/grudging
529 merit deserve
531 still always
532 vouchsafe deign, graciously condescend
535 unfeignedly genuinely
539 Full i.e., all of mark monetary unit (not a coin) worth two thirds of an English pound
540 withal with this
542 likes pleases close join
543 well assured very certain
544 assured betrothed
547 presently immediately
550 made up accomplished
552 who whoever
553 passionate impassioned/emotional/sorrowful
564 repair come
565 solemnity i.e., the wedding ceremony
566 measure magnitude, capacity
567 measure limited extent, proportion
568 exclamation outcry, objection
569 suffer permit
570 pomp celebration
571 composition settlement/compromise
572 title…whole claim to the whole kingdom
573 departed parted
576 rounded whispered
577 With by
578 broker go-between, agent (plays on the notion of breakage) breaks beats, cracks pate head, skull faith loyalty/truth
579 wins gets the better
581 Who i.e., the maid’s thing plays on the sense of “penis”
582 ‘maid’ virgin
583 smooth-faced plausible/deceitful tickling amusing, playing with (plays on the sense of “fondling sexually”) commodity convenience, expediency/advantage, profit, self-interest/woman in her sexual capacity (plays on the sense of “virginity/female sexual goods”)
584 bias natural inclination (literally the weight in the bowling ball that enables it to be rolled in a curve)
585 peisèd poised, weighted
586 even level, evenly
587 vile-drawing i.e., that attracts evil
588 sway guiding power/swerve/change
589 take head from rebel against/roll away from indifferency moderation/equal impartiality
592 bawd pimp, go-between all-changing i.e., causing everything to change
593 Clapped on fixed on, presented to outward eye eyeball, external eye/hole in the bowling ball through which the bias was inserted
594 determined resolved/planned aid i.e., support for Arthur’s cause
595 resolved determined/settled
596 base dishonorable/worthless
597 rail I on do I rant about
598 But for only
599 clutch clench (in refusal of an offer)
600 angels gold coins salute greet/touch (plays on the sense of “gold coin” and on the notion of “angelic salutation”—i.e., the angels’ greeting to the Virgin Mary)
601 for because unattempted untempted/unapproached
607 upon because of
4 misspoke spoken inaccurately/expressed badly
5 Be well advised consider carefully/be well-informed
6 but only
7 trust believe
8 common man i.e., not a king
11 frighting frightening
12 capable of susceptible to
16 though even if
17 take a truce make peace
20 sadly gravely
22 lamentable sorrowful rheum watery discharge, i.e., tears
23 proud swollen/arrogant peering o’er his overflowing its
24 sad solemn/sorrowful
27 them either King John and King Philip or simply the French
28 prove discover by experience
31 encounter meet in combat
36 brook tolerate
42 content patient, calm
43 wert were grim ugly/destructive
44 sland’rous shameful
45 sightless unsightly, offensive (possibly “unseen, internal”)
46 crooked deformed swart swarthy, of dark complexion (considered unattractive) prodigious monstrous, unnatural/ill-omened
47 Patched blotched, marked
50 Become befit
51 fair handsome/pale-complexioned
54 half-blown half-blossomed, i.e., still young and beautiful
56 Sh’adulterates she commits adultery (rather than being faithful to Arthur) hourly constantly (puns on “whore-ly,” i.e., like a whore)
57 golden implies offers of money plucked on drawn on, enticed/dragged in
58 sovereignty i.e., Arthur’s claim to the throne
59 his majesty i.e., King Philip and his power theirs i.e., King John and Fortune’s
61 strumpet harlot, prostitute
62 fellow with connotations of “servant/worthless man” France i.e., the French king forsworn guilty of perjury, breaking his promise
63 Envenom poison words i.e., curses
65 underbear endure
69 proud swollen/arrogant
71 state condition/throne
1 ’Tis true Philip and Blanche enter mid-conversation daughter i.e., daughter-in-law
4 Stays…course stands still 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 with child pregnant
16 fall i.e., be born
17 prodigiously with ill omen, i.e., with the birth of a deformed child crossed thwarted
18 But except wreck shipwreck
19 No…made break only agreements made on this day
24 pawned pledged 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) yours i.e., your arms/blood
31 painted superficial/feigned
32 our i.e., Constance and Arthur’s made up composed, accomplished league alliance
36 Wear out survive/waste 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 spoil plunder, booty
45 champion one who fights on behalf of another
46 humorous temperamental 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 swear…party declare your support for my cause
54 fall over defect
55 Doff remove
56 calf’s-skin associated with fools and cowards recreant cowardly
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 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 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) toll exact a payment
83 great supremacy highest authority or power
84 Where in which uphold maintain/rule
86 set apart discarded, ignored
88 blaspheme speak irreverently
90 grossly foolishly meddling priest i.e., the pope
91 the curse i.e., excommunication buy out cancel
92 vile base 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 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 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 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 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 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 your self in my position
156 bestow yourself behave
161 latest last
164 even right but new just immediately
166 clap strike hands reciprocally in token of a bargain bargain transaction
167 overstained covered with stains/dyed
168 pencil paintbrush
169 fearful awesome, fear-inducing difference dispute, discord
172 Unyoke this seizure unclasp this grasp (of hands) 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) so in the same manner
174 unconstant changeable, fickle
177 bloody bloodstained/violent 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 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 swor’st i.e., allegiance with John
202 truly done i.e., not done at all
203 to toward
205 act action purposes mistook misguided aims, erroneous outcomes
206 mistake again i.e., break your oath to John 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 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 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 puissance power/army
274 condition nature/stipulation
276 dearest-valued i.e., royal/life-sustaining
280 threats threatens hie hasten
3.2 Alarums calls to battle excursions fighting (across the stage)
2 airy devil aerial demons were associated with storms and, here, battle
4 Philip i.e., the Bastard breathes catches his breath Hubert probably based on Hubert de Burgh, chief judicial officer under King John
5 keep look after/guard make up move forward, press on
6 assailèd attacked
7 ta’en taken, captured
10 liege lord, superior entitled to feudal allegiance and service pains…labour a birth metaphor
11 happy end fortunate outcome/pleasing conclusion 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 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 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 gauds showy playthings, attractive trifles
49 give me audience listen to me midnight bell i.e., bell tolling midnight
50 brazen made of brass/shameless
51 Sound on continue striking race course
56 else otherwise
57 idiot clown/fool keep occupy, hold captive
59 passion emotion
62 conceit thought
64 despite spite 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 convicted defeated
3 fellowship puns on “fellow ships”
5 run fared/followed a course
7 Divers various/several
8 bloody bloodstained/violent England the King of England
9 O’erbearing overcoming interruption resistance, obstacles spite in defiance
11 hot active, vigorous, quick advice prudence disposed handled
12 temperate calm, composed
13 want example lack precedent
14 kindred related, allied in qualities like similar
16 So provided that pattern previous example
17 grave i.e., shell of the body, mere container
21 issue outcome peace i.e., agreement, treaty
23 defy reject counsel advice redress assistance, comfort
24 But except
25 amiable lovable
26 odoriferous sweet-smelling sound wholesome, healthy
27 lasting everlasting
30 vaulty empty/sepulchral
32 gap of breath i.e., mouth fulsome repulsive
33 carrion skeletal/rotting
35 buss kiss
37 affliction i.e., afflicted one
41 fell terrible/cruel anatomy skeleton
43 modern commonplace, everyday 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 clouts cloths/rags
61 different distinct, individual plague affliction
62 Bind…tresses in her distress, Constance’s hair is loose and dishevelled
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 bud i.e., young son
85 native natural
87 dim dull/pale meagre gaunt an ague’s fit (the victim of) a bout of shaking caused by fever
88 so in that way/in that condition rising i.e., from death/into heaven
90 know recognize
92 heinous grave, severe 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 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 entertain receive, experience
138 boisterously violently
140 Makes…no is not fussy about using any stay prop, keep
141 That in order that
147 green young, inexperienced
148 lays you plots makes schemes for you
149 steeps soaks true legitimate/royal
150 untrue deceptive/uncertain
152 zeal fervent loyalty
153 none…advantage not even the smallest opportunity
154 check inhibit, curb, control reign rule (puns on “rein”)
155 exhalation vapor/meteor (considered a bad omen)
156 scope circumstance distempered disordered/stormy
157 customèd customary, ordinary
158 pluck away disregard his its cause explanation
159 prodigies omens
160 Abortives abnormalities presages signs, portents
161 denouncing declaring
163 hold consider himself i.e., John in his prisonment i.e., while Arthur is John’s prisoner
164 approach arrival
168 kiss…of i.e., welcome unacquainted unfamiliar
169 pick extract/find strong matter of compelling reason for
170 Out…John i.e., in John’s crimes, symbolized by his bloodstained hands
171 hurly uproar, turmoil 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 brimful 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 irons branding tools look be sure
2 Within behind 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 wantonness foolish behavior/whim 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 resolution determination
39 fair writ written clearly, well
40 effect purpose
46 knit tied handkercher handkerchief
47 wrought it embroidered it for
48 it you for it back from you
50 watchful timekeeping/wakeful/vigilant
51 Still and anon continually heavy slow-moving/sad
52 lack you i.e., do you need 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 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 else otherwise, i.e., if it isn’t true
121 but only
123 perchance perhaps sparkle in send sparks into
125 Snatch snap, bite 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) 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 pleasure will/desire
20 unseasonable unsuitable (probably four syllables; Being at beginning of line may be monosyllabic for sake of meter)
21 antique old well-noted well-known
22 form custom disfigurèd altered
23 shifted changed (in direction)
24 It i.e., having a second coronation 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 studies efforts
52 enfranchisement release
55 rest peace/freedom from exertion in right rightfully
56 attend…wrong i.e., are bent toward wrongdoing attend accompany
57 mew up confine
58 tender young
60 exercise occupations/gentlemanly physical training in the martial arts
61 That so that this i.e., such an argument
62 grace occasions suit their purposes 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 close secretive 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 dreadful battles terrifying fighting forces
80 ripe swollen (like an abscess) break burst
83 hold hold back
84 give i.e., grant your request
86 tonight last night
90 answered accounted for/recompensed 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 grossly blatantly offer undertake, venture to do
96 So thus, i.e., grossly 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 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) power army
112 preparation military expedition
113 levied mustered, raised 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 walks goes, progresses estate affairs/holdings
131 conduct leadership
132 for…out claim in the name of truth 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 safe-keeping, i.e., custody
162 gentle noble
163 abroad out there, in public
168 is was 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 ranked arranged in ranks
208 artificer artisan
210 possess acquaint/occupy
211 urgest thou do you present, bring forward oft often
212 cause reason
214 No had had none 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 perchance perhaps
221 upon humour because of a whim 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 signed marked distinctively
231 aspect face/appearance
233 liable suitable
234 faintly half-heartedly/tentatively broke spoke
236 conscience i.e., matter of moral dilemma
239 darkly obscurely
241 As as though to express specific
242 had would have
243 wrought created
245 parley negotiate
247 rude violent/unkind
250 state authority, sovereignty 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 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 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 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 we i.e., the English lords and Lew is
21 distempered vexed, discontented
22 straight straightaway
23 dispossessed himself caused himself to lose possession, i.e., lost our support
24 line supply a lining for, i.e., fortify bestainèd marked with stains cloak cover for his deeds
25 attend the foot i.e., serve one
29 griefs grievances, complaints reason speak, debate (the Bastard shifts the sense to “good sense, rationality”)
32 impatience anger 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 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 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 in i.e., in comparison to
52 sole unique, unrivaled
54 times the future
56 Exampled compared with the precedent of heinous infamous, wicked
58 graceless ungodly/coarse 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 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
80 bright i.e., unused up away
81 murderer’s skin animal leather was the usual material used for sword scabbards
85 tempt test danger damage/peril 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 Whose tongue soe’er whoever’s tongue
97 by aside 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 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 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 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 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 crest hackles/heraldic device on a coat of arms
157 powers armies from away from discontents discontented persons
158 line i.e., united purpose confusion disaster/chaos/destruction
160 wrested pomp majesty seized by force
161 he is he 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 mistempered humour anger, ill-temper/bodily imbalance
14 Rests remains only alone qualified calmed
16 present instant, taking immediate effect 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 the time i.e., current events
50 outface defy brow countenance
51 bragging boastful/bullying 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 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 base dishonorable, cowardly
72 cockered pampered silken effeminate/luxurious/clothed in silk wanton spoiled child brave challenge
73 flesh initiate (in warfare)/plunge in (as one would a weapon into flesh)
74 colours battle flags 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 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 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 clippeth embrace
35 bear carry
36 grapple bind, attach 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) 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 those baby eyes i.e., babies
59 blood liveliness
62 nobles may play on the sense of “gold coins”
63 knit join 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) 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 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) banked besieged (within banks of fortifications)/captured, confined/skirted around (“bank” may also be a cardplaying 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) crown royal crown/coin, i.e., bet at cards
108 set series of games (won at cards)
113 ample complete, great
114 drew gathered 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 limited designated, permitted
125 wilful-opposite stubbornly hostile
126 temporize negotiate
131 reason with good reason
132 apish apelike, foolish unmannerly inappropriate, impolite (puns on “unmanly”—i.e., cowardly/not like a human)
133 harnessed armored masque courtly entertainment involving dancing and elaborate costumes 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 pigmy very small
139 take the hatch leap over the lower half of the door, i.e., retreat hastily
141 litter animal straw planks floors
142 pawns goods pledged in exchange for a loan of money
143 hug i.e., curl up
144 vaults cellars/tombs 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 tripping moving quickly and lightly
157 gauntlets armored gloves
160 brave challenge turn thy face i.e., retreat
161 outscold outdo us in scolding/have more quarrelsome women than we
163 brabbler brawler/quarrelsome faultfinder
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 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 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 bought and sold betrayed
12 Unthread withdraw (like thread from a needle) eye needle’s eye
16 He i.e., Lewis, the French dauphin
24 quantity small amount
26 Resolveth dissolves, melts 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 rated assessed/rebuked
39 fine ending/penalty
42 respect factor
45 lieu exchange, payment whereof of which
46 rumour tumult, noise
47 remnant remainder
50 beshrew curse
51 favour appearance/face/benevolence 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 New flight i.e., toward King John
62 happy fortunate old right i.e., loyalty to King John
5.5 Location: England, the French camp train retinue
1 loath reluctant
2 welkin sky
3 measure travel (over)
4 faint retire weak retreat bravely splendidly 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 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 breaking coming
18 scape escape, elude
19 sans compliment without ceremony 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 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 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 flats sandbanks
45 Lincoln Washes sandbanks in Lincolnshire
46 hardly barely/with difficulty
47 Away before lead on, go ahead
48 doubt fear or ere before
5.7 Location: England, the garden of Swinstead Abbey
2 touched tainted/endangered corruptibly in a manner causing decay 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 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”) forsook rejected, abandoned
39 maw throat/stomach
41 north north wind
44 cold comfort comforting coolness/no comfort 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 stay support/anchor
60 clod lump of earth
61 module model, image 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) remove move, change the position of
67 flood rushing water/tide
68 dead deadly/grave
69 But just 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 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 spot blot
114 but ambiguous here since it can mean both “only” and “not merely” 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 rue grieve
122 rest remain