THE DISCONTENT OF THE BARONS; THE REPORT OF ARTHUR'S DEATH; CONTRADICTION OF THE REPORT; NEWS OF THE DEATH HISTORICAL MEMORANDA. The discontent of the Norman barons on the report of Arthur's death, induced Hubert to reveal the secret that he was yet alive. The obscurity of his fate, subsequently left the dramatic chroniclers to deal with it as they pleased: the prevalent belief is, that he was stabbed by John himself in the castle of Rouen, or thrown over the battlements. This was in 1203. John always bore the infamy of the murder, and this was among the causes of the disaffection that spread among the barons: but other and more general causes, scarcely alluded to in the play, led to that great event, also unnoticed, the forced grant of the great charter, which was signed by John at Runnymead near Staines, on the 19th of June, 1215. Queen Eleanor died in 1204. John did homage for his kingdom to the Pope, in the person of Pandulph, the legate, on May 15, 1213. The invasion of England by the dauphin was in 1216. Such of the foregoing facts as are indicated or represented in the play appear nearly contemporaneous; and as this effect will be increased rather than diminished by the omissions from the play, it is judged proper to furnish the above-given dates. King John is discovered on his throne: Pembroke and many other barons, with looks of discontent, are in presence: Pembroke is the chief speaker among them. Hubert afterwards enters, and the barons leave the presence in anger. [John.] Here once again we sit, once again crown'd; And look'd upon, I hope, with cheerful eyes. [Pembroke] This once again, but that your highness pleas'd, Was once superflu'ous: you were crown'd before. [John.] Some reasons of this double coronation I have possess'd you with, and think them strong; [Pembroke.] Then I, as one that am the tongue of these, The' enfranchisement of Arthur, whose restraint [John.] Let it be so: I do commit his youth To your direction.-Hubert what's [Pembroke.] your news ? in an under tone. That is the man should do the bloody deed; He show'd the warrant to a friend of mine. I fear the act is done; for, as they speak, [John.] We cannot hold mortality's strong hand: [Pembroke.] Indeed we fear'd his sickness was past cure, [John.] Why do you bend such solemn brows on me? Have I commandment on the pulse of life? [Pembroke.] It is apparent foul play, and 'tis shame [John.] They burn in indignation: I repent: Here a messenger enters with looks of great alarm: John continues: A fearful eye thou hast. Where is the blood That I have seen inhabit in those cheeks? So foul a sky clears not without a storm: Pour down thy weather :-how goes all in France? [Messenger.] From France to England. Never such a power [John.] O, where's my mother's care? Could any force Be rais'd in France, and she not hear of it? [Messenger.] My liege, her ear is stopp'd. Your noble mother Died on the first of April: Lady Constance, 'Tis said, three days before. [John.] My mother dead! How wildly, then, walks my estate abroad! Under whose conduct come these powers from France? [Messenger.] Under the dauphin's. [John.] Thou hast made me giddy [pause.] With these ill tidings. Do not seek to stuff [Messenger.] Hitherward as I travell'd through the land, I found the people strangely fantasied, Not knowing what they fear, but full of fear. [John.] Hubert, away, and see he be imprison'd; For I shall need thee.—Hast thou more to tell? [Messenger.] But now, I met lord Bigot and lord Salisbury, With eyes as red as new-enkindled fire, And others more, going to seek the grave [John.] Are my subjects foes, When adverse foreigners affright my towns, Be thou the man: Away!-My mother dead! Hubert re-enters: the King and he are alone together: Hubert takes up the dialogue. [Hubert.] My lord, they say five moons were seen to-night, Four fixed; and the fifth did whirl about The other five in wondrous motion. [John.] Five moons! [Hubert.] Old men and beldams in the streets Young Arthur's death is common in their mouths, And he that speaks doth gripe the hearer's wrist; Cuts off his tale, and talks of Arthur's death. [John.] Why seek'st thou to possess me with these fears? Why urgest thou so oft young Arthur's death? Thy hand hath murder'd him. I ha'd mighty cause [Hubert.] Had none, my lord! why, did you not provoke me? Here is your hand and seal for what I did. [John.] O, when the last account 'twixt heaven and earth How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds I faintly broke with thee of Arthur's death; Mad'st it no conscience to destroy a prince: Or bid me tell my tale in express words, Deep shame had struck me dumb, made me break off, And didst in signs again parley with sin: This kingdom, this confine of blood and breath, Between my conscience and my cousin's death. your [Hubert.] Arm you against your other enemies; Than to be butcher of an innocent child. |