_K. Phi._ When I have said, make answer to us both. 235 Lo, in this right hand, whose protection Is most divinely vow'd upon the right Of him it holds, stands young Plantagenet, Son to the elder brother of this man, And king o'er him and all that he enjoys: 240 For this down-trodden equity, we tread In warlike march these greens before your town, Being no further enemy to you Than the constraint of hospitable zeal In the relief of this oppressed child 245 Religiously provokes. Be pleased then To pay that duty which you truly owe To him that owes it, namely this young prince:[140] And then our arms, like to a muzzled bear, Save in aspect, hath all offence seal'd up;[141] 250 Our cannons' malice vainly shall be spent Against the invulnerable clouds of heaven;[142] And with a blessed and unvex'd retire, With unhack'd swords and helmets all unbruised. We will bear home that lusty blood again 255 Which here we came to spout against your town, And leave your children, wives and you in peace. But if you fondly pass our proffer'd offer,[143] 'Tis not the roundure of your old-faced walls[144] Can hide you from our messengers of war, 260 Though all these English and their discipline Were harbour'd in their rude circumference.[145] Then tell us, shall your city call us lord, In that behalf which we have challenged it?[146] Or shall we give the signal to our rage 265 And stalk in blood to our possession?
_First Cit._ In brief, we are the king of England's subjects: For him, and in his right, we hold this town.[147]
_K. John._ Acknowledge then the king, and let me in.
_First Cit._ That can we not; but he that proves the king, 270 To him will we prove loyal: till that time Have we ramm'd up our gates against the world.
_K. John._ Doth not the crown of England prove the king? And if not that, I bring you witnesses, Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England's breed,-- 275
_K. John._ To verify our title with their lives.
_K. Phi._ As many and as well-born bloods as those,--
_K. Phi._ Stand in his face to contradict his claim. 280
_First Cit._ Till you compound whose right is worthiest, We for the worthiest hold the right from both.
_K. John._ Then God forgive the sin of all those souls[149] That to their everlasting residence, Before the dew of evening fall, shall fleet, 285 In dreadful trial of our kingdom's king!