King John Act 4 – “I am amazed, methinks, and lose my way Among the thorns and dangers of this world.”

King John Act 4 – “I am amazed, methinks, and lose my way

Among the thorns and dangers of this world.”

Shakespeare knows how to create a labyrinth within a plot and use verse to create hedges high and pathways both simple and complex. He seems to be a man of his age but sometimes he titters on the edge of Elizabethan beliefs and looks over the edge to see glimpses of a humanism and individualism that lies as tantalising landscape for England's and for Europe's furure. Is it fate or the actions of men that pull King John down? Shakespeare opens up a world of possibilities. 

Arthur is to be killed by Hubert and his executioners. The scene is harrowing and an audience that had witnessed 'Titus Andronicus' just a few years before must have been feared the worst since little was known of Arthur, his life or his death. Arthur’s youth and his pleadings to keep his eyes even at the expense of loosing his tongue, along with the fire burning too low to make the eye-piercing iron burn enough to pluck out Arthur’s eyes are strong companions and Hubert is moved to pity. Personally, I think it was the beautiful unraveling of metaphors and imagery that melts Hubert’s heart such that he cannot bring himself to kill Arthur. 

“The iron of itself, though heat red-hot,

Approaching near these eyes, would drink my tears

And quench his fiery indignation

Even in the matter of mine innocence;

Nay, after that, consume away in rust

But for containing fire to harm mine eye.”

Hubert does not kill Arthur on the condition that Arthur will not reveal himself as being alive.

King John’s happiness at being back in England is short lived. He even plans a second coronation for himself. Pembroke and Salisbury ask for Arthur to be released. Hubert enters and lies to King John telling that Arthur is dead. When King John announces this, Salisbury and Pembroke rebuff him and announce their intention to attend Arthur’s funeral.

Just when King John is just coming to terms with the fact that his actions may have weakened the throne and his place on it when he receives the news that his mother has died and that a huge French army is arriving to attack his kingdom. King John, wracked with grief at the loss of his mother seems unable to take action of any sort. Enter The Bastard, with news of the success of his monastery plunderings and also with news that people are prophesying the demise of King John’s reign by the next national holiday. Why King John does not just simply cancel the next national holiday, I don't know. King John orders the death of one such ‘prophet’ and ties to blame Hubert for Arthur’s death claiming that it is not exactly what he had ordered. Hubert shows him the death warrant sign by King John but the king continues to blame Hubert. At the last moment, Hubert reveals that in fact Arthur is still alive. King John is wrapped and shows some remorse for his blame shifting exploits. King John foolishly thinks that all will be well now for him and his reign. But Fortune’s wheel once turned has the momentum to run its own course.

Arthur stands on the edge of the castle wall where he is held. He makes the rash decision to try to escape while he can by jumping, even though even he thinks the walls seem too high. Arthur certainly is not one who has shown great instinct or judgement and he dies from the injuries of his attempt at escape. 

Salisbury and Pembroke arrive at the same castle discussing secret talks that are already being made with Louis and France. The Bastard enters trying to speak for King John and the interests of the crown. His pleas fall on deaf ears. Then Hubert brings the news that Arthur was not killed but is still alive. No-one believes him and he is accused of lying and being a murderer. The body of Arthur is found and Hubert, the King and foul play is presumed. Salisbury and other lords turn coats to join the Dauphin and the French forces which steadily approach.

Hubert is left with The Bastard and pleads that he did not kill Arthur but that he had granted Hubert mercy and that Arthur was alive when Hubert saw him last. The Bastard seems to believe him and they exit preparing to see the king and prepare for battle with not much hope in his heart for victory.

“Now powers from home and discontents at home

Meet in one line; and vast confusion waits,

As doth a raven on a sick-fall'n beast,

The imminent decay of wrested pomp.”