History of King John
Act V, Scene 3
The field of battle.
[Alarums. Enter KING JOHN and HUBERT]
- King John. How goes the day with us? O, tell me, Hubert.
- King John. This fever, that hath troubled me so long,
Lies heavy on me; O, my heart is sick!
[Enter a Messenger]
- Messenger. My lord, your valiant kinsman, Faulconbridge,
Desires your majesty to leave the field
And send him word by me which way you go.
- King John. Tell him, toward Swinstead, to the abbey there.
- Messenger. Be of good comfort; for the great supply
That was expected by the Dauphin here,
Are wreck'd three nights ago on Goodwin Sands.
This news was brought to Richard but even now:
The French fight coldly, and retire themselves.
- King John. Ay me! this tyrant fever burns me up,
And will not let me welcome this good news.
Set on toward Swinstead: to my litter straight;
Weakness possesseth me, and I am faint.