ESSEX

Jel becomes King of England; but young Prince (Athi son of his elder brother, also has title to the throne, and his claim is supported by Philip of France. John refuses to give up his kingdom and prepares to invade France. Before he goes, he has to settle a dispute between the brothers Falconbridge: the younger brother RObéft alleges the bastardy of the elder, PHilip} thereby establishing Philip as the natural, if illegitimate, son of King Richard and Robert as rightful heir of Falconbridge. Philip is impelled to accept royal parentage, the better to pursue his ambitions, and he joins King John’s expedition to France. The Kings of England and France confront one another outside the English-held town of Angers. When the citizens refuse to yield to either John or Arthur until one or the other is proven the rightful King, the bastard suggests that the warring kings should join forces against the town, and cement the alliance with a marriage between fh@§Daphin and John’s niece, Blai@He (even though he covets Blanche for himself). John and King Philip agree terms: Blanche’s dowry is to include a substantial part of England’s French possessions, and King Philip transfers his support from Arthur to John. Seeking vengeance for his father, King Richard, the bastard challenges Allisttid to a duel, but Austria will not accept even when John creates the bastard a duke. Cardinal Pandulphiéxcommunicates John for his interference in ecclesiastical affairs. John refuses to submit to papal authority, so King Philip switches his allegiance back 1589 to Arthur and war resumes. The bastard kills Austria in’ battle and England is victorious: Arthur is taken | prisoner and committed to Hubert’s custody. John does his best to break the Pope’s power in England, and has himself crowned again. The bastard: ransacks ecclesiastical establishments, and discovers the wealth and sexual corruption of the Catholic . church. H@BG#t is ordered to blind Arthur, but Arthur. persuades him that God’s commands have priority. over the King’s, and Hubert spares him. The barons ask John for Arthur’s release, since he is no longer a threat; but Hubert reports that the boy was blinded and has died of his injuries. The barons are outraged, the King discomfited; Hubert admits the truth, but Arthur throws himself from the castle walls, and the barons find his body. Recognizing that the papal interdict absolves them of their duty of obedience to John, they invite Louis the Dauphin to invade England.…