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that he is “supreme head.” Philip tells him he “blaspheme[s] in this.” John is defiant, arguing that he alone is not led by this “meddling priest,” fearful of the Catholic church’s power of excommunication and wealth obtained by the corrupt practice of selling pardons. The Cardinal announces that in that case John will be cursed and excommunicated and whoever kills him will be canonized and worshipped as a saint. Constance begs for the right to add her curses to Rome’s.The papal legate argues that he has “law and warrant” for his curse but Constance argues that she does too, “since law itself is perfect wrong.” John has stolen Arthur’s rightful kingdom and “he that holds his kingdom holds the law.”
    Lines 119–183: Pandulph then orders Philip, on peril of being excommunicated himself to make war on John, “that arch-heretic,” unless he “do submit himself to Rome.” Both sides try to sway Philip to support them. Elinor and Constance argue again, as do the Bastard and Austria. Lewis thinks the Pope’s curse is heavier than the loss of England’s friendship, and his father should “forgo the easier.” Blanche suggests that’s the Pope’s curse but Constance tells Lewis he’s being tempted by “the devil.” Philip is “perplexed,” unsure what to do and asks the Cardinal to put himself in his place—his son and Blanche are just married and peace agreed between their two lands, which have previously been at war. He cannot go back on his word and change his mind. He begs Pandulph to find some peaceful solution.
    Lines 184–280: The Cardinal is resolute—Philip cannot remain friends with John. Philip responds that he may let go of John’s hand but not his “faith”—his oath of friendship. Pandulph replies that he would then make “faith an enemy to faith” since his duty is to heaven to whom he swore his first vow. He must make war on John. Austria calls it “flat rebellion” and the Bastard taunts him once more. Lewis calls his father “to arms.” Blanche is shocked that her husband wants to fight on his wedding day against her own family and begs him not to. Constance urges him on to battle, however. Philip is still undecided until the Cardinal again threatens excommunication at which he reluctantly agrees to fight John. Constance is delighted, Elinor furious, and John threatening; only the Bastard is happy. Blanche is distressed, with her loyalties divided. John tells the Bastard to bring up the army: they are at war with France again.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–30: After more fighting, the Bastard enters with Austria’s head. John then enters with Arthur, telling Hubert to look after him.He fears that Elinor is captured but the Bastard reassures him that he rescued her himself. There is more fighting. John tells Elinor to stay and she’ll be strongly guarded and tells Arthur to cheer up since his grandmother loves him and he’ll love him like a father. Arthur replies that his mother will “die with grief.” John sends the Bastard back to England to extract money from the Church to pay for the wars. Elinor calls Arthur over to her.
    Lines 31–92: John takes Hubert to one side and tells him how grateful he is to him and how much he respects him. Hubert says he is much obliged. John then starts a series of evasive, round about hints to Hubert, who, guessing his purpose, says he’ll do it: Arthur “shall not live.” John is happy. Arthur is to go to England with Hubert while John goes to Calais.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
    Lines 1–108: King Philip and Lewis are bemoaning the French defeat while the cardinal attempts to cheer them. Constance enters, blaming Philip and his peace treaty for their defeat. She is distraught, desiring only death: “Death, death, O amiable, lovely death … come to me!” Pandulph tells her that what she speaks is “madness” not “sorrow” but she denies it. Philip asks her to tie up her hair. She begs him to make for England. He again asks