_K. Phi._ Here comes the holy legate of the pope. 135 _Pand._ Hail, you anointed deputies of heaven! To thee, King John, my holy errand is. I Pandulph, of fair Milan cardinal, And from Pope Innocent the legate here, Do in his name religiously demand 140 Why thou against the church, our holy mother, So wilfully dost spurn; and force perforce Keep Stephen Langton, chosen archbishop[286] Of Canterbury, from that holy see?[287] This, in our foresaid holy father's name, 145 Pope Innocent, I do demand of thee. _K. John._ What earthy name to interrogatories[288] Can task the free breath of a sacred king?[289] Thou canst not, cardinal, devise a name So slight, unworthy and ridiculous, 150 To charge me to an answer, as the pope.[290] Tell him this tale; and from the mouth of England Add thus much more, that no Italian priest Shall tithe or toll in our dominions; But as we, under heaven, are supreme head,[291] 155 So under Him that great supremacy,[292] Where we do reign, we will alone uphold, Without the assistance of a mortal hand: So tell the pope, all reverence set apart To him and his usurp'd authority. 160 _K. Phi._ Brother of England, you blaspheme in this. _K. John._ Though you and all the kings of Christendom Are led so grossly by this meddling priest, Dreading the curse that money may buy out; And by the merit of vile gold, dross, dust, 165 Purchase corrupted pardon of a man, Who in that sale sells pardon from himself, Though you and all the rest so grossly led This juggling witchcraft with revenue cherish, Yet I alone, alone do me oppose 170 Against the pope and count his friends my foes. _Pand._ Then, by the lawful power that I have, Thou shalt stand cursed and excommunicate: And blessed shall he be that doth revolt From his allegiance to an heretic; 175 And meritorious shall that hand be call'd, Canonized and worshipp'd as a saint,[293] That takes away by any secret course Thy hateful life. _Const._ O, lawful let it be That I have room with Rome to curse awhile![294] 180 Good father cardinal, cry thou amen To my keen curses; for without my wrong There is no tongue hath power to curse him right. _Pand._ There's law and warrant, lady, for my curse.