_K. John._ Some reasons of this double coronation 40 I have possess'd you with and think them strong; And more, more strong, then lesser is my fear,[464] I shall indue you with: meantime but ask What you would have reform'd that is not well, And well shall you perceive how willingly 45 I will both hear and grant you your requests. _Pem._ Then I, as one that am the tongue of these To sound the purposes of all their hearts, Both for myself and them, but, chief of all, Your safety, for the which myself and them[465] 50 Bend their best studies, heartily request The enfranchisement of Arthur; whose restraint Doth move the murmuring lips of discontent To break into this dangerous argument,--[466] If what in rest you have in right you hold,[467] 55 Why then your fears, which, as they say, attend[468] The steps of wrong, should move you to mew up[468] Your tender kinsman and to choke his days With barbarous ignorance and deny his youth The rich advantage of good exercise? 60 That the time's enemies may not have this To grace occasions, let it be our suit That you have bid us ask his liberty;[469] Which for our goods we do no further ask[470] Than whereupon our weal, on you depending,[471] 65 Counts it your weal he have his liberty.[472] _Enter_ HUBERT. _K. John._ Let it be so: I do commit his youth To your direction. Hubert, what news with you? [_Taking him apart._[473] _Pem._ This is the man should do the bloody deed; He show'd his warrant to a friend of mine: 70 The image of a wicked heinous fault Lives in his eye; that close aspect of his Does show the mood of a much troubled breast;[474] And I do fearfully believe 'tis done, What we so fear'd he had a charge to do. 75 _Sal._ The colour of the king doth come and go Between his purpose and his conscience, Like heralds 'twixt two dreadful battles set:[475] His passion is so ripe, it needs must break. _Pem._ And when it breaks, I fear will issue thence 80 The foul corruption of a sweet child's death. _K. John._ We cannot hold mortality's strong hand:[476] Good lords, although my will to give is living, The suit which you demand is gone and dead: He tells us Arthur is deceased to-night. 85 _Sal._ Indeed we fear'd his sickness was past cure. _Pem._ Indeed we heard how near his death he was Before the child himself felt he was sick: This must be answer'd either here or hence.