King Philip (King John)
Play
Summary
Philip II of France is King John's great rival, champion of Arthur's claim to the English throne. He begins the play in a posture of righteous opposition to John's usurpation but is quickly shown to be equally subject to "commodity" — self-interest — striking a political marriage alliance with John and abandoning Arthur's cause when it suits him, only to be manoeuvred back into war by Pandulph's pressure on behalf of Rome.
Notable Quotations
"Before Angiers well met, brave Austria. / Arthur, that great forerunner of thy blood, / Richard, that robb'd the lion of his heart, / And fought the holy wars in Palestine, / By this brave duke came early to his grave." *(2.1)*
"I am perplex'd, and know not what to say." *(3.1)*