Salisbury (King John)

Play

King John

Summary

The Earl of Salisbury is among the senior English barons who, outraged by Arthur's death and John's tyranny, rebel and invite the French Dauphin Louis to invade England. He is the voice of noble conscience in the play, deeply torn between his English patriotism and his disgust at John's crimes. He ultimately returns to John's allegiance when warned by Pandulph that the Dauphin plans to execute the English rebels after his victory.

Notable Quotations

"It is apparent foul-play; and 'tis shame / That greatness should so grossly offer it: / So thrive it in your game! and so, farewell." *(4.3)*

"We will not line his thin bestained cloak / With our pure honours, nor attend the foot / That leaves the print of blood where'er it walks." *(4.3)*

Cross-references

• King John — the play
• King John — the king he rebels against
• Arthur — whose death galvanises his rebellion
• The Bastard (Philip Faulconbridge) — the patriot who rebukes his defection
• Histories