SCENE III
Reading edition
TIME: the same day; afternoon. PLACE: King John's palace.
KING JOHN. ABBOT (REALLY THE SHEPHERD). KNIGHT. JESTER. LORDS AND LADIES.
[The KING sits on his throne. The LORDS, LADIES, and JESTER stand near. Enter a KNIGHT.]
KNIGHT. The Abbot begs to see you, Sire.
KING. Ah, he has come, has he?
KNIGHT. Yes, your Majesty, he waits without.
KING. Bid him enter.
[The Knight goes.]
JESTER. Will the Abbot take his head back with him? I'll give you two guesses, ladies! I'll give you two guesses, lords!
[Enter the KNIGHT and the SHEPHERD dressed as the ABBOT.]
ABBOT. Your Majesty, I am here.
KING. Well, then, tell me how long I shall live.
ABBOT. Sire, you shall live till the day that you die, and not one day longer.
KING. Ha, ha! You are witty, Abbot. Now tell me what I think.
ABBOT. You think I am the Abbot, Sire. I am only his poor Shepherd. Behold!
[He throws off his gown and cap.]
KING. Ha, ha, ha! Truly you are a witty fellow! I like you for it, that I do!
SHEPHERD. Then will you pardon the good Abbot, Sire?
KING. I will pardon the Abbot and let him keep his lands and knights, if you will stay and live here in my court.
JESTER. Yes, stay. Stay and help me jest!
SHEPHERD. I'll stay, and I'll jest whene'er I can. I thank you, King John, I thank you.