FIRST CITIZEN.
In brief: we are the King of England's subjects:
For him, and in his right, we hold this town.

KING JOHN.
Acknowledge then the king, and let me in.

CITIZEN.
That can we not; but he that proves the king,
To him will we prove loyal: till that time
Have we ramm'd up our gates against the world.

KING JOHN.
Doth not the crown of England prove the king?
And if not that, I bring you witnesses,
Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England's breed,--

BASTARD.
Bastards, and else.

KING JOHN.
To verify our title with their lives.

KING PHILIP.
As many and as well-born bloods as those,--

BASTARD.
Some bastards too.

KING PHILIP.