The Life and Death of King John — Act 5, Scene 3: The field of battle.

In the battle field, King John enters with Hubert, weak and feverish, and asks how the fight is going. Hubert reports that matters are going badly. A messenger then arrives with word from the Bastard, who wants to know where John is going. John says he is headed toward Swinstead abbey. The messenger brings sudden relief: the French reinforcements that the Dauphin expected have been wrecked on the Goodwin Sands, and this loss has made the French fight poorly and withdraw. John is glad to hear it, but his illness leaves him too sick to enjoy the news. He orders himself carried to his litter and leaves the field.

How goes the day with us? O, tell me, Hubert.

Badly, I fear. How fares your majesty?

This fever, that hath troubled me so long,

Lies heavy on me; O, my heart is sick!

My lord, your valiant kinsman, Faulconbridge,

Desires your majesty to leave the field

And send him word by me which way you go.

Tell him, toward Swinstead, to the abbey there.

Be of good comfort; for the great supply

That was expected by the Dauphin here,

Are wreck'd three nights ago on Goodwin Sands.

This news was brought to Richard but even now:

The French fight coldly, and retire themselves.

Ay me! this tyrant fever burns me up,

And will not let me welcome this good news.

Set on toward Swinstead: to my litter straight;

Weakness possesseth me, and I am faint.