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 Richard III.
.........

IN
AUST

ACT 5. SCENE 4.

The Death of King Richard.

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 1506/223.
RICHARD III.

A Tragedy,
BY WILLIAM SHAKSPERE.

Manchester,
Printed and Sold by R. & W. Dean & Co., Corner of New
Cannon-street, Market-street-lane.
Sold also by Sael & Co., Strand ; T. Knott, Lombard-street; and Crosby and
Letterman, Stationers' Court, London ; and all other Booksellers .
-

1800.
 AUG
62 130
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3
 Dramatis Personae.
MEN.
King EDWARD IV.
EDWARD, Prince of Wales, after-
wards Edward V. Sons to Edward IV.
RICHARD, Duke of York,
GEORGE, Duke of Clarence, Brother to Edward IV.
Ayoung Son of Clarence.
RICHARD, Duke of Gloster, Brother to Edward IV. af-
terwards King Richard III.
Cardinal BOURCHIER, Archbishop of Canterbury,
Archbishop of York.
Bishop of Ely.
Duke of BUCKINGHAM .
Duke of NORFOLK. Earl of SURREY.
Earl RIVERS, Brother to King Edward's Queen.
Marquis ofDORSET,
LordGREY, }her Sons.
Earl ofRICHMOND, afterwards King Henry VII.
Lord HASTINGS .
Sir THOMAS VAUGHAN.
Sir RICHARD RATCLIFF,
Lord LOVEL .
Sir WILLIAM CATESBY.
Sir JAMES TYRREL .
Lord STANLEY.
Earl of OXFORD .
Sir JAMES BLOUNT.
Sir WALTER HERBERT.
Sir ROBERT BRAKENBURY, Lieutenant of the Tower.
CHRISTOPHER URSWICK, a Priest. Another Priest.
LordMayor.
WOMEN.

ELIZABETH, Queen of Edward IV.

Queen MARGARET, Widow of Henry VI.
ANN, Widow ofEdwardPrince of Wales, Sonto Henry VI.
afterwards married to the Duke of Gloster.
!

Dutchess of YORK, Mother to Edward IV. Clarence, and

Richard III.

Sheriff, Pursuivant, Scrivener, Citizens, Ghosts, Soldiers,

and other Attendants.
 JIY CHAR

RICHARD III.
I

ACT I. SCENE I. IA
qu b'wootod
England. London. A Street. Enter RICHARD, Duke
of Gloster.
этой
Gloster.
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made-glorious summer by this sun of York ;
And all the clouds, that lowr'd upon our house,
Inthe deep bosom of the ocean bury'd.
Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths ;
Ourbruisedarms hung up for monuments
Our stern alarums chang'dto merry meetings,
Ourdreadful marches to delightful measures ,
Grim-visag'd war hath smooth'dhiswrinkled front,
And now insteadofmounting barbed steeds,
To frightthe souls of fearful adversaries-
Hecapers nimbly in alady's chamber,
To the lascivious pleasing of aluter
ButI that am not shap'd for sportive trick
Normade to court an amorous looking-glass
I,thatam rudely stamp'd, and want love's 's majesty, A
To strut before awanton ambling nymph; t
1,thatam curtail'd ofthis
Cheated offeatureby fair proportion,
dissembling nature, to
A
Deform'd, unfinish'd, sent before my time :

Into thisbreathing world,scarce half madeupA

And that so lamely and unfashionably ,
That dogs bark at me, as I hạit by them
Why I, in this weak piping time ofpeace,
Have no delight to pass away the time ;
Unless to spy my shadow in the sun,
And descant on mine own deformity: 1

And therefore-since I cannot prove a lover, SNA

4
 6 KING RICHARD III . Act I.
To entertain these fair well-spoken days-
I am determined to prove a villain,
And hate the idle pleasures ofthese days.
Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous,
Bydrunkenprophecies, libels, and dreams,
Tosetmybrother Clarence, andthe king,
Indeadly hate the one against the other :
And if king Edward be as true and just,
As I am subtle, false, and treacherous,
This day shouldClarence closely be mew'd up ;
About a prophecy, which says that G
OfEdward's heirs the murderer shall be.
Dive, thoughts, down to my soul! here Clarence
comes.

Enter CLARENCE guarded, and BRAKENBURY.

Brother, good day : What means this armed guard,
That waits upon your grace ?
Clar. Hismajesty,
Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed
This conduct to convey me to the Tower.
Glo. Upon what cause ?
Clar. Because my name is George.
다
Glo. Alack, my lord, that fault is none ofyour's ;
He should, for that, commit your godfathers :
O, belike his majesty hath some intent,
That you should be new christen'd in the Tower
But what's the matter, Clarence ? may I know ?
Clar. Yea, Richard, when I know; for, I protest,
As yet I do not : But, as I can learn,
He hearkens after prophecies, and dreams ;
And from the cross-row plucks the letterG,
And says a wizard told him, that byG,
His issue disinherited shouldbe;
1 And, for my name ofGeorge begins withG,
It follows inhis thought that I am he :
These as I learn, and such like toys as these,
Have mov'd his highness to commit me now.
Glo. Why, this it is, when men are rul'd bywomen :
1 Tis not the king, that sends you to the Tower ;
My ladyGrey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she,
Thattempts him to this harsh extremity.
ActI. KING RICHARD III. 7
Was it not she, and that good man of worship,
Anthony Woodeville, her brother there,
That made him send lord Hastings to the Tower;
From whence this present day he is deliver'd ?
We are not safe, Clarence, we are not safe.
Clar. By heaven, I think, there is no man secure,
But the queen's kindred, and night-walking heralds
That trudge betwixt the king and mistress Shore..
Heard you not, what an humble suppliant
Lord Hastings was to her for his delivery ?
Glo. Humbly complaining to her deity
Got my lord chamberlain his liberty.
I'll tell you what I think , it is our way,
Ifwe will keep in favour with the king,
To be her men, and wear her livery :
The jealous o'er- worn widow, and herself,
Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen,
Are mighty gossips in this monarchy.
Brak. I beseech your graces both to pardon me;
His majesty hath straitly given in charge,
That no man shall have private conference,
Of what degree so ever, with his brother.
Glo. Even so ? an please your worship, Brakenbury,
You may partake of any thing we say :
We speak no treason, man ;-We say, the king
Is wise, and virtuous ; and his noble queen
Wellstruck in years; fair, and not jealous :
We say, that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot,
A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue,
That the queen's kindred are made gentle-folks :
How say you, sir ? can you deny all this ?
Brak. With this, my lord, myself have nought todo.
Glo. Naught to do with mistress Shore ? I tell thee,
fellow,
He that doth naught with her, excepting one,
Were best to do it secretly, alone.
Brak. What one, my lord ?
Glo. Her husband, knave : -Would'st thou betray
me?

Brak. I beseech your grace to pardon me ; and,

withal,
 8 「KING RICHARD 111. ActI.
Forbear your conference with the noble duke.
Clar. We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will
obey.
Glo. We are the queen's abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewel : I will unto the king ;
And whatsoe'er you will employ me in-
Were it to call king Edward's widow-sister-
I will perform it, to enfranchise you ;
Mean time, this deep disgrace in brotherhood,
Touches me deeper than you can imagine.
Clar. I know it pleaseth neither of us well.
Glo. Well, your imprisonment shall not be long ;
Iwill deliver you, or else lye for you :
Mean time, have patience.
Clar. I must perforce ; farewel.
[Exeunt CLARENCE , and BRAKENBURY,
Glo. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return,
Simple, plain Clarence !-I do love thee so,
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
Ifheaven will take the present at our hands.
But who comes here ? the new-deliver'd Hastings ?
Enter HASTINGS.

Hast. Good time of day unto my gracious lord !

1 Glo. As much unto my good lord chamberlain !
: Well are you welcome to this open air.
How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment ?
Hast. With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must :
But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks,
That were the cause of my imprisonment.
Glo. No doubt, no doubt ; and so shall Clarence too;
For they, that were your enemies, are his,
Andhave prevail'd as much onhim, as you.
Hast. More pity that the eagle should be mew'd,
While kites and buzzards prey at liberty.
Glo. What news abroad ?
Hast. No news so bad abroad as this at home ;-
The king is sickly, weak, and melancholy,
And his physicians fear him mightily.
Glo. Now,by saint Paul, that news is bad indeed.
O,he hath kept an evil diet long,
Andover-much consum'd his royal person;
. ActI. KING RICHARD III .
'This very grievous to be thought upon.
What, is he in bed?
Hast. Heis.
Glo. Go you before, and I will follow you .
[ExitHASTINGS.
Hecannot live, I hope ; and must not die,
TillGeorge be pack'd with post-horse up to heaven.
'
I'll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence,
With lies well steel'd with weighty arguments ;
And, if I fail not in my deep intent,
Clarence hath not another day to live:
Which done, God take king Edward to his mercy,
A
And leave the world for me to bustle in!
For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter :
What though I kill'd her husband, and her father :
Thereadiestwayto make the wench amends,
Is-tobecomeher husband, andher father
The which will I ; not all so much for love,
As for another secret close intent, A

By marrying her, which I must reach unto,

But yet I run before myhorse to market :
Clarence stillbreathes ; Edward still lives, andreigas;
Whenth eyaregone, thenmust I count my gains.
SCENE II.
[Exit.
e
7

Another Street. Enter the Corse of HENRY the Sixth,

with Halberds to guard it; Lady ANNE being the
Mourner.
Anne. Set down, set down your honourable load- 1
If honour may be shrouded in a hearse-
Whilst I a while obsequiously lament
The untimely fall ofvirtuous Lancaster.- A
Poor key-cold figure of a holy king 1
Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster ! 7

Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood ! baA

Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost,
Tohear the lamentations of poorAnne,radar not po
WifetothyEdward, tothy
Stabb'dby the self-same
slaughter'd son
hand that made thesewounds!
Lo, in these windows, that let forth thy life,
I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes esid
godt10
 fo KING RICHARD III. Act1.
O, cursed be the hand, that made these holes!
Cursed the heart, that had the heart to do it!
Cursed the blood, that let this blood from hence !
More direful hap betide thathatedwretch,
Thatmakes uswretched by the death of thee,
Than I can wish to adders, spiders, toads,
Orany creeping venom'd thing that lives !
1 Ifever he have child, abortivebe it, !
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
Mayfrightthehopeful mother at theview;
And that be heir to his unhappiness !
If ever he have wife let her be made
More miserable by the death ofhim,
That I am made by my young lord, and thee !
Come, now, toward Chertsey with your holy load,
1 Taken from Paul's to be interred there ;
And, still as you are weary of the weight, 1

Restyou, whiles I lament king Henry's corse.

EnterGLOSTER.
Glo. Stay you, that bear the corse, and set it down.
}
Anne. WhatBlackmagician conjures up this fiend,
Tostop devoted charitable deeds ?
Glo. Villains, set down the corse ; or, by saint Paul,
I'll make a corse of him that disobeys.
Gen. My lord, stand back, and let the coffin pass.
Glo. Unmanner'd dog ! stand thou when I com-
mand:
Advance thy halberd higher than my breast, 1004
Or,by saintPaul, I'll strike thee to my foot,
Andspurnuponthee, beggar, for thy Boldness.
Anne. What,do you tremble ? are you all afraid ?
Alas, I blame you not : for you are mortal,
Andmortal eyes cannot endure the devil.
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell !
1 Thouhadst but power over his mortal body,
His soul thou canst not have ; therefore be gone.
Glo. Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
Anne. Foul devil, for God's sake, hence, and trou-
bleus not;
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
 ActI. KINGGRICHARD 111 -11

Fill'd it with cursing cries, and deep exclaims.

If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds, i
Behold this pattern of thy butcheries :-
Oh, gentlemen, see, see ! dead Henry's wounds
Opentheircongeal'd mouths, and bleed afresh!-
Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity;
For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood
From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells :
Thy deed inhuman, and unnatural,-
Provokes this deluge most unnatural
OGod, which this blood mad'st, revenge his death !
Oearth, which this blood drink'st, revenge his death.
Either, heaven, with lightning strike the murderer
dead,
Or, earth, gape open wide, and eat him quick ;
As thou dost swallow up this good king's bloody .
Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butcher'd !
Glo. Lady, you know no rules of charity ,
Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses)
Anne Villain, thou know'st no law ofGod nor man ;
No beast so fierce, but knows some touch of pity.
Glo. But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
Anne. O wonderful, when devils tell the truth !
Glo. More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Ofthese supposed evils, to give me leave,
By circumstance, but to acquit myself.
Anne. Vouchsafe, diffus'd infection of a man,
For these known evils, but to give me leave,
By circumstance, to curse thy cursed self.
Glo. Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
i
Anne. Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst
make
No excuse current, but tohang thyself.
Gle. By such despair, I should accuse myself.
Anne. And,by despairing, shalt thou stand excus'd
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself,
That didst unworthy slaughter upon others,
Glo. Say, that I slew them not ?
Anne. Then say, they were not slain
43
112 KING RICHARD III ActI.
Butdead they are, and, devilish slave, by thee.
Glo. Idid not kill your husband.
Anne. Why, then he is alive.
Glo. Nay, he is dead ; and slain by Edward's hand.
Anne. In thy foul throat thou ly'st ; queen Marga-
ret saw

Thymurderous faulchion smoaking in his blood;

The which thou once didst bend against her breast,
But that thy brothers beat aside the point.
Glo. I was provok'd by her sland'rous tongue,
That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.
Anne. Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind,
That never dreamt on aught but butcheries: !

Didst thou not kill this king ?

Glo, I grantye.
Anne. Dostgrant me, hedge-hog? then, God grant
me too,
Thou may'st be damned for that wicked deed !
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.
Glo. The fitter for the King of heaven that hath
him.
Anne.He is in heaven,where thou shalt nevercome.
Glo. Let him thank me, that holp to send him thi-
ther;
For he was fitter for that place, than earth .
Anne. And thou unfit for any place, but hell.
Glo. Yes, one place else, if you will hear me
name it.
Anne. Somedungeon.
Gio. Your bed-chamber.
Anne. Ill rest betide the chamber where thou lyest!
Glo. So will it, madam, 'till I lie with you.
Anne. I hope so.
Glo. I know so. But, gentle lady Anne
To leave this keen encounter ofour wits,
And fall somewhat into a slower method;-
Isnot the causer of the timeless deaths
Ofthese Plantagenets, Henry, and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner ?
Anne. Thou wast the cause, and most accurs'd
effect..
Gle. Your beauty was the cause ofthat effect ;
1
- Act I. KING RICHARD ILI. 13

Yourbeauty, which did haunt me in my sleep,

Toundertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.
Anne. If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.
Glo. These eyes could not endure that beauty's
wreck,
Youshould not blemish it, if I stoodby:
Asalltheworld is cheered by the sun, 1
So I by that; it is my day, my life.
Anne. Black night o'er-shade thy day, and death
thylife!
Glo. Cursenot thyself, fair creature ; thou art both.
Anne. Iwould I were, to be reveng'd on thee.
Glo. It is a quarrel most unnatural,
To be reveng'd on him that loveth thee...
Anne. Itis a quarrel just and reasonable,
To be reveng'd on him that kill'd myhusband.
Glo. He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband,
Did it to help thee to a better husband. J
Anne. His betterdoth not breathe upon the earth.
Glo. He lives, thatloves you better than he could.
Anne. Name him.
Glo. Plantagenet.
Anne. Why, that was he.
Glo. The self-same name, but one of better nature.
Anne. Where is he ?
Glo. Here : [She spits at him.] Why dost thou spit
atme ?
Anne. Would it were mortal poison for thy sake !
Glo. Never came poison from so sweet a place.
Anne. Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight ! thou dost infect mine eyes.
Glo. Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
Anne. 'Would they were basilisks, to strike thee
dead!
10
Glo. I would they were, that I might die at once;
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Sham'd their aspects with store of childish drops :
These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear-
Not, when my father York andEdward wept,
 KING RICHARD TIH . ActI.
To hear thepiteous moan thatRutland made,
When black-fac'd Clifford shook his sword at him :
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
Toldthe sad story of my father's death ;
Andtwenty times made pause, tosob, andweep,
Thatall the standers-by had wet their cheeks,
Like trees bedash'd with rain: in that sad time, 001
Mymanly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
Andwhatthese sorrows could not thence exhale,
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping.
Ineversu'd to friend, nor enemy ;
My tongue could never learn sweet soothing word ;
But now thy beauty is propos'd my fee,
Myproudheart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
[She looks scornfully at him.
Teach not thy lip such scorn ; for it was made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
Ifthy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo! here I tendthee this sharp-pointed sword ;
Which ifthou please to hide in this true breast,
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
Ilay it naked to the deadly stroke,
Andhumbly beg the death upon my knee.
[He lays his breast open, she offers at it with his sword.
Nay, donotpause; for I did kill king Henry;
But'twas thy beauty that provoked me.
Nay, now dispatch ; 'twas I that stabb'd young Ed.
ward
But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
[She lets fall the sword.
Takeup the sword again, or take up me.
Anne. Arise, dissembler; though I wish thy death,
!
Iwill not be thy executioner.
G%. Thenbid me kill myself, and Iwilldo it.
Anne. Ihave already.
Glo. That was in thy rage :
Speak it again, and, even with the word,
This hand, which for thy love, didkillthy love,
Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love ;
To both their deaths shalt thou be accessary.
Anne. I would I knew thy heart,
Glo. 'Tis figur'din mytongue.
 Act I. KING RICHARD III. 15

Anne. I fear me, both are false.'

Glo. Then never man was true.
Anne. Well, well, put up your sword.
Glo. Say then, my peace is made.
Anne. That shall you know hereafter.
Glo. But shall I live in hope ?.
Anne. All men, I hope, live so.
Glo. Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
[She puts on the ring.
Anne. To take is not to give.
Glo. Look, how this ring encompasseth thy finger,
= Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart ;
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine :
:
And ifthy poor devoted servantmay
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.
Anne. What is it?
Glo. That itmay please you leave these sad designs
To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
Andpresently repair to Crosby-Place:
Where-after I have solemnly interr'd
AtChertsey monast'ry this noble king,
And wet his grave with my repentant tears
I will with all expedient duty see you :
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.
Anne. With all my heart ; and much it joys me too,
To see you are become so penitent.
Tressel, and Berkley, go along with me. 1.1 1
Glo. Bid me farewel
Anne. 'Tis more than you deserve :
But, since you teach me how to flatter you,
Imagine Ihave said farewel already..
[Exeunt two, with lady Anne.
Glo. Take up the corse, sirs.
Gen. Towards Chertsey, noble lord ?
Glo. No, toWhite-Fryats ; there attend my coming.
[Exeunt the rest, with the corse.
Was ever woman in this humour woo'd ?
Was ever woman in this humour won ?
I'llhaveher-but Iwill not keep her long.
What! I that kill'd her husband, and hisfather,
 16 KING RICHARD 111. ActI.
T

To take her in her heart's extremest hate ;

With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of her hatred by ;
With God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
And I no friends to back my suit withal,
But the plain devil, and dissembling looks,
And yet to win her all the world to nothing !
Ha!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I, some three months since,
Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury ?
A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman
Fram'd in the prodigality of nature
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal-
The spacious world cannot again afford :
And will she yet abase her eyes on me,
That cropp'd the golden prime of this sweet prince,
And made her widow to a woeful bed ?
Onme, whose all not equals Edward's moiety?
On me, that halt, and am mis-shapen thus ?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while :
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marvellous proper man.
I'll be at charges for a looking-glass ;
And entertain a score or two of tailors,
To study fashions to adorn my body :
Since I am crept in favour with myself,
I will maintain it with some little cost.
But, first, I'll turn yon fellow in his grave;
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, 'till I have bought a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass ! [
Exit.
SCENE III.

ThePalace. Enter the Queen, Lord RIVERS her Brother,

and LordGREY, her Son.
Riv. Have patience, madam ; there's no doubt, his
majesty
1
Willsoonrecover his accustom'd health.
Grey. Inthatyou brook it ill, itmakes him worse :
Act I. KING RICHARD 111% 17

Therefore, for God's sake, entertaingood comfort,

And cheer his grace with quick and merry words.
Queen. If he were dead, what would betide of me?
Grey. No other harm, but loss ofsuch a lord.
Queen. The loss of such a lord includes all harms .
Grey. The heaven's have bless'd you with a goodly
son,
To be your comforter, when he is gone.
Queen. Ah, he is young ; and his minority
Is put into the trust of RichardGloster,
Amanthat loves not me, nor none of you.
Riv. Is it concluded, that he shall be protector !
Queen. It is determin'd, not concludedyet :
But so it must be, if the king miscarry.
Enter BUCKINGHAM , and STANLEY.
Grey. Here come the lords of Buckingham and
Stanley.
Buck. Good time of day unto your royal grace !
Stan. God make your majesty joyful as you have
been !
Queen. The countess Richmond, good my lord of
Stanley,
To your good prayer will scarcely say-amen.
Yet, Stanley, notwithstanding she's your wife,
And loves not me, be you, good lord, assur'd,
I hate not you for her proud arrogance.
Stan. I do beseech you, either not believe
The envious slanders of her false accusers ;
Or, if she be accus'd on true report,
Bear with her weakness, which, I think, proceeds
From wayward sickness, and no grounded malice.
Queen. Saw you the king to-day, my lord of Stan-
ley?
Stan. But now the duke of Buckingham, and I,
Are come from visiting his majesty.
Queen. What likelihood of his amendment, lords ?
Buck. Madam, good hope ; his grace speaks cheer-
fully.
Queen. God grant him health ! Did you confer with
him ?
Buck. Ay, madam; he desires to make atonement
 18 XING RICHARD III. Act1.

Between the duke ofGloster and your brothers,

And between them and my lord chamberlain ;
And sent to warn them to his royal presence.
Queen. 'Would all were well!-But that will never
be ;
-
I fear, our happiness is at the height.
Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, and DORSET.
Glo. They do me wrong, and I will not endure
it
:-
Who are they, that complain unto the king,
That I, forsooth, am stern, and love them not ?
By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly,
That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours.
Because I cannot flatter, and speak fair,
Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive, and cog,
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
Imust be held a rancorous enemy.
Cannot a plain man live, and think no harm,
But thus his simple truth must be abus'd
By silken, sly, insinuating Jacks ?
Grey. To whom in all this presence speaks your
grace?
Glo. To thee, that hast nor honesty, nor grace.
When have I injur'd thee ? when done thee wrong ?-
Or thee ?-or thee ?-or any of your faction ?
Aplague upon you all ! His royal grace
Whom God preserve better than you would wish!-
Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing while,
But you must trouble him with lewd complaints.
Queen. Brother ofGloster you mistake the matter ;
The king-of his own royal disposition,
And not provok'd by any suitor else ;
Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred,
That in your outward action shews itself,
Against my children, brothers, and myself;
Makes him to send ; that thereby he may gather
The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it.
;
Glo. I cannot tell;-The world is grown so bad,
That wrens may prey where eagles dare not perch :
Since every Jack became a gentleman,
There's many a gentle person made a Jack.
 ActI. KING RICHARD III. 19
Queen. Come, come, we know your meaning, bro-
ther Gloster ;
You envy my advancement, and my friends :
God grant, we never may have need of you !
Glo. Meantime, God grants that we have need of
you :
Ourbrother is imprison'd by your means,
Myself disgrac'd, and the nobility
Held in contempt ; while great promotions
Are daily given, to ennoble those
That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble.
Queen. By him, that rais'd me to this careful height
Fromthat contented hap which I enjoy'd,
I neverdid incense his majesty
Against the duke of Clarence, but have been
An earnest advocate to plead for him.
My lord, you do me shameful injury,
Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects.
Glo. You may deny that you were not the cause
Ofmy lord Hastings' late imprisonment.
Riv. She may, my lord; for
Glo. She may, lord Rivers ?-why, who knows not
so?
She may do more, sir, than denying that :
She may help you to many fair preferments ;
And then deny her aiding hand therein,
And laythose honours on your high desert.
- What may she not ? She may-ay, marry, may she-
Riv. What, marry, may she ?
Glo. What, marry, may she ? marry with a king,
A bachelor, a handsome stripling too :
Iwis, your grandam had a worser match.
Queen. My lord of Gloster, I have too long borne
Your blunt upbraidings, and your bitter scoffs :
By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty,
Of those gross taunts I often have endur'd.
I had rather be a country servant-maid,
Than a great queen, with this condition
Tohe so baited, scorn'd, and stormed at:
Small joyhave I in being England's queen,
C
 20 KING RICHARD 111. Act1.

Enter Queen MARGARET, behind.

Q. Mar. And lessen'd be that small, God, I beseech
thee!
Thy honour, state, and seat, is due to me.
Glo. What ! threat you me with telling of the king ?
Tell him, and spare not ; look, what I have said
Iwill avouch in presence of the king :
I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower.
'Tis time to speak, my pains are quite forgot.
Q. Mar. Out, devil ! I remember them too well :
Thou kill'dst my husband Henry in the Tower,
And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury.
Glo. Ereyou were queen, ay, or your husband king,
Iwas a pack-horse in his great affairs ;
A weeder-out of his proud adversaries,
Aliberal rewarder of his friends;
To royalize his blood, I spilt mine own.
Q.Mar. Ay, and much better blood than his, or
thine.
Glo. In all which time, you, and you husbandGrey,
Were factious for the house of Lancaster;-
And, Rivers, so were you :-Was not your husband
In Margaret's battle at Saint Alban's slain ?
Let me put in your minds, if you forget,
What you have been ere now, and what you are ;
Withal, what I have been, and what I am.
Q.Mar. Amurd'rous villain, and so still thou art.
Glo. Poor Clarence did forsake his father Warwick,
Ay, and forswore himself-Which Jesu pardon !-
Q. Mar. Which God revenge !
Glo. To fight on Edward's party, for the crown;
And, for his meed, poor lord, he is mew'd up :
I would to God, my heart were flint, like Edward's,
Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine ;
I am too childish -foolish for this world.
Q. Mar. Hie thee to hell for shame, and leave this
world,
Thou cacodæmon ! there thy kingdom is.
Riv. My lordofGloster, inthosebusy
busydays,
Which here you urge, to prove us enemies,
: Wefollow'dthen our lord, our sovereign king ;

1
 ActI. KING RICHARD 111. 21

So should we you, if you should be our king.

Glo. If I should be !-I had rather be a pedlar :
Far be it from my heart, the thought thereof !
Queen. As little joy, my lord, as you suppose
You should enjoy, were you this country's king;
As little joy you may suppose in me,
That I enjoy, being the queen thereof.
Q. Mar. A little joy enjoys the queen thereof;
For I am she, and altogether joyless .
I can no longer hold my patient.- [Sheadvances.
Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out
In sharing that which you have pill'd from me :
Which ofyou trembles not, that looks on me ?
If not, that, I being queen, you bow like subjects ;
Yet that, by you depos'd, you quake like rebels ?-
Ah, gentle villain, do not turn away!
Glo. Foul wrinkled witch, what mak'st thou in my
sight?
Q. Mar. But repetition of what thou hast marr'd ;
That will I make, before I let thee go.
Glo. Wert thou not banished, on pain ofdeath !
Q.Mar. I was ; but I do find more pain in banish-
ment,
Than death can yield me here by my abode.
Ahusband, and a son, thou ow'st to me-
And thou a kingdom;-all of you, allegiance :
This sorrow that I have, by right is your's,
And all the pleasures you usurp, are mine.
Glo. The curse my noble father laid on thee-
Whenthou didst crown his warlike brows with paper,
And with thy scorns drew'st rivers from his eyes ;
And then, to dry them, gav'st the duke a clout,
Steep'd in the faultless blood of pretty Rutland;-
His curses, then from bitterness of soul
Denounc'd against thee, are allfallen upon thee;
And God, not we, hath plagu'd thy bloody deed.
Queen. So just is God, to right the innocent.
Hast. O,'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe,
Andthe most merciless, that e'er was heard of.
Riv. Tyrants themselves wept when it was re-
ported.
Dors. No man but prophesy'd revenge for it.
 22 KING RICHARD 111 Act1.
1 Buck. Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.
Q. Mar. What ! were you snarling all, before I
camé,
Ready to catch each other by the throat,
And turn you all, your hatred now on me ?
Did York's dread curse prevail so much in heaven,
That Henry's death, my lovely Edward's death,
Their kingdom's loss, my woeful banishment,
Could all but answer for that peevish brat?
Cancurses pierce the clouds, and enter heaven ?-
Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses !
Though not by war, by surfeit die your king,
As ours bymurder, to make him a king !
Edward, thy son, that now is prince of Wales,
For Edward my son, that was prince of Wales,
Die in his youth, by like untimely violence !
Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen,
Out-live thy glory, like my wretched self !
Long may'st thou live, to wail thy children's loss;
And see another, as I see thee now,
Deck'd in thy rights, as thou art stall'd in mine !
Long die thy happy days before thy death ;
And, after many lengthen'd hours of grief,
Die neither mother, wife, norEngland's queen
Rivers and Dorset-you were standers by
And so wast thou, lord Hastings-when my son
Was stabb'd with bloody daggers ; God, I pray him,
That none of you may live your natural age,
Butby some unlook'd accident cut off!
Glo. Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd
hag.
Q. Mar. And leave out thee ? stay, dog, for thou
shalt hear me.
If heaven have any grievous plague in store, "
Exceeding those that I can wish upon thee,
O, let them keep it, 'till thy sins be ripe,
And thenhurl down their indignation
On thee, the troubler of the poor world's peace!
The worm of conscience still be-gnaw thy soul ?
Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou liv'st,
And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends !
No sleep closeup that deadly eye of thiney
 AttI. KING RICHARD III 23
Unless it be while some tormenting dream
Affrights thee with a hell of uglydevils!
Thou elvish-mark'd abortive, rooting hog !
Thou that was seal'd in thy nativity
The slave of nature, and the son of hell!
Thou slander of thy mother's heavy womb !
Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins !
Thou rag of honour ! thou detested-
Glo. Margaret!
Q.Mar. Richard !
Glo. Ha!
Q.Mar. I call thee not.
Glo. I cry thee mercy then ; for Idid think,
That thou had'st call'd me all these bitter names.
Q. Mar. Why, so I did ; but look'd for no reply.
O, let me make the period to my curse.
Glo. 'Tis done by me ; and ends in Margaret.
Queen. Thus have you breath'd your curse against
yourself.
Q. Mar. Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my
fortune!
Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottled spider,
Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about ?
Fool, fool! thou whet'st a knife to kill thyself.
Thedaywill come, that thou shalt wish for me
Tohelp thee curse this pois nous bunch-back toad.
Hast. False-boding woman, end thy frantick curse;
Lest, to thy harm, thou move our patience.
Q. Mar. Foul shame upon you ! you have all mov'd
mine.
Riv. Were you well serv'd, you would be taught
J
yourduty.
Q.Mar. To serve me well, you all should do me
duty, i
Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects :
O, serve me well, and teach yourselves that duty.
Dors. Dispute not with her, she is lunatick.
Q.Mar. Peace, master marquis, you are malapert
Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current :
O, that youryoung nobility couldjudge,
What'twere to lose it, and be miserable !
3
24 KING RICHARD I11 . ActI

Theythat standhigh, have many blasts toshake them;

And, ifthey fall, theydash themselves to pieces.
Glo.Goodcounsel, marry;-learn it, learn it, mar-
quis.
Dors. Ittouches you, my lord, as much as me.
Glo. Ay, andmuch more : But Iwas born so high,
Our aiery buildeth in the cedar's top,
Anddallies with the wind, and scorns the sun.
Q. Mar. And turns the sun to shade;-alas ! alas -
!
Witness my sun now in the shade of death ;
Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath,
Hath in eternal darkness folded up.
Your aiery buildeth in our aiery's nest :-
OGod, that see'st it, do not suffer it;
As it was won with blood, lost be it so !
Buck. Peace, peace, for shame, if not for charity.
Q. Mar. Urge neither charity nor shame to me ;
Uncharitably with me have you dealt, *
And shamefully by you my hopes are butcher'd.
My charity is outrage, life my shame-
And in my shame still live my sorrow's rage !
Buck. Have done, have done.
Q. Mar. O princely Buckingham, I'll kiss thy hand,
In sign of league and amity with thee :
Now fair befall thee, and thy noble house !
Thy garments are not spotted with our blood,
Nor thou within the compass of my curse.
Buck. Nor no one here ; for curses never pass
The lips ofthose that breathe them in the air.
Q. Mar. I'll not believe but they ascend the sky,
Andthere awake God's gentle sleeping peace.
O Buckingham, beware of yonder dog;
Look, when he fawns, he bites ; and, when he bites,
Hisvenom tooth will rankle to the death :
Have not to do with him, beware of him ;
Sin, death, and hell, have settheir marks upon him;
And all their ministers attend on him.
Glo. Whatdoth she say, my lord of Buckingham ?
Buck. Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.
Q.Mar. What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle
counsel ?
And sooth the devil that I warn thee from ?
 ActI. KING RICHARD III. 25

O, but remember this another day,

When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow ;
And say poor Margaret was a prophetess.-
Live each of you the subjects tohis hate,
And he to your's, and all of you to God's ! [Exit.
Buck. My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses.
Riv. And so doth mine; I wonder she's at liberty.
Glo. I cannot blame her, by God's holy mother;
- Shehath had too much wrong, and I repent
My part thereof, that I have done toher.
Queen. I never did her any, to my knowledge.
Glo. Yetyou have all the vantage of her wrong.
Iwas too hot to do some body good,
That is too cold in thinking of it now.
Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid; :
He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains;-
Godpardonthem that are the cause thereof!
Riv. Avirtuous and a christian-like conclusion,
To pray for them that have done scatheto us.
Gio. Sodo I ever, being well advis'd ;
For had Icurs'd now, I had curs'd myself. [
Aside
EnterCATESBY,
Cates. Madam, his majesty doth call for you-
And for your grace-and you, my noble lords..
Queen. Catesby, I come :-Lords, will you go with
me?
Riv. Madam, we will attend your grace.
[Exeunt all but GLOSTER.
Glo. I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl.
The secret mischiefs that I set abroach,
I lay unto the grievous charge of others.
Clarence-whom I, indeed, have laid in darkness-
I do beweep to many simple gulls;
Namely, to Stanley, Hastings, Buckingham ;
Andtell them-'tis the queen and her allies,
That stir the king against the duke my brother.
Now they believe it; and withal whet me
To be reveng'd on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey :
But then I sigh, and, with a piece of scripture,
Tell them that God bids us do good for evil :
And thus I clothe my naked villany
 26 KING RICHARD III ActI.
With old odd ends, stol'n forth of holy writ,
Andseema saint, when most I play the devil.
Enter two Murderers.
But soft, here come my executioners.-
How now, my hardy,stout, resolved mates ?
Are you now going to dispatch this thing ?
1 Mur. We are, my lord ; and come to have the
warrant,
That we may be admitted where he is.
Glo. Well thought upon, I have it here about me :
When you have done, repair to Crosby-Place.
But, sirs, be sudden in the execution, N

• Withal obdurate, do not hear him plead; ८

For Clarence is well spoken, and, perhaps,

Maymove your hearts to pity, if you mark him.
1Mur. Tut, tut, my lord, we will not stand to
prate,
Talkers are no good doers ; be assur'd,
We go to use our hands, and not our tongues.
Glo. Your eyes drop mill-stones, when fools' eyes
drop tears:
I like you, lads ;-about your business straight ;
i Go, go, dispatch.
1Murd. We will, my noble lord. [Exeunt
SCENE IV.

An appartment in the Tower. Enter CLARENCE, and

BRAKENBURY.

Brak. Why looks your grace so heavily to-day ?

Clar. O, I have past a miserable night,
Sofull of fearful dreams, of ugly sights,
That as I am a Christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night,
Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days ;
So full ofdismal terror was the time.
Brak. What was your dream, my lord ? I pray you,
tellme.
Clar. Methought, that I had broken from the
Tower,
And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy;
Act I. KING: RICHARD Iff. 27

And, inmy company, my brotherGloster :

Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon thehatches; thence we look'd towards England,
And cited up a thousand heavy times,
During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we pac'd a long
Upon the giddy footing ofthe hatches,
Methought that Gloster stumbled ; and, in falling,
Struck me, that thought to stay him, over-board,
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord ! methought, what pain it was to drown ?
What dreadful noise of water in mine ears !
What sights of ugly death within mine eyes !
Methought, I saw a thousand fearful wrecks;
Athousand men, that fishes gnaw'd upon ;
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scatter'd in the bottom of the sea.
Some lay indead men's sculls ; and, in those holes,
Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept
(As 'twere in scorn of eyes), reflecting gems,
That woo'd the slimy bottom of the deep,
And mock'd the dead bones that lay scatter'd by.
Brak. Hadyou such leisure in the time of death,
To gaze upon these secrets of the deep ?
Clar. Methought, I had ; and often did I strive
To yield the ghost: but still the envious flood
Kept inmy soul, and would not let it forth
To seek the empty vast, and wand'ring air;
Butsmother'd it within my panting bulk,
Which almost burst to belch it in the sea.
Brak. Awak'd you not with this sore agony ?
Clar. O, no, mydream was lengthen'd after life;
O, thenbegan the tempest to my soul !
In
I pass'd, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that grim ferryman which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night..
The first that there did greet my stranger soul,
Was my greatfather-in-law, renowned Warwick;
Who cry'd aloud-What scourge for perjury
Canthis darkmonarchy affordfalse Clarence ?)
And so he vanish'd : Then came wand'ring by
28 KING RICHARD III. ActL
Ashadow like an angel, with bright hair
Dabbled in blood; and he shriek'd out aloud-
Clarence is come
-false, fleeting, perjur'd Clarence-
That stabb'd me in the field by Tewksbury ;
Seize on him, furies, take him to your torments !-
With that, methought, a legion of foul fiends
Environ'd me, and howled in mine ears
Such hideous cries, that, with the very noise,
I trembling wak'd, and, for a season after,
Could not believe but that I was in hell :
Such terrible impression made my dream.
Brak. No marvel, lord, that it affrighted you ;
I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it.
Clar. O Brakenbury, I have done these things-
That now give evidence against my soul-
ForEdward's sake ; and, see, how he requites me!
OGod! if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
Butthou wiltbe aveng'd on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath on me alone :
O, spare my guiltless wife, and my poor children !-
I pray thee, gentle keeper, stay by me ;
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
Brak. I will, my lord; God give your grace good
rest!
- [CLARENCE sleeps.
Sorrow breaks seasons, and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noon-tide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
And, outward honour for an inward toil;
And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares :
Sothat, between their titles, and low name,
There's nothing differs but the outward fame.
Enter the two Murderers.
1 Murd. Ho ! who's here ?
Brak. Whatwould'st thou, fellow ? and how cam'st
thou hither ?
2Murd. I would speak with Clarence, and I came
hither on my legs.
Brak. What, so brief?
1 Murd. O, sir, 'tis better to be brief, then tedi-
ous :
-
 Act1. \ KING RICHARD II1. 29
Shewhim our commission, talk no more.
Brak. I am, in this, commanded to deliver
The noble duke of Clarence to your hands :
-
Iwill not reason what is meant hereby,
Because I will be guiltless of the meaning.
Here are the keys ;-there sits the duke asleep :
I'll to the king ; and signify to him,
That thus I have resign'd to you my charge.
1 Murd. You may, sir ; ' tis a point of wisdom :
Fare you well. [Exit BRAKENBURY,
2Murd. What, shall we stab him as he sleeps ?
1 Murd. No ; he'll say, ' twas done cowardly, when
he awakes.
2 Murd. When he wakes ! why, fool, he shall ne-
ver wake until the great judgment day.
1Murd. Why then he'll say we stabb'd him sleep-
ing.
2Murd. The urging of that word, judgment, hath
bred a kind of remorse in me.
1 Murd. What ? art thou afraid ?
2Murd. Notto kill him, having a warrant for it ;
but to be damn'd for killing him, from the which no
warrant can defend me.
1Murd. I thought, thou hadst been resolute.
2Murd. So I am to let him live.
: 1Murd. I'll back to the duke of Gloster, and tell
him so.
2Murd. Nay, I pray thee, stay a little : I hope
this compassionate humour of mine will change ; it
was wont to hold me but while one would tell twenty.
1Murd. How dost thou feel thyself now ?
2Murd. 'Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are
yetwithinme.
1 Murd. Remember our reward, when the deed's
done.
2Murd. Come, he dies ; I had forgot the reward.
1Murd. Where's thy conscience now ?
2Murd. In the duke of Gloster's purse.
1 Murd. When he opens his purse to give us our re-
ward, thy conscience flies out.
2 Murd. 'Tis no matter ; let it go; there's few, or
mone, will entertain it.
30 KING RICHARD III. Act1.

1 Murd. What, if it come to thee again ?

2Murd. I'll not meddle with it, it is a dangerous
thing, it makes a man a coward; a man cannot steal,
but it accuseth him ; a man cannot swear, but it checks
him ; a man cannot lie with his neighbour's wife, but
it detects him : 'Tis a blushing shame-fac'd spirit, that
mutinies in a man's bosom; it fills one full ofobstacles:
it made me once restore a purse of gold,that by chance
I found ; it beggars any man that keeps it: it is turn'd
out of all towns and cities for a dangerous thing ; and
every man that means to live well, endeavours to trust
tohimself, and live without it.
1 Murd. 'Zounds, it is even now at my elbow, per-
suading me not to kill the duke.
2. Murd. Take the devil in thy mind, and believe
him not : he would insinuate with thee, but to make
theesigh.
1 Murd. I am strong fram'd, he cannot prevail with
me.
2Murd. Spoke like a tall fellow, that respects his
reputation. Come, shall we fall to work ?
1Murd. Take him over the costard with the hilts of
thy sword, and then throw himinto the malmsey-butt,
in the next room .
2Murd. O excellent device ! andmake a sop ofhim.
1Murd. Soft ! he wakes .
2 Murd. Strike.
1 Murd. No, we'll reason with him.
Clar. Where art thou, keeper ? give me a cup of
wine.
1 Murd. You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
Clar. In God's name, what art thou ?
1Murd. A man, as you are. t

Clar. But not, as I am, royal.

1 Murd. Nor you, as we are, loyal.
Clar.Thy voice is thunder, butthy looks are humble.
1 Murd. My voice is now the king's, my looks mine
own .

Clar. How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak!

Your eyes do menace me : Why look you pale ?
Who sent you hither ? Wherefore do you come ?
2Murd. To,to, to
 Act1. KING RICHARD III . 31
Clar. To murder me ?
er Both. Ay, ay.
Clar. You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,
And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it.
1
Wherein, my friends, have I offended you ?
1 Murd. Offended us, you have not, but the king.
Clar. I shall be reconcil'd to him again.
2Murd. Never, my lord ; therefore prepare to die.
Clar. Areyou call'd forth from out a world of men,
To slay the innocent ? What is my offence ?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me ?
What lawful quest have given their verdict up
Unto the frowning judge ? or who pronounc'd
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death ?
Before I be convict by course of law,
- To threaten me with death, is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me :
The deed you undertake is damnable.
1Murd. What we will do, we do upon command.
2Murd. And he that hath commanded, is ourking.
Clar. Erroneous vassal ! the great King of kings
Hath in the table of his law commanded,
That thou shalt do no murder; Wilt thou then
Spurn at his edict, and fulfil a man's ?
Take heed; for he holds vengeance in his hand,
To hurl upon their heads, that break his law.
2Murd. And that same vengeance doth he hurl on
For false forswearing, and for murder too : [thee,
Thou didstreceive the sacrament, to fight 1

J
Inquarrel of the house of Lancaster.
1 Mur. And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break thatvow ; and, with thy treacherousblade,
Unrip'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son.
2 Murd. Whom thou wast sworn to cherish and de-
fend.
1Murd. How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to
When thou hast broke it in such dire degree ? [us,
Clar. Alas ! for whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake :
He sends you not to murder me for this ;
D
 32 KING RICHARD III. ActI.
For inthat sin he is as deep as I.
IfGod will be avenged for the deed,
O, know you yet, hedoth it publickly;
Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm ;
He needs no indirect nor lawless course,
To cut of those that have offended him.
1 Murd. Who made thee then a bloody minister,
When gallant-springing, brave Plantagenet,
That princely novice, was struck dead by thee ?
Clar. Mybrother's love, the devil, and my rage.
1 Murd. Thy brother's love, our duty, and thy fault,
Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.
Clar. If youdo love my brother, hate not me ;
I am is brother, and I love him well.
If you are hir'd for need, go back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloster ;
Who shall reward you better for my life,
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
2 Murd. You are deceiv'd, your brother Gloster
hates you.
Clar. Oh, no ; he loves me, and he holds me dear :
Go you to him from me.
Both. Ay, so we will.
Clar. Tell him, when that our princely father York
Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm,
And charg'd us from his soul to love each other,
He little thought of this divided friendship :
BidGloster think on this, and he will weep.
1 Murd. Ay, mill-stones ; as he lesson'd us to weep.
Clar. O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
1 Murd. Right, as snow in harvest. Come, you
deceive yourself;
'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here.
Clar. It cannot be ; for he bewept my fortune,
And hugg'd me in his arms, and swore, with sobs,
That he would labour mydelivery.
1 Murd. Why, so he doth, when he delivers you
Fromthis earth'sthraldom to thejoys ofheaven.
2. Murd. Make peace with God, for you must die,
my lord.
Clar. Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul,
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
 ActI. KING RICHARD 111 . 33

And art thou yet to thy own soul so blind,

Thatthou wilt war with God by murdering me ?
O, sirs, consider, he that set you on
To do this deed, will hate you for the deed.
2Murd. What shall we do ?
Clar. Relent, and save your souls.
Which of you, if you were a prince's son,
Being pent from liberty, as I am now-
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you-
Would not entreat for life ? as you would beg,
Were you in my distress-
1 Murd. Relent ! 'tis cowardly, and womanish.
Clar. Not to relent, is beastly, savage, devilish.-
My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks ;
O, if thine eye be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side, and intreat for me :
Abegging prince, what begger pities not ?
2Murd. Look behind you my lord.
1Murd. Take that, and that; if all this will not
serve, [Stabs him.
- I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within. [Exit.
2Murd. Abloody deed, and desperately dispatch'd!
How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands
Of this most grievous guilty murder done !
Re-enterfirst Murderer.
1 Murd. How now ? what mean'st thou, that thou
t
help'st me not ?
By heaven, the duke shall know how slack youhave
been.
2Murd. I would he knew, that I had sav'd his
brother!
Take thou the fee, andtellhim what I say ;
For I repent me that the duke is slain. [
Exit,
1 Murd. So do not I ; go, coward, as thou art.-
Well, I'll go hide the body in somehole,
Till that the duke give order for his burial :
And when I have my meed, I will away ;
For this will out, and then Imust not stay.
[Exit with thebody.
34 KING RICHARD III . Act II.

ACT II. SCENE I.

The Court.EnterKingEDWARD sick, the Queen, DOR-
SET, RIVERS, HASTINGS, BUCKINGHAM, GREY,
and others.
K.Edward.
WHY, SO;-now have I done a good day's work ;-
You peers, continue this united league :
I every day expect an embassage
From my Redeemer to redeem me hence ;
And now inpeace my soul shall part to heaven ;
Since I have made my friends at peace on earth.
Rivers, and Hastings, take each other's hand ;
Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.
Riv. By heaven, my soul is purg'd from grudging
Andwith my hand I seal my true heart's love. [hate ;
Hast. So thrive I, as I truly swear the like !
K. Edw. Take heed you dally not before your king;
Lesthe, that is the supreme King of kings,
Confound your hidden falsehood, and award
Either of you to be the other's end.
Hast. So prosper I, as I swear perfect love !
Riv. And I, as I love Hastings with my heart !
K. Edw. Madam, yourself are not exempt in this-
Nor your son Dorset-Buckingham, nor you ;
Youhave been factious one against the other. 1

Wife, love lord Hastings, let him kiss yourhand;

And what you do, do it unfeignedly
Queen. There, Hastings ;-I will never more re-
Our formerhatred, so thrive I, and mine ! [member
K. Edw. Dorset, embrace him;-Hastings, love
lord marquis
Dors. This interchange of love, Ihere protest,
Upon my part, shall be inviolable,
Hast. And so swear I.
K. Edw. Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou
thisleague. 1

Withthy embracements to my wife's allies, ανά

Andmakeme happy in your unity.
Buck. WheneverBuckingham doth turn hishate
 ArtN KING RICHARD 11. 35

Uponyourgrace, but with all duteous lover

- [ To the Queen.
Doth cherish you, and yours, God punish me
E
Withhate in those where I expect most love'l
WhenIhave most need to employ a friend, orbizon T
And most assured that he is afriend , it
Deep, hollow, treacherous, and full of guile, acer
- Behe unto me ! this do I beg ofheaven, 3
When I am cold in love toyou, or your's.fhesacT
Doltoach o [Embrating RIVERS,
K. Edw. A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham,
Is this thy vow unto mysickly heart. Lui midobpoY
There wanteth now our brotherGloster here,
To make the blessed period of this peace. UG

Buck.And ingoodtime, here comes the nobleduke.

F

EnterGLOSTER.
Glo.Good-morrow to my sovereign, king, and queen
And, princely peers, a happy time of day !
K. Edw.Happy, indeed,as we have spent the day
Brother, we have done deeds of charity ; ‫أرا‬

Made peace of enmity, fairlove of hate,

Betweenthese swelling wrong-incensed peers .
Glo. Ablessed labourmy most sovereign liege.
Among this princely heap, if any here, du
By falseintelligence, or wrong surmise,
Hold me a foe; if I unwittingly, or in in my rage
Have aught committed that is hardly borne
By any in this presence, I desire
To reconcileme to his friendly peace: A
'Tisdeathto me, tobe at enmity ' in
Ihate it, and desire all good men's love..
First, madam, Ilentreat true peace of you,
Which Iwill purchase with my duteous service
Ofyou my noble cousin Buckingham,
If ever anygrudge were lodg'd between us
Of you,lordRivers and,lordGrey, of you wote w
That allwithout desert have frown'd on me
Ofyou, lordWoodeville and lord Scales, ofyou A

, all
Dukes, carls, lords, gentlemen ; indeed
alive
Ido not know that Englishman alive,
D3
 35
. KING RICHARD I ActM

Withwhom my soul is anyjot at odds,

More than the infant that is born to-night;
Ithank my God for my humility.
Queen. Aholy-day this shall be kept hereafter :
Iwould toGod, all strifes were well compounded.
My sovereign lord, I do beseech your highnessm LA
Totake our brother Clarence to your grace. odd
Glo. Why,madam, have I offer'd love for this, eds .:
Tobe so flouted in this royal presence ?
Who knows not, that the gentle duke is dead ?
[They all start.
You do him injury, to scorn his corse.
K. Edw. Who knows not, he is dead ! who knows,
he is?.
11
Queen. All-seeing-heaven, what a world is this!
Buck. Look I so pale, lord Dorset, as the rest ?
Dors. Ay, my good lord ; and no man in the pre-
Buthis red colour hath forsook his cheeks. [sence,
K. Edw. Is Clarence dead ? the order was revers'd..
%. Buthe, poor man, by your first orderdied,
-G/
Andthat a winged Mercury did bear;
Some tardy cripple bore the countermand,
That came too lag to see him buried :
God-grant that some, less noble, and less loyal,
Nearer, in bloody thoughts, and not inblood,
Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did,
Andyet go current from suspicion ! ..
Enter Lord STANLEY.
Stan. Aboon, my sovereign, for my service done!
K. Edw. I pr'ythee, peace; my soul is full of sor-
row.

Stan. I will not rise, unless your highness hear me.

K. Edw. Then say at once, what is it thou re-
quest'st ?
Stan. The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life ;
Who slewto-day a riotous gentleman,
Lately attendant on the duke of Norfolk.
K. Edw. Have I a tongue to doom my brother's
And shall that tongue give pardon to a slave ? [death,
My brother kill'd no man, his fault was thought,
Andyethis punishment was bitter death.
 Act II. KING RICHARD TII. 37

Who su'd tome for him? who, in my wrath,

Knell'd at my feet, and bid me be advis'd ?
Who spoke of brotherhood ? who spoke of love ?
- Who told me; how the poor soul did forsake
- The mighty Warwick , and did fight for me ? 2
Who told me, in the field at Tewksbury,
When Oxford had me down, he rescu'd me,
Andsaid, Dear brother, live, andbe a king ?
Whotold me, when we both lay in the field,
Frozen almost to death, how he did lap me
Even in his garments; and did give himself,
All thin and naked, to the numb-cold night ?
All this from my remembrance brutish wrath
Sinfully pluck'd, and not a man of you
Had so much grace to put it in mymind. C

But, when your carters, or your waiting vassals, 11

Have done a drunken slaughter, and defac'd
The precious image of our dear Redeemer,
You straight are on your knees for pardon, pardon;
And I, unjustly too, must grant it you : 1

Butfor mybrother, not a manwould speak-

Nor I, (ungracious) speak unto myself
For him, poor soul. The proudest of you all
Have been beholden to him in his life ;
Yet none ofyou would once plead for his life.
OGod ! I fear, thyjustice will take hold
On me, and you, and mine, and your's, for this.-
Come, Hastings, help me to my closet. Oh,
Poor Clarence !
! [Exeunt King and Queen, HASTINGS, RIVERS,
DORSET, and GREY.
Glo. These are the fruits of rashness ?-Mark'd you
- How that the guilty kindred of the queen [not,
Look'd pale, when they did hear of Clarence' death ?
O! they did urge it still unto the king :
Godwill revenge it. Come, lords : will you go,
To comfort Edward with our company ?
Buck. Wewait upon your grace. [Exeunt.
1
38 KING RICHARD JIIM Act II.
८
w vm H
SCENE II.
Thesame. Enter the Dutchess of YORK, with the two
same. Ent
Children of CLARENCE.
Son. Good grandam, tell us, is our father dead
Dutch. No,boyгол эм
Daugh. Why do you weep so oft ? and beat your
Andcry-O Clarence, my unhappy son ? ... [breast?
Son. Why do you look onus, and shake your head,
And call us-orphans, wretches, cast-aways,
Ifthatour noble father be alive ? 11.

Dutch. My pretty cousins,you mistake me both;

Ido lament thesickness of the king,
As loth tolose him, not your father's death ;
Itwere lost sorrow, to wail one that's lost.
Son. Then, grandam, you conclude that he is dead.
The king, my uncle, is to blame for this :
Godwill revenge it; whom I will importune 7

With earnest prayers, allto that effect.

Daugh. Andsowill I.
Dutch. Peace, children,peace ! the king doth love
Incapable and shallow innocents,- [you.well:
You cannotguess who caus'd your father's death.
Son. Grandam, we can: for my good uncle Gloster
Told me, the king, provok'd to't by the queen,
Devis'd impeachments to imprison him :
And when my uncle told me so, he wept,
And pitied me, and kindly kiss'd mycheek ;
Bade me rely on him, as on my father,
Andhe would love me dearly as his child.
Dutch. Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle
Andwith avirtuous vizor hide deep vice !: [shapes,
He is my son, ay, and therein my shame,
Yet from mydugs he drew not this deceit.
Son, Think you, my uncle did dissemble, grandam
Dutch. Ay, boy...
Son. I cannot think it. Hark ! what noise is this ?
Enter the Queen, distractedly ; RIVERS, and DORSET,
after her.
Queen. Ah ! who shall hinder me to wail and weep?
 Act II. KING RICHARD III. 39
To chide my fortune and torment myself?
I'll join with black despair against my soul,
And to myself become an enemy-
Dutch. What means this scene of rude impatience ?
Queen. To make an act of tragic violence :-
Edward, my lord, thy son, our king, is dead:
Why grow the branches, when the root is gone ?
Whywither not the leaves, that want their sap ?
If you will live, lament; ifdie, be brief;
That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's ;
Or, like obedient subjects, follow him
To his new kingdom of perpetual rest.
Dutch. Ah, so much interest have I in thy sorrow,
As Ihad title in thy noble husband !
Ihave bewept a worthy husband's death,
And liv'd by looking on his images :
But now, two mirrors of his princely semblance
Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death ;
And I for comfort have but one false glass,
That grieves me when I see my shame in him.
Thou art a widow ; yet thou art a mother.
And hast the comfort of thy children left thee :
But death hath snatch'd my husband from mine arms,
And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble hands,
Clarence and Edward. O, what cause have I
(Thinebeing but a moiety of my grief),
To over-go thy plaints, and drown thycries?
Son. Ah, aunt! [ To the Queen.] you wept not for our
father's death ;
Howcanwe aid you with our kindred tears ?
Daugh. Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd,
Yourwidow dolour likewise be unwept !
Queen. Give me nohelp in lamentation,
I am not barren to bring forth laments :
All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes,
That I, being govern'd by the watry moon,
Maysend forth plenteous tears to drown the world !:
Ah, for my husband,for my dear lord Edward !
Chil. Ah, for our father, for our dear lord Clarence!
Dutch. Alas, for both, both mine, Edward and
Clarence !
Queen. What stay had I, butEdward ? andhe's gone.
 40 KING RICHARD III. Act11.
Chil. What stay had we but Clarence? andhe's gone.
Dutch. What stays had I, but they ? and they are
Queen. Was never widow, had so dear a loss. [gone,
Chil. Were never orphans, had so dear a loss.
Dutch. Was never mother, had so dear a loss.
Alas! I am the mother of these griefs ;
Their woes are parcell'd, mine are general.
She for an Edward weeps, and so do I ;
I for a Clarence weep, so doth not she :
These babes for Clarence weep, and so do I;
I for an Edward weep, so do not they : -
Alas! you three, on me, threefold distress'd,
Pour all your tears ; I am your sorrow's nurse,
And I will pamper it with lamentations.
Dors. Comfort, dearmother ; God is much displeas'd,
That you take with unthankfulness his doing :
In common worldly things, 'tis call'd-ungrateful,
Withdullunwillingnesstorepayadebt,
Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent;
Much more, to be thus opposite with heaven,
1 Forit requires
requires the royal debtit lentyou.
Riv. Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother,
Oftheyoung prince your son ; send straight for him,
Lethim be crown'd ; in him your comfort lives :
Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave,
And plant yourjoys in living Edward's throne.
Enter GLOSTER, BUCKINGHAM, STANLEY, HAST-
INGS, and RATCLIFF.
Glo. Sister, have comfort all of us have cause
Towail thedimming ofour shining star;
But none can cure their harms by wailing them.-
Madam, my mother, I do cry your mercy,
I did not see your grace :-Humbly on my knee
I crave your blessing.
Dutch. God bless thee ; and put meekness in thy
Love, charity, obedience, and trueduty ! [breast,
Glo. Amen; and make me die a good old man!-
Thatisthe butt-end of a mother's blessing ;. [Aside
Imarvel, that her grace did leave itout.
Buck. You cloudy-princes, and heart-sorrowing
That bear this mutual heavy load of moan, [peers
 Act II. KING RICHARD 111. 41
Now cheer each other in each other's love:
Though we have spent our harvest of this king,
We are to reap the harvest of his son.
The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts,
But lately splinted, knit, and join'd together,
Must gently be preserv'd, cherish'd, and kept :
Me seemeth good, that, with some little train,
Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetch'd
Hither to London, to be crown'd our king.
Riv. Why with some little train, my lord of Buck-
ingham?
Buck. Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude,
The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out ;
Which would be so much the moredangerous,
By how much the estate is green, and yet ungovern'd :
Where every horse bears his commanding rein,
And may direct his course as please himself,
As well the fear of harm, as harm apparent,
In my opinion, ought to be prevented.
Glo. I hope, the king made peace with all of us ;
And the compact is firm, and true, in me.
Riv. And so in me ; and so, I think, in all :
Yet, since, it is but green, it should be put
To no apparent likelihood of breach,
Which, haply, by much company might be urg'd :
Therefore I say with noble Buckingham,
That it is meet so few should fetch the prince.
Hast. And so say I.
Glo. Then be it so ; and go we to determine
Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow.
Madam-and you my mother-will you go
To give your censures in this weighty business ?
[Exeunt Queen, &c.
Manent BUCKINGHAM, andGLOSTER..
Buck. My lord, whoever journeys to the prince,
For God's sake, let not us two stay at home :
For, by the way, I'll sort occasion,
As index to the story we late talk'd of,
To part the queen's proud kindred from the prince.
Glo. My other self, my counsel's consistory,
My oracle, my prophet!-My dear cousin,
 42 KING RICHARD TII . Act II.
I, as a child, will go by thy direction.
Towards Ludlow then, for we'll not stay behind.-
[Exeunt,
SCENE III.

AStreet near the Court. Enter two Citizens, meeting.

1 Cit. Good-morrow, neighbour: Whither away so
2Cit. I promise you, I hardly know myself: [fast?
Hear you the news abroad ?
1 Cit. Yes, that the king is dead.
2 Cit. Ill news, by'r lady ; seldom comes a better:
I fear, I fear, 'twill prove a giddy world.
Enter another Citizen.

3 Cit. Neighbours, God speed !

1 Cit. Give you good-morrow, sir.
3 Cit. Doth the news hold of good king Edward's
death ?
L

2 Cit. Ay, sir, it is too true ; God help, the while!

3 Cit. Then, masters, look to see a troublous
world.
1 Cit. No, no: by God's good grace, his son shall
reign.
3 Cit. Woe tothat land, that's govern'd by a child!
2Cit. In him there is a hope of government ;
That, in his nonage, council under him,
And, inhis full and ripen'd years, himself,
No doubt, shall then, and 'till then, govern well.
1 Cit. So stood the state, when Henry the sixth
Was crown'd in Paris but at nine months old.
3 Cit. Stood the state so ? no, no, good friends, God
For then this land was famously enrich'd [wot
:
With politick grave counsel ; then the king
Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace.
1 Cit. Why, so hath this, both by his father and
mother.
3 Cit. Better it were, they all came by his father ;
Or, by his father, there were none at all :
For emulation now, who shall be nearest,
Will touch us all too near, if God prevent not.
O, full of danger is the duke of Gloster ;
Andthe queen's sons, and brothers, haught andproud:
And were they to be rul'd, and not to rule,
 Act II. KING RICHARD III . 43

This sickly land might solace as before.

1 Cit. Come, come, we fear the worst ; all will be
well.
3Cit. When clouds are seen, wise men put on
their cloaks;
When great leaves fall, then winter is at hand ;
17 When the sun sets, who doth not look for night ?

Untimelystorms make men expect adearth :

All may be well; but, ifGod sort it so,
'Tis more than we deserve, or I expect.
ette 2 Cit. Truly, the hearts of men are full of fear :
You cannot reason almost with a man
That looks not heavily, and full of dread.
3 Cit. Before the days of change, still is it so :
By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust 11

Ensuing danger; as, by proof, we see

The water swell before a boist'rous storm .
But leave it all to God. Whither away ?
2 Cit. Marry, we were sent for to the justices.
3 Cit. And so was I ; I'll bear you company.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.

A Room in the Palace. EnterArchbishop ofYORK, the

young Duke of YORK, the Queen, and the Dutchess of
YORK.
Arch. Last night, Iheard, theylay at Northampton;
At Stony-Stratford they do restto-night :
To-morrow, or next day, they willbe here.
Dutch. I long with all my heart to see the prince ;
I hope, he is much grown since last I saw him.
Queen. But I hear, no ; they say my son of York
Has almost overta'en him in his growth.
York. Ay, mother, but I would not have it so.
Dutch. Why, my young cousin ? it is good to grow.
York. Grandam, one night as we did sit at supper,
My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow
More than my brother ; Ay, quoth my uncleGloster,
Small herbs have grace, great weeds do grow apace :
And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast,
 44 KING RICHARD 111. ActII.
Because sweet flowers are slow, and weeds makehaste.
Dutch. Good faith, good faith, the sayingdid not hold
In him that did object the same to thee :
He was the wretched'st thing, when he was young,
So long a growing, and so leisurely,
That, if his rule were true, he should be gracious .
Arch. And so, no doubt, he is, my gracious madam.
Dutch. I hope, he is ; but yet let mothers doubt.
York. Now, by my troth, if I had been remember'd,
I could have given my uncle's grace a flout,
To touch his growth, nearer than he touch'dmine.
Dutch. How, my young York ? I pr'ythee, let me
hear it.
York. Marry, they say, my uncle grew so fast,
Thathe could gnaw a crust at two hours old;
'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth .
Grandam, this would have been a biting jest.
Dutch. I pr'ythee, pretty York, who told thee this ?
York. Grandam, his nurse.
Dutch. His nurse ! why, she was dead ere thou
wastborn.
1
York. If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.
Queen. A parlous boy ;-Go to, you are too shrewd.
Dutch. Good madam, be not angry with the child.
Queen. Pitchers have ears.
Enter a Messenger.
Arch. Here comes a messenger : What news ?
Mes. Such news, my lord, as grieves me to unfold.
Queen. Howdoth the prince ?
Mes. Well, madam, and in health.
Dutch. What is thy news ?
Mes. Lord Rivers, and lord Grey,
Are sent to Pomfret, prisoners ; and, with them,
Sir Thomas Vaughan.
Dutch. Who hath committed them ?
Mes. The mighty dukes, Gloster and Buckingham.
Queen. For what offence !
Mes. Thesum of all I can, I have disclos'd;
Why, or for what, the nobles were committed,
Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady.
Queen. Ah me, I see the ruin of my house !
 Act III. KING RICHARD 111 . 45

The tyger now hath seiz'd the gentle hind;

Insulting tyranny begins to jut
Upon the innocent and awless throne :-
Welcome destruction, blood and massacre !
I see as in a map, the end of all.
S
Dutch. Accursed and unquiet wrangling days !
How many of you have mine eyes beheld ?
My husband lost his life to get the crown ;
And often up and down my sons were tost,
For me to joy, and weep, their gain and loss :
Andbeing seated, and domestick broils
Clean over-blown, themselves, the conquerors,
Make war upon themselves; brother to brother,
Blood to blood, self against self:-O, preposterous
And frantick outrage, end thy damned spleen;
Or let me die, to look on death no more!
Queen. Come, come, my boy, we will to sanctuary.-
Madam , farewel.
Dutch. Stay, I will go with you.
Queen. You have no cause.
Arch. My gracious lady, go,
And thither bear your treasure and your goods.
For my part, I'll resign unto your grace
The seal I keep; And so betide to me,
As well I tender you, and all of yours !
Come, I'll conduct you to the sanctuary. [Exeunt.

ACT III. SCENE I.

In London. The Trumpets sound. Enter the Prince of

WALES , the Dukes of GLOSTER and BUCKINGHAM ,
Cardinal BOUCHIER, and others.
Buckingham.
WELCOME, sweetprince, to London, toyour cham-
ber.
Glo. Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign :
The weary way hath made you melancholy.
Prince. No, uncle ; but our crosses on the way
Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy :
I want more uncles here to welcome me.
46 KING RICHARD III. ActIII.

Glo. Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your

Hath not yet div'd into the world's deceit : [years
No more can you distinguish of a man,
Than of his outward shew; which, God he knows,
Seldom, or never, jumpeth with the heart.
Those uncles, which you want, were dangerous;
Your grace attended to their sugar'd words,
But look'd not on the poison of their hearts :
God keep you from them, and from such false friends!
Prince. God keep me from false friends ! but they
were none .
Glo. My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet
you .

Enter the Lord-Mayor, and his Train.

Mayor.Goodbless your grace with health and happy
days!
Prince. I thank you, good my lord ; and thank you
I thought, my mother, and my brother York, [all.-
Would long ere this have met us on the way :
Fie, what a slug is Hastings ! that he comes not
To tell us, whether they will come, or no.
Enter HASTINGS.
Buck. And, in good time, here comes the sweating
lord.
Prince. Welcome, my lord : What, will our mo-
ther come ?
Hast. On what occasion, God he knows, not I,
The queen your mother, and your brother York ,
Have taken sanctuary: The tender prince
Would fain have come with me to meet your grace,
Butby his mother was perforce withheld.
Buck. Fie ! What an indirect and peevish course
Is this of hers ?-Lord cardinal, will your grace
Persuade the queen to send the duke of York
Unto his princely brother presently ?
Ifshe deny-lord Hastings, you go with him ,
And from her jealous arnıs pluck him perforce.
Card. My lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory
Can from his mother win the duke of York,
Anon expect him here : But if she be obdurate
 Act III, KING RICHARD III, 47
To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid
We should infringe the holy privilege
Of blessedsanctuary ! not for allthis land,
W Would I be guilty of so deep a sin.
Buck. Your are too senseless-obstinate, my lord,
Too ceremonious, and traditional :
Weigh it but with the grossness of this age,
You break not sanctuary in seizing him.
The benefit thereof is always granted
To those whose dealings have deserv'd the place,
And those who have the wit to claim the place :
This prince hath neither claim'd it, nor deserv'd it ;
Therefore, in mine opinion, cannothave it :
Then, taking him from thence, that is not there,
You break no privilege nor charter there.
2
Ofthave I heard of sanctuary men ;
But sanctuary children, ne'er 'till now.
k Card. My lord, you shall o'er-rule my mind for once,
Come on, lord Hastings, will you go with me ?
Hast. I go, my lord.
Prince. Good lords, make all the speedy haste you
may. [Exeunt Cardinal, and HASTINGS.
Say, uncle Gloster, if our brother come,
Where shall we sojourn 'till our coronation ?
eat Glo. Where it seems best unto your royal self.
If I may counsel you, some day, or two,
Your highness shall repose you at the Tower :
Then where you please, and shall be thought most fit
1, For your best health and recreation.
Prince. I do not like the Tower, of any place :-
Did Julius Cæsar build that place, my lord?
Glo. He did, my gracious lord, begin that place ;
Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edify'd.
Prince. Is it upon record ; or else reported
Successively from age to age, he built it?
Buck. Upon record, my gracious lord.
Prince. But say, my lord, it were not register'd;
Methinks, the truth should live from age to age.
As 'twere retail'd to all posterity,
Even to the general all-ending
DS
day.
484- KING RICHARD III. Act III.

Glo. Sowise, so young, they say, do ne'er live long.

[Aside.
Prince. What say you, uncle ?
Glo. I say, without characters, fame lives long.
Thus, like the formal vice, Iniquity, [Aside.
I moralize-two meanings in one word. }
Prince. That Julius Cæsar, was a famous man ;
With what his valour did enrich his wit,
Hiswit set down to make his valour live :
Death makes no conquest of this conqueror ;
For now he lives in fame, though not in life.-
I'll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham.
Buck. What, my gracious lord ?
Prince. And if I live until I be a man ,
I'll win our ancient right in France again,
Or die a soldier, as I liv'd a king.
Glo. Short summers lightly have a forward spring.
[
Aside.
Enter YORK, HASTINGS, and the Cardinal.
Buck. Now, in good time, here comes the duke of
York.
Prince. Richard of York ! how fares our loving
brother ?
York. Well, my dread lord; so must I call you now.
Prince. Ay, brother ; to our grief, as it is your's :
Too late he died,that might have kept that title,
Which by his death hath lost much majesty.
Glo. How fares our cousin, noble lord of York ?
York. I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord,
You said, that idle weeds are fast in growth :
The prince, my brother hath outgrown me far.
Glo. He hath, my lord.
York. And therefore is he idle.
Glo. O, my fair cousin, I must not sayso.
York. Then is he more beholden to you, than I.
Glo. He may command me, as my sovereign :
But you have power in me, as in a kinsman.
York. I pray you, uncle, give me this dagger.
Glo. My dagger, little cousin ? with all my heart.
Prince. Abeggar, brother ?
York. Of my kind uncle, that I know will give ;
- Act III. KING RICHARD II. 49
And, being but a toy; which is no gift to give.
Glo. A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin.
York. Agreater gift ! O, that's the sword to it ?
Glo. Ay, gentle cousin, were it light enough.
York. O then, I see, you'll part but with light gifts;
Inweightier things you'll say abeggar, nay.
Glo. It is too weighty for your grace to wear.
York. I weigh it lightly, were itheavier. (
Glo. What, would you have my weapon, little lord ?
York. Iwould, thatI might thank you as you callme.
Glo. How ?
York. Little.
Prince. Mylord of York will still be cross in talk ;
Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him.
York. You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me :
Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me;..
Because that I am little like an ape,
✓ He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders.
Buck. With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons !
To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle,
He prettily and aptly taunts himself:
So cunning, and so young, is wonderful.
Glo. My lord, will't please you pass along ?
Myself, and my good cousin Buckingham,
Will to your mother ; to entreat of her,
To meet you at the Tower, and welcome you.
York. What, will you go unto the tower, my lord ?
Prince. My lord protector needs will have it so.
York. I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower.
Glo. Why, what should you fear ?
York. Marry, my uncle Clarence' angry ghost;
My grandam told me, he was murder'd there.
Prince. Lfear no uncles dead.
Gla. Nor none that live, I hope.
Prince. An ifthey live, I hope; I need not fear.
But come, my lord, and, with a heavy heart,
Thinking on them, go I unto the Tower.
[Exeunt Prince, YORK, HASTINGS, Cardinal,
andAttendants.
Buck. Think you, my lord, this little prating York
Was not incensed by his subtle mother,
To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously ;
50. KING RICHARD 111 . Act III.
Glo. No doubt, nodoubt : O, 'tis a parlous boy :
Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable ;
He'sall the mother's, from the top totoe.
Buck. Well, let them rest.Come hither, Catesby;
thou art sworn
Asdeeply to effect what we intend,
As closely to conceal what we impart :
Thou know'st our reason's urg'd upon the way;-
What think'st thou ? is it not an easy matter
To make William lord Hastings of our mind,
For the instalment of this noble duke
In the seat royal of this famous isle ?
Cates. He for his father's sake so loves the prince,
That he will not be won to aught against him.
Buck. What think'st thou then of Stanley ? will not
Cates. Hewill do all in all as Hastings doth, [he ?
Buck. Well then, no more but this ; Go, gentle
Catesby,
And, as it were far off, sound thou lord Hastings,
How he doth stand affected to our purpose ;
And summon him to-morrow to the Tower,
To sit about the coronation.
If thou dost find him tractable to us ,
Encourage him, and tellhim all our reasons :
Ifhe be leaden, icy, cold, unwilling,
Be thou so too ; and so break off the talk,
Andgive us notice ofhis inclination :
For we to-morrow hold divided councils,
Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd.
Gle. Commend me to lord William : tell him,
Hisancient knot of dangerous adversaries [Catesby,
To
-morrow are let blood at Pomfret-castle;
Andbid my friend, for joy of this good news,
Give mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more.
Buck. Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly.
Cates. My good lords both, with all the heed I can.
Glo. Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep ?
Cates. You shall, my lord.
Glo. At Crosby-Place, there you shall find us both .
[Exit CATESBY,
Buck. Now, my lord, what shall we do, if we per-
LordHastings will not yield to our complots ? [ceive
 Act III. KING RICHARD III . 51
: Glo. Chop off his head, man ;-somewhat we will
And, look, when I am king, claim thou of me [do ;-
The earldom of Hereford, and all the moveables
Whereof the king my brother was possess'd.
Buck. I'll claim that promise at your grace's hand.
Glo. And look to have it yielded with all kindness.
Come, let us sup betimes; that afterwards
- We may digest ourcomplots in some form. (Exeunt.
SCENE II.

Before Lord HASTINGS' House. Enter a Messenger.

Mes. My lord, my lord-
Hast. [Within.] Who knocks ?
Mes. One from lord Stanley.
Hast . What is't o'clock ?
Mes. Upon the stroke of four.
Enter HASTINGS .
Hast. Cannot thy master sleep these tedious nights ?
Mes. So it should seem by that I have to say.
First, he commends him to your noble lordship,
Hast . And then-
Mes. Then certifies your lordship, that this night
He dreamt, the boar had rased of his helm :
Besides, he says, there are two councils held;
And that may be determin'd at the one,
Which may make you and him to rue at the other.
Therefore he sends to know your lordships pleasure-
If presently you will take horse with him,
And with all speed post with him toward the north,
To shun the danger that his soul divines.
Hast. Go, fellow, go, return unto thy lord;
Bid him not fear the separated councils :
His honour, and myself, are at the one;
And at the other, is my good friend Catesby ;
Where nothing can proceed, that toucheth us,
Whereof I shall not have intelligence.
Tell him, his fears are shallow, wanting instance:
And for his dreams-I wonder, he's so fond
To trust the mockery of unquiet slumbers ;
To fly the boar, before the boar pursues,
52 KING RICHARD 111. Act III.
Were to incense the boar, to follow us,
Andmake pursuit, where he did mean no chase.
Go, bid thy master rise and come to me ;
And we will both together to the Tower,
Where, he shall see, the boar will use us kindly.
Mes. I'll go, my lord, and tellhim what you say.
[Exit.
Enter CATESBY.
Cates. Many good-morrows to my noble lord!
Hast. Good-morrow, Catesby ; you are early stirring;
What news, what news, in this our tottering state ?
Cates. It is a reeling world, indeed, my lord;
And, I believe, will never stand upright,
'Till Richard wear the garland of the realm.
Hast. How ! wearthe garland ! dost thou mean the
crown ?
Cates. Ay, my good lord.
Hast. I'll have this crown of mine cut from my
Before I'll see thecrownso foul misplac'd. [shoulders,
But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it ?
Cates. Ay, on my life ; and hopes to find you forward
Upon his party, for the gain thereof :
And, thereupon, he sends you this good news-
That, this same very day, your enemies,
The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret.
Hast. Indeed, I am no mourner for that news,
Because they have been still my adversaries :
But that I'll give my voice on Richard's side,
To bar my master's heirs in true descent,
God knows, I will not do it, to the death .
Cates. Godkeep your lordship in that gracious mind !
Hast.But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence-
That they, who brought me in my master's hate,
I live too look upon their tragedy.
Well, Catesby, ere a fortnight make me older,
I'll send some packing, that yet think not on't.
Cates. 'Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord,
Whenmen are unprepar'd and look not for it.
Hast. O monstrous, monstrous ! and so falls it out
With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: and so ' twilldo
With some men else, who think themselves as safe
 Act III. KING RICHARD 111. 53
As thou, and I; who, as thou know'st, are dear
e. To princely Richard, and to Buckingham.
Cates. The princes both make high account ofyou-
For they account his head upon the bridge. [Aside.
Hast. I know they do ; and I have well deserv'd it.
30
Enter STANLEY.
Come on, come on, where is your boar-spear, man?
Fear you the boar, and go so unprovided ?
Stan. My lord, good morrow ;-and good morrow,
irt You may jest on, but by the holy rood, (Catesby :-
te I do not like these several councils, I.
Hast. My lord,
I hold my life as dear as you do your's ;
And never, in my days, I do protest,
ant Was it more precious to me than 'tis now :
Think you but that I know our state secure,
Iwouldbe so triumphant as I am ?
Stan. The lords at Pomfret, when they rode from
London,
Were jocund, and suppos'd their states were sure,
And they, indeed, had no cause to mistrust ;
But yet, you see, how soon the day o'er-cast.
This sudden stab of rancour I misdoubt ;
Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward !
What, shall we toward the Tower ? the day is spent.
Hast. Come, come, have with you. Wot you
what, my lord ?
To day the lords you talk of are beheaded.
Stan. They, for their truth, might better wear their
heads,
Than some that have accus'd them wear their hats.
But come, my lord, let's away. ८

Enter a Pursuivant.
Hast. Go on before, I'll talk with this good fellow.
[Exeunt Lord Stanley, and CATESBY.
Sirrah, how now, how goes the world with thee ?
Purs. The better, that your lordship please to ask.
Hast. I tell thee, man, 'tis better with me now,
Than when thou met'st me last where now we meet :
Then when I was going prisoner to the tower,
54 KING RICHARD 111 . Act 111.
By the suggestion of the queen's allies ;
But now, I tell thee (keep it thyself),
This day those enemies are put to death,
And I in better state than ere I was .
Purs. God hold it, to your honour's good content !
Hast. Gramercy, fellow. There, drink that for me.
[Throws kim his purse.
Purs. I thank your honour. [Exit Pursuivant.
Enter a Priest.

Priest. Well met, my lord ; I am glad to see your

honour.
Hast. I thank thee, good sir John, with all my heart.
I am in your debt for your last exercise ;
Come the next sabbath, and I will content you.
Enter BUCKINGHAM .

Buck. What, talking with a priest, lord cham-

berlain ?
Your friends at Pomfret, they do need the priest ;
Your honour hath no shriving work in hand.
Hast. Good faith, and when I met this holy man,
The men you talk of came into my mind.
What, go you toward the Tower ?
Buck. I do, my lord; but long I shall not stay there:
I shall return before your lordship thence.
Hast. Nay, like enough, for I stay dinner there.
Buck. And supper too, although thou know'st it not.
[
Aside.
Come, will you go ?
Hast. I'll wait upon your lordship. [Exeunt.
SCENE III.

BeforePomfret-Castle. Enter Sir RICHARD RATCLIFF,

conducting Lord RIVERS, Lord RICHARD GREY, and
Sir THOMAS VAUGHAN, to Execution.
Rat. Come, bring forth the prisoners .
Riv. Sir Richard Ratcliff, let me tell thee this-
To-day shalt thou behold a subject die,
For truth, for duty, and for loyalty.
Grey. Godkeep the prince from all the pack ofyou !
 Act III. KING RICHARD 111. 55
Aknot you are of damned blood-suckers,
Vaugh. You live, that shall cry woe for this hereafter.
Rat. Dispatch: the limit of your lives is out.
Riv. O Pomfret, Pomfret ! O thou bloody prison,
* Fatal and ominous to noble peers !
Within the guilty closure of thy walls,
Richard the second here was hack'd to death :
And, for more slander to thy dismal seat,
We give thee up our guiltless blood to drink.
Grey. Now Margaret's curse is fallen upon our heads,
When she exclaim'd on Hastings, you, and I,
For standing by when Richard stabb'd her son.
Riv. Then curs'd she Hastings, curs'd she Buck-
ingham,
Then curs'd she Richard :-O, remember, God,
Tohear her prayer for them, as now for us !
As for my sister, and her princely sons-
Be satisfied, dear God, with our true bloods,
Which, as thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt !
Rat. Make haste, the hour of death is now expir'd.
Riv. Come, Grey-come, Vaughan-let us here
embrace :
Farewel, until we meet again in heaven. [
Exeunt.
SCENE IV.

The Tower. BUCKINGHAM, STANLEY, HASTINGS,

Bishop of ELY, CATESBY, LOVEL , with others, at a
Table.
Hast. Now, noble peers, the cause why we are met
Is
-to determine of the coronation :
In God's name, speak, when is the royal day ?
Buck. Are all things ready for that royal time ?
Stan. They are, and wants but nomination.
Ely. To-morrow then I judge a happy day.
Buck. Who knows the lord protector's mind herein ?
Who is most inward with the noble duke ?
Ely. Your grace, we think, should soonest know his
mind.
Buck. We know each other's faces : for our hearts-
He knows no more of mine, than I of your's ;
F
 56 KING RICHARD III. ActIII.

Nor I of his, my lord, than you ofmine :

-
Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.
Hast. I thank his grace, I know he loves me well:
But, for his purpose in the coronation,
I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd
His gracious pleasure any way therein :
But you, my noble lord, may name the time;
And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice,
Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle part.
Enter GLOSTER.
Ely. In happy time, here comes the duke himself.
Glo. My noble lords and cousins, all good morrow.
I have been long a sleeper ; but, I trust,
My absence doth neglect no great design,
Which by my presence might have been concluded.
Buck. Had you not come upon your cue, my lord,
William lord Hastings had pronounc'd your part-
I mean, your voice for crowning of the king.
Glo. Than my lord Hastings, no man might be
bolder;
His lordship knows me well, and loves me well.-
My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn,
I saw good strawberries in your garden there ;
I do beseech you, send for some ofthem.
Ely. Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart.
[ExitELY.
Glo. Cousin of Buckingham, a word with you .
Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business ;
And finds the testy gentleman so hot,
That he will lose his head, ere give consent
His master's child, as worshipfully he terms it,
Shall lose the royalty ofEngland's throne.
Buck. Withdraw yourself awhile, I'll go with you.
1
[ExitGLOSTER , and BUCKINGHAM .
Stan. We have not yet set down this day of triumph.
To-morrow, in my judgment, is too sudden ;
For I myself am not so well provided,
As else I would be, were the day prolong'd.
Re-enter Bishop of ELY.
Ely. Where is my lord protector ? I have sent
 Act III. KING RICHARD III. 57
For these strawberries .
Hast. His grace looks cheerfully and smooth this
morning ;
There's some conceit or other likes him well,
When he doth bid good-morrow with such spirit,
I think, there's ne'er a man in Christendom,
Can lesser hide his love, orhate, than he ;
Forby his face straight shall you know his heart.
Stan. What of his heart perceive you in his face,
By any likelihood he shew'd to-day ?
Hast. Marry, that with no manhere is he offended;
For, were he, he had shewn it in his looks..
Re-enterGLOSTER, and BUCKINGHAM .
Glo. I pray you all, tell me what they deserve,
de Thatdo conspire my death with devilish plots
* Of damned witchcraft ; and that have prevail'd
Upon my body with their hellish charms ?
-- Hast. The tender love I bear your grace, my lord,
Makes me most forward in this noble presence
To doom the offenders : Whosoe'er they be,
I say, my lord, they have deserved death.
Glo. Then be youreyes the witness of their evil,
Look how I am bewitch'd ; behold, mine arm -
Is like a blasted sapling, wither'd up :
And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot, strumpet Shore,
That by their witchcraft thus have marked me.
Hast. If they have done this deed, my noble lord-
Glo. If thou protector of this damned strumpet,
Talk'st thou to me of ifs ?-Thou art a traitor :-
Off with his head !-now, by saint Paul I swear
Iwill not dine until I see the same.
Lovel, and Catesby, look that it be done;
The rest, that love me, rise, and follow me.
[Exit Council, with RICHARD and BUCKINGHAM.
Hast. Woe, woe, for England ! not a whit for me;
For I, too fond, might have prevented this : 紅

Stanley did dream, the boar did raise his helm ;

But I disdain'd it, and did scorn to fly.
Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble, -
And started, when he look'd upon the Tower,
58 KING RICHARD III . Act III.
As loth to bear me to the slaughter-house.
O, now I need the priest that spake to ime :
I now repent I told the pursuivant,
As too triumphing, how mine enemies
To-day at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd,
And I myself secure in grace and favour.
O, Margaret, Margaret ! now thy heavy curse
Is lighted on poor Hastings' wretched head.
Cates. Dispatch, my lord, the duke would be at
dinner;
Make a short shrift, he longs to see your head.
Hast. O momentary grace of mortal men,
Which we more hunt for than the grace of God!
Who builds his hope in air of your fair looks,
Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast;
Ready, with every nod, to tumble down
Into the fatal bowels of the deep.
Lov. Come, come, dispatch ; 'tis bootless to ex
claim.
Hast. Oh, bloody Richard !-miserable England!
Iprophesy the fearful'st time to thee,
That ever wretched age hath look'd upon.-
Come, leadme to the block, bear him my head;
They smile at me, who shortly shall be dead. [Exeunt.
SCENE V.

The Tower-walls. Enter GLOSTER, and BUCKING-

HAM, in rusty Armour, marvellous ill-
favour'd.
Glo. Come, cousin, canst thou quake, and change
Murderthy breath in middle of a word- thy colour?
And then again begin, and stop again,
As if thou wert distraught, and mad with terror !
Buck. Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian ;
Speak, and look back, and pry on every side,
Tremble and start at wagging of a straw,
Intending deep suspicion : ghastly looks
Are at my service, like enforced smiles ;
Andboth are ready in their offices,
At any time, to grace my stratagems,
But what, is Catesby gone ?
Glo. He is; and, see, he brings the mayor along.
 Act III. KING RICHARD III. 59

Enter the Lord-Mayor, and CATESBY.

Buck. Let me alone to entertain him.- Lord-mayor!
Glo. Look to the draw-bridge there.
Buck. Hark ! a drum.
Glo. Catesby, o'erlook the walls .
Buck. Lord-mayor, the reason we have sent for you-
Glo. Look back, defend thee, here are enemies.
Buck. God and our innocency defend and guard us.
Enter LoveL, and RATCLIFF, with HASTINGS' head.
Glo. Be patient, they are friends ; Ratcliff, and
Lov. Here is the head ofthat ignoble traitor, [Lovel.
The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings.
Glo. So dear I lov'd the man, that I must weep.
I took him for the plainest harmless creature,
That breath'd upon the earth a christian ;
10 Made him my book, wherein my soul recorded
The history of all her secret thoughts :
So smooth he daub'd his vice with shew of virtue,
That his apparent open guilt omitted-
I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife-
He liv'd from all attainder of suspect-
Buck. Well, well, he was the covert'st shelter'd
traitor
That ever liv'd.-Look you, my lord-mayor,
K
Would you imagine, or almost believe
(Wer't not, that by great preservation
We live to tell ityou), the subtle traitor
This day had plotted, in the council-house,
To murder me, and mygood lord of Gloster?
Mayor. What ! had he so ?
!
Glo. What ! think you we are Turks, or infidels ;
Or that we would, against the form of law,
Proceed thus rashly in the villain's death ;
But that the extreme peril of the case,
The peace of England, and our person's safety,
Enforc'd us to this execution ?
Mayor. Now, fair befallyou ! he deserv'd his death;
And your good graces both have well proceeded,
To warn false traitors from the like attempts.
F3
60 KING RICHARD III. Act III.
I never look'd for better at his hands,
After he once fell in with mistress Shore.
Buck. Yet had we not determin'd he should die,
Until your lordship came to see his end ;
Which now the loving haste of these our friends,
Somewhat against our meaning, hath prevented:
Because, my lord, we would have had you heard
The traitor speak, and timorously confess
The manner and the purpose of his treasons;
That you might well have signify'd the same
Unto the citizens, who, haply, may
Misconstrue us in him, and wail his death.
Mayor. But, my good lord, your grace's word shall
As well as I had seen, and heard him speak : [serve,
And do not doubt, right noble princes both,
But I'll acquaint our duteous citizens
With all yourjust proceedings in this case.
Glo. And to that end we wish'd your lordshiphere,
To avoid the censures of the carping world.
Buck . But since you came too late of our intent,
Yet witness what you hear we did intend :
And so my good lord-mayor, we bid farewel.
[ExitMayor.
Glo. Go, after, after, cousin Buckingham.
The mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post:-
There, at your meetest vantage of the time,
Infer the bastardy of Edward's children ;
Tell them, how Edward put to death a citizen,
Only for saying-he would make his son
Heir to the crown ; meaning, indeed, his house,
Which, by the sign thereof, was termed so.
Moreover, urge his hateful luxury,
And bestial appetite in change of lust ;
Which stretch'd unto their servants, daughters, wives,
Even where his ranging eye, or savage heart,
Without control, listed to make his prey.
Nay, for a need, thus far come near my person :-
Tell them when that my mother went with child
Of that insatiate Edward, noble York,
My princely father, then had wars in France ;
And, byjust computation of the time,
Found that the issue was not his begot ;
Act III. KING RICHARD III . 61

Which well appeared in his lineaments,

Being nothing like the noble duke my father.
Yet touch this sparingly, as 'twere far off ;
Because, my lord, you know, my mother lives .
Buck. Doubt not, my lord; I'll play the orator,
As if the golden fee, for which I plead,
Were for myself: and so, my lord, adieu.
Glo. If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's
Where you shall find me well accompanied, [castle ;
With reverend fathers, and well-learned bishops.
Buck. Igo ; and towards three or four o'clock,
Look for the news that the Guildhall affords .
[Exit. BUCKINGHAM,
Glo. Go, Lovel, with all speed to doctor Shaw-
Gothou to friar Penker;-bid them both
Meet me, within this hour, at Baynard's castle.
[Exeunt LOVEL, and CATESBY.
Now will I in, to take some privy order
To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight ;
And to give notice, that no manner of person
Have, any time, recourse unto the princes. [
Exit.

SCENE VI.

A Street . Enter a Scrivener.

Scriv. Here is the indictmentof the good lord Hast-
Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd, [ings:
That it may be to-day read o'er in Paul's.
And mark how well the sequel hangs together :-
Eleven hours I have spent to write it over,
For yesternight by Catesby was it sent me ;
The precedent was full as long a doing :
And yet within these five hours Hastings liv'd,
Untainted, unexamin'd, free, at liberty.
Here's a good world the while ? Who is so gross,
That cannot see this palpable device ?
Yet who so bold, but says he sees it not ?
Bad is the world and all will come to nought,
When such bad dealing must be seen in thought.
[
Exit.
 62 KING RICHARD III. Act III.

SCENE VII.

Baynard's Castle. Enter GLOSTER, andBUCKINGHAM,

at several Doors.
Glo. How now, how now ? what say the citizens ?
Buck. Now by the holy mother of our Lord,
The citizens are mum, say not a word.
Gle. Touch'd you the bastardy ofEdward's children?
Buck. I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy,
Andhis contract by deputy in France :
The ensatiate greediness of his desires,
Andhis enforcement of the city wives ;
His tyranny for trifles ; his own bastardy,
-
As being got, your father then in France,
And his resemblance being not like the duke.
Withal, I did infer your lineaments-
"
Being the right idea ofyour father,
Both in your form and nobleness of mind :
Laid open all your victories in Scotland,
Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace,
Your bounty, virtue, fair humility;
Indeed, left nothing, fitting for your purpose,
Untouch'd, or slightly handled, in discourse.
And, when my oratory grew toward end,
Ibade them, that did love their country's good,
Cry-Godsave Richard, England's royalking !
Glo. Anddid they so ?
Buck. No, so God help me, they spake not a word
But like dumb statues, or unbreathing stones,
Star'd on each other, and look'd deadly pale.
Which when I saw, I reprehended them ;
And ask'd the mayor, what meant this wilful silence ?
His answer was the people were not us'd
To be spoke to, but by the recorder.
Then he was urg'd to tell my tale again ;-
Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd ;
But nothing spoke in warrant from himself.
When he had done, some followers of mine own,
At lower end o'the hall, hurl'd up their caps,
And some ten voices cry'd, God save king Richard !
And thus I took the vantage of those few-
 Act III. - KING RICHARD III. 63
Thanks gentle citizens, and friends, quoth I ;
This general applause, and chearful shout,
Arguesyour wisdom, and your love to Richard :
And even here brake off and came away.
Glo. What tongueless blocks were they; Would
they not speak ?
Will not the mayor then, and his brethren, come ?
Buck. The mayor is here at hand; Intend some fear ,
Be not you spoke with, but by mighty suit:
And look you get a prayer-book in your hand,
And stand between two churchmen, good my lord ;
For on that ground I'll make a holy descant :
Andbe not easily won to our requests ;
Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it.
Glo. I go; and if you plead as well for them,
As I can say nay to thee for myself;
No doubt we'll bring it to a happy issue.
Buck.Go, go, upto the leads ;the lord-mayor knocks.
[ExitGLOSTER.
Enter the Lord Mayor, and Citizens. 7
Welcome, my lord : I dance, attendance here;
I think, the duke will not be spoke withal.-
Enter CATESBY.
Now, Catesby, what says your lord to my request ?
Cates. Hedoth entreat your grace, my noble lord,
To visit him to-morrow or next day :
He is within, with two right reverend fathers,
Divinely bent to meditation ;
And inno worldly suit would he be mov'd,
To draw him from his holy exercise.
Buck. Return, good Catesby, to the gracious duke;
Tell him, myself,the mayor, and aldermen,
In deep designs, in matter of great moment,
No less importing than our general good,
Are come to have some conference with his grace.
Cates. I'll signify so much unto him straight. (Exit.
Buck. Ah, ha, my lord, this prince is not an Edward !
He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed,
But on his knees at meditation ;
Not dallying with a brace of courtezans,
 64 KING RICHARD III. Act III.
But meditating with two deep divines;
Not sleeping, to engross his idle body,
But praying, to enrich his watchful soul ;
Happy were England, would this virtuous prince
Take on himself the sovereignty thereof ;
But, sure, I fear, we shall ne'er win him to it.
Mayor. Marry, God defend his grace should sayus
nay!
Buck. I fear, he will : Here Catesby comes again:-
Re-enter Catesby.
Catesby, what says your lord ?
Cates. He wonders to what end you have assembled
Such troops of citizens to come to him,
His grace not being warn'd thereof before :
He fears, my lord, you mean no good to him.
Buck. Sorry I am, my noble cousin should
Suspect me, that I mean no good to him.
Byheaven, we come to him in perfect love ;
And so once more return and tell his grace.
[ExitCATESBY.
Whenholy and devout religious men
Are at their beads, ' tis hard to draw them thence;
So sweet is zealous contemplation.
Enter GLOSTER above, between two Bishops. CATESBY
returns .

1
Mayor. See, where is grace stands 'tween two
clergymen!
Buck. Two props of virtue for a christian prince,
To stay him from the fall of vanity :
And, see, a book of prayer in his hand:
True ornaments to know a holy man.-
Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince,
Lend favourable ear to our requests ;
And pardon us the interruption
Ofthy devotion, and right-christian zeal.
Glo. My lord, there needs no such apology ;
I rather do beseech you pardon me,
Who, earnest in the service of my God,
Deferr'd the visitation of my friends.
But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure ?
 Act III. KING RICHARD 11. 63

Buck. Eventhat, I hope, which pleasethGod above,

Andall good men of this ungovern'd isle.
Glo. I do suspect, I have done some offence,
That seems disgracious in the city's eye ;
And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.
Buck. You have, my lord; Would it might please
On our entreaties, to amend your fault ! [your grace,
Glo. Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land ?
Buck. Know, then, it is your fault, that you resign
The supreme seat, the throne majestical,
The scepter'd office of your ancestors,
Yourstate of fortune, and your due of birth,
The lineal glory ofyour royal house,
To the corruption of a blemish'd stock :
Whilst, in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts
(Which here we waken to our country's good,)
The noble isle doth want her proper limbs ;
Her face defac'd with scars of infamy,
Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants,
Andalmost shoulder'd in the swallowing gulph
Ofdark forgetfulness and deep oblivion.
Which to recure, we heartily solicit
Your gracious self to take on you the charge
Andkingly government of this your land :
Not as protector, steward, substitute,
Or lowly factor for another's gain ;
But as successively, from blood to blood,
Your right of birth, your empery, your own.
Forthis, consorted with the citizens,
Your very worshipful and loving friends,
Andby their vehement instigation,
Inthis just suit come I to move your grace.
Gh. I cannot tell, if to depart in silence,
Or bitterly to speak in your reproof,
Best fitteth my degree, or your condition:
For, not to answer, you might haply think,
Tongue-ty'd ambition,notreplying,yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty,
Which fondly you wouldhere impose on me; 3
If to reprove you for this suit ofyours, 1-

So season'd with your faithful love to me,

Then, on the other side, I check'd my friends.
 66 KING RICHARD IM. Act III.
Therefore to speak, and to avoid the first;
And then, in speaking, not to incur the last-
Definitively thus I answer you :
Your love deserves my thanks ; but my desert
Unmeritable, shuns your high request.
First, if all obstacles were cut away,
And that my path were even tothe crown,
As my right revenue and due by birth ;
Yetso much is my poverty of spirit,
So mighty, and so many, my defects,
That I would rather hide me from my greatness-
Being a bark to brook no mighty sea-
Than in my greatness covet to be hid,
And in the vapour of my glory smother'd..
But, God be thank'd, there is no need of me
(And much I need to help you, if needwere;)
The royal tree hath left us royal fruit,
Which, mellow'd by the sterling hours of time,
Will well become the seat of majesty,
And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign.
On him I lay what you would lay on me,
The right and fortune of his happy stars-
Which, God defend, that I should wring from him!
Buck. My lord, this argues conscience in your grace;
But the respects thereof are nice and trivial,
All circumstances well considered .
You say that Edward is your brother's son ;
So say we too, but not by Edward's wife :
For first was he contract to lady Lucy,
Your mother lives a witness to his vow ;
And afterwards by substitute betroth'd
To Bona, sister to the king of France.
1 These both put by, a poor petitioner,
A care-craz'd mother to a many sons,
Abeauty-waning and distressed widow,
Even in the afternoon of her best days,
Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye,
Seduc'd the pitch and height of all his thoughts
To base declension and loath'd bigamy :
By her, in his unlawful bed, he got
This Edward, whom our manners call-the prince.
More bitterly could I expostulate,
 Act IN. KING RICHARD I11 67
Save that, for reverence to some alive,
I gave a sparing limit to my tongue.
Then, good my lord, take to your royal self
This proffer'd benefit of dignity: i
Ifnotto bless us and the land withal,
Yet todraw forth your noble ancestry A

From the corruption of abusing time,

Unto a lineal true-derived course.
Mayor. Do, good my lord ; your citizens entreat you.
Buck. Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love.
Cates. O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit.
Glo. Alas,why would you heap these cares on me ?
Iam unfit for state and majesty :-
I do beseech you, take it not amiss;
I cannot, nor I will not yield to you.
Buck. If you refuse it as in love and zeal,
Loth to depose the child, your brother's son;
Aswell we know your tenderness of heart,
And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse,
Which we have noted in you to your kindred,
And equally, indeed, to all estates-
Yet know, whe'r you accept our suit or no,
hi
Your brother's son shall never reign our king ;
But we will plant some other in the throne,
To the disgrace and downfal of your house.
And, in this resolution, here we leave you ;-
Come, citizens, we will entreat no more. [ Exeunt.
Cates.Call them again, sweet prince, accept their
If you deny them, all the land will rue it. [suit;
Glo. Willyou enforce me to a world of cares ?...
Well, call them again ; Iam not made of stone,
[Exit CATESBY.
But penetrable to your kind entreaties,
Albeit against my conscience and my soul.-
Re-enter BUCKINGHAM, and the rest.
Cousin of Buckingham-and sage, grave men-
Since you will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her burden, whe'r I will or no,
I must have patience to endure the load :
But if black scandal, or foul-fac'd reproach,
G
68 KING RICHARD MI. Act IV.
Attend the sequel of your imposition,
Yourmeer enforcement shall acquittance me
From all the impure blots and stains thereof;
For God doth know, and you may partly see,
How far I am from the desire of this.
Mayor. God bless your grace ! we see it, and will
say it.
Glo. Insaying so, you shall but say the truth.
Buck. Then I salute youwith this royal title-
Long live king Richard, England's worthy king !
All. Amen.
Buck. To-morrow may it please you to be crown'd?
Glo. Even when you please, for you will have it so.
Buck. To-morrow then we will attend you grace;
And so, most joyfully, we take our leave.
Glo. [To the Clergymen. ] Come, let us to our holy
work again:-
Farewel, goodcousin;-farewel gentle friends. [Exeunt.

ACT IV. SCENE I.

Before the Tower. Enter the Queen, Dutchess of YORK,

andMarquis of DORSET, at one Door ; Anne Dutchess
ofGLOSTER, leading Lady MARGARET PLANTAGE
NET, CLARENCE's young Daughter, at the other.
Dutchess.
WHO meets us here ?-my niece Plantagenet,
Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloster?
Now, for my life, she's wand'ring to the Tower,
On pure heart's love, to greet the tender prince.-
Daughter, well met
Anne. God give your graces both.
Ahappy and a joyful time of day!
Queen. As much to you, good sister ! Whither away ?
Anne. No further than the Tower; and, as I guess,
Upon the like devotion as yourselves,
To gratulate the gentle princes there.
Queen. Kind sister, thanks ; we'll enter all together :
Enter BRAKENBURY.

And, in good time, here the lieutenant comes.-

 Act IV
. KING RICHARD III. 69

Master lieutenant, pray you, by your leave,

How doth the prince, and my young son of York ?
Brak. Right well, dear madam: By your patience,
I may not suffer you to visit them ;
The king hath strictly charg'd the contrary.
วา Queen. The king ! who's that ?
Brack. I mean, the lord protector. A
7
. Queen. The lord protect him from that kingly title !
- Hath he set bounds between their love, and me ?
I am their mother, Who shall bar me from them ? ..
Dutch. I am their father's mother, I will see them.
Anne. Their aunt am I in law, in love their mother;
Then bring me to their sights ; I'll bear thy blame,
And take thy office from thee, on my peril.
Brak. No, madam, no, Imay not leave it so ;
I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me.
[Exit BRAKENBURY.
Enter STANLEY. 16
.

Stan. Let mebut meetyou, ladies,onehourhence,

And I'll salute your grace of York as mother,
And reverend looker-on, of two fair queens .
Come, madam, you must straight to Westminster, 1

[To the Dutchess of GLOSTER.

There to be crowned Richard's royal queen.
Queen. Ah, cut my lace asunder !
That my pent heart may have some scope to beat,
Or else I swoon with this dead-killing news.
Anne. Despightful tidings ! O unpleasing news !..
Dors. Be of good cheer :-Mother, how fares your
grace?
Queen. ODorset, speak not to me, get thee gone,
Death and destruction dog thee at the heels ;
Thy mother's name is ominous to children:
If thou wilt out-strip death, go cross the seas,
✓ And live with Richmond, from the reach of hell.
Go, hie thee, hie thee from this slaughter-house,
Lest thou increase the number of the dead;
And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse-
Normother, wife, nor England's counted queen.
Stan. Full ofwise care is this your counsel, madam :
70 KING RICHARD H. Act IV.
Take all the swift advantage ofthe hours ;
You shall have letters from me to my son
On your behalf, to meet you on the way :
Be not ta'en tardy by unwise delay.
Dutch. O ill-dispersing wind of misery !
Omy accursed womb, thebed of death ;
Acockatrice hast thou hatch'd to the world,
Whoseunavoided eye is murderous!
Stan. Come, madam, come; I in all haste was sent.
Anne. And I with all unwillingness will go.-
O,would toGod, that the inclusive verge
Ofgoldenmetal, that must round my brow,
Were red-hot steel, to sear me to the brain !
Anointed let me be with deadly venom ;
And die, ere men can say God save the queen !
Queen. Go, go, poor soul, I envy not thy glory;
To feed my humour, wish thyself no harm.
Anne. No ! why ?-When he, that is my husband
Came to me, as I follow'd Henry's corse ; [ now,
When scarce the blood was well wash'd from his
Which issuedfrom my other angel husband, [hands,
And that dead saint which then I weeping follow'd;
O, when, I say, I look'd on Richard's face,
This was my wish-Be thou, quoth I, accurs'd,
Formaking me, soyoung, so old a widow !
And, when thou wed'st, let sorrow haunt thy bed;
Andbe thy wife, (if any be so mad)
Moremiserable by the life of thee,
Than thou hast made me by my dear lord's death !
Lo, ere I can repeatthis curse again,
Even in so short a space, my woman's heart
Grossly grew captive tohis honey words,
And prov'd the subject of mine own soul's curse :
Which ever since hath held mine eyes from rest ;
For never yet one hour in his bed
Did I enjoy the goldendew ofsleep,
Butwith his timorous dreams was still awak'd,
Besides, he hates me for my father Warwick ;
And will, no doubt, shortlybe rid of me,
Queen. Poorheart, adieu ; I pity thy complaining.
:Anne. No more than with my soul I mourn for your's.
Dors. Farewel, thou woeful welcomer of glory !
 Act IV, KING RICHARD 111. 71

Anne. Adieu, poor soul, that tak'st thy leave of it!

Dutch. Go thou to Richmond, and good fortune
guide thee! [TO DORSET..
Gothou to Richard, and good angels tend thee !-
[TO ANNE.
Go thou to sanctuary, and good thoughts possess thee !
[Tothe Queen.
Ito my grave, where peace and rest lie with me !
Eighty odd years of sorrow have I seen,
And each hour's joy wreck'd with a week of teen.
Queen. Stay yet; look back, with, me unto the
Tower.-
Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes,
Whom envy hath immur'd within your walls !
Rough cradle for such little pretty ones!
;
Rude ragged nurse ! old sullen play-fellow
Fortender princes, use my babies well !
✓ So foolish sorrow bids your stones farewel. [Exeunt.
SCENE II.

The Court. Flourish of Trumpets. EnterRICHARD, as

King, BUCKINGHAM, CATESBY, a Page, and others.
K. Rich. Stand all apart. Cousin of Buckingham-
Buck. My gracious sovereign.
K. Rich. Give me thy hand. Thus high, by thy
advice,
And thy assistance, is king Richard seated :
But shall we wear these glories for a day ?
Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them ?
Buck. Still live they, and for ever let them last !
K. Rich. Ah , Buckingham, now do I play the touch,
To try if thou be current gold, indeed:-
Young Edward lives;-Think now what I would
Buck. Say on, my loving lord, [speak.
K. Rich. Why, Buckingham, I say Iwouldbeking.
Buck. Why, so you are, my thrice-renowned liege.
K. Rich. Ha! am Iking ? 'Tisso: butEdward lives.
Buck. True, noble prince.ing .
K.Rich. O bitter consequence,
ThatEdward still should live-true! noble prince!-T
‫ر‬

۱
72 KING RICHARD 1. Act IV.
Cousin, thou wast not wont to be so dull :
Shall I be plain ? I wish the bastards dead;
And I would have it suddenly perform'd.
What say'st thou now ? Speak suddenly, be brief.
Buck. Your grace may do your pleasure.
K. Rich. Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness
freezes:
Say, have I thy consent, that they shall die ?
Buck. Give me some breath, some little pause, dear
Before I positively speak in this: [lord,
I will resolve your grace immediately.
[Exit BUCKINGHAM .
Cates. Theking is angry; see he gnaws his lip.
K. Rich. I will converse with iron-witted fools,
And unrespective boys ; none are for me,
That look into me with considerate eyes :-
High reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.-
Boy-
Page. My lord.
K. Rich. Know'st thou not any, whom corrupting
Would tempt unto a close exploit of death ? [gold
Page. I know a discontented gentleman,
Whose humble means match not his haughtymind:
haug
Goldwere as good as twenty orators,
And will, no doubt, tempt him to any thing.
K. Rich. What is his name ?
Page. His name, my lord, is-Tyrrel.
K. Rich. I partly know the man ; Go, call him
hither,boy. [ExitBoy.
The deep-revolving witty Buckingham
No more shall be the neighbour to my counsels :
Hath he so long held out with me untir'd,
And stops he now for breath ?-well, be it so.-
Enter STANLEY.
How now, lord Stanley ? what's the news ?
Stan. Know, my loving lord,
The marquis Dorset, as I hear, is fled
ToRichmond, inthe parts where he abides.
K. Rich. Come hither, Catesby : rumour it abroad,
That Anne my wife is very grievous sick ?
I will take order for her keeping close.
At Act IV. KING RICHARD 111 . 73
Inquireme out some mean-born gentleman,
Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter :
The boy is foolish, and I fear not him.-
Look, how thou dream'st !-I say again, give out,
That Anne my queen is sick, and like to die :
About it ; for it stands me much upon,
To stop allhopes, whose growth may damage me.-
[Exit CATESKY.
I must be marry'd to my brother's daughter,
Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass
Murder her brothers, and then marry her !
NG Uncertain way of gain ! But I am in
So far in blood, that sin will pluck on sin.
Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye
EnterTYRREL.

- Is thy name-Tyrrel ?
Tyr. James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.
K. Rich. Art thou, indeed ?
TU Tyr. Prove me, my gracious lord.
K. Rich. Dar'st thou resolve tokill a friend of mine ?
Tyr. Please you ; but I had rather kill two enemies.
K. Rich. Why, then thou hast it; two deep ene-
mies,
Foes to my rest, and my sweet sleep's disturbers,
Are they that I would have thee deal upon :
Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower.
Tyr. Let me have open means to come to them,
And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them.
K. Rich. Thou sing'st sweet musick. Hark, come
hither, Tyrrel ;
Go, by this token :-Rise, and lend thine ear :
[
Whispers.
There is no more but so :-Say, it is done,
And I will love thee, and prefer thee for it.
Tyr. I willdispatch it straight. [Exit.
Re-enter BUCKINGHAM,

Buck. My lord, I have consider'd in my mind

That late demand that you did sound me in.
K. Rich. Well, let thatrest. Dorset is fled to Richmond.
Buck. I hear the news, my lord.
74 KING RICHARD 111. ActIV.
K.Rich. Stanley, he is your wife's son :-Well,
: look to it.
Buck . My lord, I claim the gift, my due by promise,
For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd;
The earldom of Hereford, and the moveables,
Which you have promised I shall possess.
K.Rich. Stanley, look to your wife ; if she convey
Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it.
Buck. What says your highness to my just request ?
K. Rich. I do remember me-Henry the sixth
Did prophesy, that Richmond should be king,
When Richmond was a little peevish boy.
Aking !-perhaps-
Buck. My lord
K. Rich. How chance, the prophet could not at that
time
Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him ?
Buck. Mylord, your promise for the earldom-
K. Rich. Richmond!-When last I was at Exeter,
The mayor in courtsy shew'd me the castle,
Andcall'd it
-Rouge-mont; at which name, I started ;
Because a bard of Ireland told me once,
Ishould not live long after I saw Richmond.
Buck. My lord-
K. Rich. Ay, what's o'clock ?
Buck. I am thus bold to put your grace in mind
Of whatyou promis'd me.
K. Rich. Well, but what's o'clock ?
Buck. Upon the stroke of ten.
: K. Rich. Well, let it strike,
Buck. Why let it strike?
K. Rich. Because that, like a Jack, thou keep'st
Betwixt thy begging and my meditation. (the stroke
I am not in the giving vein to-day..
Buck. Why, then resolve we whe'r you will, or no.
K. Rich. Thou troublest me ; I am notin the vein.
[Exit.
Buck. Is it even so ? repays he my deep service
With such contempt ? made I him king for this ?
O, let me think on Hastings ; and be gone
To Brecknock, while my fearful head is on. [ Exit.
 Act IV. KING RICHARD III. 75
;

SCENE III.
τ
EnterTYRREL. T

Tyr. The tyrannous and bloody act is done ;

The most archdeed of piteous massacre,
That ever yet this land was guilty of.
Dighton, and Forrest, whom I did suborn
To do this piece of ruthless butchery,
Albeitthey were flesh'd villains, bloodydogs,
Melting with tenderness and mild compassion,
Wept like two children, in their deaths sad story.
Othus, quoth Dighton, lay thegentle babes-
Thus, thus, quoth Forrest, girdling one another
Within their alabaster innocent arms :
Their lipswere
efour red roses on a stalk,
Which, in their summer beauty, kiss'deach other.
Abook of prayers on theirpillow lay;
Whichonce, quoth Forrest, almost chang'd my mind :
But, O, the devil there the villainstopp'd;
WhenDighton thus told on-que smothered
The most replenished sweet work of nature,
That, from theprime creation, e'er shefram'd.-
Hence both are gone with conscience and remorse,
They could not speak; and so I left them both,
To bear these tidings to the bloody king,
Enter King RICHARD,
Andherehe comes:-All health, my sovereign lord !
K. Rich. Kind Tyrrel ! and I happy in thy news ?
Tyr. Ifto have done the thing you gave in charge
Beget your happiness, be happy then,
-For it is done.
K. Rich. But didst thou see them dead ?
Tyr. I did, my lord,
K. Rich. Andburied, gentle Tyrrel ?
Tyr. The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them ;
But where, to say the truth, I do not know.
K. Rich. Come to me, Tyrrel, soon at after supper,
Whenthou shalt tell the process of their death.
Meantime, but think how I may do thee good,
Andbe inheritor of thy desire. 55404
76 KING RICHARD 11. Act IV.
Farewel, ' till then.
Tyr. I humbly take my leave. [Exit.
K. Rich. The son of Clarence have I pen'd up close;
His daughter meanly have I match'd in marriage ;
The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom,
And Anne my wife hath bid the world good night.
Now, for I know the Bretagne Richmond aims
At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter,
And, by that knot, looks proudly on the crown,
To her go I, a jolly thriving wooer.
Enter CATESBY.

Cates. My lord-
K. Rich. Good news or bad, that thou com'st inso
bluntly ?
Cates. Bad news, my lord : Morton is fled to Rich-
mond;
And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power increaseth..
K. Rich. Ely with Richmond troubles me more near,
Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength.
Come-I have learn'd, that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay ; 1

Delay leads impotent and snail-pac'd beggary :

Then fiery expedition be my wing,
Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king !
Go, muster men : my counsel is my shield;
We mustbe brief, when traitors brave the field. (Exit.
1.

SCENE IV. 1

Enter Queen MARGARET.

Q.Mar. So, now prosperity begins to mellow,
Anddrop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd,
To watch the waining of mine enemies.
A dire induction am I witness to,
Andwill to France ; hoping, the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black , and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret ! who comes
here?
 Act IV KING RICHARD IIR
. 77

Enter the Queen, and the Dutchess of YORK.

Queen. Ah, my poor princes ! ah, mytender babes ! T

My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets !

If yet your gentle souls fly in the air,
And be not fix'd in doom perpetual,
Hover about me with your airy wings,
And hear your mother's lamentation!
Q. Mar. Hover about her ; say, that right for right
Hath dimm'd your infant morn to aged night.
Dutch. So many miseries have craz'd my voice,
That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute.-
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead ?
Q. Mar. Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet,
Edward for Edward pays adyingdebt.
Queen. Wiltthou,OGod ! fly from such gentle lambs,
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
Whydidst thou sleep, when such a deed was done ?
Q. Mar. When holy Henry dy'd, and my sweetson ?
1 Dutch. Dead life, blind sight, poor mortal living
ghost,
Woe's scene, world's shame, grave's due by life
- Brief abstract and record of tedious days, [usurpid,
Rest thy unrest on England's lawful earth,
[Sitting down.
Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood Lauba
Queen. Ah, that thou wouldst as soon afford agrave,
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat;
Then would I hide mybones, not rest them herel
Ah, who hath any cause to mourn, but we ? ۱۲

[Sitting down by her.

"
Q. Mar. If ancient sorrow be most reverent,
Give mine the benefit of signiory, ..
And let my griefs frown on the upper hand.
[Sitting down with them.
If sorrow can admit society, 3.09
Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine : 14
I had an Edward, 'till a Richard kill'd him ;
Ihad a husband, 'till a Richard kill'd him
Thou had'st an Edward, 'till a Richard kill'd him ;
Thou had'st a Richard, 'till a Richard kill'd him. J

Dutch. I had aRichard too, and thou did'st killhims

78 KING RICHARD TIT. Act IV.
Ihad aRutland too, thou holp'st to kill him .
Q.Mar. Thou had'st a Clarence too, and Richard
kill'd him .
From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
Ahell-hound, that doth hunt us all to death :
The dog that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs, and lap their gentle blood ;
That foul defacer of God's handy-work :
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth,
That reigns in galled eyes of weeping souls,
Thy womb let loose, to chase us to our graves.-
Oupright, just, andtrue-disposing God,
How do I thank thee, that this carnal cur
11
Preys on the issue of his mother's body,
And makes her pue-fellow with others' moan !
Dutch. O Harry's wife, triumph not in my woes;
Godwitnesswith me, I have wept for thine.
Q. Mar. Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
Thy Edward he his dead, that kill'd my Edward;
Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward ;
Young York he is but boot, because both they
Match not the high perfection of my loss .
Thy Clarence he is dead, that stabb'd my Edward;
And the beholders of this tragic play,
The adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smother'd in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer;
Only reserv'd their factor, tobuy souls,
And send them thither: But athand, athand,
Ensues his piteous and unpitied end:
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray,
To have him suddenly convey'd fromhence :--
Cancel his bond oflife, dearGod, I pray,
That Imay live to say, The dog is dead!
Queen. O, thou didst prophesy, thetime would come,
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider, that foul bunch-back'd toad.
Q. Mar. I call'd thee then, vain flourish of my
fortune;
Icall'd thee then, poor shadow, painted queen ;
The presentation of but what I was,
Al Act IV. KING RICHARD III . 79
The flattering index of a direful pageant,
No One heav'd a high, to be hurl'd down below :
Amother only mock'd with two fair babes ;
Adream of what thou wast; a garish flag,
To be the aim of every dangerous shot ;
Asign of dignity, a breath, a bubble;
Aqueen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now ? where be thy brothers ?
Where be thy two sons ? wherein dost thou joy ?
Who sues, and kneels, and says-God save the queen?
Where be the bending peers that flatter'd thee ?
Where be the thronging troops that follow'd thee ?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art.
For happy wife, a most distressed widow ;
■ Forjoyful mother, one that wails the name ;
For one being su'd to, one that humbly sues :
For queen, a very caitiff crown'd with care :
For one that scorn'd at me, now scorn'd of me ;
For one being fear'd of all, now fearing one ;
For one commanding all, obey'd of none;
-1
Thus hath the course of justice wheel'd about,
And left thee but a very prey to time ;
Having no more but thought of what thou wert,
-To torture thee the more, being what thou art .
Thou didst usurp my place, Anddost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow ?
Now thy proud neck bears half my burden'd yoke ;
From which even here I slip my wearied head,
And leave the burden of it all on thee.
Farewel, York's wife-and queen of sad mischance
These English woes shall make me smile in France.
Queen. O'thou well skill'd in curses ! stay a while,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies .
Q. Mar. Forbear to sleep the night, and fast the
Compare dead happiness with living woe; [day:
Think that thy babes were fairer than they were ;
And he, that slew them, fouler than he is :
Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse ;
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.
Queen. My words are dull, O, quicken them with
thine!
H
80 KING RICHARD III. Act IV.
Q. Mar. Thy woes will make them sharp, and
pierce like mine. [ExitMARGARET.
Dutch. Why should calamity be full of words ?
Queen. Windy attornies to their client woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries !
Let them have scope : though what they do impart
Help nothing else, yet they do ease the heart.
Dutch. If so, then be not tongue-ty'd : go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let's smother
My damned son, that thy two sweet sons smother'd.
[Drum, within.
I hearhis drum-be copious in exclaims .
Enter King RICHARD, and his Train, marching.
K. Rich. Who intercepts me in my expedition ?
Dutch. O, she, that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursed womb,
Fromall the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done.
Queen. Hid'st thou that forehead with a golden
crown,
Where should be branded, if that right were right,
The slaughter of the prince that ow'd that crown,
And the dire death of my poor sons, and brothers ?
Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children ?
Dutch. Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother
And little Ned Plantagenet, his son ? [Clarence?
Queen. Where is the gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?
Dutch. Where is kind Hastings ?
K. Rich. A flourish, trumpets !-strike alarum,
drums !
Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women
Rail on the Lord's anointed: Strike, I say.-
[Flourish. Alarums.
Either be patient, and entreat me fair,
Orwith the clamorous report of war
Thus will I drown your exclamations.
Dutch. Art thou my son ?
K. Rich. Ay ; I thank God, my father, and yourself.
Dutch. Then patiently hear my impatience.
K. Rich. Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
That cannot brook the accent of reproof.
1
 Act IV. KING RICHARD III . 81
i
Dutch. O, let me speak .
K. Rich. Do, then; but I'll not hear.
Dutch. I will be mild and gentle in my words.
K. Rich. And brief, good mother ; for I am in haste.
Dutch. Art thou so hasty ? I have staid for thee,
God knows, in torment and in agony.
K. Rich. And came I not at last to comfort you ?
Dutch. No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well,
Thou cam'st on earth to make the earth my hell.
A grievous burden was thy birth to me ;
Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;
Thy school-days, frightful, desperate, wild, and fu-
rious;
Thy prime of manhood, daring, bold, and venturous ;
Thy age confirm'd, proud, subtle, sly, and bloody,
More mild, but yet more harmful,kind inhatred:
What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever grac'd me in thy company ?
K. Rich. Faith, none but Humphry Houre, that
call'd your grace
To breakfast once, forth of my company.
If I be so disgracious in your sight,
Let me march on, and not offend you, madam.-
Strike up the drum.
Dutch. I pr'ythee, hear me speak.
K. Rich. You speak too bitterly.
Dutch. Hear me a word ; 1

For I shall never speak to thee again.

K.Rich. So.
Dutch. Either thou wilt die,by God's just ordinance,
Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror :
Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish,
And never look upon thy face again.
Therefore, take with thee my most heavy curse ;
Which, in the day of battle, tire thee more,
Than all the complete armour that thou wear'st !
My prayers on the adverse party fight ;
And there the little souls of Edward's children
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies,
And promise them success and victory!
Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end;
Shame serves thy life, and doth thy death attend. [Exit.
82 KING RICHARD III. Act IV
.

Queen. Though far more cause, yet much less spirit

to curse
Abides in me ; I say amen toher.. [Going.
K. Rich. Stay, madam, I must speak a word with you.
Queen. I have no more sons of the royal blood
For thee to murder : for my daughters, Richard,
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens ;
And therefore level not to hit their lives .
K. Rich. You have a daughter call d-Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.
Queen. And must she die for this ? O, let her live,
And I'll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty !
Slander myself, as false to Edward's bed ;
Throw over her the veil of infamy :
So she may live unscarr'd of bleeding slaughter,
I will confess she was not Edward's daughter.
K. Rich. Wrong not her birth, she is of royal blood.
Queen. To save her life, I'll say she is not so.
K. Rich. Her life is safest only in her birth.
Queen. And only in that safety dy'd her brothers.
K.Rich. Lo, at their births good stars were op
posite.
Qucen. No, to their lives bad friends were contrary.
K. Rich. All unavoided is the doom of destiny.
Queen. True, when avoided grace makes destiny:
My babes were destin'd to a fairer death,
If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life.
K. Rich. You speak, as if that I had slain my
cousins.
Queen. Cousins, indeed; and by their uncle cozen'd
Ofcomfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life,
Whose hands soever lanc'd their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction :
Nodoubt the murderous knife was dull and blunt,
'Tillit was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
To revel in the entrails of my limbs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys ,
'Till that my nails were anchor'd in thine eyes ;
And I, in such a desperate bay of death,
Like a poor bark, of sails and tackling reft,
 Act IV. KING RICHARD IIL 93
Rush all to pieces on thy rockybosom.
K. Rich. Madam, so thrive I in my enterprize,
✓ And dangerous success of bloody wars,
As I intend more good to you and your's,
Than ever you or your's by me were harm'd!
Queen. What good is cover'd with the face ofheaven,
To be discover'd, that can do me good.
K. Rich. The advancement of your children, gentle
lady.
Queen. Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads,
R. Rich. No,to the dignity and height of fortune,
The high imperial type of this earth's glory.
Queen. Flatter my sorrows with report of it ;
Tell me, what state, what dignity, what honour,
Canst thou demise to any child of mine ?
K. Rich. Even all I have ? ay, and myself and all,
Will I withal endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs,
Which, thou supposest, I have done to thee.
? Queen. Be brief, lest that the process of thy kind-
Last longertelling than thy kindness' date. [ness
K. Rich. Then know, that, from my soul, I love
thy daughter.
Queen. Mydaughter's mother thinks it with hersoul.
K. Rich. What do you think ?
Queen. That thou dost love my daughter, from thy
soul :
So from thy soul's love, didst thou love her brothers ;
And from my heart's love, I do thank thee for it.
K. Rich. Be not so hasty to confound my meaning :
Imean, that with my soul I love thy daughter,
And do intend to make her queen of England.
Queen. Well then, who dost thou mean shall be her
king ?
K. Rich. Even he, that makes her queen; Who else
Qucen. What, thou ? [should be ?
K. Rich. I, even I : What think you of it, madam ?
Queen. How canst thou woo her ?
K. Rich. That I would learn of you,
As one being best acquainted with her humour.
H3
 KING RICHARD III. Act IV.
Queen. And wilt thou learn of me ?
K. Rich. Madam, with all my heart.
Queen. Send to her, by the man that slew her bro-
Apair of bleeding hearts ; thereon engrave, [thers,
Edward, and York ; then, haply, will she weep ;
Therefore present to her as sometime Margaret
Did to thy father, steep'd in Rutland's blood-
A handkerchief; which, say to her, did drain
The purple sap from her sweet brothers' bodies,
Andbid herwipe her weeping eyes withal.
If this inducement move her not to love,
Send her a letter of thy noble deeds ;
Tell her, thou mad'st away her uncle Clarence,
Her uncle Rivers ; ay, and, for her sake,
Mad'st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.
K. Rich. You mock me, madam ; this is not the way
To win your daughter.
Queen. There is no other way ;
Unless thou could'st put on some other shape,
And not to be Richard that hath done all this.
-K. Rich. Say, that I did all this for love of her ?
Queen. Nay, then indeed, she cannot choose but
hate thee,
Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.
K.Rich.
Men Look,
shall deal what is sometimes,
unadvisedly done, cannot[amended:
be now
Which after-hours give leisure to repent,
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends, I'll give it to yourdaughter.
If I have kill'd the issue of your womb,
To quicken your increase, I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter.
A grandam's name is little less in love,
Than is the doting title of a mother ;
They are as children, but one step below,
Even of your mettle, of your very blood ;
1 Of all one pain-save for a night of groans
Endur'd of her, for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
The loss, you have, is but-a son being king,
And,by that loss, your daughter is made queen.
 Act IV. KING RICHARD III. 85

I cannot make you what amends Iwould,

Therefore accept such kindness as I can.
Dorset your son, that, with a fearful soul,
Leads discontented steps in foreign soil,
This fair alliance quickly shall callhome
To high promotions and great dignity.
The king, that calls your beauteous daughter-wife,
Familiarly shall call thy Dorset-brother;
Again shall you be mother to a king,
And all the ruins of distressful times
Repair'd with double riches of content.
What! we have many goodly days to see :
The liquid drops of tears that you have shed,
Shall come again, transform'd to orient pearl ;
Advantaging their loan, with interest
ef Of ten times double gain of happiness.
Go then, my mother, to thy daughter go ;
Make bold her bashful years with your experience ;
Prepare her ears to hear a wooer's tale ;
Put inher tender heart the aspiring flame
Of golden sov'reignty ; acquaint the princess
With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys :
And when this arm of mine hath chastised
The pretty rebel, dull-brain'd Buckingham,
Bound with triumphant garlands will I come,
And lead thy daughter to a conqueror's bed;
To whom I will retail my conquest won,
And she shall be sole victress , Cæsar's Cæsar.
Queen. What were I best to say ? her father's brother
Would be her lord ? Or shall I say, her uncle ?
Or, he that slew her brothers, and her uncles ?
Under what title shall I woo for thee,
That God, the law, my honour, and her love,
Can make seem pleasing to her tender years ?
K. Rich. Infer fair England's peace by this alliance.
Queen. Which she shall purchase with still lasting
war.

K. Rich. Tell her, the king, that may command,

entreats,
Queen. That at her hands, which the king's King
forbids
.
K. Rich. Say, she shall be a high and mighty queen.
86 KING RICHARD II Act IV
.
Queen. To wail the title, as her mother doth.
K. Rich. Say, I will love her everlastingly,
Queen. Buthow long shall that title, ever, last ?
K. Rich. Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end.
Queen. But how long fairly shall her sweet life last ?
K. Rich. As long as heaven, and nature, lengthens it,
Queen. As long as hell, and Richard, likes of it.
K. Rich. Say, I, her sov'reign, am her subject low,
Queen. But she your subject loaths such sovreignty.
K. Rich. Be eloquent in my behalf to her.
Queen. An honest tale speeds best being plainly
told.
K. Rich. Then, in plain terms tell her my loving
tale,
Queen. Plain, and not honest, is too harsh a style.
K. Rich. Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.
Queen. O, no, my reasons are too deep and dead;-
Two deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves.
K. Rich. Harp not on that string, madam ; that is
past.
Queen. Harp on it still shall I, till heart-strings
break .
. Now, by my george, my garter, and my
K. Rich
crown-

Queen. Profan'd, dishonour'd, and the thirdusurp'd,

K. Rich. I swear.
Queen. By nothing ; for this is no oath.
The george, profan'd, hath lost his holy honour ;
The garter, blemish'd, pawn'd his knightly virtue ;
The crown, usurp'd, disgrac'd his kingly glory :
If something thou would'st swear to be believ'd,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wrong'd.
K. Rich. Now by the world-
Queen. 'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.
K. Rich. My father's death-
Qucen. Thy life hath that dishonour'd.
K. Rich. Then, by myself-
Queen. Thyself is self-mis-us -d, :

K. Rich. Why then, by heaven-

Queen. Heaven's wrong is most of all.
Ifthou didst fear to break an oath with heaven,
The unity, the king my husband made,

1
 Act IV. KING RICHARD III . 87
Had not been broken, nor my brother slain,
If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by him,
The imperial metal, circling now thy head,
M
Had grac'd the tender temples of my child ;
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, two tender bed-fellows for dust,
Thy broken faith hath made a prey for worms,
What can'st thou swear by now ?
K. Rich. By time to come.
Queen. That thou hast wronged in the time o'erpast ;
For I myself have many tears to wash
Hereafter time, for time past, wrong'd by thee.
The children live, whose parents thou hast slaughter'd
Ungovern'd youth, to wail it in their age :
The parents live, whose children thou hast butcher'd,
Old barren plants, to wail it with their age :
Swear not by time to come; for that thou hast
Mis-us'd ere us'd, by times ill-us'd o'er-past.
K. Rich. As I intend to prosper, and repent!
So thrive I in my dangerous attempt
Of hostile arms ! myself myself confound !
Heaven, and fortune, bar me happy hours !
Day, yield me not thy light; nor, night, thy rest!
Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceeding, if, with pure heart's love,
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter !
In her consists my happiness, and thine ;
Without her, follows to myself, and thee,
*Herself, the land, andmany achristian soul,
Death, desolation, ruin, and decay :
It cannot be avoided, but by this ;
It will not be avoided, but by this.
Therefore, dear mother (I must call you so)
Be the attorney of my love to her ;
Plead what I will be, not what I have been ;
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve;
Urge the necessity and state oftimes,
And be not peevish found in great designs ,
Queen. Shall I be tempted of the devil thus ?
K. Rich, Ay, if the devil tempt thee to do good,
Queen. Shall I forget myself, to be myself ?
88 KING RICHARD III . ActIV.
K. Rich. Ay, if your self's remembrance wrong
Queen. But thou didst kill my children. [yourself.
K. Rich. But in your daughter's womb I bury them:
Where, in that nest of spicery, they shall breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.
Queen. Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?
K. Rich. And be a happy mother by the deed.
Queen. I go. Write to me very shortly,
And you shall understand from me her mind.
K. Rich. Bear her my true love's kiss, and so fare-
wel. [Kissingher. Exit Queen.
Relenting fool, and shallow, changing-woman
How now ? what news ?

EnterRATCLIFF, and CATESBY.

Rat. Most mighty sovereign, on the western coast
Rideth a puissant navy ; to the shore
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarm'd, and unresolv'd to beat them back :
'Tis thought, that Richmond is their admiral ;
And there they hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham, to welcome them ashore.
K. Rich. Some light-foot friend post to the duke of
Norfolk ;-
Ratcliff, thyself-or Catesby ; where is he ?
Cates. Here, my good lord.
K. Rich. Catesby, fly to the duke.
Cates. I will, my lord, with all convenient haste.
K. Rich. Ratcliff, come hither : Post to Salisbury ;
When thou com'st thither-Dull unmindful villain,
[TO CATESBY.
Why stay'st thou here, and go'st not to the duke ?
Cates. First, mighty liege, tell me your highness'
pleasure,
What from your grace I shall deliver to him.
K. Rich. O, true, good Catesby ;-Bid him levy
straight
The greatest strength and power he can make,
And meet me suddenly at Salisbury.
Cates. I go. Exit.
[
Rat. What, may itplease you, shall I do at Salis-
bury?
Act IV. KING RICHARD III .. 89
K. Rich. Why, what would'st thou do there, before
Igo ?
Rat. Yourhighness told me, I should post before.
Enter Lord STANLEY.
K. Rich. My mind is chang'd.-Stanley, what news
with you ?
Stan. None good, my liege, to please you with the
Nor none so bad, but weli maybe reported. [hearing ;
K. Rich. Heyday, a riddle ! neither good, nor bad!
What need'st thou run so many miles about,
When thou may'st tell thy tale the nearest way ?
Once more, what news ?
Stan. Richmond is on the seas .
K. Rich. There let him sink, and be the seas on
him!
White-liver'd runagate, what doth he there ?
Stan. I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess .
K. Rich. Well, as you guess ?
Stan. Stirr'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and
Morton,
He makes for England, here to claim the crown.
K. Rich. Is the chair empty ? is the sword unsway'd ?
Is the king dead ? the empire unpossess'd ?
What heir of York, is there alive, but we ?
And who is England's king, but great York's heir ?
Then, tell me, what makes he upon the seas ?
Stan. Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.
K. Rich. Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot guess wherefore the Welchman comes.
Thou wilt revolt, and fly to him, I fear.
Stan. No, mighty liege ; therefore mistrust me not.
K. Rich. Where is thy power then, to beat him
Where be thy tenants, and thy followers ? [back ?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships ?
Stan. No, my good lord, my friends are in the
north. :

K. Rich. Cold friends to me : What do they in the

north,
When they should serve their sovereign in the west ?
Stan. They have not been commanded mighty king :
90 KING RICHARD III. Act IV.
7

Pleaseth your majesty togive me leave,

I'll muster up my friends ; and meet your grace,
Where, andwhat time, your majesty shall please.
K Rich. Ay, ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with
Richmond:
Bứt Pll not trust you, sir.
Stan. Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful ;
I never was, nor never will be false.
K. Rich. Well go, muster thy men. But, hear you,
leave behind
Your son, George Stanley : look your heart be firm,
Or else his head's assurance is but frail.
Stan. So deal with him, as I prove true to you.
[ExitSTANLEY.
Enter aMessenger.
Mes. My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertised,
SirEdward Courtney, and the haughty prelate,
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother,
With many more confederates, are in arms.
Enter anotherMessenger.
2. Mes. In Kent, my liege, the Guildford's are in
arms ;
Andeveryhourmore competitors
Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.
Enter another Messenger.
3Mes. My lord, the army of great Buckingham-
K.Rich. Out on ye, owls! nothing but songs of
death? [He strikes him.
There, take thou that, ' till thou bring better news.
3 Mes. The news I have to tell your majesty,
Is-that, by sudden floods and fall of waters,
Buckingham's army is dispers'd and scatter'd ;
And he himself wander'd away alone,
No man knows whither.
K. Rich. Oh, I cry you mercy :
There is my purse, to cure that blow of thine.
Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd
 Act IV. KING RICHARD III. 91

Reward to him that brings the traitor in ?

3Mer. Such proclamation hath been made, myliege.
Enter anotherMessenger.
4Mes. Sir Thomas Lovel, and lord marquis Dorset,
'Tis saidy my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms.
But this good comfort bring I to your highness-
The Bretagne navy is dispers'dby tempest:
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat
Unto the shore, to ask those on the banks,
If they were his assistants, yea, or no;
Who answered him,they came fromBuckingham
Uponhis party: he, mistrusting them,
Hois'd sail, and made his course again for Bretagne.
K. Rich. March on, march on, since we are up in
If not to fight with foreign enemies, [arms;
Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.
Enter CATESBY.

Cates. My liege, the duke ofBuckingham is taken,

That is the best news ; That the earl of Richmond
Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder news, but yet it must be told.
K. Rich. Away towards Salisbury ; while we reason
A royal battle mightbe won and lost;- [here,
Some one take order, Buckingham be brought
To Salisbury;-the rest march on with me. [ Exeunt.
SCENE V.

Lord STANLEY'S House. Enter Lord STANLEY, and

Sir CHRISTOPHER URSWICK.
Stan. Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from
me

That, inthe style ofthis mostbloody boar,

My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold;
If I revolt, off goes youngGeorge's head;
The fear of that with-holds my present aid.
Buttellme, where is princely Richmond now ?
Chris. At Pembroke, or at Ha'rford-west, inWales.
Stan. What men of name resort to him ?
Σ
92 KING RICHARD IH. ActV.

Chris. Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier ;

Sir Gilbert Talbot, and Sir William Stanley;.
Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, SirJames Blunt,
And Rice ap Thomas, with a valiant crew ;
Andmanyother of great name and worth :
And towards London do they bend their course,
Ifby the way they be not fought withal.
Stan. Well, hie thee to thy lord, commend me to
Tell him, the queen hath heartily consented [him;
He shall espouse Elizabeth her daughter.
These letters will resolve him of my mind.
Farewel. [
Exeunt.

! ACT V. SCENE I.

Salisbury. Enter the Sheriff, with BUCKINGHAM, led

to execution.

Buckingham.
WILLnot king Richard let me speak with him ?
Sher. No, my good lord ; therefore be patient.
Buck. Hastings, and Edward's children, Rivers, Grey,
Holy king Henry, and thy fair son Edward,
Vaughan, and all that have miscarried
Byunderhand corrupted foul injustice ;
If that your moody discontented souls
Do through the clouds behold this present hour,
Even for revenge mock my destruction !-
This is All-Souls' day, fellows, is it not ?
Sher. It is, my lord.
Buck. Why, then All-Souls' day, is my body's
doomsday !
This is theday, which, in king Edward's time,
I wish'd might fall on me, when I was found
False to his children, or his wife's allies ;
This is the day, wherein I wish'd to fall
By the false faith of him whom most I trusted ;
This, this All-Souls' day to my fearful soul,
Is the determin'd respite of my wrongs,
That high All-seer whom I dally'd with,.
Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head,
And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest.
‫با‬
ActV KING RICHARD 111. 93
Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men
To turn their own points on their masters' bosoms :
Thus Margaret's curse falls heavy on my neck-
When he, quoth, she, shall split thy heart with sorrow,
Remember Margaret was a prophetess.-
Come, sirs, convey me to the block of shame;
Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.
[Exeunt BUCKINGHAM, &c..
SCENE II.
E
Tamworth, on the Borders of Leicestershire. A Camp.
Enter HENRY Earl of RICHMOND, Earl of OXFORD,
Sir JAMES BLUNT, Sir WALTER HERBERT, and
others, with Drum and Colours.
Richm. Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends,
Bruis'd underneath the yoke of tyranny,
Thus far into the bowels of the land
Have we march'd on without impediment ;
And here receive we from our father Stanley
Lines of fair comfort and encouragement.
The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar,
That spoil'd your summer fields, and fruitful vines,
Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his
trough
In your embowell'd bosoms--this foul swine
Lies now even in the centre of this isle,
Near to the town of Leicester, as we learn :
From Tamworth thither, is but one day's march.
In God's name, cheerly on, courageous friends,
To reap the harvest of perpetual peace
By this one bloody trial of sharp war....
Oxf. Every man's conscience is a thousand swords,
To fight against that bloody homicide..
Herb. I doubt not, but his friends will turn tous.
Blunt. He hath no friends, but who are friends for
Which, in his dearest need, will fly from him. [fear;
Rich. All for our vantage. Then, in God's name,
march :

Truehope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings ;.....

Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.
[Exeunt,
94 KING RICHARD ILL. ActV.

SCENE 111.

Bosworth-field. Enter King RICHARD in Arms, with

the DukeofNORFOLK, Earl of SURREY, andothers.
K. Rich. Here pitch our tent, even here in Bos-
worth-field.-
My lord of Surrey, why look you so sad ?
Sur. My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.
K. Rich. My lord of Norfolk
Nor. Here, most gracious liege.
K.Rich. Norfolk, we must have knocks ; Ha ! must
we not?
Nor. We must both give and take, my loving lord.
K. Rich. Up with my tent : Here will I lie to-night ;
Butwhere, to-morrow ?-Well, all's one for that.-
Who hath descry'd the number ofthe traitors ?
Nor. Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.
K. Rich. Why, our battalia trebles that account :
Besides, the king's name is atower of strength,
Which they upon the adverse faction want.
Up with the tent. Come, noble gentlemen,
Letus survey the vantage of the ground;
Call for some men of sound direction :
Let's want no discipline, make no delay ;
For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day. [Exeunt.
Enter on the other Side of the Field, RICHMOND, Sir
WILLIAM BRANDON, OXFORD, DORSET, &c.
Richm. The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And, by the bright track of his fierycar,
Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow.
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.-
Give mesome ink and paper in my tent ;-
I'll draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several.charge,
Andpart injust proportion our smallpower.
My lord of Oxford-you, Sir William Brandon
And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me :-
The earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment;
GoodcaptainBlunt, bear my good night to him,
Andby the secondhour in the morning
ActV. KING RICHARD III . 25
Desire the earl to see me in my tent :
Yet one thingmore, good captain, do for me
Where is lord Stanley quarter'd, do you known ? 3
Blunt. Unless I have mista'en his colours much
(Which, well I am assur'd, I have not done),
His regiment lies half a mile at least
South from the mighty power of the king.
Richm. If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with
Andgive him from me this most needful note. [him,
Blunt. Upon my life, my lord, I'll undertake it ;
And so, God give you quiet rest to-night !
Rich. Good night, good captain Blunt. Come,
gentlemen,
Letus consult upon to-morrow's business;
Into my tent, the air is raw and cold.
[They withdraw into the Tent.
Enter, to his Tent, KingRICHARD, RATCLIFF, NOR
FOLK, and CATESBY,
K. Rich. What is't o'clock ?
Cates. It's supper-time, my lord;
It's nine o'clock .
K. Rich. I will not sup to-night.-
Give me some ink and paper.-
What, is my beaver easier than it was ?-
And all my armonr laid into my tent ?
Cates. It is, my liege ; and all things are in rea-
diness.
K. Rich. Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge ;
Use careful words, choose trusty centinels.
Nor. I go, my lord.
K. Rich. Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle
Norfolk.
Nor. I warrant you, my lord. [Exit.
K. Rich. Ratcliff
Rat. My lord ?
K. Rich.. Send out a pursuivant at arms
To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power
Before sun-rising, lest his son George fall
Intotheblind cave of eternalnight.-
13
96 KING RICHARD III. ActV.
Fill me a bowl of wine : -Give me a watch
[TO CATESBY.
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.
Ratcliff
Rat. My lord ?
K. Rich. Saw'st thou the melancholy lord Northum-
berland ?
Rat. Thomas the earl of Surrey, and himself,
Much about cock-shut time, from troop to troор,
Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers.
K. Rich. I am satisfy'd. Give me a bowl of wine:
I have not that alacrity of spirit,
Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.-
So, set it down. Is ink and paper ready ?
Rat. It is, my lord.
K. Rich. Bid my guard watch, and leave me.
About the mid of night, come to my tent
And help to arm me, Ratcliff-Leave me, I say.
[Exit RATCLIFF.
RICHMOND'S Tent opens, and discovers him, and his
Officers, &c. Enter STANLEY
Stan. Fortune and victory sit on thy helm !
Richm. Allcomfort that the dark night can afford,
Be to thy person, noble father-in-law !
Tell me, how fares our loving mother ?
Stan. I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond's good :
Somuch for that.-The silent hours steal on,
And flaky darkness breaks within the east.
Inbrief, for so the seasonbids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning ;
And put thy fortune to the arbitrement
Ofbloody strokes, and mortal staring war.
I, as Imay, (that which Iwould,Icannot),
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms :
But on thy side I may not be too forward,
Lest, being seen, thy tender brother George :
Be executed in his Father's sight.
Farewel : The leisure, and the fearful time
 Act V. KING RICHARD IIT.
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love,
And ample interchange of sweet discourse,
Which so long sundred friends should dwell upon ;
God give us leisure for these rites of love !
Oncemore, adieu:-Be valiant, andspeedwell !
Richm. Good lords, conduct him to his regiment :
A
I'll strive, with troubled thoughts to take a nap;
Lest leaden slumber peize me down to-morrow,
When I should mount with wings of victory :
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.
[Exeunt Lords, &c.
O Thou ! whose captain I account myself,
Look on my forces with a gracious eye ;
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
That they may crush down with a heavy fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries !
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in thy victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes;
Sleeping, and waking, O defend me still ? .. [Sleeps.
Enter theGhost of Prince EDWARD, Son to HENRY. the
Sixth.

Ghost. Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow !

[ToK.RICH.
Think, how thou stab'dst me in the prime of youth
At Tewksbury; Despair therefore, and die!-
Be cheerful, Richmond; for the wronged souls
[TO RICHM.A
Of butcher'd princes fight in thy behalf:
King Henry's issue, Richmond, comforts thee.
: Enter the Ghost ef HENRY the Sixth.
Ghost. When I was mortal, my anointed body
[To K. RICH .
By thee was punched full of deadly holes :
Think on the Tower, and me; Despair, and die ;
Henry the sixth bids thee despair, and die!
Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror ! [To RICHM.
Harry, that prophesy'd thou shouldst be king,
Doth comfort thee in thy sleep; Live, and flourish !
98 KING RICHARDILL ActV.

EntertheGhost of CLARENCE.
Ghost. Let mesit heavy on thy soul to-morrow !
[ToK. RICH.
I, that was wash'd to death with fulsome wine,
Poor Clarence, by thy guile betray'd to death !
To-morrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword; Despair, anddie !-
Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster,
[TORICHM.
Thewronged heirs of York do pray for thee;
Good angels guard thy battle ! Live, and flourish !
Enter the Ghost's of RIVERS, GREY, and VAUGHAN.
Riv. Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow,
[To K. RICH.
Rivers, that dy'd at Pomfret ! Despair, and die !
Grey. Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair !
[To K. RICH.
Vaugh. Think upon Vaughan; and, with guilty fear,
Let fall thy lance ! Despair, and die !-
[To K. RICH.
All. Awake! and think, our wrongs in Richard's
bosom
Willconquer him ;
-awake, and win the day !
[To RICHM.
Enter theGhost of LordHASTINGS.
Ghost. Bloodyand guilty, guiltily awake;
[To K. RICH.
And in a bloody battle end thy days!
Think on lord Hastings ; and despair, and die !-
Quiet untroubled soul, awake, awake ! [To RICHM .
Arm, fight, and conquer, for fair England's sake !
Enter theGhosts of the twoyoung Princes.
Ghost. Dream onthy cousins smother'd in the Tower;
Letus be lead within thy bosom, Richard, [ ToK. RICH.
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death !
Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair, and die!-
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace, and wake in
Joy; [TO RICHM.
At ActV. KING RICHARD 111 . 99
Good angels guard thee from the boar's annoy !
Live, and beget a happy race of kings !
! Edward's unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.
R
Enter the Ghost of Lady ANNE.
!
! Ghost. Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy
wife, [To K. RICH.
2- That never slept a quiet hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations :
Ras To-morrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword; Despair, and die!-
Thou, quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep;
[TO RICHM.
Dream of success and happy victory;
Thy adversary's wife doth pray forthee.
e
Enter theGhost of BUCKINGHAM.
sp Ghost. The first was I, that help'd thee to the crown ;
[TOK. RICH,
The last was I, that felt thy tyranny:
O, inthe battle thiuk on Buckingham,
And die interror of thy guiltiness !
Dream on, dream on, ofbloodydeeds anddeath;
Fainting, despair ; despairing, yield thy breath !-
Idy'd for hope, ere I could lend thee aid :
[TO RICHM.
But
‫ىلا‬
cheer thy heard, and be thou notdismay'd :
God, and good angels, fight on Richmond's side ;
AndRichard falls in height of all his pride.
RI [TheGhosts vanish.
K. RICHARD starts out of his Dream,
K. Rich. Give me another horse-bind up my
CE
wounds
! Have mercy, Jesu! Soft; Idid but dream. T

Ocoward conscience, how dost thou afflict me !

The lights burn blue. Is it notdead midnight ?
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
Whatdo I fear ? myself? there's none elseby :
Richard loves Richard ; that is, I amI.
Is there a murd'rer here ? No ;-Yes; I am :
Then fly-What, from myself? Great reason : Why ?
Lest I revenge. What ? Myself on myself?
100 KING RICHARD III. ActV.
I love myself. Wherefore ? for any good,
That I myself have done unto myself ?
O, no : alas, I rather hate myself,
For hateful deeds committed by myself..
I am a villain: Yet, I lie, I am not,
Fool, of thyself speak well :-Fool, do not flatter.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain,
Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree ;
Murder, stern murder, in the dir'st degree;
All several sins, all us'd in each degree,
Throng to the bar, crying all-Guilty ! guilty !
I shall despair-There is no creature loves me ;
And, if I die, no soul shall pitty me :
-
Nay, wherefore should they ? since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself.
Methought, the souls of all that I had murder'd
Came to my tent ; and every one did threat
To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard.
EnterRATCLIFF,
Rat. My lord
K. Rich. Who's there ?
Rat. My lord, 'tis I : The early village cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn ;
Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour.
K. Rich. O, Ratcliff, I have dream'd a fearfuldreaml
What thinkest thou ? Will our friends prove all true ?
Rat. No doubt, my lord.
K. Rich. Ratcliff, I fear, I fear-
Rat. Nay, goodmy lord, be not afraid ofshadows.
K. Rich. By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard,
Than can the substance often thousand soldiers,.
Armedin proof, and led by shållow Richmond.
It is not yet near day. Come, go with me
Under our tents ; I'll play the eaves-dropper,
To hear, if any mean to shrink from me.
[ Exeunt K.RICHARD, and RATCLIFF,
 Act V. KING RICHARD III. 101
1
RICHMOND wakes. Enter OXFORD, and others.
Lords. Good-morrow, Richmond.
Richm. 'Cry mercy, lords, and watchful gentlemen,
That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here.
Lords. How have you slept, my lord ?
Richm. The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding
That ever enter'd in a drowsy head, [dreams,
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought, their souls, whose bodies Richmond nur-
Came to mytent, and cry'd-On ! victory ! [der'd,
I promise you, my heart is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords ?
Lords. Upon the stroke of four.
Richm. Why, then 'tis time to arm, and give direc-
tion. [He advances to the Troops.
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon : Yet remember this-
God, and our good cause, fight upon our side :
The prayers of holy saints, and wronged souls,
Like high-rear'd bulwarks, stand before our faces ;
Richard except, those, whom we fight against,
Had rather have us win, than him they follow.
For what is he they follow ? truly, gentlemen ,
Abloody tyrant, and a homicide ;
1 One rais'd inblood, and one in blood establish'd ;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughter'd those that were the means to help
Abase foul stone, made precious by the foil him;
h Of England's chair, where he is falsely set :
One that hath ever been God's enemy :
Then, if you fight against God's enemy,
God will, injustice, ward you as his soldiers ;
Ifyou do sweat to put a tyrant down,
You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain ;
If you do fight againstyour country's foes,
Your country's fat shall pay your pains the hire ;
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors ?
If you do free your children from the sword,
102 KING RICHARD I11. ActV.
Your children's children quit it in your age.
Then, in the name of God, and all these rights,
Advance your standards, draw your willing swords :
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face;
Butif I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof..
Sound, drums and trumpets, boldly and chearfully,
God, and saint George ! Richmond, and victory!
[Exeunt.
Re-enterKingRICHARD, RATCLIFF, &c.
K. Rich. What said Northumberland, as touching
Richmond ?
Rat. That he was never trained up in arms.
K.Rich. He said the truth: And what said Surrey
then?
Rat. He smil'd and said, the better for our purpose.
K. Rich. He was i'the right; and so, indeed, it is.
Tell the clock there. Give me a kalendar.-
:
[Clock strikes.
Who saw the sun to-day?
Rat. Not I, my lord.
K. Rich. Then he disdains to shine; for, by the
He should have brav'd the east an hour ago : [book,
Ablack day it will be to somebody-
Ratcliff
Rat. Mylord ?
K. Rich. The sun will not be seen to-day;
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
Iwould, these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine to-day ! Why, what is that to me,
More than to Richmond ? for the self-same heaven
That frowns on me, looks sadly upon him.
Enter NORFOLK.
Nor. Arm, arm, my lord; the foe vaunts in the
field.

K. Rich. Come, bustle, bustle ;-Caparison my

horse;
Call up lord Stanley, bid him bring his power :-
Iwill lead forth my soldiers to theplain,
 Act V. KING RICHARD I11 .
‫هللا‬ 103
And thus my battle shall be ordered. '1
My foreward shall be drawn out all in length,
Consisting equally of horse and foot ;
Our archers shall be placed in the midst :
John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas earl ofSurrey,
Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.
They thus directed, we will follow
In the main battle ; whose puissance on eitherside
Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse.
This, and saint George to boot! What think'st
thou, Norfolk ?
Nor. A good direction, warlike sovereign-
This found I on my tent this morning. [ Giving a Scroll.
K. Rich. Jocky of Norfolk, be not too bold, [Reads,
ForDickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devised by the enemy. 1

Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge :

Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls ;
For conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe;
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law,
March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell ;
If not toheaven, then hand in hand to hell.-
What shall I say more than I have inferr'd ?
Remember whom you are to cope withal;-
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and run-aways,
A scum of Brittains, and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyed country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assur'd destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring you to unrest ;
You having lands, andblest with beauteous wives,
They would distrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them, but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Brittaine at our brother's cost ?
Amilk-sop, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow ?
Let's whip these stragglers o'er the seas again ;
Lash hence these over-weening rags of France,
These famish'd beggars, weary of their lives ;
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
For want ofmeans, poor rats, had hang'd themselves a
K
104 KING RICHARD III, ActV.
If we be conquer'd, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Brittains ; whom your fathers
Have intheirown land beaten, bobb'd, and thump'd,
And, on record, left them the heirs of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands ? lie with our wives ?
Ravish our daughters ?-Hark, I hear their drum.
Drum afar off
,
Fight, gentlemen of England ! fight, bold yeomen !
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head !
Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood ;
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves !
Enter aMessenger.
What says lord Stanley ? will he bring his power
Mes. My lord, he doth deny to come.
K. Rich. Off with his son George's head.
Nor. My lord, the enemy hath past the marsh ;
After the battle let George Stanley die.
K. Rich. A thousand hearts are great within my
Advance our standards, set upon our foes; [bosom ;
Our ancient word of courage, fair Staint George,
Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons !
Upon them! Victory sits on our helms, [Exeunt,
SCENE IV.

Another Part of the Field, Alarum. Excursions. Enter

CATESBY.

Cates. Rescue, my lord of Norfolk ! rescue ! rescue !

The king enacts more wonders than a man,
Daring and opposite to every danger;
Hishorse is slain, and all on foot he fights,
Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death :
Rescue, fair lord ! or else the day is lost!
Alarum. Entes KingRICHARD.
K. Rich. Ahorse ! a horse ! my kingdom for a horse !
Cates. Withdraw, my lord, I'll help you to a horse !
K. Rich. Slave, I have set my life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the dye :
I think, there be six Richmonds in the field;
Five have I slain to-day, instead of him :
 Act V. KING RICHARD III . 105

Ahorse! ahorse ! my kingdom for a horse ! [Exeunt.

Alarums. EnterKing RICHARD and RICHMOND; they
fight, RICHARD is slain.
Retreat, and Flourish. Enter RICHMOND, STANLEY ,
bearing theCrown, with divers other Lords,
Richm. God, and your arms, be prais'd, victoriou
Theday is ours, the bloody dog is dead. [friends,
Stan. Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit
Lo, here, these long-usurp'd royalties, [thee!
From the dead temples of this bloody wretch
Have I pluck'd off to grace thy brows withal;
- Wear it, enjoy it, and make use of it.
Richm , Great God of heaven, say, amen, to all!
But, tell me, is young George Stanley living ?
Stan. He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town ;
Whither, if it please you, we may now withdraw us.
Richm. What men of name are slain on either side ?
Stan. Johnduke of Norfolk, Walter lord Ferrers,
Sir Robert Brakenbury, and Sir William Brandon.
Richm. Inter their bodies as becomes their births.
Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled,
That in submission will return to us;
And then, as we have ta'en the sacrament,
We will unite the white rose and the red:
Smile heaven upon this fair conjunction,
That long hath frown'd upon their enmity !
C What traitor hears me, and says not-amen ?
England hath long been mad, and scarr'd herself;
The brother blindly shed the brother's blood,
The father rashly slaughter'd his own son,
The son, compell'd, been butcher to the sire :
All this divided York and Lancaster,
Divided, in their dire division.
O, now, let Richmond and Elizabeth ,
The true succeeders of each royal house,
6 By God's fair ordinance conjoin together ?
And let their heirs (God, if thy will be so),
Enrich the time to come with smooth-fac'd peace,
With smiling plenty, and fair prosperous days !
Abate the edge of traitors, gracious Lord,
106 KING RICHARD III . Act V.

That would reduce these bloody days again,

And make poor England weep in streams of blood !
Let them not live to taste this land's increase,
That would with treason wound this fair land's peace !
Now civil wounds are stopp'd, peace lives again ;
M
MUSEU
That she may long live here, God say-Amen !
[
Exeunt.

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