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  • Title: Richard the Third (Quarto 1, 1597)
  • Editor: Adrian Kiernander

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Adrian Kiernander
    Peer Reviewed

    Richard the Third (Quarto 1, 1597)

    of Richard the third.
    Rat. What is it your highnes pleasure, I shall do at Salisbu- (ry,
    King. Whie? what wouldst thou doe there before I goe?
    3250Rat. Your highnes told me I should post before.
    King. My mind is changd sir, my minde is changd.
    How now, what newes with you?
    Enter Darbie.
    Dar. None good my Lord, to please you with the hearing,
    3255Nor none so bad, but it may well be told.
    King. Hoiday, a riddle, neither good, nor bad:
    Why doest thou runne so many mile about,
    When thou maist tell thy tale a neerer way.
    Once more, what newes?
    3260Dar. Richmond is on the Seas.
    King. There let him sinke, and be the seas on him,
    White liuerd runnagate, what doeth he there?
    Dar. I know not mightie Soueraigne, but by guesse.
    King. Well sir, as you guesse, as you guesse.
    3265Dar. Sturd vp by Dorset, Buckingham, and Elie,
    He makes for England, there to claime the crowne.
    King. Is the chaire emptie? is the sword vnswaied?
    Is the king dead?the Empire vnpossest?
    What heire of Yorke is there aliue but we?
    3270And who is Englands King, but great Yorkes heire, ?
    Then tell me, what doeth he vpon the sea?
    Dar. Vnlesse for that my liege, I cannot guesse.
    King Vnlesse for that, he comes to be your liege,
    You cannot guesse, wherefore the Welshman comes,
    3275Thou wilt reuolt, and flie to him I feare.
    Dar. No mightie liege, therefore mistrust me not.
    King Where is thy power then? to beate him backe,
    Where are thy tennants? and thy followers?
    Are they not now vpon the Westerne shore?
    3280Safe conducting, the rebels from their ships.
    Dar, No my good Lord, my friendes are in the North.
    King. Cold friends to Richard, what doe they in the North?
    When they should serue, their Soueraigne in the West.
    3285Dar. They haue not bin commaunded, mightie soueraigne.
    Please it your Maiestie to giue me leaue,
    Ile mu