Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed

Henry VI, Part 3 (Octavo 1, 1595)

The Tragedie of Richard D. of
1330Who kild our tender brother Rutland,
And stabd our princelie father Duke of Yorke.
1335War. From off the gates of Yorke fetch downe the
Head, Your fathers head which Clifford placed there,
Insteed of that, let his supplie the roome.
Measure for measure must be answered.
Edw. Bring forth that fatall skrichowle to
our house,
1340That nothing sung to vs but bloud and death,
Now his euill boding tongue no more shall speake.
War. I thinke his vnderstanding is bereft.
Say Clifford, doest thou know who speakes to thee?
1345Darke cloudie death oreshades his beames of life,
And he nor sees nor heares vs what we saie.
Rich. Oh would he did, and so perhaps he doth,
And tis his policie that in the time of death,
He might auoid such bitter stormes as he
1350In his houre of death did giue vnto our father.
George. Richard if thou thinkest so, vex him with ea-
ger words.
Rich. Clifford, aske mercie and obtaine no grace.
Edw. Clifford, repent in bootlesse penitence.
1355War. Clifford deuise excuses for thy fault.
George. Whilst we deuise fell tortures for thy fault.
Rich. Thou pittiedst Yorke, and I am sonne to Yorke.
Edw. Thou pittiedst Rutland, and I will pittie thee.
George. Wheres captaine Margaret to fence you
now?
1360War. They mocke thee Clifford, sweare as thou wast
wont.
Rich. What not an oth? Nay, then I know hees dead,
Tis