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- Edition: Richard III
Richard the Third (Modern)
- Texts of this edition
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1[1.1]
Now is the winter of our discontent
43Here Clarence comes.
His majesty, tendering my person's safety, 48hath appointed
Upon what cause?
Because my name is George.
Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours;
Yea, Richard, when I know; for I protest
Why, this it is when men are ruled by women;
By heaven, I think there is no man is secured
Humbly complaining to her deity
I beseech your graces both to pardon me;
Even so? And please your worship Brakenbury,
With this, my lord, myself have nought to 102do.
Naught to do with Mistress Shore? I tell thee fellow,
What one, my lord?
Her husband, knave; wouldst thou betray me?
I beseech your grace 109 to pardon me and withal forbear
We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey.
We are the Queen's abjects and must obey.
1.1.110[He hugs Clarence.]
I will unto the King,
1.1.116[He weeps.]
1.1.118I know it pleaseth neither of us well.
Well, your imprisonment shall not be long:
I must perforce; farewell.
1.1.123Exit Clar[ence with Brakenbury and guards].
Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return,
Good time of day unto my gracious lord.
As much unto my good Lord Chamberlain.
With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must;
No doubt, no doubt, and so shall Clarence too,
More pity that the eagle should be mewed
What news abroad?
No news so bad abroad as this at home:
Now, by Saint Paul, this news is bad indeed;
He is.
Go you before and I will follow you.
1.1.172Exit.
172[1.2]
1.2.1173169Enter 174Lady Anne [in mourning, attended by Tressill and Barkley] with the hearse of [King Henry VI, carried by pallbearers, and guards bearing halberds].
Set down, set down your honorable load,
1.2.6[The hearse is set down.]
1.2.30[The pallbearers pick up the hearse.]
Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
What black magician conjures up this fiend
Villain, set down the corse or by Saint Paul
My lord, stand back and let the coffin pass.
1.2.41[A guard levels his halberd at Richard.]
Unmannered dog, 215stand thou when I command.
1.2.46[The hearse is set down.]
What? Do you tremble, are you all afraid?
Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
Foul devil, 227for God's sake hence and trouble us not,
1.2.59[She indicates, or uncovers, the dead body.]
Lady, you know no rules of charity,
Villain, thou knowest no law of God nor man:
But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
Oh wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
More wonderful when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man,
Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
By such despair I should accuse myself.
And by despairing shouldst thou stand excused
Say that I slew them not.
Why then they are not dead,
I did not kill your husband.
Why then he is alive.
Nay, he is dead, and slain by Edward's hand.
In thy foul throat thou liest. 274Queen Margaret saw
I was provokèd by her slanderous tongue
Thou wast provokèd by thy bloody mind
283Richard
I grant ye, yea.
Dost grant me, hedgehog? 285Then God grant me too
The fitter for the King of Heaven that hath him.
He is in heaven where thou shalt never come.
Let him thank me that holp to send him thi291ther,
And thou unfit for any place but hell.
Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.
Some dungeon.
Your bedchamber.
Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest!
So will it, madam, till I lie with you.
I hope so.
I know so; but gentle Lady Anne,
Thou art the cause (*of that most cursed effect.
Your beauty was the cause of that effect,
If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These eyes could never endure sweet beauty's wrack.
Black night overshade thy day, and death thy life.
Curse not thyself, fair creature, 319thou art both.
I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
It is a quarrel most unnatural
It is a quarrel just and reasonable
He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband
His better doth not breathe upon the earth.
Go to, he lives that loves you better than he could.
Name him.
Plantagenet.
Why that was he.
The self-same name, but one of better nature.
Where is he?
Here.
1.2.157She spit[s] at him.
Would it were mortal poison for thy sake.
Never came poison from so sweet a place.
Never hung poison on a fouler toad;
Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead.
I would they were, that I might die at once,
1.2.167[He weeps.]
1.2.179[Richard hands Anne his sword.]
Arise dissembler, though I wish thy death,
Then bid me kill myself and I will do it.
I have already.
Tush, that was in thy rage.
1.2.196[Richard takes up the sword and points it toward his heart.]
I would I knew thy heart.
'Tis figured in my tongue.
I fear me both are false.
Then never was man true.
Well, well, put up your sword.
Say then my peace is made.
1.2.207[Richard stands and sheathes the sword.]
That shall you know hereafter.
But shall I live in hope?
All men, I hope, live so.
Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
1.2.212[Richard offers Anne a ring.]
To take is not to give.
Look how this ring encompasseth thy finger:
What is it?
That it would please thee leave these sad designs
With all my heart, and much it joys me too
Bid me farewell.
'Tis more than you deserve:
1.2.238Exit [with Tressill and Barkley.]
Sirs, take up the corse.
1.2.240[The pallbearers take up the hearse.]
Towards Chertsey, noble lord?
No, to Whitefriars; there attend my coming.
1.2.280Exit.
461[1.3]
Have patience, madam, there's no doubt his majesty
In that you brook it ill, it makes him worse.
If he were dead, what would betide of me?
No other harm but loss of such a lord.
The loss of such a lord includes all harm.
The heavens have blessed you with a goodly son
Oh, he is young, and his minority
Is it concluded he shall be Protector?
It is determined, not concluded yet,
Here come the Lords of Buckingham and Stanley.
Good time of day unto your royal grace.
God make your majesty joyful as you have been.
The Countess Richmond, good my Lord of Stanley,
I do beseech you, either not believe
Saw you the King today, my Lord of Stanley?
But now the Duke of Buckingham and I
With likelihood of his amendment, lords?
Madam, good hope, his grace speaks cheerfully.
God grant him health! Did you confer with him?
Madam, we did. He desires to make atonement
Would all were well, but that will never be.
They do me wrong and I will not endure it!
To whom in all this presence speaks your grace?
To thee that hast nor honesty nor grace!
Brother of Gloucester, you mistake the matter.
I cannot tell, the world is grown so bad
Come, come, we know your meaning brother Gloucester.
Meantime God grants that we have need of you.
By him that raised me to this careful height
You may deny that you were not the cause
She may, my lord.
She may, Lord Rivers, why, who knows not so?
What, marry, may she?
What marry may she? Marry with a king,
My Lord of Gloucester, I have too long borne
[Aside] And lessened be that small, God I beseech thee;
What? Threat you me with telling of the King?
[Aside] Out, devil, 585I remember them too well.
Ere you were Queen, 589yea, or your husband King,
Yea, and much better blood 595than his or thine.
In all which time you and your husband Grey
A murderous villain, and so still thou art.
Poor Clarence did forsake his father Warwick,
Which God revenge.
To fight on Edward's party for the crown,
Hie thee to hell for shame and leave the world
My Lord of Gloucester, in those busy days,
If I should be? I had rather be a pedlar!
As little joy, my lord, as you suppose
A little joy enjoys the queen thereof,
Foul wrinkled witch, what mak'st thou in my sight?
But repetition of what thou hast marred,
The curse my noble father laid on thee
So just is God to right the innocent.
Oh, 'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe,
Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported.
No man but prophesied revenge for it.
Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.
What? Were you snarling all before I came,
Have done thy charm, thou hateful, withered hag.
And leave out thee? Stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me:
Margaret.
Richard.
1.3.236Richard
Ha?
I call thee not.
Then I cry thee mercy, for I had thought
Why so I did, but looked for no reply.
'Tis done by me, and ends in "Margaret".
Thus have you breathed your curse against yourself.
Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune,
False-boding woman, end thy frantic curse,
Foul shame upon you, you have all moved mine.
Were you well served, you would be taught your duty.
To serve me well, you all should do me duty.
Dispute not with her, she is lunatic.
Peace, Master Marquess, you are malapert,
Good counsel, marry, learn it, learn it, Mar733quess.
It toucheth you, my lord, as much as me.
Yea, and much more, but I was born so high;
And turns the sun to shade, alas, alas.
Have done, for shame if not for charity.
Urge neither charity nor shame to me;
Have done.
O princely Buckingham, I will kiss thy hand
Nor no one here, for curses never pass
I'll not believe but they ascend the sky
What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham?
Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.
What, dost thou scorn me 770for my gentle counsel
1.3.307Exit.
My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses.
And so doth mine; I wonder she's at liberty.
I cannot blame her, by God's holy mother.
I never did her any to my knowledge.
But you have all the vantage of this wrong.
A virtuous and a Christian-like conclusion
So do I ever, being well advised,
792[Speaks to himself]
Madam, his majesty doth call for you,
Catesby, we come. Lords, will you go with us?
Madam, we will attend your grace.
I do the wrong, and first began to brawl.
We are my lord, and come to have the warrant
It was well thought upon, I have it here about me.
1.3.352[Richard gives the executioner a warrant.]
Tush, fear not, my lord, we will not stand to prate;
Your eyes drop millstones when fools' eyes 831drop tears.
835[1.4]
Why looks your grace so heavily today?
Oh, I have passed a miserable night,
What was your dream? I long to hear you tell it.
Methoughts I was embarked for Burgundy,
Had you such leisure in the time of death
Methought I had, 873for still the envious flood
Awaked you not with this sore agony?
Oh no, my dream was lengthened after life.
No marvel, my lord, though it affrighted you.
O Brakenbury, I have done those things
I will, my lord, God give your grace good rest.
1.4.70[Clarence sleeps.]
I would speak with Clarence, and I came hi926ther on my legs.
Yea, are you so brief?
Oh sir, it is better to be brief than tedious.
1.4.85[The first executioner gives the commission to Brakenbury, who] reads it.
I am in this commanded to deliver
1.4.93[Exit.]
Do so, it is a point of wisdom.
What, shall I stab him as he sleeps?
No, then he will say it was done cowardly when he wakes.
When he wakes? Why, fool, he shall never wake till the judg942ment day.
Why, then he will say we stabbed him sleeping.
The urging of that word "judgment" hath bred a 945kind of remorse in me.
What? Art thou afraid?
Not to kill him, having a warrant for it, 948but to be damned for killing him, from which 949no warrant can defend us.
Back to the Duke of Gloucester, tell him so.
I pray thee stay a while, 954I hope my holy humor will change; 955'twas wont to hold me but while one would tell twenty.
1.4.104[He counts to twenty.]
How dost thou feel thyself now?
Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet with958in me.
Remember our reward when the deed is done.
Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward.
Where is thy conscience now?
In the Duke of Gloucester's purse.
So when he opens his purse to give us our reward, 964thy conscience flies out.
Let it go, there's few or none will 966entertain it.
How if it come to thee again?
I'll not meddle with it, it is a dangerous thing. It makes a man a coward: 969a man cannot steal but it accuses him; he cannot 970swear but it checks him; he cannot lie with his 971neighbor's wife but it detects him. It is a blushing 972shamefaced spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom: it 973fills one full of obstacles. It made me once restore a 974purse of gold that I found. It beggars any 975man that keeps it: it is turned out of all towns and cit976ies for a dangerous thing, and every man that means to 977live well endeavors to trust to himself, and to live with978out it.
Zounds, it is even now at my elbow persuading me not to 980kill the Duke.
Take the devil in thy mind and believe him not. 982He would insinuate with thee to make thee sigh.
Tut, I am strong in fraud, he cannot prevail with me, I warrant thee.
Spoke like a tall fellow that respects his reputation. 985Come, shall we to this gear?
Take him over the costard with the hilts of thy 987sword, and then we will chop him in the malmsey butt in 988the next room.
Oh, excellent device, make a sop of him.
Hark, he stirs, 991shall I strike?
No, first let's reason with him.
Where art thou, keeper, give me a cup of wine.
You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
In God's name, what art thou?
A man, as you are.
But not as I am, royal.
Nor you as we are, loyal.
Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
My voice is now the King's, my looks mine own.
How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak.
To, to, to. . .
To murder me?
You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,
Offended us you have not, but the King.
I shall be reconciled to him again.
Never, my lord, therefore prepare to die.
Are you called forth from out a world of men
What we will do, we do upon command.
And he that hath commanded is the King.
Erroneous vassal, the great King of Kings
And that same vengeance doth he throw on thee
And like a traitor to the name of God
Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.
How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us
Alas, for whose sake did I that ill deed?
Who made thee then a bloody minister
My brother's love, the devil, and my rage.
Thy brother's love, the devil and thy fault
Oh, if you love my brother, hate not me;
You are deceived, 1064your brother Gloucester hates you.
Oh no, he loves me, and he holds me dear.
Aye, so we will.
Tell him, when that our princely father York
Aye, millstones, as he lessoned us to weep.
Oh do not slander him for he is kind.
Right, as snow in harvest; 1075thou deceiv'st thyself.
It cannot be, for when I parted with him
Why so he doth, now he delivers thee
Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul
What shall we do?
Relent, and save your souls.
Relent, 'tis cowardly and womanish.
Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish.
1.4.221[to the second executioner]
1.4.227He stabs him [or hits him on the head with the hilt of his sword.]
Aye, thus, and thus: if this will not serve,
1.4.229[Exit with the wounded or unconscious Clarence.]
A bloody deed and desperately performed.
1.4.233[The first executioner re-enters.]
Why dost thou not help me?
I would he knew that I had saved his brother.
1.4.239Exit.
So do not I; go, coward as thou art.
1.4.245[Exit].
1119[2.1]
2.1.11120[Flourish.] 11211036Enter King [Edward, sick], Queen [Elizabeth], Hastings, Rivers, 1122Dorset, 1123[Buckingham and others].
So, now I have done a good day's work.
By heaven, my heart is purged from grudging hate,
2.1.12[Rivers and Hastings clasp each other by the hand.]
So thrive I as I truly swear the like.
Take heed you dally not before your King
So prosper I, as I swear perfect love.
And I, as I love Hastings with my heart.
Madam, yourself are not exempt in this,
2.1.25[She offers Hastings her hand to kiss.]
Here, Hastings, I will never more remember
This interchange of love I here protest
And so swear I, my lord.
2.1.31[Hastings and Dorset embrace.]
Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou this league
Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate
2.1.44[Buckingham embraces Rivers and Dorset.]
A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham,
And in good time 1170here comes the noble Duke.
Good morrow to my sovereign King and Queen,
Happy indeed as we have spent the day:
A blessèd labor, my most sovereign liege;
A holy day shall this be kept hereafter.
Why madam, have I offered love for this,
2.1.84[They all start.]
Who knows not he is dead? 1208Who knows he is?
All seeing heaven, what a world is this?
Look I so pale, Lord Dorset, as the rest?
Aye my good lord, and no one in this presence
Is Clarence dead! The order was reversed.
But he, poor soul, by your first order died,
loyal,
A boon, my sovereign, for my service done.
I pray thee, peace, my soul is full of sorrow.
I will not rise unless your highness grant.
Then speak at once, what is it thou demand'st.
The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life
Have I a tongue to doom my brother's death
[Stanley rises.]
2.1.140[He] exit[s, followed by Queen Elizabeth, Hastings, Rivers, Dorset and Stanley. Richard and Buckingham remain.]
This is the fruit of rashness. Marked you not
1270[2.2]
Tell me, good granam, is our father dead?
No, boy.
Why do you wring your hands and beat your breast
Why do you look on us and shake your head
My pretty cousins, you mistake me much.
Then granam, you conclude that he is dead.
Peace, children, peace, the King doth love you well.
Granam we can: for my good uncle Gloucester
Oh, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes,
Think you my uncle did dissemble, granam?
Aye, boy.
I cannot think it -- [Wailing within] Hark, what noise is this?
Oh, who shall hinder me to wail and weep,
What means this scene of rude impatience?
To make an act of tragic violence:
Ah, so much interest have I in thy sorrow
Good aunt, you wept not for our father's death;
Our fatherless distress was left unmoaned,
Give me no help in lamentation;
Oh, for our father, for our dear Lord Clarence.
Alas for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence.
What stay had I but Edward, and he is gone?
What stay had we but Clarence, and he is gone?
What stays had I but they, and they are gone?
Was never widow had so dear a loss.
Was never orphans had a dearer loss.
Was never mother had a dearer loss.
Madam, have comfort, all of us have cause
God bless thee, and put meekness in thy mind,
Amen, [He stands.] [Aside] and make me die a good old man;
You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers
Then it be so, and go we to determine
With all our hearts.
My lord, whoever journeys to the Prince,
My other self, my counsel's consistory,
2.2.128[Exeunt.]
1431[2.3]
Neighbor well met, whither away so 1435fast?
I promise you, I scarcely know myself.
Hear you the news abroad?
Aye, that the King is dead.
Bad news by'rlady, seldom comes the better;
Good morrow neighbors.
It doth.
No no, by God's good grace his son shall reign.
In him there is a hope of government
So stood the state when Harry the Sixth
Stood the state so? No, good my friend, not so,
So hath this, both by the father and mother.
Better it were they all came by the father,
Come, come, we fear the worst, all shall be well.
When clouds appear, wise men put on their cloaks;
Truly the souls of men are full of dread.
Before the times of change still is it so.
We are sent for to the justice.
And so was I, I'll bear you company.
2.3.51Exeunt.
1485[2.4]
Last night I hear they lay at Northampton.
I long with all my heart to see the Prince;
But I hear no, they say my son of York
Aye mother, but I would not have it so.
Why, my young cousin, it is good to grow.
Grandam, one night as we did sit at supper,
Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold
Why, madam, so no doubt he is.
I hope so too, but [yet] let mothers doubt.
Now, by my troth, if I had been remembered
How, my pretty York? 1514I pray thee let me hear it.
Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast
I pray thee pretty York, who told thee so?
Granam, his nurse.
His nurse? Why she was dead ere thou wert born.
If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.
A perilous boy, go to, you are too shrewd.
Good madam, be not angry with the child.
Pitchers have ears.
Here comes your son, Lord Marquess Dorset.
Such news, my lord, as grieves me to unfold.
How fares the Prince?
Well, madam, and in health.
What is thy news then?
Lord Rivers and Lord Grey 1533are sent to Pomfret,
Who hath committed them?
The mighty Dukes, Gloucester and Buckingham.
For what offence?
The sum of all I can I have disclosed.
Aye me, I see the downfall of our House;
Accursèd and unquiet wrangling days,
Come, come, my boy, we will to sanctuary.
I'll go along with you.
You have no cause.
My gracious lady, go,
2.4.80Exeunt.
1568[3.1]
3.1.115691423The trumpets sound. 1570Enter young Prince [Edward], the Dukes of Glocester and Buckingham, 1571Cardinal [Bourchier], [Catesby and others].
Welcome, sweet Prince, to London, 1573to your chamber.
Welcome dear cousin, my thought's sovereign;
No, uncle, but our crosses on the way
Sweet Prince, the untainted virtue of your years
God keep me from false friends, 1589but they were none.
My lord, the Mayor of London comes to greet 1591you.
God bless your grace with health and 1594happy days.
I thank you, good my lord, and thank you all.
And in good time, here comes the sweating 1602lord.
Welcome my lord. What, will our mother 1604come?
On what occasion, God he knows, not I,
Fie, what an indirect and peevish course
My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory
You are too senseless-obstinate my lord,
My lord you shall overrule my mind for once.
I go my lord. [Exeunt Hastings and the Cardinal.]
Good lords, make all the speedy haste you may.
Where it seems best unto your royal self.
I do not like the Tower of any place.
He did, my gracious lord, begin that place
Is it upon record, or else reported
Upon record my gracious lord.
But say, my lord, it were not registered,
[Aside] So wise so young, they say, do never live long.
What say you, uncle?
I say, without characters fame lives long.
That Julius Caesar was a famous man;
What, my gracious lord?
And if I live until I be a man
[Aside] Short summers lightly have a forward spring.
Now in good time, here comes the Duke of 1676York.
Richard of York, how fares our loving bro1678ther?
Well, my dread lord, so must I call you now.
Aye, brother, to our grief as it is yours;
How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York?
I thank you, gentle uncle. Oh, my lord,
He hath, my lord.
And therefore is he idle?
Oh, my fair cousin, I must not say so.
Then he is more beholding to you than I.
He may command me as my sovereign,
I pray you uncle, give me this dagger.
My dagger, little cousin, with all my heart.
A beggar, brother?
Of my kind uncle that I know will give,
A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin.
A greater gift, oh, that's the sword to it.
Aye, gentle cousin, were it light enough.
Oh, then I see you will part but with light gifts;
It is too heavy for your grace to wear.
I weigh it lightly, were it heavier.
What, would you have my weapon, little lord?
I would, that I might thank you as you 1707call me.
How?
My Lord of York will still be cross in talk;
You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me:
[Aside]
With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons:
My lord, will't please you pass along?
[To Prince Edward] What, will you go unto the Tower, my lord?
My Lord Protector needs will have it so.
I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower.
Why, what should you fear?
Marry, my uncle Clarence' angry ghost.
I fear no uncles dead.
Nor none that live, I hope.
And if they live, I hope I need not fear.
3.1.15617351577Exeunt Prin[ce Edward], [Duke of] Yor[k, Cardinal,] Hast[ings, and Mayor]. 1736Rich[ard], Buck[ingham and Catesby remain].
Think you, my lord, this little prating York
No doubt, no doubt, oh, 'tis a perilous boy,
Well, let them rest. Come hither, Catesby.[Catesby approaches Richard and Buckingham.]
He for his father's sake so loves the Prince
What thinkest thou then of Stanley, 1754what will he?
He will do all in all as Hastings doth.
Well then, no more but this:
Commend me to Lord William, tell him Catesby,
Good Catesby, effect this business soundly.
My good lords both, with all the heed I may.
Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?
You shall my lord.
At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both.
Now my lord, 1781what shall we do if we perceive
Chop off his head, man -- 1784somewhat we will do;
I'll claim that promise at your grace's hands.
And look to have it yielded with all willingness.
1793[3.2]
[Knocking at the door.]What ho, my lord.
[Within.] Who knocks at the door?
A messenger from the Lord Stanley.
What's o'clock?
Upon the stroke of four.
Cannot thy master sleep these tedious 1802nights?
So it should seem by that I have to say:
And then?
And then he sends you word
Go fellow, go, return unto thy lord,
My gracious lord, I'll tell him what you say.
Many good morrows to my noble lord.
Good morrow Catesby, you are early stirring;
It is a reeling world indeed, my lord,
How? Wear the garland? 1840Dost thou mean the crown?
Aye, my good lord.
I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders
Upon my life, my lord, and hopes to find you forward
Indeed I am no mourner for that news
God keep your lordship in that gracious 1856mind.
But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence
What, my lord?
1686Hastings
Ere a fortnight make me elder
'Tis a vile thing to die my gracious lord
Oh, monstrous, monstrous, and so falls it out
The Princes both make high account of you,
I know they do, and I have well deserved it.
My lord, good morrow; good morrow Catesby.
My lord I hold my life as dear as you do yours,
The lords at Pomfret when they rode from London
I go -- 1891but stay, hear you not the news?
They for their truth might better wear their heads
Go you before, I'll follow presently.
Well met Hastings, how goes the world with thee?
The better that it please your lordship to ask.
I tell thee fellow, 'tis better with me now
God hold it to your Honor's good content.
Gramercy Hastings -- hold, spend thou that.
God save your lordship!
3.2.115[Exit pursuivant.]
What Sir John, you are well met,
How now Lord Chamberlain, what, talking with a priest?
Good faith, and when I met this holy man
I do, but long I shall not stay;
'Tis like enough, for I stay dinner there.
[Aside] And supper too, although thou knowest it not.
1932[3.3]
3.3.11933Enter Sir Richard Ratcliffe [and guards], with the lords Rivers, 19341749Grey and Vaughan, prisoners.
Come, bring forth the prisoners.
Sir Richard Ratcliffe, let me tell thee this:
God keep the Prince from all the pack of you:
O Pomfret, Pomfret, O thou bloody prison,
Now Margaret's curse is fallen upon our heads
Then cursed she Hastings, 1953then cursed she Buckingham:
Come, come, dispatch, the limit of your lives is out.
Come Grey, come Vaughan, let us all embrace
1963[3.4]
3.4.119641773Enter the lords to Council, [including Hastings, Buckingham, Stanley and the Bishop of Ely, at a table].
My lords, at once the cause why we are met
Are all things fitting for that royal time?
It is, and wants but nomination.
Tomorrow then I guess a happy time.
Who knows the Lord Protector's mind herein?
Why you, my lord; methinks you should soonest know his 1976mind.
Who I, my lord? We know each other's faces,
I thank his grace, I know he loves me well,
Now in good time, here comes the Duke himself.
My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow,
Had not you come upon your cue, my lord,
Than my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder:
I thank your grace.
My Lord of Ely.
3.4.35Ely
My lord?
When I was last in Holborn
I go, my lord.
Cousin Buckingham, a word with you.
3.4.42[They move aside.]
Withdraw you hence, my lord, I'll follow you.
We have not yet set down this day of triumph.
Where is my Lord Protector? 2018I have sent for these strawberries.
His grace looks cheerfully and smooth today;
What of his heart perceive you in his face
Marry, that with no man here he is offended,
I pray God he be not, I say.
I pray you all, what do they deserve
The tender love I bear your grace, my lord,
Then be your eyes the witness of this ill:
If they have done this thing, my gracious lord --
If! Thou protector of this damnèd strumpet,
Woe, woe for England, not a whit for me,
Dispatch, my lord, the Duke would be at dinner:
O momentary state of worldly men
The table is removed.
2081.1[3.5]
Come cousin, 2085canst thou quake and change thy color?
Tut, fear not me.
Here comes the Mayor.
Let me alone to entertain him. 2099Lord Mayor --
Look to the drawbridge there!
The reason we have sent for you --
3.5.18Richard
Hark, I hear a drum!
Look back, defend thee, here are enemies!
God and our innocence defend us!
Oh, oh, be quiet, it is Catesby.
Here is the head of that ignoble traitor,
3.5.27[Gives the head to Richard.]
So dear I loved the man that I must weep:
3.5.29[He weeps.]
3.5.33[Shows, or gives, the head to the Mayor.]
Well, well, he was the covertest sheltered traitor
What, had he so?
What? Think you we are Turks or Infidels,
Now fair befall you, he deserved his death,
Yet had not we determined he should die
But, my good lord, your grace's word shall serve
And to that end we wished your lordship here
But since you come too late of our intents,
After, after, cousin Buckingham,
Fear not, my lord, I'll play the orator,
If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle
About three or four o'clock look to hear
Now will I in to take some privy order
3.5.114[Exeunt Richard and Catesby.]
2197.1[3.6]
3.6.15Exit.
2212.1[3.7]
How now, my lord, what say the citizens?
Now by the holy mother of our Lord,
Touched you the bastardy of Edward's children?
I did, with the insatiate greediness of his desires,
Ah, and did they so?
No, so God help me,
What tongueless blocks were they, 2256would they not speak?
No, by my troth, my lord.
Will not the Mayor then and his brethren come?
The Mayor is here at hand, intend some fear,
Fear not me, if thou canst plead as well for them
You shall see what I can do, get you up to the leads.
3.7.52Exit [Richard.]
My lord, he doth entreat your grace
Return, good Catesby, to thy lord again,
I'll tell him what you say, my lord.
3.7.69Exit.
Aha, my lord, this Prince is not an Edward;
Marry, God forbid his grace should say us 2298nay.
I fear he will -- How now Catesby,
My lord, he wonders to what end you have assembled
Sorry I am my noble cousin should
3.7.91Exit Catesby.
See where he stands between two clergy2315men.
Two props of virtue for a Christian prince
3.7.103[Re-enter Catesby.]
My lord, there needs no such apology.
Even that I hope which pleaseth God above
I do suspect I have done some offense
You have, my lord, 2335would it please your grace
Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land?
Then know it is your fault that you resign
I know not, whether to depart in silence
My lord, this argues conscience in your grace,
Do, good my lord, your citizens entreat you.
Oh, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit.
Alas, why would you heap these cares on me?
If you refuse it, as in love and zeal
Oh, do not swear, my Lord of Buckingham.
Call them again, my lord, and accept their suit.
Do, good my lord, lest all the land do rue it.
Would you enforce me to a world of care?
3.7.0.1[Exit Catesby.]
I am not made of stones
God bless your grace, we see it, and will 2459say it.
In saying so, you shall but say the truth.
Then I salute you with this kingly title:
Amen.
Tomorrow will it please you to be crowned?
Even when you will, since you will have it so.
Tomorrow then we will attend your grace.
Come, let us to our holy task again --
3.7.235Exeunt.
2470[4.1]
4.1.124712225Enter [Elizabeth the ]Queen Mother, Duchess of York, Marquess Dorset, at one door, [Anne] Duchess of Gloucest[er] at another door.
Who meets us here, 2474my niece Plantagenet?
Sister well met; whither away so fast?
No farther than the Tower, and as I guess
Kind sister thanks, we'll enter all together,
Well, madam, and in health, but by your leave
The King? Why, who's that?
I cry you mercy, I mean the Lord Protector.
The Lord protect him from that kingly title.
I am their father's mother, I will see 2499them.
Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother;
I do beseech your graces all to pardon me:
Let me but meet you ladies an hour hence,
Oh, cut my lace asunder, that my pent heart
Madam, have comfort, how fares your 2517grace?
Oh, Dorset, speak not to me, get thee hence;
Full of wise care is this your counsel, madam --
O ill-dispersing wind of misery,
[To Anne] Come, madam, I in all haste was sent.
And I in all unwillingness will go.
Alas, poor soul, I envy not thy glory;
No. When he that is my husband now
Alas poor soul, I pity thy complaints.
No more than from my soul I mourn for 2569yours.
[To Anne] Farewell, thou woeful welcomer of glory.
[To Elizabeth] Adieu poor soul, thou tak'st thy leave 2572of it.
[To Dorset] Go thou to Richmond, and good fortune guide thee;
2587[4.2]
4.2.125882318[A throne is set forth.] The trumpets sound. Enter Richard crowned, 2589Buckingham, Catesby, with other nobles [and a page boy].
Stand all apart!
4.2.3[The courtiers stand back.]
Cousin of Buckingham,
4.2.5Here he ascends the throne[, assisted by Buckingham].
Still live they, and for ever may they last.
Oh, Buckingham, now do I play the touch
Say on, my gracious sovereign.
Why, Buckingham, I say I would be king.
Why so you are, my thrice renownèd liege.
Ha! Am I king? 'Tis so, but Edward lives.
True, noble Prince.
Oh, bitter consequence
Your grace may do your pleasure.
Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness freezeth;
Give me some breath, some little pause, my lord
4.2.30Exit.
[Quietly] The King is angry, see, he bites the lip.
[Aside] I will converse with iron-witted fools
4.2.36[A page approaches the throne.]
High reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.
My lord.
Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold
My lord, I know a discontented gentleman
What is his name?
His name, my lord, is Tyrrel.
Go call him hither presently.
My lord, I hear the Marquess Dorset
4.2.58[Richard dismisses Stanley, who retreats.]
Catesby.
4.2.60Catesby
[Approaching King Richard.] My lord.
Rumor it abroad
4.2.70[Exit Catesby.]
4.2.71for it stands me much upon
James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.
Art thou indeed?
Prove me my gracious sovereign.
Dar'st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?
Aye, my lord, 2667but I had rather kill two enemies.
Why, there thou hast it, two deep enemies,
Let me have open means to come to them
Thou sing'st sweet music. 2675Come hither Tyrrel,
4.2.92[Tyrrel moves closer to King Richard and kneels; Richard gives him a token.]
4.2.93[Tyrrel stands; Richard] whispers in his ear.
'Tis done, my gracious lord.
Shall we hear from thee, Tyrrel, ere we sleep?
Ye shall, my lord.
4.2.100[Exit.]
My lord, I have considered in my mind
Well, let that pass. Dorset is fled to Richmond.
I hear that news, my lord.
Stanley, he is your wife's son. Well, look 2686to it.
My lord, I claim your gift, my due by promise
Stanley, look to your wife; if she convey
What says your highness to my just demand?
As I remember, Henry the Sixth
4.2.118Buckingham
My lord.
How chance the prophet could not at that time
My lord, your promise for the Earldom.
Richmond. When last I was at Exeter
My lord.
Aye, what's o'clock?
I am thus bold to put your grace in mind
Well, but what's o'clock?
Upon the stroke of ten.
Well, let it strike.
Why let it strike?
Because that like a Jack thou keep'st the stroke
Why then, resolve me whether you will or no!
Tut, tut, thou troublest me, I am not in the vein.
4.2.140Exit[. All follow except Buckingham].
Is it even so, reward'st he my true service
4.2.144Exit.
2703.1[4.3]
The tyrannous and bloody deed is done,
Kind Tyrrel, am I happy in thy news?
If to have done the thing you gave in charge
But didst thou see them dead?
I did, my lord.
And buried, gentle Tyrrel?
The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them,
Come to me Tyrrel soon, at after-supper
My lord.
Good news or bad that thou com'st in so 2755bluntly?
Bad news my lord, Ely is fled to Richmond,
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near
[The throne is taken away.]
2769[4.4]
So, now prosperity begins to mellow
Ah, my young princes, ah, my tender babes!
[Aside] Hover about her, say that right for right
Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs
[Aside] When Holy Harry died, and my sweet son.
Blind sight, dead life, poor mortal living ghost,
O that thou wouldst as well afford a grave
So many miseries have crazed my voice
[Sitting on the ground]
[Coming forward.] If ancient sorrow be most reverent
I had a Richard too, and thou didst kill him;
Thou had'st a Clarence too, 2817and Richard killed him:
Oh, Harry's wife, triumph not in my woes,
Bear with me, I am hungry for revenge
Oh, thou didst prophesy the time would come
I called thee then vain flourish of my fortune,
Oh, thou well skilled in curses, stay a while
Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days,
My words are dull, oh, quicken them with thine.
Thy woes will make them sharp, 2897and pierce like mine.
4.4.122Exit Mar[garet].
Why should calamity be full of words?
Windy attorneys to your client woes
If so, then be not tongue-tied, go with me,
4.4.132[Offstage drumming is heard.]
4.4.13429082638Enter K[ing] Richard [with attendants, including Catesby,] marching with drums and trumpets.
Who intercepts my expedition?
A she, that might have intercepted thee
Hid'st thou that forehead with a golden crown
Thou toad, thou toad, 2919where is thy brother Clarence?
Where is kind Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Gray?
A flourish, trumpets! strike alarum, drums!
Art thou my son?
Aye, I thank God, my father and yourself.
Then patiently hear my impatience.
Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
I will be mild and gentle in my speech.
And brief, good mother, for I am in haste.
Art thou so hasty? I have stayed for thee,
And came I not at last to comfort you?
No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well:
Faith none but Humphrey hour, 2953 that called your grace
Oh hear me speak, for I shall never see thee more.
Come, come, you are too bitter.
Either thou wilt die by God's just ordinance
4.4.191Exit.
Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
Stay, madam, I must speak a word with you.
I have no more sons of the royal blood
You have a daughter called Elizabeth,
And must she die for this? Oh, let her live
Wrong not her birth, she is of royal blood.
To save her life, I'll say she is not so.
Her life is only safest in her birth.
And only in that safety died her brothers.
Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.
No, to their lives bad friends were contrary.
All unavoided is the doom of destiny.
True, when avoided grace makes destiny;
Madam, so thrive I in my 3016dangerous attempt of hostile arms,
What good is covered with the face of heaven
The advancement of your children, mighty lady.
Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads.
No, to the dignity and height of honor,
Flatter my sorrows with report of it:
Even all I have, yea, and myself and all
Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Then know 3036that from my soul I love thy daughter.
My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul.
What do you think?
That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul;
Be not so hasty to confound my meaning;
Say then, who dost thou mean shall be her King?
Even he that makes her Queen; 3047who should be else?
What, thou?
Aye, even I; what think you of it, madam?
How canst thou woo her?
That would I learn of you,
And wilt thou learn of me?
Madam, with all my heart.
Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
Come, come, you mock me, this is not the way
There is no other way
Infer fair England's peace by this alliance.
Which she shall purchase with still-lasting war.
Say that the King, which may command, entreats.
That, at her hands, which the King's King forbids.
Say she shall be a high and mighty Queen.
To wail the title, as her mother doth.
Say I will love her everlastingly.
But how long shall that title, "ever", last?
Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end.
But how long fairly shall her sweet life last?
So long as heaven and nature lengthens it.
So long as hell and Richard likes of it.
Say I, her sovereign, am her subject love.
But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.
Be eloquent in my behalf to her.
An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.
Then in plain terms tell her my loving tale.
Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.
Madam, your reasons are too shallow and too quick.
Oh no, my reasons are too deep and dead.
Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.
Harp on it still shall I, till heartstrings break.
Now by my George, my Garter and my crown --
Profaned, dishonored, and the third usurped.
I swear --
By nothing, for this is no oath.
Now by the world --
'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.
My father's death --
Thy life hath that dishonored.
Then by myself --
Thyself, thyself misusest.
Why then, by God --
God's wrong is most of all:
By the time to come --
That thou hast wronged in time o'er-past,
As I intend to prosper and repent,
Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?
Aye, if the devil tempt thee to do good.
Shall I forget myself, to be myself?
Aye, if your self's remembrance wrong yourself.
But thou didst kill my children.
But in your daughter's womb I bury them
Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?
And be a happy mother by the deed.
I go, write to me very shortly.
Bear her my true love's kiss,
4.4.361[Richard kisses Elizabeth.]
farewell.
4.4.362Exit [Queen Elizabeth].
My gracious sovereign, on the western coast
Some light-foot friend, post to the Duke of Norfolk.
Here my lord.
Fly to the Duke -- 3237[To Ratcliffe] Post thou to Salisbury;
First, mighty sovereign, let me know your mind,
Oh, true, good Catesby, bid him levy straight
What is it your highness' pleasure I shall do at Salis3247bury?
Why? What wouldst thou do there before 3249I go?
Your highness told me I should post before.
My mind is changed, sir, my mind is changed.
None, good my lord, to please you with the hearing,
Hoyday, a riddle, neither good nor bad:
Richmond is on the seas.
There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
I know not mighty sovereign, but by guess.
Well sir, as you guess, as you guess.
Stirred up by Dorset, Buckingham and Ely
Is the chair empty? Is the sword unswayed?
Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.
Unless for that he comes to be your liege
No, mighty liege, therefore mistrust me not.
Where is thy power then to beat him back?
No, my good lord, my friends are in the 3282north.
Cold friends to Richard; what do they in the north
They have not been commanded, mighty sovereign.
Aye, aye, thou wouldest be gone, to join with Richmond;
Most mighty sovereign,
Well, go muster men, but hear you, leave behind
So deal with him as I prove true to you.
My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire
My liege, in Kent the Guilfords are in arms
My lord, the army of the Duke of Buckingham --
Out on you, owls, nothing but songs of death?
Your grace mistakes, the news I bring is good:
Oh, I cry you mercy, I did mistake.
4.4.455[Ratcliffe rewards the messenger.]
Such proclamation hath been made, my liege.
Sir Thomas Lovell and Lord Marquess Dorset,
March on, march on, since we are up in arms,
My liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken.
Away towards Salisbury! While we reason here
4.4.480Exeunt.
3347[4.5]
Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me,
At Pembroke, or at Harford-west in Wales.
What men of name resort to him?
Sir Walter Herbert, a renownèd soldier,
Return unto thy lord, commend me to him;
4.5.21Exeunt.
3370[5.1]
Will not King Richard let me speak with him?
No, my lord, therefore be patient.
Hastings, and Edward's children, Rivers, Grey,
It is, my lord.
Why then, All Souls' Day is my body's doomsday:
3403[5.2]
Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends
And here receive we from our father Stanley
Every man's conscience is a thousand swords
I doubt not but his friends will fly to us.
He hath no friends but who are friends for fear,
All for our vantage then, in God's name, march!
3430.1[5.3]
Here pitch our tents, even here in Bosworth field.
5.3.3[Two tents are brought on.]
My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.
Norfolk, come hither.
5.3.7[Norfolk approaches King Richard.]
We must both give and take, my gracious lord.
Up with my tent there, here will I lie tonight,
5.3.11[Soldiers put up the tents.]
Six or seven thousand is their utmost number.
Why, our battalion trebles that account!
5.3.18[To the soldiers pitching the tent]
5.3.24Exeunt.
The weary sun hath made a golden set,
Unless I have mista'en his colors much,
If without peril it be possible,
Upon my life, my lord, I'll undertake it.
Farewell, good Blunt. [Exit Blunt.]
What is o'clock?
It is six o'clock, full supper time.
I will not sup tonight. 3489Give me some ink and paper;
5.3.56[A soldier exits.]
It is, my liege, and all things are in readiness.
Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge,
I go, my lord.
Stir with the lark tomorrow, gentle Norfolk.
I warrant you, my lord.
5.3.65[Exit.]
Catesby.
My lord?
Send out a pursuivant-at-arms
5.3.72[Exit Catesby.]
5.3.76[Exeunt all except Richard and Ratcliffe.]
My lord?
Saw'st thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?
Thomas the Earl of Surrey and himself
So, I am satisfied; give me a bowl of wine.
5.3.83[Ratcliffe fetches or pours wine.]
5.3.88[Ratcliffe puts the bowl down.]
5.3.89Is ink and paper ready?
It is, my lord.
Bid my guard watch, leave me.
5.3.92[Ratcliffe starts to exit.]
5.3.95Exit Ratcliffe. [Richard remains in his tent.]
Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!
All comfort that the dark night can afford
I by attorney bless thee from thy mother
Good lords, conduct him to his regiment;
5.3.137[Sleeps.]
5.3.13835613176Enter the ghost of young Prince Edward, son [of] 3562[Henry] the Sixt[h], to Ri[chard's tent].
To Ri[chard] Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow.
5.3.145[Exit.]
To Ri[chard] When I was mortal, my anointed body
[To Richard] Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
[To Richard] Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
[To Richard] Think upon Grey and let thy soul despair.
[To Richard] Think upon Vaughan and, with guilty fear,
To Ri[chmond] Awake 3594and think our wrongs in Richard's bosom
[To Richard] Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake
[To Richard] Richard, thy wife, 3616that wretched Anne thy wife
5.3.195[Exit.]
[To Richard]
The first was I 3627that helped thee to the crown,
Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!
My lord.
Zounds! Who is there?
Ratcliffe, my lord, 'tis I; the early village cock
Oh, Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream;
No doubt, my lord.
O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.
Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.
By the Apostle Paul, shadows tonight
Good morrow, Richmond.
Cry mercy, lords and watchful gentlemen,
How have you slept, my lord?
The sweetest sleep, 3692and fairest-boding dreams
Upon the stroke of four.
Why then, 'tis time to arm and give direction.
5.3.305[Trumpets and drums sound.]
5.3.307Exeunt.
What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?
That he was never trainèd up in arms.
He said the truth, and what said Surrey then?
He smiled and said, "The better for our purpose".
He was in the right, and so indeed it is --
5.3.314The clock strikes.
5.3.317Who saw the sun today?
5.3.318[Richard is given and consults the calendar.]
Not I, my lord.
Then he disdains to shine, for by the book
My lord.
The sun will not be seen today,
Arm, arm my lord, the foe vaunts in the field.
Come, bustle, bustle, caparison my horse,
5.3.334[Exit a messenger.]
A good direction, warlike sovereign,
5.3.347He shows him a paper.
A thing devisèd by the enemy.
5.3.0.1[Drums offstage]
3808hark, I hear their drum:
What says Lord Stanley, will he bring his power?
My lord, he doth deny to come.
Off with his son George's head!
My lord, the enemy is past the marsh;
A thousand hearts are great within my bosom;
5.3.401Exeunt.
3823.1[5.4]
Rescue, my Lord of Norfolk, 3826rescue, rescue!
A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!
Withdraw, my lord, I'll help you to a horse.
Slave, I have set my life upon a cast
5.4.16[Exeunt King Richard and Catesby.]
[5.5]
5.5.238433444Then retreat is sounded.Enter Richmond, Stanley bearing the3844 crown, with other lords.
God and your arms 3846be praised, victorious friends,
Courageous Richmond, 3849well hast thou acquit thee;
5.5.10[Stanley offers the crown to Richmond.]
Great God of heaven, say "Amen" to all.
He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town,
What men of name are slain on either side?
John Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferris, Sir
Inter their bodies as become their births,