Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Adrian Kiernander
Not Peer Reviewed

Richard the Third (Modern)

2197.1[3.6]
Enter a scrivener with a paper in his hand.
Scrivener This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings,
2200Which in a set hand fairly is engrossed
That it may be this day read over in Paul's,
And mark how well the sequel hangs together:
Eleven hours I spent to write it over,
For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me.
2205The precedent was full as long adoing,
And yet within these five hours lived Lord Hastings
Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Here's a good world the while! Why who's so gross
That sees not this palpable device?
2210Yet who's so bold but says he sees it not?
Bad is the world and all will come to naught
When such bad dealing must be seen in thought.
Exit.