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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)

    The Tragedy
    Which if thou please to hide in this true bosome,
    And let the soule forth that adoreth thee:
    I laie it naked to the deadly stroke,
    370And humbly beg the death vpon my knee.
    Nay, doe not pawse, twas I that kild your husband,
    But twas thy beauty that prouoked me:
    Nay now dispatch twas I that kild King Henry:
    375But twas thy heauenly face that set me on: Here she lets fall the sword.
    Take vp the sword againe or take vp me.
    La. Arise dissembler, though I wish thy death,
    I will not be the executioner.
    380Glo. Then bid me kill my selfe, and I will doe it.
    La. I haue already.
    Glo. Tush that was in thy rage:
    Speake it againe, and euen with the word,
    That hand which for thy loue did kill thy loue,
    385Shall for thy loue, kill a farre truer loue:
    To both their deaths shalt thou be accessary.
    La. I would I knew thy heart.
    Glo. Tis figured in my tongue.
    La. I feare me both are false.
    390Glo. Then neuer was man true.
    La. Well, well, put vp your sword.
    Glo. Say then my peace is made.
    La. That shall you know hereafter.
    Glo. But shall I liue in hope.
    395La. All men I hope liue so.
    Glo. Voutsafe to weare this ring.
    396.1La. To take is not to giue.
    Glo. Looke how this ring incompasseth thy finger,
    Euen so thy breast incloseth my poore heart.
    Weare both of them for both of them are thine,
    400And if thy poore deuoted suppliant may
    But beg one fauour at thy gratious hand,
    Thou doest confirme his happines for euer.
    La. What is it?
    Glo. That it would please thee leaue these sad designes,
    405To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
    And