Internet Shakespeare Editions

Toolbox




Jump to line
Help on texts
About this text
Print this page

About this text

  • 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
    Because, my Lord, we would haue had you heard
    The traitor speake, and timerously confesse
    The maner, and the purpose of his treason,
    2145That you might well haue signified the same
    Vnto the Citizens, who happily may
    Misconster vs in him, and wayle his death.
    Ma. But my good Lord, your graces word shall serue
    As well as I had seene or heard him speake,
    2150And doubt you not, right noble Princes both,
    But Ile acquaint your dutious citizens,
    With all your iust proceedings in this cause.
    Glo. And to that end we wisht your Lordship here
    To auoyde the carping censures of the world.
    2155Buc. But since you come too late of our intents,
    Yet witnesse what we did intend, and so my Lord adue.
    Glo. After, after, coosin Buckingham, Exit Maior.
    2160The Maior towards Guildhall hies him in all post,
    There at your meetst aduantage of the time,
    Inferre the bastardy of Edwards children:
    Tell them how Edward put to death a Cittizen,
    Onely for saying he would make his sonne
    2165Heire to the Crowne, meaning (indeede) his house,
    Which by the signe thereof was termed so.
    Moreouer, vrge his hatefull luxurie,
    And bestiall appetite in change of lust,
    Which stretched to theyr seruants, daughters, wiues,
    2170Euen where his lustfull eye, or sauage heart
    Without controll listed to make his prey:
    Nay for a neede thus farre, come neere my person.
    Tell them, when that my mother went with childe
    Of that vnsatiate Edward, noble Yorke
    2175My princely father then had warres in Fraunce,
    And by iust computation of the tyme
    Found, that the issue was not his begot,
    Which well appeared in his lineaments,
    Being nothing like the noble Duke my father:
    2180But touch this sparingly as it were farre off,
    Because you know, my Lord, my mother liues.
    Buc.
    About
    Contact us
    Content quality
    Site guide
    © Internet Shakespeare Editions
    Copyright details
    Privacy policy
    This site is supported by:
    University of Victoria
    Friends of the ISE
    SSHRC