Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Adrian Kiernander
Peer Reviewed

Richard the Third (Quarto 1, 1597)

of Richard the third.
Buck. Feare not, my Lord, Ile play the Orator,
As if the golden fee for which I pleade
Were for my selfe.
2185Glo. If you thriue well, bring them to Baynards castle,
Where you shall finde me well accompanyed,
Wyth reuerend fathers and well learned Bishops.
Buc. About three or foure a clocke look to heare
What news Guildhall affordeth, and so my Lord farewell.
Glo. Now will I in to take some priuy order, Exit Buc.
2195To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight,
And to giue notice, that no maner of person
At any tyme haue recourse vnto the Princes. Exit.
Enter a Scriuener with a paper in his hand.
This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings,
2200Which in a set hand fairely is engrosst,
That it may be this day read ouer in Paules:
And marke how well the sequele hangs together,
Eleuen houres I spent to wryte it ouer,
For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me,
2205The president was full as long a doyng,
And yet within these fiue houres liued Lord Hastings,
Vntaynted, vnexamined, free, at liberty:
Heeres a good world, the while. Why whoes so grosse
That sees not this palpable deuice?
2210Yet whoes so blinde but sayes he sees it not?
Bad is the world, and all will come to naught,
When such bad dealing must be sene in thought. Exit
Enter Glocester at one doore, Buckingham at another.
Glo. How now my Lord, what say the Cittizens?
2215Buc. Now by the holy mother of our Lord,
The Citizens are mumme, and speake not a word.
Glo. Toucht you the bastardy of Edwards children?
Buck. I did, wyth the insatiate greedinesse of his desires,
His tyranny for trifles, his owne bastardy,
As beyng got, your father then in Fraunce:
2225Withall I did inferre your lineaments,
Beyng the right Idea of your father,
Both in your forme and noblenesse of minde,
Laid