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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 Tragedie
    It will not be auoided but this :
    Therefore good mother (I must call you so,)
    Be the atturney of my loue to her.
    3205Pleade what I will be, not what I haue bene,
    Not by desertes, but what I will deserue,
    Vrge the necessitie and state of times,
    And be not pieuish, fond in great designes.
    Qu. Shall I be tempted of the diuell thus.
    3210King. I, if the diuell tempt thee to doe good.
    Qu. Shall I forget my selfe, to be my selfe.
    King. I, if your selfes remembrance, wrong your selfe.
    Qu. But thou didst kill my children.
    King. But in your daughters wombe, I buried them,
    3215Where in that nest of spicerie they shall breed,
    Selfes of themselues, to your recomfiture.
    Qu. Shall I go winne my daughter to thy will.
    King. And be a happie mother by the deede,
    Qu. I goe, write to me verie shortlie.
    King. Beare her my true loues kisse, farewell. Exit.
    Relenting foole, and shallow changing woman. Enter Rat.
    3225Rat. My gracious Soueraigne on the westerne coast,
    Rideth a puissant Nauie. To the shore,
    Throng manie doubtfull hollow harted friendes,
    Vnarmd, and vnresolud to beate them backe:
    Tis thought that Richmond is their admirall,
    3230And there they hull, expecting but the aide,
    Of Buckingham, to welcome them a shore.
    King. Some light-foote friend, post to the Duke of Norff.
    Ratcliffe thy selfe, or Catesbie, where is hee?
    Cat. Here my Lord.
    King. Flie to the Duke, post thou to Salisburie,
    When thou comst there, dull vnmindfull villaine,
    Whie standst thou still? and goest not to the Duke.
    3240Cat. First mightie Soueraigne, let me know your minde,
    What, from your grace, I shall deliuer them.
    King. O, true good Catesbie, bid him leuie straight,
    The greatest strength, and power he can make,
    And meete me presentlie at Salisburie.
    Rat.