Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Adrian Kiernander
Peer Reviewed

Richard the Third (Quarto 1, 1597)

The Tragedy
For Lordes, to morrow is a busie day. Exeunt.
Enter Richmond with the Lordes, &c.
3455Rich. The wearie sonne hath made a golden sete,
And by the bright tracke of his fierie Carre,
Giues signall of a goodlie day to morrow,
Where is Sir William Brandon, he shall beare my standerd,
3465The Earle of Pembroke keepe his regiment,
Good captaine Blunt, beare my good night to him,
And by the second houre in the morning,
Desire the Earle to see me in my tent.
Yet one thing more, good Blunt before thou goest:
3470Where is Lord Stanlie quarterd, doest thou know.
Blunt. Vnlesse I haue mistane his coulers much,
Which well I am assur'd, I haue not done,
His regiment, lies halfe a mile at least,
South from the mightie power of the king.
3475Rich. If without perill it be possible,
Good captaine Blunt beare my good night to him,
And giue him from me, this most needefull scrowle.
Blunt. Vpon my life my Lord, Ile vndertake it.
3480Rich. Farewell, good Blunt.
Giue me some inke, and paper, in my tent,
3460Ile drawe the forme, and modle of our battel,
Limit each leader to his seuerall charge,
And part in iust proportion our small strength,
Come, let vs consult vpon tomorrowes busines,
In to our tent, the aire is rawe and cold.
3485Enter king Richard, Norff. Ratcliffe
Catesbie, &c.
K ng. What is a clocke.
Cat. It is sixe of clocke, full supper time.
King. I will not sup to night, giue me some inke and paper,
3490What? is my beuer easier then it was?,
And all my armour laid into my tent?
Cat, It is my Liege, and all thinges are in readines.
King. Good Norffolke, hie thee to thy charge,
Vse carefull watch, chuse trustie centinell.
3495Norff. I goe my Lord.
Sturr