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No Fear Translations
No Fear Audio
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Modern Text |
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Enter CLARENCE and KEEPER
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Enter CLARENCE and KEEPER
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KEEPER Why looks your grace so heavily today?
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KEEPER Why looks your grace so heavily today?
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CLARENCE O, I have passed a miserable night,
So full of ugly dreams, of ugly sights,
That, as I am a Christian faithful man,
5 I would not spend another such a night
Though ’twere to buy a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time.
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CLARENCE O, I have passed a miserable night,
So full of ugly dreams, of ugly sights,
That, as I am a Christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night
Though ’twere to buy a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time.
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KEEPER What was your dream, my lord? I pray you tell me.
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KEEPER What was your dream, my lord? I pray you tell me.
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CLARENCE Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower
10 And was embarked to cross to Burgundy,
And in my company my brother Gloucester,
Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon the hatches. Thence we looked toward England
And cited up a thousand fearful times,
15 During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we paced along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought that Gloucester stumbled, and in falling
Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard
20 Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord, methought what pain it was to drown,
What dreadful noise of waters in my ears,
What sights of ugly death within my eyes.
Methoughts I saw a thousand fearful wracks,
25 A thousand men that fishes gnawed upon,
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scattered in the bottom of the sea.
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CLARENCE Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower
And was embarked to cross to Burgundy,
And in my company my brother Gloucester,
Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon the hatches. Thence we looked toward England
And cited up a thousand fearful times,
During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we paced along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought that Gloucester stumbled, and in falling
Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord, methought what pain it was to drown,
What dreadful noise of waters in my ears,
What sights of ugly death within my eyes.
Methoughts I saw a thousand fearful wracks,
A thousand men that fishes gnawed upon,
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scattered in the bottom of the sea.
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CLARENCE Some lay in dead men’s skulls, and in the holes
30 Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept—
As ’twere in scorn of eyes—reflecting gems,
That wooed the slimy bottom of the deep
And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by.
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CLARENCE Some lay in dead men’s skulls, and in the holes
Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept—
As ’twere in scorn of eyes—reflecting gems,
That wooed the slimy bottom of the deep
And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by.
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KEEPER Had you such leisure in the time of death
35 To gaze upon the secrets of the deep?
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KEEPER Had you such leisure in the time of death
To gaze upon the secrets of the deep?
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CLARENCE Methought I had, and often did I strive
To yield the ghost, but still the envious flood
Stopped in my soul and would not let it forth
To find the empty, vast, and wand'ring air,
40 But smothered it within my panting bulk,
Who almost burst to belch it in the sea.
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CLARENCE Methought I had, and often did I strive
To yield the ghost, but still the envious flood
Stopped in my soul and would not let it forth
To find the empty, vast, and wand'ring air,
But smothered it within my panting bulk,
Who almost burst to belch it in the sea.
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KEEPER Awaked you not in this sore agony?
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KEEPER Awaked you not in this sore agony?
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CLARENCE No, no, my dream was lengthened after life.
O, then began the tempest to my soul.
45 I passed, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that sour ferryman which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
The first that there did greet my stranger-soul
Was my great father-in-law, renownèd Warwick,
50 Who spake aloud, “What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?”
And so he vanished. Then came wand'ring by
A shadow like an angel, with bright hair
Dabbled in blood, and he shrieked out aloud
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CLARENCE No, no, my dream was lengthened after life.
O, then began the tempest to my soul.
I passed, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that sour ferryman which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
The first that there did greet my stranger-soul
Was my great father-in-law, renownèd Warwick,
Who spake aloud, “What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?”
And so he vanished. Then came wand'ring by
A shadow like an angel, with bright hair
Dabbled in blood, and he shrieked out aloud
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CLARENCE 55 “Clarence is come—false, fleeting, perjured Clarence,
That stabbed me in the field by Tewkesbury.
Seize on him, furies. Take him unto torment.”
With that, methoughts, a legion of foul fiends
Environed me and howlèd in mine ears
60 Such hideous cries that with the very noise
I trembling waked, and for a season after
Could not believe but that I was in hell,
Such terrible impression made my dream.
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CLARENCE “Clarence is come—false, fleeting, perjured Clarence,
That stabbed me in the field by Tewkesbury.
Seize on him, furies. Take him unto torment.”
With that, methoughts, a legion of foul fiends
Environed me and howlèd in mine ears
Such hideous cries that with the very noise
I trembling waked, and for a season after
Could not believe but that I was in hell,
Such terrible impression made my dream.
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KEEPER No marvel, lord, though it affrighted you.
65 I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it.
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KEEPER No marvel, lord, though it affrighted you.
I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it.
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CLARENCE Ah keeper, keeper, I have done those things,
That now give evidence against my soul,
For Edward’s sake, and see how he requites me.—
O God, if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
70 But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath in me alone!
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!—
Keeper, I prithee sit by me awhile.
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
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CLARENCE Ah keeper, keeper, I have done those things,
That now give evidence against my soul,
For Edward’s sake, and see how he requites me.—
O God, if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath in me alone!
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!—
Keeper, I prithee sit by me awhile.
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
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KEEPER 75 I will, my lord. God give your Grace good rest.
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KEEPER I will, my lord. God give your Grace good rest.
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CLARENCE sleeps
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CLARENCE sleeps
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Enter BRAKENBURY the lieutenant
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Enter BRAKENBURY the lieutenant
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BRAKENBURY Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
An outward honor for an inward toil,
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BRAKENBURY Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
An outward honor for an inward toil,
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80 And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares,
So that betwixt their titles and low name
There’s nothing differs but the outward fame.
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And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares,
So that betwixt their titles and low name
There’s nothing differs but the outward fame.
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Enter the two MURDERERS
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Enter the two MURDERERS
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FIRST MURDERER Ho, who’s here?
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FIRST MURDERER Ho, who’s here?
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BRAKENBURY 85 What wouldst thou, fellow? And how cam’st thou hither?
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BRAKENBURY What wouldst thou, fellow? And how cam’st thou hither?
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SECOND MURDERER I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.
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SECOND MURDERER I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.
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BRAKENBURY What, so brief?
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BRAKENBURY What, so brief?
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FIRST MURDERER 'Tis better, sir, to be brief than tedious.—Let him see our commission, and talk no more.
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FIRST MURDERER 'Tis better, sir, to be brief than tedious.—Let him see our commission, and talk no more.
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BRAKENBURY reads the paper
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BRAKENBURY reads the paper
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BRAKENBURY 90 I am in this commanded to deliver
The noble duke of Clarence to your hands.
I will not reason what is meant hereby
Because I will be guiltless from the meaning.
There lies the duke asleep, and there the keys.
I’ll to the king and signify to him
That thus I have resigned my charge to you.
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BRAKENBURY I am in this commanded to deliver
The noble duke of Clarence to your hands.
I will not reason what is meant hereby
Because I will be guiltless from the meaning.
There lies the duke asleep, and there the keys.
I’ll to the king and signify to him
That thus I have resigned my charge to you.
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FIRST MURDERER You may, sir. 'Tis a point of wisdom. Fare you well.
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FIRST MURDERER You may, sir. 'Tis a point of wisdom. Fare you well.
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Exit BRAKENBURY and KEEPER
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Exit BRAKENBURY and KEEPER
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SECOND MURDERER What, shall I stab him as he sleeps?
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SECOND MURDERER What, shall I stab him as he sleeps?
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FIRST MURDERER 100 No. He’ll say ’twas done cowardly, when he wakes.
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FIRST MURDERER No. He’ll say ’twas done cowardly, when he wakes.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, he shall never wake until the great Judgment Day.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, he shall never wake until the great Judgment Day.
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FIRST MURDERER Why, then he’ll say we stabbed him sleeping.
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FIRST MURDERER Why, then he’ll say we stabbed him sleeping.
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SECOND MURDERER The urging of that word “judgment” hath bred a kind of remorse in me.
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SECOND MURDERER The urging of that word “judgment” hath bred a kind of remorse in me.
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FIRST MURDERER 105 What, art thou afraid?
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FIRST MURDERER What, art thou afraid?
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SECOND MURDERER Not to kill him, having a warrant, but to be damned for killing him, from the which no warrant can defend me.
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SECOND MURDERER Not to kill him, having a warrant, but to be damned for killing him, from the which no warrant can defend me.
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FIRST MURDERER I thought thou hadst been resolute.
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FIRST MURDERER I thought thou hadst been resolute.
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SECOND MURDERER So I am—to let him live.
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SECOND MURDERER So I am—to let him live.
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FIRST MURDERER 110 I’ll back to the duke of Gloucester and tell him so.
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FIRST MURDERER I’ll back to the duke of Gloucester and tell him so.
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SECOND MURDERER Nay, I prithee stay a little. I hope this passionate humor of mine will change. It was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty.
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SECOND MURDERER Nay, I prithee stay a little. I hope this passionate humor of mine will change. It was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty.
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FIRST MURDERER How dost thou feel thyself now?
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FIRST MURDERER How dost thou feel thyself now?
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SECOND MURDERER 115 Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.
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SECOND MURDERER Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.
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FIRST MURDERER Remember our reward when the deed’s done.
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FIRST MURDERER Remember our reward when the deed’s done.
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SECOND MURDERER Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward.
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SECOND MURDERER Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward.
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FIRST MURDERER Where’s thy conscience now?
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FIRST MURDERER Where’s thy conscience now?
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SECOND MURDERER O, in the duke of Gloucester’s purse.
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SECOND MURDERER O, in the duke of Gloucester’s purse.
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FIRST MURDERER |
FIRST MURDERER |
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SECOND MURDERER 'Tis no matter. Let it go. There’s few or none will entertain it.
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SECOND MURDERER 'Tis no matter. Let it go. There’s few or none will entertain it.
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FIRST MURDERER What if it come to thee again?
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FIRST MURDERER What if it come to thee again?
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SECOND MURDERER I’ll not meddle with it. It makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbor’s wife but it detects him. 'Tis a blushing, shamefaced spirit that mutinies in a man’s bosom. It fills a man full of obstacles. It made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance I found. It beggars any man that keeps it. It is turned out of towns and cities for a dangerous thing, and every man that means to live well endeavors to trust to himself and live without it.
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SECOND MURDERER I’ll not meddle with it. It makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbor’s wife but it detects him. 'Tis a blushing, shamefaced spirit that mutinies in a man’s bosom. It fills a man full of obstacles. It made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance I found. It beggars any man that keeps it. It is turned out of towns and cities for a dangerous thing, and every man that means to live well endeavors to trust to himself and live without it.
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FIRST MURDERER Zounds, ’tis even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke.
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FIRST MURDERER Zounds, ’tis even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke.
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SECOND MURDERER Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him not. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
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SECOND MURDERER Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him not. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
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FIRST MURDERER I am strong-framed. He cannot prevail with me.
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FIRST MURDERER I am strong-framed. He cannot prevail with me.
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SECOND MURDERER Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation. Come, shall we fall to work?
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SECOND MURDERER Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation. Come, shall we fall to work?
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FIRST MURDERER Take him on the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then throw him into the malmsey butt in the next room.
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FIRST MURDERER Take him on the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then throw him into the malmsey butt in the next room.
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SECOND MURDERER O excellent device— and make a sop of him.
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SECOND MURDERER O excellent device— and make a sop of him.
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FIRST MURDERER Soft, he wakes.
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FIRST MURDERER Soft, he wakes.
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SECOND MURDERER 145 Strike!
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SECOND MURDERER Strike!
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FIRST MURDERER No, we’ll reason with him.
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FIRST MURDERER No, we’ll reason with him.
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CLARENCE wakes
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CLARENCE wakes
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CLARENCE Where art thou, keeper? Give me a cup of wine.
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CLARENCE Where art thou, keeper? Give me a cup of wine.
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SECOND MURDERER You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
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SECOND MURDERER You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
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CLARENCE In God’s name, what art thou?
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CLARENCE In God’s name, what art thou?
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FIRST MURDERER A man, as you are.
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FIRST MURDERER A man, as you are.
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CLARENCE 150 But not, as I am, royal.
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CLARENCE But not, as I am, royal.
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FIRST MURDERER Nor you, as we are, loyal.
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FIRST MURDERER Nor you, as we are, loyal.
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CLARENCE Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
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CLARENCE Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
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FIRST MURDERER My voice is now the king’s, my looks mine own.
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FIRST MURDERER My voice is now the king’s, my looks mine own.
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CLARENCE How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak!
155 Your eyes do menace me. Why look you pale?
Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?
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CLARENCE How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak!
Your eyes do menace me. Why look you pale?
Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?
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SECOND MURDERER To, to, to—
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SECOND MURDERER To, to, to—
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CLARENCE To murder me?
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CLARENCE To murder me?
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BOTH MURDERERS Ay, ay.
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BOTH MURDERERS Ay, ay.
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CLARENCE 160 You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,
And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it.
Wherein, my friends, have I offended you?
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CLARENCE You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,
And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it.
Wherein, my friends, have I offended you?
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FIRST MURDERER Offended us you have not, but the king.
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FIRST MURDERER Offended us you have not, but the king.
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CLARENCE I shall be reconciled to him again.
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CLARENCE I shall be reconciled to him again.
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SECOND MURDERER 165 Never, my lord. Therefore prepare to die.
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SECOND MURDERER Never, my lord. Therefore prepare to die.
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CLARENCE Are you drawn forth among a world of men
To slay the innocent? What is my offense?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me?
What lawful quest have given their verdict up
170 Unto the frowning judge? Or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death
Before I be convict by course of law?
To threaten me with death is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption,
175 By Christ’s dear blood shed for our grievous sins,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me.
The deed you undertake is damnable.
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CLARENCE Are you drawn forth among a world of men
To slay the innocent? What is my offense?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me?
What lawful quest have given their verdict up
Unto the frowning judge? Or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death
Before I be convict by course of law?
To threaten me with death is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption,
By Christ’s dear blood shed for our grievous sins,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me.
The deed you undertake is damnable.
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FIRST MURDERER What we will do, we do upon command.
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FIRST MURDERER What we will do, we do upon command.
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SECOND MURDERER And he that hath commanded is our king.
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SECOND MURDERER And he that hath commanded is our king.
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CLARENCE 180 Erroneous vassals, the great King of kings
Hath in the tables of His law commanded
That thou shalt do no murder. Will thou then
Spurn at His edict and fulfill a man’s?
Take heed, for He holds vengeance in His hand
185 To hurl upon their heads that break His law.
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CLARENCE Erroneous vassals, the great King of kings
Hath in the tables of His law commanded
That thou shalt do no murder. Will thou then
Spurn at His edict and fulfill a man’s?
Take heed, for He holds vengeance in His hand
To hurl upon their heads that break His law.
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SECOND MURDERER And that same vengeance doth He hurl on thee
For false forswearing and for murder too.
Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
In quarrel of the house of Lancaster.
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SECOND MURDERER And that same vengeance doth He hurl on thee
For false forswearing and for murder too.
Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
In quarrel of the house of Lancaster.
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FIRST MURDERER 190 And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow, and with thy treacherous blade
Unrippedst the bowels of thy sovereign’s son.
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FIRST MURDERER And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow, and with thy treacherous blade
Unrippedst the bowels of thy sovereign’s son.
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SECOND MURDERER Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.
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SECOND MURDERER Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.
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FIRST MURDERER How canst thou urge God’s dreadful law to us
195 When thou hast broke it in such dear degree?
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FIRST MURDERER How canst thou urge God’s dreadful law to us
When thou hast broke it in such dear degree?
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CLARENCE Alas! For whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake.
He sends you not to murder me for this,
For in that sin he is as deep as I.
200 If God will be avengèd for this deed,
O, know you yet He doth it publicly!
Take not the quarrel from His powerful arm;
He needs no indirect or lawless course
To cut off those that have offended Him.
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CLARENCE Alas! For whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake.
He sends you not to murder me for this,
For in that sin he is as deep as I.
If God will be avengèd for this deed,
O, know you yet He doth it publicly!
Take not the quarrel from His powerful arm;
He needs no indirect or lawless course
To cut off those that have offended Him.
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FIRST MURDERER 205 Who made thee then a bloody minister
When gallant-springing, brave Plantagenet,
That princely novice, was struck dead by thee?
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FIRST MURDERER Who made thee then a bloody minister
When gallant-springing, brave Plantagenet,
That princely novice, was struck dead by thee?
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CLARENCE My brother’s love, the devil, and my rage.
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CLARENCE My brother’s love, the devil, and my rage.
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FIRST MURDERER Thy brother’s love, our duty, and thy faults
210 Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.
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FIRST MURDERER Thy brother’s love, our duty, and thy faults
Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.
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CLARENCE If you do love my brother, hate not me.
I am his brother, and I love him well.
If you are hired for meed, go back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloucester,
215 Who shall reward you better for my life
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
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CLARENCE If you do love my brother, hate not me.
I am his brother, and I love him well.
If you are hired for meed, go back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloucester,
Who shall reward you better for my life
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
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SECOND MURDERER You are deceived. Your brother Gloucester hates you.
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SECOND MURDERER You are deceived. Your brother Gloucester hates you.
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CLARENCE O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear.
Go you to him from me.
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CLARENCE O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear.
Go you to him from me.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, so we will.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, so we will.
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CLARENCE 220 Tell him, when that our princely father York
Blessed his three sons with his victorious arm,
He little thought of this divided friendship.
Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep.
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CLARENCE Tell him, when that our princely father York
Blessed his three sons with his victorious arm,
He little thought of this divided friendship.
Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, millstones, as he lessoned us to weep.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, millstones, as he lessoned us to weep.
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CLARENCE 225 O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
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CLARENCE O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
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FIRST MURDERER Right, as snow in harvest. Come, you deceive yourself.
'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here.
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FIRST MURDERER Right, as snow in harvest. Come, you deceive yourself.
'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here.
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CLARENCE It cannot be, for he bewept my fortune,
And hugged me in his arms, and swore with sobs
230 That he would labor my delivery.
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CLARENCE It cannot be, for he bewept my fortune,
And hugged me in his arms, and swore with sobs
That he would labor my delivery.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, so he doth, when he delivers you
From this earth’s thralldom to the joys of heaven.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, so he doth, when he delivers you
From this earth’s thralldom to the joys of heaven.
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FIRST MURDERER Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
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FIRST MURDERER Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
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CLARENCE Have you that holy feeling in your souls
235 To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art you yet to your own souls so blind
That thou will war with God by murd'ring me?
O sirs, consider: they that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed.
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CLARENCE Have you that holy feeling in your souls
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art you yet to your own souls so blind
That thou will war with God by murd'ring me?
O sirs, consider: they that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed.
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SECOND MURDERER |
SECOND MURDERER |
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CLARENCE Relent, and save your souls.
Which of you—if you were a prince’s son
Being pent from liberty, as I am now—
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you,
Would not entreat for life? Ay, you would beg,
245 Were you in my distress.
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CLARENCE Relent, and save your souls.
Which of you—if you were a prince’s son
Being pent from liberty, as I am now—
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you,
Would not entreat for life? Ay, you would beg,
Were you in my distress.
|
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FIRST MURDERER Relent? No. 'Tis cowardly and womanish.
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FIRST MURDERER Relent? No. 'Tis cowardly and womanish.
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CLARENCE Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish.
(to SECOND MURDERER)
My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks.
250 O, if thine eye be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side and entreat for me.
A begging prince what beggar pities not?
|
CLARENCE Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish.
(to SECOND MURDERER)
My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks.
O, if thine eye be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side and entreat for me.
A begging prince what beggar pities not?
|
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SECOND MURDERER Look behind you, my lord.
|
SECOND MURDERER Look behind you, my lord.
|
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FIRST MURDERER Take that, and that. (stabs CLARENCE)
255 If all this will not do,
I’ll drown you in the malmsey butt within.
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FIRST MURDERER Take that, and that. (stabs CLARENCE)
If all this will not do,
I’ll drown you in the malmsey butt within.
|
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Exit with the body
|
Exit with the body
|
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SECOND MURDERER A bloody deed, and desperately dispatched.
How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands
Of this most grievous murder.
|
SECOND MURDERER A bloody deed, and desperately dispatched.
How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands
Of this most grievous murder.
|
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Enter FIRST MURDERER
|
Enter FIRST MURDERER
|
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FIRST MURDERER 260 How now? What mean’st thou, that thou help’st me not?
By heavens, the duke shall know how slack you have been.
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FIRST MURDERER How now? What mean’st thou, that thou help’st me not?
By heavens, the duke shall know how slack you have been.
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SECOND MURDERER I would he knew that I had saved his brother.
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say,
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
|
SECOND MURDERER I would he knew that I had saved his brother.
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say,
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
|
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Exit
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Exit
|
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FIRST MURDERER 265 So do not I. Go, coward as thou art.
Well, I’ll go hide the body in some hole
Till that the duke give order for his burial.
And when I have my meed, I will away,
For this will out, and then I must not stay.
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FIRST MURDERER So do not I. Go, coward as thou art.
Well, I’ll go hide the body in some hole
Till that the duke give order for his burial.
And when I have my meed, I will away,
For this will out, and then I must not stay.
|
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Exit
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Exit
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Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter CLARENCE and KEEPER
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Enter CLARENCE and KEEPER
|
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KEEPER Why looks your grace so heavily today?
|
KEEPER Why looks your grace so heavily today?
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CLARENCE O, I have passed a miserable night,
So full of ugly dreams, of ugly sights,
That, as I am a Christian faithful man,
5 I would not spend another such a night
Though ’twere to buy a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time.
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CLARENCE O, I have passed a miserable night,
So full of ugly dreams, of ugly sights,
That, as I am a Christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night
Though ’twere to buy a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time.
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KEEPER What was your dream, my lord? I pray you tell me.
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KEEPER What was your dream, my lord? I pray you tell me.
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CLARENCE Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower
10 And was embarked to cross to Burgundy,
And in my company my brother Gloucester,
Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon the hatches. Thence we looked toward England
And cited up a thousand fearful times,
15 During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we paced along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought that Gloucester stumbled, and in falling
Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard
20 Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord, methought what pain it was to drown,
What dreadful noise of waters in my ears,
What sights of ugly death within my eyes.
Methoughts I saw a thousand fearful wracks,
25 A thousand men that fishes gnawed upon,
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scattered in the bottom of the sea.
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CLARENCE Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower
And was embarked to cross to Burgundy,
And in my company my brother Gloucester,
Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon the hatches. Thence we looked toward England
And cited up a thousand fearful times,
During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we paced along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought that Gloucester stumbled, and in falling
Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord, methought what pain it was to drown,
What dreadful noise of waters in my ears,
What sights of ugly death within my eyes.
Methoughts I saw a thousand fearful wracks,
A thousand men that fishes gnawed upon,
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scattered in the bottom of the sea.
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CLARENCE Some lay in dead men’s skulls, and in the holes
30 Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept—
As ’twere in scorn of eyes—reflecting gems,
That wooed the slimy bottom of the deep
And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by.
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CLARENCE Some lay in dead men’s skulls, and in the holes
Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept—
As ’twere in scorn of eyes—reflecting gems,
That wooed the slimy bottom of the deep
And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by.
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KEEPER Had you such leisure in the time of death
35 To gaze upon the secrets of the deep?
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KEEPER Had you such leisure in the time of death
To gaze upon the secrets of the deep?
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CLARENCE Methought I had, and often did I strive
To yield the ghost, but still the envious flood
Stopped in my soul and would not let it forth
To find the empty, vast, and wand'ring air,
40 But smothered it within my panting bulk,
Who almost burst to belch it in the sea.
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CLARENCE Methought I had, and often did I strive
To yield the ghost, but still the envious flood
Stopped in my soul and would not let it forth
To find the empty, vast, and wand'ring air,
But smothered it within my panting bulk,
Who almost burst to belch it in the sea.
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KEEPER Awaked you not in this sore agony?
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KEEPER Awaked you not in this sore agony?
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CLARENCE No, no, my dream was lengthened after life.
O, then began the tempest to my soul.
45 I passed, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that sour ferryman which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
The first that there did greet my stranger-soul
Was my great father-in-law, renownèd Warwick,
50 Who spake aloud, “What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?”
And so he vanished. Then came wand'ring by
A shadow like an angel, with bright hair
Dabbled in blood, and he shrieked out aloud
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CLARENCE No, no, my dream was lengthened after life.
O, then began the tempest to my soul.
I passed, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that sour ferryman which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
The first that there did greet my stranger-soul
Was my great father-in-law, renownèd Warwick,
Who spake aloud, “What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?”
And so he vanished. Then came wand'ring by
A shadow like an angel, with bright hair
Dabbled in blood, and he shrieked out aloud
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CLARENCE 55 “Clarence is come—false, fleeting, perjured Clarence,
That stabbed me in the field by Tewkesbury.
Seize on him, furies. Take him unto torment.”
With that, methoughts, a legion of foul fiends
Environed me and howlèd in mine ears
60 Such hideous cries that with the very noise
I trembling waked, and for a season after
Could not believe but that I was in hell,
Such terrible impression made my dream.
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CLARENCE “Clarence is come—false, fleeting, perjured Clarence,
That stabbed me in the field by Tewkesbury.
Seize on him, furies. Take him unto torment.”
With that, methoughts, a legion of foul fiends
Environed me and howlèd in mine ears
Such hideous cries that with the very noise
I trembling waked, and for a season after
Could not believe but that I was in hell,
Such terrible impression made my dream.
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KEEPER No marvel, lord, though it affrighted you.
65 I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it.
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KEEPER No marvel, lord, though it affrighted you.
I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it.
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CLARENCE Ah keeper, keeper, I have done those things,
That now give evidence against my soul,
For Edward’s sake, and see how he requites me.—
O God, if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
70 But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath in me alone!
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!—
Keeper, I prithee sit by me awhile.
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
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CLARENCE Ah keeper, keeper, I have done those things,
That now give evidence against my soul,
For Edward’s sake, and see how he requites me.—
O God, if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath in me alone!
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!—
Keeper, I prithee sit by me awhile.
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
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KEEPER 75 I will, my lord. God give your Grace good rest.
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KEEPER I will, my lord. God give your Grace good rest.
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CLARENCE sleeps
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CLARENCE sleeps
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Enter BRAKENBURY the lieutenant
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Enter BRAKENBURY the lieutenant
|
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BRAKENBURY Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
An outward honor for an inward toil,
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BRAKENBURY Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
An outward honor for an inward toil,
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80 And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares,
So that betwixt their titles and low name
There’s nothing differs but the outward fame.
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And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares,
So that betwixt their titles and low name
There’s nothing differs but the outward fame.
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Enter the two MURDERERS
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Enter the two MURDERERS
|
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FIRST MURDERER Ho, who’s here?
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FIRST MURDERER Ho, who’s here?
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BRAKENBURY 85 What wouldst thou, fellow? And how cam’st thou hither?
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BRAKENBURY What wouldst thou, fellow? And how cam’st thou hither?
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SECOND MURDERER I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.
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SECOND MURDERER I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.
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BRAKENBURY What, so brief?
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BRAKENBURY What, so brief?
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FIRST MURDERER 'Tis better, sir, to be brief than tedious.—Let him see our commission, and talk no more.
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FIRST MURDERER 'Tis better, sir, to be brief than tedious.—Let him see our commission, and talk no more.
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BRAKENBURY reads the paper
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BRAKENBURY reads the paper
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BRAKENBURY 90 I am in this commanded to deliver
The noble duke of Clarence to your hands.
I will not reason what is meant hereby
Because I will be guiltless from the meaning.
There lies the duke asleep, and there the keys.
I’ll to the king and signify to him
That thus I have resigned my charge to you.
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BRAKENBURY I am in this commanded to deliver
The noble duke of Clarence to your hands.
I will not reason what is meant hereby
Because I will be guiltless from the meaning.
There lies the duke asleep, and there the keys.
I’ll to the king and signify to him
That thus I have resigned my charge to you.
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FIRST MURDERER You may, sir. 'Tis a point of wisdom. Fare you well.
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FIRST MURDERER You may, sir. 'Tis a point of wisdom. Fare you well.
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Exit BRAKENBURY and KEEPER
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Exit BRAKENBURY and KEEPER
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SECOND MURDERER What, shall I stab him as he sleeps?
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SECOND MURDERER What, shall I stab him as he sleeps?
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FIRST MURDERER 100 No. He’ll say ’twas done cowardly, when he wakes.
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FIRST MURDERER No. He’ll say ’twas done cowardly, when he wakes.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, he shall never wake until the great Judgment Day.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, he shall never wake until the great Judgment Day.
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FIRST MURDERER Why, then he’ll say we stabbed him sleeping.
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FIRST MURDERER Why, then he’ll say we stabbed him sleeping.
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SECOND MURDERER The urging of that word “judgment” hath bred a kind of remorse in me.
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SECOND MURDERER The urging of that word “judgment” hath bred a kind of remorse in me.
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FIRST MURDERER 105 What, art thou afraid?
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FIRST MURDERER What, art thou afraid?
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SECOND MURDERER Not to kill him, having a warrant, but to be damned for killing him, from the which no warrant can defend me.
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SECOND MURDERER Not to kill him, having a warrant, but to be damned for killing him, from the which no warrant can defend me.
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FIRST MURDERER I thought thou hadst been resolute.
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FIRST MURDERER I thought thou hadst been resolute.
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SECOND MURDERER So I am—to let him live.
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SECOND MURDERER So I am—to let him live.
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FIRST MURDERER 110 I’ll back to the duke of Gloucester and tell him so.
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FIRST MURDERER I’ll back to the duke of Gloucester and tell him so.
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SECOND MURDERER Nay, I prithee stay a little. I hope this passionate humor of mine will change. It was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty.
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SECOND MURDERER Nay, I prithee stay a little. I hope this passionate humor of mine will change. It was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty.
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FIRST MURDERER How dost thou feel thyself now?
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FIRST MURDERER How dost thou feel thyself now?
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SECOND MURDERER 115 Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.
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SECOND MURDERER Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.
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FIRST MURDERER Remember our reward when the deed’s done.
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FIRST MURDERER Remember our reward when the deed’s done.
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SECOND MURDERER Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward.
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SECOND MURDERER Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward.
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FIRST MURDERER Where’s thy conscience now?
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FIRST MURDERER Where’s thy conscience now?
|
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SECOND MURDERER O, in the duke of Gloucester’s purse.
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SECOND MURDERER O, in the duke of Gloucester’s purse.
|
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FIRST MURDERER |
FIRST MURDERER |
|
SECOND MURDERER 'Tis no matter. Let it go. There’s few or none will entertain it.
|
SECOND MURDERER 'Tis no matter. Let it go. There’s few or none will entertain it.
|
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FIRST MURDERER What if it come to thee again?
|
FIRST MURDERER What if it come to thee again?
|
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SECOND MURDERER I’ll not meddle with it. It makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbor’s wife but it detects him. 'Tis a blushing, shamefaced spirit that mutinies in a man’s bosom. It fills a man full of obstacles. It made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance I found. It beggars any man that keeps it. It is turned out of towns and cities for a dangerous thing, and every man that means to live well endeavors to trust to himself and live without it.
|
SECOND MURDERER I’ll not meddle with it. It makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbor’s wife but it detects him. 'Tis a blushing, shamefaced spirit that mutinies in a man’s bosom. It fills a man full of obstacles. It made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance I found. It beggars any man that keeps it. It is turned out of towns and cities for a dangerous thing, and every man that means to live well endeavors to trust to himself and live without it.
|
|
FIRST MURDERER Zounds, ’tis even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke.
|
FIRST MURDERER Zounds, ’tis even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke.
|
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SECOND MURDERER Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him not. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
|
SECOND MURDERER Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him not. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
|
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FIRST MURDERER I am strong-framed. He cannot prevail with me.
|
FIRST MURDERER I am strong-framed. He cannot prevail with me.
|
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SECOND MURDERER Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation. Come, shall we fall to work?
|
SECOND MURDERER Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation. Come, shall we fall to work?
|
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FIRST MURDERER Take him on the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then throw him into the malmsey butt in the next room.
|
FIRST MURDERER Take him on the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then throw him into the malmsey butt in the next room.
|
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SECOND MURDERER O excellent device— and make a sop of him.
|
SECOND MURDERER O excellent device— and make a sop of him.
|
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FIRST MURDERER Soft, he wakes.
|
FIRST MURDERER Soft, he wakes.
|
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SECOND MURDERER 145 Strike!
|
SECOND MURDERER Strike!
|
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FIRST MURDERER No, we’ll reason with him.
|
FIRST MURDERER No, we’ll reason with him.
|
|
CLARENCE wakes
|
CLARENCE wakes
|
|
CLARENCE Where art thou, keeper? Give me a cup of wine.
|
CLARENCE Where art thou, keeper? Give me a cup of wine.
|
|
SECOND MURDERER You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
|
SECOND MURDERER You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
|
|
CLARENCE In God’s name, what art thou?
|
CLARENCE In God’s name, what art thou?
|
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FIRST MURDERER A man, as you are.
|
FIRST MURDERER A man, as you are.
|
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CLARENCE 150 But not, as I am, royal.
|
CLARENCE But not, as I am, royal.
|
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FIRST MURDERER Nor you, as we are, loyal.
|
FIRST MURDERER Nor you, as we are, loyal.
|
|
CLARENCE Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
|
CLARENCE Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
|
|
FIRST MURDERER My voice is now the king’s, my looks mine own.
|
FIRST MURDERER My voice is now the king’s, my looks mine own.
|
|
CLARENCE How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak!
155 Your eyes do menace me. Why look you pale?
Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?
|
CLARENCE How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak!
Your eyes do menace me. Why look you pale?
Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?
|
|
SECOND MURDERER To, to, to—
|
SECOND MURDERER To, to, to—
|
|
CLARENCE To murder me?
|
CLARENCE To murder me?
|
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BOTH MURDERERS Ay, ay.
|
BOTH MURDERERS Ay, ay.
|
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CLARENCE 160 You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,
And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it.
Wherein, my friends, have I offended you?
|
CLARENCE You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,
And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it.
Wherein, my friends, have I offended you?
|
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FIRST MURDERER Offended us you have not, but the king.
|
FIRST MURDERER Offended us you have not, but the king.
|
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CLARENCE I shall be reconciled to him again.
|
CLARENCE I shall be reconciled to him again.
|
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SECOND MURDERER 165 Never, my lord. Therefore prepare to die.
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SECOND MURDERER Never, my lord. Therefore prepare to die.
|
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CLARENCE Are you drawn forth among a world of men
To slay the innocent? What is my offense?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me?
What lawful quest have given their verdict up
170 Unto the frowning judge? Or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death
Before I be convict by course of law?
To threaten me with death is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption,
175 By Christ’s dear blood shed for our grievous sins,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me.
The deed you undertake is damnable.
|
CLARENCE Are you drawn forth among a world of men
To slay the innocent? What is my offense?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me?
What lawful quest have given their verdict up
Unto the frowning judge? Or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death
Before I be convict by course of law?
To threaten me with death is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption,
By Christ’s dear blood shed for our grievous sins,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me.
The deed you undertake is damnable.
|
|
FIRST MURDERER What we will do, we do upon command.
|
FIRST MURDERER What we will do, we do upon command.
|
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SECOND MURDERER And he that hath commanded is our king.
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SECOND MURDERER And he that hath commanded is our king.
|
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CLARENCE 180 Erroneous vassals, the great King of kings
Hath in the tables of His law commanded
That thou shalt do no murder. Will thou then
Spurn at His edict and fulfill a man’s?
Take heed, for He holds vengeance in His hand
185 To hurl upon their heads that break His law.
|
CLARENCE Erroneous vassals, the great King of kings
Hath in the tables of His law commanded
That thou shalt do no murder. Will thou then
Spurn at His edict and fulfill a man’s?
Take heed, for He holds vengeance in His hand
To hurl upon their heads that break His law.
|
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SECOND MURDERER And that same vengeance doth He hurl on thee
For false forswearing and for murder too.
Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
In quarrel of the house of Lancaster.
|
SECOND MURDERER And that same vengeance doth He hurl on thee
For false forswearing and for murder too.
Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
In quarrel of the house of Lancaster.
|
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FIRST MURDERER 190 And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow, and with thy treacherous blade
Unrippedst the bowels of thy sovereign’s son.
|
FIRST MURDERER And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow, and with thy treacherous blade
Unrippedst the bowels of thy sovereign’s son.
|
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SECOND MURDERER Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.
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SECOND MURDERER Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.
|
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FIRST MURDERER How canst thou urge God’s dreadful law to us
195 When thou hast broke it in such dear degree?
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FIRST MURDERER How canst thou urge God’s dreadful law to us
When thou hast broke it in such dear degree?
|
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CLARENCE Alas! For whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake.
He sends you not to murder me for this,
For in that sin he is as deep as I.
200 If God will be avengèd for this deed,
O, know you yet He doth it publicly!
Take not the quarrel from His powerful arm;
He needs no indirect or lawless course
To cut off those that have offended Him.
|
CLARENCE Alas! For whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake.
He sends you not to murder me for this,
For in that sin he is as deep as I.
If God will be avengèd for this deed,
O, know you yet He doth it publicly!
Take not the quarrel from His powerful arm;
He needs no indirect or lawless course
To cut off those that have offended Him.
|
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FIRST MURDERER 205 Who made thee then a bloody minister
When gallant-springing, brave Plantagenet,
That princely novice, was struck dead by thee?
|
FIRST MURDERER Who made thee then a bloody minister
When gallant-springing, brave Plantagenet,
That princely novice, was struck dead by thee?
|
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CLARENCE My brother’s love, the devil, and my rage.
|
CLARENCE My brother’s love, the devil, and my rage.
|
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FIRST MURDERER Thy brother’s love, our duty, and thy faults
210 Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.
|
FIRST MURDERER Thy brother’s love, our duty, and thy faults
Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.
|
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CLARENCE If you do love my brother, hate not me.
I am his brother, and I love him well.
If you are hired for meed, go back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloucester,
215 Who shall reward you better for my life
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
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CLARENCE If you do love my brother, hate not me.
I am his brother, and I love him well.
If you are hired for meed, go back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloucester,
Who shall reward you better for my life
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
|
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SECOND MURDERER You are deceived. Your brother Gloucester hates you.
|
SECOND MURDERER You are deceived. Your brother Gloucester hates you.
|
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CLARENCE O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear.
Go you to him from me.
|
CLARENCE O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear.
Go you to him from me.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, so we will.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, so we will.
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CLARENCE 220 Tell him, when that our princely father York
Blessed his three sons with his victorious arm,
He little thought of this divided friendship.
Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep.
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CLARENCE Tell him, when that our princely father York
Blessed his three sons with his victorious arm,
He little thought of this divided friendship.
Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, millstones, as he lessoned us to weep.
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FIRST MURDERER Ay, millstones, as he lessoned us to weep.
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CLARENCE 225 O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
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CLARENCE O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
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FIRST MURDERER Right, as snow in harvest. Come, you deceive yourself.
'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here.
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FIRST MURDERER Right, as snow in harvest. Come, you deceive yourself.
'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here.
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CLARENCE It cannot be, for he bewept my fortune,
And hugged me in his arms, and swore with sobs
230 That he would labor my delivery.
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CLARENCE It cannot be, for he bewept my fortune,
And hugged me in his arms, and swore with sobs
That he would labor my delivery.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, so he doth, when he delivers you
From this earth’s thralldom to the joys of heaven.
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SECOND MURDERER Why, so he doth, when he delivers you
From this earth’s thralldom to the joys of heaven.
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FIRST MURDERER Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
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FIRST MURDERER Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
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CLARENCE Have you that holy feeling in your souls
235 To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art you yet to your own souls so blind
That thou will war with God by murd'ring me?
O sirs, consider: they that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed.
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CLARENCE Have you that holy feeling in your souls
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art you yet to your own souls so blind
That thou will war with God by murd'ring me?
O sirs, consider: they that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed.
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SECOND MURDERER |
SECOND MURDERER |
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CLARENCE Relent, and save your souls.
Which of you—if you were a prince’s son
Being pent from liberty, as I am now—
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you,
Would not entreat for life? Ay, you would beg,
245 Were you in my distress.
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CLARENCE Relent, and save your souls.
Which of you—if you were a prince’s son
Being pent from liberty, as I am now—
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you,
Would not entreat for life? Ay, you would beg,
Were you in my distress.
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FIRST MURDERER Relent? No. 'Tis cowardly and womanish.
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FIRST MURDERER Relent? No. 'Tis cowardly and womanish.
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CLARENCE Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish.
(to SECOND MURDERER)
My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks.
250 O, if thine eye be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side and entreat for me.
A begging prince what beggar pities not?
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CLARENCE Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish.
(to SECOND MURDERER)
My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks.
O, if thine eye be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side and entreat for me.
A begging prince what beggar pities not?
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SECOND MURDERER Look behind you, my lord.
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SECOND MURDERER Look behind you, my lord.
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FIRST MURDERER Take that, and that. (stabs CLARENCE)
255 If all this will not do,
I’ll drown you in the malmsey butt within.
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FIRST MURDERER Take that, and that. (stabs CLARENCE)
If all this will not do,
I’ll drown you in the malmsey butt within.
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Exit with the body
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Exit with the body
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SECOND MURDERER A bloody deed, and desperately dispatched.
How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands
Of this most grievous murder.
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SECOND MURDERER A bloody deed, and desperately dispatched.
How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands
Of this most grievous murder.
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Enter FIRST MURDERER
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Enter FIRST MURDERER
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FIRST MURDERER 260 How now? What mean’st thou, that thou help’st me not?
By heavens, the duke shall know how slack you have been.
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FIRST MURDERER How now? What mean’st thou, that thou help’st me not?
By heavens, the duke shall know how slack you have been.
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SECOND MURDERER I would he knew that I had saved his brother.
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say,
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
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SECOND MURDERER I would he knew that I had saved his brother.
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say,
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
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Exit
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Exit
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FIRST MURDERER 265 So do not I. Go, coward as thou art.
Well, I’ll go hide the body in some hole
Till that the duke give order for his burial.
And when I have my meed, I will away,
For this will out, and then I must not stay.
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FIRST MURDERER So do not I. Go, coward as thou art.
Well, I’ll go hide the body in some hole
Till that the duke give order for his burial.
And when I have my meed, I will away,
For this will out, and then I must not stay.
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Exit
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Exit
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