Continue reading with a SparkNotes PLUS trial

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter old QUEEN MARGARET
Enter old QUEEN MARGARET

QUEEN MARGARET

So now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slyly have I lurked
To watch the waning of mine enemies.
5 A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France, hoping the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret. Who comes here?

QUEEN MARGARET

So now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slyly have I lurked
To watch the waning of mine enemies.
A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France, hoping the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret. Who comes here?
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and the DUCHESS of York
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and the DUCHESS of York

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Ah, my poor princes! Ah, my tender babes,
10 My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets,
If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
And be not fixed in doom perpetual,
Hover about me with your airy wings
And hear your mother’s lamentation.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Ah, my poor princes! Ah, my tender babes,
My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets,
If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
And be not fixed in doom perpetual,
Hover about me with your airy wings
And hear your mother’s lamentation.

QUEEN MARGARET

15 Hover about her; say that right for right
Hath dimmed your infant morn to agèd night.

QUEEN MARGARET

Hover about her; say that right for right
Hath dimmed your infant morn to agèd night.

DUCHESS

So many miseries have crazed my voice
That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute.
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead?

DUCHESS

So many miseries have crazed my voice
That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute.
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead?

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet;
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet;
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) When holy Harry died, and my sweet son.

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) When holy Harry died, and my sweet son.

DUCHESS

(sitting down)
Dead life, blind sight, poor mortal living ghost,
Woe’s scene, world’s shame, grave’s due by life usurped,
Brief abstract and record of tedious days,
30 Rest thy unrest on England’s lawful earth,
Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood.

DUCHESS

(sitting down)
Dead life, blind sight, poor mortal living ghost,
Woe’s scene, world’s shame, grave’s due by life usurped,
Brief abstract and record of tedious days,
Rest thy unrest on England’s lawful earth,
Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

(sitting down beside her)
Ah, that thou wouldst as soon afford a grave
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat,
35 Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here.
O, who hath any cause to mourn but we?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

(sitting down beside her)
Ah, that thou wouldst as soon afford a grave
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat,
Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here.
O, who hath any cause to mourn but we?

QUEEN MARGARET

(joining them) If ancient sorrow be most reverend,
Give mine the benefit of seigniory,
And let my griefs frown on the upper hand.
40 If sorrow can admit society,
Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine.
I had an Edward till a Richard killed him;
I had a husband till a Richard killed him.
Thou hadst an Edward till a Richard killed him;
45 Thou hadst a Richard till a Richard killed him.

QUEEN MARGARET

(joining them) If ancient sorrow be most reverend,
Give mine the benefit of seigniory,
And let my griefs frown on the upper hand.
If sorrow can admit society,
Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine.
I had an Edward till a Richard killed him;
I had a husband till a Richard killed him.
Thou hadst an Edward till a Richard killed him;
Thou hadst a Richard till a Richard killed him.

DUCHESS

I had a Richard too, and thou did’st kill him;
I had a Rutland too; thou holp’st to kill him.

DUCHESS

I had a Richard too, and thou did’st kill him;
I had a Rutland too; thou holp’st to kill him.

QUEEN MARGARET

Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard killed him
Then forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
50 A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death—
That dog, that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood;
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth,
That reigns in gallèd eyes of weeping souls;
55 That foul defacer of God’s handiwork
Thy womb let loose to chase us to our graves.
O upright, just, and true-disposing God,
How do I thank thee that this carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother’s body
60 And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan!

QUEEN MARGARET

Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard killed him
Then forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death—
That dog, that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood;
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth,
That reigns in gallèd eyes of weeping souls;
That foul defacer of God’s handiwork
Thy womb let loose to chase us to our graves.
O upright, just, and true-disposing God,
How do I thank thee that this carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother’s body
And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan!

DUCHESS

O Harry’s wife, triumph not in my woes!
God witness with me, I have wept for thine.

DUCHESS

O Harry’s wife, triumph not in my woes!
God witness with me, I have wept for thine.

QUEEN MARGARET

Bear with me, I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
65 Thy Edward he is dead, that killed my Edward,
Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward;
Young York, he is but boot, because both they
Matched not the high perfection of my loss.
Thy Clarence he is dead that stabbed my Edward,
70 And the beholders of this frantic play,
Th' adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smothered in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell’s black intelligencer,
Only reserved their factor to buy souls
75 And send them thither. But at hand, at hand
Ensues his piteous and unpitied end.
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray,
To have him suddenly conveyed from hence.
Cancel his bond of life, dear God I pray,
80 That I may live to say, “The dog is dead.”

QUEEN MARGARET

Bear with me, I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
Thy Edward he is dead, that killed my Edward,
Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward;
Young York, he is but boot, because both they
Matched not the high perfection of my loss.
Thy Clarence he is dead that stabbed my Edward,
And the beholders of this frantic play,
Th' adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smothered in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell’s black intelligencer,
Only reserved their factor to buy souls
And send them thither. But at hand, at hand
Ensues his piteous and unpitied end.
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray,
To have him suddenly conveyed from hence.
Cancel his bond of life, dear God I pray,
That I may live to say, “The dog is dead.”

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou didst prophesy the time would come
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider, that foul bunch-backed toad!

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou didst prophesy the time would come
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider, that foul bunch-backed toad!

QUEEN MARGARET

I called thee then “vain flourish of my fortune.”
85 I called thee then poor shadow, “painted queen,”
The presentation of but what I was,
The flattering index of a direful pageant,
One heaved a-high, to be hurled down below,
A mother only mocked with two fair babes,
90 A dream of what thou wast, a garish flag
To be the aim of every dangerous shot,
A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble,
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? Where be thy brothers?
95 Where are thy two sons? Wherein dost thou joy?
Who sues and kneels and says “God save the queen?”
Where be the bending peers that flattered thee?
Where be the thronging troops that followed thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art:
100 For happy wife, a most distressèd widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crowned with care;
For she that scorned at me, now scorned of me;
For she being feared of all, now fearing one;
105 For she commanding all, obeyed of none.
Thus hath the course of justice whirled about
And left thee but a very prey to time,
Having no more but thought of what thou wast
To torture thee the more, being what thou art.
110 Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?
Now thy proud neck bears half my burdened yoke,
From which even here I slip my weary head
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.
115 Farewell, York’s wife, and queen of sad mischance.
These English woes will make me smile in France.

QUEEN MARGARET

I called thee then “vain flourish of my fortune.”
I called thee then poor shadow, “painted queen,”
The presentation of but what I was,
The flattering index of a direful pageant,
One heaved a-high, to be hurled down below,
A mother only mocked with two fair babes,
A dream of what thou wast, a garish flag
To be the aim of every dangerous shot,
A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble,
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? Where be thy brothers?
Where are thy two sons? Wherein dost thou joy?
Who sues and kneels and says “God save the queen?”
Where be the bending peers that flattered thee?
Where be the thronging troops that followed thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art:
For happy wife, a most distressèd widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crowned with care;
For she that scorned at me, now scorned of me;
For she being feared of all, now fearing one;
For she commanding all, obeyed of none.
Thus hath the course of justice whirled about
And left thee but a very prey to time,
Having no more but thought of what thou wast
To torture thee the more, being what thou art.
Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?
Now thy proud neck bears half my burdened yoke,
From which even here I slip my weary head
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.
Farewell, York’s wife, and queen of sad mischance.
These English woes will make me smile in France.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou well-skilled in curses, stay awhile,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou well-skilled in curses, stay awhile,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies.

QUEEN MARGARET

Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days;
120 Compare dead happiness with living woe;
Think that thy babes were sweeter than they were,
And he that slew them fouler than he is.
Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse.
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.

QUEEN MARGARET

Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days;
Compare dead happiness with living woe;
Think that thy babes were sweeter than they were,
And he that slew them fouler than he is.
Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse.
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

125 My words are dull. O, quicken them with thine!

QUEEN ELIZABETH

My words are dull. O, quicken them with thine!

QUEEN MARGARET

Thy woes will make them sharp and pierce like mine.

QUEEN MARGARET

Thy woes will make them sharp and pierce like mine.
Exit
Exit

DUCHESS

Why should calamity be full of words?

DUCHESS

Why should calamity be full of words?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Windy attorneys to their clients' woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
130 Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope, though what they will impart
Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Windy attorneys to their clients' woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope, though what they will impart
Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart.

DUCHESS

If so, then be not tongue-tied. Go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let’s smother
135 My damnèd son that thy two sweet sons smothered.

DUCHESS

If so, then be not tongue-tied. Go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let’s smother
My damnèd son that thy two sweet sons smothered.
A trumpet sounds
A trumpet sounds
The trumpet sounds. Be copious in exclaims.
The trumpet sounds. Be copious in exclaims.
They rise
They rise
Enter King RICHARD and his train, including CATESBY
Enter King RICHARD and his train, including CATESBY

RICHARD

Who intercepts my expedition?

RICHARD

Who intercepts my expedition?

DUCHESS

O, she that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursèd womb,
140 From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done.

DUCHESS

O, she that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursèd womb,
From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Hid’st thou that forehead with a golden crown
Where should be branded, if that right were right,
The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown
And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers?
145 Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Hid’st thou that forehead with a golden crown
Where should be branded, if that right were right,
The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown
And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers?
Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children?

DUCHESS

Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence?
And little Ned Plantagenet his son?

DUCHESS

Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence?
And little Ned Plantagenet his son?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Where is gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Where is gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?

DUCHESS

Where is kind Hastings?

DUCHESS

Where is kind Hastings?

RICHARD

150 A flourish, trumpets! Strike alarum, drums!
Let not the heavens hear these telltale women
Rail on the Lord’s anointed. Strike, I say!

RICHARD

A flourish, trumpets! Strike alarum, drums!
Let not the heavens hear these telltale women
Rail on the Lord’s anointed. Strike, I say!
Flourish. Alarums
Flourish. Alarums
Either be patient and entreat me fair,
Or with the clamorous report of war
155 Thus will I drown your exclamations.
Either be patient and entreat me fair,
Or with the clamorous report of war
Thus will I drown your exclamations.

DUCHESS

Art thou my son?

DUCHESS

Art thou my son?

RICHARD

Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself.

RICHARD

Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself.

DUCHESS

Then patiently hear my impatience.

DUCHESS

Then patiently hear my impatience.

RICHARD

Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
160 Which cannot brook the accent of reproof.

RICHARD

Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
Which cannot brook the accent of reproof.

DUCHESS

O, let me speak!

DUCHESS

O, let me speak!

RICHARD

     Do then, but I’ll not hear.

RICHARD

     Do then, but I’ll not hear.

DUCHESS

I will be mild and gentle in my words.

DUCHESS

I will be mild and gentle in my words.

RICHARD

And brief, good mother, for I am in haste.

RICHARD

And brief, good mother, for I am in haste.

DUCHESS

Art thou so hasty? I have stayed for thee,
165 God knows, in torment and in agony.

DUCHESS

Art thou so hasty? I have stayed for thee,
God knows, in torment and in agony.

RICHARD

And came I not at last to comfort you?

RICHARD

And came I not at last to comfort you?

DUCHESS

No, by the Holy Rood, thou know’st it well.
Thou cam’st on earth to make the earth my hell.
A grievous burden was thy birth to me;
170 Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;
Thy school days frightful, desp'rate, wild, and furious;
Thy prime of manhood daring, bold, and venturous;
Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle, sly, and bloody,
More mild, but yet more harmful, kind in hatred.
175 What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever graced me in thy company?

DUCHESS

No, by the Holy Rood, thou know’st it well.
Thou cam’st on earth to make the earth my hell.
A grievous burden was thy birth to me;
Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;
Thy school days frightful, desp'rate, wild, and furious;
Thy prime of manhood daring, bold, and venturous;
Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle, sly, and bloody,
More mild, but yet more harmful, kind in hatred.
What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever graced me in thy company?

RICHARD

Faith, none but Humfrey Hower, that called your Grace
To breakfast once, forth of my company.
If I be so disgracious in your eye,
180 Let me march on and not offend you, madam.—
Strike up the drum.

RICHARD

Faith, none but Humfrey Hower, that called your Grace
To breakfast once, forth of my company.
If I be so disgracious in your eye,
Let me march on and not offend you, madam.—
Strike up the drum.

DUCHESS

     I prithee, hear me speak.

DUCHESS

     I prithee, hear me speak.

RICHARD

You speak too bitterly.

RICHARD

You speak too bitterly.

DUCHESS

     Hear me a word,
For I shall never speak to thee again.

DUCHESS

     Hear me a word,
For I shall never speak to thee again.

RICHARD

So.

RICHARD

So.

DUCHESS

185 Either thou wilt die by God’s just ordinance
Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror,
Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish
And nevermore behold thy face again.
Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse,
190 Which in the day of battle tire thee more
Than all the complete armor that thou wear’st.
My prayers on the adverse party fight,
And there the little souls of Edward’s children
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies
195 And promise them success and victory.
Bloody thou art; bloody will be thy end.
Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.

DUCHESS

Either thou wilt die by God’s just ordinance
Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror,
Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish
And nevermore behold thy face again.
Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse,
Which in the day of battle tire thee more
Than all the complete armor that thou wear’st.
My prayers on the adverse party fight,
And there the little souls of Edward’s children
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies
And promise them success and victory.
Bloody thou art; bloody will be thy end.
Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.
Exit
Exit

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
Abides in me. I say amen to her.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
Abides in me. I say amen to her.

RICHARD

200 Stay, madam. I must talk a word with you.

RICHARD

Stay, madam. I must talk a word with you.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I have no more sons of the royal blood
For thee to slaughter. For my daughters, Richard,
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens,
And therefore level not to hit their lives.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I have no more sons of the royal blood
For thee to slaughter. For my daughters, Richard,
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens,
And therefore level not to hit their lives.

RICHARD

205 You have a daughter called Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.

RICHARD

You have a daughter called Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And must she die for this? O, let her live,
And I’ll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty,
Slander myself as false to Edward’s bed,
210 Throw over her the veil of infamy.
So she may live unscarred of bleeding slaughter,
I will confess she was not Edward’s daughter.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And must she die for this? O, let her live,
And I’ll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty,
Slander myself as false to Edward’s bed,
Throw over her the veil of infamy.
So she may live unscarred of bleeding slaughter,
I will confess she was not Edward’s daughter.

RICHARD

Wrong not her birth. She is a royal princess.

RICHARD

Wrong not her birth. She is a royal princess.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To save her life, I’ll say she is not so.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To save her life, I’ll say she is not so.

RICHARD

215 Her life is safest only in her birth.

RICHARD

Her life is safest only in her birth.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And only in that safety died her brothers.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And only in that safety died her brothers.

RICHARD

Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.

RICHARD

Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

No, to their lives ill friends were contrary.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

No, to their lives ill friends were contrary.

RICHARD

All unavoided is the doom of destiny.

RICHARD

All unavoided is the doom of destiny.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

220 True, when avoided grace makes destiny.
My babes were destined to a fairer death
If grace had blessed thee with a fairer life.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

True, when avoided grace makes destiny.
My babes were destined to a fairer death
If grace had blessed thee with a fairer life.

RICHARD

You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.

RICHARD

You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Cousins, indeed, and by their uncle cozened
225 Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
Whose hand soever launched their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction.
No doubt the murd'rous knife was dull and blunt
Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
230 To revel in the entrails of my lambs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
Till that my nails were anchored in thine eyes,
And I, in such a desp'rate bay of death,
235 Like a poor bark of sails and tackling reft,
Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Cousins, indeed, and by their uncle cozened
Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
Whose hand soever launched their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction.
No doubt the murd'rous knife was dull and blunt
Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
To revel in the entrails of my lambs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
Till that my nails were anchored in thine eyes,
And I, in such a desp'rate bay of death,
Like a poor bark of sails and tackling reft,
Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.

RICHARD

Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise
And dangerous success of bloody wars
As I intend more good to you and yours
240 Than ever you or yours were by me harmed!

RICHARD

Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise
And dangerous success of bloody wars
As I intend more good to you and yours
Than ever you or yours were by me harmed!

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What good is covered with the face of heaven,
To be discovered, that can do me good?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What good is covered with the face of heaven,
To be discovered, that can do me good?

RICHARD

The advancement of your children, gentle lady.

RICHARD

The advancement of your children, gentle lady.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads.

RICHARD

245 Unto the dignity and height of fortune,
The high imperial type of this earth’s glory.

RICHARD

Unto the dignity and height of fortune,
The high imperial type of this earth’s glory.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Flatter my sorrow with report of it.
Tell me what state, what dignity, what honor,
Canst thou demise to any child of mine?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Flatter my sorrow with report of it.
Tell me what state, what dignity, what honor,
Canst thou demise to any child of mine?

RICHARD

250 Even all I have— ay, and myself and all—
Will I withal endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
Which thou supposest I have done to thee.

RICHARD

Even all I have— ay, and myself and all—
Will I withal endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
Which thou supposest I have done to thee.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

255 Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.

RICHARD

Then know that from my soul I love thy daughter.

RICHARD

Then know that from my soul I love thy daughter.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

My daughter’s mother thinks it with her soul.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

My daughter’s mother thinks it with her soul.

RICHARD

What do you think?

RICHARD

What do you think?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

260 That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul.
So from thy soul’s love didst thou love her brothers,
And from my heart’s love I do thank thee for it.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul.
So from thy soul’s love didst thou love her brothers,
And from my heart’s love I do thank thee for it.

RICHARD

Be not so hasty to confound my meaning.
I mean that with my soul I love thy daughter
265 And do intend to make her Queen of England.

RICHARD

Be not so hasty to confound my meaning.
I mean that with my soul I love thy daughter
And do intend to make her Queen of England.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Well then, who dost thou mean shall be her king?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Well then, who dost thou mean shall be her king?

RICHARD

Even he that makes her queen. Who else should be?

RICHARD

Even he that makes her queen. Who else should be?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What, thou?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What, thou?

RICHARD

Even so. How think you of it?

RICHARD

Even so. How think you of it?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

270 How canst thou woo her?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

How canst thou woo her?

RICHARD

     That would I learn of you,
As one being best acquainted with her humor.

RICHARD

     That would I learn of you,
As one being best acquainted with her humor.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And wilt thou learn of me?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And wilt thou learn of me?

RICHARD

Madam, with all my heart.

RICHARD

Madam, with all my heart.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
275 A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave
“Edward” and “York.” Then haply she will weep.
Therefore present to her—as sometime Margaret
Did to thy father, steeped in Rutland’s blood—
A handkerchief, which say to her did drain
280 The purple sap from her sweet brother’s body,
And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal.
If this inducement move her not to love,
Send her a letter of thy noble deeds;
Tell her thou mad’st away her uncle Clarence,
285 Her uncle Rivers, ay, and for her sake
Mad’st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave
“Edward” and “York.” Then haply she will weep.
Therefore present to her—as sometime Margaret
Did to thy father, steeped in Rutland’s blood—
A handkerchief, which say to her did drain
The purple sap from her sweet brother’s body,
And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal.
If this inducement move her not to love,
Send her a letter of thy noble deeds;
Tell her thou mad’st away her uncle Clarence,
Her uncle Rivers, ay, and for her sake
Mad’st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.

RICHARD

You mock me, madam. This is not the way
To win your daughter.

RICHARD

You mock me, madam. This is not the way
To win your daughter.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     There is no other way,
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape
290 And not be Richard, that hath done all this.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     There is no other way,
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape
And not be Richard, that hath done all this.

RICHARD

Say that I did all this for love of her.

RICHARD

Say that I did all this for love of her.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee,
Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee,
Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.

RICHARD

Look what is done cannot be now amended.
295 Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give leisure to repent.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends I’ll give it to your daughter.
If I have killed the issue of your womb,
300 To quicken your increase I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter.
A grandam’s name is little less in love
Than is the doting title of a mother.
They are as children but one step below,
305 Even of your metal, of your very blood,
Of all one pain, save for a night of groans
Endured of her for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
310 The loss you have is but a son being king,
And by that loss your daughter is made queen.
I cannot make you what amends I would;
Therefore accept such kindness as I can.
Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul
315 Leads discontented steps in foreign soil,
This fair alliance quickly shall call home
To high promotions and great dignity.
The king that calls your beauteous daughter wife
Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother.
320 Again shall you be mother to a king,
And all the ruins of distressful times
Repaired with double riches of content.
What, we have many goodly days to see!
The liquid drops of tears that you have shed
325 Shall come again, transformed to orient pearl,
Advantaging their love with interest
Of ten times double gain of happiness.
Go then, my mother; to thy daughter go.

RICHARD

Look what is done cannot be now amended.
Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give leisure to repent.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends I’ll give it to your daughter.
If I have killed the issue of your womb,
To quicken your increase I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter.
A grandam’s name is little less in love
Than is the doting title of a mother.
They are as children but one step below,
Even of your metal, of your very blood,
Of all one pain, save for a night of groans
Endured of her for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
The loss you have is but a son being king,
And by that loss your daughter is made queen.
I cannot make you what amends I would;
Therefore accept such kindness as I can.
Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul
Leads discontented steps in foreign soil,
This fair alliance quickly shall call home
To high promotions and great dignity.
The king that calls your beauteous daughter wife
Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother.
Again shall you be mother to a king,
And all the ruins of distressful times
Repaired with double riches of content.
What, we have many goodly days to see!
The liquid drops of tears that you have shed
Shall come again, transformed to orient pearl,
Advantaging their love with interest
Of ten times double gain of happiness.
Go then, my mother; to thy daughter go.
Make bold her bashful years with your experience;
330 Prepare her ears to hear a wooer’s tale;
Put in her tender heart th' aspiring flame
Of golden sovereignty; acquaint the Princess
With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys;
And when this arm of mine hath chastisèd
335 The petty rebel, dull-brained Buckingham,
Bound with triumphant garlands will I come
And lead thy daughter to a conqueror’s bed,
To whom I will retail my conquest won,
And she shall be sole victoress, Caesar’s Caesar.
Make bold her bashful years with your experience;
Prepare her ears to hear a wooer’s tale;
Put in her tender heart th' aspiring flame
Of golden sovereignty; acquaint the Princess
With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys;
And when this arm of mine hath chastisèd
The petty rebel, dull-brained Buckingham,
Bound with triumphant garlands will I come
And lead thy daughter to a conqueror’s bed,
To whom I will retail my conquest won,
And she shall be sole victoress, Caesar’s Caesar.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

340 What were I best to say? Her father’s brother
Would be her lord? Or shall I say her uncle?
Or he that slew her brothers and her uncles?
Under what title shall I woo for thee,
That God, the law, my honor and her love
345 Can make seem pleasing to her tender years?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What were I best to say? Her father’s brother
Would be her lord? Or shall I say her uncle?
Or he that slew her brothers and her uncles?
Under what title shall I woo for thee,
That God, the law, my honor and her love
Can make seem pleasing to her tender years?

RICHARD

Infer fair England’s peace by this alliance.

RICHARD

Infer fair England’s peace by this alliance.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Which she shall purchase with still-lasting war.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Which she shall purchase with still-lasting war.

RICHARD

Tell her the king, that may command, entreats—

RICHARD

Tell her the king, that may command, entreats—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That, at her hands, which the king’s King forbids.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That, at her hands, which the king’s King forbids.

RICHARD

350 Say she shall be a high and mighty queen.

RICHARD

Say she shall be a high and mighty queen.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To vail the title, as her mother doth.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To vail the title, as her mother doth.

RICHARD

Say I will love her everlastingly.

RICHARD

Say I will love her everlastingly.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But how long shall that title “ever” last?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But how long shall that title “ever” last?

RICHARD

Sweetly in force unto her fair life’s end.

RICHARD

Sweetly in force unto her fair life’s end.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

355 But how long fairly shall her sweet life last?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But how long fairly shall her sweet life last?

RICHARD

As long as heaven and nature lengthens it.

RICHARD

As long as heaven and nature lengthens it.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

As long as hell and Richard likes of it.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

As long as hell and Richard likes of it.

RICHARD

Say I, her sovereign, am her subject low.

RICHARD

Say I, her sovereign, am her subject low.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.

RICHARD

360 Be eloquent in my behalf to her.

RICHARD

Be eloquent in my behalf to her.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.

RICHARD

Then plainly to her tell my loving tale.

RICHARD

Then plainly to her tell my loving tale.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.

RICHARD

Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.

RICHARD

Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

365 O no, my reasons are too deep and dead—
Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O no, my reasons are too deep and dead—
Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves.

RICHARD

Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.

RICHARD

Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.

RICHARD

Now by my George, my Garter, and my crown—

RICHARD

Now by my George, my Garter, and my crown—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

370 Profaned, dishonored, and the third usurped.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Profaned, dishonored, and the third usurped.

RICHARD

I swear—

RICHARD

I swear—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     By nothing, for this is no oath.
Thy George, profaned, hath lost his lordly honor;
Thy garter, blemished, pawned his knightly virtue;
Thy crown, usurped, disgraced his kingly glory.
375 If something thou wouldst swear to be believed,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wronged.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     By nothing, for this is no oath.
Thy George, profaned, hath lost his lordly honor;
Thy garter, blemished, pawned his knightly virtue;
Thy crown, usurped, disgraced his kingly glory.
If something thou wouldst swear to be believed,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wronged.

RICHARD

Then, by myself—

RICHARD

Then, by myself—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thyself is self-misused.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thyself is self-misused.

RICHARD

Now, by the world—

RICHARD

Now, by the world—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.

RICHARD

My father’s death—

RICHARD

My father’s death—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thy life hath it dishonored.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thy life hath it dishonored.

RICHARD

380 Why then, by God.

RICHARD

Why then, by God.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     God’s wrong is most of all.
If thou didst fear to break an oath by Him,
The unity the king my husband made
Thou hadst not broken, nor my brothers died.
If thou hadst feared to break an oath by Him,
385 Th' imperial metal circling now thy head
Had graced the tender temples of my child,
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, two tender bedfellows for dust,
Thy broken faith hath made the prey for worms.
390 What canst thou swear by now?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     God’s wrong is most of all.
If thou didst fear to break an oath by Him,
The unity the king my husband made
Thou hadst not broken, nor my brothers died.
If thou hadst feared to break an oath by Him,
Th' imperial metal circling now thy head
Had graced the tender temples of my child,
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, two tender bedfellows for dust,
Thy broken faith hath made the prey for worms.
What canst thou swear by now?

RICHARD

     The time to come.

RICHARD

     The time to come.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That thou hast wrongèd in the time o'erpast;
For I myself have many tears to wash
Hereafter time, for time past wronged by thee.
The children live whose fathers thou hast slaughtered,
395 Ungoverned youth, to wail it in their age;
The parents live whose children thou hast butchered,
Old barren plants, to wail it with their age.
Swear not by time to come, for that thou hast
Misused ere used, by times ill-used o'erpast.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That thou hast wrongèd in the time o'erpast;
For I myself have many tears to wash
Hereafter time, for time past wronged by thee.
The children live whose fathers thou hast slaughtered,
Ungoverned youth, to wail it in their age;
The parents live whose children thou hast butchered,
Old barren plants, to wail it with their age.
Swear not by time to come, for that thou hast
Misused ere used, by times ill-used o'erpast.

RICHARD

400 As I intend to prosper and repent,
So thrive I in my dangerous affairs
Of hostile arms! Myself myself confound,
Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours,
Day, yield me not thy light, nor night thy rest,
405 Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceedings if, with dear heart’s love,
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter.
In her consists my happiness and thine.
410 Without her follows to myself and thee,
Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul,
Death, desolation, ruin and decay.
It cannot be avoided but by this;
It will not be avoided but by this.
415 Therefore, dear mother—I must call you so—
Be the attorney of my love to her:
Plead what I will be, not what I have been;
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve.
Urge the necessity and state of times,
420 And be not peevish found in great designs.

RICHARD

As I intend to prosper and repent,
So thrive I in my dangerous affairs
Of hostile arms! Myself myself confound,
Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours,
Day, yield me not thy light, nor night thy rest,
Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceedings if, with dear heart’s love,
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter.
In her consists my happiness and thine.
Without her follows to myself and thee,
Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul,
Death, desolation, ruin and decay.
It cannot be avoided but by this;
It will not be avoided but by this.
Therefore, dear mother—I must call you so—
Be the attorney of my love to her:
Plead what I will be, not what I have been;
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve.
Urge the necessity and state of times,
And be not peevish found in great designs.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?

RICHARD

Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good.

RICHARD

Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I forget myself to be myself?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I forget myself to be myself?

RICHARD

Ay, if your self’s remembrance wrong yourself.

RICHARD

Ay, if your self’s remembrance wrong yourself.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

425 Yet thou didst kill my children.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Yet thou didst kill my children.

RICHARD

But in your daughter’s womb I bury them,
Where, in that nest of spicery, they will breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.

RICHARD

But in your daughter’s womb I bury them,
Where, in that nest of spicery, they will breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?

RICHARD

430 And be a happy mother by the deed.

RICHARD

And be a happy mother by the deed.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I go. Write to me very shortly,
And you shall understand from me her mind.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I go. Write to me very shortly,
And you shall understand from me her mind.

RICHARD

Bear her my true love’s kiss; and so, farewell.

RICHARD

Bear her my true love’s kiss; and so, farewell.
Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH
Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH
Relenting fool and shallow, changing woman!
Relenting fool and shallow, changing woman!
Enter RATCLIFFE , with CATESBY behind
Enter RATCLIFFE , with CATESBY behind
435 How now, what news?
How now, what news?

RATCLIFFE

Most mighty sovereign, on the western coast
Rideth a puissant navy. To our shores
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarmed and unresolved to beat them back.
440 'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral;
And there they hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.

RATCLIFFE

Most mighty sovereign, on the western coast
Rideth a puissant navy. To our shores
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarmed and unresolved to beat them back.
'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral;
And there they hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.

RICHARD

Some light-foot friend post to the duke of Norfolk—
Ratcliffe, thyself, or Catesby. Where is he?

RICHARD

Some light-foot friend post to the duke of Norfolk—
Ratcliffe, thyself, or Catesby. Where is he?

CATESBY

445 Here, my good lord.

CATESBY

Here, my good lord.

RICHARD

Catesby, fly to the duke.

RICHARD

Catesby, fly to the duke.

CATESBY

I will, my lord, with all convenient haste.

CATESBY

I will, my lord, with all convenient haste.

RICHARD

Ratcliffe, come hither. Post to Salisbury.
When thou com’st thither
450 — (to CATESBY) Dull, unmindful villain,
Why stay’st thou here and go’st not to the duke?

RICHARD

Ratcliffe, come hither. Post to Salisbury.
When thou com’st thither
— (to CATESBY) Dull, unmindful villain,
Why stay’st thou here and go’st not to the duke?

CATESBY

First, mighty liege, tell me your Highness' pleasure,
What from your Grace I shall deliver to him.

CATESBY

First, mighty liege, tell me your Highness' pleasure,
What from your Grace I shall deliver to him.

RICHARD

O true, good Catesby. Bid him levy straight
455 The greatest strength and power that he can make
And meet me suddenly at Salisbury.

RICHARD

O true, good Catesby. Bid him levy straight
The greatest strength and power that he can make
And meet me suddenly at Salisbury.

CATESBY

I go.

CATESBY

I go.
Exit
Exit

RATCLIFFE

What, may it please you, shall I do at Salisbury?

RATCLIFFE

What, may it please you, shall I do at Salisbury?

RICHARD

Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?

RICHARD

Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?

RATCLIFFE

460 Your Highness told me I should post before.

RATCLIFFE

Your Highness told me I should post before.

RICHARD

My mind is changed.

RICHARD

My mind is changed.
Enter STANLEY
Enter STANLEY
     Stanley, what news with you?
     Stanley, what news with you?

STANLEY

None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing,
Nor none so bad but well may be reported.

STANLEY

None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing,
Nor none so bad but well may be reported.

RICHARD

Hoyday, a riddle! Neither good nor bad.
465 What need’st thou run so many mile about
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?
Once more, what news?

RICHARD

Hoyday, a riddle! Neither good nor bad.
What need’st thou run so many mile about
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?
Once more, what news?

STANLEY

     Richmond is on the seas.

STANLEY

     Richmond is on the seas.

RICHARD

There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
White-livered runagate, what doth he there?

RICHARD

There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
White-livered runagate, what doth he there?

STANLEY

470 I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.

STANLEY

I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.

RICHARD

Well, as you guess?

RICHARD

Well, as you guess?

STANLEY

Stirred up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton,
He makes for England, here to claim the crown.

STANLEY

Stirred up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton,
He makes for England, here to claim the crown.

RICHARD

Is the chair empty? Is the sword unswayed?
475 Is the king dead, the empire unpossessed?
What heir of York is there alive but we?
And who is England’s king but great York’s heir?
Then tell me, what makes he upon the seas?

RICHARD

Is the chair empty? Is the sword unswayed?
Is the king dead, the empire unpossessed?
What heir of York is there alive but we?
And who is England’s king but great York’s heir?
Then tell me, what makes he upon the seas?

STANLEY

Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.

STANLEY

Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.

RICHARD

480 Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes.
Thou wilt revolt and fly to him, I fear.

RICHARD

Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes.
Thou wilt revolt and fly to him, I fear.

STANLEY

No, my good lord. Therefore mistrust me not.

STANLEY

No, my good lord. Therefore mistrust me not.

RICHARD

Where is thy power, then, to beat him back?
485 Where be thy tenants and thy followers?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships?

RICHARD

Where is thy power, then, to beat him back?
Where be thy tenants and thy followers?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships?

STANLEY

No, my good lord. My friends are in the north.

STANLEY

No, my good lord. My friends are in the north.

RICHARD

Cold friends to me. What do they in the north
490 When they should serve their sovereign in the west?

RICHARD

Cold friends to me. What do they in the north
When they should serve their sovereign in the west?

STANLEY

They have not been commanded, mighty king.
Pleaseth your Majesty to give me leave,
I’ll muster up my friends and meet your Grace
Where and what time your Majesty shall please.

STANLEY

They have not been commanded, mighty king.
Pleaseth your Majesty to give me leave,
I’ll muster up my friends and meet your Grace
Where and what time your Majesty shall please.

RICHARD

495 Ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond,
But I’ll not trust thee.

RICHARD

Ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond,
But I’ll not trust thee.

STANLEY

     Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful.
I never was nor never will be false.

STANLEY

     Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful.
I never was nor never will be false.

RICHARD

Go then and muster men, but leave behind
500 Your son George Stanley. Look your heart be firm.
Or else his head’s assurance is but frail.

RICHARD

Go then and muster men, but leave behind
Your son George Stanley. Look your heart be firm.
Or else his head’s assurance is but frail.

STANLEY

So deal with him as I prove true to you.

STANLEY

So deal with him as I prove true to you.
Exit
Exit
Enter a MESSENGER
Enter a MESSENGER

MESSENGER

My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertisèd,
505 Sir Edward Courtney and the haughty prelate,
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother,
With many more confederates are in arms.

MESSENGER

My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertisèd,
Sir Edward Courtney and the haughty prelate,
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother,
With many more confederates are in arms.
Enter SECOND MESSENGER
Enter SECOND MESSENGER

SECOND MESSENGER

In Kent, my liege, the Guilfords are in arms,
And every hour more competitors
510 Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.

SECOND MESSENGER

In Kent, my liege, the Guilfords are in arms,
And every hour more competitors
Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.
Enter THIRD MESSENGER
Enter THIRD MESSENGER

THIRD MESSENGER

My lord, the army of great Buckingham—

THIRD MESSENGER

My lord, the army of great Buckingham—

RICHARD

Out on you, owls! Nothing but songs of death.
He striketh him
There, take thou that till thou bring better news.

RICHARD

Out on you, owls! Nothing but songs of death.
He striketh him
There, take thou that till thou bring better news.

THIRD MESSENGER

515 The news I have to tell your Majesty
Is that by sudden floods and fall of waters
Buckingham’s army is dispersed and scattered,
And he himself wandered away alone,
No man knows whither.

THIRD MESSENGER

The news I have to tell your Majesty
Is that by sudden floods and fall of waters
Buckingham’s army is dispersed and scattered,
And he himself wandered away alone,
No man knows whither.

RICHARD

     I cry thee mercy.
520 There is my purse to cure that blow of thine.
He gives money
Hath any well-advisèd friend proclaimed
Reward to him that brings the traitor in?

RICHARD

     I cry thee mercy.
There is my purse to cure that blow of thine.
He gives money
Hath any well-advisèd friend proclaimed
Reward to him that brings the traitor in?

THIRD MESSENGER

Such proclamation hath been made, my lord.

THIRD MESSENGER

Such proclamation hath been made, my lord.
Enter FOURTH MESSENGER
Enter FOURTH MESSENGER

FOURTH MESSENGER

525 Sir Thomas Lovell and Lord Marquess Dorset,
'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms.
But this good comfort bring I to your Highness:
The Breton navy is dispersed by tempest.
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat
530 Unto the shore to ask those on the banks
If they were his assistants, yea or no—
Who answered him they came from Buckingham
Upon his party. He, mistrusting them,
Hoisted sail and made his course for Brittany.

FOURTH MESSENGER

Sir Thomas Lovell and Lord Marquess Dorset,
'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms.
But this good comfort bring I to your Highness:
The Breton navy is dispersed by tempest.
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat
Unto the shore to ask those on the banks
If they were his assistants, yea or no—
Who answered him they came from Buckingham
Upon his party. He, mistrusting them,
Hoisted sail and made his course for Brittany.

RICHARD

535 March on, march on, since we are up in arms,
If not to fight with foreign enemies,
Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.

RICHARD

March on, march on, since we are up in arms,
If not to fight with foreign enemies,
Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.
Enter CATESBY
Enter CATESBY

CATESBY

My liege, the duke of Buckingham is taken.
That is the best news. That the earl of Richmond
540 Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.

CATESBY

My liege, the duke of Buckingham is taken.
That is the best news. That the earl of Richmond
Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.

RICHARD

Away towards Salisbury! While we reason here,
A royal battle might be won and lost.
Someone take order Buckingham be brought
545 To Salisbury. The rest march on with me.

RICHARD

Away towards Salisbury! While we reason here,
A royal battle might be won and lost.
Someone take order Buckingham be brought
To Salisbury. The rest march on with me.
Flourish. Exeunt
Flourish. Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter old QUEEN MARGARET
Enter old QUEEN MARGARET

QUEEN MARGARET

So now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slyly have I lurked
To watch the waning of mine enemies.
5 A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France, hoping the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret. Who comes here?

QUEEN MARGARET

So now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slyly have I lurked
To watch the waning of mine enemies.
A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France, hoping the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret. Who comes here?
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and the DUCHESS of York
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and the DUCHESS of York

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Ah, my poor princes! Ah, my tender babes,
10 My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets,
If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
And be not fixed in doom perpetual,
Hover about me with your airy wings
And hear your mother’s lamentation.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Ah, my poor princes! Ah, my tender babes,
My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets,
If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
And be not fixed in doom perpetual,
Hover about me with your airy wings
And hear your mother’s lamentation.

QUEEN MARGARET

15 Hover about her; say that right for right
Hath dimmed your infant morn to agèd night.

QUEEN MARGARET

Hover about her; say that right for right
Hath dimmed your infant morn to agèd night.

DUCHESS

So many miseries have crazed my voice
That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute.
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead?

DUCHESS

So many miseries have crazed my voice
That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute.
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead?

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet;
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet;
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) When holy Harry died, and my sweet son.

QUEEN MARGARET

(aside) When holy Harry died, and my sweet son.

DUCHESS

(sitting down)
Dead life, blind sight, poor mortal living ghost,
Woe’s scene, world’s shame, grave’s due by life usurped,
Brief abstract and record of tedious days,
30 Rest thy unrest on England’s lawful earth,
Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood.

DUCHESS

(sitting down)
Dead life, blind sight, poor mortal living ghost,
Woe’s scene, world’s shame, grave’s due by life usurped,
Brief abstract and record of tedious days,
Rest thy unrest on England’s lawful earth,
Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

(sitting down beside her)
Ah, that thou wouldst as soon afford a grave
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat,
35 Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here.
O, who hath any cause to mourn but we?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

(sitting down beside her)
Ah, that thou wouldst as soon afford a grave
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat,
Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here.
O, who hath any cause to mourn but we?

QUEEN MARGARET

(joining them) If ancient sorrow be most reverend,
Give mine the benefit of seigniory,
And let my griefs frown on the upper hand.
40 If sorrow can admit society,
Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine.
I had an Edward till a Richard killed him;
I had a husband till a Richard killed him.
Thou hadst an Edward till a Richard killed him;
45 Thou hadst a Richard till a Richard killed him.

QUEEN MARGARET

(joining them) If ancient sorrow be most reverend,
Give mine the benefit of seigniory,
And let my griefs frown on the upper hand.
If sorrow can admit society,
Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine.
I had an Edward till a Richard killed him;
I had a husband till a Richard killed him.
Thou hadst an Edward till a Richard killed him;
Thou hadst a Richard till a Richard killed him.

DUCHESS

I had a Richard too, and thou did’st kill him;
I had a Rutland too; thou holp’st to kill him.

DUCHESS

I had a Richard too, and thou did’st kill him;
I had a Rutland too; thou holp’st to kill him.

QUEEN MARGARET

Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard killed him
Then forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
50 A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death—
That dog, that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood;
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth,
That reigns in gallèd eyes of weeping souls;
55 That foul defacer of God’s handiwork
Thy womb let loose to chase us to our graves.
O upright, just, and true-disposing God,
How do I thank thee that this carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother’s body
60 And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan!

QUEEN MARGARET

Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard killed him
Then forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death—
That dog, that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood;
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth,
That reigns in gallèd eyes of weeping souls;
That foul defacer of God’s handiwork
Thy womb let loose to chase us to our graves.
O upright, just, and true-disposing God,
How do I thank thee that this carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother’s body
And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan!

DUCHESS

O Harry’s wife, triumph not in my woes!
God witness with me, I have wept for thine.

DUCHESS

O Harry’s wife, triumph not in my woes!
God witness with me, I have wept for thine.

QUEEN MARGARET

Bear with me, I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
65 Thy Edward he is dead, that killed my Edward,
Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward;
Young York, he is but boot, because both they
Matched not the high perfection of my loss.
Thy Clarence he is dead that stabbed my Edward,
70 And the beholders of this frantic play,
Th' adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smothered in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell’s black intelligencer,
Only reserved their factor to buy souls
75 And send them thither. But at hand, at hand
Ensues his piteous and unpitied end.
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray,
To have him suddenly conveyed from hence.
Cancel his bond of life, dear God I pray,
80 That I may live to say, “The dog is dead.”

QUEEN MARGARET

Bear with me, I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
Thy Edward he is dead, that killed my Edward,
Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward;
Young York, he is but boot, because both they
Matched not the high perfection of my loss.
Thy Clarence he is dead that stabbed my Edward,
And the beholders of this frantic play,
Th' adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smothered in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell’s black intelligencer,
Only reserved their factor to buy souls
And send them thither. But at hand, at hand
Ensues his piteous and unpitied end.
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray,
To have him suddenly conveyed from hence.
Cancel his bond of life, dear God I pray,
That I may live to say, “The dog is dead.”

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou didst prophesy the time would come
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider, that foul bunch-backed toad!

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou didst prophesy the time would come
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider, that foul bunch-backed toad!

QUEEN MARGARET

I called thee then “vain flourish of my fortune.”
85 I called thee then poor shadow, “painted queen,”
The presentation of but what I was,
The flattering index of a direful pageant,
One heaved a-high, to be hurled down below,
A mother only mocked with two fair babes,
90 A dream of what thou wast, a garish flag
To be the aim of every dangerous shot,
A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble,
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? Where be thy brothers?
95 Where are thy two sons? Wherein dost thou joy?
Who sues and kneels and says “God save the queen?”
Where be the bending peers that flattered thee?
Where be the thronging troops that followed thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art:
100 For happy wife, a most distressèd widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crowned with care;
For she that scorned at me, now scorned of me;
For she being feared of all, now fearing one;
105 For she commanding all, obeyed of none.
Thus hath the course of justice whirled about
And left thee but a very prey to time,
Having no more but thought of what thou wast
To torture thee the more, being what thou art.
110 Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?
Now thy proud neck bears half my burdened yoke,
From which even here I slip my weary head
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.
115 Farewell, York’s wife, and queen of sad mischance.
These English woes will make me smile in France.

QUEEN MARGARET

I called thee then “vain flourish of my fortune.”
I called thee then poor shadow, “painted queen,”
The presentation of but what I was,
The flattering index of a direful pageant,
One heaved a-high, to be hurled down below,
A mother only mocked with two fair babes,
A dream of what thou wast, a garish flag
To be the aim of every dangerous shot,
A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble,
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? Where be thy brothers?
Where are thy two sons? Wherein dost thou joy?
Who sues and kneels and says “God save the queen?”
Where be the bending peers that flattered thee?
Where be the thronging troops that followed thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art:
For happy wife, a most distressèd widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crowned with care;
For she that scorned at me, now scorned of me;
For she being feared of all, now fearing one;
For she commanding all, obeyed of none.
Thus hath the course of justice whirled about
And left thee but a very prey to time,
Having no more but thought of what thou wast
To torture thee the more, being what thou art.
Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?
Now thy proud neck bears half my burdened yoke,
From which even here I slip my weary head
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.
Farewell, York’s wife, and queen of sad mischance.
These English woes will make me smile in France.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou well-skilled in curses, stay awhile,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O, thou well-skilled in curses, stay awhile,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies.

QUEEN MARGARET

Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days;
120 Compare dead happiness with living woe;
Think that thy babes were sweeter than they were,
And he that slew them fouler than he is.
Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse.
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.

QUEEN MARGARET

Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days;
Compare dead happiness with living woe;
Think that thy babes were sweeter than they were,
And he that slew them fouler than he is.
Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse.
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

125 My words are dull. O, quicken them with thine!

QUEEN ELIZABETH

My words are dull. O, quicken them with thine!

QUEEN MARGARET

Thy woes will make them sharp and pierce like mine.

QUEEN MARGARET

Thy woes will make them sharp and pierce like mine.
Exit
Exit

DUCHESS

Why should calamity be full of words?

DUCHESS

Why should calamity be full of words?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Windy attorneys to their clients' woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
130 Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope, though what they will impart
Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Windy attorneys to their clients' woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope, though what they will impart
Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart.

DUCHESS

If so, then be not tongue-tied. Go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let’s smother
135 My damnèd son that thy two sweet sons smothered.

DUCHESS

If so, then be not tongue-tied. Go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let’s smother
My damnèd son that thy two sweet sons smothered.
A trumpet sounds
A trumpet sounds
The trumpet sounds. Be copious in exclaims.
The trumpet sounds. Be copious in exclaims.
They rise
They rise
Enter King RICHARD and his train, including CATESBY
Enter King RICHARD and his train, including CATESBY

RICHARD

Who intercepts my expedition?

RICHARD

Who intercepts my expedition?

DUCHESS

O, she that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursèd womb,
140 From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done.

DUCHESS

O, she that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursèd womb,
From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Hid’st thou that forehead with a golden crown
Where should be branded, if that right were right,
The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown
And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers?
145 Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Hid’st thou that forehead with a golden crown
Where should be branded, if that right were right,
The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown
And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers?
Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children?

DUCHESS

Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence?
And little Ned Plantagenet his son?

DUCHESS

Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence?
And little Ned Plantagenet his son?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Where is gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Where is gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?

DUCHESS

Where is kind Hastings?

DUCHESS

Where is kind Hastings?

RICHARD

150 A flourish, trumpets! Strike alarum, drums!
Let not the heavens hear these telltale women
Rail on the Lord’s anointed. Strike, I say!

RICHARD

A flourish, trumpets! Strike alarum, drums!
Let not the heavens hear these telltale women
Rail on the Lord’s anointed. Strike, I say!
Flourish. Alarums
Flourish. Alarums
Either be patient and entreat me fair,
Or with the clamorous report of war
155 Thus will I drown your exclamations.
Either be patient and entreat me fair,
Or with the clamorous report of war
Thus will I drown your exclamations.

DUCHESS

Art thou my son?

DUCHESS

Art thou my son?

RICHARD

Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself.

RICHARD

Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself.

DUCHESS

Then patiently hear my impatience.

DUCHESS

Then patiently hear my impatience.

RICHARD

Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
160 Which cannot brook the accent of reproof.

RICHARD

Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
Which cannot brook the accent of reproof.

DUCHESS

O, let me speak!

DUCHESS

O, let me speak!

RICHARD

     Do then, but I’ll not hear.

RICHARD

     Do then, but I’ll not hear.

DUCHESS

I will be mild and gentle in my words.

DUCHESS

I will be mild and gentle in my words.

RICHARD

And brief, good mother, for I am in haste.

RICHARD

And brief, good mother, for I am in haste.

DUCHESS

Art thou so hasty? I have stayed for thee,
165 God knows, in torment and in agony.

DUCHESS

Art thou so hasty? I have stayed for thee,
God knows, in torment and in agony.

RICHARD

And came I not at last to comfort you?

RICHARD

And came I not at last to comfort you?

DUCHESS

No, by the Holy Rood, thou know’st it well.
Thou cam’st on earth to make the earth my hell.
A grievous burden was thy birth to me;
170 Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;
Thy school days frightful, desp'rate, wild, and furious;
Thy prime of manhood daring, bold, and venturous;
Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle, sly, and bloody,
More mild, but yet more harmful, kind in hatred.
175 What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever graced me in thy company?

DUCHESS

No, by the Holy Rood, thou know’st it well.
Thou cam’st on earth to make the earth my hell.
A grievous burden was thy birth to me;
Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;
Thy school days frightful, desp'rate, wild, and furious;
Thy prime of manhood daring, bold, and venturous;
Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle, sly, and bloody,
More mild, but yet more harmful, kind in hatred.
What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever graced me in thy company?

RICHARD

Faith, none but Humfrey Hower, that called your Grace
To breakfast once, forth of my company.
If I be so disgracious in your eye,
180 Let me march on and not offend you, madam.—
Strike up the drum.

RICHARD

Faith, none but Humfrey Hower, that called your Grace
To breakfast once, forth of my company.
If I be so disgracious in your eye,
Let me march on and not offend you, madam.—
Strike up the drum.

DUCHESS

     I prithee, hear me speak.

DUCHESS

     I prithee, hear me speak.

RICHARD

You speak too bitterly.

RICHARD

You speak too bitterly.

DUCHESS

     Hear me a word,
For I shall never speak to thee again.

DUCHESS

     Hear me a word,
For I shall never speak to thee again.

RICHARD

So.

RICHARD

So.

DUCHESS

185 Either thou wilt die by God’s just ordinance
Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror,
Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish
And nevermore behold thy face again.
Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse,
190 Which in the day of battle tire thee more
Than all the complete armor that thou wear’st.
My prayers on the adverse party fight,
And there the little souls of Edward’s children
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies
195 And promise them success and victory.
Bloody thou art; bloody will be thy end.
Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.

DUCHESS

Either thou wilt die by God’s just ordinance
Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror,
Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish
And nevermore behold thy face again.
Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse,
Which in the day of battle tire thee more
Than all the complete armor that thou wear’st.
My prayers on the adverse party fight,
And there the little souls of Edward’s children
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies
And promise them success and victory.
Bloody thou art; bloody will be thy end.
Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.
Exit
Exit

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
Abides in me. I say amen to her.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
Abides in me. I say amen to her.

RICHARD

200 Stay, madam. I must talk a word with you.

RICHARD

Stay, madam. I must talk a word with you.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I have no more sons of the royal blood
For thee to slaughter. For my daughters, Richard,
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens,
And therefore level not to hit their lives.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I have no more sons of the royal blood
For thee to slaughter. For my daughters, Richard,
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens,
And therefore level not to hit their lives.

RICHARD

205 You have a daughter called Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.

RICHARD

You have a daughter called Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And must she die for this? O, let her live,
And I’ll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty,
Slander myself as false to Edward’s bed,
210 Throw over her the veil of infamy.
So she may live unscarred of bleeding slaughter,
I will confess she was not Edward’s daughter.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And must she die for this? O, let her live,
And I’ll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty,
Slander myself as false to Edward’s bed,
Throw over her the veil of infamy.
So she may live unscarred of bleeding slaughter,
I will confess she was not Edward’s daughter.

RICHARD

Wrong not her birth. She is a royal princess.

RICHARD

Wrong not her birth. She is a royal princess.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To save her life, I’ll say she is not so.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To save her life, I’ll say she is not so.

RICHARD

215 Her life is safest only in her birth.

RICHARD

Her life is safest only in her birth.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And only in that safety died her brothers.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And only in that safety died her brothers.

RICHARD

Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.

RICHARD

Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

No, to their lives ill friends were contrary.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

No, to their lives ill friends were contrary.

RICHARD

All unavoided is the doom of destiny.

RICHARD

All unavoided is the doom of destiny.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

220 True, when avoided grace makes destiny.
My babes were destined to a fairer death
If grace had blessed thee with a fairer life.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

True, when avoided grace makes destiny.
My babes were destined to a fairer death
If grace had blessed thee with a fairer life.

RICHARD

You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.

RICHARD

You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Cousins, indeed, and by their uncle cozened
225 Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
Whose hand soever launched their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction.
No doubt the murd'rous knife was dull and blunt
Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
230 To revel in the entrails of my lambs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
Till that my nails were anchored in thine eyes,
And I, in such a desp'rate bay of death,
235 Like a poor bark of sails and tackling reft,
Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Cousins, indeed, and by their uncle cozened
Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
Whose hand soever launched their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction.
No doubt the murd'rous knife was dull and blunt
Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
To revel in the entrails of my lambs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
Till that my nails were anchored in thine eyes,
And I, in such a desp'rate bay of death,
Like a poor bark of sails and tackling reft,
Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.

RICHARD

Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise
And dangerous success of bloody wars
As I intend more good to you and yours
240 Than ever you or yours were by me harmed!

RICHARD

Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise
And dangerous success of bloody wars
As I intend more good to you and yours
Than ever you or yours were by me harmed!

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What good is covered with the face of heaven,
To be discovered, that can do me good?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What good is covered with the face of heaven,
To be discovered, that can do me good?

RICHARD

The advancement of your children, gentle lady.

RICHARD

The advancement of your children, gentle lady.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads.

RICHARD

245 Unto the dignity and height of fortune,
The high imperial type of this earth’s glory.

RICHARD

Unto the dignity and height of fortune,
The high imperial type of this earth’s glory.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Flatter my sorrow with report of it.
Tell me what state, what dignity, what honor,
Canst thou demise to any child of mine?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Flatter my sorrow with report of it.
Tell me what state, what dignity, what honor,
Canst thou demise to any child of mine?

RICHARD

250 Even all I have— ay, and myself and all—
Will I withal endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
Which thou supposest I have done to thee.

RICHARD

Even all I have— ay, and myself and all—
Will I withal endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
Which thou supposest I have done to thee.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

255 Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.

RICHARD

Then know that from my soul I love thy daughter.

RICHARD

Then know that from my soul I love thy daughter.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

My daughter’s mother thinks it with her soul.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

My daughter’s mother thinks it with her soul.

RICHARD

What do you think?

RICHARD

What do you think?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

260 That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul.
So from thy soul’s love didst thou love her brothers,
And from my heart’s love I do thank thee for it.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul.
So from thy soul’s love didst thou love her brothers,
And from my heart’s love I do thank thee for it.

RICHARD

Be not so hasty to confound my meaning.
I mean that with my soul I love thy daughter
265 And do intend to make her Queen of England.

RICHARD

Be not so hasty to confound my meaning.
I mean that with my soul I love thy daughter
And do intend to make her Queen of England.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Well then, who dost thou mean shall be her king?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Well then, who dost thou mean shall be her king?

RICHARD

Even he that makes her queen. Who else should be?

RICHARD

Even he that makes her queen. Who else should be?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What, thou?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What, thou?

RICHARD

Even so. How think you of it?

RICHARD

Even so. How think you of it?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

270 How canst thou woo her?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

How canst thou woo her?

RICHARD

     That would I learn of you,
As one being best acquainted with her humor.

RICHARD

     That would I learn of you,
As one being best acquainted with her humor.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And wilt thou learn of me?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

And wilt thou learn of me?

RICHARD

Madam, with all my heart.

RICHARD

Madam, with all my heart.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
275 A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave
“Edward” and “York.” Then haply she will weep.
Therefore present to her—as sometime Margaret
Did to thy father, steeped in Rutland’s blood—
A handkerchief, which say to her did drain
280 The purple sap from her sweet brother’s body,
And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal.
If this inducement move her not to love,
Send her a letter of thy noble deeds;
Tell her thou mad’st away her uncle Clarence,
285 Her uncle Rivers, ay, and for her sake
Mad’st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave
“Edward” and “York.” Then haply she will weep.
Therefore present to her—as sometime Margaret
Did to thy father, steeped in Rutland’s blood—
A handkerchief, which say to her did drain
The purple sap from her sweet brother’s body,
And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal.
If this inducement move her not to love,
Send her a letter of thy noble deeds;
Tell her thou mad’st away her uncle Clarence,
Her uncle Rivers, ay, and for her sake
Mad’st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.

RICHARD

You mock me, madam. This is not the way
To win your daughter.

RICHARD

You mock me, madam. This is not the way
To win your daughter.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     There is no other way,
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape
290 And not be Richard, that hath done all this.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     There is no other way,
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape
And not be Richard, that hath done all this.

RICHARD

Say that I did all this for love of her.

RICHARD

Say that I did all this for love of her.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee,
Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee,
Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.

RICHARD

Look what is done cannot be now amended.
295 Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give leisure to repent.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends I’ll give it to your daughter.
If I have killed the issue of your womb,
300 To quicken your increase I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter.
A grandam’s name is little less in love
Than is the doting title of a mother.
They are as children but one step below,
305 Even of your metal, of your very blood,
Of all one pain, save for a night of groans
Endured of her for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
310 The loss you have is but a son being king,
And by that loss your daughter is made queen.
I cannot make you what amends I would;
Therefore accept such kindness as I can.
Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul
315 Leads discontented steps in foreign soil,
This fair alliance quickly shall call home
To high promotions and great dignity.
The king that calls your beauteous daughter wife
Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother.
320 Again shall you be mother to a king,
And all the ruins of distressful times
Repaired with double riches of content.
What, we have many goodly days to see!
The liquid drops of tears that you have shed
325 Shall come again, transformed to orient pearl,
Advantaging their love with interest
Of ten times double gain of happiness.
Go then, my mother; to thy daughter go.

RICHARD

Look what is done cannot be now amended.
Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give leisure to repent.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends I’ll give it to your daughter.
If I have killed the issue of your womb,
To quicken your increase I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter.
A grandam’s name is little less in love
Than is the doting title of a mother.
They are as children but one step below,
Even of your metal, of your very blood,
Of all one pain, save for a night of groans
Endured of her for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
The loss you have is but a son being king,
And by that loss your daughter is made queen.
I cannot make you what amends I would;
Therefore accept such kindness as I can.
Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul
Leads discontented steps in foreign soil,
This fair alliance quickly shall call home
To high promotions and great dignity.
The king that calls your beauteous daughter wife
Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother.
Again shall you be mother to a king,
And all the ruins of distressful times
Repaired with double riches of content.
What, we have many goodly days to see!
The liquid drops of tears that you have shed
Shall come again, transformed to orient pearl,
Advantaging their love with interest
Of ten times double gain of happiness.
Go then, my mother; to thy daughter go.
Make bold her bashful years with your experience;
330 Prepare her ears to hear a wooer’s tale;
Put in her tender heart th' aspiring flame
Of golden sovereignty; acquaint the Princess
With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys;
And when this arm of mine hath chastisèd
335 The petty rebel, dull-brained Buckingham,
Bound with triumphant garlands will I come
And lead thy daughter to a conqueror’s bed,
To whom I will retail my conquest won,
And she shall be sole victoress, Caesar’s Caesar.
Make bold her bashful years with your experience;
Prepare her ears to hear a wooer’s tale;
Put in her tender heart th' aspiring flame
Of golden sovereignty; acquaint the Princess
With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys;
And when this arm of mine hath chastisèd
The petty rebel, dull-brained Buckingham,
Bound with triumphant garlands will I come
And lead thy daughter to a conqueror’s bed,
To whom I will retail my conquest won,
And she shall be sole victoress, Caesar’s Caesar.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

340 What were I best to say? Her father’s brother
Would be her lord? Or shall I say her uncle?
Or he that slew her brothers and her uncles?
Under what title shall I woo for thee,
That God, the law, my honor and her love
345 Can make seem pleasing to her tender years?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

What were I best to say? Her father’s brother
Would be her lord? Or shall I say her uncle?
Or he that slew her brothers and her uncles?
Under what title shall I woo for thee,
That God, the law, my honor and her love
Can make seem pleasing to her tender years?

RICHARD

Infer fair England’s peace by this alliance.

RICHARD

Infer fair England’s peace by this alliance.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Which she shall purchase with still-lasting war.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Which she shall purchase with still-lasting war.

RICHARD

Tell her the king, that may command, entreats—

RICHARD

Tell her the king, that may command, entreats—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That, at her hands, which the king’s King forbids.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That, at her hands, which the king’s King forbids.

RICHARD

350 Say she shall be a high and mighty queen.

RICHARD

Say she shall be a high and mighty queen.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To vail the title, as her mother doth.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

To vail the title, as her mother doth.

RICHARD

Say I will love her everlastingly.

RICHARD

Say I will love her everlastingly.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But how long shall that title “ever” last?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But how long shall that title “ever” last?

RICHARD

Sweetly in force unto her fair life’s end.

RICHARD

Sweetly in force unto her fair life’s end.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

355 But how long fairly shall her sweet life last?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But how long fairly shall her sweet life last?

RICHARD

As long as heaven and nature lengthens it.

RICHARD

As long as heaven and nature lengthens it.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

As long as hell and Richard likes of it.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

As long as hell and Richard likes of it.

RICHARD

Say I, her sovereign, am her subject low.

RICHARD

Say I, her sovereign, am her subject low.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.

RICHARD

360 Be eloquent in my behalf to her.

RICHARD

Be eloquent in my behalf to her.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.

RICHARD

Then plainly to her tell my loving tale.

RICHARD

Then plainly to her tell my loving tale.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.

RICHARD

Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.

RICHARD

Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

365 O no, my reasons are too deep and dead—
Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

O no, my reasons are too deep and dead—
Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves.

RICHARD

Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.

RICHARD

Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.

RICHARD

Now by my George, my Garter, and my crown—

RICHARD

Now by my George, my Garter, and my crown—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

370 Profaned, dishonored, and the third usurped.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Profaned, dishonored, and the third usurped.

RICHARD

I swear—

RICHARD

I swear—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     By nothing, for this is no oath.
Thy George, profaned, hath lost his lordly honor;
Thy garter, blemished, pawned his knightly virtue;
Thy crown, usurped, disgraced his kingly glory.
375 If something thou wouldst swear to be believed,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wronged.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     By nothing, for this is no oath.
Thy George, profaned, hath lost his lordly honor;
Thy garter, blemished, pawned his knightly virtue;
Thy crown, usurped, disgraced his kingly glory.
If something thou wouldst swear to be believed,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wronged.

RICHARD

Then, by myself—

RICHARD

Then, by myself—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thyself is self-misused.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thyself is self-misused.

RICHARD

Now, by the world—

RICHARD

Now, by the world—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.

RICHARD

My father’s death—

RICHARD

My father’s death—

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thy life hath it dishonored.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     Thy life hath it dishonored.

RICHARD

380 Why then, by God.

RICHARD

Why then, by God.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     God’s wrong is most of all.
If thou didst fear to break an oath by Him,
The unity the king my husband made
Thou hadst not broken, nor my brothers died.
If thou hadst feared to break an oath by Him,
385 Th' imperial metal circling now thy head
Had graced the tender temples of my child,
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, two tender bedfellows for dust,
Thy broken faith hath made the prey for worms.
390 What canst thou swear by now?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

     God’s wrong is most of all.
If thou didst fear to break an oath by Him,
The unity the king my husband made
Thou hadst not broken, nor my brothers died.
If thou hadst feared to break an oath by Him,
Th' imperial metal circling now thy head
Had graced the tender temples of my child,
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, two tender bedfellows for dust,
Thy broken faith hath made the prey for worms.
What canst thou swear by now?

RICHARD

     The time to come.

RICHARD

     The time to come.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That thou hast wrongèd in the time o'erpast;
For I myself have many tears to wash
Hereafter time, for time past wronged by thee.
The children live whose fathers thou hast slaughtered,
395 Ungoverned youth, to wail it in their age;
The parents live whose children thou hast butchered,
Old barren plants, to wail it with their age.
Swear not by time to come, for that thou hast
Misused ere used, by times ill-used o'erpast.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

That thou hast wrongèd in the time o'erpast;
For I myself have many tears to wash
Hereafter time, for time past wronged by thee.
The children live whose fathers thou hast slaughtered,
Ungoverned youth, to wail it in their age;
The parents live whose children thou hast butchered,
Old barren plants, to wail it with their age.
Swear not by time to come, for that thou hast
Misused ere used, by times ill-used o'erpast.

RICHARD

400 As I intend to prosper and repent,
So thrive I in my dangerous affairs
Of hostile arms! Myself myself confound,
Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours,
Day, yield me not thy light, nor night thy rest,
405 Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceedings if, with dear heart’s love,
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter.
In her consists my happiness and thine.
410 Without her follows to myself and thee,
Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul,
Death, desolation, ruin and decay.
It cannot be avoided but by this;
It will not be avoided but by this.
415 Therefore, dear mother—I must call you so—
Be the attorney of my love to her:
Plead what I will be, not what I have been;
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve.
Urge the necessity and state of times,
420 And be not peevish found in great designs.

RICHARD

As I intend to prosper and repent,
So thrive I in my dangerous affairs
Of hostile arms! Myself myself confound,
Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours,
Day, yield me not thy light, nor night thy rest,
Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceedings if, with dear heart’s love,
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter.
In her consists my happiness and thine.
Without her follows to myself and thee,
Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul,
Death, desolation, ruin and decay.
It cannot be avoided but by this;
It will not be avoided but by this.
Therefore, dear mother—I must call you so—
Be the attorney of my love to her:
Plead what I will be, not what I have been;
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve.
Urge the necessity and state of times,
And be not peevish found in great designs.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?

RICHARD

Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good.

RICHARD

Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I forget myself to be myself?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I forget myself to be myself?

RICHARD

Ay, if your self’s remembrance wrong yourself.

RICHARD

Ay, if your self’s remembrance wrong yourself.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

425 Yet thou didst kill my children.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Yet thou didst kill my children.

RICHARD

But in your daughter’s womb I bury them,
Where, in that nest of spicery, they will breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.

RICHARD

But in your daughter’s womb I bury them,
Where, in that nest of spicery, they will breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?

RICHARD

430 And be a happy mother by the deed.

RICHARD

And be a happy mother by the deed.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I go. Write to me very shortly,
And you shall understand from me her mind.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

I go. Write to me very shortly,
And you shall understand from me her mind.

RICHARD

Bear her my true love’s kiss; and so, farewell.

RICHARD

Bear her my true love’s kiss; and so, farewell.
Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH
Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH
Relenting fool and shallow, changing woman!
Relenting fool and shallow, changing woman!
Enter RATCLIFFE , with CATESBY behind
Enter RATCLIFFE , with CATESBY behind
435 How now, what news?
How now, what news?

RATCLIFFE

Most mighty sovereign, on the western coast
Rideth a puissant navy. To our shores
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarmed and unresolved to beat them back.
440 'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral;
And there they hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.

RATCLIFFE

Most mighty sovereign, on the western coast
Rideth a puissant navy. To our shores
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarmed and unresolved to beat them back.
'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral;
And there they hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.

RICHARD

Some light-foot friend post to the duke of Norfolk—
Ratcliffe, thyself, or Catesby. Where is he?

RICHARD

Some light-foot friend post to the duke of Norfolk—
Ratcliffe, thyself, or Catesby. Where is he?

CATESBY

445 Here, my good lord.

CATESBY

Here, my good lord.

RICHARD

Catesby, fly to the duke.

RICHARD

Catesby, fly to the duke.

CATESBY

I will, my lord, with all convenient haste.

CATESBY

I will, my lord, with all convenient haste.

RICHARD

Ratcliffe, come hither. Post to Salisbury.
When thou com’st thither
450 — (to CATESBY) Dull, unmindful villain,
Why stay’st thou here and go’st not to the duke?

RICHARD

Ratcliffe, come hither. Post to Salisbury.
When thou com’st thither
— (to CATESBY) Dull, unmindful villain,
Why stay’st thou here and go’st not to the duke?

CATESBY

First, mighty liege, tell me your Highness' pleasure,
What from your Grace I shall deliver to him.

CATESBY

First, mighty liege, tell me your Highness' pleasure,
What from your Grace I shall deliver to him.

RICHARD

O true, good Catesby. Bid him levy straight
455 The greatest strength and power that he can make
And meet me suddenly at Salisbury.

RICHARD

O true, good Catesby. Bid him levy straight
The greatest strength and power that he can make
And meet me suddenly at Salisbury.

CATESBY

I go.

CATESBY

I go.
Exit
Exit

RATCLIFFE

What, may it please you, shall I do at Salisbury?

RATCLIFFE

What, may it please you, shall I do at Salisbury?

RICHARD

Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?

RICHARD

Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?

RATCLIFFE

460 Your Highness told me I should post before.

RATCLIFFE

Your Highness told me I should post before.

RICHARD

My mind is changed.

RICHARD

My mind is changed.
Enter STANLEY
Enter STANLEY
     Stanley, what news with you?
     Stanley, what news with you?

STANLEY

None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing,
Nor none so bad but well may be reported.

STANLEY

None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing,
Nor none so bad but well may be reported.

RICHARD

Hoyday, a riddle! Neither good nor bad.
465 What need’st thou run so many mile about
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?
Once more, what news?

RICHARD

Hoyday, a riddle! Neither good nor bad.
What need’st thou run so many mile about
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?
Once more, what news?

STANLEY

     Richmond is on the seas.

STANLEY

     Richmond is on the seas.

RICHARD

There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
White-livered runagate, what doth he there?

RICHARD

There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
White-livered runagate, what doth he there?

STANLEY

470 I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.

STANLEY

I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.

RICHARD

Well, as you guess?

RICHARD

Well, as you guess?

STANLEY

Stirred up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton,
He makes for England, here to claim the crown.

STANLEY

Stirred up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton,
He makes for England, here to claim the crown.

RICHARD

Is the chair empty? Is the sword unswayed?
475 Is the king dead, the empire unpossessed?
What heir of York is there alive but we?
And who is England’s king but great York’s heir?
Then tell me, what makes he upon the seas?

RICHARD

Is the chair empty? Is the sword unswayed?
Is the king dead, the empire unpossessed?
What heir of York is there alive but we?
And who is England’s king but great York’s heir?
Then tell me, what makes he upon the seas?

STANLEY

Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.

STANLEY

Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.

RICHARD

480 Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes.
Thou wilt revolt and fly to him, I fear.

RICHARD

Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes.
Thou wilt revolt and fly to him, I fear.

STANLEY

No, my good lord. Therefore mistrust me not.

STANLEY

No, my good lord. Therefore mistrust me not.

RICHARD

Where is thy power, then, to beat him back?
485 Where be thy tenants and thy followers?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships?

RICHARD

Where is thy power, then, to beat him back?
Where be thy tenants and thy followers?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships?

STANLEY

No, my good lord. My friends are in the north.

STANLEY

No, my good lord. My friends are in the north.

RICHARD

Cold friends to me. What do they in the north
490 When they should serve their sovereign in the west?

RICHARD

Cold friends to me. What do they in the north
When they should serve their sovereign in the west?

STANLEY

They have not been commanded, mighty king.
Pleaseth your Majesty to give me leave,
I’ll muster up my friends and meet your Grace
Where and what time your Majesty shall please.

STANLEY

They have not been commanded, mighty king.
Pleaseth your Majesty to give me leave,
I’ll muster up my friends and meet your Grace
Where and what time your Majesty shall please.

RICHARD

495 Ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond,
But I’ll not trust thee.

RICHARD

Ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond,
But I’ll not trust thee.

STANLEY

     Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful.
I never was nor never will be false.

STANLEY

     Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful.
I never was nor never will be false.

RICHARD

Go then and muster men, but leave behind
500 Your son George Stanley. Look your heart be firm.
Or else his head’s assurance is but frail.

RICHARD

Go then and muster men, but leave behind
Your son George Stanley. Look your heart be firm.
Or else his head’s assurance is but frail.

STANLEY

So deal with him as I prove true to you.

STANLEY

So deal with him as I prove true to you.
Exit
Exit
Enter a MESSENGER
Enter a MESSENGER

MESSENGER

My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertisèd,
505 Sir Edward Courtney and the haughty prelate,
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother,
With many more confederates are in arms.

MESSENGER

My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertisèd,
Sir Edward Courtney and the haughty prelate,
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother,
With many more confederates are in arms.
Enter SECOND MESSENGER
Enter SECOND MESSENGER

SECOND MESSENGER

In Kent, my liege, the Guilfords are in arms,
And every hour more competitors
510 Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.

SECOND MESSENGER

In Kent, my liege, the Guilfords are in arms,
And every hour more competitors
Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.
Enter THIRD MESSENGER
Enter THIRD MESSENGER

THIRD MESSENGER

My lord, the army of great Buckingham—

THIRD MESSENGER

My lord, the army of great Buckingham—

RICHARD

Out on you, owls! Nothing but songs of death.
He striketh him
There, take thou that till thou bring better news.

RICHARD

Out on you, owls! Nothing but songs of death.
He striketh him
There, take thou that till thou bring better news.

THIRD MESSENGER

515 The news I have to tell your Majesty
Is that by sudden floods and fall of waters
Buckingham’s army is dispersed and scattered,
And he himself wandered away alone,
No man knows whither.

THIRD MESSENGER

The news I have to tell your Majesty
Is that by sudden floods and fall of waters
Buckingham’s army is dispersed and scattered,
And he himself wandered away alone,
No man knows whither.

RICHARD

     I cry thee mercy.
520 There is my purse to cure that blow of thine.
He gives money
Hath any well-advisèd friend proclaimed
Reward to him that brings the traitor in?

RICHARD

     I cry thee mercy.
There is my purse to cure that blow of thine.
He gives money
Hath any well-advisèd friend proclaimed
Reward to him that brings the traitor in?

THIRD MESSENGER

Such proclamation hath been made, my lord.

THIRD MESSENGER

Such proclamation hath been made, my lord.
Enter FOURTH MESSENGER
Enter FOURTH MESSENGER

FOURTH MESSENGER

525 Sir Thomas Lovell and Lord Marquess Dorset,
'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms.
But this good comfort bring I to your Highness:
The Breton navy is dispersed by tempest.
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat
530 Unto the shore to ask those on the banks
If they were his assistants, yea or no—
Who answered him they came from Buckingham
Upon his party. He, mistrusting them,
Hoisted sail and made his course for Brittany.

FOURTH MESSENGER

Sir Thomas Lovell and Lord Marquess Dorset,
'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms.
But this good comfort bring I to your Highness:
The Breton navy is dispersed by tempest.
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat
Unto the shore to ask those on the banks
If they were his assistants, yea or no—
Who answered him they came from Buckingham
Upon his party. He, mistrusting them,
Hoisted sail and made his course for Brittany.

RICHARD

535 March on, march on, since we are up in arms,
If not to fight with foreign enemies,
Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.

RICHARD

March on, march on, since we are up in arms,
If not to fight with foreign enemies,
Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.
Enter CATESBY
Enter CATESBY

CATESBY

My liege, the duke of Buckingham is taken.
That is the best news. That the earl of Richmond
540 Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.

CATESBY

My liege, the duke of Buckingham is taken.
That is the best news. That the earl of Richmond
Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.

RICHARD

Away towards Salisbury! While we reason here,
A royal battle might be won and lost.
Someone take order Buckingham be brought
545 To Salisbury. The rest march on with me.

RICHARD

Away towards Salisbury! While we reason here,
A royal battle might be won and lost.
Someone take order Buckingham be brought
To Salisbury. The rest march on with me.
Flourish. Exeunt
Flourish. Exeunt
Previous page Act 4, Scene 3 Next page Act 4, Scene 5
Test your knowledge

Take the Act 4, scenes iv-v Quick Quiz
Read the Summary

Read the Summary of Act 4, scenes iv-v.
Shakespeare’s Life & Times

Dive into our comprehensive guide to ace your Shakespeare assignments

Popular pages: Richard III

Take a Study Break