Act 1
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80And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares,
So that betwixt their titles and low name
There’s nothing differs but the outward fame.
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Instead of the pleasures we think they’re enjoying, they experience a whole world of worries. It turns out the only difference between them and peasants is their fame.
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Enter the two MURDERERS
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The two MURDERERS enter.
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FIRST MURDERER Ho, who’s here?
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FIRST MURDERER Ho! Who’s there?
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BRAKENBURY
85What wouldst thou, fellow? And how cam’st thou hither?
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BRAKENBURY What do you want, fellow? And how did you get in here?
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SECOND MURDERER I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.
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SECOND MURDERER I want to speak with Clarence, and I came here on my legs.
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BRAKENBURY What, so brief?
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BRAKENBURY That’s it? Nothing to add?
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FIRST MURDERER 'Tis better, sir, to be brief than tedious.—Let him see our
commission, and talk no more.
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FIRST MURDERER Well, sir, it’s better to say little than to be tedious. (to SECOND MURDERER) Show him our orders and keep your mouth shut.
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BRAKENBURY reads the paper
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BRAKENBURY reads the paper
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BRAKENBURY
90I am in this commanded to deliver
The noble duke of Clarence to your hands.
I will not reason what is meant hereby
Because I will be guiltless from the meaning.
There lies the duke asleep, and there the keys.
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He hands them the keys
I’ll to the king and signify to him
That thus I have resigned my charge to you.
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BRAKENBURY It orders me to hand the noble duke of Clarence over to you. I won’t ask why because I’d rather not know than feel guilty if you’re doing something you shouldn’t be. Here are the keys, and there is the duke, sleeping. (he hands them the keys) I’ll go to the king to let him know I’ve handed my prisoner over to you.
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FIRST MURDERER You may, sir. 'Tis a point of wisdom. Fare you well.
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FIRST MURDERER You may, sir. That’s a wise idea. Goodbye.
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More Help
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Character List
CHARACTERS -
Richard III: Character Analysis
CHARACTERS -
Important Quotations Explained
MAIN IDEAS -
Themes
MAIN IDEAS -
Review Quiz
FURTHER STUDY
