Lady Anne being the mourner.
Anne.
Set down, set note down your honourable load note—
If honour may be shrouded in a hearse—
Whilst note I awhile obsequiously lament
The untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
Poor key-cold note figure of a holy king!
Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster!
Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood!
Be it note lawful that I invocate thy ghost,
To hear the lamentations of poor Anne,
Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughter'd son,
Stabb'd by the selfsame hand note that made these wounds note!
Lo, in these note windows that let forth thy life
I pour the helpless balm note of my poor eyes.
Cursed note be the hand that made these fatal note holes!
Cursed be note the heart that had the heart to do it note!
Cursed the blood that let this blood from hence note!
More direful hap betide that hated wretch,
That makes us wretched by the death of thee,
Than I can wish to adders, spiders note, toads,
Or any creeping venom'd thing that lives!
-- 481 --
If ever he have child, abortive be it note,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
May fright the hopeful mother at the view;
And that be heir to his unhappiness note!
If ever he have wife, let her be made note
As miserable by the death of him
As I note am made by my poor note lord and thee!
Come, now towards Chertsey note with your holy load,
Taken from Paul's to be interred there;
And still, as you are weary note of the note weight,
note
Rest you, whiles note I lament King Henry's corse note.
Enter Gloucester note.
Glou.
Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
Anne.
What black magician conjures up this fiend,
To stop devoted charitable deeds?
Glou.
Villains note, set down the corse; or, by Saint Paul,
I'll make a corse of him that disobeys.
Gent.
My lord note, stand back, and let the coffin pass.
Glou.
Unmanner'd note dog! stand note thou, when I command note:
Advance thy halberd note higher than my breast,
Or, by Saint Paul, I'll strike thee to my foot,
note
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
Anne.
What, do you tremble? are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.
-- 482 --
Avaunt, thou dreadful note minister of hell!
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body,
His soul thou canst not have note; therefore, be gone.
Glou.
Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
Anne.
Foul devil, for God's sake, hence, and note trouble us not note;
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
Fill'd it with cursing cries and deep exclaims.
If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,
Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
O, gentlemen, see, see! dead Henry's wounds
Open their congeal'd mouths and bleed afresh.
Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity;
For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood
From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells note;
Thy deed, inhuman and unnatural,
Provokes note this deluge most unnatural.
O God, which this blood madest, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink'st, revenge note his death!
Either note heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead,
Or earth, note gape open wide and eat him quick,
As thou dost note swallow up this good king's blood,
Which his note hell-govern'd arm hath butchered!
Glou.
Lady, you know no rules note of charity,
Which renders note good for bad, blessings for curses.
Anne.
Villain, thou know'st no note law of God nor man:
No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
Glou.
But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
Anne.
O wonderful, when devils tell the truth note!
Glou.
More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
-- 483 --
Vouchsafe note, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposed evils note, to give me leave,
By circumstance, but to acquit myself.
Anne.
Vouchsafe note, defused' note infection of a man,
For note these known evils, but to give me leave,
By circumstance, to curse thy cursed self.
Glou.
Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
Anne.
Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
No excuse current, but to note hang thyself note.
Glou.
By such despair, I should accuse myself.
Anne.
And, by despairing, shouldst note thou stand excused
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself,
Which note didst note unworthy slaughter upon others.
Glou.
Say that I slew them not? note
Anne.
Why, then note they are not dead note:
But dead they are, and, devilish slave, by thee.
Glou.
I did not kill your husband.
Anne.
Why, then he is alive. note
Glou.
Nay, he is dead; and slain by Edward's hand note.
Anne.
In thy foul note throat thou liest: Queen Margaret saw note
Thy murderous note falchion smoking in his blood;
The which thou once didst note bend against her breast,
But that thy brothers note beat aside the point.
Glou.
I was provoked note by her slanderous tongue,
-- 484 --
Which note laid their note guilt note upon my guiltless shoulders.
Anne.
Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind,
Which note never dreamt note on aught but butcheries:
Didst thou not kill this king? note
Glou.
I grant ye note.
Anne.
Dost grant me, hedgehog? then, God grant me too note
Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed!
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous!
Glou.
The fitter note for the King of heaven, that hath him.
Anne.
He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.
Glou.
Let him thank me, that holp note to send him thither;
For he was fitter for that place than earth.
Anne.
And thou unfit for any place but hell.
Glou.
Yes, one place else, if you note will hear me name it.
Anne.
Some dungeon.
Glou.
Your note bed-chamber.
Anne.
Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest!
Glou.
So will it, madam, till I lie with you.
Anne.
I hope so.
Glou.
I know note so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
To leave this keen note encounter of our note wits,
And fall somewhat note into a slower method,
Is not the causer of the timeless note deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner? note
Anne.
Thou art note the cause, and most accursed effect. note
-- 485 --
Glou.
Your beauty was the cause of that effect;
Your beauty, which note did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live note one note hour in your sweet bosom.
Anne.
If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These note nails should rend note that beauty from my note cheeks.
Glou.
These eyes could never note endure sweet note beauty's wreck;
You should not blemish it note, if I stood by:
As all the world is cheered note by the sun,
So I by that; it is my day, my life.
Anne.
Black night o'ershade note thy day, and death thy life!
Glou.
Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both note.
Anne.
I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
Glou.
It is a quarrel most unnatural,
To be revenged on him that loveth you note.
Anne.
It is a quarrel just and reasonable,
To be revenged on him that note slew note my husband.
Glou.
He that bereft thee note, lady, of thy husband,
Did it to help thee to a better husband.
Anne.
His better doth not breathe upon the earth.
Glou.
He note lives that loves you note better than he could.
Anne.
Name him.
Glou.
Plantagenet.
Anne.
Why, that note was he.
Glou.
The selfsame name, but one of better nature.
Anne.
Where is he? note
-- 486 --
Glou. note
Here. [She spitteth at him. note] Why dost thou note spit at me? note
Anne.
Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake!
Glou.
Never came poison from so sweet a place note.
Anne.
Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! thou dost infect my note eyes.
Glou.
Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
Anne.
Would they were basilisks, to strike thee dead!
Glou.
I would they were, that I might die at once;
For now they note kill note me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Shamed their aspect note with store of childish drops: note
These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear,
No, note when my father York and Edward wept,
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;
Nor when thy note warlike father, like a child,
Told the sad story of my father's death,
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep,
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks,
Like trees bedash'd with rain: in that sad time
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
And what these sorrows could not thence exhale,
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping note.
I never sued to friend note nor enemy;
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing note words note;
But, now thy beauty is proposed my fee,
My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
[She looks note scornfully at him.
-- 487 --
Teach not thy note lips such scorn, for they were note made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword;
Which if thou please to hide in this true note bosom note,
And let the soul forth note that adoreth note thee,
I lay it naked to the note deadly stroke,
And humbly beg the death upon my knee note.
[He lays his breast open: she offers at it note with his sword.
Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry note,
But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me.
note
Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward note,
But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
[Here note she lets fall the sword.
Take up the sword note again, or take up me.
Anne.
Arise, dissembler: though I wish thy death,
I will not be the note executioner.
Glou.
Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
Anne.
I have already.
Glou.
Tush, that was note in thy rage note:
Speak it again, and, even with the word note,
That note hand, which, for thy love note, did kill thy love,
Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love;
To both their deaths thou shalt note be accessary.
Anne.
I would I knew note thy heart.
-- 488 --
Glou.
'Tis figured in my tongue.
Anne.
I fear me both are false.
Glou.
Then never man was note true.
Anne.
Well, well, put up your sword.
Glou.
Say, then, my peace is made.
Anne.
That shall you note know hereafter.
Glou.
But shall I live in hope? note
Anne.
All men, I hope, live so.
Glou. note
Vouchsafe note to wear this ring note.
note
Anne.
To take is not to give. note
note
Glou.
Look, how this note ring encompasseth thy note finger,
Even so thy breast encloseth my note poor heart;
Wear note both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted suppliant note may
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his note happiness for ever.
Anne.
What note is it?
Glou.
That it would note please thee note leave these sad designs
To him that hath more note cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby Place note;
Where, after I have solemnly interr'd
At Chertsey monastery this noble king,
And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you:
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.
Anne.
With all my heart; and much it joys me too,
-- 489 --
To see you are become so penitent.
Tressel note and Berkeley note, go along with me.
Glou.
Bid me farewell.
Anne.
'Tis more than you deserve;
But since you teach me how to flatter you,
Imagine I have said farewell already.
[Exeunt note Lady Anne, Tressel, and Berkeley.
Glou.
Sirs, take up the corse note note.
Gent.
Towards Chertsey, noble lord? note
Glou.
No, note to White- Friars; there attend my coming.
[Exeunt note all but Gloucester.
Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? note
Was ever woman in this humour won? note
I'll have her; but I will not keep her long.
What! I, that note kill'd her husband and his father note,
To take her in her heart's extremest hate note,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of her note hatred by;
Having note God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
And I nothing note to back my suit at all note,
But the plain devil and dissembling looks,
And yet to win her, all the world to nothing! note
Ha! note
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
-- 490 --
Edward, her lord, whom I, some three months since,
Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury?
A sweeter and a lovelier note gentleman,
Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise note, and, no doubt, right royal note,
The spacious world note cannot again afford:
And will she yet note debase note her eyes on me,
That cropp'd the note golden prime of this sweet prince,
And made her widow to a woful bed? note
On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety note?
On me, that halt note and am unshapen note thus?
My dukedom to a note beggarly denier note,
I do mistake my person all this while:
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marvellous proper man.
I'll be at charges note for a looking-glass,
And entertain some score note or two of tailors,
To study fashions to adorn note my body:
Since I am crept in favour with myself,
I will maintain it with some note little cost.
But first I'll turn yon note fellow in his grave;
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought note a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass.
[Exit.
-- 491 --
Scene III.
The palace. note
Enter Queen Elizabeth, note Lord Rivers, and Lord Grey.
Riv.
Have patience, madam: there's no doubt his majesty
Will soon recover his accustom'd health.
Grey.
In that you brook note it ill, it note makes him worse:
Therefore, for God's sake, entertain good comfort,
And cheer his grace with note quick and merry words note.
Q. Eliz.
If he were dead, what would betide of note me note?
Riv. note
No other harm but loss of such a lord.
Q. Eliz.
The loss of such a lord includes all harm note.
Grey.
The heavens have bless'd you with a goodly son,
To be your comforter when he is gone.
Q. Eliz.
Oh note, he is young, and his minority
Is put unto note the trust of Richard note Gloucester,
A man that loves not me, nor none of you.
Riv.
Is it note concluded he shall be protector?
Q. Eliz.
It is determined, not concluded yet:
But so it must be, if the king miscarry.
Enter Buckingham and Derby. note
Grey.
Here come the lords note of Buckingham and Derby.
Buck.
Good time of day unto your royal grace!
Der.
God make your majesty joyful as you have been!
-- 492 --
Q. Eliz.
The Countess Richmond, good my Lord of Derby,
To your good prayers note will scarcely note say amen.
Yet, Derby, notwithstanding she's your wife,
And loves not me, be you, good lord, assured
I hate not you for her proud arrogance note.
Der.
I do beseech note you, either not believe
The envious slanders of her false accusers note;
Or, if she be accused in true note report,
Bear with her weakness, which, I think, proceeds
From wayward sickness, and no grounded malice.
Riv. note
Saw you the king to-day, my Lord of note Derby?
Der.
But now the Duke of Buckingham and I
Are come note from visiting his majesty.
Q. Eliz.
What note likelihood of his amendment, lords?
Buck.
Madam, good hope; his grace speaks note cheerfully.
Q. Eliz.
God grant him health! Did you confer with him?
Buck.
Madam, we did note: he desires note to make note atonement
Betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers,
And betwixt note them and my lord chamberlain;
And sent to warn note them to his note royal presence.
Q. Eliz.
Would all were well! but that will never be:
I fear our happiness is at the highest note.
Enter note Gloucester, Hastings, and Dorset.
Glou.
They do me wrong, and I will not endure it:
-- 493 --
Who are they that complain note unto the king,
That I, forsooth, am stern and note love them not? note
By holy note Paul, they love his grace but lightly
That fill his ears with such dissentious note rumours.
Because I cannot flatter and speak note fair,
Smile in men's faces, smooth note, deceive and cog,
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
I must be held a rancorous enemy.
Cannot a plain man live and think no harm,
But thus his simple note truth must be abused
By note silken, sly, insinuating Jacks?
Riv. note
To whom note in all note this presence speaks your grace?
Glou.
To thee, that hast nor note honesty nor grace.
When have I injured thee? when done thee wrong?
Or thee? or thee? or any of your faction? note
A plague upon you all! His royal person note—
Whom God preserve better than you would note wish!—
Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing-while,
But you must trouble him with lewd complaints.
Q. Eliz.
Brother of Gloucester, you mistake the matter.
The king, of note his own royal disposition,
And not provoked note by any suitor else;
Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred,
Which in your outward actions note shows itself
Against my kindred note, brothers note, and myself,
-- 494 --
Makes him to send; that thereby he may gather
The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it. note
Glou.
I cannot tell: the world is grown so bad,
That wrens make note prey where eagles dare not perch:
Since every Jack became a gentleman,
There's many a gentle person made a Jack.
Q. Eliz.
Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloucester;
You envy my advancement note and my friends' note:
God grant we never may have need of you!
Glou.
Meantime, God grants note that we note have need of you:
Our brother is imprison'd by your means,
Myself disgraced, and the nobility
Held in contempt; whilst many fair note promotions
Are daily given to ennoble those
That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble.
Q. Eliz.
By Him that raised me to this careful height
From that contented hap which I enjoy'd,
I never did incense his majesty
Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been
An earnest advocate to plead for him.
My lord, you do me shameful injury,
Falsely to draw me in these vile note suspects note.
Glou.
You may deny that you were not note the cause note
Of my Lord Hastings' late imprisonment.
-- 495 --
Riv.
She may, my lord, for— note
Glou.
She may, Lord Rivers! why, who knows not so?
She may do more, sir, than denying that:
She may help you to many fair note preferments;
And then deny her aiding hand therein,
And lay those honours on your high deserts note.
What may note she not? note She may, yea note, marry, may she,— note
Riv.
What, marry, may she? note
Glou.
What, marry, may she! marry with a king,
A bachelor, a handsome note stripling too:
I wis your grandam had a worser note match.
Q. Eliz.
My Lord of Gloucester, I have too long borne
Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs:
By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty
With note those gross taunts I often note have endured.
I had rather be a country servant-maid
Than a great note queen, with this condition,
To be thus taunted, scorn'd, and baited at note:
Enter Queen Margaret, behind. note
Small joy have I in being England's queen.
note
Q. Mar.
And lessen'd be that small, God, I beseech thee note!
Thy honour, state and seat is due to me.
Glou.
What! threat you me with telling of note the king?
Tell him, and spare not: look, what I have note said note
I will avouch note in presence of the king:
-- 496 --
I dare adventure to be note sent to the Tower note.
'Tis time to speak; my pains are quite forgot note.
Q. Mar.
Out, note devil! I remember note them note too well note:
Thou slewest note my husband Henry in the Tower,
And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury.
Glou.
Ere you were queen, yea, or note your husband king note,
I was a pack-horse in his great affairs;
A weeder out of his proud adversaries,
A liberal rewarder of his friends:
To royalise his blood I spilt note mine own.
Q. Mar.
Yea note, and much better blood than his or thine note.
Glou.
In all which time you and your husband Grey
Were factious for the house of Lancaster;
And, Rivers, so were you. Was note not your husband
In Margaret's battle at Saint Alban's slain?
Let me put in your minds note, if you note forget,
What you have been ere now note, and what you are;
Withal, what I have been, and what I am.
Q. Mar.
A murderous villain, and so still thou art.
Glou.
Poor Clarence did forsake his father, Warwick;
Yea note, and forswore himself,—which Jesu pardon!—
Q. Mar.
Which God revenge!
Glou.
To fight on Edward's party for the crown;
And for his meed, poor lord, he is mew'd up.
I would to God my heart were flint, like Edward's;
Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine:
I am too childish-foolish note for this world.
-- 497 --
Q. Mar.
Hie note thee to hell for shame, and leave the note world,
Thou cacodemon! there thy kingdom is.
Riv.
My Lord of Gloucester, in those busy days
Which here you urge to prove us enemies,
We follow'd note then our lord, our lawful note king:
So should we you, if you should note be our king.
Glou.
If I should note be! I had rather be a pedlar:
Far be it from my heart, the thought of it note!
Q. Eliz. note
As little joy, my lord, as you suppose
You should enjoy, were you this country's king,
As little joy may you note suppose in me,
That I enjoy, being the queen thereof.
Q. Mar. note
A little note joy enjoys the queen thereof;
For I am she, and altogether joyless.
I can no longer hold me patient.
[Advancing. note
Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out
In sharing note that which you note have pill'd from me!
Which of note you trembles note not that looks note on me?
If not, that, I being note queen, you bow like subjects,
Yet that, by you note deposed note, you quake like rebels note?
O gentle note villain, do not turn away!
Glou.
Foul wrinkled witch, what makest thou in my sight?
Q. Mar.
But repetition of what thou hast marr'd;
That will I make before I let thee go.
-- 498 --
Glou.
Wert thou not banished on pain of death?
Q. Mar.
I was; but I do find more pain in banishment
Than death can yield me here by my note abode. note
A husband and a son thou owest to note me;
And thou a kingdom; all of you allegiance:
The sorrow note that I have, by right is yours,
And all the pleasures note you usurp are note mine.
Glou.
The curse my noble father laid on thee,
When thou didst crown his warlike brows with paper
And with thy scorns note drew'st note rivers from note his eyes,
And then, to dry them, gavest the duke a clout
Steep'd in the faultless note blood of pretty Rutland,—
His curses, then from bitterness of soul
Denounced against thee, are all note fall'n upon thee;
And God, not we, hath note plagued note thy bloody deed.
Q. Eliz. note
So just is God, to right the innocent.
Hast.
O, 'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe,
And the most merciless that e'er note was heard of!
Riv.
Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported.
Dor.
No man but prophesied revenge for it.
Buck.
Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.
Q. Mar.
What! were you snarling all before I came,
Ready to catch each other by the throat,
And turn you all your hatred now note on note me?
Did York's dread curse prevail so much with heaven
That Henry's death, my lovely Edward's death,
Their kingdom's loss note, my woful banishment,
-- 499 --
Could note all but note answer for that peevish brat?
Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven?
Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses!
If note not by war, by surfeit die your king,
As ours note by murder, to make him a king!
Edward thy note son, which note now is Prince of Wales,
For Edward my note son, which note was note Prince of Wales,
Die note in his youth by like untimely violence note!
Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen,
Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self!
Long mayst thou live to wail thy children's loss note;
And see another, as I see thee note now,
Deck'd in thy rights note, as thou art stall'd in mine!
Long die thy happy days before thy death;
And, after many lengthen'd note hours of grief,
Die neither mother, wife, nor England's queen!
Rivers and Dorset, you were standers by,
And so wast note thou, Lord Hastings, when my son note
Was stabb'd with bloody daggers: God, I pray him,
That none of you may live your note natural age,
But by some unlook'd note accident cut off note!
Glou.
Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd hag!
Q. Mar.
And leave out thee? stay note, dog, for thou shalt hear me.
If heaven note have any grievous plague in store
Exceeding those that I can wish upon thee,
O, let them keep it till thy sins be ripe,
And then hurl down their indignation
-- 500 --
On thee, the troubler note of the poor world's peace!
The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul!
Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou livest,
And take deep traitors for thy note dearest friends!
No sleep close up that deadly eye note of thine,
Unless it be whilst note some tormenting dream
Affrights thee with a hell of ugly note devils!
Thou elvish-mark'd note, abortive, rooting hog!
Thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity
The slave note of nature and the son note of hell!
Thou slander of thy mother's heavy note womb!
Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins!
Thou rag note of honour! thou detested— note
Glou.
Margaret.
Q. Mar.
Richard!
Glou.
Ha! note
Q. Mar.
I call thee note not.
Glou.
I cry thee mercy then note, for I had thought note
That thou hadst note call'd me all these bitter names.
Q. Mar.
Why, so I did; but look'd note for no reply.
O, let me make the period to my curse!
Glou.
'Tis done by me, and ends in note ‘Margaret.’
Q. Eliz.
Thus have you breathed your curse against yourself. note
Q. Mar.
Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune!
Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottled spider note,
-- 501 --
Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about?
Fool, fool! thou whet'st a knife to kill thyself.
The time will come that note thou shalt wish for me
To help thee curse that note poisonous note bunch-back'd toad.
Hast.
False-boding note woman, end thy frantic curse,
Lest to thy harm thou move our patience.
Q. Mar.
Foul shame upon you! you have all note moved mine.
Riv.
Were you well served, you would be taught your duty.
Q. Mar.
To serve me well, you all note should do me duty,
Teach me to be your queen, and you note my subjects:
O, serve note me well, and teach yourselves that duty!
Dor.
Dispute not with her; she is lunatic.
Q. Mar.
Peace, master marquess, you are malapert:
Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current.
O, that your young nobility could note note judge
What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable!
They that stand high have many note blasts note to shake them;
And if they fall, they dash themselves note to pieces.
Glou.
Good counsel, marry: learn it, learn it, marquess.
Dor.
It toucheth note you, my lord, as much as me.
Glou.
Yea note, and much more: but I was born so high, note
Our aery buildeth in the cedar's top,
And dallies with the wind and scorns the sun.
Q. Mar.
And turns the sun to shade; alas! alas!
Witness my son note, now in the shade of death;
Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath
Hath in eternal darkness folded up.
Your aery buildeth in our aery's nest note.
-- 502 --
O God, that seest it, do not suffer it;
As it was note won with blood, lost be it so! note
Buck.
Have done note! for shame, if not for charity. note
Q. Mar.
Urge neither charity nor shame to me:
Uncharitably with me have you dealt,
And shamefully by you my hopes note are butcher'd.
My charity is outrage, life my shame;
And in that shame note still note live my sorrow's rage!
Buck.
Have done, have done. note
Q. Mar.
O princely Buckingham, I'll note kiss thy hand,
In sign of league and amity with thee:
Now fair befal thee and thy noble note house!
Thy garments are not spotted with our blood,
Nor thou within the compass of my curse.
Buck.
Nor no one note here; for curses never pass
The lips of those note that breathe them in the air.
Q. Mar.
I'll not believe note but they ascend the sky,
And there awake God's gentle-sleeping note peace.
O Buckingham, take heed note of yonder dog!
Look, when he fawns, he bites; and when he bites,
His venom note tooth will rankle note to the death note:
Have not note to do with him, beware of him;
Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him note,
And all their ministers attend on him.
Glou.
What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham?
-- 503 --
Buck.
Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.
note
Q. Mar.
What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel?
And soothe note the devil that I warn thee from?
O, but remember this another day,
When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow,
And say poor Margaret was note a prophetess.
Live each of you the subjects to note his hate,
And he to yours note, and all of you to God's note!
[Exit.
Hast. note
My hair doth stand on end note to hear her curses.
Riv.
And so doth mine: I muse why note she's at liberty.
Glou.
I cannot blame her: by God's holy mother,
She hath had too much wrong; and I repent
My part thereof that I have done to her note.
Q. Eliz. note
I never did her any, to my knowledge.
Glou.
But note you have all the vantage of her wrong note.
I was too hot note to do somebody good,
That is too cold in thinking of it note now.
Marry, as note for Clarence, he is well repaid;
He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains:
God pardon them that are the cause of it note!
Riv.
A virtuous and a note Christian-like conclusion,
To pray for them that have done scathe to us.
Glou.
So do I ever: [Aside] being note well advised:
For note had I cursed now, I note had cursed myself. note
-- 504 --
Enter Catesby. note
Cates.
Madam, his majesty doth call for you;
And for your grace; and you, my noble lords. note
Q. Eliz.
Catesby, we come. Lords, will you go with us? note
Riv.
Madam, we will attend note your grace.
[Exeunt note all but Gloucester.
Glou.
I do the wrong note, and first begin note to brawl note.
The secret mischiefs note that I set abroach
I lay unto the grievous note charge of others.
Clarence, whom note I, indeed, have laid note in darkness,
I do beweep to many simple gulls;
Namely, to Hastings, Derby note, Buckingham;
And say it is note the queen and her allies
That stir note the king against the duke my brother.
Now, they believe it note; and withal whet note me
To be revenged on note Rivers, Vaughan note, Grey:
But then I sigh note; and, with a piece of Scripture,
Tell them that God bids us do note good for evil:
And thus I clothe my naked villany
With old odd note ends stolen out note of holy writ;
And seem a saint note, when most I play the devil.
-- 505 --
Enter note two Murderers.
But, soft! here come note my executioners.
How now, my hardy note stout resolved note mates!
Are you now note going to dispatch this deed note?
First Murd. note
We are, my lord; and come to have the warrant,
That we may be admitted where he is.
Glou.
Well note thought upon; I have it here about me.
[Gives the warrant. note
When you have done, repair to Crosby Place.
But, sirs, be sudden in the execution,
Withal obdurate, do not hear him plead;
For Clarence is well-spoken, and perhaps
May move your hearts to pity, if you mark him.
First Murd. note
Tush!
Fear not, note my lord, we will not stand to prate;
Talkers are no good doers: be assured note
We come note to use our hands and not our tongues.
Glou.
Your eyes drop millstones, when fools' eyes drop tears note.
I like you, lads: about your business straight.
Go, go, dispatch.
First Murd. note
We will, my noble lord. note
[Exeunt.
-- 506 --
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
London. The Tower. note
Enter note Clarence and Brakenbury.
Brak. note
Why looks your note grace so heavily to-day note?
Clar.
O, I have pass'd a miserable night,
So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams note,
That, as I am a Christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night,
Though 'twere to buy note a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time!
Brak.
What was your dream? I long to hear you tell it note.
Clar.
Methoughts note that I had broken from the Tower,
And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy note;
And, in my company, my brother Gloucester;
Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon the hatches: thence note we look'd note toward note England,
And cited up a thousand fearful note times,
During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us note. As we note paced note along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches, note
-- 507 --
Methought that Gloucester stumbled; and, in falling note,
Struck me, that thought note to stay him, overboard,
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
Lord, Lord note! methought, what pain it was to drown!
What dreadful noise of waters note in mine note ears!
What ugly sights of note death within mine note eyes!
Methought note I saw a thousand fearful wrecks;
Ten note thousand men that fishes gnaw'd upon;
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scatter'd in the bottom of the sea note:
Some lay in dead men's skulls; and in those note holes
Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept,
As 'twere note in scorn of eyes, reflecting gems,
Which note woo'd note the slimy bottom of the deep,
And mock'd the dead bones that lay scatter'd by.
Brak.
Had you such leisure in the time of death
To gaze upon the note secrets of the deep?
Clar.
Methought I had; and often did I strive
To yield the ghost note: but note still the envious flood
Kept note in my soul, and would not let it forth
To seek note the empty, vast and note wandering air;
But smother'd it within my panting bulk,
Which note almost burst to belch it in the sea.
Brak.
Awaked you not with note this sore agony? note
-- 508 --
Clar.
O no note, my dream was lengthen'd after life;
O, then began the tempest to my note soul,
Who note pass'd, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that grim note ferryman which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
The first that there did greet my stranger soul note,
Was my great father-in-law, renowned note Warwick;
Who cried note aloud, ‘What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence? note’
And so he vanish'd: then came wandering by
A shadow like an angel, with note bright hair
Dabbled note in blood; and he squeak'd note out aloud,
‘Clarence is come; false, fleeting, perjured Clarence,
That stabb'd me in the field by note Tewksbury:
Seize on him, Furies, take him to your torments note!’
With that, methoughts note, a legion of foul fiends
Environ'd me about note, and howled in mine ears
Such hideous cries that with the very noise
I trembling waked, and for a season after
Could not believe but that I was in hell,
Such terrible impression note made the note dream.
Brak.
No marvel, my note lord, though note it affrighted you;
I promise you, I am afraid note to hear you tell it.
Clar.
O Brakenbury note, I have done those note things,
Which note now bear note evidence against my soul,
-- 509 --
For Edward's sake; and see how he requites note me!
O God! if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath in me note alone;
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children! note
note
I pray thee, gentle note keeper note, stay by me note;
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
note
Brak.
I will, my lord: God give your grace good rest!
[Clarence sleeps. note
Sorrow breaks note seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning and the noon-tide night.
Princes have but their titles note for their glories note,
An outward honour for an inward toil;
And, for unfelt imagination note,
They often feel a world of restless cares:
So that, betwixt note their note titles and low names note,
There's nothing differs but the outward fame.
Enter note the two Murderers.
First Murd. note
Ho! who's here note? note
Brak.
In God's name what are you, and how came you hither? note
First Murd. note
I would speak with Clarence, and I came
hither on my legs.
-- 510 --
Brak.
Yea, are you note so brief?
Second Murd. note
O sir, it is better to be brief than tedious note.
Show him note our note commission; talk note no more.
[Brakenbury reads it. note
Brak.
I am in this commanded to deliver
The noble Duke of Clarence to your hands:
I will not reason what is meant hereby note,
Because I will be guiltless of note the meaning.
Here are the keys, there sits the duke asleep note:
I'll to the king; and signify to him note
That thus I have resign'd my charge to you note.
First Murd. note
Do so, it is note a point of wisdom: fare you
well note.
[Exit note Brakenbury.
Sec. Murd. note
What, shall we note stab him as he sleeps?
First Murd.
No; then he will note say 'twas done cowardly,
when he wakes.
Sec. Murd.
When he wakes! why, fool note, he shall never
wake till the note judgement-day.
First Murd.
Why, then he will note say we stabbed him
sleeping.
Sec. Murd.
The urging of that word ‘judgement’ hath
bred a kind of remorse in me.
-- 511 --
First Murd.
What, art thou note afraid?
note
Sec. Murd.
Not to kill him, having a warrant for it note;
but to be damned for killing him, from which note no warrant
can defend us note.
First Murd.
I thought thou hadst been resolute.
Sec. Murd.
So I am, to let him live note.
First Murd.
Back to the Duke of Gloucester, tell note him
so.
Sec. Murd.
I pray thee, stay a while note: I hope my holy
humour note will change; 'twas note wont to hold me but while one
would tell twenty note.
First Murd.
How dost thou feel thyself now?
Sec. Murd.
Faith, some note certain dregs of conscience
are yet within me.
First Murd.
Remember our note reward, when the deed is note
done.
Sec. Murd.
'Zounds note, he dies: I had forgot the reward.
First Murd.
Where is note thy conscience now?
Sec. Murd.
In note the Duke of Gloucester's purse.
First Murd.
So when note he opens his purse to give us
our reward, thy conscience flies out.
Sec. Murd.
Let note it go note; there's few or none will entertain it.
First Murd.
How note if it come to thee again?
Sec. Murd.
I'll not meddle with it: it is a dangerous
-- 512 --
thing note: it makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal, but
it accuseth him; he cannot swear note, but it checks him; he note
cannot lie with his neighbour's wife, but it detects him: it is note
a blushing shamefast note spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom;
it fills one note full of obstacles: it made me once restore a
purse note of gold, that I found note; it beggars any man that keeps
it: it is turned out of all note towns and cities for a dangerous
thing; and every man that means to live well endeavours note
to trust to note himself and to live note without it. note
First Murd.
'Zounds, it is note even now at my elbow, persuading
me not to kill the duke.
Sec. Murd.
Take the devil in note thy mind, and believe him
not: he note would insinuate with thee but to make note thee sigh.
First Murd.
Tut, note I am strong-framed note, he cannot prevail
with me, I warrant thee note.
Sec. Murd.
Spoke note like a tall fellow note that respects his note
reputation. Come, shall we to this gear? note
First Murd.
Take him over note the costard with the hilts note
of thy note sword, and then we will chop him in note the malmseybutt note
in the next room.
Sec. Murd.
O excellent device! make note a sop note of him.
-- 513 --
First Murd.
Hark! he stirs: shall I strike? note
Sec. Murd.
No, first let's reason with him note.
Clar.
Where art thou, keeper? give me a cup of wine.
Sec. Murd. note
You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.
Clar.
In God's name, what art thou? note
Sec. Murd. note
A man, as you are.
Clar.
But not, as I am, royal.
Sec. Murd. note
Nor you, as we are, loyal.
Clar.
Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
Sec. Murd. note
My voice is now the king's, my looks mine own.
Clar.
How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak!
Your eyes do menace me: why look you pale? note
Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come? note
Both.
To, to, to— note
Clar.
To murder me? note
Both.
Ay, ay. note
Clar.
You scarcely note have the hearts note to tell me so,
And therefore cannot have the hearts note to do it.
Wherein, my friends, have I offended you?
First Murd.
Offended us you have not, but the king.
Clar.
I shall be reconciled to him again.
Sec. Murd.
Never, my lord; therefore prepare to die.
Clar.
Are you call'd forth from out note a world of men
To slay the innocent? What is note my offence?
Where are the evidence that do note accuse me?
-- 514 --
What lawful quest have note given their verdict up
Unto the frowning judge? or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' note death?
Before I be convict by course of law, note
To threaten note me with death is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption
By Christ's dear blood shed for our grievous sins note,
That you depart and lay no hands on note me:
The deed you undertake is damnable.
First Murd.
What we will do, we do upon command.
Sec. Murd.
And he that hath commanded is note the note king.
Clar.
Erroneous vassal note! the great King of kings
Hath in the tables note of his law note commanded
That thou shalt note do no murder: and wilt thou note then
Spurn at his edict, and fulfil a man's?
Take heed; for he holds vengeance in his hands note,
To hurl upon their heads that break his law.
Sec. Murd.
And that same vengeance doth he hurl note on thee,
For false forswearing, and for murder too:
Thou didst receive the holy sacrament,
To fight note in note quarrel of the house of Lancaster.
First Murd.
And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow; and with thy treacherous blade
Unrip'dst note the bowels of thy sovereign's son.
-- 515 --
Sec. Murd.
Whom thou wert note sworn to cherish and defend.
First Murd.
How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us,
When thou hast broke note it in so dear note degree?
Clar.
Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake:
Why, sirs, note
He sends ye note not to murder me for this;
For in this note sin he is as deep as I.
If God will be revenged for this note deed,
O, know you yet, note he doth it publicly note:
Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm;
He needs no indirect nor lawless note course
To cut off those that have offended him.
First Murd.
Who made thee then a bloody minister,
When gallant-springing note brave Plantagenet,
That note princely novice, was struck dead by thee?
Clar.
My brother's love, the devil, and my rage.
First Murd.
Thy brother's love, our duty, and thy fault note,
Provoke note us hither now to slaughter note thee.
Clar.
Oh, if you love my brother note, hate not me;
I am his brother, and I love him well.
If you be note hired for meed note, go note back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloucester,
-- 516 --
Who shall note reward you better for my life
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
Sec. Murd.
You are deceived, your brother Gloucester hates you. note
Clar.
O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear:
Go you to him from me.
Both.
Ay, note so we will.
Clar.
Tell him, when that our princely father York
Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm,
And charged us from his soul to love each other, note
He little thought of this divided friendship:
Bid Gloucester think of this note, and he will weep.
First Murd.
Ay, note millstones; as he lesson'd us to weep.
Clar.
O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
First Murd.
Right, note
As snow in harvest. Thou deceivest thyself note note:
'Tis he that sent us hither note now to slaughter thee note.
Clar.
It cannot be; for when I parted with him,
He note hugg'd note me in his arms, and swore, with sobs,
That he would labour my delivery.
Sec. Murd.
Why, so he doth, now he delivers thee note
From this world's note thraldom to the joys of heaven.
First Murd. note
Make note peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
Clar.
Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul,
-- 517 --
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art thou yet to thy own soul so blind,
That thou wilt note war with God by note murdering me?
Ah note, sirs, consider, he note that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed note.
Sec. Murd.
What shall we do?
Clar.
Relent, and save your souls.
First Murd.
Relent! 'tis note cowardly and womanish.
Clar.
Not to relent is beastly, savage, note devilish.
Which of you, if you were a prince's son,
Being pent from liberty, as I am now,
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you,
Would not entreat for life?
My friend note, I spy some pity in thy note looks;
O, if thine note eye note be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side, and entreat for me,
As you would beg, were you in my distress:
A begging prince what beggar pities not? note
Sec. Murd.
Look behind you, my lord. note
First Murd. note
Take that, and that: if all this will not do note,
[Stabs him. note
I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within note.
[Exit note, with the body.
Sec. Murd.
A bloody deed, and desperately dispatch'd note
-- 518 --
How fain, like Pilate, would I note wash my hands note
Of this most grievous guilty murder done note!
Re-enter note First Murderer.
note
First Murd.
How now! what mean'st thou, that thou help'st me not? note
By heavens note, the duke shall know how slack thou art note!
Sec. Murd.
I would he knew that I had saved his brother!
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say;
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
[Exit.
First Murd.
So do not I: go, coward as thou art.
Now must I hide his note body in some hole,
Until the duke take note order for his burial:
And when I have my meed, I must away note;
For this will out, and here note I must not stay.
[Exit. note
-- 519 --
ACT II.
Scene I.
London. The palace. note
Flourish. note Enter King Edward note sick, Queen Elizabeth, Dorset, Rivers, Hastings, Buckingham, Grey, and others.
K. Edw.
Why so: now have I note done a good day's work:
You peers, continue this note united league:
I every day expect an embassage
From my Redeemer to redeem note me hence;
And now in peace note my soul shall part to note heaven,
Since I have set note my friends note at peace on earth.
Rivers and Hastings note, take each other's hand;
Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.
Riv.
By heaven, my soul note is purged from grudging hate;
And with my hand I seal my true heart's love.
Hast.
So thrive I, as I truly note swear the like!
K. Edw.
Take heed you dally not before your king;
Lest he that is the supreme King of kings
Confound your hidden falsehood and award
Either of you to be the other's end.
Hast.
So prosper I, as I swear perfect love!
Riv.
And I, as I love Hastings with my heart!
-- 520 --
K. Edw.
Madam, yourself are not note exempt in this note,
Nor your son note Dorset; Buckingham, nor you;
You have been factious one against the other.
Wife, love Lord Hastings, let him kiss your hand;
And what you do, do it unfeignedly.
Q. Eliz.
Here note, Hastings; I will never more remember
Our former hatred, so thrive I and mine!
K. Edw.
Dorset, embrace him; Hastings, love lord marquess note.
Dor.
This note interchange of love, I here protest,
Upon my part shall be unviolable note.
Hast.
And so swear I note, my lord note.
[They embrace. note
K. Edw.
Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou note this league
With thy embracements note to my wife's note allies,
And make me happy in your note unity.
Buck. [To the Queen note]
Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate
On you or yours but with all note duteous love
Doth cherish you and yours, God punish me
With hate in those where I expect most love!
When I have most need to employ a friend,
And most assured that he is a friend,
Deep, hollow, treacherous and full of guile,
Be he unto note me! this do I beg of God note,
When I am cold in zeal note to you or yours.
[They embrace. note
-- 521 --
K. Edw.
A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham,
Is this thy vow unto my sickly heart.
There wanteth now our brother Gloucester here,
To make the perfect note period of this peace.
Buck.
And, in good time, here comes the noble duke. note
Enter Gloucester. note
Glou.
Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen;
And, princely peers, a happy time of day!
K. Edw.
Happy indeed, as we have spent the day.
Brother note, we have done deeds of charity;
Made peace of enmity, fair love of hate,
Between these swelling wrong-incensed note peers.
Glou.
A blessed labour, my note most sovereign liege note:
Amongst note this princely heap, if any here,
By false intelligence, or wrong surmise,
Hold me a foe;
If I unwittingly note, or in my rage note note,
Have aught note committed that is hardly borne
By note any in this presence, I desire
To reconcile me to his note friendly peace:
'Tis death to me to be at enmity;
I hate it, and desire all good men's love.
First note, madam, I entreat true note peace of you,
Which I will note purchase with my duteous service;
Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham,
-- 522 --
If ever any grudge were lodged between us;
Of you, Lord Rivers, and, Lord Grey, of you note,
note
That all without desert have frown'd on me;
Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen; indeed, of all.
I do not know that Englishman alive
With whom my soul is any jot at odds
More than the infant that is born to-night:
I thank my God for my humility.
Q. Eliz.
A holy day note shall this be kept hereafter:
I would to God all strifes note were well compounded.
My sovereign liege note, I do beseech your note majesty note
To take our brother Clarence to your grace.
Glou.
Why, madam, have I offer'd love for this,
To be so flouted note in this royal presence?
Who knows not that the noble note duke is dead?
[They all start. note
You do him injury to scorn his corse.
Riv. note
Who knows not he is dead! who knows he is? note
Q. Eliz.
All-seeing heaven, what a world is this!
Buck.
Look I so pale, Lord Dorset, as the rest?
Dor.
Ay, my good lord; and no one note in this presence note
But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks.
K. Edw.
Is Clarence dead? the order was reversed.
Glou.
But he, poor soul note, by your note first order died,
And that a winged note Mercury did bear;
Some tardy cripple bore note the countermand,
That came note too lag to see him buried.
-- 523 --
God grant that some, less noble and less loyal,
Nearer in bloody thoughts, but note not in blood,
Deserve not worse note than wretched Clarence did,
And yet go current from suspicion!
Enter Derby. note
Der.
A boon, my sovereign, for my service done!
K. Edw.
I pray thee note, peace: my soul is full of sorrow.
Der.
I will not rise, unless your highness grant. note
K. Edw.
Then speak note at once what is it thou demand'st. note
Der. note
The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life;
Who slew to-day a riotous gentleman
Lately attendant on note the Duke of Norfolk.
K. Edw.
Have I a tongue to doom my brother's death,
And shall that tongue note give pardon to a slave?
My brother slew note no man; his fault was thought note,
And yet his punishment was cruel note death.
Who sued to me for him? who, in my rage note,
Kneel'd at my feet and bade note me be advised?
Who spake note of brotherhood? who spake of love note?
Who told me how the poor soul did forsake
The mighty Warwick, and did fight for me?
Who told me, in the field by note Tewksbury,
When Oxford had me down, he rescued me,
And said ‘Dear brother, live, and be a king’?
Who told me, when we both lay in note the field
-- 524 --
Frozen almost to death, how he did lap note me
Even in his own garments note, and gave note himself,
All thin and naked note, to the numb cold night?
All this from my remembrance brutish wrath
Sinfully pluck'd, and not a man of you
Had so much grace to put it in my mind.
But when your carters or your waiting-vassals
Have done a drunken slaughter and defaced
The precious image of our dear note Redeemer,
You straight are on your knees for pardon, pardon;
And I, unjustly too, must grant it you:
But for my brother not a man note would speak,
Nor, I ungracious, speak unto note myself
For him, poor soul. The proudest of note you all
Have been beholding note to him in his life;
Yet none of you would once plead note for his life.
O God, I fear thy justice will take hold
On me, and you, and mine, and yours note for this!
Come, Hastings, help note note me to my closet. Oh note, poor Clarence note!
[Exeunt note some with King and Queen.
Glou.
This is the fruit note of rashness note. Mark'd note you not
How that the guilty note kindred of the queen
Look'd pale when they did hear of Clarence' note death?
O, they did urge it still unto the king!
-- 525 --
God will revenge it. But come, let us in, note
To comfort Edward with our company.
Buck.
We wait upon your grace note.
[Exeunt.
Scene II.
The palace. note
Enter note the Duchess of York, with the two children of Clarence.
Boy. note
Tell me, good grandam note, is our father dead?
Duch.
No, boy.
Boy. note
Why do you wring your hands, and note beat your breast,
And cry ‘O Clarence, my unhappy son’?
Girl. note
Why do you look on us, and shake your head,
And call us wretches, orphans note, castaways,
If that our noble father be note alive?
Duch.
My pretty cousins, you mistake me much note.
I do lament the sickness of the king,
As loath to lose him; not your father's death note;
It were lost sorrow to wail note one that's lost.
Boy.
Then, grandam, you conclude that note he is dead.
The king my note uncle is to blame note for this note:
God will revenge it; whom I will importune
With daily note prayers all to that effect note.
Girl.
And so will I note.
-- 526 --
Duch.
Peace, children, peace! the king doth love you well:
Incapable and shallow innocents,
You cannot guess who caused your father's death.
Boy.
Grandam note, we can; for my good uncle Gloucester
Told me, the king, provoked note by the queen,
Devised impeachments to imprison him:
And when my uncle note told me so, he wept,
And hugg'd me in his arm note, and kindly note kiss'd my cheek note;
Bade note me rely on him as on my note father,
And he would love me dearly as his note child.
Duch.
Oh note, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes note,
And with a virtuous vizard note hide foul guile note!
He is my son; yea note, and therein my shame;
Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.
Boy.
Think you my uncle did dissemble, grandam note?
Duch.
Ay, boy.
Boy.
I cannot think it. Hark! what noise is this?
Enter Queen Elizabeth note, with her hair about her ears; Rivers and Dorset after her.
Q. Eliz.
Oh note, who shall hinder me to wail and weep,
To chide my fortune and torment myself?
I'll join with black despair against my soul note,
And to myself become an enemy note.
Duch.
What means this scene of rude impatience?
Q. Eliz.
To make an act of tragic violence:
Edward, my lord, your note son, our king, is dead.
-- 527 --
Why grow the branches now the root is wither'd? note
Why wither not the leaves the sap being gone note?
If you will live, lament; if die, be brief,
That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's,
Or, like obedient subjects, follow him
To his new kingdom of perpetual rest note.
Duch.
Ah note, so much interest have I note in thy sorrow
As I had title in note thy note noble husband!
I have bewept a worthy husband's death,
And lived by note looking on his images note:
But now two mirrors of his princely semblance
Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death,
And I for comfort have but one false glass,
Which note grieves me when I see my shame in him.
Thou art a widow; yet thou art a mother,
And hast the comfort of thy children left thee note:
But death hath snatch'd my husband note from mine arms,
And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble limbs note,
Edward and Clarence note. O, what cause have I,
Thine note being but a moiety note of my grief note,
To overgo thy plaints note and drown thy cries note!
Boy.
Good note aunt, you wept note not for our note father's death,
How can we aid you with our kindred note tears?
Girl. note
Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd;
-- 528 --
Your widow-dolour note likewise be unwept!
Q. Eliz.
Give me no help in lamentation;
I am not barren to bring forth complaints note:
All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes,
That I, being govern'd by the watery moon note,
May send forth plenteous tears to drown the world! note
Oh note for my husband note, for my dear note lord Edward!
Chil. note
Oh note for our father, for our dear lord Clarence!
Duch.
Alas for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence note!
Q. Eliz.
What stay had I but Edward? and he's note gone.
Chil. note
What stay had we but Clarence? and he's note gone.
Duch.
What stays note had I but they? and they are gone.
Q. Eliz.
Was never note widow had so dear a loss.
Chil. note
Were never note orphans had so dear a note loss.
Duch.
Was never note mother had so dear a note loss.
Alas, I am the mother of these moans note!
Their woes are parcell'd, mine are note general.
She for an note Edward weeps, and so do I;
I for a Clarence weep note, so doth not she:
These babes for Clarence weep, and so do I;
I for an Edward weep note, so do not they note: note
Alas, you three, on me threefold distress'd
Pour note all your note tears! I am your sorrow's nurse,
-- 529 --
And I will pamper it with lamentations note.
Dor.
Comfort, dear mother: God is much displeased
That you take with unthankfulness note his doing:
In common worldly things, 'tis call'd ungrateful,
With dull unwillingness to repay note a debt
Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent;
Much more to be thus opposite with heaven,
For it requires the royal debt it lent you.
Riv.
Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother,
Of the young prince your son: send straight for him;
Let him be crown'd; in him your comfort lives:
Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave,
And plant your joys in living Edward's throne note.
Enter Gloucester note, Buckingham, Derby, Hastings, and Ratcliff.
note
Glou.
Madam note, have comfort: all of us have cause
To wail the dimming of our shining star;
But none can cure their note harms by wailing them.
Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy;
I did not see your grace note: humbly on note my knee note
I crave your blessing.
Duch.
God bless thee, and put meekness in thy mind note,
Love, charity, obedience, and true duty!
Glou. [Aside note]
Amen; and make me die note a good old man!
That is note the butt-end of a note mother's blessing:
I marvel why note her grace did leave it out.
Buck.
You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers,
That bear this mutual heavy note load of moan,
-- 530 --
Now cheer each other note in each other's love:
Though we have spent our harvest of note this king,
We are to reap the harvest of his son note.
The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts note,
But lately note splinter'd note, knit and join'd together,
Must gently note be preserved, cherish'd, and kept:
Me seemeth good, that, with some little train,
Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetch'd note
Hither to London, to be crown'd our king.
Riv.
Why with some little train, my Lord of Buckingham? note
Buck.
Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude,
The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out;
Which would be so much the more dangerous,
By how much the estate is green and note yet ungovern'd
Where every horse bears his commanding rein,
And may direct his course as please himself,
As well the fear of harm as harm apparent,
In my opinion, ought to be prevented.
Glou. note
I hope the king made peace with all of us;
And the compact is firm and true in me.
Riv. note
And so in me; and so, I think, in all:
Yet, since it is but green, it should be put
To no apparent likelihood of breach,
Which haply by much company might be urged:
Therefore I say with noble Buckingham,
That it is meet so few note should fetch the prince.
Hast.
And so say I note. note
Glou.
Then be it so; and go we to determine
Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow note.
-- 531 --
Madam, and you, my mother note, will you go
To give your censures note in this weighty note business?
Q. Eliz. Duch.
With all our hearts. note
[Exeunt note all but Buckingham and Gloucester.
Buck.
My lord, whoever journeys to the prince,
For God's sake, let not us two be behind note;
For, by the way, I'll sort occasion,
As index to the story we late note talk'd of,
To part the queen's proud kindred from the king note.
Glou.
My other self, my counsel's consistory,
My oracle, my prophet!—My note dear cousin,
I, like note a child, will go by thy direction.
Towards note Ludlow note then, for we'll note not stay behind.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
London. A street. note
Enter note two Citizens, meeting.
First Cit.
Neighbour, well met note: whither note away so fast?
Sec. Cit.
I promise you, I scarcely note know myself:
Hear note you the news abroad?
note
First Cit.
Ay note, that note the king is dead.
Sec. Cit. note
Bad note news, by'r lady, seldom comes the better note:
-- 532 --
I fear, I fear, 'twill prove a troublous note world.
Enter another Citizen.
Third Cit.
Neighbours, God speed! note
First Cit. note
Give you good morrow, sir.
Third Cit.
Doth this note news hold of good King Edward's death?
Sec. Cit.
Ay, sir, it is too true; God help the while note!
Third Cit.
Then, masters, look to see a troublous note world.
First Cit.
No, no; by God's good note grace his son shall reign.
Third Cit.
Woe to that land that's govern'd by a child!
Sec. Cit.
In him there is a hope note of government note,
That note in his nonage council under him note,
And in his full and note ripen'd note years himself,
No doubt, shall then and till then govern well.
First Cit.
So stood the state note when Henry note the Sixth note
Was crown'd in Paris note but at nine note months old.
Third Cit.
Stood the state so? No, no, good friends, God wot note;
For then this note land was famously enrich'd
With note politic grave counsel; then the king
Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace.
First Cit. note
Why, so note hath this, both by the father note and mother.
-- 533 --
Third Cit.
Better it were they all came by the father note,
Or by the father note there were none at all;
For emulation now, who shall note be nearest note,
Will note touch us all too near, if God prevent not.
O, full of danger is the Duke of Gloucester!
And the queen's sons and brothers haught note and proud note:
And were they to be ruled, and not to rule note,
This sickly land note might solace as before.
First Cit. note note
Come, come, we fear the worst; all shall note be well.
Third Cit.
When clouds appear note, wise men put on their cloaks;
When great leaves fall, the note winter is at hand;
When the sun sets, who doth not look for night?
Untimely storms make note men note expect a dearth.
All may note be well; but, if God sort it so,
'Tis more than we deserve, or I expect.
Sec. Cit. note
Truly, the souls note of men are full of dread note:
Ye note cannot reason almost note with a man
That looks not heavily note and full of fear note.
Third Cit.
Before the times note of change, still is it note so:
By a divine instinct men's minds mistrust
Ensuing dangers note; as, by proof, we see
The waters note swell before a boisterous note storm.
-- 534 --
But leave it all to God. Whither note away?
Sec. Cit.
Marry note, we were note sent for to the justices note.
Third Cit.
And so was I: I'll bear you company.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
London. The palace. note
Enter note the Archbishop of York, the young Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth, and the Duchess of York.
Arch.
Last night, I hear note, they lay at Northampton note;
At Stony-Stratford will they be to-night:
To-morrow, or next day, they will note be here.
Duch.
I long with all my heart to see the prince:
I hope he is much grown since last I note saw him.
Q. Eliz.
But I hear, no note; they say my son of York
Hath note almost note overta'en him in his note growth.
York.
Ay, mother; but I would not have it so.
Duch.
Why, my young note cousin, note it is good to grow.
York.
Grandam note, one night, as we did sit at supper,
My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow
More than my brother: ‘Ay,’ quoth my uncle Gloucester note,
‘Small herbs note have grace, great weeds do note grow apace:’
And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast,
Because sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste.
Duch.
Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold
In him that did object the same to thee:
-- 535 --
He was the wretched'st thing when he was young,
So long a-growing and so leisurely,
That, if this rule were true note, he should be gracious.
Arch. note
Why, madam, so, no doubt, he is note.
Duch.
I hope so too note; but yet let mothers doubt.
York.
Now, by my troth, if I had been remember'd,
I could have given my uncle's grace a flout,
To touch his growth nearer than he touch'd mine. note
note
Duch.
How, my pretty note York? I pray thee note, let me hear it.
York.
Marry, they note say my note uncle grew so fast note
That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old note:
'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth.
Grandam note, this would have been a biting note jest.
Duch.
I pray thee note, pretty York, who told thee this note?
York.
Grandam note, his nurse.
Duch.
His nurse note! why, she was dead ere thou wert note born.
York.
If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.
Q. Eliz.
A parlous note boy: go to note, you are note too shrewd.
Arch. note
Good madam, be not angry with the note child.
Q. Eliz.
Pitchers have note ears.
Enter a Messenger. note
Arch.
Here comes a messenger. What news? note note
-- 536 --
Mess. note
Such news, my lord, as grieves me to unfold note.
Q. Eliz.
How fares note the prince?
Mess.
Well, madam, and in health.
Duch.
What is thy news then? note
Mess.
Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Pomfret,
With them Sir Thomas Vaughan, prisoners note note.
Duch.
Who hath committed them?
Mess.
The mighty dukes
Gloucester note and Buckingham. note
Q. Eliz. note
For what offence?
Mess.
The sum of all I can, I have disclosed;
Why or for what note these note nobles were committed
Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady note.
Q. Eliz.
Ay note me, I see the downfall note of our note house!
The tiger now hath seized note the gentle hind;
Insulting tyranny begins to jet note
Upon the innocent and aweless note throne:
Welcome, destruction, death note, and massacre!
I see, as in a map, the end of all.
Duch.
Accursed and unquiet wrangling days,
How many of you have mine eyes beheld!
My husband lost his life to get the crown;
And often note up and down my sons were toss'd,
-- 537 --
For me to joy and weep their note gain and loss:
And being seated, and domestic broils
Clean over-blown, themselves note, the conquerors,
Make war upon themselves; blood against blood,
Self note against self: O, preposterous note
And frantic outrage note, end thy note damned spleen;
Or let me die, to look on death note no more!
Q. Eliz.
Come, come, my boy; we will to sanctuary.
Madam, farewell note.
Duch.
I'll go along note with you.
note
Q. Eliz.
You have no cause.
Arch.
My gracious lady, go;
And thither note bear note your treasure and your goods.
For my part, I'll resign unto your grace
The seal I keep: and so betide to me note
As well I tender you and all of yours!
Come note, I'll conduct you to the sanctuary.
[Exeunt.
ACT III.
Scene I.
London. note A street. note
The trumpets sound. Enter the young Prince, the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham, Cardinal Bourchier, Catesby, note and others.
Buck.
Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber. note
-- 538 --
Glou.
Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign:
The weary way hath made you melancholy.
Prince.
No, uncle; but our crosses on the way
Have note made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy:
I want more uncles here to welcome me.
Glou.
Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years
Hath note not yet dived into the world's deceit:
Nor note more can you distinguish of a man
Than of his outward show; which, God he knows,
Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart.
Those uncles which you want were dangerous;
Your grace attended to their sugar'd words,
But look'd not on the poison of their hearts:
God keep you from them, and from such false friends!
Prince. note
God keep me from false note friends! but they were none note.
Glou.
My lord, the mayor note of London comes to greet you.
Enter the Lord Mayor note, and his train.
May.
God bless your grace with health and happy days!
note
Prince.
I thank you, good my lord; and thank you all.
I thought my mother and my brother York
Would long ere this have met us on the way:
Fie, what a slug is Hastings, that he comes not
To tell us whether they will come or no!
Enter Lord Hastings.
Buck.
And, in good time, here comes the sweating lord.
Prince.
Welcome, my lord: what, will our mother come?
Hast.
On what occasion, God he knows, not I,
The queen your mother and your brother York
Have note taken sanctuary: the tender prince
-- 539 --
Would fain have come note with me to meet your grace,
But by his mother was perforce withheld.
Buck.
Fie, what an note indirect and peevish note course
Is this of hers! Lord cardinal, will your grace
Persuade the queen to send note the Duke of York
Unto his princely brother presently?
If she deny, Lord Hastings, go note with him note,
And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce.
Card.
My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory
Can from his mother win the note Duke of York,
Anon note expect him here; but if she be obdurate
To mild entreaties note, God in heaven note forbid
We should infringe the holy privilege
Of blessed note sanctuary! not for all this land
Would I be guilty of so deep note a sin.
Buck.
You are too senseless-obstinate note, my lord,
Too ceremonious and traditional:
Weigh it but note with the grossness of this note age,
You break not sanctuary in seizing him.
The benefit thereof is always granted
To those whose dealings have deserved the place
And those who have the wit to claim the place:
This prince hath neither claim'd it nor deserved it;
And therefore note, in mine opinion, cannot have it:
Then, taking note him from thence note that is not there,
-- 540 --
You break no privilege nor charter there.
Oft have I heard of sanctuary men;
But sanctuary children ne'er note till now.
Card.
My lord, you shall o'er-rule note my mind for once.
Come on, Lord Hastings, will you go with me?
Hast.
I go, my lord.
Prince.
Good note lords, make all the speedy haste you may.
[Exeunt note Cardinal and Hastings.
Say, uncle Gloucester, if our brother come,
Where shall we sojourn till our coronation?
Glou.
Where it seems note best unto your royal self.
If I may note counsel you, some day or two
Your highness shall repose you at the Tower:
Then where you please, and note shall be thought most fit
For your best health and recreation.
Prince.
I do not like the Tower, of any place.
Did Julius Cæsar build that place, my lord?
Buck. note
He did, my gracious note lord, begin that place;
Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edified note.
Prince.
Is it upon record, or else reported
Successively from age to age, he built it?
Buck.
Upon note record, my gracious lord.
Prince.
But say, my lord, it were not register'd,
Methinks the truth should live from age to age,
As 'twere retail'd note to all posterity,
Even to the general all-ending note day.
Glou. [Aside note]
So wise so young, they say, do never note live long.
Prince.
What say you, uncle?
Glou.
I say, without characters, fame lives note long.
-- 541 --
[Aside note]
Thus note, like the formal vice, Iniquity note,
I moralize two note meanings in one word.
Prince.
That Julius Cæsar was a famous man;
With what his valour did enrich his wit,
His wit set down to make his valour live:
Death makes note no conquest of this note conqueror;
For now note he lives in fame, though not in life.
I'll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham,—
Buck.
What, my gracious note lord?
Prince.
An if note I live until I be a man,
I'll win our ancient right in France again,
Or die a soldier, as I lived a king.
Glou. [Aside note]
Short summers lightly note have note a forward spring.
Enter young York, Hastings, and the Cardinal.
Buck.
Now, in good time, here comes the Duke of York.
Prince.
Richard note of York! how fares our loving note brother?
York.
Well, my dread note lord; so must I call you now.
Prince.
Ay, brother, to our grief, as it is yours:
Too late note he died that note might have kept that title,
Which by his death hath lost much majesty.
Glou.
How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York?
York.
I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord,
You said that idle weeds are fast in growth:
The prince my brother hath outgrown note me far.
Glou.
He hath, my lord.
York.
And therefore is he idle?
Glou.
O, my fair cousin, I must not say so.
-- 542 --
York.
Then is he more beholding note to you than I.
Glou.
He may command me as my sovereign;
But you have power in me as in note a kinsman.
York.
I pray you, uncle note, give me this note dagger.
Glou.
My dagger, little cousin? with all my heart.
Prince.
A beggar, brother?
York.
Of note my kind uncle, that I know will give;
And note being note but note a toy, which is note no grief note to give note.
Glou.
A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin.
York.
A greater gift! O, that's the sword to note it.
Glou.
Ay, gentle cousin, were it light enough.
York.
O, then note, I see, you will note part but with light gifts note;
In weightier things you'll say a beggar nay.
Glou.
It is too heavy note for your note grace to wear.
York.
I note weigh it lightly, were it heavier.
Glou.
What, would you have my weapon, little lord?
York.
I would, that I might thank note you as note you call me.
Glou.
How?
York.
Little.
Prince.
My Lord of York will still be cross in talk:
Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him.
York.
You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me:
Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me;
Because that I am little, like an ape,
He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders.
Buck. note
With what a sharp-provided note wit he reasons!
-- 543 --
To mitigate the scorn he gives note his uncle,
He prettily and aptly taunts himself:
So cunning and so young is wonderful.
Glou.
My lord note, will't note please you note pass along?
Myself and my good cousin Buckingham
Will to your mother, to entreat of her
To meet you at the Tower and welcome you.
York.
What, will you go unto the Tower, my lord?
Prince.
My lord protector needs note will have it so.
York.
I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower.
Glou.
Why note, what should you fear?
York.
Marry, my uncle Clarence' note angry ghost:
My grandam note told me he was murder'd there.
Prince.
I fear no uncles dead.
Glou.
Nor none that live, I hope.
Prince.
An if note they live, I hope I need not fear.
But come, my lord; and with note a heavy heart,
Thinking on them, go I unto the Tower.
[A Sennet. note Exeunt note all but Gloucester, Buckingham and Catesby.
note
Buck.
Think you, my lord, this little parting York
Was not incensed by his subtle mother
To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously?
Glou.
No doubt, no doubt: O, 'tis a parlous note boy;
Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable:
He is all the mother's, from the top to toe.
Buck.
Well, let them rest. Come hither note, Catesby.
-- 544 --
Thou art sworn note as deeply to effect what we intend
As closely to conceal what we impart:
Thou know'st note our reasons urged upon the way;
What think'st note thou? is it not an easy matter
To make William Lord note Hastings of our mind,
For the instalment of this noble duke
In the seat royal of this famous isle?
Cate.
He for his father's sake so loves the prince
That he will not be won to aught against him.
Buck.
What think'st thou then of Stanley? what will he? note
Cate.
He will do all in all as Hastings doth.
Buck.
Well, then, no more but note this: go, gentle Catesby,
And, as it were far off, sound thou note Lord Hastings note,
How he doth stand affected to our note purpose;
And summon him to-morrow to the Tower,
To sit about the coronation note.
If thou dost find him tractable to us,
Encourage him, and show note him all our reasons:
If he be leaden note, icy-cold note, unwilling,
Be thou so too; and so break off your note talk,
And give us notice of his inclination:
For we to-morrow hold divided councils,
Wherein thyself shalt note highly be employ'd.
Glou.
Commend me to Lord William: tell him, Catesby,
His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries
To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret-castle;
And bid my friend note, for joy of this good news,
-- 545 --
Give Mistress note Shore one gentle note kiss the more.
Buck.
Good Catesby, go note, effect this business soundly.
Cate.
My good lords both, with all note the heed I may note.
Glou.
Shall note we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?
Cate.
You shall, my lord.
Glou.
At Crosby Place note, there shall you note find us both.
[Exit Catesby. note
Buck.
Now note, my lord, what shall we do, if we perceive note
Lord note Hastings will not yield to our complots?
Glou.
Chop off his head, man; somewhat we will do note:
And, look, when I am king, claim thou of me
The earldom of Hereford note, and the note moveables
Whereof the king my brother stood note possess'd.
Buck.
I'll claim that promise at your grace's note hands note.
Glou.
And look to have it yielded with all willingness note.
Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards
We may digest our complots note in some form.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
Before Lord Hastings' house. note
Enter note a Messenger.
Mess.
What, ho! note my lord!
Hast. [Within note]
Who knocks at the door note?
-- 546 --
Mess.
A messenger from the Lord note Stanley.
Enter note Lord Hastings.
Hast.
What is't note o'clock?
Mess.
Upon the stroke of four.
Hast.
Cannot thy master note sleep these note tedious note nights note?
Mess.
So it should seem note by that note I have to say.
First, he commends him to your noble lordship note.
Hast.
And then? note
Mess.
And then he sends you word note
He dreamt to-night note the boar note had razed note his helm:
Besides, he says there are two councils held note;
And that may be note determined at the one
Which may make you and him to rue at the other.
Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure,
If presently you will note take horse with him,
And with all speed note post with him toward note the north,
To shun the danger that his soul divines.
Hast.
Go, fellow note, go, return unto thy lord;
Bid him not fear the separated councils note:
His honour and myself are at the one,
And at the other is my servant note Catesby;
Where nothing can proceed that toucheth us
Whereof I shall not have intelligence.
-- 547 --
Tell him his fears are shallow, wanting instance note:
And for his dreams, I wonder he is so fond note
To trust the mockery of unquiet slumbers:
To fly the boar before the boar pursues note,
Were to incense the boar to follow us
And make pursuit where he did mean no chase note.
Go, bid thy master rise and come to me;
And we will both together to the Tower,
Where, he shall see, the boar will use us kindly.
Mess.
My gracious lord, I'll note tell him what you say.
[Exit. note
Enter Catesby. note
Cate.
Many good morrows to my noble lord!
Hast.
Good morrow, Catesby; you are early stirring:
What news, what news, in this our tottering state?
Cate.
It is a reeling world indeed, my lord;
And I believe 'twill note never stand upright
Till Richard wear the garland of the realm.
Hast.
How! note wear the garland! dost thou mean the crown? note
Cate.
Ay, my good lord.
Hast.
I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders
Ere I will note see the crown so foul misplaced.
But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it?
Cate.
Ay, on my life note, and hopes to find you forward
Upon his party for the gain thereof:
And thereupon he sends you this good news,
-- 548 --
That this same very day your enemies,
The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret.
Hast.
Indeed, I am no mourner for that note news,
Because they have been still mine enemies note:
But, that I'll give my voice on Richard's side,
To bar my master's heirs in true descent,
God knows I will not do it, to the death.
Cate.
God keep your lordship in that gracious mind!
Hast.
But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence,
That they who note brought me in my master's hate,
I live to look upon their tragedy.
I tell thee note, Catesby,—
Cate.
What, my lord?
Hast.
Ere note a fortnight make me elder note,
I'll send some packing that yet think note not on it note.
Cate.
'Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord,
When men are unprepared and look not for it.
Hast.
O monstrous, monstrous! and so falls it note out
With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: and so 'twill do
With some men else, who note think themselves as safe
As thou and I; who, as thou know'st note, are dear
To princely Richard and to note Buckingham.
Cate.
The princes both make high account of you;
[Aside note]
For they account his head upon the bridge.
Hast.
I know they do; and I have well deserved it note.
Enter Lord Stanley.
Come on, come on note; where is your boar-spear, man?
Fear you the boar, and go note so unprovided?
-- 549 --
Stan.
My lord, good morrow; good note morrow, Catesby:
You may jest on, but, by the holy rood,
I do not like these several councils, I.
Hast.
My lord,
I hold my life as dear as you do note yours note;
And never in my life note, I do protest,
Was it more precious to me than 'tis note now:
Think you, but that I know our state note secure,
I would be so triumphant as I am?
Stan.
The lords at Pomfret note, when they rode from London,
Were jocund and supposed their state was note sure,
And they note indeed had no cause to mistrust;
But yet, you see, how soon the day o'ercast note.
This sudden stab note of rancour I misdoubt:
Pray God, I say note, I prove a needless coward!
What, shall we toward the Tower? the day is spent.
Hast.
Come, come, have with you. Wot you note what, my lord? note
To-day the lords you talk note of are beheaded. note
Stan.
They, for their truth, might better wear their heads
Than some that have accused them wear their hats note.
But come, my lord, let us note away note.
-- 550 --
Enter a Pursuivant. note
Hast.
Go on before; I'll talk with this good fellow. note
[Exeunt note Stanley and Catesby.
How now, sirrah! note note how goes the world with thee?
Purs.
The better that your lordship please note to ask.
Hast.
I tell thee, man note, 'tis better with me now
Than when I met thee note last where now we meet:
Then was I going prisoner to the Tower,
By the suggestion of the queen's allies;
But now, I tell thee—keep it to thyself—
This day those enemies are put to death,
And I in better state than e'er note I was.
Purs.
God hold it, to your honour's good content!
Hast.
Gramercy, fellow note: there, drink that for me note.
[Throws note him his purse.
Purs.
God save your lordship note.
[Exit. note
Enter a Priest.
Priest.
Well met, my lord; I am note glad to see your honour.
Hast.
I thank thee, good Sir John, with all my heart. note
I am note in your debt for your last exercise note;
-- 551 --
note
Come the next Sabbath note, and I will content you.
[He whispers note in his ear.
Enter Buckingham.
Buck.
What, talking with a priest, lord chamberlain? note
Your friends at Pomfret, they do need the priest;
Your honour hath no shriving note work in hand.
Hast.
Good faith, and when I met this holy man,
Those note men you talk of came into my mind.
What, go you toward note the Tower? note
Buck.
I do, my lord note; but long I shall not stay note:
I shall return before your lordship thence.
Hast.
'Tis note like enough, for I stay dinner there.
Buck. [Aside note]
And supper too, although thou know'st note it not.
Come, will you go?
Hast. note
I'll wait upon your lordship.
[Exeunt. note
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
Pomfret Castle. note
Enter note Sir Richard Ratcliff, with halberds, carrying Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan to death.
Rat. note
Come, bring forth the prisoners.
Riv.
Sir Richard Ratcliff, let me tell thee this:
-- 552 --
To-day shalt thou behold a subject die
For truth, for duty, and for loyalty.
Grey.
God keep note the prince from all the pack of you!
A knot you are of damned blood-suckers.
Vaug.
You live that shall cry woe for this hereafter.
Rat.
Dispatch; the limit of your lives is out note.
Riv.
O Pomfret, Pomfret! O thou bloody prison,
Fatal and ominous note to noble peers!
Within the guilty closure of thy walls
Richard the second here was hack'd to death;
And, for more slander to thy dismal seat note,
We give thee up our guiltless blood note to drink.
note
Grey.
Now Margaret's curse is note fall'n upon our heads,
For standing by when Richard stabb'd her son.
Riv.
Then cursed she Hastings, then cursed she Buckingham note, note
Then cursed note she Richard note. O, remember, God,
To hear her prayers note for them, as now for us!
And note for my sister and her princely sons note,
Be satisfied, dear God, with our true blood note,
Which, as thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt.
Rat.
Make haste; the hour of death is expiate. note
-- 553 --
Riv.
Come, Grey, come, Vaughan, let us all note embrace:
And take our leave, until we meet note in heaven.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
The Tower of London. note
Enter Buckingham, Derby, Hastings, the Bishop of Ely, Ratcliff, Lovel, with others, and take their seats at a table. note
Hast.
My lords, at once note: the cause why we are met
Is, to determine of the coronation.
In God's name, speak note: when is the note royal day?
Buck.
Are all things fitting note for that note royal time?
Der.
It is, and wants but note nomination.
Ely. note
To-morrow then I judge a happy day note.
Buck.
Who knows the lord protector's mind herein?
Who is most inward with the noble duke?
Ely.
Your grace, we think note, should soonest know his mind.
Buck.
Who, I, my lord! note We know each other's faces,
But for our hearts, he knows no more of mine
Than I of yours;
Nor I no more of his, than you of mine.
Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.
-- 554 --
Hast.
I thank his grace, I know he loves me well;
But, for his purpose in the coronation,
I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd
His gracious note pleasure any way therein:
But you, my noble lords note, may name the time;
And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice,
Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle note part.
Enter Gloucester. note
Ely.
Now in good note time, here comes the duke himself.
Glou.
My noble lords note and cousins all, good morrow.
I have been long a sleeper note; but, I hope note,
My absence doth neglect no great designs note,
Which by my presence might have been concluded.
Buck.
Had not you note come upon your cue note, my lord,
William Lord Hastings had note pronounced your note part,—
I mean, your voice,— notefor note crowning of the king.
Glou.
Than note my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder;
His lordship knows me well, and loves me well.
Hast.
I thank your grace.
Glou.
My Lord of Ely!
Ely.
My lord?
Glou.
When note I was last in Holborn,
I saw good strawberries in your note garden there:
I do note beseech you send for some of them.
-- 555 --
Ely.
Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart. note
[Exit. note
Glou.
Cousin of note Buckingham, a word with you.
[Drawing him aside. note
Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business,
And finds the testy note gentleman so hot,
As note he will lose his head ere note give consent
His master's son note, as worshipful note he terms it,
Shall lose the royalty of England's throne.
Buck.
Withdraw you hence, my lord, I'll follow you. note
[Exit note Gloucester, Buckingham following.
Der.
We have not yet set down this day of triumph.
To-morrow, in mine opinion note, is too sudden note;
For I myself am not so well provided
As else I would be, were the day prolong'd.
Re-enter note Bishop of Ely.
note
Ely.
Where is my lord protector note? I have sent note for
these note strawberries.
Hast.
His grace looks cheerfully and smooth to-day note;
There's some conceit or other likes him well,
When he doth bid good morrow with such a note spirit.
I think there's never note a man in Christendom
-- 556 --
That can less note hide his love or hate than he;
For by his face straight shall you know his heart.
Der.
What of his heart perceive you in his face
By any likelihood note he show'd to-day?
Hast.
Marry, that with no man here he is note offended;
For, were he, he had note shown note it in his looks note.
Der.
I pray God he be not, I say. note
Re-enter Gloucester note and Buckingham.
Glou.
I pray you all, tell me what they note deserve
That do conspire my death with devilish plots
Of damned witchcraft, and that have prevail'd
Upon my body with their hellish charms?
Hast.
The tender love I bear your grace, my lord,
Makes me most forward in this noble note presence
To doom the offenders, whatsoever note they be: note
I say, my lord, they have deserved death.
Glou.
Then be your eyes the witness of this ill note:
See note how I am bewitch'd; behold, mine arm
Is like a blasted sapling, wither'd note up:
And this is note Edward's wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot strumpet note Shore,
That by their witchcraft note thus have marked me.
Hast.
If they have done this thing note, my gracious note lord,— note
-- 557 --
Glou.
If! thou protector of this damned strumpet,
Tellest thou me note of ‘ifs’ note? Thou art a traitor:
Off with his head! Now, by Saint Paul I swear,
I will not dine until I see the same.
Lovel and Ratcliff, look that it be done: note
The rest that love me, rise note and follow me.
[Exeunt note all but Hastings, Ratcliff and Lovel.
Hast.
Woe, woe for England! not a whit for me;
For I, too fond, might have prevented this.
Stanley did dream the board did raze his helm note;
But I disdain'd it, and did scorn note to fly:
Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble,
And startled note, when he look'd upon the Tower,
As loath to bear me to the slaughter-house.
O, now I want note the priest that spake to me:
I now repent I told the pursuivant,
As 'twere triumphing at note mine enemies,
How they note at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd,
And I myself secure in grace and favour.
O Margaret, Margaret, now thy heavy curse
Is lighted note on poor Hastings' wretched head!
Rat. note
Dispatch, my lord note; the duke would be at dinner:
Make a short shrift; he longs to see your head.
Hast.
O momentary grace of mortal note men,
Which we more hunt for than the note grace of God note!
-- 558 --
Who builds his hopes note in air note of your fair note looks note,
Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast,
Ready, with every nod, to tumble down
Into the fatal bowels of the deep.
Lov.
Come, come, dispatch; 'tis bootless to exclaim.
Hast.
O bloody Richard! miserable England!
I prophesy the fearfull'st time to thee
That ever wretched age hath look'd upon. note
Come, lead me to the block; bear him my head:
They smile at me that note shortly shall be dead.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
The Tower-walls. note
Enter Gloucester note and Buckingham, in rotten armour, note marvellous ill-favoured.
Glou.
Come, cousin, canst thou quake, and change thy colour note,
Murder note thy breath in middle of a word,
And then begin again note, and stop again,
As if thou wert note distraught note and mad with terror?
Buck.
Tut, I can note counterfeit the deep tragedian,
Speak and look back, and pry on every side,
Tremble and start at wagging of a straw note,
-- 559 --
Intending deep suspicion: ghastly looks
Are note at my service, like enforced smiles;
And both are ready in their offices,
At any time, to grace my stratagems.
But what, is Catesby gone?
Glou.
He is; and, see, he brings the mayor along.
Enter the Mayor note and Catesby.
Buck.
Lord mayor note,—
Glou.
Look to the drawbridge there!
Buck.
Hark! note a drum.
Glou.
Catesby note, o'erlook the walls.
Buck.
Lord mayor, the reason we have sent— note
Glou.
Look back, defend thee note, here are enemies.
Buck.
God and our innocency note defend and guard note us!
Glou.
Be patient, they are friends, Ratcliff and Lovel. note
Enter note Lovel and Ratcliff, with Hastings' head. note
Lov. note
Here is the head of that ignoble traitor,
The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings.
Glou.
So dear I loved the man, that I must weep.
I took him for the plainest harmless note creature note
That breathed upon this note earth a Christian note;
Made note him my book, wherein my soul recorded
The history of all her secret thoughts:
So smooth he daub'd his vice with show of virtue
-- 560 --
That, his apparent open guilt omitted,
I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife,
He lived note from all attainder of suspect note.
Buck.
Well, well, he was the covert'st shelter'd traitor
That ever lived. note
Would you imagine note, or almost believe,
Were't note not that note, by great preservation,
We live to tell it you, the note subtle traitor
This day had note plotted, in the council-house
To murder me and my good Lord of Gloucester?
May.
What, had he so? note
Glou.
What, think you note we are Turks or infidels?
Or that we would note, against the form note of law,
Proceed thus rashly to the note villain's death,
But that the extreme note peril of the case,
The peace of England and our persons' safety,
Enforced us to this note execution? note
May.
Now, fair befall you! he deserved his death;
And you, my good lords note both, have well proceeded,
To warn false traitors from the like attempts.
I never look'd for better at his hands,
After he once fell in with Mistress Shore note.
Glou. note
Yet had not we note determined he should die,
Until your lordship came to see his death note;
-- 561 --
Which now the loving note haste of these our friends,
Somewhat against our meaning note, have note prevented:
Because, my lord, we note would have had you heard note
The traitor speak and timorously confess
The manner and the purpose of his treason note;
That you might well have signified the same
Unto the citizens, who haply note may
Misconstrue note us in him and wail his death.
May.
But note, my good lord, your grace's note word note shall serve,
As well as I note had seen and heard note him speak:
And doubt you not note, right noble princes both,
But I'll acquaint our note duteous citizens
With all your just proceedings in this cause note.
Glou.
And to that end we wish'd note your lordship here,
To avoid the carping censures of the note world note.
Buck.
But note since you come note too late of note our intents note,
Yet witness what you hear we did intend:
And so, my good lord mayor, we bid farewell note.
[Exit Mayor.
Glou.
Go note, after, after, cousin Buckingham.
The mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post:
There, at your meet'st advantage note of the time,
Infer the bastardy of Edward's children:
-- 562 --
Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen,
Only for saying he would make his son
Heir to the crown, meaning indeed his house,
Which, by the sign thereof, was termed so.
Moreover, urge his hateful luxury
And bestial note appetite in change of lust;
Which stretched to note their servants, daughters note, wives,
Even where his lustful note eye or savage heart,
Without control, listed note to make his prey note.
Nay, for a need, thus far come near my person:
Tell them, when that my mother went with child
Of that unsatiate note Edward, noble York
My princely father then had wars note in France;
And, by just note computation of the time,
Found that the issue was not his begot;
Which well appeared in his lineaments,
Being nothing like the noble duke my father:
But note touch this sparingly, as 'twere note far note off;
Because you know, my lord note, my mother note lives.
Buck.
Fear note not, my lord, I'll play the orator
As if the golden fee for which I plead
Were for myself: and so, my lord, adieu note.
Glou.
If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle;
Where you shall find me well accompanied
With reverend fathers and well-learned bishops.
Buck.
I go; and towards three or four o'clock
Look for the news that the Guildhall affords note.
[Exit. note
-- 563 --
Glou.
Go, Lovel, with all speed to Doctor Shaw;
[To Cate. note]
Go thou to Friar Penker note; bid them both
Meet me within this hour at Baynard's Castle note.
[Exeunt note all but Gloucester.
Now will I in note, to take some privy order,
To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight;
And to give notice note, that no manner of person note
At any time have note recourse unto the princes.
[Exit. note
note
Scene VI. [Footnote:
The same. A street. note
Enter a Scrivener, with a paper in his hand. note
Scriv.
This note is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings;
Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd,
That it may be this day note read o'er note in Paul's.
And mark how well the sequel hangs together:
Eleven hours I spent note to write it over,
For yesternight by Catesby was it brought note me;
The precedent note was full as long a-doing:
And yet within these five hours lived Lord Hastings note,
Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Here's a good world the while! Why who's note so gross,
That seeth not note this palpable note device?
-- 564 --
Yet who's note so blind note, but note says he sees it not?
Bad is the world; and all will come to nought note,
When such bad note dealing note must be seen in note thought.
[Exit.
note
Scene VII. [Footnote:
Baynard's Castle. note
Enter note Gloucester and Buckingham, at several doors.
Glou.
How now, my lord note, what say note the citizens?
Buck.
Now, by the holy mother of our Lord,
The citizens are mum, and speak note not a word.
Glou.
Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children?
Buck.
I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy,
And his contract by deputy in France note;
The note insatiate note greediness of his desires note,
And his enforcement of the city wives note;
His tyranny for trifles; his own bastardy,
As being got, your father then in France,
And his resemblance note, being not like the duke note:
Withal I did infer your lineaments,
Being the right idea of your father,
Both in your note form and nobleness of mind;
Laid open note all your victories note in Scotland,
Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace,
Your bounty, virtue, fair humility;
-- 565 --
Indeed left nothing fitting for the purpose note
Untouch'd or slightly handled in discourse:
And when mine note oratory grew note to an end note,
I bid note them that did love note their country's good
Cry ‘God save Richard, England's royal king!’
Glou.
Ah! and note did they so?
Buck.
No, so God help me, they spake not a word note;
But, like dumb statuas note or breathing note stones,
Gazed note each on other, and look'd deadly pale.
Which when I saw, I reprehended them;
And ask'd the mayor what meant note this wilful silence:
His answer was, the pople were not wont note
To be spoke to note but note by the note recorder.
Then he was urged to tell my tale again:
‘Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd;’
But nothing spake note in warrant from himself.
When he had done, some followers of mine own
At the lower end of the note hall hurl'd up their caps,
And some ten voices cried ‘God save King Richard!’
And thus I took the vantage of those few note,
‘Thanks, gentle note citizens and friends!’ quoth I,
‘This general applause and loving note shout
Argues your wisdoms note and your love note to Richard:’
-- 566 --
And even here note brake off, and came away.
Glou.
What tongueless blocks were they! would they note not speak? note
Buck.
No, by my troth, my lord note.
Glou.
Will not the mayor then and his brethren come?
Buck.
The mayor is here at hand note: intend note some note fear;
Be not you spoke with, but by mighty suit note:
And look you get a prayer-book in your hand,
And stand betwixt note two churchmen, good my lord;
For on that ground I'll build note a holy descant:
And be not easily note won to our request note;
Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it note.
Glou.
I go; and if you plead note as well for them
As I can say nay to thee note for myself, note
No doubt we'll note bring it to a happy issue.
Buck.
Go, go up to the leads; the lord mayor knocks note.
[Exit Gloucester. note
Enter note the Mayor and Citizens.
Welcome, my lord note: I dance note attendance here;
I think the duke will not be spoke note withal.
Enter Catesby.
Here comes his servant: how now, Catesby,
What says he? note
-- 567 --
Cate.
My lord, he doth entreat your grace note
To visit him to-morrow or next day:
He is within, with two right note reverend fathers,
Divinely bent to meditation;
And in no worldly suit note would he be moved,
To draw him from his holy exercise.
Buck.
Return, good Catesby, to thy lord again note;
Tell him, myself, the mayor and citizens note,
In deep designs and matters note of great moment,
No less importing than note our general good,
Are come to have some conference with his grace.
Cate.
I'll tell note him what you say, my lord note.
[Exit.
Buck.
Ah, ha, my lord, this prince is not an Edward!
He is not lolling note on a lewd day-bed note,
But on his knees at meditation;
Not dallying with a brace of courtezans,
But meditating with two deep divines;
Not sleeping, to engross his idle body,
But praying, to enrich his watchful soul:
Happy were England, would this gracious note prince
Take on himself note the sovereignty thereof note:
But, sure note, I fear, we shall ne'er note win him to it.
May.
Marry, God forbid note his grace should say us nay!
Buck.
I fear he will note.
-- 568 --
Re-enter note Catesby.
How now, Catesby, what says your lord? note
Cate.
My lord note,
He wonders to what end you have assembled
Such troops of citizens to speak with note him,
His grace not being warn'd thereof before: note
My lord, he fears note you mean no good to him.
Buck.
Sorry I am my noble cousin should
Suspect me, that I mean no good to him:
By heaven, I come in perfect note love to him note;
And so once more return and tell his grace.
[Exit Catesby. note
When holy and devout religious men
Are at their note beads, 'tis hard note to draw them thence note,
So sweet is zealous contemplation.
noteEnter Gloucester aloft, between two Bishops note. Catesby returns note.
May.
See, where he stands between note two clergymen!
Buck.
Two props of virtue for a Christian prince,
To stay him from the fall of vanity:
And, see, a book of prayer in his hand,
True ornaments note to know a holy man note.
Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince,
Lend favourable ears note to our note request note;
And pardon us the interruption
-- 569 --
Of thy devotion and right Christian zeal.
Glou.
My lord, there needs no such apology:
I rather do beseech you pardon note me,
Who, earnest in the service of my God note,
Neglect note the visitation of my friends.
But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure?
Buck.
Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above
And all good men of this ungovern'd isle.
Glou.
I do suspect I have done some offence
That seems note disgracious in the city's eyes note,
And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.
Buck.
You have, my lord: would it might note please your grace note,
At note our entreaties, to amend that note fault!
Glou.
Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land?
Buck.
Then know note, it is your fault that you resign
The supreme seat, the throne majestical,
The scepter'd note office of your ancestors,
Your state of fortune and your due note of birth note,
The lineal glory of your royal house,
To the corruption of a blemish'd stock:
Whilst note, in the mildness of your note sleepy thoughts,
Which here we waken to our note country's good,
This note noble isle doth want her note proper limbs;
Her note face defaced with scars note of infamy,
Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants note,
-- 570 --
And almost shoulder'd note in the note note swallowing gulf
Of blind forgetfulness and dark note oblivion.
Which to recure note, we heartily solicit
Your gracious self to take on you note the charge
And kingly government of this your land note;
Not as protector, steward, substitute,
Or note lowly factor for another's gain;
But as successively, from blood to blood,
Your right of birth, your empery, your own.
For this, consorted with the citizens,
Your very worshipful and loving note friends,
And by their vehement instigation,
In this just suit note come I to move your grace.
Glou.
I know not whether note to depart in silence,
Or bitterly to speak in your reproof,
Best fitteth note my degree or your condition:
If not note to answer, you might haply think
Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty,
Which fondly you would here impose on me;
If to reprove you for this suit of yours,
So season'd with your faithful love to me,
Then, on the other side, I check'd my friends.
Therefore, to speak, and to avoid the first,
And then, in speaking, not to note incur the last,
Definitively thus I answer you. note
Your love deserves my thanks, but my desert
-- 571 --
Unmeritable shuns note your high request.
First, if all obstacles were cut away
And that my path were even to the crown,
As my ripe note revenue and due by birth note;
Yet so much is my poverty of spirit,
So mighty and so many my defects,
As I had note rather hide me from my greatness,
Being a bark to brook no mighty sea,
Than in my greatness covet to be hid
And in the vapour of my glory smother'd.
But, God be thanked, there's note no need of me note,
And much I need to help you, if need were note;
The royal tree hath left us royal fruit,
Which, mellow'd by the stealing hours of time,
Will well become the seat of majesty,
And make, no doubt, us note happy by his reign.
On him I lay what note you would lay note on me,
The right and fortune of his happy stars;
Which God defend that I should wring from him!
Buck.
My lord, this argues conscience in your grace;
But the respects thereof are nice and trivial,
All circumstances well considered.
You say that Edward is your brother's son:
So say we too, but not by Edward's wife;
For first he was note contract note to Lady Lucy—
Your mother lives a witness to that note vow—
And afterward note by substitute betroth'd note
To Bona, sister to the King of France.
These both put by note, a poor petitioner,
-- 572 --
A care-crazed mother of a many children note,
A beauty-waning and distressed widow,
Even in the afternoon of her best days,
Made prize note and purchase of his lustful note eye,
Seduced note the pitch and height of all his thoughts note
To base declension and loathed note bigamy:
By her, in his note unlawful bed, he got
This Edward, whom our manners term note the prince.
More bitterly could I note expostulate,
Save that, for reverence to some note alive,
I give a sparing limit to my tongue.
Then, good my lord, take to your note royal self
This proffer'd note benefit of dignity;
If not to bless us and the land withal,
Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry note
From the corruption of abusing times note,
Unto a lineal true-derived note course.
May.
Do, good my lord, your citizens entreat you.
Buck.
Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love note.
Cate.
O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit!
Glou.
Alas, why would note you heap these cares note on me?
I am unfit for state and majesty note:
I do beseech you, take it not amiss;
I cannot nor I will not yield to you.
Buck.
If you refuse it,—as, in love and zeal,
Loath to depose the child, your brother's son;
As well we know your tenderness of heart
-- 573 --
And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse,
Which we have noted in you to your kin note,
And egally note indeed to all estates,—
Yet whether note you accept note our suit or no,
Your brother's son shall never reign our king;
But we will plant some other in the throne,
To the disgrace and downfall note of your house:
And in this resolution here we note leave you.
Come, citizens: 'zounds! I'll note entreat no more.
Glou.
O, do not swear, my lord of Buckingham. note
[Exit Buckingham with the Citizens. note
Cate.
Call them again, my lord, and accept note their suit:
Another note.
Do, good my lord, lest all the land do rue it note note.
Glou.
Would you enforce me to a world of care? note
note
Well note, call them note again. I am not made of stone note,
But penetrable to your kind entreats note,
Albeit against my conscience and my soul.
Re-enter note Buckingham and the rest.
Cousin of Buckingham, and you note sage, grave men,
Since you note will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her note burthen, whether note I will or no,
-- 574 --
I must have patience to endure the load:
But if black scandal or foul-faced note reproach
Attend the sequel of your imposition,
Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me
From all the impure blots note and stains thereof;
For God he knows note, and you may partly see,
How far I am from the desire thereof note.
May.
God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it.
Glou.
In saying so, you shall but say the truth.
Buck.
Then I salute you with this note kingly note title:
Long live Richard note, England's royal note king!
May. and Cit. note
Amen.
Buck.
To-morrow will note it please you to be crown'd?
Glou.
Even when you please, since note you will have it so.
Buck.
To-morrow then we will attend your grace:
And so most joyfully we take our leave note.
note
Glou.
Come, let us to our holy task note again.
Farewell, good cousin note; farewell, gentle friends.
[Exeunt. note
-- 575 --
ACT IV.
note
Scene I. [Footnote:
Before the Tower. note
Enter note, on one side, Queen Elizabeth, Duchess of York, and Marquess of Dorset; on the other, Anne, Duchess of Gloucester, leading Lady Margaret Plantagenet, Clarence's young daughter.
Duch.
Who meets us here? my niece Plantagenet note
Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloucester?
Now, for my life, she's wandering to the Tower,
On pure heart's love to greet the tender princes note.
Daughter, well met.
note
Anne.
God give your graces both
A happy and a joyful time of day! note
Q. Eliz.
As much to you, good sister! Whither away? note
Anne. note
No farther than the Tower, and, as I guess,
Upon the like devotion as yourselves,
To gratulate the gentle note princes there.
Q. Eliz.
Kind sister, thanks: we'll enter all together.
Enter Brakenbury note.
And, in good time, here the lieutenant comes.
-- 576 --
Master lieutenant, pray you, by your leave,
How doth the prince, and my young son of York? note
Brak.
Right well, dear madam. By your patience note,
I may not suffer you to visit them note;
The king hath straitly note charged the note contrary.
Q. Eliz.
The king! why, who's that? note
Brak.
I cry you mercy: note I mean the lord protector.
Q. Eliz.
The Lord protect him from that kingly title!
Hath he note set bounds note betwixt note their note love and me?
I am their mother; who should keep note me from them?
Duch.
I am note their father's mother; I note will see them.
Anne.
Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother:
Then bring me to their sights note; I'll bear thy blame,
And take thy office from thee, on my peril.
Brak.
No, madam, no; I may not leave it so:
I am note bound by oath, and therefore pardon me. note
Exit. note
Enter Lord Stanley. note
Stan.
Let me but meet you, ladies note, one note hour hence,
And I'll salute your grace of York as mother, note
And reverend note looker on note, of two fair queens.
-- 577 --
[To Anne note]
Come, madam, you must straight note to Westminster,
There to be crowned Richard's royal queen.
Q. Eliz.
O note, cut my lace in sunder note, that my pent heart
May have some scope to beat, or else I swoon note
With this dead-killing note news! note
Anne.
Despiteful tidings! O unpleasing news! note
Dor.
Be of good cheer: mother, note how fares your grace?
Q. Eliz.
O Dorset, speak not to me, get thee hence note!
Death and destruction dog note thee at the heels note;
Thy mother's name is ominous note to children note.
If thou wilt outstrip note death, go cross the seas,
And live with Richmond, from the reach note of hell:
Go, hie thee, hie thee from this slaughter-house,
Lest thou increase the number of the dead;
And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse,
Nor note mother, wife, nor England's counted queen.
Stan.
Full of wise care is this your counsel, madam.
Take all the swift advantage of the hours note;
You shall have letters from me to my note son
To meet you on the way, and welcome you. note
Be not ta'en note tardy by unwise delay note.
Duch.
O ill-dispersing note wind of misery!
O my accursed womb, the bed of death!
A cockatrice hast note thou hatch'd note to the world,
-- 578 --
Whose unavoided eye is murderous.
Stan.
Come, madam, come note; I in all haste was sent note note.
Anne. note
And I in note all unwillingness will go.
I would note to God that the inclusive note verge
Of golden metal that must round my brow
Were red-hot steel, to sear me to the brain note!
Anointed let me be with deadly venom note,
And die, ere men can say, God save the queen!
Q. Eliz.
Go, go note, poor soul, I envy not thy note glory;
To feed my humour, wish thyself no harm.
Anne.
No! why? note When he that is my husband now
Came to me, as note I follow'd note Henry's corse note,
When scarce the blood was well note wash'd from his hands
Which issued from my other angel husband
And that dead note saint which note then I weeping follow'd note;
O, when, I say, I look'd on Richard's face,
This was my wish: ‘Be thou,’ quoth I, ‘accursed,
For making me, so young, so old a widow!
And, when thou wed'st, let sorrow haunt thy bed;
And be thy wife—if any be so mad note— note
As miserable by the life of thee
As note thou hast made me by my dear lord's death!’
Lo, ere note I can repeat this curse again,
Even in so short a space note, my woman's heart
Grossly note grew captive to his honey words
-- 579 --
And proved the subject note of my note own soul's curse,
Which ever since note hath kept note my note eyes from rest note;
For never yet one hour in his bed
Have I enjoy'd note the golden dew note of sleep,
But have been waked by his timorous dreams note.
Besides, he hates me for my father Warwick;
And will, no doubt note, shortly be rid of me.
Q. Eliz.
Poor heart, adieu! I pity thy complaining. note
Anne.
No more than from note my soul I mourn for yours.
Q. Eliz. note
Farewell, thou woful welcomer of glory!
Anne.
Adieu, poor soul, that note takest thy leave of it!
Duch. [To Dorset]
Go thou note to Richmond, and good fortune guide thee!
[To Anne]
Go thou note to Richard, and good angels guard note thee!
[To Queen Eliz.]
Go thou note to sanctuary, and note good thoughts possess thee!
I to my grave, where peace and rest lie with me!
Eighty odd note years of sorrow have I seen,
And each hour's joy wreck'd note with a week of teen note.
Q. Eliz.
Stay, yet note look back with me unto the Tower.
Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes
Whom envy hath immured within your walls!
-- 580 --
Rough cradle for such little pretty ones!
note
Rude ragged nurse, old sullen playfellow
For tender princes, use my babies well!
So foolish sorrow bids note your stones farewell. note
Exeunt.
Scene II.
London. The Palace. note
Sennet. note Enter Richard, in pomp, crowned; note Buckingham, Catesby, a Page, and others. note
K. Rich.
Stand all apart. Cousin of Buckingham!
Buck.
My gracious sovereign? note
K. Rich.
Give me thy hand. [Here he ascendeth his throne. note] Thus high, by thy advice
And thy assistance, is king Richard seated: note
But shall we wear these honours note for a day?
Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them?
Buck.
Still live they and for note ever may they note last!
K. Rich.
O note Buckingham, now do I note play note the touch,
To try if thou be current gold indeed:
Young Edward lives: think now what I would say note.
Buck.
Say on, my loving lord note.
K. Rich.
Why, Buckingham, I say, I would be king.
Buck.
Why, so you are, my thrice renowned note liege note.
-- 581 --
K. Rich.
Ha! am I king note? 'tis so: but Edward lives.
Buck.
True, noble prince.
K. Rich.
O bitter consequence,
That Edward still should live! ‘True note, noble prince!’
Cousin, thou wert note not wont to be so dull:
Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead;
And I would have it suddenly perform'd.
What sayest thou? note speak suddenly; be brief.
Buck.
Your grace may do your pleasure.
K. Rich.
Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness freezeth note:
Say, have I thy consent that they shall die?
Buck.
Give me some breath, some little pause, my lord note,
Before I positively speak herein note:
I will resolve your grace immediately note.
[Exit note.
Cate. [Aside to a stander by. note]
The king is angry: see, he bites the note lip.
note
K. Rich.
I will converse with iron-witted note fools
And unrespective boys: none are for me
That look into me with considerate eyes:
High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.
Boy note!
Page. note
My lord note?
K. Rich.
Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold
Would note tempt unto a close exploit of death?
-- 582 --
Page.
My lord, note I know a discontented gentleman,
Whose humble means match not his haughty mind note:
Gold were as good as twenty orators,
And will, no doubt, tempt him to any thing.
K. Rich.
What is his name?
Page.
His name, my lord, is Tyrrel note.
K. Rich.
I partly know the man: go, call him hither.
Exit Page. note
The deep-revolving note witty Buckingham
No more shall be the neighbour to my counsel note:
Hath he so long held out with me untired,
And stops he now for breath? note
Enter Stanley. note
How now! what news with you? note
Stan.
My lord, I hear the Marquis Dorset's fled
To Richmond, in those parts beyond the sea
Where he abides.
[Stands apart. note
K. Rich.
Catesby!
Cate.
My lord?
K. Rich.
Rumour it note abroad note
That Anne, my wife, is sick and like to die:
I will take order for her keeping close.
Inquire me out some mean-born note gentleman,
Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' note daughter:
The boy is foolish, and I fear not him.
Look, how thou dream'st note! I say again, give out
-- 583 --
That Anne my wife note is sick, and like to die:
About it; for it stands me much upon,
To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me.
[Exit Catesby. note
I must be married to my brother's note daughter,
Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass.
Murder her brothers note, and then marry her!
Uncertain way of gain! But I am in
So far in blood that sin will pluck note on sin:
Tear-falling note pity dwells not in this eye.
Re-enter note Page, with Tyrrel.
Is thy name Tyrrel?
Tyr.
James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.
note
K. Rich.
Art thou, indeed?
Tyr.
Prove me, my gracious sovereign note.
K. Rich.
Darest thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?
Tyr.
Ay, my lord;
But I had note rather kill two enemies note.
K. Rich.
Why, there note thou hast it: two note deep enemies,
Foes to my rest and note my sweet sleep's note disturbers note
Are they that I would have thee deal upon:
Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower.
Tyr.
Let me have open note means to come to them,
And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them.
K. Rich.
Thou sing'st sweet music. Hark, come note hither, Tyrrel note:
-- 584 --
Go, by this note token: rise, and lend thine ear:
[Whispers. note
There is note no more but so: say it is note done,
And I will love thee, and prefer thee too note.
Tyr.
'Tis done, my gracious note lord note.
K. Rich.
Shall we hear from thee, Tyrrel, ere we sleep.
Tyr.
Ye shall, my lord note. note
[Exit. note
Re-enter note Buckingham.
Buck.
My lord, I have consider'd note in my mind
The late demand note that you did sound me in.
K. Rich.
Well, let that pass note. Dorset is fled to Richmond.
Buck.
I hear that note news, my lord.
K. Rich.
Stanley, he is your wife's son note: well, look to it note.
Buck.
My lord, I claim your note gift, my due by promise,
For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd;
The earldom of Hereford note and the moveables
The which you promised I should note possess.
K. Rich.
Stanley, look to your wife: if she note convey
Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it.
Buck.
What says your highness to my just demand note?
K. Rich.
As I remember note, Henry the Sixth
Did prophesy that Richmond should be king,
When Richmond was a little peevish boy.
A king, perhaps, perhaps,— note
-- 585 --
Buck.
My lord!
K. Rich.
How chance the prophet could not at that time
Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him?
Buck.
My lord, your promise for the earldom,—
K. Rich.
Richmond! When last I was at Exeter,
The mayor in courtesy show'd note me the castle,
And call'd it Rougemont note: at which name I started,
Because a bard note of Ireland told me once,
I should not live long after I saw Richmond.
Buck.
My lord!
K. Rich.
Ay, what's o'clock?
Buck.
I am thus bold to put your grace in mind
Of what you promised me.
K. Rich.
Well, note but what's o'clock?
Buck.
Upon the stroke of ten.
K. Rich.
Well, let it strike.
Buck.
Why let it strike?
K. Rich.
Because that, like a Jack, thou keep'st the stroke
Betwixt thy begging and my meditation.
I am not in the giving vein to-day. note
Buck.
Why, then resolve me whether note you will or no. note note
R. Rich.
Tut, tut note,
Thou troublest me; I am not in the vein note.
[Exeunt note all but Buckingham.
Buck.
Is it even so? note rewards note he my true note service
With such deep note contempt? made I him king for this?
O, let me think on Hastings, and be gone
To Brecknock, while my fearful head is on!
[Exit.
-- 586 --
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
The same. note
Enter Tyrrel note.
Tyr.
The tyrannous and bloody deed note is done,
The most arch act note of piteous massacre
That ever yet this land was guilty of.
Dighton and Forrest, whom note I did suborn
To do this ruthless piece of butchery note,
Although note they were flesh'd villains, bloody note dogs,
Melting note with tenderness and kind note compassion
Wept like two note children in their deaths' note sad stories note.
‘Lo, thus note,’ quoth Dighton, ‘lay those tender note babes:’
‘Thus, thus,’ quoth Forrest, ‘girdling note one note another
Within their innocent alabaster note arms:
Their lips were note four red roses on a stalk,
Which in note their note summer beauty kiss'd each other.
A book of prayers note on note their pillow lay;
Which once note,’ quoth Forrest, ‘almost changed my mind;
But O! the devil’—there note the villain stopp'd;
-- 587 --
Whilst note Dighton thus told on: ‘We note smothered
The most replenished sweet work of nature
That from the prime creation e'er she note framed.’
Thus both are gone with note conscience and remorse note;
They could not speak; and so I left them both,
To bring note this note tidings to the bloody king.
And here he comes note.
Enter King Richard. note
All hail note, my sovereign liege note!
K. Rich.
Kind Tyrrel, am note I happy in thy news?
Tyr.
If to have done the thing you gave note in charge
Beget your happiness, be happy then,
For it is done, my lord note.
K. Rich.
But didst thou see them dead?
Tyr.
I did, my lord.
K. Rich.
And buried, gentle Tyrrel?
Tyr.
The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them;
But how or in what place note I do not know.
K. Rich.
Come to me, Tyrrel, soon at after note supper,
And thou shalt note tell the process of their death.
Meantime, but note think how I may do thee good,
And be inheritor of thy desire.
Farewell till soon.
[Exit Tyrrel. note
-- 588 --
The son note of Clarence have I pent note up close;
His daughter meanly have I match'd in marriage;
The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom,
And Anne my wife hath bid the world note good night.
Now, for I know the Breton note Richmond aims
At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter,
And, by that knot, looks proudly o'er note the crown,
To her I go note, a jolly thriving wooer.
Enter Catesby. note
Cate. note
My lord!
K. Rich.
Good news or bad note, that thou comest in note so bluntly?
Cate. note
Bad news, my lord: Ely note is fled to Richmond;
And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.
K. Rich.
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near note
Than Buckingham and his rash-levied note army note.
Come, I have heard note that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay;
Delay leads note impotent and snail-paced beggary:
Then fiery expedition be my wing note,
Jove's note Mercury, and note herald for a king!
Come note, muster men: my counsel is my shield;
We must be brief when traitors brave the field.
[Exeunt.
-- 589 --
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
Before the palace. note
Enter note Queen Margaret.
Q. Mar.
So, now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slily note have I lurk'd,
To watch the waning of mine adversaries note.
A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France, hoping the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black note, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret: who comes here?
Enter note Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of York.
Q. Eliz.
Ah, my young note princes note! ah, my tender babes!
My unblown note flowers note, new-appearing note sweets note!
If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
And be not fix'd in doom perpetual,
Hover about note me with your airy wings
And hear your mother's lamentation!
Q. Mar.
Hover about her; say, that right for right note
Hath dimm'd your infant morn to aged night.
Duch.
So many miseries have note crazed my voice,
That my woe-wearied tongue is mute and dumb note.
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead? note
-- 590 --
Q. Mar.
Plantagenent doth quit Plantagenet,
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt note.
Q. Eliz.
Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs,
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
When note didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?
Q. Mar.
When holy Harry note died, and my sweet note son.
Duch.
Blind sight, dead life note, poor mortal living ghost,
Woe's scene, world's shame, grave's due by life usurp'd,
Brief abstract and record of tedious days note,
Rest thy note unrest on England's lawful earth,
[Sitting down. note
Unlawfully note made drunk with innocents' note blood! note
Q. Eliz.
O note, that thou wouldst as well note 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 I? note
[Sitting note down by her.
Q. Mar.
If ancient note sorrow be most reverend note,
Give mine the benefit of seniory note,
And let my woes note frown on the upper hand.
If sorrow can admit society, note
[Sitting note down with them.
Tell o'er note your woes again by viewing mine note:
I had an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him;
I had a Harry note, till a Richard kill'd him:
-- 591 --
Thou hadst an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him;
Thou hadst a Richard, till a Richard kill'd him.
Duch.
I had a Richard too, and thou didst kill him;
I had a Rutland too, thou holp'st note to kill him.
Q. Mar.
Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard note kill'd him note.
From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
A hell-hound that doth hunt us all to death:
That dog, that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood note,
That foul defacer of God's handiwork,
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth,
That reigns in galled eyes of weeping souls note,
Thy womb let loose, to chase note us to our graves.
O upright, just, and true-disposing God,
How do I thank thee, that this note carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother's body,
And makes note her pew-fellow note with others' moan! note
Duch.
O Harry's wife note, triumph not in my woes!
God witness with me, I have wept for thine note.
Q. Mar.
Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
Thy Edward he is dead, that stabb'd note my Edward;
Thy other note Edward dead, to quit note my Edward;
Young York he is but boot, because both they
Match note not the high perfection of my loss:
Thy Clarence he is dead that kill'd note my Edward;
-- 592 --
And the beholders of this tragic play note,
The adulterate note Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan note, Grey,
Untimely smother'd in their dusky note graves.
Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer note,
Only reserved their note factor, to buy souls
And send them note thither: but at hand, at hand, note
Ensues his piteous and unpitied end:
note
Earth gapes note, hell note burns note, fiends roar note, saints pray, note
To have him suddenly convey'd away note note.
Cancel his bond note of life, dear God, I pray,
That I may live to say note, The dog is dead!
Q. Eliz.
O, thou didst note prophesy the time would come
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider note, that foul bunch-back'd note toad!
Q. Mar.
I call'd note thee then vain flourish of my fortune;
I call'd note thee then poor shadow, painted queen;
The presentation of but what I was;
The flattering index of a direful pageant note;
One heaved a-high note, to be hurl'd down below;
A mother only mock'd note with two sweet note babes;
A dream of what thou wert, note a breath, a bubble,
-- 593 --
A sign of dignity, a garish flag
To be the aim of every dangerous shot note;
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? where be thy brothers?
Where are thy children note? wherein dost thou joy?
Who sues to thee and cries note ‘God save the queen’?
Where be the bending peers that flatter'd note thee?
Where be the thronging troops that follow'd note thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art:
For happy wife, a most distressed widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crown'd with care;
For one being sued to, one that humbly note sues note;
For one note that scorn'd at me, now scorn'd of me;
For one note being fear'd of all, now fearing one;
For one note commanding all, obey'd of none note.
Thus hath the course of justice wheel'd note about,
And left thee note but a very prey to time;
Having no more but thought of what thou wert note,
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 burthen'd note yoke;
From which even here I slip my weary neck note,
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.
Farewell, York's wife, and queen of sad mischance:
These English woes note will note make me smile in France.
-- 594 --
Q. Eliz.
O thou well skill'd in curses, stay awhile,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies!
Q. Mar.
Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days note;
Compare dead note happiness with living woe;
Think that thy note babes were fairer note than they were,
And he that slew them fouler than he is:
Bettering thy loss makes note the bad causer worse note note:
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.
Q. Eliz.
My words note are dull; O, quicken them with thine!
Q. Mar.
Thy woes will make them sharp and pierce like mine note.
[Exit. note
Duch.
Why should calamity be full of words?
Q. Eliz.
Windy attorneys to their client note woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate note joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries!
Let them have scope: though what they do note impart
Help not at all note, yet do they note ease the heart.
Duch.
If so, then note be not tongue-tied: go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let's smother
My damned son, which note thy two sweet note sons smother'd.
I hear his drum note: be copious in exclaims.
noteEnter King Richard, marching, with drums and trumpets. note
K. Rich.
Who intercepts my note expedition?
-- 595 --
Duch.
O, she note that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursed womb,
From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done!
Q. Eliz.
Hidest note thou that forehead with a golden crown,
Where should be graven, if that right were right, note
The slaughter note of the prince that owed that crown,
And the dire death of my two note sons and brothers?
Tell me, thou villain slave, where are my children?
note
Duch.
Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence?
And little Ned Plantagenet note, his son?
Q. Eliz.
Where is kind Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey? note
K. Rich.
A flourish, trumpets! strike alarum, drums!
Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women
Rail on note the Lord's anointed: strike, I say!
[Flourish. Alarums. note
Either be patient, and entreat me fair,
Or with the clamorous report note of war
Thus will I drown note your exclamations.
Duch.
Art thou my son?
K. Rich.
Ay, I note thank God, my father, and yourself.
Duch.
Then patiently hear note my impatience.
K. Rich.
Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
Which note cannot brook the accent of reproof.
Duch.
O, let me speak!
K. Rich.
Do then; but I'll not hear. note
-- 596 --
Duch.
I will be mild and gentle in my speech note.
K. Rich.
And brief, good mother; for I am in haste.
Duch.
Art thou so hasty? I have stay'd note for thee,
God knows, in anguish, pain and agony note.
K. Rich.
And came I not at last to comfort you?
Duch.
No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well,
Thou camest on earth to make the earth my hell.
A grievous burthen was thy birth to me;
Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;
Thy school-days frightful, desperate, wild, and furious,
Thy prime of manhood daring, bold, and venturous, note
Thy age confirm'd, proud, subtle, bloody, treacherous note,
More mild, but yet more harmful, kind note in hatred: note
What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever graced me in note thy company?
K. Rich.
Faith, none, but Humphrey note Hour, that call'd your grace note
To breakfast once forth of my note company. note
If I note be so disgracious note in your sight note,
Let me march on, and not offend your grace note.
Strike up the drum. note
Duch.
I prithee, hear me speak.
K. Rich.
You speak too bitterly.
Duch.
Hear me a word;
For I shall never speak to thee again.
-- 597 --
K. Rich.
So. note
Duch.
Either thou wilt note die, by God's just ordinance,
Ere note from this note war thou turn a conqueror,
Or I with grief and note extreme age shall perish
And never look upon note thy face again.
Therefore take with thee my most heavy note curse;
Which, in the day of battle, tire thee more
Than all the complete armour that thou wear'st!
My prayers on the adverse party fight;
And there the little souls of Edward's note children
Whisper the spirits note of thine enemies
And promise them success and victory note.
Bloody thou art, note bloody will be note thy end;
Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.
[Exit.
Q. Eliz.
Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
note
Abides in me; I say amen to all note.
K. Rich.
Stay, madam; I must speak note a word with you.
Q. Eliz.
I have no moe note sons of the royal blood
For thee to murder: for note my daughters, Richard,
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens;
And therefore level not to hit their lives.
K. Rich.
You have a daughter call'd Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.
Q. Eliz.
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 note of infamy:
So she may live unscarr'd of note bleeding slaughter,
-- 598 --
I will confess she was not Edward's daughter.
K. Rich.
Wrong not her birth, she is of royal blood note.
Q. Eliz.
To save her life, I'll say she is not so.
K. Rich.
Her life is only safest note in her birth.
Q. Eliz.
And only in that safety died her brothers.
K. Rich.
Lo, note at their births note good stars were note opposite.
Q. Eliz.
No, to their lives bad note friends were contrary.
K. Rich.
All unavoided is the doom of destiny.
Q. Eliz.
True, when avoided grace makes destiny:
My babes were destined to a fairer death,
If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life.
K. Rich.
You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.
Q. Eliz.
Cousins, indeed; and by their uncle cozen'd
Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life. note
Whose hand soever lanced note their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction:
No doubt the murderous 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 anchor'd in thine eyes;
And I, in such a desperate bay of death,
Like a poor bark, of sails and tackling reft,
Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom. note
K. Rich.
Madam, so thrive I in my enterpise
And dangerous success of bloody wars note,
As I intend note more good to you and yours
Than ever you or yours note were by me wrong'd note!
-- 599 --
Q. Eliz.
What good is cover'd with the face of heaven,
To be discover'd, that can do me good? note
K. Rich.
The advancement of your children, gentle note lady.
Q. Eliz.
Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads?
K. Rich.
No, to note the dignity and height of honour note,
The high note imperial type of this earth's glory.
Q. Eliz.
Flatter my sorrows note with report of it;
Tell me what state, what dignity, what honour,
Canst thou demise note to any child of mine?
K. Rich.
Even all I have; yea, and note myself and all,
Will I withal note endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown note the sad remembrance of those wrongs
Which thou supposest I have done to thee.
Q. Eliz.
Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date note.
K. Rich.
Then know, that from my soul I love thy note daughter note.
Q. Eliz.
My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul.
K. Rich.
What do you think?
Q. Eliz.
That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul:
So from thy soul's love didst thou love her note brothers;
And from my heart's love I do note thank thee for it.
K. Rich.
Be not so hasty to confound my meaning:
I mean, that with my soul I love thy daughter,
And mean note to make her queen of England.
Q. Eliz.
Say then note, who dost thou mean shall be her king?
-- 600 --
K. Rich.
Even he that makes her queen: who should be else? note note
Q. Eliz.
What, thou?
K. Rich.
I, even I note: what think you of it, madam? note
Q. Eliz.
How canst thou woo her?
K. Rich.
That note would I note learn of you,
As one that are note best acquainted with her humour.
Q. Eliz.
And wilt thou learn of me?
K. Rich.
Madam, note with all my heart.
Q. Eliz.
Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave note
Edward and York; then haply note she will note weep:
Therefore present to her,—as sometime note Margaret
Did to thy note father, steep'd in Rutland's blood,—
A handkerchief note; which, say to her, did drain
The purple sap note from her sweet brother's body note, note
And bid her dry note her weeping eyes therewith note.
If this inducement force note her not to love,
Send her a story of thy noble acts note;
Tell her thou madest away her uncle Clarence,
Her uncle Rivers; yea, and note, for her sake,
Madest quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.
-- 601 --
K. Rich.
Come, come, you mock me; note this is note not the way
To win your daughter.
Q. Eliz.
There is note no other way;
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape,
And not be Richard that hath done all this.
K. Rich.
Say that I did all this for love of her. note
Q. Eliz.
Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate note thee,
Having bought note love with such a bloody spoil.
K. Rich.
Look, what is done cannot be now amended:
Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give note leisure to repent note.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends, I'll give it to your daughter.
If I have kill'd 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 mettle note, of your very blood;
Of all one pain, save for a night of groans
Endured of her, for whom you bid note 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 note discontented steps in foreign soil,
-- 602 --
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
Repair'd 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, transform'd to orient pearl,
Advantaging their loan note with interest
Of ten times note double gain of happiness.
Go, then, my mother, to thy daughter go;
Make bold her bashful years with your experience;
Prepare her ears to hear a wooer's tale;
Put in her tender heart the aspiring flame
Of golden sovereignty; acquaint the princess
With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys:
And when this arm of mine hath chastised
The petty rebel, dull-brain'd Buckingham,
Bound with triumphant garlands note 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 victress note, Cæsar's Cæsar.
Q. Eliz.
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 honour and her love,
Can make seem pleasing to her tender years? note
K. Rich.
Infer fair England's peace by this note alliance.
Q. Eliz.
Which she shall purchase with still lasting war.
K. Rich.
Say that the king, which note may command, entreats.
-- 603 --
Q. Eliz.
That at her hands which the king's King forbids note.
K. Rich.
Say, she shall be a high and mighty queen.
Q. Eliz.
To wail note the title, as her mother doth.
K. Rich.
Say, I will love her everlastingly.
Q. Eliz.
But how long shall that title note ‘ever note’ last?
K. Rich.
Sweetly in force note unto her fair life's end.
Q. Eliz.
But how long fairly shall her sweet life note last?
K. Rich.
So long as heaven and nature lengthens note it.
Q. Eliz.
So long note as hell and Richard likes note of it.
K. Rich.
Say, I, her sovereign, am her subject love note.
Q. Eliz.
But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.
K. Rich.
Be eloquent in my behalf to her.
Q. Eliz.
An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.
K. Rich.
Then in plain terms tell her note my loving tale.
Q. Eliz.
Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.
K. Rich.
Your note reasons are too shallow and too quick.
Q. Eliz.
O no, my note reasons are too deep and dead;
Too deep note and dead, poor infants, in their grave note.
K. Rich.
Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.
Q. Eliz.
Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break. note note
K. Rich.
Now, by my George, my garter, and my crown,—
Q. Eliz.
Profaned, dishonour'd, and the third usurp'd.
K. Rich.
I swear— note
Q. Eliz.
By nothing; for this is no oath:
The George, profaned, hath lost his holy note honour;
-- 604 --
The garter, blemish'd, pawn'd his knightly note virtue;
The note crown, usurp'd, disgraced his kingly glory note.
If something thou wilt note swear to be believed,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wrong'd.
K. Rich.
Now, by the world—
Q. Eliz.
'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.
K. Rich.
My father's death—
Q. Eliz.
Thy life note hath that note dishonour'd.
K. Rich.
Then, by myself—
Q. Eliz.
Thyself thyself misusest note. note
K. Rich.
Why then, by God—
Q. Eliz.
God's note wrong is most of all.
If thou hadst fear'd note to break an oath by Him note,
The unity the king thy brother note made
Had not been note broken, nor my brother slain note:
If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by Him note,
The imperial metal, circling now thy brow note,
Had graced note the tender temples of my child,
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, two tender playfellows note for note dust,
Thy broken faith hath note made a prey for note worms note.
-- 605 --
What canst thou swear by now? note
K. Rich.
The time note to come.
Q. Eliz.
That thou hast wronged in the time note o'erpast;
For I myself have many tears to wash
Hereafter time, for time past wrong'd by thee note.
The children live, whose parents note thou hast slaughter'd note,
Ungovern'd youth, to wail it in their note age;
The parents live, whose children thou hast butcher'd note,
Old wither'd note plants, to wail it with note their age.
Swear not by time to come; for that thou hast
Misused ere note used, by time misused o'erpast note note.
K. Rich.
As I intend to prosper and repent,
So thrive I in my dangerous attempt note
Of hostile arms! myself myself confound!
Heaven note and fortune bar me happy hours note!
Day, yield me not thy light; nor, night, thy rest!
Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceedings note, if, with pure note heart's love,
Immaculate note devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender note not thy beauteous princely daughter!
In her consists my happiness and thine;
Without her, follows to this land and me,
To thee, herself note, and many a Christian soul,
-- 606 --
Death, desolation note, ruin and decay:
It cannot be avoided but by this;
It will not be avoided but by this note.
Therefore, good note 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 note deserts note, but what I will deserve:
Urge the necessity and state of note times,
And be not peevish-fond note in great designs.
Q. Eliz.
Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?
K. Rich.
Ay note, if the devil tempt thee note to do good.
Q. Eliz.
Shall I forget myself to be myself?
K. Rich.
Ay note, if yourself's remembrance wrong yourself note.
Q. Eliz.
But note thou didst kill my children note.
K. Rich.
But in your daughter's womb I bury note them:
Where in note that nest of spicery they shall note breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture note.
Q. Eliz.
Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?
K. Rich.
And be a happy mother by the deed note.
Q. Eliz.
I go. Write to me note very note shortly,
And you shall understand from me her mind note.
note
K. Rich.
Bear her my true love's kiss; and so note, farewell.
[Exit note Queen Elizabeth.
Relenting fool, and shallow, changing woman note!
-- 607 --
Enter note Ratcliff; Catesby following.
How now! what news? note
note
Rat.
My gracious note sovereign, on the western coast
Rideth note a puissant navy; to the shore note
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarm'd, and unresolved to beat them back:
'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral;
And there they note hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.
K. Rich.
Some light-foot friend post to the Duke of Norfolk note:
Ratcliff, thyself, or Catesby; where is he?
Cate.
Here, my lord note.
K. Rich.
Fly to the duke. [To Ratcliff note] Post thou to Salisbury: note
When thou comest thither note,—[To Catesby note] Dull unmindful villain,
Why stand'st thou still note, and go'st not to the duke?
Cate.
First, mighty sovereign, let me know your mind note,
What from your grace I shall deliver to him note.
K. Rich.
O, true, good Catesby: bid him levy straight
The greatest strength and power he note can make,
And meet me presently note at Salisbury.
Cate.
I go. note
[Exit. note
-- 608 --
Rat.
What is 't note your highness' pleasure I shall do
At Salisbury? note
K. Rich.
Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?
Rat.
Your highness told me I should post before.
K. Rich.
My mind is changed, sir, my mind is changed.
Enter Lord Stanley. note
How now, what news with you? note
Stan.
None good, my lord note, to please you with the note hearing;
Nor none so bad, but it may well be told note.
K. Rich.
Hoyday note, a riddle! neither good nor bad!
Why dost note thou run so many mile note about,
When thou mayst tell thy tale a nearer note way?
Once more, what news?
Stan.
Richmond is on the seas.
K. Rich.
There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
White-liver'd runagate, what doth he there?
Stan.
I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.
K. Rich.
Well, sir, as you guess, as you guess? note
Stan.
Stirr'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Ely note,
He makes for England, there note to claim the crown.
K. Rich.
Is the chair empty? is the sword unsway'd?
Is the king dead? the empire unpossess'd?
What heir of York is there alive but we?
-- 609 --
And who is England's king but great York's heir?
Then, tell me, what doth he note upon the sea note?
Stan.
Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess. note
K. Rich.
Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman note comes. note
Thou wilt revolt and fly to him, I fear.
Stan.
No, mighty liege note; therefore mistrust me not.
K. Rich.
Where is thy power then note to beat him note back?
Where are note thy tenants and thy followers?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting note the rebels from their ships?
Stan.
No, my good lord, my friends are in the north.
K. Rich.
Cold friends to Richard note: what do they in the north,
When they should serve their sovereign in the west?
Stan.
They have not been commanded, mighty sovereign note:
Please it note your majesty to give me leave,
I'll muster up my friends, and meet your grace
Where and what time your majesty shall please.
K. Rich.
Ay, ay, thou wouldst note be gone to join with Richmond:
I will not trust you, sir note.
Stan.
Most note mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful:
I never was nor never note will be false.
K. Rich.
Well,
Go muster men; but, hear you, leave behind note
-- 610 --
Your son, George Stanley: look your faith note be firm,
Or else his head's assurance is but frail.
Stan.
So deal with him as I prove true to you.
[Exit. note
Enter a Messenger.
Mess.
My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertised,
Sir Edward note Courtney, and the haughty prelate
Bishop of Exeter, his brother there note,
With many moe note confederates, are in arms.
Enter another Messenger.
Sec. Mess.
My liege, in Kent note, the Guildfords are in arms;
And every hour more competitors note
Flock to their aid, and still their power increaseth note.
Enter another Messenger.
Third Mess.
My lord, the army of the Duke of note Buckingham—
K. Rich.
Out on you note, owls! nothing but songs of note death?
[He striketh him. note
Take that, until thou bring me note better news.
note
Third Mess.
The news I have to tell your majesty
Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters,
Buckingham's army is dispersed and scatter'd;
-- 611 --
And he himself wander'd away alone,
No man knows whither.
K. Rich.
I cry note thee mercy:
note
There is my purse to cure that blow of thine note.
Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd note
Reward note to him that brings the traitor in note?
Third Mess.
Such proclamation hath been made, my liege note.
Enter another Messenger.
Fourth Mess.
Sir Thomas Lovel and Lord Marquis Dorset,
'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are note in arms.
Yet this good comfort bring I to your grace note,
The Breton note navy is dispersed by tempest note:
Richmond, in Dorsetshire note, sent out a boat
Unto the shore, to ask those on the banks note
If they were his assistants, yea or no;
Who answer'd note him, they came from Buckingham
Upon his party: he, mistrusting them,
Hoised sail and made away for Brittany note.
K. Rich.
March on, march on, since we are up in arms;
If not to fight with foreign enemies,
Yet to beat note down these rebels here at home.
-- 612 --
Re-enter note Catesby.
Cate.
My liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken;
That is note the best news: that the Earl of Richmond
Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder tidings note, yet they note must be told.
K. Rich.
Away towards Salisbury! while we reason here,
A royal battle might be won and lost:
Some one take order Buckingham be brought
To Salisbury; the rest march on with me.
[Flourish. Exeunt. note
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Lord Derby's house. note
Enter note Derby and Sir Christopher Urswick.
Der.
Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me:
That in the sty of this most bloody note boar
My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold:
If I revolt, off goes young George's head;
The fear of that withholds note my present aid.
But, tell me, where is princely Richmond now?
Chris.
At Pembroke note, or at Ha'rford-west note, in Wales.
-- 613 --
Der.
What men of name note resort note to him?
Chris.
Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned note soldier;
Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William note Stanley;
Oxford, redoubted note Pembroke, Sir James Blunt,
And note Rice ap Thomas, with a valiant crew,
And many moe note of noble fame note and worth:
And towards London they do note bend their course note,
If by the way they be not fought withal.
Der.
Return unto thy note lord; commend me to him:
Tell him the queen hath heartily consented
He shall espouse Elizabeth her daughter.
These letters note will resolve him of my mind.
Farewell. note
[Exeunt.
ACT V.
note
Scene I. [Footnote:
Salisbury. note An open place. note
Enter note the Sheriff, and Buckingham, with halberds, led to execution.
Buck.
Will not King Richard let me speak with him?
Sher. note
No, my good lord note; therefore be patient.
Buck.
Hastings, and Edward's children, Rivers, Grey note,
-- 614 --
Holy King Henry, and thy fair son Edward,
Vaughan, and all that have miscarried
By underhand corrupted foul injustice,
If that your moody discontented souls
Do through the clouds behold this present hour,
Even for revenge mock my destruction!
This is All-Souls' day, fellows note, is it not?
Sher. note
It is, my lord note.
Buck.
Why, then All-Souls' day is my body's doomsday note.
This is the day that note in King Edward's time
I wish'd might fall on note me when I was found
False to his children or note his wife's allies;
This is the day wherein I wish'd to fall
By the false faith of him I trusted most note;
This, this note All-Souls' day to my fearful soul
Is note the determined respite note of my wrongs:
That high note All-seer that I note dallied with
Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head,
And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest.
Thus doth he force the swords note of wicked men
To turn their own note points on note their masters' bosoms note:
Now note Margaret's curse is fallen upon my head note;
‘When he,’ quoth she, ‘shall split thy heart with sorrow,
Remember Margaret was a prophetess.’
Come, sirs, convey me note to the block of shame;
Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.
[Exeunt. note
-- 615 --
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
The camp note near Tamworth.
Enter note Richmond, Oxford, Blunt, Herbert, and others, with drum and colours.
Richm.
Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends,
Bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny,
Thus far into the bowels of the land
Have we march'd on without impediment;
And here receive we from our father Stanley
Lines of fair comfort and encouragement.
The wretched note, bloody, and usurping boar,
That spoil'd note your summer fields note and fruitful vines,
Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes note his trough
In your embowell'd bosoms note, this foul swine
Lies now note even in the centre note of this isle,
Near to the town of Leicester, as we learn:
From Tamworth thither is but one day's march.
In God's name, cheerly note on, courageous friends,
To reap the harvest of perpetual peace
By this one bloody trial of sharp war.
Oxf. note
Every man's conscience is a thousand swords note,
To fight against that bloody note homicide.
Herb. note
I doubt not but his friends will fly note to us.
Blunt. note
He hath no friends but who note are friends for fear,
-- 616 --
Which in his greatest note need will shrink note from him.
Richm.
All for our vantage note. Then, in God's name, march:
True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings;
Kings it makes note gods, and meaner creatures kings.
[Exeunt. note
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
Bosworth Field. note
Enter note King Richard in arms with Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey, and others.
K. Rich.
Here pitch our tents note, even here in Bosworth field.
My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad note?
Sur. note
My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.
K. Rich.
My Lord of Norfolk,—
Nor.
Here, most gracious liege note.
K. Rich.
Norfolk, we must have knocks; ha! must we not? note
Nor.
We must both give and take, my gracious note lord.
K. Rich.
Up with my tent there note! here will I lie to night:
But where to-morrow? Well, all's note one for that.
Who hath described the number of the foe note?
Nor.
Six or seven thousand is their utmost power note.
K. Rich.
Why, our battalion note trebles that account:
-- 617 --
Besides, the note king's name is a tower of strength,
Which they upon the adverse party note want.
Up with my tent there! Valiant note gentlemen,
Let us survey the vantage of note the field note;
Call for some men of sound direction:
Let's want note no discipline, make no delay;
note
For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day.
[Exeunt.
Enter, on the other side note of the field, Richmond, Sir William Brandon, Oxford, and others note. note Some of the Soldiers pitch Richmond's tent note.
Richm.
The weary sun hath made a golden set note,
And by the bright track note of his fiery car
Gives signal note of a goodly day to-morrow.
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard note.
Give me some ink and paper in my tent:
I'll note draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several charge,
And part in just proportion our small strength note. note
My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon,
And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me note.
The Earl of Pembroke keeps note his regiment:
Good Captain Blunt, bear my good-night to him,
And by the second hour in the morning
Desire the earl to see me in my tent:
-- 618 --
Yet one thing more, good Blunt, before thou go'st note,
Where is Lord Stanley quarter'd, dost thou note know?
Blunt.
Unless I have mista'en his colours note much,
Which well I am assured I have not done,
His regiment lies note half a mile at least
South from the mighty power of the king.
Richm.
If without peril it be possible,
Good Captain Blunt, bear my good-night to him note,
And give him from me this most needful scroll note.
Blunt.
Upon my life note, my lord, I'll undertake it;
And so, God give you quiet rest to-night note!
Richm.
Good night, good Captain Blunt. Come, gentlemen note,
Let us consult upon to-morrow's business:
In to our note tent! the air note is raw and cold.
[They withdraw note into the tent.
Enter, to his tent note, King Richard, Norfolk, Ratcliff, Catesby, and others. note
K. Rich.
What is't o'clock?
Cate.
It's supper-time, my lord;
It's nine note o'clock note. note
K. Rich.
I will not sup to-night
-- 619 --
Give me some ink and paper. note note
What, is my beaver easier than it was?
And all my armour laid into my tent?
Cate.
It is, my liege; and all things are in readiness.
K. Rich.
Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge note;
Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels note.
Nor.
I go, my lord.
K. Rich.
Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk.
Nor.
I warrant you, my lord.
[Exit note.
K. Rich.
Catesby!
Cate.
My lord? note
K. Rich.
Send out a pursuivant at arms
To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
Into the blind cave of eternal night.
[Exit Catesby. note
note
Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch note.
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.
Ratcliff note!
Rat.
My lord?
K. Rich.
Saw'st thou note the melancholy Lord Northumberland?
Rat.
Thomas the Earl of Surrey, and himself,
Much about note cock-shut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers.
K. Rich.
So, I am note satisfied. Give me a bowl of wine:
I have not that alacrity of spirit,
Nor cheer note of mind, that I was wont to have.
Set note it down. Is ink and paper ready?
-- 620 --
Rat.
It is, my lord.
K. Rich.
Bid my guard watch. Leave me. Ratcliff, note
About the mid note of night come to my tent
And help to arm me note. Leave me note, I say.
[Exeunt note Ratcliff and the other attendants.
Enter Derby to Richmond in his tent, Lords and others attending. note
note
Der.
Fortune and victory sit note on thy helm!
Richm.
All comfort that the dark night can afford
Be to thy person, noble father-in-law!
Tell me, note how fares note our loving note mother note?
Der.
I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond's good:
So much for that. The note silent hours steal on,
And note flaky darkness breaks within the east.
In brief, for so the season bids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning,
And put thy fortune to the arbitrement
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring note war.
I, as I may—that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms:
But on thy side I may not be too forward,
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender note George,
Be executed in his father's sight.
-- 621 --
Farewell: the leisure note note and the fearful time
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
And ample interchange of sweet discourse
Which so long sunder'd note friends should dwell upon:
God give us note leisure for note these rites note of love!
Once more, adieu: be valiant, and speed well!
Richm.
Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I'll strive, with troubled thoughts note, to take a nap,
Lest leaden slumber peise note me down to-morrow,
When I should mount with wings of victory:
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen note.
[Exeunt note all but Richmond.
O Thou, whose captain I account myself,
Look on note my forces with a gracious eye note;
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
That they may crush down with a note heavy fall
The usurping helmets note of our adversaries!
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in the note victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes:
Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!
[Sleeps. note
Enter note the Ghost of Prince Edward, son to Henry the Sixth.
note
Ghost. [To Richard]
Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow!
-- 622 --
Think, how thou stab'dst note me in my prime note of youth
At Tewksbury: despair, therefore note note, and die!
[To Richmond]
Be cheerful, Richmond; for the wronged souls note
Of butcher'd note princes fight in thy behalf:
King Henry's issue, Richmond, comforts thee.
Enter the Ghost of Henry the Sixth.
Ghost. [To Richard]
When I was mortal, my anointed body
By thee was punched full of deadly note holes:
Think on the Tower and me: despair, and die!
Harry note the Sixth bids thee despair and die!
[To Richmond]
Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror!
Harry, that prophesied thou shouldst be king,
Doth comfort thee in thy sleep: live note, and flourish!
Enter the Ghost of Clarence.
Ghost. [To Richard]
Let me sit note heavy on note thy soul tomorrow!
I, that was wash'd note to death with note fulsome wine,
Poor Clarence, by thy guile betrayed to death.
To-morrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword: despair, and die!
[To Richmond]
Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster,
The wronged heirs of York do pray for thee:
Good angels guard thy battle! live, and flourish!
-- 623 --
Enter the Ghosts of Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan.
Ghost of R. note [To Richard]
Let me sit heavy on note note thy soul to-morrow,
Rivers, that died at Pomfret! despair, and die!
Ghost of G. [To Richard]
Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!
Ghost of V. [To Richard]
Think upon Vaughan, and, with guilty fear,
Let fall thy lance note: despair note, and die!
All. [To Richmond]
Awake, and think our wrongs in Richard's note bosom
Will note conquer him note! awake, and win the day!
Enter the Ghost of Hastings. note
Ghost. [To Richard]
Bloody and guilty, guiltily note awake,
And in a bloody battle end thy days!
Think on Lord Hastings: despair note, and die!
[To Richmond]
Quiet untroubled soul, awake, awake! note
Arm, fight, and conquer, for fair England's sake!
Enter the Ghosts of the two young Princes.
Ghosts. [To Richard]
Dream on thy cousins smother'd in the Tower: note
Let us be lead note within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee note down to ruin, shame, and death!
Thy nephews' souls bid note thee despair and die!
-- 624 --
[To Richmond]
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace, and wake in joy; note
Good angles guard thee from the boar's annoy!
Live, and beget a happy race of kings!
Edward's unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.
Enter the Ghost of Lady Anne. note
Ghost. [To Richard]
Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife, note
That never slept a quiet hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations note:
To-morrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword note: despair, and die! note
[To Richmond]
Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep: note
Dream of success and happy victory!
Thy adversary's wife doth pray for thee.
Enter the Ghost note of Buckingham.
Ghost. [To Richard]
The first was I that help'd thee to the crown; note
The last was I that felt thy note tyranny:
O, in the battle think on Buckingham,
And die in terror of thy guiltiness!
Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death:
Fainting, despair; despairing, yield thy breath!
[To Richmond]
I died for hope note ere I could lend thee aid: note
-- 625 --
But cheer thy heart, and be thou not dismay'd:
God and good angels fight on Richmond's side;
And Richard falls note in height of all his pride.
[The Ghosts vanish. note King Richard starts out of his dream. note
K. Rich.
Give me another horse: bind up my wounds.
Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft ! I did but dream.
O coward note conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
The lights burn blue. It is now note dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand note on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? myself? note there's none else by:
Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I note note.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am:
Then fly. note What, from myself? Great reason why: note
Lest I revenge. What, note myself upon note myself?
Alack note, I love myself. Wherefore? for any good
That I note myself have note done unto myself?
O, no! alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself!
I am a villain: yet note I lie, I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well: fool note note, do not flatter.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
-- 626 --
And every tale condemns me for a villain.
Perjury, perjury note, in the note high'st degree;
Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;
All several sins, all used in each degree,
Throng note to the bar note, crying all note ‘Guilty! guilty!’
I shall note despair. There is no creature note loves me;
And if I die, no soul shall pity me:
Nay, note wherefore should they, since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself? note note
Methought the souls of all that I had note murder'd.
Came note to my tent, and every one note did threat
To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard. note
Enter Ratcliff.
Rat.
My lord!
K. Rich.
'Zounds! who is note there?
Rat.
Ratcliff note, my lord; 'tis I note. The early village-cock
Hath twice note done salutation to the morn;
Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour.
K. Rich.
O Ratcliff, I have dream'd a fearful dream!
What thinkest note thou, will our friends prove all true?
Rat.
No doubt, my lord. note
K. Rich.
O note Ratcliff, I fear note, I fear,—
Rat.
Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.
K. Rich.
By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night
-- 627 --
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed note in proof, and led by shallow Richmond.
It is note not yet near day. Come, go with me;
Under our tents note I'll play the eaves-dropper note,
To see note if any mean to shrink note from me.
[Exeunt. note
Enter note the Lords to Richmond, sitting in his tent.
note
Lords.
Good morrow, Richmond!
Richm.
Cry mercy note, lords and watchful gentlemen,
That you have ta'en a note tardy sluggard here.
Lords.
How have you slept, my lord?
Richm.
The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding note dreams note
That ever enter'd in a drowsy head,
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought their souls, whose bodies note Richard murder'd,
Came to my tent, and cried on victory note:
I promise you, my soul note is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning note is it, lords?
Lords.
Upon the stroke of four.
Richm.
note
Why, then 'tis time to arm and give direction.
-- 628 --
His oration note to his soldiers.
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon note: yet remember this,
God and our good cause fight upon our side;
The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls,
Like high-rear'd note bulwarks, stand before our faces.
Richard except, note those whom we fight against
Had rather have us win than him they follow:
For what is he they follow? truly, gentlemen,
A bloody tyrant and a homicide;
One raised in blood, and one in blood establish'd;
One that made means to come by what note he hath,
And slaughter'd note those that were the means to help him;
A base foul stone, made precious by the foil note
Of England's chair, where he is falsely set;
One that hath ever been God's enemy:
Then, if you fight against God's enemy,
God will in justice ward note you as his soldiers;
If you do note sweat note to put a tyrant down,
You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain;
If you do fight against your country's foes,
Your country's fat note shall pay your pains the hire;
If you do note fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors;
If you do free your children from the sword,
Your children's children quit note it in your age.
Then, in the name of God and all these rights,
Advance your standards, draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
-- 629 --
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt note
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets note boldly and note cheerfully;
God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!
[Exeunt. note
Re-enter note King Richard, Ratcliff, Attendants and Forces.
note
K. Rich.
What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?
Rat.
That he was never trained up in arms.
K. Rich.
He said the truth: and what said Surrey, then?
Rat.
He smiled and said ‘The better for our purpose.’
K. Rich.
He was in the note right; and so indeed it is.
[The clock striketh. note
Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar.
Who saw the sun to-day? note
Rat.
Not I, my lord.
K. Rich.
Then he disdains to shine; for by the book
He should have braved note the east an hour ago:
A black day will it note be to somebody.
Ratcliff note! note
Rat.
My lord?
K. Rich.
The sun will not be seen to-day;
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
I would these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine to-day! Why, what is that to me
-- 630 --
More than to Richmond? for the selfsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.
Re-enter Norfolk.
Nor.
Arm, arm, my lord; the foe vaunts note in the field.
K. Rich.
Come, bustle, bustle. Caparison my horse.
Call up Lord Stanley, bid him bring his power:
I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain,
And thus my battle shall be ordered:
My foreward shall be drawn out all note note in length,
Consisting equally of horse and foot;
Our archers shall be placed in the midst:
John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey,
Shall have the leading of this note foot and horse.
They thus directed, we note will follow note
In the main battle, whose puissance note on either side
Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse.
This, and Saint George to boot note! What think'st note thou, Norfolk note note?
Nor.
A good direction, warlike sovereign.
This note found I on my tent this morning.
[He sheweth note him a paper.
K. Rich. [Reads] note
‘Jockey of Norfolk, be not too note bold,
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.’
note
A thing note devised by the enemy.
Go, gentlemen, every man unto note his charge:
-- 631 --
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls:
Conscience is but note a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe:
Our strong arms be our conscience note, swords note our law note.
March on, join bravely, let us to't note pell-mell;
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
His oration note to his Army.
What shall I say more than I have inferr'd?
Remember whom note you are to cope note withal;
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and note runaways,
A scum of Bretons note, and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyed country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured note destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you note unrest;
You having lands and blest with beauteous wives,
They would restrain note the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Bretagne note at our mother's note cost?
A milk-sop note, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow?
Let's whip these stragglers o'er the seas again,
Lash hence these overweening rags of France,
These famish'd beggars, weary of their lives,
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
For want of means, poor rats, had hang'd themselves:
-- 632 --
If we be conquer'd note, let men conquer us,
And not these note bastard Bretons note, whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobb'd, and thump'd,
And in record note left them the heirs note of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands note? lie with our wives?
Ravish our daughters? [Drum note afar off.] Hark! I hear their note drum note.
Fight note, gentlemen of England! fight, bold note yeomen!
Draw, archers, draw your note arrows to the head!
Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood;
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves!
Enter note a Messenger.
What says Lord Stanley? will he bring his power?
Mess.
My lord, he doth deny to come note.
K. Rich.
Off note with his son George's head!
Nor.
My lord, the enemy is past the marsh:
After the battle let George Stanley die.
K. Rich.
A thousand hearts are great within my bosom:
Advance our standards, set upon our foes;
Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George,
Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons!
Upon them! Victory sits on note our helms note.
[Exeunt. note
-- 633 --
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
Another note part of the field.
Alarum: note excursions. Enter Norfolk note and forces fighting; to him Catesby.
Cate.
Rescue, my Lord of Norfolk, rescue note, rescue!
The king enacts more wonders than a man,
Daring an opposite note to every danger:
His horse is slain, and all on foot he fights,
Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death.
Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost!
Alarums note. Enter note King Richard.
K. Rich.
A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!
Cate.
Withdraw, my lord; I'll help you to a horse.
K. Rich.
Slave, I have set my life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the die note.
I think there be six Richmonds in the field;
Five have I slain to-day instead of him.
A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!
[Exeunt. note
-- 634 --
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Another part note of the field.
Alarum. Enter Richard and Richmond; they fight. Richard is slain. Retreat and flourish. Re-enter Richmond note, Derby bearing the crown, with divers other Lords.
Richm.
God and your arms note be praised, victorious friends note!
The day is ours; the bloody dog note is dead.
Der. note
Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit thee.
Lo, here, this long usurped royalty note note
From the dead temples of this bloody wretch
Have I pluck'd off, to grace thy brows withal:
Wear it, enjoy it note, and make much note of it.
Richm.
Great God of heaven, say amen to all!
But, tell me note, is young note George Stanley living?
Der.
He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town;
Whither, if it please you note, we may now note note withdraw us.
Richm.
What men of name note are slain on either side?
Der. note
John Duke of Norfolk, Walter note Lord Ferrers note,
-- 635 --
Sir Robert Brakenbury note, and note Sir William Brandon note.
Richm.
Inter their bodies as becomes note their births:
Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled
That in submission will return to us:
And then, as we have ta'en the sacrament,
We will unite the white rose and the red.
Smile heaven note upon this fair conjunction,
That long have note frown'd upon their enmity!
What traitor hears me, and says not amen?
England hath long been mad, and scarr'd herself;
The brother blindly shed the brother's blood,
The father rashly note slaughter'd his own son,
The son, compell'd, been butcher to the note sire note:
All this note divided York and Lancaster,
Divided note in their note dire division note, note
O, now let Richmond and Elizabeth,
The true succeeders of each royal house,
By God's fair ordinance conjoin together!
And let their note heirs, God, if thy note will be so,
Enrich the time to come with smooth-faced note peace,
With smiling plenty and fair prosperous days note!
Abate note the edge of traitors, gracious Lord,
That would reduce these bloody days again,
And make poor England weep in streams of blood!
Let them not live to taste this land's increase
-- 636 --
That would with treason wound this fair land's peace!
Now civil wounds are stopp'd, peace lives again:
That she may long live here note, God say amen!
[Exeunt. note
