SCENE I.
London. A Street.
Enter Richard.
Ric.
Now is the winter of our note discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York;
And all the clouds, that lour'd note upon our house,
In the deep bosom of note the ocean bury'd:
Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths;
Our bruised arms hung up for monuments;
Our stern alarums chang'd to merry meetings,
Our dreadful marches to delightful measures note: note
Grim-visag'd war hath smooth'd his wrinkl'd front;
And now,—instead of mounting barbed steeds,
To fright the souls of fearful adversaries,—
He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber,
To the lascivious pleasing of a lute note.
But I,—that am not shap'd note for sportive tricks,
Nor note made to court an amorous looking-glass;
I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty,
-- 4 --
To strut before a wanton ambling nymph;
I, that am curtail'd of this fair proportion,
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature,14Q0864
Deform'd, unfinish'd, sent before my time
Into this breathing world, scarce note half made up,
And that so lamely and unfashionably note,
That dogs bark at me, as I halt by them;—
Why I, in this weak piping time of peace,
Have no delight to pass away the time;
Unless to spy my note shadow in the sun,
And descant on mine own deformity:
And therefore,—since I cannot prove a lover,
To entertain these fair well-spoken days,—
I am determined to prove a villain,
And hate the idle pleasures of these days.
Plots have I lay'd, inductions dangerous,
By drunken prophesies, libels, and dreams,
To set my brother Clarence, and the king,
In deadly hate the one against the other:
And, if king Edward be as true and just,
As I am subtle, false, and treacherous,
This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up;
About a prophesy, which says—that G
Of Edward's heirs the murtherer note shall be.
Dive, thoughts, down to my soul; here Clarence comes.
Enter Clarence; Brakenbury, and a Guard, with him.
Brother, good day note: What means this armed guard,
That waits upon your grace?
Cla.
His majesty,
Tend'ring my person's safety, hath appointed
This conduct to convey me to the tower.
-- 5 --
Ric.
Upon what cause?
Cla.
Because my name is—George.
Ric.
Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours;
He should, for that, commit your godfathers note:—
Belike note, his majesty hath some intent,
That you shall be note new-christen'd in the tower.
But what's the matter, Clarence? may I know?
Cla.
Yea, Richard, when I note know; for, I protest,
As yet I do not: But, as I can learn,
He hearkens after prophesies, and dreams;
And from the cross-row plucks the letter G,
And says—a wizard told him, that by G
His issue dis-inherited should be;
And, for my name of George begins with G,
It follows note in his thought, that I am he:
These, as I learn, and such like toys as these,
Have note mov'd his highness to commit me now.
Ric.
Why, this it is, when men are rul'd by women:—
'Tis not the king, that sends you to the tower;
My lady Grey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she,
That tempts him to this harsh note extremity.
Was it not she, and that good man of worship,
Antony Woodeville, her brother there,
That made him send lord Hastings to the tower;
From whence this present day he is deliver'd?
We are not safe, Clarence, we are not safe.
Cla.
By heaven, I think, there's no man is secure note,
But the queen's kindred, and night-walking heralds
That trudge betwixt the king and mistress Shore.
Heard you not, what an humble suppliant
Lord Hastings was to her note for his delivery?
Ric.
Humbly complaining to her deity
-- 6 --
Got my lord chamberlain his liberty.
I'll tell you what,—I think, it is our note way,
If we will keep in favour with the king,
To be her men, and wear her livery:
The jealous o'er-worn widow, and herself,
Since that our brother dub'd them gentlewomen,
Are mighty gossips in this monarchy note.
Bra.
I beseech your graces both to pardon me;
His majesty hath straitly given in charge,
That no man shall have private conference,
Of what degree soever, with his brother note.
Ric.
Even so? an please your worship, Brakenbury,
You may partake of any thing we say:
We speak no treason, man;—We say, the king 14Q0865
Is wise, and virtuous; and his noble note queen
Well strook in years, yet fair still, and not jealous:
We say, that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot,
A cherry lip, note a passing pleasing tongue;
That note the queen's kindred are made gentle-folks:
How say you, sir? can you deny all this?
Bra.
With this, my lord, myself have nought to do.
Ric.
Naught to do with mistress Shore? I tell thee, fellow,
He that doth naught with her, excepting one,
'Twere best he do note it secretly. note
Bra.
What one, my lord?
Ric.
Her husband, knave: Would'st thou betray me? ha?
Bra.
I beseech note your grace to pardon me; and, withal,
Forbear your conference with the noble duke.
Cla.
We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey.
Ric.
We are the queen's abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewel: I will unto the king;
-- 7 --
And whatsoever you'll employ me in,—
Were it, to call king Edward's widow—sister,—
I will perform it, to enfranchise you.
Mean time, this deep disgrace in brotherhood note
Touches me deeper than you can imagine.
Cla.
I know, it pleaseth neither of us well.
Ric.
Well, your imprisonment shall not be long;
I will deliver you, or else note lye for you:
Mean time, have patience.
Cla.
I must perforce; farewel.
[Exeunt Cla. Bra. and Guard.
Ric.
Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return,
Simple, plain Clarence!—I do love thee so,
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
If heaven will take the present at our hands.
But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings?
Enter Hastings.
Has.
Good time of day unto my gracious lord!
Ric.
As much unto my good lord chamberlain!
Well are you note welcome to this open note air.
How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment?
Has.
With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must:
But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks,
That were the cause of my imprisonment.
Ric.
No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too;
For they, that were your enemies, are his,
And have prevail'd as much on him, as you.
Has.
More pity, that the eagle note should be mew'd,
While kites and buzzards prey at note liberty.
Ric.
What news abroad?
Has.
No news so bad abroad, as this at home;—
The king is sickly, weak, and melancholy,
-- 8 --
And his physicians fear him mightily.
Ric.
Now, by saint Paul, note this news is bad indeed.
O, he hath kept an evil note diet long,
And over-much consum'd his royal person;
'Tis very grievous to be thought upon.
What, is note he in his bed?
Has.
He is.
Ric.
Go you before, and I will follow you.
[Exit Hastings.
He cannot live, I hope; and must not die,
'Till George be pack'd with post-horse up to heaven.
I'll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence,
With lies well steel'd with weighty arguments;
And if I fail not in my deep intent,
Clarence hath not another day to live:
Which done, God take king Edward to his mercy,
And leave the world for me to bustle in.
For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter:
What though I kill'd her husband, and her father?
The readiest way to make the wench amends,
Is—to become her husband, and her father:
The which will I; not all so much for love,
As for another secret close intent,
By marrying her, which I note must reach unto.
But yet I run before my horse to market:
Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives, and note reigns;
When they are gone, then must I count my gains.
[Exit Richard.
SCENE II.
The same. Another Street.
Enter the Corpse14Q0866 of Henry the sixth, born in an open
Coffin, and slenderly attended: Gentlemen, bearing
-- 9 --
Halberds, with it; and Lady Anne, as Mourner.
Ann.
Set down, set note down your honourable load,—
If honour may be shrouded in a hearse,—
Whilst I a while obsequiously lament
The untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.—
[Bearers set down the Coffin.
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 lawful that I invocate thy ghost,
To hear the lamentations of poor Anne,
Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughter'd son,
Stab'd by the self-same hand 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:—
O note, cursed be the hand, that made these holes note!
Cursed the note heart, that had the heart to do it!
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!
If ever he have child, abortive be it,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspéct
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
More miserable note by the death of him,
Than I note am made by my young lord note, and thee!—
Come, now, towards Chertsey with your holy load,
-- 10 --
Taken from Paul's to be interred there;
And, still as you are weary note of the weight note,
Rest you, whiles I lament king Henry's corse.
Bearers take up the Corpse, and move forward:
Enter Richard.
Ric.
Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
Ann.
What black magician conjures up this fiend,
To stop devoted charitable deeds?
Ric.
Villains note, set down the corse; or, by saint Paul,
I'll make a corse of him that disobeys.
1. G.
My lord note, stand back, and let the coffin pass.
Ric.
Unmanner'd dog, stand note thou when I command:
Advance thy halberd higher than my breast,
Or, by saint Paul, I'll strike thee to my foot,
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
[Corpse set down.
Ann.
What, do you tremble? are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.—
Avant, thou dreadful note minister of hell!
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body,
His soul thou canst not have note; therefore, be gone.
Ric.
Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
Ann.
Foul devil, for God's sake, hence, and trouble us not;
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;
-- 11 --
For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood
From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells;
Thy deed note, inhuman, and unnatural,
Provokes this deluge most unnatural.—
O God, which this blood mad'st, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink'st, revenge his death!
Either, heaven, with lightning strike the murtherer dead;
Or, earth, gape open wide, and eat him quick;
As thou dost note swallow up this good king's blood,
Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butchered!
Ric.
Lady, you know no rules note of charity,
Which renders note good for bad, blessings for curses.
Ann.
Villain, thou know'st no law note of God nor man;
No beast so fierce, but knows some touch of pity.
Ric.
But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
Ann.
O wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
Ric.
More wonderful, when angels are so angry:
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposed evils, note to give me leave,
By circumstance, but to acquit note myself.
Ann.
Vouchsafe, diffus'd infection of a man,
For these note known evils, but to give me leave,
By circumstance, to curse thy cursed self.
Ric.
Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
Ann.
Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
No excuse current, but to hang thyself.
Ric.
By such despair, I should accuse myself.
Ann.
And, by despairing, shalt thou note stand excus'd;
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself,
That didst note unworthy slaughter upon others.
Ric.
Say, that I slew them not?
-- 12 --
Ann.
Then say, they were not slain: note
But dead they are, and, devilish slave, by thee.
Ric.
I did not kill your husband.
Ann.
Why, then he is alive.
Ric.
Nay, he is dead; and slain by Edward's hand note.
Ann.
In thy foul throat thou ly'st; queen Margaret saw
Thy murd'rous faulchion note smoaking in his blood;
The which thou once didst bend note against her breast,
But that thy brothers note beat aside the point.
Ric.
I was provoked by her sland'rous tongue,
Which lay'd note their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.
Ann.
Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind,
Which never dreamt note on ought but butcheries:
Didst thou not kill this † king?
Ric.
I grant ye.
Ann.
Dost grant me, hedge-hog? then, God grant me too,
Thou may'st be damned for that wicked deed!
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.
Ric.
The fitter note for the king of heaven that hath him.
Ann.
He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.
Ric.
Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither;
For he was fitter for that place, than earth.
Ann.
And thou unfit for any place, but hell.
Ric.
Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.
Ann.
Some dungeon.
Ric.
Your bed-chamber.
Ann.
Ill rest betide the chamber where thou ly'st!
Ric.
So will it, madam, 'till I lye with you.
Ann.
I hope so.
Ric.
I know so. But, gentle lady Anne,—
-- 13 --
To leave this keen note encounter of our wits,
And fall somewhat into a slower method;—
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry, and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?
Ann.
Thou wast note the cause,14Q0867 and most accurs'd effect note.
Ric.
Your beauty was the cause of that effect;
Your beauty, which did note haunt me in my sleep,
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one note hour in your sweet bosom.
Ann.
If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend note that beauty from my cheeks note.
Ric.
These eyes could not endure that beauty's note wreck,
You should not blemish it, if note I stood by:
As all the world is cheared note by the sun,
So I by that; it is my day, my life.
Ann.
Black night o'er-shade thy day, and death thy life!
Ric.
Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both.
Ann.
I would I were, to be reveng'd on thee.
Ric.
It is a quarrel most unnatural,
To be reveng'd on him that loveth thee note.
Ann.
It is a quarrel just and reasonable,
To be reveng'd on him that kill'd my note husband.
Ric.
He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband,
Did it to help thee to a better husband.
Ann.
His better doth not breath upon the earth.
Ric.
He lives, that loves you better than he could note.
Ann.
Name him.
Ric.
Plantagenet.
Ann.
Why, that note was he.
Ric.
The self-same name, but one of better nature.
Ann.
Where is he?
-- 14 --
Ric.
Here: [she spits at him.] Why dost thou note spit at me? note
Ann.
'Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake!
Ric.
Never came poison from so sweet a place.
Ann.
Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! thou dost infect mine eyes note.
Ric.
Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
Ann.
'Would they were basilisks, to strike thee dead!
Ric.
I would they were, that I might die at once;
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Sham'd their aspécts note with store of childish drops:
These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear,— note
Not, when note my father York and Edward wept,
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made,
When black-fac'd Clifford shook his sword at him:
Nor when thy 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.
I never su'd to friend note, nor enemy,
My tongue could never learn sweet soothing note word note;
But now thy beauty is propos'd my fee,
My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
[she looks scornfully at him.
Teach not thy lip such scorn; for it was made note
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
[kneels, and gives his Sword.
-- 15 --
Lo, here I lend thee this † sharp-pointed sword;
Which if thou please to hide in this true note breast,
And let the soul forth note that adoreth note thee,
I lay it naked † to the deadly note stroke,
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
Nay, do not pause; for I did kill king Henry;— note
[she offers at his Breast.
But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me.
Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I, that stab'd young Edward;— note
[offers at it again.
But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
[throws away the Sword.
Take up the sword again, or take up me.
Ann.
Arise, dissembler; though I wish thy death,
I will not be thy executioner note.
Ric.
Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
Ann.
I have already.
Ric.
That was in thy rage: note
Speak it again, and, even with the word note,
This hand note, which, for thy love, did kill thy love,
Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love;
To both their deaths shalt thou note be accessary.
Ann.
I would, I knew thy heart.
Ric.
'Tis figur'd in my tongue.
Ann.
I fear me, both are false.
Ric.
Then never man was note true.
Ann.
Well, well, put up your sword.
Ric.
Say then, my peace is made.
Ann.
That shall you note know hereafter.
Ric.
But shall I note live in hope?
Ann.
All men, I hope, live so.
Ric.
Vouchsafe to wear this † ring.
-- 16 --
Ann.
To take is not to give. note
Ric.
Look, how this ring note encompasseth thy finger,
[putting it on.
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor note heart;
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted servant may note
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.
Ann.
What is it?
Ric.
That it may please you leave these note sad designs
To him that hath more cause note to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby-place note:
Where—after I have solemnly interr'd
At Chertsey monast'ry 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.
Ann.
With all my heart; and much it joys me too,
To see you are become so penitent.—
Tressel, and Berkley note, go along with me.
Ric.
Bid me farewel.
Ann.
'Tis more than you deserve:
But, since you teach me how to flatter you,
Imagine I have said farewel already.
[Exeunt Lady Anne, and two Gen.
Ric.
Take up the corse, sirs note. note
2. G.
Towards Chertsey, noble lord?
Ric.
No, to note White-friars; there attend my coming.
[Exeunt the rest, with the Corpse.
Was ever woman in this humour woo'd?
Was ever woman in this humour won?
-- 17 --
I'll have her, but I will not keep her long.
What! I, that kill'd her husband, and his father note,
To take her in her heart's extreamest hate note;
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of her hatred note by;
With God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
And I no friends to back my suit withal note,
But the plain devil, and dissembling looks,
And yet to win her,—all the world to nothing!
Ha!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I, some three months since,
Stab'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury?
A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman,—
Fram'd in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and (no doubt) right royal,—
The spacious world note cannot again afford:
And will she yet note abase note her eyes on me,
That crop'd the golden prime of this sweet prince,
And made her widow to a woful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety?
On me, that halt, and am unshapen note thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while:
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marvelous proper man.
I'll be at charges note for a looking-glass;
And entertain a score note or two of taylors,
To study fashions to adorn note my body:
Since I am crept in favour with myself,
I will maintain it with some little note cost.
But, first, I'll turn yon' fellow in his grave;
-- 18 --
And then re-turn lamenting to my love.—
Shine out, fair sun, 'till I have bought a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass.
[Exit.
SCENE III.
The same. A Room in the Palace.
Enter the Queen, Lord Grey her Son, and Lord Rivers her Brother.
Riv.
Have patience, madam; there's no doubt, his majesty
Will soon recover his accustom'd health.
Gre.
In that you brook it ill, it makes him worse:
Therefore, for God's sake, entertain good comfort,
And cheer his grace with quick and merry words note.
Que.
If he were dead, what would betide of me note?
Gre.
No other note harm, but loss of such a lord.
Que.
The loss of such a lord includes all harms note.
Gre.
The heavens have bless'd you with a goodly son,
To be your comforter, when he is gone.
Que.
Ah, he note is young; and his minority
Is put unto the note trust of Richard Gloster,
A man that loves not me, nor none of you.
Riv.
Is it note concluded, he shall be protector?
Que.
It is determin'd, not concluded yet:
But so it must be, if the king miscarry.
Enter Buckingham, and Stanley.14Q0868
Gre.
Here come note the lords of Buckingham and Stanley.
Buc.
Good time of day unto your royal grace!
Sta.
God make your majesty joyful as you have been!
Que.
The countess Richmond, good my lord of Stanley,
To your good prayer note will scarcely note say—amen.
Yet, Stanley, notwithstanding she's your wife,
And loves not me, be you, good lord, assur'd,
-- 19 --
I hate not you for her proud arrogance note.
Sta.
I do note beseech you, either not believe
The envious slanders of her false note accusers;
Or, if she be accus'd on true note report,
Bear with her weakness, which, I think, proceeds
From wayward sickness, and no grounded malice.
Riv.
Saw you the king to-day, my lord of Stanley? note
Sta.
But now the duke of Buckingham, and I,
Are note come note from visiting his majesty.
Que.
What likelihood of his amendment, lords?
Buc.
Madam, good hope; his grace speaks note chearfully.
Que.
God grant him health! Did you confer with him?
Buc.
Ay, madam: he note desires to make atonement
Between note the duke of Gloster and your brothers,
And between note them and my lord chamberlain;
And sent to warn them to his royal presence.
Que.
'Would, all were well! But that will never be;
I fear, our happiness is at the height. note
Enter Richard; Hastings, and Dorset, with him.
Ric.
They do me wrong, and I will not endure it:—
Who are they note, that complain note unto the king,
That I, forsooth, am stern, and note love them not?
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 fair note,
Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive, and cog,
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
I must be held a ranc'rous note enemy.
Cannot a plain man live, and think no harm,
But thus his simple note truth must be abus'd
By silken note, sly, insinuating Jacks?
-- 20 --
Gre.
To whom all this presence speaks your grace? note
Ric.
To thee, that hast nor note honesty, nor grace.
When have I injur'd thee? when done thee wrong?—
Or thee?—or thee?—or any of your faction?
A plague upon you all! His royal grace note,—
Whom God preserve better than you would wish!—
Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing while,
But you must trouble him with lewd complaints.
Que.
Brother of Gloster, you mistake the matter:
The king—of his note own royal disposition,
And not provok'd note by any suitor else;
Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred,
That in your outward action note shews itself,
Against my children, brothers, note and myself,—
Hath sent for you;14Q0869 that note thereby he note may gather
The ground of your ill will, and so note remove it.
Ric.
I cannot tell;—The world is grown so bad,
That wrens may prey note where eagles dare not perch:
Since every Jack became a gentleman,
There's many a gentle person made a Jack.
Que.
Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloster;
You envy my advancement note, and my friends:
God grant, we never may have need of you!
Ric.
Meantime, God grants note that we have need of you:
Our brother is imprison'd by your means,
Myself disgrac'd, and the nobility
Held in contempt; while great promotions note
Are daily given, to enoble those
That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble.
Que.
By Him that rais'd me to this careful height
From that contented hap which I enjoy'd,
I never did incense his majesty
-- 21 --
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.
Ric.
You may deny too, that you were the note cause note
Of my lord Hastings' late imprisonment.
Riv.
She may, my lord; for note—
Ric.
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 desert note.
What may she not? She may,—ay, marry note, may she,
Riv.
What, marry, may she?
Ric.
What, marry, may she? marry with a king,
A batchelor, a note handsome stripling too:
I wis, your grandam had a note worser match.
Que.
My lord of Gloster, I have too long born
Your blunt upbraidings, and your bitter scoffs:
By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty,
With those gross taunts I often have note endur'd.
I had rather be a country servant-maid,
Than a great note queen, with this condition—
To be so baited, scorn'd, and stormed at: note
Enter Queen Margaret, at a Distance.
Small joy have I in being England's queen.
Q. M.
And lessen'd be that small, God, I beseech thee! note
Thy honour, state, and seat, is due to me.
Ric.
What threat you me with telling of the note king?
Tell him, and spare not; look, what I have said note
I will avouch note in presence of the king:
I dare adventure to be sent to the tower. note
-- 22 --
'Tis time to speak, my pains are quite forgot.
Q. M.
Out, devil! I remember note them too well:
Thou kill'dst note my husband Henry in the tower,
And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury.
Ric.
Ere you were queen, ay, or your husband king,
I was a pack-horse in his great affairs;
A weeder-out of his proud adversaries,
A liberal rewarder of his friends;
To royalize his blood, I spilt note mine own.
Q. M.
Ay, and note much better blood than his, or thine.
Ric.
In all which time, you, and your husband Grey,
Were factious for the house of Lancaster;—
And, Rivers, so were you:—Was not your husband
In Margaret's battle at Saint Alban's slain?
Let me put in your minds, if you forget note,
What you have been ere this note, and what you are;
Withal, what I have been, and what I am.
Q. M.
A murd'rous villain, and so still thou art.
Ric.
Poor Clarence did forsake his father Warwick,
Ay, and forswore himself,—Which Jesu pardon!—
Q. M.
Which God revenge!
Ric.
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 for this world.
Q. M.
Hie note thee to hell for shame, and leave this world,
Thou cacadæmon; note there thy kingdom is.
Riv.
My lord of Gloster, in those busy days,
Which here you urge, to prove us enemies,
We follow'd note then our lord, our sovereign king ;
So should we you, if you should be our king.
-- 23 --
Ric.
If I should be?—I had rather be a pedlar:
Far be it from my heart, the thought thereof! note
Que.
As little joy, my lord, as you suppose note
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. M. note
A little joy enjoys the queen thereof;
For I am she, and altogether joyless.
I can no longer hold me patient.—
[advancing.
Hear me, you wrangling pyrates, that fall out
In sharing that note which you have pill'd from me:
Which of you trembles not, that looks on note me?
If not, that, I being queen note, you bow like subjects;
Yet that, by you depos'd, you quake like rebels?—
Ah, gentle note villain, do not turn away.
Ric.
Foul wrinkl'd witch, what mak'st thou in my sight?
Q. M.
But repetition of what thou hast mar'd;
That will I make, before I let thee go.
Ric.
Wert thou not banished, on pain of death; note
Q. M.
I was; but I do find more pain in banishment,
Than death can yield me here by my note abode.
A husband, and a son, thou ow'st to note me,—
And thou, a kingdom;—all of you, allegiance:
This sorrow note that I have, by right is yours;
And all the pleasures note you usurp, are mine note.
Ric.
The curse my noble father lay'd on thee,—
When thou didst crown his warlike brows with paper,
And with thy scorns note drew'st note rivers from his eyes;
And then, to dry them, gav'st the duke a clout,
Steep'd in the faultless note blood of pretty Rutland;—
His curses, then from bitterness of soul
Denounc'd against thee, are all note fall'n upon thee;
-- 24 --
And God, not we, hath plagu'd thy bloody deed.
Que.
So just is God, to right the innocent.
Has.
O, 'twas the foulest deed, to slay that babe,
And the most merciless, that ere was heard of.
Riv.
Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported.
Dor.
No man but prophesy'd revenge for it.
Buc.
Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.
Q. M.
What, were you snarling all, before I came,
Ready to catch each other by the throat,
And turn you all your hatred note now on 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,
Could note all but answer for that peevish brat?
Can curses pierce the clouds, and enter heaven?—
Why, then give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses.—
Though not note by war, by surfeit die your king,
As ours note by murther, to make him a king!
Edward thy son, that now note is prince of Wales,
For Edward my son, that was note prince of Wales,
Die note in his youth, by like untimely violence! note
Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen,
Out-live thy glory, like my wretched self!
Long may'st thou live, to wail thy children's loss note;
And see another, as I see thee now,
Deck'd in thy rights, as note thou art stall'd in mine!
Long die thy happy days before thy death;
And, after many lengthen'd 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
Was stab'd with bloody daggers; God I pray him,
-- 25 --
That none of you may live your natural note age,
But by some unlook'd accident cut off!
Ric.
Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd hag.
Q. M.
And leave out thee? stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me.
If heaven 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
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 liv'st,
And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends!
No sleep close up that deadly eye note of thine,
Unless it be while note some tormenting dream
Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils!
Thou elvish-mark'd, abortive, rooting hog!
Thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity
The slave of nature, and the son of hell!
Thou slander of thy mother's note heavy womb!
Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins!
Thou rag of honour! thou detested—
Ric.
Margaret.
Q. M.
Richard!
Ric.
Ha?
Q. M.
I call thee not.
Ric.
I cry thee mercy then; for I did think note,
That note thou hadst call'd me all these bitter names.
Q. M.
Why, so I did; but look'd note for no reply.
O, let me make the period to my curse.
Ric.
'Tis done by me; and ends in—Margaret note.
Que. note
Thus have you breath'd your curse against yourself.
-- 26 --
Q. M.
Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune,
Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottl'd spider,
Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about?
Fool, fool! thou whet'st a knife to kill thyself.
The day will come, that thou note shalt wish for me
To help thee curse this pois'nous note bunch-back'd toad.
Has.
False-boding note woman, end thy frantick curse;
Lest, to thy harm, thou move our patience.
Q. M.
Foul shame upon you! you have all mov'd mine.
Riv.
Were you well serv'd, you would be taught your duty.
Q. M.
To serve me well, you all note should do me duty,
Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects:
O, serve note me well, and teach yourselves that duty.
Dor.
Dispute not with her, she is lunatick.
Q. M.
Peace, master marquess, you are malapert;
Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current:
O, that your young nobility could judge note,
What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable!
They that stand high, have many note blasts to shake them;
And, if they fall, they dash themselves to note pieces.
Ric.
Good counsel,marry;—learn it, learn it, marquess.
Dor.
It touches note you, my lord, as much as me.
Ric.
Ay, and note much more: But I was born so high,
Our aiery buildeth in the cedar's top,
And dallies with the wind, and scorns the sun.
Q. M.
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 aiery buildeth in our aiery's nest:—
O God, that see'st it, do not suffer it;
-- 27 --
As it was won note with blood, lost be it so!
Buc.
Peace, peace, for note shame, if not for charity.
Q. M.
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 live note my sorrow's rage!
Buc.
Have done note, have done.
Q. M.
O princely Buckingham, I kiss note thy hand,
In sign of league and amity with thee:
Now fair befal thee, and thy noble house note!
Thy garments are not spotted with our blood,
Nor thou within the compass of my curse.
Buc.
Nor no one note here; for curses never pass
The lips of those that breath them note in the air.
Q. M.
I will not think14Q0870 but note they ascend the sky,
And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace.
O Buckingham, take heed of note yonder dog;
Look, when he fawns, he bites; and, when he bites,
His venom note tooth will rankle to the death:
Have not to do with him, beware of him;
Sin, death, and hell, have set their marks upon him,
And all their ministers attend on him.
Ric.
What doth she say, my lord of Buckingham?
Buc.
Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.
Q. M.
What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel?
And sooth 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 a prophetess.—
Live each of you the subjects note to his note hate,
And he to yours note, and all of you to God's!
[Exit.
-- 28 --
Has.
My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses. note
Riv.
And so doth mine; I muse, why she's note at liberty.
Ric.
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.
Que.
I never did her any, to my knowledge. note
Ric.
Yet you have all the vantage of her wrong note.
I was too hot to do some body good,
That is too cold in thinking of it now:
Marry, as for note Clarence, he is well repay'd;
He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains;—
God pardon them that are the cause thereof! note
Riv.
A virtuous and a christian-like conclusion,
To pray for them that have done scathe to us.
Ric.
So do I ever, being well advis'd;—
&clquo;For had I curs'd now, I had curs'd myself.&crquo;
Enter Catesby.
Cat.
Madam, his majesty doth call for you,—
And for your grace,—and you, my noble lords. note
Que.
Catesby, I come:—Lords, will you go with me? note
Riv.
We wait upon your note grace.
[Exeunt All but Richard.
Ric.
I do the note wrong, and first begin to brawl.
The secret mischiefs note that I set abroach,
I lay unto the grievous charge of others.
Clarence,—whom note I, indeed, have cast in note darkness,—
I do beweep to many simple gulls;
Namely, to Hastings note, Stanley, Buckingham;
And tell them—'tis the note queen, and her allies,
That stir note the king against the duke my brother.
Now they believe it; and note, withal, whet me note
To be reveng'd on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey note:
-- 29 --
But then I note sigh, and, with a piece of scripture,
Tell them—that God bids us do note good for evil:
And thus I cloath my naked villany
With odd old note ends, stoln forth of note holy writ;
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.
Enter two Murtherers.
But soft, here come note my executioners.—
How now, my hardy, stout, resolved mates?
Are you now going note to dispatch this thing?
1. M.
We are, my lord; and come to have the warrant,
That we may be admitted where he is.
Ric.
Well note thought upon, I have it here about me:
[gives the Warrant.
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.
1. M.
Tut, tut, my note lord, we will not stand to prate,
Talkers are no good doers; be assur'd,
We go to note use our hands, and not our tongues.
Ric.
Your eyes drop mil-stones, when fools' eyes drop tears note:
I like you, lads; about your business straight; note;
Go, go, dispatch.
1. M.
We will, my noble lord.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
The same. A Room in the Tower.
Enter Clarence note, and Brakenbury.14Q0871
Bra.
Why looks your grace so heavily to-day?
Cla.
O, I have pass'd a miserable night,
So full of fearful dreams, of ugly sights, note
-- 30 --
That, as I am a christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night,
Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days;
So full of dismal terror was the time.
Bra.
What was your dream, my lord? I pray you, tell me. note
Cla.
Methoughts, that I had broken from the tower note,
And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy;
And, in my company, my brother Gloster:
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 heavy times note,
During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we note pac'd note along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought, that Gloster stumbl'd note; and, in falling,
Strook note me (that thought to stay him) over-board,
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord note! methought, what pain it was to drown!
What dreadful noise of water note in mine ears!
What sights note of ugly death note within mine eyes!
Methought note, I saw a thousand fearful wrecks;
A thousand note men, that fishes gnaw'd upon;
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalu'd jewels,
All scatter'd in the bottom of the sea: note
Some lay in dead men's sculls; and, in those holes note
Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept
(As 'twere note in scorn of eyes) reflecting gems,
That woo'd note the slimy bottom of the deep,
And mock'd the dead bones that lay scatter'd by.
Bra.
Had you such leisure in the time of death,
To gaze upon these secrets note of the deep?
-- 31 --
Cla.
Methought, I had; and often did I strive note
To yield the ghost: but still note the envious flood
Stop'd in note my soul, and would not let it forth
To find the note empty, vast, and wand'ring air;
But smother'd it within my panting bulk,
Which almost note burst to belch it in the sea.
Bra.
Awak'd you not with this note fore agony?
Cla.
O, no, note my dream was lengthen'd after life;
O, then began the tempest to my note soul.
I pass'd note, methought, the melancholy flood,
With that sour ferry-man note which poets write of,
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night:
The first that there did greet my stranger note soul,
Was my great father-in-law, renowned note Warwick;
Who cry'd aloud note, What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?
And so he vanish'd: Then came wand'ring by
A shadow like an angel, with bright note hair
Dabbl'd note in blood; and he shriek'd out aloud,
Clarence is come,—false, fleeting, perjur'd Clarence,—
That stab'd me in the field by Tewksbury note;—
Seize on him, furies, take him unto torment note.
With that, methought, a legion of foul fiends
Environ'd me, and note howled in mine ears
Such hideous cries, that, with the very noise,
I trembling wak'd, and, for a season after,
Could not believe but that I was in hell;
Such terrible impression made my dream note.
Bra.
No marvel, lord note, though it affrighted you;
I am afraid note, methinks, to hear you tell it.
Cla.
O, Brakenbury, I note have done these note things,—
That now give note evidence against my soul,—
-- 32 --
For Edward's sake; and, see, how he requites note me!
I pray thee, gentle keeper, stay by me;
[retiring to a Chair.
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.
Bra.
I will, my lord; God give your grace good rest!—
Sorrow breaks seasons, and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noon-tide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
An outward honour for an inward toil;
And, for unfelt imaginations note,
They often feel a world of restless cares:
So that, between note their titles note, and low name note,
There's nothing differs but the outward fame.
Enter the two Murtherers.
1. M.
Ho! who's here? note
Bra.
What would'st thou, fellow? and how cam'st thou note hither?
1. M.
I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither
on my legs.
Bra.
What, so note brief?
2. M.
O, sir, it is better be note brief than tedious:—
Shew him our commission, talk note no more.
[Brakenbury receives a Paper, and reads it.
Bra.
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 the note meaning.
Here are &dagger2; the keys; there † sits the duke asleep note:
I'll to the king; and signify to him, note
That thus I have resign'd to you my charge note.
1. M.
You may, sir; 'tis a point of wisdom: Fare you note
well.
[Exit Brakenbury.
-- 33 --
2. M.
What, shall we stab note him as he sleeps?
1. M.
No; he'll note say, 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes.
2. M.
When he note wakes! why, fool, he shall never
wake 'till the judgment note day.
1. M.
Why, then he'll say, we stab'd him sleeping.
2. M.
The urging of that word, judgment, hath bred
a kind of remorse in me.
1. M.
What, art afraid note?
2. M.
Not to kill him, having a warrant for it note; but
to be damn'd for killing him, from the which note no warrant
can defend me. note
1. M.
I thought, thou hadst been resolute.
note
2. M.
So I am, to let him live.
1. M.
I'll back to the duke of Gloster, and note tell him so.
2. M.
Nay, I pry'thee, stay a little: I hope note, this compassionate
humour of mine will change; 'twas wont to
hold me but while one tells note twenty.
1. M.
How dost thou feel thyself now?
2. M.
Some note certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.
1. M.
Remember our reward, when the deed's done.
2. M.
Come, he note dies; I had forgot the reward.
1. M.
Where's thy conscience now?
2. M.
In note the duke of Gloster's purse,
1. M.
So note, when he opens his purse to give us our reward,
thy conscience flies out.
2. M.
'Tis no matter note; let it go note; there's few, or none,
will entertain it.
1. M.
What, if note it come to thee again?
2. M.
I'll not meddle with it, it makes note a man a coward:
a man cannot steal, but it accuseth him; note a man
cannot swear, but it checks him; note a man cannot lye
with his neighbour's wife, but it detects him: 'Tis a
-- 34 --
blushing shame-fac'd note spirit, that mutinies in a man's
bosom; it fills a man full note of obstacles: it made me
once restore a purse of note gold, that by chance note I found;
it beggars any man that keeps it: it is turn'd out of
all note towns and cities for a dangerous thing; and every
man, that means to live well, endeavours note to trust to
himself, and live note without it.
1. M.
'Zouns note, it is even now at my elbow, persuading
me not to kill the duke.
2. M.
Shake the devil out of thy note mind, and believe
him not: he would insinuate with thee, but note to make
thee sigh.
1. M.
I am strong-fram'd, he cannot prevail with me. note
2. M.
Spoke like note a tall fellow, that note respects note his reputation.
Come, shall we fall to work? note
1. M.
Take him over the note costard with the hilts of
thy note sword, and then throw him into the note malmsey-but
in the next room.
2. M.
O excellent device! and note make a sop of him.
1. M.
Soft, he wakes. note
[Cla. stirs.
2. M.
Strike.
1. M.
No, we'll reason with him.
Cla.
Where art thou, keeper? give me a cup of wine.
1. M.
You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon. note
Cla.
In God's name, what art thou?
1. M.
A man, as you are. note
Cla.
But not, as I am, royal.
1. M.
Nor you, as we are, loyal. note
Cla.
Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.
1. M.
My voice is now the king's, my looks mine own. note
Cla.
How darkly, and how deadly dost thou speak!
Your eyes do menace me: Why look you pale? note
-- 35 --
Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?
2. M.
To, to, to, note— note
Cla.
To murther me?
1. 2.
Ay, ay. note
Cla.
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?
1. M.
Offended us you have not, but the king.
Cla.
I shall be reconcil'd to him again.
2. M.
Never, my lord; therefore prepare to die,
Cla.
Are you drawn forth among a note world of men,
To slay the innocent? What is my offence?
Where is the note evidence that doth accuse note me?
What lawful quest have given note their verdict up
Unto the frowning judge? or who pronounc'd
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death?
Before I be convict by course of law,
To threaten me with death, is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope note for any goodness,
That you depart, and lay no hands note on me;
The deed you undertake is damnable.
1. M.
What we will do, we do upon command.
2. M.
And he, that hath commanded, is note our king.
Cla.
Erroneous vassal note! the great King of kings
Hath in the table note of his law commanded,
That thou shalt note do no murther; Wilt thou note then
Spurn at his edict, and fulfil a man's?
Take heed; for he holds vengeance in his hand note,
To hurl upon their heads that break his law.
2. M.
And that same vengeance doth he hurl on note thee,
For false forswearing, and for murther too:
Thou didst receive the sacrament, note to fight
-- 36 --
In quarrel note of the house of Lancaster.
1. M.
And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow; and, with thy treacherous blade,
Unrip'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son:
2. M.
Whom thou wast sworn note to cherish and defend.
1. M.
How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us,
When thou hast broke it in such dear note degree?
Cla.
Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deed?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake:
He note sends you not to murther me for this;
For in that sin note he is as deep as I.
If God will be avenged for the deed note,
O, know you yet, he doth it publickly; note
Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm;
He needs no indirect nor note lawless course,
To cut off those that have offended him.
1. M.
Who made thee then a bloody minister,
When gallant-springing note brave Plantagenet,
That princely note novice, was struck dead by thee?
Cla.
My brother's love, the devil, and my rage.
1. M.
Thy brother's love, our duty, and note thy fault note,
Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee note.
Cla.
If you do love my note brother, hate not me;
I am his brother, and I love him well.
If you are hir'd for meed note, go back again,
And I will send you to my brother Gloster;
Who shall note reward you better for my life,
Than Edward will for tidings of my death.
2. M.
You are deceiv'd, your brother Gloster hates you.
Cla.
O, no; he loves me, and he holds me dear:
Go you to him from me.
1. M.
Ay, so we will. note
-- 37 --
Cla.
Tell him, when that our princely father York
Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm,
And charg'd us from his soul to love each other, note
He little thought of this divided friendship:
Bid Gloster think on this note, and he will weep.
1. M.
Ay, mil-stones; as he lesson'd us to weep. note
Cla.
O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
1. M.
Right, as snow in harvest. Come, you deceive yourself; note
'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here. note
Cla.
It cannot be; for he bewept my fortune, note
And hug'd me in his arms, and swore, with sobs,
That he would labour my delivery.
1. M.
Why, so he doth, when he delivers you note
From this earth's note thraldom to the joys of heaven.
2. M.
Make note peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
Cla.
Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul note,
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art thou yet to thy own soul note so blind,
That thou wilt note war with God by murd'ring note me?—
Ah, sirs, consider, he, that note set you on
To do this deed, will hate you for the deed note.
2. M.
What shall we do?
Cla.
Relent, and save your souls. note
1. M.
Relent! 'tis cowardly, and womanish.
Cla.
Not to relent, is beastly, savage, dev'lish note.—
My friend note, I spy some pity in thy looks;
O, if thine eye note be not a flatterer,
Come thou on my side, and entreat for me:
A begging prince what beggar pities not? note
1. M.
Ay, thus, and thus; [stabbing him.] and, if this will not serve,
I'll drown you in the malmsey note-but within.
-- 38 --
2. M.
A bloody deed, and desp'rately dispatch'd note!
How fain, like Pilate note, would I wash my hands note
Of this most grievous murther? note
1. M.
How now? what mean'st thou, that thou help'st me not? note
By heaven, the duke shall know how slack you have been.
2. M.
I would he knew, that I had sav'd his brother!
Take thou the see, and tell him what I say;
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
[Exit.
1. M.
So do not I; go, coward as thou art.—
Well, I'll go hide the body note in some hole,
'Till that the duke give note order for his burial:
And when I have my meed, I will away note;
For this will out, and then I note must not stay.
[Exit, with the Body.
ACT II.
SCENE I.
The same. A Room in the Palace.
Enter King Edward, (led in, sick) and his Queen;
Rivers, Dorset, Buckingham, Hastings, Grey, and Others.
K. E.
Why so, now have I note done a good day's work;—
You peers, continue this united note league:
I every day expect an embassage
From my redeemer to redeem me hence;
And more at peace note note my soul shall part to heaven note,
Since I have made my note friends note at peace on earth.
Rivers, note and Hastings, take each other's hand;
Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.
Riv.
By heaven, my soul is note purg'd from grudging hate;
And with my hand † I seal my true heart's love.
-- 39 --
Has.
So thrive I, as I truly note swear the like!
K. E.
Take heed, you dally not before your king;
Lest he, that is the supream King of kings,
Confound your hidden falshood, and award
Either of you to be the other's end.
Has.
So prosper I, as I swear perfect love!
Riv.
And I, as I love Hastings with my heart!
K. E.
Madam, yourself are not not 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 in unfeignedly.
Que.
There note, † Hastings; I will never more remember
Our former hatred, So thrive I, and mine!
K. E.
Dorset, embrace him;—Hastings, love lord marquiss. note
Dor.
This note enterchange of love, I here protest,
Upon my part, shall be inviolable note.
Has.
And so swear I note.
[they embrace.
K. E.
Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou this note league
With thy embracements note to my wife's allies,
And make me happy in your unity note.
Buc.
Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate
Upon your note grace, [to the Que.] but with all duteous note 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 me! this do I beg of heaven, note
When I am cold in love, to note you, or yours.
[embracing Rivers, &c.
K. E.
A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham,
-- 40 --
Is this thy vow unto my sickly heart.
There wanteth now our brother Gloster here,
To make the blessed period note of this peace.
Buc.
And, in good time, note here comes the noble duke.
Enter Richard.
Ric.
Good morrow to my sovereign king, and queen;
And, princely peers, a happy time of day!
K. E.
Happy, indeed, as we have spent the day:—
Gloster, we note have done deeds of charity;
Made peace of enmity, fair love of hate,
Between these swelling wrong-incensed peers.
Ric.
A blessed labour, my note most sovereign liege.—
Among note this princely heap, if any here,
By false intelligence, or wrong surmise,
Hold me a foe; if I unwittingly note14Q0872
Have ought note committed that is hardly born
By any note 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, madam, I entreat true note peace of you,
Which I will note purchase with my duteous service;—
Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham,
If ever any grudge were lodg'd between us;—
Of you, lord note Rivers,—and, lord Grey, of you,
That all without desert have frown'd on me; note—
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.
Que.
A holy-day shall this be kept hereafter:—
-- 41 --
I would to God, all strifes note were well compounded.—
My sovereign lord, I do beseech your highness note
To take our brother Clarence to your grace.
Ric.
Why, madam, have I offer'd love for this,
To be note so flouted in this royal presence?
Who knows not, that the gentle duke note is dead?
[they all start.
You do him injury, to scorn his corse.
K. E.
Who knows not, he is dead! who knows, he is? note
Que.
All-seeing heaven, what a world is this!
Buc.
Look I so pale, lord Dorset, as the rest?
Dor.
Ay, my good lord; and no man in note the presence note,
But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks.
K. E.
Is Clarence dead? the order was revers'd.
Ric.
But he, poor man, by note your first order dy'd,
And that a winged Mercury did bear;
Some tardy cripple bore note the countermand,
That came note too lag to see him buried:—
God grant, that some, less noble, and less loyal,
Nearer in bloody thoughts, and not note in blood,
Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did,
And yet go current from suspicion!
Enter Stanley, hastily.
Sta.
A boon, my sovereign, for my service done!
K. E.
I pr'ythee note, peace; my soul is full of sorrow.
Sta.
I will not rise, unless your highness hear note me.
K. E.
Then say at note once, what is it thou request'st note note.
Sta.
The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life;
Who slew to-day a riotous gentleman,
Lately attendant on the duke of Norfolk.
K. E.
Have I a tongue to doom my brother's death,
And shall that tongue give note pardon to a slave?
-- 42 --
My brother kill'd no note man, his fault was thought,
And yet his punishment was bitter death note.
Who su'd to me for him? who, in my wrath, note
Kneel'd at my feet, and bid note me be advis'd?
Who spoke note of brotherhood? who spoke of love?
Who told me, how the poor soul did forsake
The mighty Warwick, and did fight for me?
Who told me, in the field at Tewksbury note,
When Oxford had me down, he rescu'd me,
And said, Dear brother, live, and be a king?
Who told me, when we both lay in the field,
Frozen almost to death, how he did lap note me
Even in his garments note; and did give himself,
All thin and naked, 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 defac'd
The precious image of our dear 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 myself
For him, poor soul.—The proudest of you all
Have been beholden note to him in his life;
Yet none of you would once beg for note his life:—
O God! I fear, thy justice will take hold
On me, and you, and mine, and yours, for this.—
Come, [to Hast.] help note me to my closet.—O poor note Clarence!
[Exeunt King, Queen, Has. Riv. Dor. and Grey.
Ric.
This is the fruit note of rashness! note—Mark'd you note not,
-- 43 --
How that the guilty note kindred of the queen
Look'd pale, when they did hear of Clarence' death?
O! they did urge it still unto the king:
God will revenge it. Come note, lords; will you go,
To comfort Edward with our company?
Buc.
We wait upon your grace. note
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
The same.
Enter the Dutchess of York; and a Son, and Daughter,
of Clarence, her Grand-children.
Son.
Good grandam note, tell us, is our father dead?
Dut.
No, boy.
Dau.
Why do you weep so oft? and note beat your breast?
And cry, O Clarence, my unhappy son!
Son.
Why do you look on us, and shake your head, note
And call us—orphans, wretches, note cast-aways,
If that our noble father be note alive?
Dut.
My pretty cousins, you mistake me both; note
I do lament the sickness of the king,
As loth to lose him, not your note father's death note;
It were lost sorrow, to wail one note that's lost.
Son.
Then, grandam, you conclude that he note is dead:
The king my uncle note is to blame for this note:
God will revenge it; whom I will impórtune
With earnest prayers note, all to that effect.
Dau.
And so will I. note
Dut.
Peace, children, peace! the king doth love you well:
Incapable and shallow innocents,
You cannot guess who caus'd your father's death.
Son.
Grandam, we can: for my good uncle Gloster
Told me, the king, provok'd to't by note the queen,
Devis'd impeachments to imprison him:
-- 44 --
And when my uncle told note me so, he wept,
And pity'd me, and note kindly kiss'd my cheek;
Bad note me rely on him, as on my father,
And he would love me dearly as his child note.
Dut.
Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes note,
And with a virtuous vizard hide deep vice note?
He is my son, ay, and note therein my shame,
Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.
Son.
Think you, my uncle did dissemble, grandam?
Dut.
Ay, boy.
Son.
I cannot think it. Hark! what noise is this?
Enter the Queen, distractedly; Rivers, and Dorset, after her.
Que.
Ah 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.
Dut.
What means this scene of rude impatience?
Que.
To make an act of tragic violence:
Edward, my lord, thy son note, our king, is dead.—
Why grow the branches, when the root is gone? note
Why wither not the leaves, that want their sap? 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
Dut.
Ah, so much interest have I note in thy sorrow,
As I had title in thy note noble husband!
I have bewept a worthy husband's death,
And liv'd by looking note on his images note:
But now, two mirrors of his princely semblance
Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death;
-- 45 --
And I for comfort have but one false glass,
That grieves note 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 from note mine arms,
And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble hands, note
Edward, and Clarence note; O, what cause have I,
(Thine being but a moiety note of my grief note)
To overgo thy plaints note, and drown thy cries?
Son.
Ah, aunt note, you wept not for our father's note death;
How can we aid you with our kindred note tears?
Dau.
Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd,
Your widow dolour note likewise be unwept.
Que.
Give me no help in lamentation,
I am not barren to bring forth laments note:
All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes,
That I, being govern'd by the wat'ry moon note,
May bring forth plenteous tears to drown the world!
Ah note, for my husband, for my dear lord Edward!
Chi.
Ah note, for our father, for our dear lord Clarence!
Dut.
Alas, for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence!
Que.
What stay had I, but Edward? and he's gone.
Chi.
What stay had we, but Clarence? and he's gone.
Dut.
What stays had I, but they? and they are gone.
Que.
Was never note widow, had so dear a loss.
Chi.
Were never note orphans, had so dear note a loss.
Dut.
Was never mother, had so dear note a loss.
Alas, I am the mother of these griefs note;
Their woes are parcel'd, mine is general note.
She for an note Edward weeps,14Q0873 and so do I;
I for a Clarence weep note, so doth not she:
These babes for Clarence weep, and so do I; note
-- 46 --
I for an Edward weep, so do not they note:— note
Alas! you three, on me, threefold distress'd,
Pour all note your tears; I am your sorrow's nurse,
And I will pamper it with lamentations note.
Dor.
Comfort, dear mother; God is much displeas'd, note
That you take with unthankfulness his doing:
In common worldly things, 'tis call'd—ungrateful,
With dull unwillingness to repay 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.
Enter Richard, Hastings, Buckingham, Stanley, and divers Others.
Ric.
Sister, have note 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 you; note Humbly on my knee
I crave your blessing.
Dut.
God bless thee; and put meekness in thy breast, note
Love, charity, obedience, and true duty!
&clquo;Ric.
&clquo;Amen; and note make me die note a good old man!&crquo;
&clquo;That is the but-end of a mother's note blessing;&crquo;
&clquo;I marvel, that her note grace did leave it out.&crquo;
Buc.
You cloudy princes, and heart-sorrowing peers,
That bear this mutual heavy note load of moan,
Now chear each other in each other's love:
-- 47 --
Though we have spent our harvest of this note king,
We are to reap the harvest of his son.
The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts note,
But lately splinted note, knit, and join'd together,
Must gently note be preserv'd, 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
Buc.
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 yet note 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.
Ric.
I hope, the king made peace with all of us;
And the compáct is firm, and true, in me.
Has.
And so in me;14Q0874 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 urg'd:
Therefore I say, with noble Buckingham,
That it is meet but few note should fetch the prince.
Sta.
And so say I.
Ric.
Then be it so; and go we to determine
Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow. note
Madam,—and you my mother, note—will you go
To give your censures in this weighty note business? note
&clquo;Buc.
&clquo;My lord, whoever journeys to the prince,&crquo;
&clquo;For God's sake, let not us two stay at home: note&crquo;
-- 48 --
&clquo;For, by the way, I'll sort occasion,&crquo;
&clquo;As index to the story we late note talk'd of,&crquo;
&clquo;To part the queen's proud kindred from the prince. note.&crquo;
&clquo;Ric.
&clquo;My other self, my counsel's consistory,&crquo;
&clquo;My oracle, my prophet!—my dear cousin,&crquo;
&clquo;I, as a note child, will go by thy direction.&crquo;
&clquo;Towards Ludlow note then, for we'll not stay behind.&crquo;
[Exeunt; Ric. and Buc. last.
SCENE III.
The same. A Street.
Enter two Citizens, meeting.
1. C.
Good morrow, neighbour: Whither away so fast?
2. C.
I promise you, I hardly note know myself:
Hear you the news abroad?
1. C.
Yes, that note the king is dead.
2. C.
Ill news note, by'r lady; seldom comes a better note note:
I fear, I fear, 'twill prove a giddy world note.
Enter another Citizen.
3. C.
Neighbours note, God speed!
1. C.
Give you good morrow, sir.
3. C.
Doth the news hold of good king Edward's death?
2. C.
Ay, sir, it is too true; God help, the while! note
3. C.
Then, masters, look to see a troublous note world.
1. C.
No, no; by God's good note grace, his son shall reign.
3. C.
Woe to that land, that's govern'd by a child!
2. C.
In him there14Q0875 is a hope note of government;
That, in note his nonage, counsel under him,
And, in his full and ripen'd note years, himself,
No doubt, shall then, and 'till then, govern well.
1. C.
So stood the state, when note Henry the sixth
Was crown'd in Paris note but at nine months old.
3. C.
Stood the state so? no, no, good friends, note God wot;
-- 49 --
For then this land was famously enrich'd
With politick grave counsel; then the king
Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace.
1. C.
Why, so hath note this, both by his father note and mother,
3. C.
Better it were, they all came by his father note;
Or, by his father note, there were none at all:
For emulation now, who shall note be nearest note,
Will touch us all too near, if God prevent not.
O, full of danger is the duke of Gloster;
And the queen's sons, and brothers, haught note and proud:
And were they to be rul'd and not to rule note,
This sickly land might solace as before.
1. C.
Come, come, we fear the worst; all will be well. note
3. C.
When clouds are seen note, wise men put on their cloaks;
When great leaves fall, then winter note is at hand;
When the sun sets, who doth not look for night?
Untimely storms make note men expect a dearth:
All may be note well; but, if God sort it so,
'Tis more than we deserve, or I expect.
2. C.
Truly, the hearts of note men are full of fear:
You cannot reason almost note with a man,
That looks not heavily note, and full of dread note.
3. C.
Before the days of note change, still is it so:
By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust
Ensuing danger; as, by proof, we see
The water note swell before a boist'rous storm.
But leave it all to God. Whither away?
2. C.
Marry, we were sent for to the justices. note
3. C.
And so was I; I'll bear you company.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
The same. A Room in the Palace.
Enter the Archbishop of York, the young Duke of York,
-- 50 --
the Queen, and the Dutchess of York.
Arc.
Last night,14Q0876 I hear note, they rested at note Northampton;
At Stony-stratford they note do lye to note-night:
To-morrow, or next day, they will be note here.
Dut.
I long with all my heart to see the prince;
I hope, he is much grown since last I saw him.
Que.
But I hear, no; they say, my son of York
Hath note almost note over-ta'en him in his growth note.
Yor.
Ay, mother, but I would not have it so.
Dut.
Why, my young cousin note? it is good to grow.
Yor.
Grandam, one night as we did fit note at supper,
My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow
More than my brother; Ay, quoth my uncle Gloster,
Small herbs 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.
Dut.
Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold
In him that did object the same to thee:
He was the wretched'st thing, when he was young,
So long a growing, and so leisurely,
That, if his rule were true, note he should be gracious.
Arc.
And so, no doubt, he is, my gracious madam. note
Dut.
I hope, he is; but note yet let mothers doubt.
Yor.
Now, by my troth, if I had been remember'd,
I could have giv'n my uncle's grace a flout,
To touch his growth, nearer than he touch'd mine. note
Dut.
How, my young York? I pr'ythee note, let me hear it.
Yor.
Marry, they say, my note uncle grew so fast,
That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old;
'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth.
Grandam, this would have been a biting jest note.
Dut.
I pr'ythee, pretty York, who told thee this? note
-- 51 --
Yor.
Grandam, his nurse.
Dut.
His nurse! note why, she was dead ere thou wast born.
Yor.
If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.
Que.
A parlous boy:—Go to, you are note too shrewd.
Arc.
Good madam, be not angry with the child. note
Que.
Pitchers have ears.
Enter a Messenger. note
Arc.
Here comes note a messenger.—
What news?
Mes.
Such news, my lord, as grieves me to unfold. note
Que.
How doth the note prince?
Mes.
Well, madam, and in health.
Dut.
What is thy news? note
Mes.
Lord Rivers, and lord Grey,
Are sent to Pomfret, prisoners; and note, with them,
Sir Thomas Vaughan. note
Dut.
Who hath committed them?
Mes.
The mighty dukes, Gloster, and Buckingham.
Arc.
For what offence?
Mes.
The sum of all I can, I have disclos'd;
Why, or for note what, the nobles note were committed,
Is all unknown to me, my gracious lord. note
Que.
Ay me, I see the ruin of my house note!
The tyger now hath seiz'd note the gentle hind;
Insulting tyranny begins to jut note
Upon the innocent and awless note throne:—
Welcome, destruction, blood, and note massacre!
I see, as in a map, the end of all.
Dut.
Accursed and unquiet wrangling days?
How many of you have mine eyes beheld?
My husband lost his life to get the crown;
And often up and down my sons were toss'd,
-- 52 --
For me to joy, and weep, their gain note, and loss:
And being seated, and domestick broils
Clean over-blown, themselves, the conquerors,
Make war upon themselves; brother to brother, note
Blood to blood, self against note self;—O, preposterous
And frantick outrage, end thy damned note spleen;
Or let me die, to look on death no note more!
Que.
Come, come, my boy, we will to sanctuary.—
Madam, farewel. note
Dut.
Stay, I will go with note you.
Que.
You have no cause.
Arc.
My gracious lady, go,
And thither bear 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, I'll note conduct you to the sanctuary.
[Exeunt.
ACT III.
SCENE I.
The same. A Street.
Flourish. Enter the young Prince, attended;
Richard, Catesby, Buckingham, Cardinal Bourchier, and Others.
Buc.
Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber.
Ric.
Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign:
The weary way hath made you melancholy.
Pri.
No, uncle; but our crosses on the way
Have note made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy:
I want more uncles here to welcome me.
-- 53 --
Ric.
Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years
Hath note not yet div'd into the world's deceit:
No note more can you distinguish of a man,
Than of his outward shew; 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!
Pri.
God keep me from false friends! but they were none.
Ric.
My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet you.
Enter the Lord Mayor, and his Train.
May.
God bless your grace with health and happy days!
Pri.
I thank you, good my lord—and thank you all.—
[they kiss his Hand, and retire.
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 Hastings.
Buc.
And, in good time, here comes the sweating lord.
Pri.
Welcome, my lord: What, will our mother come?
Has.
On what occasion, God he knows, not I,
The queen your mother, and your brother York,
Have taken sanctuary: The tender prince
Would fain have note come with me to meet your grace,
But by his mother was perforce withheld.
Buc.
Fie! what an indirect and peevish course
Is this of hers?—Lord cardinal, will your grace
Persuade the queen to send the duke of York
-- 54 --
Unto his princely brother presently?
If she deny,—Lord Hastings, go note with him note,
And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce.
Car.
My lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory
Can from his mother with the duke of York,
Anon expect him here: But if she be obdurate
To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid note
We should infringe the holy priviledge
Of blessed sanctuary! not for all this land
Would I be guilty of so great a note sin.
Buc.
You are too senseless-obstinate, my lord,
Too ceremonious and traditional:
Weigh it but14Q0877 with the greenness note note of his note age,
You break not sanctuary in seizing him.
The benefit thereof is always granted—
To those whose dealings have deserv'd the place,
And those who have the wit to claim the place:
This prince hath neither claim'd it, nor deserv'd it;
Therefore note, in mine opinion, cannot have it:
Then, taking him note from thence, that is not there,
You break no priviledge nor charter there.
Oft have I heard of sanctuary men;
But sanctuary children, ne'er till now.
Car.
My lord, you shall o'er-rule my mind for once.—
Come on, lord Hastings, will you go with me?
Has.
I go, my lord.
Pri.
My lords, note make all the speedy haste you may.
[Exeunt Has. and Car.
Say, uncle Gloster, if our brother come,
Where shall we sojourn 'till our coronation?
Ric.
Where it seems best note unto your royal self.
If I may counsel you, some day, or two,
-- 55 --
Your highness shall repose you at the tower:
Then where you please, and shall note be thought most fit
For your best health and recreation.
Pri.
I do not like the tower, of any place:—
Did Julius Cæsar build that place, my lord?
Buc.
He did, my gracious lord, begin that place;
Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edify'd.
Pri.
Is it upon record? or else reported
Successively from age to age, he built it?
Buc.
It is upon record, my gracious lord.
Pri.
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 generall all-ending day.
Ric.
So wise so young, they say, do ne'er live long.
Pri.
What say you, uncle?
Ric.
I say, without characters, fame lives long.
&clquo;Thus, like note14Q0878 the formal vice, iniquity,&crquo;
&clquo;I moralize,—two meanings in one word.&crquo;
Pri.
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 no conquest of this note conqueror;
For yet he lives in fame, though not in life.—
I'll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham.
Buc.
What, my good lord note?
Pri.
An if I live until I be a man,
I'll win our antient right in France again,
Or die a soldier, as I liv'd a king.
&clquo;Ric.
&clquo;Short summers lightly note have a forward spring.&crquo;
Enter York, Hastings, and the Cardinal.
Buc.
Now, in good time, here comes the duke of York.
-- 56 --
Pri.
Richard of York! how fares our loving brother note?
Yor.
Well, my dread lord note; so must I call you now.
Pri.
Ay, brother; to our grief, as it is yours:
Too late he dy'd, that might have kept that title note,
Which by his death hath lost much majesty.
Ric.
How fares our cousin, noble lord of York?
Yor.
I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord,
You said, that idle weeds are fast in growth:
The prince my brother hath out-grown note me far.
Ric.
He hath, my lord.
Yor.
And therefore is he idle?
Ric.
O, my fair cousin, I must not say so.
Yor.
Then he is more beholding to you, than I.
Ric.
He may command me, as my sovereign;
But you have power in me, as in a kinsman.
Yor.
I pray you, uncle, then, give me this dagger.
Ric.
My dagger, little cousin? with all my heart.
Pri.
A beggar, brother?
Yor.
Of my kind uncle, that, I know, will give;
And, being a toy, it is note no grief to note give.
Ric.
A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin.
Yor.
A greater gift! O, that's the sword to it?
Ric.
Ay, gentle cousin, were it light enough.
Yor.
O then, I see, you'll part but with light gifts;
In weightier things you'll say a beggar, nay.
Ric.
It is too weighty for your grace to wear.
Yor.
I weigh it lightly, were it heavier.
Ric.
What, would you have my weapon, little lord?
Yor.
I would, that I might thank you note as you call me.
Ric.
How?
Yor.
Little.
Pri.
My lord of York will still be cross in talk;—
-- 57 --
Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him.
Yor.
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.
&clquo;Buc.
&clquo;With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons!&crquo;
[to Hastings.
&clquo;To mitigate the scorn he gives note his uncle,&crquo;
&clquo;He prettily and aptly taunts himself:&crquo;
&clquo;So cunning, and so young, is wonderful.&crquo;
Ric.
My lord, will't please your highness 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.
Yor.
What, will you go unto the tower, my lord?
Pri.
My lord protector here will have it so.
Yor.
I shall not sleep in quiet at the tower.
Ric.
Why, sir, what should you fear?
Yor.
Marry, my uncle Clarence' angry ghost;
My grandam told me, he was murther'd there.
Pri.
I fear no uncles dead.
Ric.
Nor none that live, I hope.
Pri.
An if they live, I hope, I need not fear.
But come, my lord; and note, with a heavy heart,
Thinking on them, go I unto the tower.
[Exeunt Pri. Yor. Has. Car. and Attendants.
Buc.
Think you, my lord, this little prating York
Was not incensed by his subtle mother,
To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously?
Ric.
No doubt, no doubt: O, 'tis a parlous boy;
Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable;
He's all the mother's, from the top to toe.
-- 58 --
Buc.
Well, let them rest.—
Come hither, gentle Catesby; Thou art sworn,
As deeply to effect what we intend,
As closely to conceal what we impart:
Thou know'st our reasons urg'd upon the way;—
What think'st thou? is it not an easy matter,
To make William lord Hastings of our mind,
For the instalment of this noble duke
In the seat royal of this famous isle?
Cat.
He for his father's sake so loves the prince,
That he will not be won to ought against him.
Buc.
What think'st thou then of Stanley? will not he note?
Cat.
He will do all in all as Hastings doth.
Buc.
Well then, no more but this: Go, gentle Catesby,
And, as it were far note off, sound thou lord note Hastings,
How he doth stand note affected to our purpose;
And summon him to-morrow to the tower,
To sit about the coronation.
If thou dost find him tractable to us,
Encourage him, and tell him note all our reasons:
If he be leaden, icy, cold, unwilling,
Be thou so too; and so break off the talk note,
And give us notice of his inclination:
For we to-morrow hold divided councils,
Wherein thyself shalt note highly be employ'd.
Ric.
Commend me to lord William: tell him, Catesby,
His antient knot of dang'rous adversaries
To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret castle;
And bid my friend note, for joy of this good news,
Give mistress note Shore one gentle kiss the more.
Buc.
Good Catesby, go note, effect this business soundly.
Cat.
My good lords both, with all the heed I can.
-- 59 --
Ric.
Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?
Cat.
You shall, my lord.
Ric.
At Crosby-place, note there shall you find us both.
[Exit Catesby.
Buc.
My note lord, what shall we do, if we perceive
Lord Hastings note will not yield to our complots?
Ric.
Chop off his head;—something we will note determine:
And, look, when I am king, claim thou of me
Th' earldom of Hereford note, and all the moveables
Whereof the king my brother was possest note.
Buc.
I'll claim that promise at your grace's note hand note.
Ric.
And look to have it yielded with all kindness. note
Come, let us sup betimes; that afterwards
We may digest our complots in some form.
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
Before Lord Hastings' House.
Enter a Messenger.
Mes.
My lord, my lord,— note
[knocking.
Has. [within.]
Who knocks? note
Mes.
One from note lord note Stanley.
Has.
What is't o'clock?
Mes.
Upon the stroke of four.
Enter Hastings.
Has.
Cannot thy note master14Q0879 sleep the tedious nights?
Mes.
So it should seem by note that I have to say.
First, he commends him to your noble lordship; note—
Has.
And then, note—
Mes.
And then note he sends you word, my lord,
He dreamt to-night, the boar had raz'd his note helm:
Besides, he says, there are two councils held; note
And that may be note determin'd at the one,
Which may make you and him to rue at the other.
-- 60 --
Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure,—
If presently you will note take horse with him,
And with all speed note post hence into the note north,
To shun the danger that his soul divines.
Has.
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 good friend Catesby note;
Where nothing can proceed, that toucheth us,
Whereof I shall not have intelligence.
Tell him, his fears are shallow, without instance note:
And for his dreams,—I wonder, he's 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 chace.
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.
Mes.
I'll go, my lord, and tell note him what you say.
[Exit.
Enter Catesby.
Cat.
Many good morrows to my noble lord!
Has.
Good morrow, Catesby; you are early stirring:
What news, what news, in this our tottering state?
Cat.
It is a reeling world, indeed, my lord;
And, I believe, will note never stand upright,
'Till Richard wear the garland of the realm.
Has.
How wear note the garland? dost thou mean the crown?
Cat.
Ay, my good lord.
Has.
I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders,
Before I'll see the crown so foul misplac'd.
But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it?
-- 61 --
Cat.
Ay, on my life; and note hopes to find you forward
Upon his party, for the gain thereof:
And, thereupon, he sends you this good news,—
That, this same very day, your enemies,
The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret.
Has.
Indeed, I am no mourner for that note news,
Because they have been still my adversaries 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.
Cat.
God keep your lordship in that gracious mind!
Has.
But I shall laugh at this a twelvemonth hence,—
That they which brought note me in my master's hate,
I live to look upon their tragedy.
Well, Catesby, note ere a fortnight make me older,
I'll send some packing, that yet think not on't. note
Cat.
'Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord,
When men are unprepar'd and look not for it.
Has.
O, monstrous, monstrous! and so falls it out
With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: and so 'twill do
With some men else, that think note themselves as safe
As thou, and I; who, as thou know'st, are dear
To princely Richard, and to Buckingham note.
Cat.
The princes both make high account of you,—
&clquo;For they account his head upon the bridge.&crquo;
Has.
I know, they do; and I have well deserv'd it.—
Enter Stanley.
Come on, come on, where is your boar-spear, man?
Fear you the boar, and go so note unprovided?
[Catesby:—
Sta.
My lord, good morrow;—and good morrow,
You may jest on, but, by the holy rood,
I do not like these several councils, I.
-- 62 --
Has.
My lord,
I hold my life as dear as you do note yours;
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 secure,
I would be so triumphant as I am?
Sta.
The lords at Pomfret note, when they rode from London,
Were jocund, and suppos'd their states were sure note,
And they note (indeed) had no cause to mistrust;
But yet, you see, how soon the day o'er-cast.
This sudden stab note of rancour I misdoubt;
Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward!
What, shall we toward the tower? note the day is spent.
Has.
Come, come, have with you: Wot you what, my lord?
To-day the lords you talk note of are beheaded.
Sta.
They, for their truth, might better wear their heads,
Than some, that have accus'd them, wear their hats note.
But come, let note us away.
Enter a Pursuivant.
Has.
Go on before, note
I'll talk with this good fellow.—How now, sirrah?
[Exeunt Sta. and Cat.
How goes the world with thee?
Pur.
The better, that your lordship please to note ask.
Has.
I tell thee, man, 'tis note better with me now,
Than when thou met'st me 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 ere I was.
-- 63 --
Pur.
God hold it, to your honour's good content!
Has.
Gramercy, fellow: There, † drink that for me. note
[throwing him his Purse.
Pur.
I thank your honour. note
[Exit Pursuivant.
Enter a Priest.
Pri.
Well met, my lord; I am glad to see your honour. note
Has.
I thank thee, good sir John note, with all my heart.
I am in your debt for your last exercise;
Come the next sabboth, and I will content you. note
Enter Buckingham.
Buc.
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.
Has.
Good faith, and when I met this holy man,
The note men you talk of came into my mind.
What, go you toward the tower? note
Buc.
I do, my lord; but long I cannot stay note there note
I shall return before your lordship thence.
Has.
Nay, like note enough, for I stay dinner there.
&clquo;Buc.
&clquo;And supper too, although thou know'st it not.&crquo;
Come, will you go? note
Has.
I'll wait upon your lordship. note
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.
Pomfret. Before the Castle.
Enter, as to Execution, Grey, Rivers, and Vaughan; Ratcliff, and a Guard, with them. note
Riv.
Sir Richard Ratcliff,14Q0880 let me tell thee this,—
To-day shalt thou behold a subject die,
For truth, for duty, and for loyalty.
Gre.
God bless the note prince from all the pack of you!
A knot you are of damned blood-suckers.
Vau.
You live, that shall cry woe for this hereafter. note
-- 64 --
Rat.
Dispatch the limit of your lives is out.
Riv.
O Pomfret, Pomfret! o thou bloody prison,
Fatal and ominous 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 note guiltless blood to drink.
Gre.
Now Margaret's curse is fall'n upon our heads,
When she exclaim'd on Hastings, you, and I, note
For standing by when Richard stab'd her son.
Riv.
Then curs'd she Hastings note, curs'd note she Buckingham,
Then curs'd she Richard note;—O, remember, God,
To hear her prayers note for them, as now for us!
And for my sister, and her princely sons note,—
Be satisfy'd, dear God, with our true bloods note,
Which, as thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt!
Rat.
Make haste, the hour of death is now expir'd. note
Riv.
Come, Grey,—come, Vaughan,—let us here embrace note;
Farewel, until we meet again in note heaven.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
London. A Room in the Tower.
Stanley, Hastings, Buckingham, Bishop of Ely,
and Others, discover'd sitting at a Table; Officers of the Council attending.
Has.
Now, noble peers, the note cause why we are met
Is—to determine of the coronation:
In God's name, speak, when is the note royal day?
Buc.
Are all things ready for note that royal time?
Sta.
They are, and note wants but note nomination.
Bish.
To-morrow note then I judge a happy day note.
Buc.
Who knows the lord protector's mind herein?
-- 65 --
Who is most inward with the noble duke?
Bish.
Your grace, we think, should note soonest know his mind.
Buc.
We note know each other's faces: for our hearts,—
He knows no more of mine, than I of yours;
Nor I of his, my lord, than note you of mine:—
Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.
Has.
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 note noble lord, may name the time;
And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice,
Which, I presume, he'll note take in gentle part note.
Enter Richard.
Bish.
In happy time, here note comes the duke himself.
Ric.
My noble lords and note cousins, all good morrow:
I have been long a sleeper; note but, I trust note,
My absence doth neglect no great design note,
Which by my presence might have been concluded.
Buc.
Had you not note come upon your cue, my lord,
William lord Hastings had pronounc'd note your part,—
I mean, your voice,—for crowning of the king.
Ric.
Than my lord Hastings, no man might be bolder;
His lordship knows me well, and loves me well.—
My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn, note
I saw good strawberries in your garden there;
I do beseech you, send for some of them.
Bish.
Marry, and will, my lord, note with all my heart.
[Exit Bishop.
Ric.
Cousin of Buckingham, a word with you:
[drawing him aside.
Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business;
-- 66 --
And finds the testy gentleman so hot,
That he note will lose his head, ere give consent,
His master's child, as worshipfully he note terms it,
Shall lose the royalty of England's throne.
Buc.
Withdraw yourself awhile, note I'll go with you. note
[Exeunt Ric. and Buc.
Sta.
We have not yet set down this day of triumph:
To-morrow, in my judgment, is too sudden note;
For I myself am not so well provided,
As else I would be, were the day prolong'd.
Re-enter Bishop of Ely.
Bish.
Where is my lord Protector? note I have sent
For these same strawberries.
Has.
His grace looks chearfully and smooth this morning; note
There's some conceit or other likes him well,
When he doth bid note good morrow with such spirit.
I think, there's ne'er a man in christendom,
Can note lesser hide his love, or hate, than he;
For by his face straight shall you know his heart.
Sta.
What of his heart perceive you in his face,
By any likelihood note he shew'd to-day?
Has.
Marry, that with no man here he is offended;
For, were he, he had shewn it in his looks. note
Re-enter Richard, and Buckingham, hastily; Lovel, and Ratcliff, with them; a Guard behind.
Ric.
I pray you all, tell me what they note deserve,
[advancing sternly toward his Seat.
That do conspire my death with devilish note plots
Of damned witchraft; and that have prevail'd
Upon my body with their hellish charms?
Has.
The tender love I bear your grace, my lord,
Makes me most forward in this noble presence note
-- 67 --
To doom the offenders, whosoe'er note they be:
I say, my lord, they have deserved death.
Ric.
Then be your eyes the witness of their evil note,
Look how note I am betwitch'd; note behold, mine arm
[stripping and laying it bare.
Is like a blasted sapling, wither'd up:
And this is Edward's note wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot, strumpet Shore,
That by their witchcraft note thus have marked me.
Has.
If they have done this deed, my noble lord, note—
Ric.
If! thou protector of this damned strumpet,
Talk'st thou to me note of ifs? Thou art a traitor,—
Off with his head;—now by saint Paul I swear, note
I will not dine until I see the same.—
Lovel, and Ratcliff, look that it be done;—
The rest, that love me, rise, and note follow me.
[Council rise in Confusion; and Exeunt, with Ric. and Buc.
Has.
Woe, woe, for England! not a whit for me;
For I, too fond, might have prevented this:
Stanley did dream, the boar 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 startl'd note, when he look'd upon the tower,
As loth to bear me to the slaughter-house.
O, now I need the note priest that spake to me:
Now I repent I told the pursuivant,
As too triúmphing, how mine note enemies
To-day at note 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.
-- 68 --
Rat.
Dispatch, my lord, the duke would be at dinner; note
Make a short shrift, he longs to see your head.
Has.
O momentary grace of mortal note men,
Which we more hunt for than the note grace of God! note
Who builds his hope note in air note of your fair 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. note
Has.
O bloody Richard!—miserable England!
I prophesy the fearful'st time to thee,
That ever wretched age hath look'd upon.—
Come, lead me to the block, bear him my head;
They smile at me, who shortly note shall be dead.
[Exeunt.
SCENE V.
The same. The Tower-Walls.
Enter Richard, and Buckingham, in rusty
Armour, marvellous ill-favour'd.
Ric.
Come, cousin, canst thou quake, and change thy colour?
Murther thy breath in middle of a word,—
And then again begin note, and stop again,
As if thou wert note distraught note, and mad with terror?
Buc.
Tut, note I can counterfeit the deep tragedian;
Speak, and look back, and pry on every side,
Tremble and start at wagging of a straw, note
Intending deep suspicion: gastly looks
Are at my service, like enforced smiles;
And both are ready in their offices,
At any time note, to grace my stratagems.
But what, is Catesby gone? note
Ric.
He is; and, see, he brings the mayor along. note
-- 69 --
Enter the Lord Mayor, and Catesby.
Buc.
Let me alone to entertain him.—Lord mayor, note—
Ric.
Look to the draw-bridge there.
Buc.
Hark, hark! a drum. note
Ric.
Catesby, o'er-look the walls.
Buc.
Lord mayor, the reason we have sent for you note,—
Ric.
Look back, defend thee, here are enemies.
Buc.
God and our innocency defend and guard note us!
Enter Lovel, and Ratcliff, with Hastings' Head.
Ric.
Be patient, they are friends; Ratcliff, and Lovel. note
Lov.
Here is the head of that ignoble traitor, note
The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings.
Ric.
So dear I lov'd the man, that I must weep.
I took him for the plainest harmless creature, note
That breath'd upon the 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 shew of virtue,
That, his apparent open guilt omitted,—
I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife,—
He liv'd note from all attainder of suspect.
Buc.
Well, well, he was the covert'st shelter'd traitor
That ever liv'd.14Q0881—Look you, my lord mayor,
Would you imagine note, or almost believe,
(Wert 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 murther me, and my good lord of Gloster?
May.
What, had he so? note
Ric.
What! think you we are Turks, or infidels?
Or that we would note, against the form of note law,
-- 70 --
Proceed thus rashly in the note villain's death;
But that the extream peril of the case,
The peace of England, and our persons' safety,
Enforc'd us to this execution?
May.
Now, fair befal you! he deserv'd his death;
And your good graces both note have well proceeded,
To warn false traitors from the like attempts.
I never look'd for better at his hands, note
After he once fell in with mistress Shore.
Buc. note
Yet had we not determin'd he should die, note
Until your lordship came to see his end note;
Which now the loving note haste of these † our friends,
Somewhat note against our meaning note, hath note prevented:
Because, my lord, we would note have had you heard
The traitor speak, and timorously confess
The manner and the purpose of his treasons note;
That you might well have signify'd the same
Unto the citizens, who, haply, may
Misconstrue us in him, and wail his death.
May.
But, my note good lord, your grace's note word note shall serve,
As well as I note had seen, and heard note him speak:
And do not doubt, note right noble princes both,
But I'll acquaint our note duteous citizens
With all your just proceedings in this case note.
Ric.
And to that end we wish'd note your lordship here,
To avoid the censures of the carping note world note.
Buc.
But since note you came note too late for our note intent note,
Yet witness what you hear note we did intend:
And so, my good lord note mayor, we bid farewel.
[Exit Mayor.
Ric.
Go note, after, after, cousin Buckingham.
The mayor towards Guild-hall hies him in all post:—
-- 71 --
There, at your meetest vantage of the time,
Infer the bastardy of Edward's children:
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 beastial note note appetite in change of lust;
Which stretch'd unto their servants, daughters note, wives,
Even where his raging note eye,14Q0882 or savage heart,
Without controul, 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 insatiate note Edward, noble York,
My princely father, then had wars in France;
And, by just computation note 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 touch note this sparingly, as 'twere far off;
Because, my lord, you know, note my mother note lives.
Buc.
Doubt not note, 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
Ric.
If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's castle;
Where you shall find me well accompany'd,
With reverend fathers, and well-learned bishops.
Buc.
I go; and, towards three or four o'clock note,
Look for the news that the Guild-hall affords.
[Exit Buckingham.
Ric.
Go, Lovel, with all speed to doctor Shaw,— note
Go thou [to Cat.] to friar Penker;—bid them both
-- 72 --
Meet me, within this hour, at Baynard's castle.
[Exeunt Lov. and Cat.
Now will I in, to note take some privy order
To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight;
And to give notice, that note no manner person note
Have, any time note, recourse unto the princes.
[Exeunt.
SCENE VI.
The same. A Street.
Enter a Scrivener.
Scr.
Here † is note the indictment of the good lord Hastings;
Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd,
That it may be to-day note read o'er in Paul's.
And mark how well the sequel hangs together:—
Eleven hours I have note spent to write it over,
For yesternight by Catesby was it sent me note;
The precedent note was full as long a doing:
And yet within these five hours Hastings liv'd note,
Untainted, unexamin'd, free, at liberty.
Here's a good world the while!—Who is note so gross,
That cannot see note this palpable device?
Yet who so note so bold, but says—he sees it not?
Bad is the world; and all will come to nought.
When such bad dealing note must be seen in thought.
[Exit.
SCENE VII.
The same. Court of Baynard's Castle.
Enter Richard, and Buckingham, meeting.
Ric.
How now, how now? what note say the citizens?
Buc.
Now by the holy mother of our Lord,
The citizens are mum, say not note a word.
Ric.
Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children?
Buc.
I did; with his contráct note with lady Lucy,
And his contráct by deputy in France:
-- 73 --
The insatiate note greediness of his desire 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, being not like the duke.
Withal, I did infer your lineaments,—
Being the right idea of your father,
Both in your form note and nobleness of mind:
Lay'd open note all your victories in Scotland,
Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace,
Your bounty, virtue, fair humility;
Indeed, left nothing, fitting for your purpose note,
Untouch'd, or slightly handl'd, in discourse.
And, when my oratory note drew toward end note,
I bad note them, that did love note their country's good,
Cry—God save Richard, England's royal king!
Ric.
And did they so?
Buc.
No, so God help me, they spake not a word note;
But, like dumb statues, or unbreathing note stones,
Star'd each note 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 people were not us'd note
To be spoke to, but by their own recorder.
Then he was urg'd to tell my tale again;—
Thus saith the duke,14Q0883 thus hath the duke infer'd;
But nothing spoke note in warrant from himself.
When he had done, some followers of mine own,
At lower note end the note hall, hurl'd up their caps,
And some ten voices cry'd, God save king Richard!
And thus I took the vantage of those few,— note
Thanks, gentle citizens note, and friends, quoth I;
-- 74 --
This general applause, and chearful shout note,
Argues your wisdom note, and your love note to Richard:
And even here brake note off, and came away.
Ric.
What tongueless blocks were they; Would they not speak? note
Will not the mayor then, and his brethren, come?
Buc.
The mayor is here at hand note; Intend note some fear;
Be not you spoke with, but by mighty note suit:
And look you get a prayer-book in your hand,
And stand between note two churchmen, good my lord;
For on that ground I'll make a note holy descant:
And be not easily won to our requests note;
Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it. note
Ric.
I go; And if you plead note as well for them,
As I can say nay to thee for myself,
No doubt we note bring it to a happy issue.
[Knock.
Buc.
Go, go, up to the leads; note the lord mayor knocks.
[Exit Richard.
Enter the Lord Mayor; with certain Aldermen, and Others.
Welcome, my lord: I dance attendance here;
I think, the duke will not be spoke note withal.—
Enter Catesby.
Now, Catesby? what says your lord to my request? note
Cat.
He doth entreat your grace, my noble lord, note
To visit him to-morrow, or next day:
He is within, with two note right note reverend fathers,
Divinely bent to meditation;
And in no worldly suit note would he be mov'd,
To draw him from his holy exercise.
Buc.
Return, good Catesby, to the gracious duke; note
Tell him, myself, the mayor and aldermen note,
-- 75 --
In deep designs, in matter note of great moment,
No less importing than note our general good,
Are come to have some conference with his grace.
Cat.
I'll signify so much unto him straight. note
[Exit.
Buc.
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 virtuous note prince
Take on himself the note sov'reignty thereof; note
But, sure, I fear, we shall ne'er win note him to it.
May.
Marry, God defend note his grace should say us nay!
Buc.
I fear, he will: Here Catesby note comes again;—
Re-enter Catesby.
What says your lord? note
Cat.
He note wonders to what end you have assembl'd
Such troops of citizens to come to him note,
His grace not being warn'd thereof before:
He fears, my lord, note you mean no good to him.
Buc.
Sorry I am, my noble cousin should
Suspect me, that I mean no good to him:
By heaven, we come to him in perfect love note;
And so once more return and tell his grace.
[Exit Cat.
When holy and devout religious men
Are at their beads, 'tis much to note draw them thence note;
So sweet is zealous contemplation.
Enter Richard, in a Balcony, above, between two Bishops; Catesby again, below.
May.
See, where his grace stands 'tween note two clergymen!
-- 76 --
Buc.
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; note
True ornaments to know a holy man.—
Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince,
Lend favourable ear to our requests note;
And pardon us the interruption
Of thy devotion, and right christian zeal.
Ric.
My lord, there needs no such apology;
I rather do beseech you note pardon me,
Who, earnest in the service of my God note,
Defer'd the note visitation of my friends.
But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure?
Buc.
Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above,
And all good men of this ungovern'd isle.
Ric.
I do suspect, I have done some offence,
That seems note disgracious in the city's eye;
And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.
Buc.
You have, my lord; 'Would, it might note please your grace,
On our entreaties, to amend your fault note!
Ric.
Else wherefore breath I in a christian land?
Buc.
Know, then note, it is your fault, that you resign
The supream seat, the throne majestical,
The scepter'd note office of your ancestors,
Your state of fortune, and your due 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 sleepy thoughts,
(Which here we waken to our note country's good)
The noble note isle doth want her proper note limbs;
Her face note defac'd with scars note of infamy,
Her note royal stock graft with ignoble plants, note
-- 77 --
And almost shoulder'd in the swallowing note gulf
Of dark forgetfulness and deep oblivion note.
Which to recure note, we heartily sollicit
Your gracious self to take on you the charge note
And kingly government of this your land:
Not as protector, steward, substitute,
Or lowly note 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 friends,
And by their vehement instigation,
In this just suit note come I to move your grace.
Ric.
I cannot tell, if to note depart in silence,
Or bitterly to speak in your reproof,
Best fitteth note my degree, or your condition:
For, not to answer, you might haply think, note
Tongue-ty'd ambition, not replying, yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sov'reignty,
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 incur note the last,—
Definitively thus I answer you.
Your love deserves my thanks; but my desert,
Unmeritable, shuns your high request.
First, if all obstacles were cut away,
And that my path were even to the crown,
As the ripe note revenue and due of birth note;
Yet so much is my poverty of spirit,
-- 78 --
So mighty, and so many, my defects,
That I would rather note 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 thank'd, there is 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 that note you would lay on note me,
The right and fortune of his happy stars,—
Which, God defend, that I should wring from him!
Buc.
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 his vow note;
And afterwards by substitute betroth'd
To Bona, sister to the king of France:
These both put by, a note poor petitioner,
A care-craz'd mother to a many sons note,
A beauty-waining and distressed widow,
Even in the afternoon of her best days,
Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye note,
Seduc'd note the pitch and height of his degree note
To base declension and note loath'd bigamy;
By her, in his note unlawful bed, he got
This Edward, whom our manners call—the note prince.
-- 79 --
More bitterly could I note expostulate,
Save that, for reverence to some alive,
I give a sparing limit to my tongue.
Then, good my lord, take to your royal self,
This proffer'd 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 note time note,
Unto a lineal true-derived course.
May.
Do, good my lord; your citizens entreat you.
Buc.
Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love. note
Cat.
O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit.
Ric.
Alas, why would note you heap those 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.
Buc.
If you refuse it,—as, in love and zeal,
Loth to depose the child, your brother's son;
As well we know your tenderness of heart,
And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse,
Which we have noted in you to your kindred note,
And equally note (indeed) to all estates,—
Yet know, whe'r 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 downfal of your house.
And, in this resolution, here we leave you;—
Come, citizens, we will entreat no more. note
[Exit, with the Citizens.
Cat.
Call them again, sweet prince, accept note their suit;
If you deny them, all the land will rue it. note
Ric.
Will you enforce me to a world of cares? note
-- 80 --
Well note, Call them again; [Exit Cat.] I am not made of stone note,
But penetrable to your kind entreaties note,
Albeit against my conscience and my soul.—
Re-enter Buckingham, and the rest.
Cousin of Buckingham,—and sage note grave men,—
Since you will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her burthen, whether I note will, or no,
I must have patience to endure the load:
But if black scandal, or foul-fac'd note reproach,
Attend the sequel of your imposition,
Your meer enforcement shall acquittance me
From all the impure blots and stains thereof;
For God he knows note, and you may partly see,
How far I am from the desire of note this.
May.
God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it.
Ric.
In saying so, you shall but say the truth.
Buc.
Then I salute you with this royal title note,—
Long live king Richard, England's worthy king note!
all.
Amen. note
Buc.
To-morrow may it note please you to be crown'd?
Ric.
Even when you please, for you note will have it so.
Buc.
To-morrow then we will attend your grace;
And so, most joyfully, we take our leave. note
Ric.
Come, let us to our holy work again note:—
Farewel, good cousin; note—farewel, gentle friends.
[Exeunt.
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Before the Tower.
Enter, on one Side, Anne Dutchess of Gloster,
and Clarence's young Daughter with her; on the other,
the Queen, the Dutchess of York, and Marquiss
-- 81 --
Dorset: Attendants with them.
Dut.
Who meets us here? my niece Plantagenet,
Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloster? note
Now, for my life, she's wand'ring to the tower,
On pure heart's love, to greet the tender prince.—
Daughter, well met.
Ann.
God give your graces both
A happy and a joyful time of day!
Que.
As much to you, good sister! Whither away? note
Ann.
No farther than the tower; and, as I guess,
Upon the like devotions as yourselves,
To gratulate the gentle princes note there.
Que.
Kind sister, thanks; we'll enter all together:
Enter Brakenbury.
And, in good time, here the lieutenant comes.—
Master lieutenant, pray you, by your leave,
How doth the note prince, and my young son of York note?
Bra.
Right well, dear madam: By your patience, note
I may not suffer you to visit them note;
The king hath strictly note charg'd the note contrary.
Que.
The king! who's note that?
Bra.
I note mean, the lord protector.
Que.
The Lord protect him from that kingly title!
Hath he set bounds note between their love, and me?
I am their mother, Who shall bar me note from them?
Dut. note
I am their father's mother note, I will see them.
Ann.
Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother:
Then bring me to their sights; I'll note bear thy blame,
And take thy office from thee, on my peril.
Bra.
No, madam, no, I may not leave it so;
I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me. note
[Exit.
-- 82 --
Enter Stanley.
Sta.
Let me but meet you, ladies, one hour note hence,
And I'll salute your grace of York as mother,
And reverend note looker-on, of two fair queens.—
Come, madam, [to Ann.] you must straight to note Westminster,
There to be crowned Richard's royal queen.
Que.
Ah, cut my lace asunder note! that my pent heart
May have some scope to beat, or else I note swoon
With this dead-killing note news.
Ann.
Despiteful tidings! o unpleasing news! note
Dor.
Be of good chear:—14Q0884 Mother, how note fares your grace?
Que.
O Dorset, speak not to me, get thee gone note,
Death and destruction dog note thee at the heels note;
Thy mother's name is ominous to children:
If thou wilt out-strip death, go cross the seas,
And live with Richmond, from the reach of note hell.
Go, hie thee, hie thee from this slaughter-house,
Lest thou encrease the number of the dead;
And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse,—
Nor mother, wife, nor England's counted queen.
Sta.
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 son
In your behalf, to meet you on the way: note
Be not ta'en tardy by unwise delay note.
Dut.
O ill-dispersing wind of misery!—
O my accursed womb, the bed of death;
A cockatrice hast thou hatch'd to the world,
Whose unavoided eye is murtherous!
Sta.
Come, madam, come; I note in all haste was sent note.
Ann.
And I with all note unwillingness will go.—
O, would note to God, that the inclusive note verge
-- 83 --
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!
Que.
Go, go, poor note soul, I envy not thy glory;
To feed my humour, wish thyself no harm.
Ann.
No! why note?—When he, that is my husband now,
Came to me, as note I follow'd Henry's corse;
When scarce the blood was well wash'd note from his hands,
Which issu'd from my other angel husband,
And that dead saint note which then note I weeping follow'd;
O, when, I say, I look'd on Richard's face,
This was my wish,—Be thou, quoth I, accurs'd,
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)
More miserable note by the life of note thee,
Than thou note hast made me by my dear lord's death!
Lo, ere I note can repeat this curse again,
Even in so short a space, note my woman's heart
Grossly grew captive to his honey words,
And prov'd the subject note of my own note soul's curse:
Whith note hitherto hath held mine note eyes from rest;
For never yet one hour in his bed
Did I enjoy note the golden dew of sleep,
But with his timorous dreams was still awak'd note.
Besides, he hates me for my father Warwick;
And will, no doubt note, shortly be rid of me.
Que.
Poor heart, adieu; I pity thy complaining. note
Ann.
No more than with my note soul I mourn for yours.
Dor.
Farewel, thou woful welcomer of glory. note
Ann.
Adieu, poor soul, that tak'st note thy leave of it.
-- 84 --
Dut.
Go thou to Richmond, And good fortune guide thee!—
Go thou to Richard, And good angels tend thee note!—
Go thou to sanctuary, And good thoughts possess thee!—
I to my grave, Where peace and rest lye with me!
Eighty odd note years of sorrow have I seen,
And each hour's joy wreck'd with a week of teen.
Que.
Stay yet; look back, with me, unto the tower.— note
Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes,
Whom envy hath immur'd within your walls!
Rough cradle for such little pretty ones,
Rude ragged nurse, old sullen play-fellow
For tender princes, use my babies well!
So foolish sorrow note bids your stones farewel.
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
The same. A Room of State in the Palace.
Flourish. Richard, upon his Throne; Buckingham,
and Lords, by him: Catesby, Page, and Others.
Ric.
Stand all apart.—Cousin of Buckingham,—
Buc.
My gracious sovereign: note
Ric.
Give me thy hand. Thus high, by thy advice,
And note thy assistance, is king Richard seated:—
But shall we wear these glories note for a day?
Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them?
Buc.
Still live they, and for ever let them last note!
Ric.
Ah, Buckingham note, now do I 'ply note the touch,14Q0885
To try if thou be current gold indeed:—
Young Edward lives;—Think now what I would speak. note
Buc.
Say on, my loving lord. note
Ric.
Why, Buckingham, I say, I would be king.
Buc.
Why, so you are, my thrice renowned note liege note.
Ric.
Ha! am I king? 'Tis so: but Edward lives.
-- 85 --
Buc.
True, noble prince.
Ric.
O bitter consequence,
That Edward still should live—true noble prince!
Cousin, thou wast not note wont to be so dull:—
Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead;
And I would have it suddenly perform'd.
What say'st thou now note? speak suddenly, be brief.
Buc.
Your grace may do your pleasure.
Ric.
Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness freezes note:
Say, have I thy consent, that they shall die?
Buc.
Give me some breath, some little pause, dear lord note,
Before I positively speak in this: note
I will resolve your grace immediately note.
[Exit Buc.
&clquo;Cat.
&clquo;The king is angry; see, he gnaws his note lip note.&crquo;
[to a Stander-by.
Ric.
I will converse with iron-witted note fools,
And unrespective boys; none are for me,
That look into me with considerate eyes:—
High note-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.—
Boy, note—
Pag.
My note lord:
Ric.
Know'st thou not any, whom corrupting gold
Would tempt note unto a close exploit of death?
Pag.
I note 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.
Ric.
What is his name?
Pag.
His name, my lord, is—Tyrrel.
Ric.
I partly know the man; Go, call him hither, note boy.—
[Exit Page.
The deep-revolving witty Buckingham
-- 86 --
No more shall be the neighbour to my counsels:
Hath he so long held out with me untir'd,
And stops he now for breath? well, be it so. note—
Enter Stanley.
How now, lord Stanley? what's the news? note
Sta.
My lord note, note
The marquiss Dorset, as I hear, is fled
To Richmond, in the parts where he abides.
Ric.
Come hither, Catesby: rumour note it abroad,
That Anne my wife is very grievous sick; note
I will take order for her keeping close.
Enquire me out some mean-born gentleman note,
Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter:
The boy is foolish, and I fear not him.
Look, how thou dream'st! I say again, give out,
That Anne my queen is note sick, and like to die:
About it; for it stands me much upon,
To stop all hopes, whose growth may damage me.—
[Exit Catesby.
I must be marry'd to my brother's daughter,
Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass:—
Murther her brothers note, and then marry her!
Uncertain way of gain! But I am in
So far in blood, that sin will note pluck note on sin.
Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye.—
Re-enter Page, with Tyrrel.
Is thy name—Tyrrel?
Tyr.
James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.
Ric.
Art thou, indeed?
Tyr.
Prove me, my gracious lord. note
Ric.
Dar'st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?
Tyr.
Please you; but I note had rather kill two enemies note.
-- 87 --
Ric.
Why, then thou note hast it; two note deep enemies,
Foes to my rest, and my note 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.
Ric.
Thou sing'st sweet musick. Hark, note come hither, Tyrrel;
Go, by this &dagger2; token note:—Rise, and lend thine ear:14Q0886
[whispers him.
There is no note more but so; Say, it is note done,
And I will love thee, and prefer thee for note it.
Tyr.
I will dispatch it straight. note
[Exit.
Re-enter Buckingham.
Buc.
My lord, I have consider'd in my mind
The late demand that note you did sound me in:
Ric.
Well, let that rest. note Dorset is fled to Richmond.
Buc.
I hear the news note, my lord.
Ric.
Stanley, he is your wife's son; Well, look to it. note
Buc.
My lord, I claim the gift note, my due by promise,
For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd;
The earldom of Hereford note, and the moveables
Which you have promised I shall possess note.
Ric.
Stanley, look to your wife; if she convey note
Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it.
Buc.
What says your highness to my just request? note
Ric.
I do remember note me, Henry the sixth
Did prophesy, that Richmond should be king,
When Richmond was a little peevish boy.
A king!—perhaps.
Buc.
My lord,— note
Ric.
How chance, the prophet could not at that time
-- 88 --
Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him?
Buc.
My lord, your promise for the earldom,—
Ric.
Richmond!—When last I was at Exeter,
The mayor in courtesy shew'd me the castle,
And call'd it—Rouge-mont: at which name, I started;
Because a bard of Ireland told me once,
I should not live long after I saw Richmond.
Buc.
My lord,—
Ric.
Ay, what's o'clock?
Buc.
I am thus bold to put your grace in mind
Of what you promis'd me:
Ric.
Well, but what's o'clock?
Buc.
Upon the stroke of ten.
Ric.
Well, let it strike.
Buc.
Why let it strike?
Ric.
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.
Buc.
Why, then resolve me note whe'r you will, or no.
Ric.
Thou note troubl'st me; I am not in the vein.
[Exeunt Richard, and Train.
Buc.
Is it note even so? repays he my note deep service
With such contempt note? made I him king for this?
O, let me think on Hastings; and be gone
To Brecknock, while my fearful head is on.
[Exit.
SCENE III.
The same.
Enter Tyrrel.
Tyr.
The tyrannous and bloody act is note done;
The most arch deed of note piteous massacre,
That ever yet this land was guilty of.
Dighton, and Forrest, whom I did suborn
-- 89 --
To do this piece of ruthless note butchery,
Albeit note they were flesht villains, bloody dogs,
Melting note with tenderness and kind compassion note,
Wept like to note children, in their deaths' sad story note.
O, thus note, quoth Dighton, lay the gentle babes note,—
Thus, thus, quoth Forrest; girdling note one another
Within their alablaster note innocent note arms:
Their lips were note four note red roses on a stalk,
Which, in note their summer beauty, kiss'd each other.
A book of prayers on their pillow lay;
Which once note, quoth Forrest, almost chang'd my mind:
But, o, the devil—there the villain stop'd;
When Dighton note thus told on,—we smothered
The most replenished sweet work of nature,
That, from the prime creation, e'er she note framed.
Hence both note are gone with conscience and remorse,
They could not speak; and so I left them both,
To bear note these tidings note to the bloody king.
Enter Richard.
And here he comes:—All health, my sovereign lord! note
Ric.
Kind Tyrrel! am I note 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. note
Ric.
But didst thou see them dead?
Tyr.
I did, my lord.
Ric.
And bury'd, gentle Tyrrel?
Tyr.
The chaplain of the tower hath bury'd them;
But where, to say the truth, I note do not know.
Ric.
Come to me, Tyrrel, soon, at after note supper,
When thou note shalt note tell the process of their death.
Mean time, but think how I may do thee good,
-- 90 --
And be inheritor of thy desire.
Farewel, 'till then. note
Tyr.
I humbly take my leave.
[Exit.
Ric.
The son of Clarence have I pen'd 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 Richmond aims
At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter,
And, by that knot, looks proudly on the note crown,
To her go I note, a jolly thriving wooer.
Enter Ratcliff. note
Rat.
My lord,—
Ric.
Good or bad news note, that thou com'st in note so bluntly?
Rat.
Bad news, my lord: Morton is note fled to Richmond;
And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power encreaseth.
Ric.
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near,
Than Buckingham and his rash-levy'd note strength.
Come,—I have learn'd, that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay;
Delay leads note impotent and snail-pac'd beggary:
Then fiery expedition be my wing note,
Jove's note Mercury, and herald for a king!
Go, muster note men: My counsel is my shield;
We must be brief, when traitors brave the field.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
The same. Before the Palace.
Enter Queen Margaret.
Q. M.
So, now prosperity begins to mellow,
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd,
-- 91 --
To watch the waining of mine enemies note:
A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France; hoping, the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret; Who comes here?
Enter the Queen, hastily; Dutchess of York following her.
Que.
Ah, my poor princes note! ah, my tender babes!
My unblown note flowers note, new-appearing sweets!
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. M.
Hover about her; say, that right for right14Q0887
Hath dim'd your infant morn to aged night.
Dut.
So many miseries have note craz'd my voice,
That my woe-weary'd tongue is still and mute. note—
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead? note
Q. M.
Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet, note
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.
Que.
Wilt thou, o God, fly from such gentle lambs,
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf?
Why didst note thou sleep, when such a deed was done?
Q. M.
When holy Henry note dy'd, and my sweet son?
Dut.
Dead life, blind sight, 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 on it.
Unlawfully note made drunk with innocent note blood.
Que.
Ah, that thou would'st as soon afford note a grave,
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat;
-- 92 --
Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here!
[throwing herself by her.
Ah, who hath any cause to mourn, but we? note
Q. M.
If ancient sorrow be most reverent,
Give mine the benefit of seniory note,
And let my griefs note frown on the upper hand.
[joining, and taking Seat between them.
If sorrow can admit society,
Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine:— note
I had an Edward, 'till a Richard kill'd him;
I had a husband, 'till a Richard note kill'd him:
Thou hadst an Edward, 'till a Richard kill'd him;
Thou hadst a Richard, 'till a Richard kill'd him.
Dut.
I had a Richard too, and thou didst kill him;
I had a Rutland too, thou holp'st note to kill him.
Q. M.
Thou hadst a Clarence too,14Q0888 and Richard note kill'd him.
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 handy-work;
14Q0889That excellent grand tyrant of the earth, note
That reigns in galled eyes of weeping souls,
Thy womb let loose, to chase 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 pue-fellow with others' moan!
Dut.
O Harry's wife, triúmph not in my woes;
God witness with me, I have wept for thine. note
Q. M.
Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge,
And now I cloy me with beholding it.
-- 93 --
Thy Edward he is dead, that kill'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 stab'd note my Edward;
And the beholders of this tragick note play, note
The adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smother'd in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer;
Only reserv'd their factor, to buy souls,
And send them note thither: But at hand, at hand,
Ensues his piteous and unpity'd end:
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar for him; saints pray,
To have him suddenly convey'd note from hence:—
Cancel his bond note of life, dear God, I pray,
That I may live to say note, The dog is dead!
Que.
O, thou didst prophesy, the time would come,
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottl'd spider, that foul bunch-back'd note toad.
Q. M.
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,
One heav'd a high note to be hurl'd down below:
A mother only mock'd with two fair babes note;
A dream of what thou wast; a garish flag, note
To be the aim of every dangerous shot;
A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble;
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? where be thy brothers?
Where be thy two sons? wherein note dost thou joy?
Who sues, and kneels, and says note—God save the queen?
-- 94 --
Where be the bending peers that flatter'd thee?
Where be the thronging troops that follow'd thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art.
For happy wife,14Q0890 a most distressed widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crown'd with care:
For one being su'd to, one that humbly sues; note
For one commanding all, obey'd of none;
For one that scorn'd at me, now scorn'd of me.
Thus hath the course of justice whirl'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 yoke;
From which even here I slip my weary'd head, note
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.—
Farewel, York's wife,—and queen of sad mischance,—
These English woes shall make note me smile in France.
Que.
O thou well skill'd in curses, stay a while,
And teach me how to curse mine enemies.
Q. M.
Forbear to sleep the night, and fast the day; note
Compare dead happiness note with living woe;
Think that thy 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;
Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.
Que.
My words note are dull, O, quicken them with thine!
Q. M.
Thy woes will make them sharp, and pierce like mine.
[Exit Margaret.
Dut.
Why should calamity be full of words?
-- 95 --
Que.
Windy attorneys to their note client note woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate note joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope: though what they do impart note
Help nothing else, yet note do they ease the heart.
Dut.
If so, then be not tongue-ty'd: go with me,
And in the breath of bitter words let's smother
My damned son, that thy two sweet note sons smother'd.
[Drum within.
I hear his drum,—be note copious in exclaims.
Enter Richard, and Train, marching.
Ric.
Who intercepts me in note my expedition?
Dut.
O, she note, that might have intercepted thee,
By strangling thee in her accursed womb,
From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done.
Que.
Hid'st note thou that forehead with a golden crown,
Where note should be branded, note if that right were right,
The slaughter of the prince that ow'd that crown,
And the dire death of my poor sons note, and brothers?
Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children?
Dut.
Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence?
And little Ned Plantagenet, his son?
Que.
Where is the gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey? note
Dut.
Where is kind Hastings?
Ric.
A flourish, trumpets;—strike alarum, drums;
Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women
Rail on the Lord's anointed: Strike, I say.—
[Flourish. Alarums.
Either be patient, and entreat me fair,
Or with the clamorous report note of war
Thus will I drown your exclamations.
Dut.
Art thou my son?
-- 96 --
Ric.
Ay; I thank God, my father, and yourself.
Dut.
Then patiently hear my impatience.
Ric.
Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
That cannot note brook the accent of reproof.
Dut.
O, let me speak. note
Ric.
Do, then; but I'll not hear.
Dut.
I will be mild and gentle in my words. note
Ric.
And brief, good mother; for I am in haste.
Dut.
Art thou so hasty? I have stay'd for thee,
God knows, in torment and in agony note.
Ric.
And came I not at last to comfort you?
Dut.
No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well,
Thou cam'st 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, sly, and bloody, note
More mild, but yet more harmful, kind in hatred: note
What comfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever grac'd me in thy note company?
Ric.
'Faith, none, but Humphrey Houre, that call'd your grace
To breakfast once, forth of my company.
If I be note so disgracious note in your sight note,
Let me march on, and not offend you, madam.— note
Strike up the drum.
Dut.
I pr'ythee, hear me speak.
Ric.
You speak too bitterly.
Dut.
Hear me a word;
For I shall never speak to thee again.
Ric.
So.
Dut.
Either thou wilt die, by God's just ordinance,
-- 97 --
Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror;
Or I with grief and extream age shall perish,
And never look upon thy note face again.
Therefore, take with thee my most heavy curse note;
Which, in the day of battle, tire thee more,
Than all the compleat armour that thou wear'st!
My prayers on the adverse party fight;
And there the little souls of Edward's children
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies,
And promise them success and victory note.
Bloody thou art, bloody note will be thy end;
Shame serves thy life, and doth thy death attend.
[Exit Dutchess.
Que.
Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse
Abides in me; I say amen to her. note
[going.
Ric.
Stay, madam, I must speak a note word with you.
Que.
I have no more sons of the royal blood,
For thee to murther note: for my daughters, Richard,—
They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens;
And therefore level not to hit their lives.
Ric.
You have a daughter call'd—Elizabeth,
Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.
Que.
And must she die for this? O, let her live,
And I'll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty;
Slander myself, as false to Edward's bed;
Throw over her the veil of note infamy:
So she may live unscar'd of bleeding note slaughter,
I will confess she was not Edward's daughter.
Ric.
Wrong not her birth, she is a royal princess. note
Que.
To save her life, I'll say—she is not so.
Ric.
Her life is safest only note in her birth.
-- 98 --
Que.
And only in that safety dy'd her brothers.
Ric.
Lo, at their births note good stars were note opposite.
Que.
No, to their lives bad friends note were contrary.
Ric.
All unavoided is the doom of destiny.
Que.
True, when avoided grace makes destiny:
My babes were destin'd to a fairer death,
If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life.
Ric.
You speak, as if that I had slain my cousins. note
Que.
Cousins, indeed;14Q0891 and by their uncle cozen'd
Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
Whose hand soever lanc'd note their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction:
No doubt, the murth'rous knife was dull and blunt,
'Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
To revel in the entrails of my lambs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys,
'Till that my nails were 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.
Ric.
Madam, so thrive I in my enterprize note
And dangerous success of bloody wars,
As I note intend more good to you and yours,
Than ever you and yours by me were harm'd! note
Que.
What good is cover'd with the face of heaven,
To be discover'd, that can do me good?
Ric.
The advancement of your children, gentle lady. note
Que.
Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads.
Ric.
No, to note the dignity and height of fortune,
The high note imperial type of this earth's glory.
Que.
Flatter my sorrows note with report of it;
-- 99 --
Tell me, what state, what dignity, what honour,
Canst thou devise note to any child of mine?
Ric.
Even all I have; ay, and note myself and all,
Will I withal note endow a child of thine;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs,
Which, thou supposest, I have done to thee.
Que.
Be brief, left that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date. note
Ric.
Then know, that, from my soul, I love thy daughter.
Que.
My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul.
Ric.
What do you think?
Que.
That thou dost love my daughter, from thy soul:
So, from thy soul's love, didst note thou love her note brothers;
And, from my heart's love, I do thank note thee for it.
Ric.
Be not so hasty to confound my meaning:
I mean, that with my soul I love thy daughter,
And do intend to note make her queen of England.
Que.
Well then note, who dost thou mean shall be her king?
Ric.
Even he, that makes her queen; Who else should be? note
Que.
What, thou?
Ric.
Even I: What think you of it, note madam?
Que.
How canst thou woo her?
Ric.
That would I note learn of you,
As one being best note acquainted with her humour.
Que.
And wilt thou learn of me?
Ric.
Madam, with all my heart.
Que.
Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers,
A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave,
Edward, and York; then, haply, will she note weep:
Therefore present to her,—as sometime note Margaret
Did to thy father, steep'd in Rutland's blood note,—
-- 100 --
A handkerchief; which, say to her, did drain
The purple sap from her sweet brother's body,
And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal. note
If this inducement move her note not to love,
Send her a letter of thy noble deeds note;
Tell her, thou mad'st away her uncle Clarence,
Her uncle Rivers; ay, and note, for her sake,
Mad'st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.
Ric.
You note mock me, madam; this is not the way
To win your daughter.
Que.
There is no other way;
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape,
And not be Richard that hath done all this.
Ric.
Say, that14Q0892I did all this for love of her? note
Que.
Nay, then (indeed) she cannot choose but hate thee,
Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.
Ric.
Look, what is done cannot be now amended:
Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give note leisure to repent.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends, I'll give it to your daughter:
If I have kill'd the issue of your womb,
To quicken your encrease, I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter:
A grandam's name is little less in love,
Than is the doting title of a mother;
They are as children, but one step below,
Even of your metal, of your very blood;
Of all one pain,—save for a night of groans
Endur'd of her, for whom you 'bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
-- 101 --
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,
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 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 sov'reignty; 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 laurels 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 vict'ress, Cæsar's Cæsar.
Que.
What were I best to say? her father's brother
Would be her lord? Or shall I say, her uncle?
-- 102 --
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?
Ric.
Infer fair England's peace by this alliance.
Que.
Which she shall purchase with still lasting war.
Ric.
Tell her, the king, that may note command, entreats.
Que.
That at her hands, which the king's King forbids note.
Ric.
Say, she shall be a high and mighty queen.
Que.
To wail note the title, as her mother doth.
Ric.
Say, I will love her everlastingly.
Que.
But how long shall that title, ever, last?
Ric.
Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end.
Que.
But how long fairly shall her sweet life last note?
Ric.
As long note as heaven, and nature, lengthens it.
Que.
As long note as hell, and Richard, likes of it.
Ric.
Say, I, her sovereign, am her subject love. note
Que.
But she, your subject, loaths such sov'reignty.
Ric.
Be eloquent in my behalf to her.
Que.
An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told.
Ric.
Then plainly to her tell my note loving tale.
Que.
Plain, and not honest, is too harsh a style.
Ric.
Your note reasons are too shallow and too quick.
Que.
O, no, my reasons are too deep and dead;—
Too deep14Q0893 and dead, poor infants, in your note graves note.
Ric.
Harp not on that string, madam; that is past. note
Que.
Harp on it note still shall I, till heart-strings break.
Ric.
Now, by my george, my garter, and my crown,—
Que.
Prophan'd, dishonour'd, and the third usurp'd.
Ric.
I swear note:
Que.
By nothing; for this is no oath:
Thy george, prophan'd, hath lost his lordly note honour;
-- 103 --
Thy garter note, blemish'd, pawn'd his knightly note virtue;
Thy crown note, usurp'd, disgrac'd his kingly glory note:
If something note thou would'st swear note to be believ'd,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wrong'd.
Ric.
Now by the world;
Que.
'Tis full of thy foul wrongs.
Ric.
My father's death;
Que.
Thy note life hath that note dishonour'd.
Ric.
Then, by myself;
Que.
Thyself is self-mis-us'd. note
Ric.
Why then, by heaven: note
Que.
Heaven's wrong note is most of all.
If thou hadst fear'd note to break an oath by him note,
The unity, the king thy note brother note made,
Had not been broken, nor my brother slain: note
If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by him note,
The imperial metal, circling now thy head, note
Had grac'd the tender temples of my child;
And both the princes had been breathing here,
Which now, too note tender bed-fellows note for dust,
Thy broken faith hath made a prey note for worms.
What canst thou swear by now? note
Ric.
The note time to come.
Que.
That thou hast wronged in the time note o'er-past;
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,
Ungovern'd youth, to wail it in their note age;
The parents live, whose children thou hast butcher'd,
Old barren plants note, to wail it with their age:
Swear not by time to come; for that thou hast
Mis-us'd ere us'd, by times ill-us'd note o'er-past note.
-- 104 --
Ric.
As I intend to prosper, and repent!
So thrive I in my dangerous attempt note
Of hostile arms! myself myself confound!
Heaven, 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 proceeding 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 myself, and thee, note
Herself, the land, and many a christian soul,
Death, desolation note, ruin, and decay:
It cannot be avoided, but by this;
It will not be avoided, but by this.
Therefore, dear mother note, (I must call you so)
Be the attorney of my love to her:
Plead what I will be, not what I have been;
Not my deserts note, but what I will deserve:
Urge the necessity and state of times,
And be not peevish found note in great designs.
Que.
Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?
Ric.
Ay, if the devil tempt you to note do good.
Que.
Shall I forget myself, to be myself?
Ric.
Ay, if yourself's note remembrance wrong yourself.
Que.
But note thou didst kill my children.
Ric.
But in your daughter's womb I bury note them:
Where, in that nest of spicery,14Q0894 they shall note breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.
Que.
Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?
Ric.
And be a happy mother by the note deed.
Que.
I go.—Write to me very shortly,
-- 105 --
And you shall understand from me her mind. note
Ric.
Bear her my true love's kiss, [saluting the Queen.] and so note farewel;
[Exit Queen.
Relenting fool, and shallow, changing—woman.
Enter Ratcliff; Catesby following.
How now? what news? note
Rat.
Most mighty sovereign note, on the western coast
Rideth a note puissant navy; to the shore note
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends,
Unarm'd, and unresolv'd to beat them back:
'Tis thought, that Richmond is their admiral;
And there they hull, expecting but the aid
Of Buckingham, to welcome them ashore.
Ric.
Some light-foot friend post to the duke of Norfolk;—
Ratcliff, thyself,—or Catesby, Where is he?
Cat.
Here, my good note lord.
Ric.
Catesby, fly to the duke. note
Cat.
I will, my lord, with all convenient haste.
Ric.
Ratcliff, come note hither: Post to Salisbury;
When thou com'st thither, note—Dull unmindful villain,
Why stay'st thou here, and note go'st not to the duke?
Cat.
First, mighty liege, tell me your highness' pleasure, note
What from your grace I shall deliver note to him.
Ric.
O, true, good Catesby; Bid him levy straight
The greatest strength and power he note can make,
And meet me suddenly note at Salisbury.
Cat.
I go.
[Exit Cat.
Rat.
What, may it please you, shall I do note at Salisbury?
Ric.
Why, what wouldst thou do there, before I go?
Rat.
Your highness told me, I should post before.
Enter Stanley.
Ric.
My mind is chang'd.—Stanley, what note news with you?
-- 106 --
Sta.
None good, my liege note, to please you with the hearing note;
Nor none so bad, but well may be reported. note
Ric.
Heyday, a riddle; neither good, nor bad!
What need'st note thou run so many miles note about,
When thou may'st tell thy tale the nearest note way?
Once more, what news?
Sta.
Richmond is on the seas.
Ric.
There let him sink, and be the seas on him!
White-liver'd runagate, what doth he there?
Sta.
I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.
Ric.
Well, as you guess? note
Sta.
Stir'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton, note
He makes for England, here note to claim the crown.
Ric.
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?
And who is England's king, but great York's heir?
Then, tell me, what makes he upon the seas?
Sta.
Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.
Ric.
Unless for that he comes to be your liege,
You cannot note guess wherefore the Welshman note comes.
Thou wilt revolt, and fly to him, I fear.
Sta.
No, mighty liege; note therefore mistrust me not.
Ric.
Where is thy power then, to note beat him back?
Where be note thy tenants, and thy followers?
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships?
Sta.
No, my good lord, my friends are in the north.
Ric.
Cold friends to me: What note do they in the north,
When they should serve their sovereign in the west?
Sta.
They have not been commanded, mighty king: note
Pleaseth note your majesty to give me leave,
-- 107 --
I'll muster up my friends; and meet your grace,
Where, and what time, your majesty shall please.
Ric.
Ay, ay, thou note wouldst be gone, to join with Richmond:
I will not trust you, note sir.
Sta.
Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful;
I never was, nor never will be, false.
Ric.
Well, go, muster thy men. But, hear you, leave note behind
Your son, George Stanley: look your heart be note firm,
Or else his head's assurance is but frail.
Sta.
So deal with him, as I prove true to you.
[Exit.
Enter a Messenger.
Mes.
My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertised,
Sir Edward Courtney note, and the haughty prelate,
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother, note
With many more confederates, are in arms.
Enter another Messenger.
2. M.
In Kent, my liege, note the Guilfords are in arms;
And every hour more competitors
Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong. note
Enter another Messenger.
3. M.
My lord, the army of great Buckingham note—
Ric.
Out on ye note, owls! nothing but songs of death!
There, take thou † that, till thou bring note better news.
[striking him.
3. M.
The news note I have to tell your majesty,
Is,—that, by sudden floods note and fall of waters note,
Buckingham's note army is dispers'd and scatter'd;
And he himself wander'd away alone note,
No man knows whither.
-- 108 --
Ric.
O, I cry you note mercy: note
There is &dagger2; my purse, to cure that blow of thine.
Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd note
Reward to him note that brings note the traitor in?
3. M.
Such proclamation hath been made, my lord. note
Enter another Messenger.
4. M.
Sir Thomas Lovel, and lord marquiss Dorset,
'Tis said, my liege, in note Yorkshire are in arms.
But this good comfort bring I to your highness, note—
The Breton navy is dispers'd by tempest note:
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, 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 him, they came from Buckingham
Upon his party: he, mistrusting them,
Hois'd sail, and made his course again for note Bretagne.
Ric.
March on, march on, since we are up in arms;
If not to fight with foreign enemies,
Yet to beat down note these rebels here at home.
Enter Catesby.
Cat.
My liege, the duke of Buckingham is taken,
That is the best news; That the earl of Richmond
Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder news, but yet note it must note be told.
Ric.
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.
[Exeunt.
SCENE V.
The same. A Room in Lord Stanley's House.
Enter Stanley, and Urswick.
Sta.
Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me:—
-- 109 --
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 my note present aid.
But, tell me, where is princely Richmond now?
Urs.
At Pembroke, or at Ha'rford note-west, in Wales.
Sta.
What men of name resort to him?
Urs.
Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned note soldier;
Sir Gilbert Talbot, and sir William Stanley,
Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, sir James Blunt,
And note 'rice ap Thomas, with a valiant crew;
And many other of great fame note and worth:
And towards London do they note bend their course, note
If by the way they be not fought withal.
Sta.
Well, hie thee to thy lord note; commend me to him;
Tell him, the queen hath heartily consented
He shall espouse Elizabeth her daughter.
Those note † letters will resolve him of my mind.
Farewel.
[Exeunt, severally.
ACT V.
SCENE I.
Salisbury. An open Place.
Enter Buckingham, to Execution; Sheriff, note and Guard, with him.
Buc.
Will not king Richard let me speak with him?
She.
No, my good note lord; therefore be patient.
Buc.
Hastings, and Edward's children, Rivers, Grey note,
Holy king Henry, and thy fair son Edward,
Vaughan, and all that have miscarried
By underhand corrupted foul injustice;
-- 110 --
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?
She.
It is, my lord note.
Buc.
Why, then All-souls' day is my body's dooms-day.
This is the day, which, in note king Edward's time,
I wish'd might fall on me, when I was found
False to his children, or his note wife's allies:
This is the day, wherein I wish'd to fall
By the false faith of him whom most I trusted; note
This, this All note-souls' day to my fearful soul,
Is the determin'd respit of my wrongs:14Q0895
That high All-seer whom I note note dally'd with,
Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head,
And given in earnest what I beg'd in jest.
Thus doth he force the swords note of wicked men
To turn their own note points on their masters' bosoms:
Thus Margaret's curse falls heavy on my neck, note—
When he, quoth she, shall split thy heart with sorrow,
Remember Margaret was a prophetess.—
Come, sirs, convey me to note the block of shame;
Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.
[Exit, guarded.
SCENE II.
Fields near Tamworth.
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Henry Earl of Richmond,
and Forces, marching; Earl of Oxford, Sir James Blunt,
Sir Walter Herbert, and Others, about him.
Hen.
Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends,
Bruis'd underneath the yoke of tyranny,
Thus far into the bowels of the land
-- 111 --
Have we march'd on without impediment;
And here receive we from our father Stanley
Lines of fair comfort and encouragement.
The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar,
That spoils note your summer fields note, and fruitful vines,
Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough
In your embowel'd bosoms,—this foul swine
Lies now note even in the center 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, chearly on note, courageous friends,
To reap the harvest of perpetual peace
By this one bloody trial of sharp war.
Oxf.
Every man's conscience is a thousand swords, note
To fight against that bloody homicide. note
Her.
I doubt not, but his friends will turn to note us.
Blu.
He hath no friends, but who are note friends for fear;
Which, in his dearest need, will fly note from him.
Hen.
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, marching.
14Q0896
SCENE III.
A Field by Bosworth.
Drums. Enter King Richard, and Forces; Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Surrey, and Others.
Ric.
Here pitch our tent note, [to some Officers.] even here in Bosworth field.—
My lord of Surrey, why look you so note sad?
Sur.
My heart is ten times lighter than my looks. note
Ric.
My lord of Norfolk note,—
Nor.
Here, most gracious liege.
-- 112 --
Ric.
Norfolk, we must have knocks; Ha! must we not?
Nor.
We must both give and take, my loving lord note.
Ric.
Up with my tent:—[Tent set up.] Here note will I lye to-night;
But where, to-morrow?—Well, all's one for that.—
Who hath descry'd the number of the traitors? note
Nor.
Six or seven thousand is their utmost power note.
Ric.
Why, our battalion note trebles that account:
Besides, the king's note name is a tower of strength,
Which they upon the adverse faction note want.—
Up with the tent.—Come, noble gentlemen note,
Let us survey the vantage of the ground note;—
Call for some men of sound direction:—
Let's lack no note discipline, make no delay;
For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day.
[Exeunt.
Drums. Enter, on the other Side of the Field,
Soldiers of Richmond's Army, and set up his Tent:
Then, Enter Henry, Blunt, Oxford, Herbert,
Sir William Brandon, and Others.
Hen.
The weary sun hath made a golden set note,
And, by the bright track note of his fiery car,
Gives token of note a goodly day to-morrow.—
Sir William Brandon, you shall note bear my standard.—
Give me some ink and paper in my tent;— note
I'll draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several charge,
And part in just proportion our small power.— note
My lord of Oxford,—you, sir William Brandon,— note
And you, sir Walter Herbert, stay with me:—
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
-- 113 --
Desire the earl to see me in my tent:—
Yet one thing more, good captain, do for me; note
Where is lord Stanley quarter'd, do you note know?
Blu.
Unless I have mista'en his colours much,
(Which, well I am assur'd, I have not done)
His regiment lies note half a mile at least
South from the mighty power of the king.
Hen.
If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him note,
And give him from me this most needful note &dagger2; note.
Blu.
Upon my life, note my lord, I'll undertake it;
And so God give you quiet rest to-night! note,
Hen.
Good night, good captain Blunt. note—[Exit Blu. Come, gentlemen note,
Let us consult upon to-morrow's business;
In to note my tent note, the air is note raw and cold.
[Exeunt.
Enter, to his Tent, King Richard, Norfolk, Ratcliff, and Catesby.
Ric.
What is't note o'clock?
Cat.
It's supper-time, my lord; note
It's nine o'clock.
Ric.
I will not sup to-night. note14Q0897
What, is my beaver easier than it was?
And all my armour lay'd into my tent?
Cat.
It is, my liege; and all things are in readiness.
Ric.
Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge, away;
Use careful watch, choose trusty centinels note.
Nor.
I go, my lord.
Ric.
Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk.
Nor.
I warrant you, my lord.
[Exit Nor.
Ric.
Ratcliff note,—
Rat.
My lord?
-- 114 --
Ric.
Send out a pursuivant at arms
To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power
Before sun-rising, lest his son George fall
Into the blind cave of eternal night.—
Fill me a bowl of wine:—[to Cat.] Give me a watch:—
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow:
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.—
Ratcliff,—
Rat.
My lord?
Ric.
Saw'st thou note the melancholy lord Northumberland?
Rat.
Thomas the earl of Surrey, and himself,
Much about cock-shut note time, from troop to troop
Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers.
Ric.
I am satisfy'd. Give me a bowl of wine:
I have not that alacrity of spirit,
Nor cheer of note mind, that I was wont to have.—
[Wine brought.
So, set it down.—Is ink and paper ready?14Q0898
Rat.
It is, my lord.
Ric.
Bid my guard watch, and leave me.
About the mid note of night, come to my tent
And help to arm me, Ratcliff. Leave me, I say.
[Exeunt Rat. and Cat.
Richmond's Tent opens; discovering him, and his Friends, conferring: to them, Stanley.
Sta.
Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!
Hen.
All comfort that the dark night can afford
Be to thy person, noble father-in-law!
Tell me, how fares it with our loving mother note?
Sta.
I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond's good:
So much for that. The silent hours steal on,
-- 115 --
And flaky note 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-fearing 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 tender brother note George
Be executed in his father's sight.
Farewel: the leisure and the fearful time
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love,
And ample enterchange of sweet discourse,
Which so long sundred note friends should dwell upon;
God give us leisure for these rites note of love!
Once more, adieu: Be valiant, and speed well!
Hen.
Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I'll strive, with troubl'd thoughts, to note take a nap;
Lest leaden slumber peize me down to-morrow,
When I should mount with wings of victory:
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.
[Exeunt Lords, &c. with Stanley.
O thou, whose captain I account myself,
[going towards a Couch, and kneeling.
Look on 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 victory note!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
-- 116 --
Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes;
Sleeping, and waking, o defend me still!
[throws himself upon the Couch, and sleeps.
Lightning, and hollow Sounds.14Q0899 Suddenly,
is seen rising, betweon note the Tents, the Ghost of Prince
Edward, Son to Henry the sixth.
Edw.
Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow!
[to Richard, sitting asleep in his Chair.
Think, how thou stab'dst note me in my prime of youth
At Tewksbury; Despair therefóre note, and die!—
Be chearful, Richmond; for the wronged souls
Of butcher'd princes fight in thy behalf:
King Henry's issue, Richmond, comforts thee.
Ghost of Henry the sixth rises.
Hen.
When I was mortal, my anointed body
By thee was punched full of deadly holes:
Think on the tower, and me; Despair, and die;
Henry note the sixth bids thee despair and die!—
Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror!
Harry, that prophesy'd thou should'st be king,
Doth comfort thee in sleep note; Live thou, and flourish!
Ghost of Clarence rises.
Cla.
Let me sit heavy on thy note soul to-morrow;
I, that was wash'd to death with fulsom wine,
Poor Clarence, by thy guile betray'd to death!
To-morrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword; Despair, and die!—
Thou off-spring of the house of Lancaster,
The wronged heirs of York do pray for thee;
Good angels guard thy battle! live, and flourish!
Ghosts of Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan, rise.
Riv.
Let me sit heavy on thy note soul to-morrow,
-- 117 --
Rivers, that dy'd at Pomfret! Despair, and die!
Gre.
Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!
Vau.
Think upon Vaughan; and, with guilty fear,
Let fall thy hurtless lance, despair, and die!—
all.
Awake; and think, our wrongs in Richard's bosom
Will conquer him note; awake, and win the day!
Ghost of Hastings rises.
Has.
Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake note;
And in a bloody battle end thy days!
Think on lord Hastings; and despair, and die!—
Quiet untroubl'd soul, awake, awake;
Arm, fight, and conquer, for fair England's sake!
Ghosts of the two young Princes rise.
Pri.
Dream on thy cousins smother'd in the tower;
Let us be lay'd within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death!
Thy nephews' souls bid note thee despair and die.—
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace, and wake in joy;
Good angels guard thee from the boar's annoy!
Live, and beget a happy race of kings!
Edward's unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.
Ghost of Lady Anne rises.
Ann.
Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife,
That never slept a quite hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations:
To-morrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword; Despair, and die!—
Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep;
Dream of success and happy victory;
Thy adversary's wife doth pray for thee.
Ghost of Buckingham rises.
-- 118 --
Buc.
The first was I, that help'd thee to the crown;
The last was I, that felt thy tyranny note:
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!—
I dy'd forsook, ere note I could lend thee aid:
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.
[Lightning; and the Ghosts vanish.
Ric.
Give me another horse,—14Q0900 bind up my wounds,—
[starting wildly out of his Sleep.
Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft; I did but dream.—
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!—
The lights burn blue. Is it note not dead midnight?
Cold fearful drops stand note on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? myself? there's none else by:
Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I.
Is there a murtherer here? No; Yes, I am:
Then fly,—What, from myself? Great reason: Why?
Left I revenge. Myself upon myself?14Q0901
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 I note lie, I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well: Fool, do not flatter.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain:
Perjury, perjury note, in the highest degree;
-- 119 --
Murther, stern murther, in the dir'st degree;
All several sins, all us'd in each degree,
Throng to note the bar, crying all—Guilty! guilty!
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me;
And, if I die, no soul shall note pity me:—
Nay, wherefore note should they? since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself.
Methought, the souls of all that I have murther'd note
Came to note my tent; and every one did threat
To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard.
Enter Ratcliff.
Rat.
My lord,—
Ric.
'Zouns, who is there? note
[starting.
Rat.
My note lord, 'tis I: The early village cock
Hath twice note done salutation to the morn;
Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour.
Ric.
O, Ratcliff, I have dream'd a fearful dream!— note
What thinkest thou? will our friends prove all true?
Rat.
No doubt, my lord.
Ric.
Ratcliff note, I fear, I fear.
Rat.
Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.
Ric.
By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night
Have strook more terror to the soul of Richard,
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers,
Armed in proof, and led by shallow Richmond.
It is not yet near day. Come, go with me
Under our tents; I'll play the eaves-dropper,
To hear if note any mean to shrink from me.
[Exeunt.
Richmond wakes. Enter Oxford, and Others, to him.
Oxf.
Good morrow, Richmond.
Hen.
'Cry mercy note, lords, and watchful gentlemen,
-- 120 --
That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here.
Oxf.
How have you slept, my lord?
Hen.
The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding dreams
That ever enter'd in a drowzy head,
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought, their souls, whose bodies note Richard murther'd,
Came to my tent, and cry'd on victory:
I promise you, my heart is note very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords?
1. L.
Upon the stroke of four.
Hen.
Why, then 'tis time to arm, and give direction.
[arms, and comes forth.
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
[to his Troops; who now gather about the Tent.
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon: Yet remember this,—
God, and our good cause, fight upon our side;
The prayers of holy saints, and wronged souls,
Like high-rear'd bulwarks, stand before our faces;
Richard except, 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 rais'd in blood, and one in blood establish'd;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughter'd 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;
-- 121 --
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 shall pay your pains the hire;
If you do fight in safe-guard 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
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound, drums and trumpets note, boldly, chearfully note;
God, and saint George! Richmond, and victory!
[Shouts, &c. and Exeunt.
Re-enter Richard, and Ratcliff; Attendants, and Forces, with them.
Ric.
What said Northumberland, as touching Richmond?
Rat.
That he was never trained up in arms.
Ric.
He said the truth: And what said Surrey then?
Rat.
He smil'd and said, the better for our purpose.
Ric.
He was i'the right; and so, indeed, it is.
[Clock strikes.
Tell the clock there.—Give me a kalendar.—
Who saw the sun to-day?
Rat.
Not I, my lord.
Ric.
Then he disdains to shine; for, by the book,
He should have brav'd the east an hour ago:
A black day will it be to somebody.—
Ratcliffe,— note
-- 122 --
Rat.
My lord?
Ric.
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,
More than to Richmond? for the self-same heaven,
That frowns on me, looks sadly upon him.
Enter Norfolk, and Others, hastily.
Nor.
Arm, arm, my lord; the foe vaunts in the field.
Ric.
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 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 foot note and horse.
They thus directed, we ourself will follow
In the main battle; which, on note either side,
Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse.
This, and saint George to boot note,—What think'st thou, note Norfolk?
Nor.
A good direction, warlike sovereign.
This &dagger2; paper found I on my tent this morning.
Ric.
Jockey of Norfolk,14Q0902 be not too note bold;
[reads.
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devised by the enemy.—
[throws it away.
Go, gentlemen, every man unto note his charge:
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls;
For note conscience is a note word that cowards use,
Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe;
Our strong arms be our conscience note, swords our note law.
-- 123 --
March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell;
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.—
What shall I say more than I have infer'd?
[turning to his Troops.
Remember whom you note are to cope withal;—
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, runaways note;
A scum of Bretons, and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyed country vomits forth
To desperate 'ventures note and assur'd destruction:
You sleeping safe, they bring you to unrest;
You having lands, and blest with beauteous wives,
They would distrain note the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them, but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Bretagne at our brother's note cost?
A milk-sop, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow?
Let's whip these straglers o'er the seas again;
Lash hence these over-weaning 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:
If we be conquer'd, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Bretons; whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bob'd, and thump'd,
And, on record, left them the heirs note of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands note? lye with our wives?
Ravish our daughters?—Hark, I hear their drum.
[Drum afar off.
Fight, gentlemen note of England! fight, bold note yeomen!
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head!
Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood;
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves!—
-- 124 --
Enter a Messenger.
What says lord Stanley? will he bring his power?
Mes.
My lord, he doth deny to come to you.
Ric.
Off instantly with his son George's head.
Nor.
My lord, the enemy is past the marsh;
After the battle let George Stanley die.
Ric.
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 our helms note.
[Drums, and Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
Another Part of the Field.
Alarums, as of a Battle join'd. Excursions. Enter Norfolk, and Forces, fighting; to him, Catesby.
Cat.
Rescue, my lord of Norfolk, rescue, rescue!
The king enacts more wonders than a man,
Daring, and opposite note14Q0903 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!
Enter Richard.
Ric.
A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!
Cat.
Withdraw, my lord, I'll help you to a horse.
Ric.
Slave, I have set my life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the dye:
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, fighting.
Other long Alarums: afterwards, a Retreat.
-- 125 --
Shouts; and Enter Richmond victorious,
his Sword bloody; Stanley, with Richard's Crown in
his Hand; other Lords, and Forces.
Hen.
God, and your arms note, be prais'd, victorious friends;
The day is ours, the bloody dog is dead.
Sta.
Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit thee!
Lo, here, this note long-usurped royalty 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 of it.
[sets it upon his Head. Shouts.
Hen.
Great God of heaven, say amen to all!—
But, tell me, is your son George note Stanley living?
Sta.
He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town;
Whither, if it please you note, we may now note withdraw us.
Hen.
What men of name are slain on either side?
Sta. note
John duke of Norfolk, Walter lord Ferrers,
Sir Robert Brakenbury, and sir William Brandon.
[reading out of a Note.
Hen.
Interr 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 upon this fair conjunction,
That long hath 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 madly slaughter'd his own son,
The son note compell'd been butcher to the fire:
All this divided York and Lancaster
-- 126 --
Divided, in their dire division.—
O, now, let Richmond and Elizabeth,
The true succeeders of each royal house,
By God's fair ordinance conjoin together!
And let their heirs note (God, if thy will note be so)
Enrich the time to come with smooth-fac'd peace,
With smiling plenty, and fair prosperous days!
Abate 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 encrease,
That would with treason wound this fair land's peace!
Now civil wounds are stop'd, peace lives again;
That she may long live here, God say—Amen!
Flourish.
Exeunt.
