Cibber, Colley. Richard III
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ACT the Fourth


The Scene, The Tower

[Enter the two Princes with the Queen, the Dutchess of York, and Lady Ann in tears.]

PRINCE EDWARD

1272: Pray, Madam, do not leave me yet,
1273: For I have many more complaints to tell you.
QUEEN

1274: And I unable to redress the least:
1275: What wou'dst thou say, my Child?
PRINCE EDWARD

1276: O Mother! Since I first have lain in'th'Tower
1277: My rest has still been broke with frightful Dreams,
1278: Of shocking News has wak'd me into tears.
1279: I'm scarce allow'd a Friend to visit me:
1280: All my old honest Servants are turn'd off,
1281: And in their rooms are strange ill-natur'd fellows,
1282: Who look so bold, as they were all my Masters;
1283: And, I'm afraid, they'll shortly take you from me.
DUTCHESS OF YORK

1284: O mournful hearing!
ANN

1285: O unhappy Prince!
DUKE OF YORK

1286: Dear Brother, why do you weep so?
1287: You make me cry too.
QUEEN

1288: Alas, poor Innocence!
PRINCE EDWARD

1289: Wou'd I but knew at what my Uncle aims;
1290: If 'twere my Crown, I'd freely give it him,
1291: So he'd but let me 'joy my life in quiet.
DUKE OF YORK

1292: Why! will my Uncle kill us, Brother?
PRINCE EDWARD

1293: I hope he wo'n't: We never injur'd him.
QUEEN

1294: I cannot bear to see 'em thus. -- - [Weeping.]

1295: Enter to them, Lord Stanley.
STANLEY

1296: Madam, I hope your Majesty will pardon
1297: What I am griev'd to tell, Unwelcome News.
QUEEN

1298: Ah me! more sorrow yet! My Lord; we've long
1299: Despair'd of happy Tydings, pray what is't?
STANLEY

1300: On Tuesday last, your noble Kinsmen Rivers,
1301: Grey, and Sir Thomas Vaughan at Pomfret,
1302: Were Executed on a publick Scaffold.


-33-



DUTCHESS OF YORK

1303: O dismal Tydings.
PRINCE EDWARD

1304: O poor Uncles! I doubt my turn is next.
ANN

1305: Nor mine, I fear, far off.
QUEEN

1306: Why, then let's welcome Blood and Massacre,
1307: Yield all our Throats to fierce Tygers rage,
1308: And die lamenting one another's wrongs.
1309: O! I foresaw this ruin of our House. [Weeps.]
[Enter Catesby to Lady Ann.]

CATESBY

1310: Madam, the King
1311: Has sent me to inform your Majesty
1312: That you prepare (as is advis'd from Counsel)
1313: To morrow for your Royal Coronation.
QUEEN

1314: What do I hear? Support me, Heaven!
ANN

1315: Despightful Tydings! O unpleasing News!
1316: Alas, I heard of this before, but cou'd not
1317: For my soul take heart to tell you of it.
CATESBY

1318: The King does further wish your Majesty
1319: Wou'd less employ your visits at the Tower.
1320: He gives me leave t'attend you to the Court,
1321: And is impatient, Madam, till he sees you.
ANN

1322: Farewel to all, and thou, poor injur'd Queen:
1323: Forgive the unfriendly duty I must pay.
QUEEN

1324: Alas, kind Soul, I envy not thy Glory,
1325: Nor think I'm pleas'd thou'rt partner in our sorrow.
CATESBY

1326: Madam. --
ANN

1327: I come -- -
QUEEN

1328" ana="Shakespeare: Farewell, thou woeful welcomer of Glory.
CATESBY

1329: Shall I attend your Majesty?
ANN

1330: Attend me! Whither, to be Crown'd?
1331" ana="Shakespeare: Let me with deadly Venome be Anointed,
1332" ana="Shakespeare: And die e'er Men can say, Long live the Queen.
QUEEN

1333" ana="Shakespeare: Poor grieving heart, I pity thy complaining.
ANN

1334" ana="Shakespeare: No more than with my Soul I mourn for yours:
1335: A long farewel to all. -- - [(Exit Lady A. and Cat.]

STANLEY

1336: Take comfort, Madam.
QUEEN

1337: Alas, where is it to be found?
1338: Death and Destruction follow us so close,
1339: They shortly must o'retake us.
STANLEY

1340: In Brittany
1341: My Son-in-Law the Earl of Richmond still
1342: Resides, who with a jealous Eye observes
1343: The lawless actions of aspiring Richard:
1344: To him, (wou'd I advise you) Madam, fly
1345: Forthwith for Aid, Protection, and Redress.


-34-



1346: He will I'm sure with open arms receive you.
DUTCHESS OF YORK

1347: Delay not Madam,
1348: For 'tis the only hope that Heaven has left us.
QUEEN

1349: Do with me what you please: For any Change
1350: Must surely better our Condition.
STANLEY

1351: I farther wou'd advise you, Madam, this
1352: Instant to remove the Princes to some
1353: Remote Abode, where you your self are Mistress.
PRINCE EDWARD

1354: Dear Madam take me hence: For I shall ne'er
1355: Enjoy a moments quiet here.
DUKE OF YORK

1356: Nor I: Pray Mother let me go too?
QUEEN

1357: Come then, my pretty young ones, lets away:
1358: For here you lie within the Falcon's reach,
1359: Who watches but th' unguarded hour to seize you. [Enter Lieutenant with an Order.]

LIEUTENANT

1360: I beg your Majesty will pardon me:
1361: But the young Princes must, on no account,
1362: Have egress from the Tower,
1363: Nor must, without the King's especial License,
1364: Of what degree soever, any Person
1365: Have admittance to 'em. -- All must retire.
QUEEN

1366: 'I am their Mother, Sir, who else commands 'em?
1367: 'If I pass freely, they shall follow me.
1368: 'For you -- I'll take the peril of your fault upon my self.
LIEUTENANT

1369: My Inclination, Madam, wou'd oblige you,
1370: 'But I am bound by Oath, and must obey.
1371: Nor, Madam, can I now with safety answer
1372: For this continued Visit.
1373: Please you my Lord to read these Orders. [(Gives'em Ld Stanley.]

QUEEN

1374: O Heavenly powers! Shall I not stay with 'em?
LIEUTENANT

1375: Such are the Kings Commands, Madam.
QUEEN

1376: My Lord!
STANLEY

1377: 'Tis too true, and it were vain t'oppose 'em.
QUEEN

1378: Support me Heaven!
1379: For life can never bear the pangs of such a parting.
1380: O my poor Children! O distracting thought!
1381: I dare not bid 'em (as I shou'd) farewel,
1382: And then to part in silence stabs my Soul.
PRINCE EDWARD

1383: What, must you leave us, Mother?
QUEEN

1384: What shall I say? [(Aside.]

1385: But for a time, my Loves -- we shall meet again,
1386: At least in Heaven. [To her sons.]

DUKE OF YORK

1387: Won't you take me with you, Mother?
1388: I shall be so 'fraid to stay when you are gone.


-35-



QUEEN

1389: I cannot speak to 'em, and yet we must
1390: Be parted -- Then let these kisses say farewel. [kissing 'em.]

1391: Why! O why just Heaven, must these be our last?
DUTCHESS OF YORK

1392: Give not your grief such way: be sudden when you part.
QUEEN

1393: I will -- since it must be, to Heaven I leave 'em.
1394: Hear me, you Guardian powers of Innocence!
1395: Awake or sleeping: O! protect 'em still,
1396: Still may their helpless youth attract mens pity;
1397: That when the arm of Cruelty is rais'd,
1398: Their looks may drop the lifted Dagger down
1399: From the stern murderers relenting hand,
1400: And throw him on his knees in penitence.
BOTH PRINCES

1401: O Mother! Mother!
QUEEN

1402: O my poor Children! [(Ex. parted severally.]

The Scene changes to the Presence, discovering Richard seated with Buckingham, Catesby, Ratcliff, Lovel, other Lords and Attendants


RICHARD

1403" ana="Shakespeare: Stand all apart: Cousin of Buckingham.
BUCKINGHAM

1404" ana="Shakespeare: My gracious Sovereign.
RICHARD

1405" ana="Shakespeare: Give me thy hand:
1406" ana="Shakespeare: At length by thy advice and thy assistance
1407" ana="Shakespeare: Is Richard seated on the English Throne.
1408" ana="Shakespeare: But say, my cousin, what,
1409" ana="Shakespeare: Shall we wear these Glories for a day?
1410" ana="Shakespeare: Or shall they last, and we rejoyce in 'em?
BUCKINGHAM

1411: I hope for Ages, Sir, Long may they Grace you.
RICHARD

1412" ana="Shakespeare: O Buckingham! now do I play the touch-stone,
1413: 'To try if thou be current Friend indeed.
1414: 'Young Edward lives: So does his Brother York.
1415: 'Now think what I wou'd speak!
BUCKINGHAM

1416: 'Say on, my gracious Lord.
RICHARD

1417: I tell thee, Cuz, I've lately had two Spiders
1418: Crawling upon my startled hopes: Now tho'
1419: Thy friendly hand has brush'd'em from me,
1420: Yet still they Crawl offensive to my Eyes,
1421: I wou'd have some Friend to tread upon 'em.
1422" ana="Shakespeare: I wou'd be King, my Cousin -- -
BUCKINGHAM

1423" ana="Shakespeare: Why so I think you are, my Royal Lord.
RICHARD

1424" ana="Shakespeare: Ha, am I King? 'Tis so-But-Edward lives!
BUCKINGHAM

1425: Most true, my Lord.


-36-



RICHARD

1426" ana="Shakespeare: Cousin, thou wert not wont to be so dull --
1427" ana="Shakespeare: Shall I be plain? I wish the Bastards dead.
1428" ana="Shakespeare: And I wou'd have it suddenly perform'd-
1429" ana="Shakespeare: 'Now cousin, canst thou answer me?
BUCKINGHAM

1430" ana="Shakespeare: None dare dispute your Highness Pleasure.
RICHARD

1431: 'Indeed, methinks thy kindness freezes Cousin;
1432: 'Thou dost refuse me then!-They shall not die?
BUCKINGHAM

1433: 'My Lord, since 'tis an action cannot be
1434: 'Recall'd, allow me but some pause to think,
1435: 'I'll instantly resolve your Highness. [(Ex. Buc.]

CATESBY

1436" ana="Shakespeare: The King seems angry; see he gnaws his lip.
RICHARD

1437" ana="Shakespeare: I'll henceforth deal with shorter sighted Fools,
1438" ana="Shakespeare: None are for me that look into my Deeds,
1439: 'With thinking Eyes -- -
1440" ana="Shakespeare: High reaching Buckingham grows Circumspect.
1441: The best on't is it may be done without him,
1442: Tho' not so well perhaps-had he consented,
1443: Why, then the murther had been his, not mine. --
1444: -- We'll make a shift as 'tis -- Come hither, Catesby.
1445: Where's that same Tirrel whom thou toldst me of?
1446: Hast thou given him those sums of Gold I order'd?
CATESBY

1447: I have, my Liege.
RICHARD

1448: Where is he?
CATESBY

1449: He waits your Highness pleasure.
RICHARD

1450: Give him this Ring, and say my self
1451: Will bring him farther Orders instantly. [(Ex. Cat.]

1452: 'The deep revolving Duke of Buckingham
1453" ana="Shakespeare: No more shall be the Neighbour of my Counsels:
1454" ana="Shakespeare: Has he so long held out with me untir'd,
1455" ana="Shakespeare: And stops he now for breath? Well, be it so. -- - [Enter Lord Stanley.]

1456" ana="Shakespeare: How now, Lord Stanley? What's the News?
STANLEY

1457" ana="Shakespeare: I hear, my Liege, the Lord Marquess of Dorset
1458" ana="Shakespeare: Is fled to Richmond, now in Brittany.
RICHARD

1459: Why let him go, my Lord, he may be spar'd.
1460: Hark thee, Ratcliff, when saw'st thou Ann, my Queen?
1461: Is she still weak? Has my Physician seen her?
RATCLIFF

1462: He has, my Lord, and fears her mightily.
RICHARD

1463: But he's excelling skillful, she'll mend shortly.
RATCLIFF

1464: I hope she will, my Lord.
RICHARD

1465: And, if she does, I have mistook my man. [(aside.]

1466" ana="Shakespeare: I must be married to my Brother's Daughter,
1467: At whom I know the Brittain Richmond aims;
1468" ana="Shakespeare: And by that knot looks proudly on the Crown.


-37-



1469" ana="Shakespeare: But then to stain me with her Brother's Blood:
1470" ana="Shakespeare: Is that the way to wooe the Sisters Love?
1471: '-No matter what's the way-For while they live
1472: 'My goodly Kingdom's on a weak Foundation.
1473: 'Tis done: My daring heart's resolv'd-they're dead. [Re-enter Duke of Buckingham.]

BUCKINGHAM

1474" ana="Shakespeare: My Lord, I have consider'd in my mind,
1475" ana="Shakespeare: The late Request that you did sound me in.
RICHARD

1476" ana="Shakespeare: Well, let that rest: Dorset is fled to Richmond.
BUCKINGHAM

1477" ana="Shakespeare: I have heard the News, my Lord.
RICHARD

1478" ana="Shakespeare: Stanley, he's your near Kinsman-Well, look to him.
BUCKINGHAM

1479" ana="Shakespeare: My Lord, I claim that gift, my due by promise,
1480: 'For which your Honour and your Faith's engag'd;
1481: 'The Earldom of Hereford, and those Moveables,
1482: 'Which you have promis'd I shall possess.
RICHARD

1483" ana="Shakespeare: Stanley, look to your Wife; if she convey
1484" ana="Shakespeare: Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it.
BUCKINGHAM

1485: 'What says your Highness to my Just request?
RICHARD

1486" ana="Shakespeare: I do remember me, Henry the Sixth
1487" ana="Shakespeare: Did Prophecy that Richmond should be King,
1488: When Richmond was a peevish Boy!
1489: ''Tis odd -- A King perhaps. [Enter Catesby.]

CATESBY

1490: My Lord, I have obey'd your Highness Orders.
BUCKINGHAM

1491: May it please you to resolve me in my Suit?
RICHARD

1492: Lead Tirrel to my Closet, I'll meet him.
BUCKINGHAM

1493: I beg your Highness ear my Lord --
RICHARD

1494: I'm busie: Thou troubl'st me -- I'm not i'th'vein. [Ex. Rich.]

BUCKINGHAM

1495: O patience, Heaven! Is't thus he pays my service?
1496: Was it for this I rais'd him to the Throne?
1497: Since he forgets the Hand that lifted him,
1498: That seated still supports him; then 'tis time
1499: To loose my hold, and let him fall as low,
1500: As this contemn'd, this out-cast Buckingham.
1501: O! if the peaceful dead have any sence
1502: Of those vile injuries they bore, while living:
1503: Then sure the joyful Souls of Blood-suck'd Edward,
1504: Henry, Clarence, Hastings, and All that through
1505: His foul corrupted dealings have miscarried,
1506: Will from the Walls of Heav'n in smiles look down
1507: to see this Tyrant tumbling from his Throne,
1508: His Fall unmourn'd, and Bloody as their own. [(Exit.]



-38-



Scene the Tower:

[Enter Tirrel, Dighton, and Forest.]

TIRREL

1509: Come, Gentlemen:
1510: Have you concluded on the means?
FOREST

1511: Smothering will make no noise, Sir.
TIRREL

1512: Let it be done i'th'dark: For shou'd you see
1513: Their young faces, who knows how far their looks
1514: Of innocence may tempt you into pity.
FOREST

1515: 'Tis ease and living well makes Innocence:
1516: I hate a face less guilty tham my own:
1517: Were all that now seem Honest deep as we
1518: In trouble and in want they'd all be Rogues.
TIRREL

1519: Stand back -- Lieutenant, have you brought the Keys? [Enter Lieutenant]

LIEUTENANT

1520: I have 'em, Sir.
TIRREL

1521: Then here's your warrant to deliver 'em. [(gives a Ring.]

LIEUTENANT

1522: Your Servant, Sir. -- -
1523: What can this mean? Why, at this dead of night
1524: To give 'em too? -- 'Tis not for me t'enquire.
1525: (Ex. Lieu.
TIRREL

1526: There, Gentlemen: [(Giving them the Keys.]

1527: That way! You have no farther need of me. [Ex. severally.]

[Act IV scene IV]

   [Editor's note: The following soliloquy appears in the 1718 edition, but not in the 1700 text which goes immediately to the beginning of the murder scene.]:[
RICHARD
[ Enter Richard.]

1528: Wou'd it were done: There is a busie something here,
1529: That foolish Custom has made terrible,
1530: To the intent of evil Deeds;
1531: And Nature too, as if she knew
1532: Me Womanish, and Weak, tugs at
1533: My Heart-Strings with complaining Cries,
1534: To talk me from my Purpose --
1535: And then the thought of what
1536: Mens Tongues will say, of what their Hearts must think;
1537: To have no Creature love me Living, nor
1538: My Memory when Dead.
1539: Shall future Ages, when these Childrens Tale
1540: Is told, drop Tears in pity of their hapless Fate,
1541: And read with Detestation the Misdeeds of Richard,
1542: The crook-back Tyrant, Cruel, Barbarous,
1543: And Bloody -- will they not say too,
1544: That to possess the Crown, nor Laws Divine
1545: Nor Humane stopt my way -- why let 'em say it;
1546: They can't but say I had the Crown;
1547: I was not Fool as well as Villain.
1548: Hark! the Murder's doing; Princes farewel,
1549: To me there's Musick in your Passing-Bell. [Exit.]
]


[Act IV Scene IV]

    [Editor's note: the following scene appears in the 1700 edition but is ommitted in the 1718 edition where Richard's exit is followed immediately by "Enter Tirrel. solus."]
[
PRINCE EDWARD
[SCENE a Chamber, the Princes in Bed. The Stage darkened.]

1550: Why do you startle, Brother?
DUKE OF YORK

1551: O! I have been so frighted in my sleep!
1552: Pray turn this way?
PRINCE EDWARD

1553: Alas, i fain wou'd sleep, but cannot
1554: Tho' 'tis the stillest night I ever knew.
1555: Not the least breath has stir'd these four hours
1556: Sure all the World's asleep but we.
DUKE OF YORK

1557: Hark, Pray Brother count the Clock! [(Clock strikes.]

1558: -- But two! O tedious night : I've slept an Age.
1559: Wou'd it were day, I am so melancholy.
PRINCE EDWARD

1560: Hark! What noise is that?
1561: I thought I heard some one upon the stairs!
1562: Hark! Again!
DUKE OF YORK

1563: O dear, I hear 'em too! Who is it, Brother?
1564: Enter Dighton and Forrest with dark lanterns.
PRINCE EDWARD

1565: Bless me! What frightful men are these?
DUKE OF YORK

1566: Who's there?
PRINCE EDWARD

1567: Who's there?
DIGHTON

1568: Hist, we've waked 'em! What shall we say?
FORREST

1569: Nothing. We come to do.
DIGHTON

1570: I'll see their Faces -- -- --


-39-


DUKE OF YORK

1571: Won't they speak to us? [(Dighton looks in with his Lanthorn.]

1572: O save me! Hide me! Save me, Brother!
PRINCE EDWARD

1573: O mercy Heaven! Who are you, Sirs,
1574: That look so ghastly pale and terrible?
DIGHTON

1575: I am a Fool. -- -- -I cannot answer 'em.
FORREST

1576: You must die, my Lord, so must your Brother.
PRINCE EDWARD

1577: O stay, for pity sake! What is our Crime, Sir?
1578: Why must we die?
DIGHTON

1579: The King, your Uncle, loves you not.
PRINCE EDWARD

1580: O Cruel Man!
1581: Tell him we'll live in Prison all our days,
1582: Wnd, when we give occasion of offence,
1583: Then let us die: H'as yet no cause to kill us.
FORREST

1584: Pray.
PRINCE EDWARD

1585: We do, Sir, to you. O spare us gentlemen!
1586: I was some time your King, and might have shown
1587: You mercy : For your dear Souls sake pity us.
FORREST

1588: We'll hear no more.
BOTH PRINCES

1589: O Mercy, Mercy!
FORREST
[They smother them, and the Scene shuts on them.]

1590: Down, down with 'em.]

[Enter Tirrel. Solus]

TIRREL

1591: ''Tis done: The barbarous bloody act is done.
1592: 'O the most Arch-deed of pitious Massacre
1593: 'That ever yet this Land was guilty of.
1594: Ha! the King: His coming hither at this
1595: Late hour, speaks him impatient for the welcome News. [Enter Richard.]

RICHARD

1596: Now my Tirrel, how are the Brats dispos'd?
1597: Say; am I happy? Hast thou dealt upon 'em?
TIRREL

1598: 'If to have done the thing you gave in charge
1599: 'Beget your happiness, then, Sir, be happy;
1600: For it is done.
RICHARD

1601" ana="Shakespeare: But didst thou see 'em dead?
TIRREL

1602" ana="Shakespeare: I did, my Lord.
RICHARD

1603" ana="Shakespeare: And buried, my good Tirrel?
TIRREL

1604: In that I thought to ask your Grace's Pleasure.
RICHARD

1605: I have't -- I'll have 'em sure -- Get me a Coffin
1606: Full of holes, let 'em be both cram'd into't;
1607: And, hark thee, in the night-tide throw 'em down
1608: The Thames; once in, they'll find the way to th'bottom,
1609" ana="Shakespeare: Mean time but think how I may do thee good,
1610" ana="Shakespeare: And be Inheritor of thy desire.
TIRREL

1611: I humbly thank your Highness.


-40-



RICHARD

1612: About it strait, good Tirrel.
TIRREL

1613: Conclude it done, my Lord. [(Exit Tir.]

RICHARD

1614: Why then my lowdest fears are husht.
1615: 'The Sons of Edward have Eternal Rest,
1616: 'And Ann, my Wife, has bid this World good night,
1617: While fair Elizabeth my beauteous Neice
1618: Like a New Morn lights onward to my wishes. [Enter Catesby.]

CATESBY

1619: My Lord!
RICHARD

1620" ana="Shakespeare: Good News, or bad, that thou comest in so bluntly?
CATESBY

1621" ana="Shakespeare: Bad News, my Lord, Morton is fled to Richmond,
1622" ana="Shakespeare: And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen,
1623" ana="Shakespeare: Is in the Field, and still his Power increases.
RICHARD

1624: Morton with Richmond, touches me more near
1625: Than Buckingham and his rash levied numbers.
1626: 'But come, dangers retreat when boldly they're oppos'd,
1627: 'And dull delays lead impotence and fear.
1628: 'Then fiery Expedition raise my Arm,
1629: And fatal may it fall on crush'd Rebellion.
1630" ana="Shakespeare: Let's muster Men, my Councel is my Shield,
1631" ana="Shakespeare: We must be brief when Traytors brave the Field. [Exit.]
[Enter the Queen and Dutchess of York]

QUEEN

1632: O my poor Childen! O my tender Babes!
1633: My unblown flowers pluck'd by untimely hands:
1634: 'If yet your gentle Souls fly in the Air,
1635: 'And be not fix'd in doom perpetual;
1636: 'Hover about me with your Airy wings,
1637: 'And hear your Mothers Lamentation:
1638: Why slept their Guardian Angels, when this deed was done?
DUTCHESS

1639: 'So many miseries have drain'd my Eyes,
1640: 'That my woe-wearied Tongue is still and mute.
1641: 'Why should Calamity be full of Words?
QUEEN

1642: Let's give 'em scope, for tho' they can't remove,
1643: 'Yet they do ease Affliction.
DUTCHESS

1644: Why then let us be loud in Exclamations
1645: To Richard! Haste, and pierce him with our cries!
1646: That from henceforth his Conscience may out-Tongue
1647: The close whispers of his relentless heart.
1648: Hark! His Trumpet sounds! This way he must pass.
QUEEN

1649: Alas, I've not the Daring to confront him.
DUTCHESS

1650: I have a Mothers right, I'll force him hear me.


-41-



1651: Enter Richard with his Powers,
1652: the Dutchess meets and stops him, & c.
RICHARD

1653" ana="Shakespeare: Who intercepts me in my Expedition?
DUTCHESS

1654" ana="Shakespeare: Dost thou not know me? Art thou not my Son?
RICHARD

1655" ana="Shakespeare: I cry you mercy, Madam, is it you?
DUTCHESS

1656: 'Art thou not my Son?
RICHARD

1657" ana="Shakespeare: I, I thank Heaven, my Father and your Self.
DUTCHESS

1658: 'Then I command thee, hear me.
RICHARD

1659" ana="Shakespeare: Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
1660" ana="Shakespeare: That cannot brook the accent of Reproof.
DUTCHESS

1661" ana="Shakespeare: Stay, I'll be mild and gentle in my Words.
RICHARD

1662" ana="Shakespeare: And brief, good Mother, for I am in haste.
DUTCHESS

1663" ana="Shakespeare: Why, I have staid for thee (just Heaven knows)
1664" ana="Shakespeare: In Torment and Agony.
RICHARD

1665" ana="Shakespeare: And came I not at last to comfort you?
DUTCHESS

1666" ana="Shakespeare: No, on my Soul, too well thou know'st it.
1667" ana="Shakespeare: A grievous burthen was thy Birth to me;
1668" ana="Shakespeare: Tetchy and way-ward was thy Infancy,
1669" ana="Shakespeare: Thy prime of Manhood daring, bold and stubborn:
1670" ana="Shakespeare: Thy Age confirm'd most subtle, proud and bloody.
RICHARD

1671" ana="Shakespeare: If I am so disgracious in your eye,
1672" ana="Shakespeare: Let me march on, and not offend you, Madam.
1673" ana="Shakespeare: Strike up the Drum.
DUTCHESS

1674: Yet stay, I charge thee hear me.
QUEEN

1675: If not, hear me; for I have wrongs will speak
1676: Without a Tongue: methinks the very sight
1677: Of me shou'd turn thee into stone.
1678: 'Where are my Children, Richard?
DUTCHESS

1679: 'Where is they Brother Clarence?
QUEEN

1680: Where Hastings?
DUTCHESS

1681: 'Rivers?
QUEEN

1682: 'Vaughan?
DUTCHESS

1683: 'Grey?
RICHARD A Flourish, Trumpets: Strike Allarum, Drums.

1684" ana="Shakespeare: Let not the Heavens hear these Tell-tale Women
1685" ana="Shakespeare: Rail on the Heavens Anointed. Strike, I say. [Allarum of Drums and Trumpets.]

1686" ana="Shakespeare: Either be patient and intreat me fair,
1687" ana="Shakespeare: Or with the Clamorous report of War
1688" ana="Shakespeare: Thus will I drown your Exclamations.
DUTCHESS

1689: Then hear me Heaven, and Heaven at his latest hour
1690: Be Deaf to Him as he is now to me:
1691: 'E'er from this War he turn a Conqueror,
1692: Ye Pow'rs, cut off his dangerous thread of Life,


-42-



1693: Least his black sins rise higher in Account,
1694: Than Hell has pains to punish -- -
1695: Mischance and sorrow wait thee to the Field:
1696: Hearts Discontent, languid and lean Despair
1697: With all the Hells of Guilt pursue thy steps for ever. [Ex. Duc.]

QUEEN

1698: Tho'far more cause, yet much less power to curse
1699: Abides in me: I say Amen to her.
RICHARD

1700" ana="Shakespeare: Stay, Madam, I wou'd beg some words with you?
QUEEN

1701: 'What canst thou ask, that I have now to grant?
1702: 'Is't another Son? Richard I have none.
RICHARD

1703" ana="Shakespeare: You have a Beauteous Daughter call'd Elizabeth.
QUEEN

1704: 'Must she die too?
RICHARD

1705" ana="Shakespeare: For whose fair sake I'll bring more Good to you,
1706" ana="Shakespeare: Than ever You or Yours from me had Harm;
1707" ana="Shakespeare: So in the Lethe of thy angry Soul
1708" ana="Shakespeare: Thou'lt drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
1709: 'Which thou supposest me the cruel cause of.
QUEEN

1710" ana="Shakespeare: Be brief, least that the process of they Kindness
1711" ana="Shakespeare: Last longer telling than thy kindness Date.
RICHARD

1712: 'Know then, that from my Soul I love the fair
1713: 'Elizabeth, and will, with your permission,
1714: 'Seat her on the Throne of England.
QUEEN

1715: 'Alas, vain man, how canst thou wooe her?
RICHARD

1716" ana="Shakespeare: That would I learn of you,
1717" ana="Shakespeare: As one being best acquainted with her humour.
QUEEN

1718" ana="Shakespeare: If thou wilt learn of me, then wooe her thus,
1719" ana="Shakespeare: Send to her, by the man that kill'd her Brothers,
1720: 'A pair of bleeding Hearts; thereon Engrave
1721: 'Edward and York: Then haply will she weep.
1722: 'On this present her with an Hankerchief
1723: 'Stain'd in their Blood, to wipe her woeful Eyes.
1724" ana="Shakespeare: If this Inducement move her not to Love,
1725" ana="Shakespeare: Read o'er the History of they Noble Deeds;
1726: 'Tell her, thy Policy took off her Uncle
1727: Clarence, Rivers, Grey; nay, and for her sake,
1728" ana="Shakespeare: Made quick conveyance with her dear Aunt Ann.
RICHARD

1729" ana="Shakespeare: You mock me, Madam; this is not the way
1730" ana="Shakespeare: To win your Daughter.
QUEEN

1731" ana="Shakespeare: There is no other way,
1732" ana="Shakespeare: Unless thou coulds't put on some other form,
1733" ana="Shakespeare: And not be Richard that has doen all this.


-43-



RICHARD

1734" ana="Shakespeare: As I intend to prosper and Repent,
1735" ana="Shakespeare: So thrive I in my dangerous Affairs
1736" ana="Shakespeare: Of Hostile Arms: My self, my self confound,
1737" ana="Shakespeare: Heaven and Fortune bar me happy hours:
1738" ana="Shakespeare: Day yield me not they light, nor Night thy Rest;
1739" ana="Shakespeare: Be opposite all Planets of good luck,
1740" ana="Shakespeare: To my Proceeding, if with dear Hearts Love,
1741" ana="Shakespeare: Immaculate Devotion, Holy Thoughts,
1742" ana="Shakespeare: I tender not the fair Elizabeth,
1743" ana="Shakespeare: In her consists my happiness and thine:
1744" ana="Shakespeare: Without her follows to myself and thee,
1745" ana="Shakespeare: Her self, the Land, and many a Christian Soul,
1746" ana="Shakespeare: Death, Desolation, Ruin and Decay.
1747: 'It cannot, will not be avoided, but by this.
QUEEN

1748: What shall I say? still to afront his love, [Aside.]

1749: I fear will but incense him to Revenge. [Aside.]

1750: And to consent I shou'd abhor my self, [Aside.]

1751: Yet I may seemingly comply, and thus Aside. [Aside.]

1752: By sending Richmond Word of his Intent, [Aside.]

1753: Shall gain some time to let my Child escape him. [Aside.]

1754: It shall be so, [Aside.]

1755: I have consider'd, Sir, of your important wishes,
1756: And cou'd I but believe you real -- -
RICHARD

1757: Now by the sacred Hosts of Saints above -- -
QUEEN

1758: O do not swear, my Lord, I ask no Oath;
1759: Unless my Daughter doubts you more than I.
RICHARD

1760" ana="Shakespeare: O my kind Mother (I must call you so)
1761" ana="Shakespeare: Be thou to her my loves soft Orator;
1762" ana="Shakespeare: Plead what I Will be, not what I Have been;
1763" ana="Shakespeare: Not my deserts, but what I Will deserve:
1764: 'And when this Warlike arm shall have chastis'd
1765: 'The'audacious Rebel hot-brain'd Buckingham:
1766" ana="Shakespeare: Bound with Triumphant Garlands will I come,
1767" ana="Shakespeare: And lead thy Daughter to a Conqueror's Bed.
QUEEN

1768: My Lord, farewel: in some few days expect
1769: To hear how fair a progress I have made.
1770: Till when be Happy, as you're Penitent.
RICHARD

1771: My heart goes with you to my Love, farewel. [Exit Queen.]

1772: 'Relenting, Shallow-thoughted Woman.
1773: How now! the News?


-44-


[Enter Ratcliff.]

RATCLIFF

1774" ana="Shakespeare: Most gracious Sovereign, on the Western Coasts
1775" ana="Shakespeare: Rides a most powerful Navy and our fears
1776" ana="Shakespeare: Inform us Richmond is their Admiral,
1777" ana="Shakespeare: There do they Hull Expecting but the aid,
1778" ana="Shakespeare: Of Buckingham to welcome them a shore.
RICHARD

1779: 'We must prevent him then. Come hither Catesby.
CATESBY

1780: 'My Lord, your pleasure?
RICHARD

1781" ana="Shakespeare: Post to the Duke of Norfolk instantly;
1782" ana="Shakespeare: Bid him strait levy all the strength and power
1783" ana="Shakespeare: That he can make, and meet me suddenly
1784: At Salisbury: Commend me to his Grace: away! [(Exit Cat.]

1785: Well, my Lord, What News have you gather'd? [Enter Lord Stanley.]

STANLEY

1786" ana="Shakespeare: Richmond is on the seas, my Lord.
RICHARD

1787" ana="Shakespeare: There let him sink, and be the Seas on Him:
1788" ana="Shakespeare: White Liver'd Runnagade, what does he there?
STANLEY

1789" ana="Shakespeare: I know not, mighty Sovereign, but by guess.
RICHARD

1790" ana="Shakespeare: Well, as you guess?
STANLEY

1791" ana="Shakespeare: Stir'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton,
1792" ana="Shakespeare: He makes for England here to claim the Crown.
RICHARD

1793: Traytor, the Crown: Where is thy power then
1794: To beat him back?
1795" ana="Shakespeare: Where be thy Tenants, and thy Followers?
1796: 'The Foe upon our Coast, and thou no Friends to meet 'em?
1797" ana="Shakespeare: Or hast thou marched 'em to the Western shore,
1798" ana="Shakespeare: To give the Rebels Conduct from their Ships?
STANLEY

1799" ana="Shakespeare: My Lord, my Friends are ready all, i'th'North.
RICHARD

1800" ana="Shakespeare: The North! Why, what do they do in the North,
1801" ana="Shakespeare: When they shou'd serve their Sovereign in the West?
STANLEY

1802: They yet have had no Orders, Sir, to move:
1803: If 'tis your Royal Pleasure they should march,
1804: 'I'll lead 'em on with utmost haste to joyn you,
1805: 'Where, and what Time your Majesty shall please.
RICHARD

1806" ana="Shakespeare: What, thou wou'dst be gone, to joyn with Richmond?


-45-



STANLEY

1807: 'Sir, you've no Cause to doubt my Loyalty;
1808: 'I ne'er yet was, nor ever will be false.
RICHARD

1809: Away then, to thy Friends, and lead 'em on
1810: 'To meet me -- Hold! Come back! I will not trust thee,
1811: I've thought a way to make thee sure: Your Son
1812" ana="Shakespeare: George Stanley, Sir, I'll have him left behind;
1813" ana="Shakespeare: And look your Heat be Firm,
1814" ana="Shakespeare: Or else his heads Assurance is but Frail.
STANLEY

1815" ana="Shakespeare: As I prove true, my Lord, so deal with him. [(Exit Stan.]
[Enter a Messenger.]

MESSENGER

1816" ana="Shakespeare: My Lord, the Army of Great Buckingham
1817" ana="Shakespeare: By sudden Floods, and fall of Waters,
1818" ana="Shakespeare: Is half lost and scatter'd,
1819" ana="Shakespeare: And he himself wander'd away alone;
1820" ana="Shakespeare: No man knows whither.
RICHARD

1821: 'Has any careful Officer proclaim'd
1822" ana="Shakespeare: Reward to him that brings the Traytor in? [Enter Catesby]

CATESBY

1823" ana="Shakespeare: My Liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken.
RICHARD

1824" ana="Shakespeare: Off with his head. So much for Buckingham.
CATESBY

1825: My Lord, I'm sorry I must tell more News.
RICHARD

1826: Out with it.
CATESBY

1827" ana="Shakespeare: The Earl of Richmond with a mighty power
1828" ana="Shakespeare: Is Landed, Sir, at Milford:
1829" ana="Shakespeare: And, to confirm the News, Lord Marquess Dorset,
1830" ana="Shakespeare: And Sir Thomas Lovewel are up in Yorkshire.
RICHARD

1831: Why ay, this looks Rebellion. Ho! my Horse!
1832: By Heaven the News allarms my stirring Soul.
1833: 'And as the Wretch, whose fever-weakned joynts,
1834: 'Like strengthless hinges buckle under Life:
1835: 'Impatient of his fit, breaks like a fire
1836: 'From his fond Keeper's Arms, and starts away:
1837: 'Even so these War-worn Limbs grown weak
1838: 'From Wars disuse, being now inrag'd with War,
1839: 'Feel a new Fury, and are thrice themselves.
1840: Come forth my Honest Sword, which here I vow,
1841: By my Souls hope, shall ne'er again be sheath'd,


-46-



1842: Ne'er shall these watching Eyes have needful rest,
1843: Till Death has clos'd 'em in a glorious Grave,
1844: Or Fortune given me Measure of Revenge. [Exeunt.]
[The End of the Fourth ACT.]