therefore, back to Rome, and prepare for your execution: you are condemned, our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon.

Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would use me with estimation.


Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would use me with estimation.


My general cares not for you. Back, I say, go; lest I let forth your half-pint of blood; back,--that's the utmost of your having: back.


Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you: You shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus:


Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you: You shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus:

guess, but by my entertainment with him, if thou standest not i' the state of hanging, or of some death more long in spectatorship, and crueller in suffering;


guess, but by my entertainment with him, if thou standest not i' the state of hanging, or of some death more long in spectatorship, and crueller in suffering;

behold now presently, and swoon for what's to come upon thee. The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity, and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does!


behold now presently, and swoon for what's to come upon thee. The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity, and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does!

O my son, my son! thou art preparing fire for us; look thee, here's water to quench it. I was hardly moved to come to thee;


O my son, my son! thou art preparing fire for us; look thee, here's water to quench it. I was hardly moved to come to thee;

but being assured none but myself could move thee, I have been blown out of your gates with sighs; and conjure thee to pardon Rome, and thy petitionary countrymen.


but being assured none but myself could move thee, I have been blown out of your gates with sighs; and conjure thee to pardon Rome, and thy petitionary countrymen.

The good gods assuage thy wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here,--this, who, like a block, hath denied my access to thee.


The good gods assuage thy wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here,--this, who, like a block, hath denied my access to thee.


Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs Are servanted to others: though I owe My revenge properly, my remission lies In Volscian breasts.


Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs Are servanted to others: though I owe My revenge properly, my remission lies In Volscian breasts.

That we have been familiar, Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather Than pity note how much. Therefore, be gone. Mine ears against your suits are stronger than Your gates against my force.


That we have been familiar, Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather Than pity note how much. Therefore, be gone. Mine ears against your suits are stronger than Your gates against my force.

Yet, for I loved thee, Take this along; I writ it for thy sake And would have rent it. Another word, Menenius, I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius, Was my beloved in Rome:


Yet, for I loved thee, Take this along; I writ it for thy sake And would have rent it. Another word, Menenius, I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius, Was my beloved in Rome:


'Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you know the way home again.


'Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you know the way home again.

Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your greatness back?


Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your greatness back?

What cause, do you think, I have to swoon?


What cause, do you think, I have to swoon?

I neither care for the world nor your general: for such things as you, I can scarce think there's any, ye're so slight. He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another:


I neither care for the world nor your general: for such things as you, I can scarce think there's any, ye're so slight. He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another:

let your general do his worst. For you, be that you are, long; and your misery increase with your age! I say to you, as I was said to, Away!


let your general do his worst. For you, be that you are, long; and your misery increase with your age! I say to you, as I was said to, Away!


The worthy fellow is our general: he's the rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken.


The worthy fellow is our general: he's the rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken.

We will before the walls of Rome tomorrow Set down our host. My partner in this action, You must report to the Volscian lords, how plainly I have borne this business.


We will before the walls of Rome tomorrow Set down our host. My partner in this action, You must report to the Volscian lords, how plainly I have borne this business.

Only their ends You have respected; stopp'd your ears against The general suit of Rome; never admitted A private whisper, no, not with such friends That thought them sure of you.


Only their ends You have respected; stopp'd your ears against The general suit of Rome; never admitted A private whisper, no, not with such friends That thought them sure of you.

This last old man, Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome, Loved me above the measure of a father; Nay, godded me, indeed. Their latest refuge Was to send him;


This last old man, Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome, Loved me above the measure of a father; Nay, godded me, indeed. Their latest refuge Was to send him;

for whose old love I have, Though I show'd sourly to him, once more offer'd The first conditions, which they did refuse And cannot now accept;


for whose old love I have, Though I show'd sourly to him, once more offer'd The first conditions, which they did refuse And cannot now accept;

to grace him only That thought he could do more, a very little I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits, Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter Will I lend ear to. Ha!


to grace him only That thought he could do more, a very little I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits, Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter Will I lend ear to. Ha!

what shout is this? Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow In the same time 'tis made? I will not. My wife comes foremost;


what shout is this? Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow In the same time 'tis made? I will not. My wife comes foremost;

then the honour'd mould Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand The grandchild to her blood. But, out, affection! All bond and privilege of nature, break! Let it be virtuous to be obstinate.


then the honour'd mould Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand The grandchild to her blood. But, out, affection! All bond and privilege of nature, break! Let it be virtuous to be obstinate.

What is that curt'sy worth? or those doves' eyes, Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows;


What is that curt'sy worth? or those doves' eyes, Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows;

As if Olympus to a molehill should In supplication nod: and my young boy Hath an aspect of intercession, which Great nature cries 'Deny not.' let the Volsces Plough Rome and harrow Italy:


As if Olympus to a molehill should In supplication nod: and my young boy Hath an aspect of intercession, which Great nature cries 'Deny not.' let the Volsces Plough Rome and harrow Italy:

I'll never Be such a gosling to obey instinct, but stand, As if a man were author of himself And knew no other kin.


I'll never Be such a gosling to obey instinct, but stand, As if a man were author of himself And knew no other kin.


These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome.


These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome.

The sorrow that delivers us thus changed Makes you think so.


The sorrow that delivers us thus changed Makes you think so.

Like a dull actor now, I have forgot my part, and I am out, Even to a full disgrace. Best of my flesh, Forgive my tyranny; but do not say For that 'Forgive our Romans.


Like a dull actor now, I have forgot my part, and I am out, Even to a full disgrace. Best of my flesh, Forgive my tyranny; but do not say For that 'Forgive our Romans.

' O, a kiss Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge! Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss I carried from thee, dear; and my true lip Hath virgin'd it e'er since. You gods!


' O, a kiss Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge! Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss I carried from thee, dear; and my true lip Hath virgin'd it e'er since. You gods!

I prate, And the most noble mother of the world Leave unsaluted: sink, my knee, i' the earth; Of thy deep duty more impression show Than that of common sons.


I prate, And the most noble mother of the world Leave unsaluted: sink, my knee, i' the earth; Of thy deep duty more impression show Than that of common sons.

O, stand up blest! Whilst, with no softer cushion than the flint, I kneel before thee; and unproperly Show duty, as mistaken all this while Between the child and parent.


O, stand up blest! Whilst, with no softer cushion than the flint, I kneel before thee; and unproperly Show duty, as mistaken all this while Between the child and parent.

What is this? Your knees to me? to your corrected son? Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach Fillip the stars; then let the mutinous winds Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun;


What is this? Your knees to me? to your corrected son? Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach Fillip the stars; then let the mutinous winds Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun;

Murdering impossibility, to make What cannot be, slight work.


Murdering impossibility, to make What cannot be, slight work.

Thou art my warrior; I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady?


Thou art my warrior; I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady?

The noble sister of Publicola, The moon of Rome, chaste as the icicle That's curdied by the frost from purest snow And hangs on Dian's temple: dear Valeria!


The noble sister of Publicola, The moon of Rome, chaste as the icicle That's curdied by the frost from purest snow And hangs on Dian's temple: dear Valeria!

This is a poor epitome of yours, Which by the interpretation of full time May show like all yourself.


This is a poor epitome of yours, Which by the interpretation of full time May show like all yourself.

The god of soldiers, With the consent of supreme Jove, inform Thy thoughts with nobleness;


The god of soldiers, With the consent of supreme Jove, inform Thy thoughts with nobleness;

that thou mayst prove To shame unvulnerable, and stick i' the wars Like a great sea-mark, standing every flaw, And saving those that eye thee!


that thou mayst prove To shame unvulnerable, and stick i' the wars Like a great sea-mark, standing every flaw, And saving those that eye thee!


Even he, your wife, this lady, and myself, Are suitors to you.


Even he, your wife, this lady, and myself, Are suitors to you.

I beseech you, peace: Or, if you'ld ask, remember this before: The thing I have forsworn to grant may never Be held by you denials.


I beseech you, peace: Or, if you'ld ask, remember this before: The thing I have forsworn to grant may never Be held by you denials.

Do not bid me Dismiss my soldiers, or capitulate Again with Rome's mechanics: tell me not Wherein I seem unnatural: desire not To ally my rages and revenges with Your colder reasons.


Do not bid me Dismiss my soldiers, or capitulate Again with Rome's mechanics: tell me not Wherein I seem unnatural: desire not To ally my rages and revenges with Your colder reasons.

O, no more, no more! You have said you will not grant us any thing; For we have nothing else to ask, but that Which you deny already: yet we will ask;


O, no more, no more! You have said you will not grant us any thing; For we have nothing else to ask, but that Which you deny already: yet we will ask;

That, if you fail in our request, the blame May hang upon your hardness: therefore hear us.


That, if you fail in our request, the blame May hang upon your hardness: therefore hear us.

Aufidius, and you Volsces, mark; for we'll Hear nought from Rome in private. Your request?


Aufidius, and you Volsces, mark; for we'll Hear nought from Rome in private. Your request?

Should we be silent and not speak, our raiment And state of bodies would bewray what life We have led since thy exile. Think with thyself How more unfortunate than all living women Are we come hither:


Should we be silent and not speak, our raiment And state of bodies would bewray what life We have led since thy exile. Think with thyself How more unfortunate than all living women Are we come hither:

since that thy sight, which should Make our eyes flow with joy, hearts dance with comforts, Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow;


since that thy sight, which should Make our eyes flow with joy, hearts dance with comforts, Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow;

Making the mother, wife and child to see The son, the husband and the father tearing His country's bowels out. And to poor we Thine enmity's most capital:


Making the mother, wife and child to see The son, the husband and the father tearing His country's bowels out. And to poor we Thine enmity's most capital:

thou barr'st us Our prayers to the gods, which is a comfort That all but we enjoy; for how can we, Alas, how can we for our country pray.


thou barr'st us Our prayers to the gods, which is a comfort That all but we enjoy; for how can we, Alas, how can we for our country pray.

Whereto we are bound, together with thy victory, Whereto we are bound? alack, or we must lose The country, our dear nurse, or else thy person, Our comfort in the country.


Whereto we are bound, together with thy victory, Whereto we are bound? alack, or we must lose The country, our dear nurse, or else thy person, Our comfort in the country.

We must find An evident calamity, though we had Our wish, which side should win: For myself, son, I purpose not to wait on fortune till These wars determine:


We must find An evident calamity, though we had Our wish, which side should win: For myself, son, I purpose not to wait on fortune till These wars determine:

Ay, and mine, That brought you forth this boy, to keep your name Living to time.


Ay, and mine, That brought you forth this boy, to keep your name Living to time.

A' shall not tread on me; I'll run away till I am bigger, but then I'll fight.


A' shall not tread on me; I'll run away till I am bigger, but then I'll fight.

Not of a woman's tenderness to be, Requires nor child nor woman's face to see. I have sat too long.


Not of a woman's tenderness to be, Requires nor child nor woman's face to see. I have sat too long.

Nay, go not from us thus. If it were so that our request did tend To save the Romans, thereby to destroy The Volsces whom you serve, you might condemn us, As poisonous of your honour: no;


Nay, go not from us thus. If it were so that our request did tend To save the Romans, thereby to destroy The Volsces whom you serve, you might condemn us, As poisonous of your honour: no;

our suit Is that you reconcile them: while the Volsces May say 'This mercy we have show'd;' the Romans, 'This we received;


our suit Is that you reconcile them: while the Volsces May say 'This mercy we have show'd;' the Romans, 'This we received;

' and each in either side Give the all-hail to thee and cry 'Be blest For making up this peace! Whose chronicle thus writ: 'The man was noble, But with his last attempt he wiped it out;


' and each in either side Give the all-hail to thee and cry 'Be blest For making up this peace! Whose chronicle thus writ: 'The man was noble, But with his last attempt he wiped it out;

Destroy'd his country, and his name remains To the ensuing age abhorr'd.' Speak to me, son: Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour, To imitate the graces of the gods;


Destroy'd his country, and his name remains To the ensuing age abhorr'd.' Speak to me, son: Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour, To imitate the graces of the gods;

To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air, And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt That should but rive an oak. Why dost not speak?


To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air, And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt That should but rive an oak. Why dost not speak?

Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man Still to remember wrongs? Daughter, speak you: He cares not for your weeping. Speak thou, boy:


Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man Still to remember wrongs? Daughter, speak you: He cares not for your weeping. Speak thou, boy:

Perhaps thy childishness will move him more Than can our reasons. There's no man in the world More bound to 's mother; yet here he lets me prate Like one i' the stocks.


Perhaps thy childishness will move him more Than can our reasons. There's no man in the world More bound to 's mother; yet here he lets me prate Like one i' the stocks.

Thou hast never in thy life Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy, When she, poor hen, fond of no second brood, Has cluck'd thee to the wars and safely home, Loaden with honour.


Thou hast never in thy life Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy, When she, poor hen, fond of no second brood, Has cluck'd thee to the wars and safely home, Loaden with honour.

Say my request's unjust, And spurn me back: but if it be not so, Thou art not honest; and the gods will plague thee, That thou restrain'st from me the duty which To a mother's part belongs.


Say my request's unjust, And spurn me back: but if it be not so, Thou art not honest; and the gods will plague thee, That thou restrain'st from me the duty which To a mother's part belongs.

He turns away: Down, ladies; let us shame him with our knees. To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride Than pity to our prayers. Down: an end; This is the last:


He turns away: Down, ladies; let us shame him with our knees. To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride Than pity to our prayers. Down: an end; This is the last:

so we will home to Rome, And die among our neighbours. Nay, behold 's:


so we will home to Rome, And die among our neighbours. Nay, behold 's:

This boy, that cannot tell what he would have But kneels and holds up bands for fellowship, Does reason our petition with more strength Than thou hast to deny 't. Come, let us go:


This boy, that cannot tell what he would have But kneels and holds up bands for fellowship, Does reason our petition with more strength Than thou hast to deny 't. Come, let us go:

This fellow had a Volscian to his mother; His wife is in Corioli and his child Like him by chance. Yet give us our dispatch: I am hush'd until our city be a-fire, And then I'll speak a little.


This fellow had a Volscian to his mother; His wife is in Corioli and his child Like him by chance. Yet give us our dispatch: I am hush'd until our city be a-fire, And then I'll speak a little.

O mother, mother! What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope, The gods look down, and this unnatural scene They laugh at. O my mother, mother! O! You have won a happy victory to Rome;


O mother, mother! What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope, The gods look down, and this unnatural scene They laugh at. O my mother, mother! O! You have won a happy victory to Rome;

But, for your son,--believe it, O, believe it, Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd, If not most mortal to him. But, let it come.


But, for your son,--believe it, O, believe it, Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd, If not most mortal to him. But, let it come.

Aufidius, though I cannot make true wars, I'll frame convenient peace. Now, good Aufidius, Were you in my stead, would you have heard A mother less? or granted less, Aufidius?


Aufidius, though I cannot make true wars, I'll frame convenient peace. Now, good Aufidius, Were you in my stead, would you have heard A mother less? or granted less, Aufidius?


I dare be sworn you were: And, sir, it is no little thing to make Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But, good sir, What peace you'll make, advise me: for my part, I'll not to Rome, I'll back with you;


I dare be sworn you were: And, sir, it is no little thing to make Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But, good sir, What peace you'll make, advise me: for my part, I'll not to Rome, I'll back with you;

and pray you, Stand to me in this cause. O mother! wife!


and pray you, Stand to me in this cause. O mother! wife!


Ay, by and by; But we will drink together; and you shall bear A better witness back than words, which we, On like conditions, will have counter-seal'd. Come, enter with us.


Ay, by and by; But we will drink together; and you shall bear A better witness back than words, which we, On like conditions, will have counter-seal'd. Come, enter with us.

Ladies, you deserve To have a temple built you: all the swords In Italy, and her confederate arms, Could not have made this peace.


Ladies, you deserve To have a temple built you: all the swords In Italy, and her confederate arms, Could not have made this peace.

See you yond coign o' the Capitol, yond corner-stone?


See you yond coign o' the Capitol, yond corner-stone?


If it be possible for you to displace it with your little finger, there is some hope the ladies of Rome, especially his mother, may prevail with him. But I say there is no hope in't:


If it be possible for you to displace it with your little finger, there is some hope the ladies of Rome, especially his mother, may prevail with him. But I say there is no hope in't:

our throats are sentenced and stay upon execution.


our throats are sentenced and stay upon execution.

Is't possible that so short a time can alter the condition of a man!


Is't possible that so short a time can alter the condition of a man!

There is differency between a grub and a butterfly; yet your butterfly was a grub. This Marcius is grown from man to dragon: he has wings; he's more than a creeping thing.


There is differency between a grub and a butterfly; yet your butterfly was a grub. This Marcius is grown from man to dragon: he has wings; he's more than a creeping thing.


So did he me: and he no more remembers his mother now than an eight-year-old horse. The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes:


So did he me: and he no more remembers his mother now than an eight-year-old horse. The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes:

when he walks, he moves like an engine, and the ground shrinks before his treading: he is able to pierce a corslet with his eye; talks like a knell, and his hum is a battery.


when he walks, he moves like an engine, and the ground shrinks before his treading: he is able to pierce a corslet with his eye; talks like a knell, and his hum is a battery.

He sits in his state, as a thing made for Alexander. What he bids be done is finished with his bidding. He wants nothing of a god but eternity and a heaven to throne in.


He sits in his state, as a thing made for Alexander. What he bids be done is finished with his bidding. He wants nothing of a god but eternity and a heaven to throne in.


I paint him in the character. Mark what mercy his mother shall bring from him: there is no more mercy in him than there is milk in a male tiger; that shall our poor city find:


No, in such a case the gods will not be good unto us. When we banished him, we respected not them; and, he returning to break our necks, they respect not us.


No, in such a case the gods will not be good unto us. When we banished him, we respected not them; and, he returning to break our necks, they respect not us.

Sir, if you'ld save your life, fly to your house:


Sir, if you'ld save your life, fly to your house:

The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune And hale him up and down, all swearing, if The Roman ladies bring not comfort home, They'll give him death by inches.


The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune And hale him up and down, all swearing, if The Roman ladies bring not comfort home, They'll give him death by inches.


Good news, good news; the ladies have prevail'd, The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.


Good news, good news; the ladies have prevail'd, The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.

Friend, Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain?


Friend, Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain?

As certain as I know the sun is fire: Where have you lurk'd, that you make doubt of it? Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide, As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you!


As certain as I know the sun is fire: Where have you lurk'd, that you make doubt of it? Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide, As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you!

The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes, Tabours and cymbals and the shouting Romans, Make the sun dance. Hark you!


The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes, Tabours and cymbals and the shouting Romans, Make the sun dance. Hark you!

This is good news: I will go meet the ladies. This Volumnia Is worth of consuls, senators, patricians, A city full; of tribunes, such as you, A sea and land full. You have pray'd well to-day:


This is good news: I will go meet the ladies. This Volumnia Is worth of consuls, senators, patricians, A city full; of tribunes, such as you, A sea and land full. You have pray'd well to-day:

This morning for ten thousand of your throats I'd not have given a doit. Hark, how they joy!


This morning for ten thousand of your throats I'd not have given a doit. Hark, how they joy!

First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next, Accept my thankfulness.


First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next, Accept my thankfulness.

Sir, we have all Great cause to give great thanks.


Sir, we have all Great cause to give great thanks.


Behold our patroness, the life of Rome! Call all your tribes together, praise the gods, And make triumphant fires; strew flowers before them:


Behold our patroness, the life of Rome! Call all your tribes together, praise the gods, And make triumphant fires; strew flowers before them:

Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius, Repeal him with the welcome of his mother; Cry 'Welcome, ladies, welcome!'


Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius, Repeal him with the welcome of his mother; Cry 'Welcome, ladies, welcome!'


Go tell the lords o' the city I am here: Deliver them this paper: having read it, Bid them repair to the market place; where I, Even in theirs and in the commons' ears, Will vouch the truth of it.


Go tell the lords o' the city I am here: Deliver them this paper: having read it, Bid them repair to the market place; where I, Even in theirs and in the commons' ears, Will vouch the truth of it.

Him I accuse The city ports by this hath enter'd and Intends to appear before the people, hoping To purge herself with words: dispatch. Most welcome!


Him I accuse The city ports by this hath enter'd and Intends to appear before the people, hoping To purge herself with words: dispatch. Most welcome!


Even so As with a man by his own alms empoison'd, And with his charity slain.


Even so As with a man by his own alms empoison'd, And with his charity slain.

Most noble sir, If you do hold the same intent wherein You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver you Of your great danger.


Most noble sir, If you do hold the same intent wherein You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver you Of your great danger.

Sir, I cannot tell: We must proceed as we do find the people.


Sir, I cannot tell: We must proceed as we do find the people.

The people will remain uncertain whilst 'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either Makes the survivor heir of all.


The people will remain uncertain whilst 'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either Makes the survivor heir of all.

I know it; And my pretext to strike at him admits A good construction. I raised him, and I pawn'd Mine honour for his truth:


I know it; And my pretext to strike at him admits A good construction. I raised him, and I pawn'd Mine honour for his truth:

who being so heighten'd, He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery, Seducing so my friends; and, to this end, He bow'd his nature, never known before But to be rough, unswayable and free.


who being so heighten'd, He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery, Seducing so my friends; and, to this end, He bow'd his nature, never known before But to be rough, unswayable and free.

Sir, his stoutness When he did stand for consul, which he lost By lack of stooping,--


Sir, his stoutness When he did stand for consul, which he lost By lack of stooping,--

That I would have spoke of: Being banish'd for't, he came unto my hearth; Presented to my knife his throat: I took him; Made him joint-servant with me; gave him way In all his own desires;


That I would have spoke of: Being banish'd for't, he came unto my hearth; Presented to my knife his throat: I took him; Made him joint-servant with me; gave him way In all his own desires;

nay, let him choose Out of my files, his projects to accomplish, My best and freshest men; served his designments In mine own person; holp to reap the fame Which he did end all his;


nay, let him choose Out of my files, his projects to accomplish, My best and freshest men; served his designments In mine own person; holp to reap the fame Which he did end all his;

and took some pride To do myself this wrong: till, at the last, I seem'd his follower, not partner, and He waged me with his countenance, as if I had been mercenary.


and took some pride To do myself this wrong: till, at the last, I seem'd his follower, not partner, and He waged me with his countenance, as if I had been mercenary.

So he did, my lord: The army marvell'd at it, and, in the last, When he had carried Rome and that we look'd For no less spoil than glory,--


So he did, my lord: The army marvell'd at it, and, in the last, When he had carried Rome and that we look'd For no less spoil than glory,--

There was it: For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him. At a few drops of women's rheum, which are As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour Of our great action:


There was it: For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him. At a few drops of women's rheum, which are As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour Of our great action:

therefore shall he die, And I'll renew me in his fall. But, hark!


therefore shall he die, And I'll renew me in his fall. But, hark!

Your native town you enter'd like a post, And had no welcomes home: but he returns, Splitting the air with noise.


Your native town you enter'd like a post, And had no welcomes home: but he returns, Splitting the air with noise.

And patient fools, Whose children he hath slain, their base throats tear With giving him glory.


And patient fools, Whose children he hath slain, their base throats tear With giving him glory.

Therefore, at your vantage, Ere he express himself, or move the people With what he would say, let him feel your sword, Which we will second.


Therefore, at your vantage, Ere he express himself, or move the people With what he would say, let him feel your sword, Which we will second.

When he lies along, After your way his tale pronounced shall bury His reasons with his body.


When he lies along, After your way his tale pronounced shall bury His reasons with his body.


I have not deserved it. But, worthy lords, have you with heed perused What I have written to you?


And grieve to hear't. What faults he made before the last, I think Might have found easy fines:


And grieve to hear't. What faults he made before the last, I think Might have found easy fines:

but there to end Where he was to begin and give away The benefit of our levies, answering us With our own charge, making a treaty where There was a yielding,--this admits no excuse.


but there to end Where he was to begin and give away The benefit of our levies, answering us With our own charge, making a treaty where There was a yielding,--this admits no excuse.


Hail, lords! I am return'd your soldier, No more infected with my country's love Than when I parted hence, but still subsisting Under your great command.


Hail, lords! I am return'd your soldier, No more infected with my country's love Than when I parted hence, but still subsisting Under your great command.

You are to know That prosperously I have attempted and With bloody passage led your wars even to The gates of Rome.


You are to know That prosperously I have attempted and With bloody passage led your wars even to The gates of Rome.

Our spoils we have brought home Do more than counterpoise a full third part The charges of the action. We have made peace With no less honour to the Antiates Than shame to the Romans:


Our spoils we have brought home Do more than counterpoise a full third part The charges of the action. We have made peace With no less honour to the Antiates Than shame to the Romans:

and we here deliver, Subscribed by the consuls and patricians, Together with the seal o' the senate, what We have compounded on.


and we here deliver, Subscribed by the consuls and patricians, Together with the seal o' the senate, what We have compounded on.

Read it not, noble lords; But tell the traitor, in the high'st degree He hath abused your powers.


Read it not, noble lords; But tell the traitor, in the high'st degree He hath abused your powers.


Ay, Marcius, Caius Marcius: dost thou think I'll grace thee with that robbery, thy stol'n name Coriolanus in Corioli?


Ay, Marcius, Caius Marcius: dost thou think I'll grace thee with that robbery, thy stol'n name Coriolanus in Corioli?

You lords and heads o' the state, perfidiously He has betray'd your business, and given up, For certain drops of salt, your city Rome, I say 'your city,' to his wife and mother;


You lords and heads o' the state, perfidiously He has betray'd your business, and given up, For certain drops of salt, your city Rome, I say 'your city,' to his wife and mother;


Measureless liar, thou hast made my heart Too great for what contains it. Boy! O slave! Pardon me, lords, 'tis the first time that ever I was forced to scold.


Measureless liar, thou hast made my heart Too great for what contains it. Boy! O slave! Pardon me, lords, 'tis the first time that ever I was forced to scold.

Your judgments, my grave lords, Must give this cur the lie: and his own notion-- Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him;


Your judgments, my grave lords, Must give this cur the lie: and his own notion-- Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him;

that Must bear my beating to his grave--shall join To thrust the lie unto him.


that Must bear my beating to his grave--shall join To thrust the lie unto him.


Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads, Stain all your edges on me. Boy! false hound!


Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads, Stain all your edges on me. Boy! false hound!

If you have writ your annals true, 'tis there, That, like an eagle in a dove-cote, I Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli: Alone I did it. Boy!


If you have writ your annals true, 'tis there, That, like an eagle in a dove-cote, I Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli: Alone I did it. Boy!

Why, noble lords, Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune, Which was your shame, by this unholy braggart, 'Fore your own eyes and ears?


Why, noble lords, Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune, Which was your shame, by this unholy braggart, 'Fore your own eyes and ears?


'Tear him to pieces.' 'Do it presently.' 'He kill'd my son.' 'My daughter.' 'He killed my cousin Marcus.' 'He killed my father.'


'Tear him to pieces.' 'Do it presently.' 'He kill'd my son.' 'My daughter.' 'He killed my cousin Marcus.' 'He killed my father.'

Peace, ho! no outrage: peace! The man is noble and his fame folds-in This orb o' the earth. His last offences to us Shall have judicious hearing. Stand, Aufidius, And trouble not the peace.


Peace, ho! no outrage: peace! The man is noble and his fame folds-in This orb o' the earth. His last offences to us Shall have judicious hearing. Stand, Aufidius, And trouble not the peace.

O that I had him, With six Aufidiuses, or more, his tribe, To use my lawful sword!


O that I had him, With six Aufidiuses, or more, his tribe, To use my lawful sword!


Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep.


Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep.

Tread not upon him. Masters all, be quiet; Put up your swords.


Tread not upon him. Masters all, be quiet; Put up your swords.

My lords, when you shall know--as in this rage, Provoked by him, you cannot--the great danger Which this man's life did owe you, you'll rejoice That he is thus cut off.


My lords, when you shall know--as in this rage, Provoked by him, you cannot--the great danger Which this man's life did owe you, you'll rejoice That he is thus cut off.

Please it your honours To call me to your senate, I'll deliver Myself your loyal servant, or endure Your heaviest censure.


Please it your honours To call me to your senate, I'll deliver Myself your loyal servant, or endure Your heaviest censure.

Bear from hence his body; And mourn you for him: let him be regarded As the most noble corse that ever herald Did follow to his urn.


Bear from hence his body; And mourn you for him: let him be regarded As the most noble corse that ever herald Did follow to his urn.

His own impatience Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame. Let's make the best of it.


His own impatience Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame. Let's make the best of it.

My rage is gone; And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up. Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one. Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully: Trail your steel pikes.


My rage is gone; And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up. Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one. Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully: Trail your steel pikes.

Though in this city he Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury, Yet he shall have a noble memory. Assist.


Though in this city he Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury, Yet he shall have a noble memory. Assist.

Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.


Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; Our bruised arms hung up for monuments; Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures.


Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; Our bruised arms hung up for monuments; Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures.

Grim-visaged war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front;


Grim-visaged war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front;

And now, instead of mounting barded steeds To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.


And now, instead of mounting barded steeds To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.

But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks, Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph;


But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks, Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph;

Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, Have no delight to pass away the time, Unless to spy my shadow in the sun And descant on mine own deformity:


Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, Have no delight to pass away the time, Unless to spy my 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.


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 laid, inductions dangerous, By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams, To set my brother Clarence and the king In deadly hate the one against the other: Dive, thoughts, down to my soul:


Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous, By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams, To set my brother Clarence and the king In deadly hate the one against the other: Dive, thoughts, down to my soul:

here Clarence comes. Brother, good day; what means this armed guard That waits upon your grace?


here Clarence comes. Brother, good day; what means this armed guard That waits upon your grace?

His majesty Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed This conduct to convey me to the Tower.


His majesty Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed This conduct to convey me to the Tower.


Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours; He should, for that, commit your godfathers: O, belike his majesty hath some intent That you shall be new-christen'd in the Tower.


Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours; He should, for that, commit your godfathers: O, belike his majesty hath some intent That you shall be new-christen'd in the Tower.

But what's the matter, Clarence?  may I know?


But what's the matter, Clarence?  may I know?

Yea, Richard, when I know; for I protest As yet I do not: but, as I can learn, He hearkens after prophecies and dreams; And from the cross-row plucks the letter G.


Yea, Richard, when I know; for I protest As yet I do not: but, as I can learn, He hearkens after prophecies and dreams; And from the cross-row plucks the letter G.

And says a wizard told him that by G His issue disinherited should be; And, for my name of George begins with G, It follows in his thought that I am he.


And says a wizard told him that by G His issue disinherited should be; And, for my name of George begins with G, It follows in his thought that I am he.

These, as I learn, and such like toys as these Have moved his highness to commit me now.


These, as I learn, and such like toys as these Have moved his highness to commit me now.

Why, this it is, when men are ruled by women: 'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower: My Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she That tempers him to this extremity.


Why, this it is, when men are ruled by women: 'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower: My Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she That tempers him to this extremity.

Was it not she and that good man of worship, Anthony Woodville, her brother there, That made him send Lord Hastings to the Tower, From whence this present day he is deliver'd?


Was it not she and that good man of worship, Anthony Woodville, 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.


We are not safe, Clarence; we are not safe.

By heaven, I think there's no man is secure But the queen's kindred and night-walking heralds That trudge betwixt the king and Mistress Shore.


By heaven, I think there's no man is secure But the queen's kindred and night-walking heralds That trudge betwixt the king and Mistress Shore.

Heard ye not what an humble suppliant Lord hastings was to her for his delivery?


Heard ye not what an humble suppliant Lord hastings was to her for his delivery?

Humbly complaining to her deity Got my lord chamberlain his liberty. I'll tell you what; I think it is our way, If we will keep in favour with the king, To be her men and wear her livery:


Humbly complaining to her deity Got my lord chamberlain his liberty. I'll tell you what; I think it is our way, If we will keep in favour with the king, To be her men and wear her livery:

The jealous o'erworn widow and herself, Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen. Are mighty gossips in this monarchy.


The jealous o'erworn widow and herself, Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen. Are mighty gossips in this monarchy.

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.


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.

Even so; an't please your worship, Brakenbury, You may partake of any thing we say: We speak no treason, man:


Even so; an't please your worship, Brakenbury, You may partake of any thing we say: We speak no treason, man:

we say the king Is wise and virtuous, and his noble queen Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous;


we say the king Is wise and virtuous, and his noble queen Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous;

We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot, A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; And that the queen's kindred are made gentle-folks: How say you sir? Can you deny all this?


We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot, A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; And that the queen's kindred are made gentle-folks: How say you sir? Can you deny all this?

With this, my lord, myself have nought to do.


With this, my lord, myself have nought to do.

Naught to do with mistress Shore! I tell thee, fellow, He that doth naught with her, excepting one, Were best he do it secretly, alone.


Naught to do with mistress Shore! I tell thee, fellow, He that doth naught with her, excepting one, Were best he do it secretly, alone.


Her husband, knave: wouldst thou betray me?


Her husband, knave: wouldst thou betray me?

I beseech your grace to pardon me, and withal Forbear your conference with the noble duke.


I beseech your grace to pardon me, and withal Forbear your conference with the noble duke.

We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey.


We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey.

We are the queen's abjects, and must obey. Brother, farewell: I will unto the king;


We are the queen's abjects, and must obey. Brother, farewell: I will unto the king;

And whatsoever you will employ me in, Were it to call King Edward's widow sister, I will perform it to enfranchise you.


And whatsoever you will employ me in, Were it to call King Edward's widow sister, I will perform it to enfranchise you.

Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood Touches me deeper than you can imagine.


Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood Touches me deeper than you can imagine.


Well, your imprisonment shall not be long; Meantime, have patience.


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.


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?


But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings?


As much unto my good lord chamberlain! Well are you welcome to the open air. How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment?


As much unto my good lord chamberlain! Well are you welcome to the open air. How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment?

With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must: But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks That were the cause of my imprisonment.


With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must: But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks That were the cause of my imprisonment.

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.


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.

More pity that the eagle should be mew'd, While kites and buzzards prey at liberty.


More pity that the eagle should be mew'd, While kites and buzzards prey at liberty.


No news so bad abroad as this at home; The King is sickly, weak and melancholy, And his physicians fear him mightily.


No news so bad abroad as this at home; The King is sickly, weak and melancholy, And his physicians fear him mightily.

Now, by Saint Paul, this news is bad indeed. O, he hath kept an evil diet long, And overmuch consumed his royal person: 'Tis very grievous to be thought upon. What, is he in his bed?


Now, by Saint Paul, this news is bad indeed. O, he hath kept an evil diet long, And overmuch consumed his royal person: 'Tis very grievous to be thought upon. What, is he in his bed?


Go you before, and I will follow you. He cannot live, I hope; and must not die Till George be pack'd with post-horse up to heaven.


Go you before, and I will follow you. 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 fall not in my deep intent, Clarence hath not another day to live:


I'll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence, With lies well steel'd with weighty arguments; And, if I fall 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?


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;


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 must reach unto. But yet I run before my horse to market: Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives and reigns:


not all so much for love As for another secret close intent, By marrying her which I must reach unto. But yet I run before my horse to market: Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives and reigns:

When they are gone, then must I count my gains.


When they are gone, then must I count my gains.

Set down, set down your honourable load, If honour may be shrouded in a hearse, Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament The untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster. Poor key-cold figure of a holy king!


Set down, set down your honourable load, If honour may be shrouded in a hearse, Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament The untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster. Poor key-cold figure of a holy king!

Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster! Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood!


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, Stabb'd by the selfsame hand that made these wounds!


Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost, To hear the lamentations of Poor Anne, Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughter'd son, Stabb'd by the selfsame hand that made these wounds!

Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life, I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes. Cursed be the hand that made these fatal holes! Cursed be the heart that had the heart to do it!


Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life, I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes. Cursed be the hand that made these fatal holes! Cursed be the heart that had the heart to do it!

Cursed the blood that let this blood from hence!


Cursed the blood that let this blood from hence!

More direful hap betide that hated wretch, That makes us wretched by the death of thee, Than I can wish to adders, spiders, toads, Or any creeping venom'd thing that lives!


More direful hap betide that hated wretch, That makes us wretched by the death of thee, Than I can wish to adders, spiders, 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 aspect May fright the hopeful mother at the view; And that be heir to his unhappiness!


If ever he have child, abortive be it, Prodigious, and untimely brought to light, Whose ugly and unnatural aspect May fright the hopeful mother at the view; And that be heir to his unhappiness!

If ever he have wife, let her he made A miserable by the death of him As I am made by my poor lord and thee! Come, now towards Chertsey with your holy load, Taken from Paul's to be interred there;


If ever he have wife, let her he made A miserable by the death of him As I am made by my poor lord and thee! Come, now towards Chertsey with your holy load, Taken from Paul's to be interred there;

And still, as you are weary of the weight, Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry's corse.


And still, as you are weary of the weight, Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry's corse.

Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.


Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.

What black magician conjures up this fiend, To stop devoted charitable deeds?


What black magician conjures up this fiend, To stop devoted charitable deeds?

Villains, set down the corse; or, by Saint Paul, I'll make a corse of him that disobeys.


Villains, set down the corse; or, by Saint Paul, I'll make a corse of him that disobeys.

My lord, stand back, and let the coffin pass.


My lord, stand back, and let the coffin pass.

Unmanner'd dog! stand thou, when I command: Advance thy halbert higher than my breast, Or, by Saint Paul, I'll strike thee to my foot, And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.


Unmanner'd dog! stand thou, when I command: Advance thy halbert higher than my breast, Or, by Saint Paul, I'll strike thee to my foot, And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.

What, do you tremble? are you all afraid? Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal, And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil. Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell!


What, do you tremble? are you all afraid? Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal, And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil. Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell!

Thou hadst but power over his mortal body, His soul thou canst not have; therefore be gone.


Thou hadst but power over his mortal body, His soul thou canst not have; therefore be gone.

Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.


Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.

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.


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!


If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds, Behold this pattern of thy butcheries. O, gentlemen, see, see! dead Henry's wounds Open their congeal'd mouths and bleed afresh!

Blush, Blush, thou lump of foul deformity; For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells;


Blush, Blush, thou lump of foul deformity; For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells;

Thy deed, inhuman and unnatural, Provokes this deluge most unnatural. O God, which this blood madest, revenge his death! O earth, which this blood drink'st revenge his death!


Thy deed, inhuman and unnatural, Provokes this deluge most unnatural. O God, which this blood madest, revenge his death! O earth, which this blood drink'st revenge his death!

Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead, Or earth, gape open wide and eat him quick, As thou dost swallow up this good king's blood Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butchered!


Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead, Or earth, gape open wide and eat him quick, As thou dost swallow up this good king's blood Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butchered!

Lady, you know no rules of charity, Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.


Lady, you know no rules of charity, Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.

Villain, thou know'st no law of God nor man: No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.


Villain, thou know'st no law of God nor man: No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.

But I know none, and therefore am no beast.


But I know none, and therefore am no beast.

O wonderful, when devils tell the truth!


O wonderful, when devils tell the truth!

More wonderful, when angels are so angry. Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman, Of these supposed-evils, to give me leave, By circumstance, but to acquit myself.


More wonderful, when angels are so angry. Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman, Of these supposed-evils, to give me leave, By circumstance, but to acquit myself.

Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man, For these known evils, but to give me leave, By circumstance, to curse thy cursed self.


Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man, For these known evils, but to give me leave, By circumstance, to curse thy cursed self.

Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have Some patient leisure to excuse myself.


Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have Some patient leisure to excuse myself.

Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make No excuse current, but to hang thyself.


Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make No excuse current, but to hang thyself.

By such despair, I should accuse myself.


By such despair, I should accuse myself.

And, by despairing, shouldst thou stand excused; For doing worthy vengeance on thyself, Which didst unworthy slaughter upon others.


And, by despairing, shouldst thou stand excused; For doing worthy vengeance on thyself, Which didst unworthy slaughter upon others.


Why, then they are not dead: But dead they are, and devilish slave, by thee.


Nay, he is dead; and slain by Edward's hand.


Nay, he is dead; and slain by Edward's hand.

In thy foul throat thou liest: Queen Margaret saw Thy murderous falchion smoking in his blood; The which thou once didst bend against her breast, But that thy brothers beat aside the point.


In thy foul throat thou liest: Queen Margaret saw Thy murderous falchion smoking in his blood; The which thou once didst bend against her breast, But that thy brothers beat aside the point.

I was provoked by her slanderous tongue, which laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.


I was provoked by her slanderous tongue, which laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.

Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind. Which never dreamt on aught but butcheries: Didst thou not kill this king?


Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind. Which never dreamt on aught but butcheries: Didst thou not kill this king?


Dost grant me, hedgehog? then, God grant me too Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed! O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous!


Dost grant me, hedgehog? then, God grant me too Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed! O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous!

The fitter for the King of heaven, that hath him.


The fitter for the King of heaven, that hath him.

He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.


He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.

Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither; For he was fitter for that place than earth.


Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither; For he was fitter for that place than earth.


Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.


I'll rest betide the chamber where thou liest!


Thou art the cause, and most accursed effect.


Thou art the cause, and most accursed effect.

Your beauty was the cause of that effect; Your beauty: which did haunt me in my sleep To undertake the death of all the world, So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.


Your beauty was the cause of that effect; Your beauty: which did haunt me in my sleep To undertake the death of all the world, So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.

If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide, These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.


If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide, These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.

These eyes could never endure sweet beauty's wreck; You should not blemish it, if I stood by: As all the world is cheered by the sun, So I by that; it is my day, my life.


These eyes could never endure sweet beauty's wreck; You should not blemish it, if I stood by: As all the world is cheered by the sun, So I by that; it is my day, my life.

Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life!


Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life!

Curse not thyself, fair creature thou art both.


Curse not thyself, fair creature thou art both.


It is a quarrel most unnatural, To be revenged on him that loveth you.


It is a quarrel most unnatural, To be revenged on him that loveth you.

It is a quarrel just and reasonable, To be revenged on him that slew my husband.


It is a quarrel just and reasonable, To be revenged on him that slew my husband.

He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband, Did it to help thee to a better husband.


He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband, Did it to help thee to a better husband.

His better doth not breathe upon the earth.


His better doth not breathe upon the earth.

He lives that loves thee better than he could.


He lives that loves thee better than he could.


The selfsame name, but one of better nature.


Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake!


Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake!

Never came poison from so sweet a place.


Never came poison from so sweet a place.

Never hung poison on a fouler toad. Out of my sight! thou dost infect my eyes.


Never hung poison on a fouler toad. Out of my sight! thou dost infect my eyes.

Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.


Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.

Would they were basilisks, to strike thee dead!


Would they were basilisks, to strike thee dead!

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, Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops:


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, Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops:

These eyes that never shed remorseful tear, No, when my father York and Edward wept, To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;


These eyes that never shed remorseful tear, No, when my father York and Edward wept, To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;

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 sued to friend nor enemy;


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 sued to friend nor enemy;

My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word; But now thy beauty is proposed my fee, My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.


My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word; But now thy beauty is proposed my fee, My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.

Teach not thy lips such scorn, for they were made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt. If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive, Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword;


Teach not thy lips such scorn, for they were made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt. If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive, Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword;

Which if thou please to hide in this true bosom. And let the soul forth that adoreth thee, I lay it naked to the deadly stroke, And humbly beg the death upon my knee. Nay, do not pause;


Which if thou please to hide in this true bosom. And let the soul forth that adoreth thee, I lay it naked to the deadly stroke, And humbly beg the death upon my knee. Nay, do not pause;

for I did kill King Henry, But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me. Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward, But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.


for I did kill King Henry, But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me. Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward, But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.


Arise, dissembler: though I wish thy death, I will not be the executioner.


Arise, dissembler: though I wish thy death, I will not be the executioner.

Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.


Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.


Tush, that was in thy rage: Speak it again, and, even with the word, That hand, which, for thy love, did kill thy love, Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love;


Tush, that was in thy rage: Speak it again, and, even with the word, That hand, which, for thy love, did kill thy love, Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love;

To both their deaths thou shalt be accessary.


To both their deaths thou shalt be accessary.


Look, how this ring encompasseth finger. Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart; Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.


Look, how this ring encompasseth finger. Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart; Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.

And if thy poor devoted suppliant may But beg one favour at thy gracious hand, Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.


And if thy poor devoted suppliant may But beg one favour at thy gracious hand, Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.


That it would please thee leave these sad designs To him that hath more cause to be a mourner, And presently repair to Crosby Place;


That it would please thee leave these sad designs To him that hath more cause to be a mourner, And presently repair to Crosby Place;

Where, after I have solemnly interr'd At Chertsey monastery this noble king, And wet his grave with my repentant tears, I will with all expedient duty see you: For divers unknown reasons.


Where, after I have solemnly interr'd At Chertsey monastery this noble king, And wet his grave with my repentant tears, I will with all expedient duty see you: For divers unknown reasons.


With all my heart; and much it joys me too, To see you are become so penitent. Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.


'Tis more than you deserve; But since you teach me how to flatter you, Imagine I have said farewell already.


No, to White-Friars; there attend my coining. Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? Was ever woman in this humour won? I'll have her; but I will not keep her long. What!


No, to White-Friars; there attend my coining. Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? Was ever woman in this humour won? I'll have her; but I will not keep her long. What!

I, that kill'd her husband and his father, To take her in her heart's extremest hate, With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes, The bleeding witness of her hatred by;


I, that kill'd her husband and his father, To take her in her heart's extremest hate, With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes, The bleeding witness of her hatred by;

Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me, And I nothing to back my suit at all, But the plain devil and dissembling looks, And yet to win her, all the world to nothing! Ha!


Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me, And I nothing to back my suit at all, 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, Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury? On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety?


Hath she forgot already that brave prince, Edward, her lord, whom I, some three months since, Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury? On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety?

On me, that halt and am unshapen 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 marvellous proper man.


On me, that halt and am unshapen 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 marvellous proper man.

I'll be at charges for a looking-glass, And entertain some score or two of tailors, To study fashions to adorn my body: Since I am crept in favour with myself, Will maintain it with some little cost.


I'll be at charges for a looking-glass, And entertain some score or two of tailors, To study fashions to adorn my body: Since I am crept in favour with myself, Will maintain it with some little cost.

But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave; And then return lamenting to my love. Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, That I may see my shadow as I pass.


But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave; And then return lamenting to my love. Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, That I may see my shadow as I pass.

Have patience, madam: there's no doubt his majesty Will soon recover his accustom'd health.


Have patience, madam: there's no doubt his majesty Will soon recover his accustom'd health.

In that you brook it in, it makes him worse: Therefore, for God's sake, entertain good comfort, And cheer his grace with quick and merry words.


In that you brook it in, it makes him worse: Therefore, for God's sake, entertain good comfort, And cheer his grace with quick and merry words.

If he were dead, what would betide of me?


If he were dead, what would betide of me?


The loss of such a lord includes all harm.


The loss of such a lord includes all harm.

The heavens have bless'd you with a goodly son, To be your comforter when he is gone.


The heavens have bless'd you with a goodly son, To be your comforter when he is gone.

Oh, he is young and his minority Is put unto the trust of Richard Gloucester, A man that loves not me, nor none of you.


Oh, he is young and his minority Is put unto the trust of Richard Gloucester, A man that loves not me, nor none of you.

Is it concluded that he shall be protector?


Is it concluded that he shall be protector?

It is determined, not concluded yet: But so it must be, if the king miscarry.


It is determined, not concluded yet: But so it must be, if the king miscarry.

Here come the lords of Buckingham and Derby.


Here come the lords of Buckingham and Derby.


God make your majesty joyful as you have been!


God make your majesty joyful as you have been!

The Countess Richmond, good my Lord of Derby. To your good prayers will scarcely say amen.


The Countess Richmond, good my Lord of Derby. To your good prayers will scarcely say amen.

Yet, Derby, notwithstanding she's your wife, And loves not me, be you, good lord, assured I hate not you for her proud arrogance.


Yet, Derby, notwithstanding she's your wife, And loves not me, be you, good lord, assured I hate not you for her proud arrogance.

I do beseech you, either not believe The envious slanders of her false accusers;


I do beseech you, either not believe The envious slanders of her false accusers;

Or, if she be accused in true report, Bear with her weakness, which, I think proceeds From wayward sickness, and no grounded malice.


Or, if she be accused in true report, Bear with her weakness, which, I think proceeds From wayward sickness, and no grounded malice.

Saw you the king to-day, my Lord of Derby?


Saw you the king to-day, my Lord of Derby?

But now the Duke of Buckingham and I Are come from visiting his majesty.


But now the Duke of Buckingham and I Are come from visiting his majesty.

What likelihood of his amendment, lords?


What likelihood of his amendment, lords?

Madam, good hope; his grace speaks cheerfully.


Madam, good hope; his grace speaks cheerfully.

God grant him health! Did you confer with him?


God grant him health! Did you confer with him?

Madam, we did: he desires to make atonement Betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers, And betwixt them and my lord chamberlain; And sent to warn them to his royal presence.


Madam, we did: he desires to make atonement Betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers, And betwixt them and my lord chamberlain; And sent to warn them to his royal presence.

Would all were well! but that will never be I fear our happiness is at the highest.


Would all were well! but that will never be I fear our happiness is at the highest.

They do me wrong, and I will not endure it: Who are they that complain unto the king, That I, forsooth, am stern, and love them not?


They do me wrong, and I will not endure it: Who are they that complain unto the king, That I, forsooth, am stern, and love them not?

By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours.


By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours.

Because I cannot flatter and speak fair, Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and cog, Duck with French nods and apish courtesy, I must be held a rancorous enemy.


Because I cannot flatter and speak fair, Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and cog, Duck with French nods and apish courtesy, I must be held a rancorous enemy.

Cannot a plain man live and think no harm, But thus his simple truth must be abused By silken, sly, insinuating Jacks?


Cannot a plain man live and think no harm, But thus his simple truth must be abused By silken, sly, insinuating Jacks?

To whom in all this presence speaks your grace?


To whom in all this presence speaks your grace?

To thee, that hast nor honesty nor grace. When have I injured thee? when done thee wrong? Or thee? or thee? or any of your faction? A plague upon you all!


To thee, that hast nor honesty nor grace. When have I injured thee? when done thee wrong? Or thee? or thee? or any of your faction? A plague upon you all!

His royal person,-- Whom God preserve better than you would wish!-- Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing-while, But you must trouble him with lewd complaints.


His royal person,-- Whom God preserve better than you would wish!-- Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing-while, But you must trouble him with lewd complaints.

Brother of Gloucester, you mistake the matter. The king, of his own royal disposition, And not provoked by any suitor else;


Brother of Gloucester, you mistake the matter. The king, of his own royal disposition, And not provoked by any suitor else;

Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred, Which in your outward actions shows itself Against my kindred, brothers, and myself, Makes him to send;


Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred, Which in your outward actions shows itself Against my kindred, brothers, and myself, Makes him to send;

that thereby he may gather The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it.


that thereby he may gather The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it.

I cannot tell: the world is grown so bad, That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch: Since every Jack became a gentleman There's many a gentle person made a Jack.


I cannot tell: the world is grown so bad, That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch: Since every Jack became a gentleman There's many a gentle person made a Jack.

Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloucester; You envy my advancement and my friends': God grant we never may have need of you!


Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloucester; You envy my advancement and my friends': God grant we never may have need of you!

Meantime, God grants that we have need of you: Your brother is imprison'd by your means, Myself disgraced, and the nobility Held in contempt;


Meantime, God grants that we have need of you: Your brother is imprison'd by your means, Myself disgraced, and the nobility Held in contempt;

whilst many fair promotions Are daily given to ennoble those That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble.


whilst many fair promotions Are daily given to ennoble those That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble.

By Him that raised me to this careful height From that contented hap which I enjoy'd, I never did incense his majesty Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been An earnest advocate to plead for him.


By Him that raised me to this careful height From that contented hap which I enjoy'd, I never did incense his majesty Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been An earnest advocate to plead for him.

My lord, you do me shameful injury, Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects.


My lord, you do me shameful injury, Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects.

You may deny that you were not the cause Of my Lord Hastings' late imprisonment.


You may deny that you were not the cause Of my Lord Hastings' late imprisonment.


She may, Lord Rivers! why, who knows not so? She may do more, sir, than denying that:


She may, Lord Rivers! why, who knows not so? She may do more, sir, than denying that:

She may help you to many fair preferments, And then deny her aiding hand therein, And lay those honours on your high deserts. What may she not? She may, yea, marry, may she--


She may help you to many fair preferments, And then deny her aiding hand therein, And lay those honours on your high deserts. What may she not? She may, yea, marry, may she--


What, marry, may she! marry with a king, A bachelor, a handsome stripling too: I wis your grandam had a worser match.


What, marry, may she! marry with a king, A bachelor, a handsome stripling too: I wis your grandam had a worser match.

My Lord of Gloucester, I have too long borne Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs: By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty With those gross taunts I often have endured.


My Lord of Gloucester, I have too long borne Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs: By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty With those gross taunts I often have endured.

I had rather be a country servant-maid Than a great queen, with this condition, To be thus taunted, scorn'd, and baited at: Small joy have I in being England's queen.


I had rather be a country servant-maid Than a great queen, with this condition, To be thus taunted, scorn'd, and baited at: Small joy have I in being England's queen.

And lessen'd be that small, God, I beseech thee! Thy honour, state and seat is due to me.


And lessen'd be that small, God, I beseech thee! Thy honour, state and seat is due to me.

What! threat you me with telling of the king? Tell him, and spare not: look, what I have said I will avouch in presence of the king: I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower. 'Tis time to speak;


What! threat you me with telling of the king? Tell him, and spare not: look, what I have said I will avouch in presence of the king: I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower. 'Tis time to speak;


Out, devil! I remember them too well: Thou slewest my husband Henry in the Tower, And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury.


Out, devil! I remember them too well: Thou slewest my husband Henry in the Tower, And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury.

Ere you were queen, yea, 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:


Ere you were queen, yea, 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:


Yea, and much better blood than his or thine.


Yea, and much better blood than his or thine.

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?


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, What you have been ere now, and what you are; Withal, what I have been, and what I am.


Let me put in your minds, if you forget, What you have been ere now, and what you are; Withal, what I have been, and what I am.

A murderous villain, and so still thou art.


A murderous villain, and so still thou art.

Poor Clarence did forsake his father, Warwick; Yea, and forswore himself,--which Jesu pardon!--


Poor Clarence did forsake his father, Warwick; Yea, and forswore himself,--which Jesu pardon!--


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;


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.


Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine I am too childish-foolish for this world.

Hie thee to hell for shame, and leave the world, Thou cacodemon! there thy kingdom is.


Hie thee to hell for shame, and leave the world, Thou cacodemon! there thy kingdom is.

My Lord of Gloucester, in those busy days Which here you urge to prove us enemies, We follow'd then our lord, our lawful king: So should we you, if you should be our king.


My Lord of Gloucester, in those busy days Which here you urge to prove us enemies, We follow'd then our lord, our lawful king: So should we you, if you should be our king.

If I should be! I had rather be a pedlar: Far be it from my heart, the thought of it!


If I should be! I had rather be a pedlar: Far be it from my heart, the thought of it!

As little joy, my lord, as you suppose You should enjoy, were you this country's king, As little joy may you suppose in me. That I enjoy, being the queen thereof.


As little joy, my lord, as you suppose You should enjoy, were you this country's king, As little joy may you suppose in me. That I enjoy, being the queen thereof.

A little joy enjoys the queen thereof; For I am she, and altogether joyless. I can no longer hold me patient.


A little joy enjoys the queen thereof; For I am she, and altogether joyless. I can no longer hold me patient.

Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out In sharing that which you have pill'd from me! Which of you trembles not that looks on me?


Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out In sharing that which you have pill'd from me! Which of you trembles not that looks on me?

If not, that, I being queen, you bow like subjects, Yet that, by you deposed, you quake like rebels? O gentle villain, do not turn away!


If not, that, I being queen, you bow like subjects, Yet that, by you deposed, you quake like rebels? O gentle villain, do not turn away!

Foul wrinkled witch, what makest thou in my sight?


Foul wrinkled witch, what makest thou in my sight?

But repetition of what thou hast marr'd; That will I make before I let thee go.


But repetition of what thou hast marr'd; That will I make before I let thee go.

Wert thou not banished on pain of death?


Wert thou not banished on pain of death?

I was; but I do find more pain in banishment Than death can yield me here by my abode. A husband and a son thou owest to me; And thou a kingdom; all of you allegiance:


I was; but I do find more pain in banishment Than death can yield me here by my abode. A husband and a son thou owest to me; And thou a kingdom; all of you allegiance:

The sorrow that I have, by right is yours, And all the pleasures you usurp are mine.


The sorrow that I have, by right is yours, And all the pleasures you usurp are mine.

And God, not we, hath plagued thy bloody deed.


And God, not we, hath plagued thy bloody deed.


O, 'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe, And the most merciless that e'er was heard of!


O, 'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe, And the most merciless that e'er was heard of!

Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported.


Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported.


Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.


Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.

What were you snarling all before I came, Ready to catch each other by the throat, And turn you all your hatred now on me? Did York's dread curse prevail so much with heaven?


What were you snarling all before I came, Ready to catch each other by the throat, And turn you all your hatred 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, my woful banishment, Could all but answer for that peevish brat? Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven?


That Henry's death, my lovely Edward's death, Their kingdom's loss, my woful banishment, Could 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! If not by war, by surfeit die your king, As ours by murder, to make him a king!


Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses! If not by war, by surfeit die your king, As ours by murder, to make him a king!

Edward thy son, which now is Prince of Wales, For Edward my son, which was Prince of Wales, Die in his youth by like untimely violence!


Edward thy son, which now is Prince of Wales, For Edward my son, which was Prince of Wales, Die in his youth by like untimely violence!

Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen, Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self! Long mayst thou live to wail thy children's loss;


Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen, Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self! Long mayst thou live to wail thy children's loss;

And see another, as I see thee now, Deck'd in thy rights, as thou art stall'd in mine! Long die thy happy days before thy death;


And see another, as I see thee now, Deck'd in thy rights, as 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!


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 thou, Lord Hastings, when my son Was stabb'd with bloody daggers:


Rivers and Dorset, you were standers by, And so wast thou, Lord Hastings, when my son Was stabb'd with bloody daggers:

God, I pray him, That none of you may live your natural age, But by some unlook'd accident cut off!


God, I pray him, That none of you may live your natural age, But by some unlook'd accident cut off!

Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd hag!


Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd hag!

And leave out thee? stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me. The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul! Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou livest, And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends!


And leave out thee? stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me. The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul! Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou livest, And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends!

No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine, Unless it be whilst some tormenting dream Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils! Thou elvish-mark'd, abortive, rooting hog!


No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine, Unless it be whilst 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 heavy womb! Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins! Thou rag of honour! thou detested--


Thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity The slave of nature and the son of hell! Thou slander of thy mother's heavy womb! Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins! Thou rag of honour! thou detested--


I cry thee mercy then, for I had thought That thou hadst call'd me all these bitter names.


I cry thee mercy then, for I had thought That thou hadst call'd me all these bitter names.

Why, so I did; but look'd for no reply. O, let me make the period to my curse!


Why, so I did; but look'd for no reply. O, let me make the period to my curse!

'Tis done by me, and ends in 'Margaret.'


'Tis done by me, and ends in 'Margaret.'

Thus have you breathed your curse against yourself.


Thus have you breathed your curse against yourself.

Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune! Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottled spider, Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about? Fool, fool! thou whet'st a knife to kill thyself.


Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune! Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottled spider, Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about? Fool, fool! thou whet'st a knife to kill thyself.

The time will come when thou shalt wish for me To help thee curse that poisonous bunchback'd toad.


The time will come when thou shalt wish for me To help thee curse that poisonous bunchback'd toad.

False-boding woman, end thy frantic curse, Lest to thy harm thou move our patience.


False-boding woman, end thy frantic curse, Lest to thy harm thou move our patience.

Foul shame upon you! you have all moved mine.


Foul shame upon you! you have all moved mine.

Were you well served, you would be taught your duty.


Were you well served, you would be taught your duty.

To serve me well, you all should do me duty, Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects: O, serve me well, and teach yourselves that duty!


To serve me well, you all should do me duty, Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects: O, serve me well, and teach yourselves that duty!


Peace, master marquess, you are malapert: Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current. O, that your young nobility could judge What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable!


Peace, master marquess, you are malapert: Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current. O, that your young nobility could judge What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable!

They that stand high have many blasts to shake them; And if they fall, they dash themselves to pieces.


They that stand high have many blasts to shake them; And if they fall, they dash themselves to pieces.

Good counsel, marry: learn it, learn it, marquess.


Good counsel, marry: learn it, learn it, marquess.

It toucheth you, my lord, as much as me.


It toucheth you, my lord, as much as me.

Yea, and much more: but I was born so high, Our aery buildeth in the cedar's top, And dallies with the wind and scorns the sun.


Yea, and much more: but I was born so high, Our aery buildeth in the cedar's top, And dallies with the wind and scorns the sun.

And turns the sun to shade; alas! alas! Witness my son, now in the shade of death; Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath Hath in eternal darkness folded up.


And turns the sun to shade; alas! alas! Witness my son, now in the shade of death; Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath Hath in eternal darkness folded up.

Your aery buildeth in our aery's nest. O God, that seest it, do not suffer it! As it was won with blood, lost be it so!


Your aery buildeth in our aery's nest. O God, that seest it, do not suffer it! As it was won with blood, lost be it so!

Have done! for shame, if not for charity.


Have done! for shame, if not for charity.

Urge neither charity nor shame to me: Uncharitably with me have you dealt, And shamefully by you my hopes are butcher'd.


Urge neither charity nor shame to me: Uncharitably with me have you dealt, And shamefully by you my hopes are butcher'd.

My charity is outrage, life my shame And in that shame still live my sorrow's rage.


My charity is outrage, life my shame And in that shame still live my sorrow's rage.


O princely Buckingham I'll kiss thy hand, In sign of league and amity with thee: Now fair befal thee and thy noble house!


O princely Buckingham I'll kiss thy hand, In sign of league and amity with thee: Now fair befal thee and thy noble house!

Thy garments are not spotted with our blood, Nor thou within the compass of my curse.


Thy garments are not spotted with our blood, Nor thou within the compass of my curse.

Nor no one here; for curses never pass The lips of those that breathe them in the air.


Nor no one here; for curses never pass The lips of those that breathe them in the air.

I'll not believe but they ascend the sky, And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace. O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog! Look, when he fawns, he bites;


I'll not believe but they ascend the sky, And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace. O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog! Look, when he fawns, he bites;

and when he bites, His venom tooth will rankle to the death: Have not to do with him, beware of him; Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him, And all their ministers attend on him.


and when he bites, His venom tooth will rankle to the death: Have not to do with him, beware of him; Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him, And all their ministers attend on him.

What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham?


What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham?

Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.


Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.

What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel? And soothe the devil that I warn thee from?


What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel? And soothe 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!


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 to his hate, And he to yours, and all of you to God's!


Live each of you the subjects to his hate, And he to yours, and all of you to God's!

My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses.


My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses.

And so doth mine: I muse why she's at liberty.


And so doth mine: I muse why she's at liberty.

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.


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.


But you have all the vantage of her wrong. I was too hot to do somebody good, That is too cold in thinking of it now.


But you have all the vantage of her wrong. I was too hot to do somebody good, That is too cold in thinking of it now.

Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid, He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains God pardon them that are the cause of it!


Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid, He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains God pardon them that are the cause of it!

A virtuous and a Christian-like conclusion, To pray for them that have done scathe to us.


A virtuous and a Christian-like conclusion, To pray for them that have done scathe to us.

So do I ever: being well-advised. For had I cursed now, I had cursed myself.


So do I ever: being well-advised. For had I cursed now, I had cursed myself.

Madam, his majesty doth call for you, And for your grace; and you, my noble lords.


Madam, his majesty doth call for you, And for your grace; and you, my noble lords.

Catesby, we come. Lords, will you go with us?


Catesby, we come. Lords, will you go with us?


I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl. The secret mischiefs that I set abroach I lay unto the grievous charge of others.


I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl. The secret mischiefs that I set abroach I lay unto the grievous charge of others.

Clarence, whom I, indeed, have laid in darkness, I do beweep to many simple gulls Namely, to Hastings, Derby, Buckingham;


Clarence, whom I, indeed, have laid in darkness, I do beweep to many simple gulls Namely, to Hastings, Derby, Buckingham;

And say it is the queen and her allies That stir the king against the duke my brother. Now, they believe it; and withal whet me To be revenged on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: But then I sigh;


And say it is the queen and her allies That stir the king against the duke my brother. Now, they believe it; and withal whet me To be revenged on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: But then I sigh;

and, with a piece of scripture, Tell them that God bids us do good for evil: And thus I clothe my naked villany With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ;


and, with a piece of scripture, Tell them that God bids us do good for evil: And thus I clothe my naked villany With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ;

And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. But, soft! here come my executioners. How now, my hardy, stout resolved mates! Are you now going to dispatch this deed?


And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. But, soft! here come my executioners. How now, my hardy, stout resolved mates! Are you now going to dispatch this deed?

We are, my lord; and come to have the warrant That we may be admitted where he is.


We are, my lord; and come to have the warrant That we may be admitted where he is.

Well thought upon; I have it here about me. When you have done, repair to Crosby Place. But, sirs, be sudden in the execution, Withal obdurate, do not hear him plead;


Well thought upon; I have it here about me. 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.


For Clarence is well-spoken, and perhaps May move your hearts to pity if you mark him.

Tush! Fear not, my lord, we will not stand to prate; Talkers are no good doers: be assured We come to use our hands and not our tongues.


Tush! Fear not, my lord, we will not stand to prate; Talkers are no good doers: be assured We come to use our hands and not our tongues.

Your eyes drop millstones, when fools' eyes drop tears: I like you, lads; about your business straight; Go, go, dispatch.


Your eyes drop millstones, when fools' eyes drop tears: I like you, lads; about your business straight; Go, go, dispatch.


What was your dream? I long to hear you tell it.


What was your dream? I long to hear you tell it.

Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy; And, in my company, my brother Gloucester; Who from my cabin tempted me to walk Upon the hatches:


Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy; And, in my company, my brother Gloucester; Who from my cabin tempted me to walk Upon the hatches:

thence we looked toward England, And cited up a thousand fearful times, During the wars of York and Lancaster That had befall'n us.


thence we looked toward England, And cited up a thousand fearful times, During the wars of York and Lancaster That had befall'n us.

As we paced along Upon the giddy footing of the hatches, Methought that Gloucester stumbled; and, in falling, Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard, Into the tumbling billows of the main.