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.

Lord, Lord! methought, what pain it was to drown! What dreadful noise of waters in mine ears! What ugly sights of death within mine eyes! Methought I saw a thousand fearful wrecks;


Lord, Lord! methought, what pain it was to drown! What dreadful noise of waters in mine ears! What ugly sights of death within mine eyes! Methought I saw a thousand fearful wrecks;

Ten thousand men that fishes gnaw'd upon; Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels, All scatter'd in the bottom of the sea: Some lay in dead men's skulls;


Ten thousand men that fishes gnaw'd upon; Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels, All scatter'd in the bottom of the sea: Some lay in dead men's skulls;

Had you such leisure in the time of death To gaze upon the secrets of the deep?


Had you such leisure in the time of death To gaze upon the secrets of the deep?

Methought I had; and often did I strive To yield the ghost: but still the envious flood Kept in my soul, and would not let it forth To seek the empty, vast and wandering air;


Methought I had; and often did I strive To yield the ghost: but still the envious flood Kept in my soul, and would not let it forth To seek the empty, vast and wandering air;

But smother'd it within my panting bulk, Which almost burst to belch it in the sea.


But smother'd it within my panting bulk, Which almost burst to belch it in the sea.


O, no, my dream was lengthen'd after life;


O, no, my dream was lengthen'd after life;

O, then began the tempest to my soul, Who pass'd, methought, the melancholy flood, With that grim ferryman which poets write of, Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.


O, then began the tempest to my soul, Who pass'd, methought, the melancholy flood, With that grim ferryman which poets write of, Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.

The first that there did greet my stranger soul, Was my great father-in-law, renowned Warwick; Who cried aloud, 'What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?


The first that there did greet my stranger soul, Was my great father-in-law, renowned Warwick; Who cried aloud, 'What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?

' And so he vanish'd: then came wandering by A shadow like an angel, with bright hair Dabbled in blood; and he squeak'd out aloud, 'Clarence is come;


' And so he vanish'd: then came wandering by A shadow like an angel, with bright hair Dabbled in blood; and he squeak'd out aloud, 'Clarence is come;

false, fleeting, perjured Clarence, That stabb'd me in the field by Tewksbury; Seize on him, Furies, take him to your torments!


false, fleeting, perjured Clarence, That stabb'd me in the field by Tewksbury; Seize on him, Furies, take him to your torments!

No marvel, my lord, though it affrighted you; I promise, I am afraid to hear you tell it.


No marvel, my lord, though it affrighted you; I promise, I am afraid to hear you tell it.

O Brakenbury, I have done those things, Which now bear evidence against my soul, For Edward's sake; and see how he requites me! O God!


O Brakenbury, I have done those things, Which now bear evidence against my soul, For Edward's sake; and see how he requites me! O God!

if my deep prayers cannot appease thee, But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds, Yet execute thy wrath in me alone, O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!


if my deep prayers cannot appease thee, But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds, Yet execute thy wrath in me alone, O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!

I pray thee, gentle keeper, stay by me; My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.


I pray thee, gentle keeper, stay by me; My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.

I will, my lord: God give your grace good rest! Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours, Makes the night morning, and the noon-tide night.


I will, my lord: God give your grace good rest! Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours, Makes the night morning, and the noon-tide night.

Princes have but their tides for their glories, An outward honour for an inward toil; And, for unfelt imagination, They often feel a world of restless cares:


Princes have but their tides for their glories, An outward honour for an inward toil; And, for unfelt imagination, They often feel a world of restless cares:

So that, betwixt their tides and low names, There's nothing differs but the outward fame.


So that, betwixt their tides and low names, There's nothing differs but the outward fame.


In God's name what are you, and how came you hither?


In God's name what are you, and how came you hither?

I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.


I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs.


O sir, it is better to be brief than tedious. Show him our commission; talk no more.


O sir, it is better to be brief than tedious. Show him our commission; talk no more.

I am, in this, commanded to deliver The noble Duke of Clarence to your hands: I will not reason what is meant hereby, Because I will be guiltless of the meaning.


I am, in this, commanded to deliver The noble Duke of Clarence to your hands: I will not reason what is meant hereby, Because I will be guiltless of the meaning.

Here are the keys, there sits the duke asleep: I'll to the king; and signify to him That thus I have resign'd my charge to you.


Here are the keys, there sits the duke asleep: I'll to the king; and signify to him That thus I have resign'd my charge to you.

Do so, it is a point of wisdom: fare you well.


Do so, it is a point of wisdom: fare you well.


No; then he will say 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes.


No; then he will say 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes.

When he wakes! why, fool, he shall never wake till the judgment-day.


When he wakes! why, fool, he shall never wake till the judgment-day.

Why, then he will say we stabbed him sleeping.


Why, then he will say we stabbed him sleeping.

The urging of that word 'judgment' hath bred a kind of remorse in me.


The urging of that word 'judgment' hath bred a kind of remorse in me.


Not to kill him, having a warrant for it; but to be damned for killing him, from which no warrant can defend us.


Back to the Duke of Gloucester, tell him so.


Back to the Duke of Gloucester, tell him so.

I pray thee, stay a while: I hope my holy humour will change; 'twas wont to hold me but while one would tell twenty.


I pray thee, stay a while: I hope my holy humour will change; 'twas wont to hold me but while one would tell twenty.


'Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.


'Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.

Remember our reward, when the deed is done.


Remember our reward, when the deed is done.

'Zounds, he dies: I had forgot the reward.


'Zounds, he dies: I had forgot the reward.


So when he opens his purse to give us our reward, thy conscience flies out.


So when he opens his purse to give us our reward, thy conscience flies out.

Let it go; there's few or none will entertain it.


Let it go; there's few or none will entertain it.


I'll not meddle with it: it is a dangerous thing: it makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal, but it accuseth him; he cannot swear, but it cheques him;


I'll not meddle with it: it is a dangerous thing: it makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal, but it accuseth him; he cannot swear, but it cheques him;

he cannot lie with his neighbour's wife, but it detects him: 'tis a blushing shamefast spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom; it fills one full of obstacles:


he cannot lie with his neighbour's wife, but it detects him: 'tis a blushing shamefast spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom; it fills one full of obstacles:

it made me once restore a purse of gold that I found; it beggars any man that keeps it: it is turned out of all towns and cities for a dangerous thing;


it made me once restore a purse of gold that I found; it beggars any man that keeps it: it is turned out of all towns and cities for a dangerous thing;

and every man that means to live well endeavours to trust to himself and to live without it.


and every man that means to live well endeavours to trust to himself and to live without it.

'Zounds, it is even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke.


'Zounds, it is even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke.

Take the devil in thy mind, and relieve him not: he would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.


Take the devil in thy mind, and relieve him not: he would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.

Tut, I am strong-framed, he cannot prevail with me, I warrant thee.


Tut, I am strong-framed, he cannot prevail with me, I warrant thee.

Spoke like a tail fellow that respects his reputation. Come, shall we to this gear?


Spoke like a tail fellow that respects his reputation. Come, shall we to this gear?

Take him over the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then we will chop him in the malmsey-butt in the next room.


Take him over the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then we will chop him in the malmsey-butt in the next room.


Where art thou, keeper? give me a cup of wine.


Where art thou, keeper? give me a cup of wine.

You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.


You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon.


Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.


Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble.

My voice is now the king's, my looks mine own.


My voice is now the king's, my looks mine own.

How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak! Your eyes do menace me: why look you pale? Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?


How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak! Your eyes do menace me: why look you pale? Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?


You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so, And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it. Wherein, my friends, have I offended you?


Never, my lord; therefore prepare to die.


Never, my lord; therefore prepare to die.

Are you call'd forth from out a world of men To slay the innocent? What is my offence? Where are the evidence that do accuse me? What lawful quest have given their verdict up Unto the frowning judge?


Are you call'd forth from out a world of men To slay the innocent? What is my offence? Where are the evidence that do accuse me? What lawful quest have given their verdict up Unto the frowning judge?

or who pronounced The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death? Before I be convict by course of law, To threaten me with death is most unlawful.


or who pronounced The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death? Before I be convict by course of law, To threaten me with death is most unlawful.

I charge you, as you hope to have redemption By Christ's dear blood shed for our grievous sins, That you depart and lay no hands on me The deed you undertake is damnable.


I charge you, as you hope to have redemption By Christ's dear blood shed for our grievous sins, That you depart and lay no hands on me The deed you undertake is damnable.


Erroneous vassal! the great King of kings Hath in the tables of his law commanded That thou shalt do no murder: and wilt thou, then, Spurn at his edict and fulfil a man's? Take heed;


Erroneous vassal! the great King of kings Hath in the tables of his law commanded That thou shalt do no murder: and wilt thou, then, Spurn at his edict and fulfil a man's? Take heed;

for he holds vengeance in his hands, To hurl upon their heads that break his law.


for he holds vengeance in his hands, To hurl upon their heads that break his law.

And that same vengeance doth he hurl on thee, For false forswearing and for murder too: Thou didst receive the holy sacrament, To fight in quarrel of the house of Lancaster.


And that same vengeance doth he hurl on thee, For false forswearing and for murder too: Thou didst receive the holy sacrament, To fight in quarrel of the house of Lancaster.

And, like a traitor to the name of God, Didst break that vow; and with thy treacherous blade Unrip'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son.


And, like a traitor to the name of God, Didst break that vow; and with thy treacherous blade Unrip'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son.

Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.


Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.

How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us, When thou hast broke it in so dear degree?


How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us, When thou hast broke it in so dear degree?

Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deed? For Edward, for my brother, for his sake: Why, sirs, He sends ye not to murder me for this For in this sin he is as deep as I.


Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deed? For Edward, for my brother, for his sake: Why, sirs, He sends ye not to murder me for this For in this sin he is as deep as I.

If God will be revenged for this deed. O, know you yet, he doth it publicly, Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm;


If God will be revenged for this deed. O, know you yet, he doth it publicly, Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm;

He needs no indirect nor lawless course To cut off those that have offended him.


He needs no indirect nor lawless course To cut off those that have offended him.

Who made thee, then, a bloody minister, When gallant-springing brave Plantagenet, That princely novice, was struck dead by thee?


Who made thee, then, a bloody minister, When gallant-springing brave Plantagenet, That princely novice, was struck dead by thee?

My brother's love, the devil, and my rage.


My brother's love, the devil, and my rage.

Thy brother's love, our duty, and thy fault, Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.


Thy brother's love, our duty, and thy fault, Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.

Oh, if you love my brother, hate not me; I am his brother, and I love him well.


Oh, if you love my brother, hate not me; I am his brother, and I love him well.

If you be hired for meed, go back again, And I will send you to my brother Gloucester, Who shall reward you better for my life Than Edward will for tidings of my death.


If you be hired for meed, go back again, And I will send you to my brother Gloucester, Who shall reward you better for my life Than Edward will for tidings of my death.

You are deceived, your brother Gloucester hates you.


You are deceived, your brother Gloucester hates you.

O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear: Go you to him from me.


O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear: Go you to him from me.


Tell him, when that our princely father York Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm, And charged us from his soul to love each other, He little thought of this divided friendship:


Tell him, when that our princely father York Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm, And charged us from his soul to love each other, He little thought of this divided friendship:

Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep.


Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep.

Ay, millstones; as be lesson'd us to weep.


Ay, millstones; as be lesson'd us to weep.


Right, As snow in harvest. Thou deceivest thyself: 'Tis he that sent us hither now to slaughter thee.


Right, As snow in harvest. Thou deceivest thyself: 'Tis he that sent us hither now to slaughter thee.

It cannot be; for when I parted with him, He hugg'd me in his arms, and swore, with sobs, That he would labour my delivery.


It cannot be; for when I parted with him, He hugg'd me in his arms, and swore, with sobs, That he would labour my delivery.

Why, so he doth, now he delivers thee From this world's thraldom to the joys of heaven.


Why, so he doth, now he delivers thee From this world's thraldom to the joys of heaven.

Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.


Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.

Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul, To counsel me to make my peace with God, And art thou yet to thy own soul so blind, That thou wilt war with God by murdering me?


Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul, To counsel me to make my peace with God, And art thou yet to thy own soul so blind, That thou wilt war with God by murdering me?

Ah, sirs, consider, he that set you on To do this deed will hate you for the deed.


Ah, sirs, consider, he that set you on To do this deed will hate you for the deed.


Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish. Which of you, if you were a prince's son, Being pent from liberty, as I am now, if two such murderers as yourselves came to you, Would not entreat for life?


Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish. Which of you, if you were a prince's son, Being pent from liberty, as I am now, if two such murderers as yourselves came to you, Would not entreat for life?

My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks:


My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks:

O, if thine eye be not a flatterer, Come thou on my side, and entreat for me, As you would beg, were you in my distress A begging prince what beggar pities not?


O, if thine eye be not a flatterer, Come thou on my side, and entreat for me, As you would beg, were you in my distress A begging prince what beggar pities not?


Take that, and that: if all this will not do, I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within.


Take that, and that: if all this will not do, I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within.

A bloody deed, and desperately dispatch'd! How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands Of this most grievous guilty murder done!


A bloody deed, and desperately dispatch'd! How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands Of this most grievous guilty murder done!

How now! what mean'st thou, that thou help'st me not? By heavens, the duke shall know how slack thou art!


How now! what mean'st thou, that thou help'st me not? By heavens, the duke shall know how slack thou art!

I would he knew that I had saved his brother! Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say; For I repent me that the duke is slain.


I would he knew that I had saved his brother! Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say; For I repent me that the duke is slain.

So do not I: go, coward as thou art. Now must I hide his body in some hole, Until the duke take order for his burial: And when I have my meed, I must away; For this will out, and here I must not stay.


So do not I: go, coward as thou art. Now must I hide his body in some hole, Until the duke take order for his burial: And when I have my meed, I must away; For this will out, and here I must not stay.

Why, so: now have I done a good day's work: You peers, continue this united league: I every day expect an embassage From my Redeemer to redeem me hence;


Why, so: now have I done a good day's work: You peers, continue this united league: I every day expect an embassage From my Redeemer to redeem me hence;

And now in peace my soul shall part to heaven, Since I have set my friends at peace on earth. Rivers and Hastings, take each other's hand; Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.


And now in peace my soul shall part to heaven, Since I have set my friends at peace on earth. Rivers and Hastings, take each other's hand; Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.

By heaven, my heart is purged from grudging hate: And with my hand I seal my true heart's love.


By heaven, my heart is purged from grudging hate: And with my hand I seal my true heart's love.


Take heed you dally not before your king; Lest he that is the supreme King of kings Confound your hidden falsehood, and award Either of you to be the other's end.


And I, as I love Hastings with my heart!


And I, as I love Hastings with my heart!

Madam, yourself are not exempt in this, Nor your son Dorset, Buckingham, nor you; You have been factious one against the other, Wife, love Lord Hastings, let him kiss your hand;


Madam, yourself are not exempt in this, Nor your son Dorset, Buckingham, nor you; You have been factious one against the other, Wife, love Lord Hastings, let him kiss your hand;


Here, Hastings; I will never more remember Our former hatred, so thrive I and mine!


Here, Hastings; I will never more remember Our former hatred, so thrive I and mine!

Dorset, embrace him; Hastings, love lord marquess.


Dorset, embrace him; Hastings, love lord marquess.

This interchange of love, I here protest, Upon my part shall be unviolable.


This interchange of love, I here protest, Upon my part shall be unviolable.


Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou this league With thy embracements to my wife's allies, And make me happy in your unity.


Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou this league With thy embracements to my wife's allies, And make me happy in your unity.

Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate On you or yours, but with all duteous love Doth cherish you and yours, God punish me With hate in those where I expect most love!


Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate On you or yours, but with all duteous love Doth cherish you and yours, God punish me With hate in those where I expect most love!

When I have most need to employ a friend, And most assured that he is a friend Deep, hollow, treacherous, and full of guile, Be he unto me! this do I beg of God, When I am cold in zeal to yours.


When I have most need to employ a friend, And most assured that he is a friend Deep, hollow, treacherous, and full of guile, Be he unto me! this do I beg of God, When I am cold in zeal to yours.

A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham, is this thy vow unto my sickly heart. There wanteth now our brother Gloucester here, To make the perfect period of this peace.


A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham, is this thy vow unto my sickly heart. There wanteth now our brother Gloucester here, To make the perfect period of this peace.

And, in good time, here comes the noble duke.


And, in good time, here comes the noble duke.

Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen: And, princely peers, a happy time of day!


Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen: And, princely peers, a happy time of day!

Happy, indeed, as we have spent the day. Brother, we done deeds of charity; Made peace enmity, fair love of hate, Between these swelling wrong-incensed peers.


Happy, indeed, as we have spent the day. Brother, we done deeds of charity; Made peace enmity, fair love of hate, Between these swelling wrong-incensed peers.

A blessed labour, my most sovereign liege: Amongst this princely heap, if any here, By false intelligence, or wrong surmise, Hold me a foe;


A blessed labour, my most sovereign liege: Amongst this princely heap, if any here, By false intelligence, or wrong surmise, Hold me a foe;

If I unwittingly, or in my rage, Have aught committed that is hardly borne By any in this presence, I desire To reconcile me to his friendly peace: 'Tis death to me to be at enmity;


If I unwittingly, or in my rage, Have aught committed that is hardly borne By any in this presence, I desire To reconcile me to his friendly peace: 'Tis death to me to be at enmity;

I hate it, and desire all good men's love. First, madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service;


I hate it, and desire all good men's love. First, madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service;

Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham, If ever any grudge were lodged between us; Of you, Lord Rivers, and, Lord Grey, of you; That without desert have frown'd on me; Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen;


Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham, If ever any grudge were lodged between us; Of you, Lord Rivers, and, Lord Grey, of you; That without desert have frown'd on me; Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen;

indeed, of all. I do not know that Englishman alive With whom my soul is any jot at odds More than the infant that is born to-night I thank my God for my humility.


indeed, of all. I do not know that Englishman alive With whom my soul is any jot at odds More than the infant that is born to-night I thank my God for my humility.

A holy day shall this be kept hereafter: I would to God all strifes were well compounded. My sovereign liege, I do beseech your majesty To take our brother Clarence to your grace.


A holy day shall this be kept hereafter: I would to God all strifes were well compounded. My sovereign liege, I do beseech your majesty To take our brother Clarence to your grace.

Why, madam, have I offer'd love for this To be so bouted in this royal presence? Who knows not that the noble duke is dead? You do him injury to scorn his corse.


Why, madam, have I offer'd love for this To be so bouted in this royal presence? Who knows not that the noble duke is dead? You do him injury to scorn his corse.

Who knows not he is dead! who knows he is?


Who knows not he is dead! who knows he is?

All seeing heaven, what a world is this!


All seeing heaven, what a world is this!

Look I so pale, Lord Dorset, as the rest?


Look I so pale, Lord Dorset, as the rest?

Ay, my good lord; and no one in this presence But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks.


Ay, my good lord; and no one in this presence But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks.

Is Clarence dead? the order was reversed.


Is Clarence dead? the order was reversed.

But he, poor soul, by your first order died, And that a winged Mercury did bear: Some tardy cripple bore the countermand, That came too lag to see him buried.


But he, poor soul, by your first order died, And that a winged Mercury did bear: Some tardy cripple bore the countermand, That came too lag to see him buried.

God grant that some, less noble and less loyal, Nearer in bloody thoughts, but not in blood, Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did, And yet go current from suspicion!


God grant that some, less noble and less loyal, Nearer in bloody thoughts, but not in blood, Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did, And yet go current from suspicion!

A boon, my sovereign, for my service done!


A boon, my sovereign, for my service done!

I pray thee, peace: my soul is full of sorrow.


I pray thee, peace: my soul is full of sorrow.

I will not rise, unless your highness grant.


I will not rise, unless your highness grant.

Then speak at once what is it thou demand'st.


Then speak at once what is it thou demand'st.

The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life; Who slew to-day a righteous gentleman Lately attendant on the Duke of Norfolk.


The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life; Who slew to-day a righteous gentleman Lately attendant on the Duke of Norfolk.

Have a tongue to doom my brother's death, And shall the same give pardon to a slave? My brother slew no man; his fault was thought, And yet his punishment was cruel death. Who sued to me for him?


Have a tongue to doom my brother's death, And shall the same give pardon to a slave? My brother slew no man; his fault was thought, And yet his punishment was cruel death. Who sued to me for him?

who, in my rage, Kneel'd at my feet, and bade me be advised Who spake of brotherhood? who spake of love? Who told me how the poor soul did forsake The mighty Warwick, and did fight for me?


who, in my rage, Kneel'd at my feet, and bade me be advised Who spake of brotherhood? who spake of love? Who told me how the poor soul did forsake The mighty Warwick, and did fight for me?

Who told me, in the field by Tewksbury When Oxford had me down, he rescued me, And said, 'Dear brother, live, and be a king'?


Who told me, in the field by Tewksbury When Oxford had me down, he rescued me, And said, 'Dear brother, live, and be a king'?

Who told me, when we both lay in the field Frozen almost to death, how he did lap me Even in his own garments, and gave himself, All thin and naked, to the numb cold night?


Who told me, when we both lay in the field Frozen almost to death, how he did lap me Even in his own garments, and gave himself, All thin and naked, to the numb cold night?

All this from my remembrance brutish wrath Sinfully pluck'd, and not a man of you Had so much grace to put it in my mind.


All this from my remembrance brutish wrath Sinfully pluck'd, and not a man of you Had so much grace to put it in my mind.

But when your carters or your waiting-vassals Have done a drunken slaughter, and defaced The precious image of our dear Redeemer, You straight are on your knees for pardon, pardon;


But when your carters or your waiting-vassals Have done a drunken slaughter, and defaced The precious image of our dear Redeemer, You straight are on your knees for pardon, pardon;

And I unjustly too, must grant it you But for my brother not a man would speak, Nor I, ungracious, speak unto myself For him, poor soul.


And I unjustly too, must grant it you But for my brother not a man would speak, Nor I, ungracious, speak unto myself For him, poor soul.

The proudest of you all Have been beholding to him in his life; Yet none of you would once plead for his life. O God, I fear thy justice will take hold On me, and you, and mine, and yours for this!


The proudest of you all Have been beholding to him in his life; Yet none of you would once plead for his life. O God, I fear thy justice will take hold On me, and you, and mine, and yours for this!

Come, Hastings, help me to my closet. Oh, poor Clarence!


Come, Hastings, help me to my closet. Oh, poor Clarence!

This is the fruit of rashness! Mark'd you not How that the guilty kindred of the queen Look'd pale when they did hear of Clarence' death? O, they did urge it still unto the king! God will revenge it.


This is the fruit of rashness! Mark'd you not How that the guilty kindred of the queen Look'd pale when they did hear of Clarence' death? O, they did urge it still unto the king! God will revenge it.

But come, let us in, To comfort Edward with our company.


But come, let us in, To comfort Edward with our company.


Tell me, good grandam, is our father dead?


Why do you wring your hands, and beat your breast, And cry 'O Clarence, my unhappy son!'


Why do you wring your hands, and beat your breast, And cry 'O Clarence, my unhappy son!'

Why do you look on us, and shake your head, And call us wretches, orphans, castaways If that our noble father be alive?


Why do you look on us, and shake your head, And call us wretches, orphans, castaways If that our noble father be alive?

My pretty cousins, you mistake me much; I do lament the sickness of the king. As loath to lose him, not your father's death; It were lost sorrow to wail one that's lost.


My pretty cousins, you mistake me much; I do lament the sickness of the king. As loath to lose him, not your father's death; It were lost sorrow to wail one that's lost.

Then, grandam, you conclude that he is dead. The king my uncle is to blame for this: God will revenge it; whom I will importune With daily prayers all to that effect.


Then, grandam, you conclude that he is dead. The king my uncle is to blame for this: God will revenge it; whom I will importune With daily prayers all to that effect.


Peace, children, peace! the king doth love you well: Incapable and shallow innocents, You cannot guess who caused your father's death.


Peace, children, peace! the king doth love you well: Incapable and shallow innocents, You cannot guess who caused your father's death.

Grandam, we can; for my good uncle Gloucester Told me, the king, provoked by the queen, Devised impeachments to imprison him :


Grandam, we can; for my good uncle Gloucester Told me, the king, provoked by the queen, Devised impeachments to imprison him :

And when my uncle told me so, he wept, And hugg'd me in his arm, and kindly kiss'd my cheek; Bade me rely on him as on my father, And he would love me dearly as his child.


And when my uncle told me so, he wept, And hugg'd me in his arm, and kindly kiss'd my cheek; Bade me rely on him as on my father, And he would love me dearly as his child.

Oh, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes, And with a virtuous vizard hide foul guile! He is my son; yea, and therein my shame; Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.


Oh, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes, And with a virtuous vizard hide foul guile! He is my son; yea, and therein my shame; Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.

Think you my uncle did dissemble, grandam?


Think you my uncle did dissemble, grandam?


I cannot think it. Hark! what noise is this?


I cannot think it. Hark! what noise is this?

Oh, who shall hinder me to wail and weep, To chide my fortune, and torment myself? I'll join with black despair against my soul, And to myself become an enemy.


Oh, who shall hinder me to wail and weep, To chide my fortune, and torment myself? I'll join with black despair against my soul, And to myself become an enemy.

What means this scene of rude impatience?


What means this scene of rude impatience?

To make an act of tragic violence: Edward, my lord, your son, our king, is dead. Why grow the branches now the root is wither'd? Why wither not the leaves the sap being gone? If you will live, lament;


To make an act of tragic violence: Edward, my lord, your son, our king, is dead. Why grow the branches now the root is wither'd? Why wither not the leaves the sap being gone? If you will live, lament;

if die, be brief, That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's; Or, like obedient subjects, follow him To his new kingdom of perpetual rest.


if die, be brief, That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's; Or, like obedient subjects, follow him To his new kingdom of perpetual rest.

Ah, so much interest have I in thy sorrow As I had title in thy noble husband! I have bewept a worthy husband's death, And lived by looking on his images:


Ah, so much interest have I in thy sorrow As I had title in thy noble husband! I have bewept a worthy husband's death, And lived by looking on his images:

But now two mirrors of his princely semblance Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death, And I for comfort have but one false glass, Which grieves me when I see my shame in him. Thou art a widow;


But now two mirrors of his princely semblance Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death, And I for comfort have but one false glass, Which grieves me when I see my shame in him. Thou art a widow;

yet thou art a mother, And hast the comfort of thy children left thee: But death hath snatch'd my husband from mine arms, And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble limbs, Edward and Clarence.


yet thou art a mother, And hast the comfort of thy children left thee: But death hath snatch'd my husband from mine arms, And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble limbs, Edward and Clarence.

O, what cause have I, Thine being but a moiety of my grief, To overgo thy plaints and drown thy cries!


O, what cause have I, Thine being but a moiety of my grief, To overgo thy plaints and drown thy cries!

Good aunt, you wept not for our father's death; How can we aid you with our kindred tears?


Good aunt, you wept not for our father's death; How can we aid you with our kindred tears?

Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd; Your widow-dolour likewise be unwept!


Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd; Your widow-dolour likewise be unwept!


I am not barren to bring forth complaints All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes, That I, being govern'd by the watery moon, May send forth plenteous tears to drown the world!


I am not barren to bring forth complaints All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes, That I, being govern'd by the watery moon, May send forth plenteous tears to drown the world!

Oh for my husband, for my dear lord Edward!


Oh for my husband, for my dear lord Edward!

Oh for our father, for our dear lord Clarence!


Oh for our father, for our dear lord Clarence!

Alas for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence!


Alas for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence!

What stay had I but Edward? and he's gone.


What stay had I but Edward? and he's gone.

What stay had we but Clarence? and he's gone.


What stay had we but Clarence? and he's gone.

What stays had I but they? and they are gone.


What stays had I but they? and they are gone.


Was never mother had so dear a loss! Alas, I am the mother of these moans! Their woes are parcell'd, mine are general. She for an Edward weeps, and so do I; I for a Clarence weep, so doth not she:


Was never mother had so dear a loss! Alas, I am the mother of these moans! Their woes are parcell'd, mine are general. She for an Edward weeps, and so do I; I for a Clarence weep, so doth not she:

These babes for Clarence weep and so do I; I for an Edward weep, so do not they: Alas, you three, on me, threefold distress'd, Pour all your tears!


These babes for Clarence weep and so do I; I for an Edward weep, so do not they: Alas, you three, on me, threefold distress'd, Pour all your tears!

I am your sorrow's nurse, And I will pamper it with lamentations.


I am your sorrow's nurse, And I will pamper it with lamentations.

Comfort, dear mother: God is much displeased That you take with unthankfulness, his doing:


Comfort, dear mother: God is much displeased That you take with unthankfulness, his doing:

In common worldly things, 'tis call'd ungrateful, With dull unwilligness to repay a debt Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent;


In common worldly things, 'tis call'd ungrateful, With dull unwilligness to repay a debt Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent;

Much more to be thus opposite with heaven, For it requires the royal debt it lent you.


Much more to be thus opposite with heaven, For it requires the royal debt it lent you.

Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother, Of the young prince your son: send straight for him Let him be crown'd; in him your comfort lives:


Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother, Of the young prince your son: send straight for him Let him be crown'd; in him your comfort lives:

Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave, And plant your joys in living Edward's throne.


Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave, And plant your joys in living Edward's throne.

Madam, have comfort: all of us have cause To wail the dimming of our shining star; But none can cure their harms by wailing them. Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy; I did not see your grace:


Madam, have comfort: all of us have cause To wail the dimming of our shining star; But none can cure their harms by wailing them. Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy; I did not see your grace:

humbly on my knee I crave your blessing.


humbly on my knee I crave your blessing.

God bless thee; and put meekness in thy mind, Love, charity, obedience, and true duty!


God bless thee; and put meekness in thy mind, Love, charity, obedience, and true duty!


The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts, But lately splinter'd, knit, and join'd together, Must gently be preserved, cherish'd, and kept:


The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts, But lately splinter'd, knit, and join'd together, Must gently be preserved, cherish'd, and kept:

Me seemeth good, that, with some little train, Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetch'd Hither to London, to be crown'd our king.


Me seemeth good, that, with some little train, Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetch'd Hither to London, to be crown'd our king.

Why with some little train, my Lord of Buckingham?


Why with some little train, my Lord of Buckingham?

Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude, The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out, Which would be so much the more dangerous By how much the estate is green and yet ungovern'd:


Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude, The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out, Which would be so much the more dangerous By how much the estate is green and yet ungovern'd:

Where every horse bears his commanding rein, And may direct his course as please himself, As well the fear of harm, as harm apparent, In my opinion, ought to be prevented.


Where every horse bears his commanding rein, And may direct his course as please himself, As well the fear of harm, as harm apparent, In my opinion, ought to be prevented.

I hope the king made peace with all of us And the compact is firm and true in me.


I hope the king made peace with all of us And the compact is firm and true in me.

And so in me; and so, I think, in all: Yet, since it is but green, it should be put To no apparent likelihood of breach, Which haply by much company might be urged:


And so in me; and so, I think, in all: Yet, since it is but green, it should be put To no apparent likelihood of breach, Which haply by much company might be urged:

Therefore I say with noble Buckingham, That it is meet so few should fetch the prince.


Therefore I say with noble Buckingham, That it is meet so few should fetch the prince.


Then be it so; and go we to determine Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow. Madam, and you, my mother, will you go To give your censures in this weighty business?


My lord, whoever journeys to the Prince, For God's sake, let not us two be behind;


My lord, whoever journeys to the Prince, For God's sake, let not us two be behind;

For, by the way, I'll sort occasion, As index to the story we late talk'd of, To part the queen's proud kindred from the king.


For, by the way, I'll sort occasion, As index to the story we late talk'd of, To part the queen's proud kindred from the king.

My other self, my counsel's consistory, My oracle, my prophet! My dear cousin, I, like a child, will go by thy direction. Towards Ludlow then, for we'll not stay behind.


My other self, my counsel's consistory, My oracle, my prophet! My dear cousin, I, like a child, will go by thy direction. Towards Ludlow then, for we'll not stay behind.

Neighbour, well met: whither away so fast?


Neighbour, well met: whither away so fast?

I promise you, I scarcely know myself: Hear you the news abroad?


I promise you, I scarcely know myself: Hear you the news abroad?


Bad news, by'r lady; seldom comes the better: I fear, I fear 'twill prove a troublous world.


Doth this news hold of good King Edward's death?


Doth this news hold of good King Edward's death?

Ay, sir, it is too true; God help the while!


Ay, sir, it is too true; God help the while!

Then, masters, look to see a troublous world.


Then, masters, look to see a troublous world.

No, no; by God's good grace his son shall reign.


No, no; by God's good grace his son shall reign.

Woe to the land that's govern'd by a child!


Woe to the land that's govern'd by a child!

In him there is a hope of government, That in his nonage council under him, And in his full and ripen'd years himself, No doubt, shall then and till then govern well.


In him there is a hope of government, That in his nonage council under him, And in his full and ripen'd years himself, No doubt, shall then and till then govern well.

So stood the state when Henry the Sixth Was crown'd in Paris but at nine months old.


So stood the state when Henry the Sixth Was crown'd in Paris but at nine months old.

Stood the state so? No, no, good friends, God wot; For then this land was famously enrich'd With politic grave counsel; then the king Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace.


Stood the state so? No, no, good friends, God wot; For then this land was famously enrich'd With politic grave counsel; then the king Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace.

Why, so hath this, both by the father and mother.


Why, so hath this, both by the father and mother.

Better it were they all came by the father, Or by the father there were none at all; For emulation now, who shall be nearest, Will touch us all too near, if God prevent not.


Better it were they all came by the father, Or by the father there were none at all; For emulation now, who shall be nearest, Will touch us all too near, if God prevent not.

O, full of danger is the Duke of Gloucester! And the queen's sons and brothers haught and proud: And were they to be ruled, and not to rule, This sickly land might solace as before.


O, full of danger is the Duke of Gloucester! And the queen's sons and brothers haught and proud: And were they to be ruled, and not to rule, This sickly land might solace as before.

Come, come, we fear the worst; all shall be well.


Come, come, we fear the worst; all shall be well.

When clouds appear, wise men put on their cloaks; When great leaves fall, the winter is at hand; When the sun sets, who doth not look for night? Untimely storms make men expect a dearth.


When clouds appear, wise men put on their cloaks; When great leaves fall, the winter is at hand; When the sun sets, who doth not look for night? Untimely storms make men expect a dearth.

All may be well; but, if God sort it so, 'Tis more than we deserve, or I expect.


All may be well; but, if God sort it so, 'Tis more than we deserve, or I expect.

Truly, the souls of men are full of dread: Ye cannot reason almost with a man That looks not heavily and full of fear.


Truly, the souls of men are full of dread: Ye cannot reason almost with a man That looks not heavily and full of fear.

Before the times of change, still is it so: By a divine instinct men's minds mistrust Ensuing dangers; as by proof, we see The waters swell before a boisterous storm. But leave it all to God.


Before the times of change, still is it so: By a divine instinct men's minds mistrust Ensuing dangers; as by proof, we see The waters swell before a boisterous storm. But leave it all to God.


Marry, we were sent for to the justices.


Last night, I hear, they lay at Northampton; At Stony-Stratford will they be to-night: To-morrow, or next day, they will be here.


Last night, I hear, they lay at Northampton; At Stony-Stratford will they be to-night: To-morrow, or next day, they will be here.

I long with all my heart to see the prince: I hope he is much grown since last I saw him.


I long with all my heart to see the prince: I hope he is much grown since last I saw him.

But I hear, no; they say my son of York Hath almost overta'en him in his growth.


But I hear, no; they say my son of York Hath almost overta'en him in his growth.


Why, my young cousin, it is good to grow.


Why, my young cousin, it is good to grow.

Grandam, one night, as we did sit at supper, My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow More than my brother: 'Ay,' quoth my uncle Gloucester, 'Small herbs have grace, great weeds do grow apace:


Grandam, one night, as we did sit at supper, My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow More than my brother: 'Ay,' quoth my uncle Gloucester, 'Small herbs have grace, great weeds do grow apace:

' And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast, Because sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste.


' And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast, Because sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste.

Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold In him that did object the same to thee;


Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold In him that did object the same to thee;

He was the wretched'st thing when he was young, So long a-growing and so leisurely, That, if this rule were true, he should be gracious.


He was the wretched'st thing when he was young, So long a-growing and so leisurely, That, if this rule were true, he should be gracious.


I hope he is; but yet let mothers doubt.


I hope he is; but yet let mothers doubt.

Now, by my troth, if I had been remember'd, I could have given my uncle's grace a flout, To touch his growth nearer than he touch'd mine.


Now, by my troth, if I had been remember'd, I could have given my uncle's grace a flout, To touch his growth nearer than he touch'd mine.

How, my pretty York? I pray thee, let me hear it.


How, my pretty York? I pray thee, let me hear it.

Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old 'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth. Grandam, this would have been a biting jest.


Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old 'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth. Grandam, this would have been a biting jest.

I pray thee, pretty York, who told thee this?


I pray thee, pretty York, who told thee this?


His nurse! why, she was dead ere thou wert born.


His nurse! why, she was dead ere thou wert born.

If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.


If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.

A parlous boy: go to, you are too shrewd.


A parlous boy: go to, you are too shrewd.

Good madam, be not angry with the child.


Good madam, be not angry with the child.


Such news, my lord, as grieves me to unfold.


Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Pomfret, With them Sir Thomas Vaughan, prisoners.


The mighty dukes Gloucester and Buckingham.


The sum of all I can, I have disclosed; Why or for what these nobles were committed Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady.


The sum of all I can, I have disclosed; Why or for what these nobles were committed Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady.

Ay me, I see the downfall of our house! The tiger now hath seized the gentle hind; Insulting tyranny begins to jet Upon the innocent and aweless throne: Welcome, destruction, death, and massacre!


Ay me, I see the downfall of our house! The tiger now hath seized the gentle hind; Insulting tyranny begins to jet Upon the innocent and aweless throne: Welcome, destruction, death, and massacre!


Accursed and unquiet wrangling days, How many of you have mine eyes beheld! My husband lost his life to get the crown;


Accursed and unquiet wrangling days, How many of you have mine eyes beheld! My husband lost his life to get the crown;

And often up and down my sons were toss'd, For me to joy and weep their gain and loss: And being seated, and domestic broils Clean over-blown, themselves, the conquerors. Make war upon themselves;


And often up and down my sons were toss'd, For me to joy and weep their gain and loss: And being seated, and domestic broils Clean over-blown, themselves, the conquerors. Make war upon themselves;

blood against blood, Self against self: O, preposterous And frantic outrage, end thy damned spleen; Or let me die, to look on death no more!


blood against blood, Self against self: O, preposterous And frantic outrage, end thy damned spleen; Or let me die, to look on death no more!

Come, come, my boy; we will to sanctuary. Madam, farewell.


Come, come, my boy; we will to sanctuary. Madam, farewell.


My gracious lady, go; And thither bear your treasure and your goods. For my part, I'll resign unto your grace The seal I keep: and so betide to me As well I tender you and all of yours!


My gracious lady, go; And thither bear your treasure and your goods. For my part, I'll resign unto your grace The seal I keep: and so betide to me As well I tender you and all of yours!

Come, I'll conduct you to the sanctuary.


Come, I'll conduct you to the sanctuary.

Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber.


Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber.

Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign The weary way hath made you melancholy.


Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign The weary way hath made you melancholy.

No, uncle; but our crosses on the way Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy I want more uncles here to welcome me.


No, uncle; but our crosses on the way Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy I want more uncles here to welcome me.

Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years Hath not yet dived into the world's deceit Nor more can you distinguish of a man Than of his outward show;


Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years Hath not yet dived into the world's deceit Nor more can you distinguish of a man Than of his outward show;

which, God he knows, Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart. Those uncles which you want were dangerous; Your grace attended to their sugar'd words, But look'd not on the poison of their hearts :


which, God he knows, Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart. Those uncles which you want were dangerous; Your grace attended to their sugar'd words, But look'd not on the poison of their hearts :

God keep you from them, and from such false friends!


God keep you from them, and from such false friends!

God keep me from false friends! but they were none.


God keep me from false friends! but they were none.

My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet you.


My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet you.

God bless your grace with health and happy days!


God bless your grace with health and happy days!

I thank you, good my lord; and thank you all.


I thank you, good my lord; and thank you all.

I thought my mother, and my brother York, Would long ere this have met us on the way Fie, what a slug is Hastings, that he comes not To tell us whether they will come or no!


I thought my mother, and my brother York, Would long ere this have met us on the way Fie, what a slug is Hastings, that he comes not To tell us whether they will come or no!

And, in good time, here comes the sweating lord.


And, in good time, here comes the sweating lord.

Welcome, my lord: what, will our mother come?


Welcome, my lord: what, will our mother come?

On what occasion, God he knows, not I, The queen your mother, and your brother York, Have taken sanctuary:


On what occasion, God he knows, not I, The queen your mother, and your brother York, Have taken sanctuary:

the tender prince Would fain have come with me to meet your grace, But by his mother was perforce withheld.


the tender prince Would fain have come with me to meet your grace, But by his mother was perforce withheld.

Fie, what an indirect and peevish course Is this of hers! Lord cardinal, will your grace Persuade the queen to send the Duke of York Unto his princely brother presently?


Fie, what an indirect and peevish course Is this of hers! Lord cardinal, will your grace Persuade the queen to send the Duke of York Unto his princely brother presently?

If she deny, Lord Hastings, go with him, And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce.


If she deny, Lord Hastings, go with him, And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce.

My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory Can from his mother win the Duke of York, Anon expect him here;


My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory Can from his mother win the Duke of York, Anon expect him here;

but if she be obdurate To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid We should infringe the holy privilege Of blessed sanctuary! not for all this land Would I be guilty of so deep a sin.


but if she be obdurate To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid We should infringe the holy privilege Of blessed sanctuary! not for all this land Would I be guilty of so deep a sin.

You are too senseless--obstinate, my lord, Too ceremonious and traditional Weigh it but with the grossness of this age, You break not sanctuary in seizing him.


You are too senseless--obstinate, my lord, Too ceremonious and traditional Weigh it but with the grossness of this age, You break not sanctuary in seizing him.

The benefit thereof is always granted To those whose dealings have deserved the place, And those who have the wit to claim the place: This prince hath neither claim'd it nor deserved it;


The benefit thereof is always granted To those whose dealings have deserved the place, And those who have the wit to claim the place: This prince hath neither claim'd it nor deserved it;

And therefore, in mine opinion, cannot have it: Then, taking him from thence that is not there, You break no privilege nor charter there. Oft have I heard of sanctuary men;


And therefore, in mine opinion, cannot have it: Then, taking him from thence that is not there, You break no privilege nor charter there. Oft have I heard of sanctuary men;


My lord, you shall o'er-rule my mind for once. Come on, Lord Hastings, will you go with me?


Good lords, make all the speedy haste you may. Say, uncle Gloucester, if our brother come, Where shall we sojourn till our coronation?


Good lords, make all the speedy haste you may. Say, uncle Gloucester, if our brother come, Where shall we sojourn till our coronation?

Where it seems best unto your royal self. If I may counsel you, some day or two Your highness shall repose you at the Tower:


Where it seems best unto your royal self. If I may counsel you, some day or two Your highness shall repose you at the Tower:

Then where you please, and shall be thought most fit For your best health and recreation.


Then where you please, and shall be thought most fit For your best health and recreation.

I do not like the Tower, of any place. Did Julius Caesar build that place, my lord?


I do not like the Tower, of any place. Did Julius Caesar build that place, my lord?

He did, my gracious lord, begin that place; Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edified.


He did, my gracious lord, begin that place; Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edified.

Is it upon record, or else reported Successively from age to age, he built it?


Is it upon record, or else reported Successively from age to age, he built it?


But say, my lord, it were not register'd, Methinks the truth should live from age to age, As 'twere retail'd to all posterity, Even to the general all-ending day.


I say, without characters, fame lives long. Thus, like the formal vice, Iniquity, I moralize two meanings in one word.


I say, without characters, fame lives long. Thus, like the formal vice, Iniquity, I moralize two meanings in one word.

That Julius Caesar was a famous man; With what his valour did enrich his wit, His wit set down to make his valour live Death makes no conquest of this conqueror;


That Julius Caesar was a famous man; With what his valour did enrich his wit, His wit set down to make his valour live Death makes no conquest of this conqueror;

For now he lives in fame, though not in life. I'll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham,--


For now he lives in fame, though not in life. I'll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham,--


An if I live until I be a man, I'll win our ancient right in France again, Or die a soldier, as I lived a king.


Now, in good time, here comes the Duke of York.


Now, in good time, here comes the Duke of York.

Richard of York! how fares our loving brother?


Richard of York! how fares our loving brother?

Well, my dread lord; so must I call you now.


Well, my dread lord; so must I call you now.

Ay, brother, to our grief, as it is yours: Too late he died that might have kept that title, Which by his death hath lost much majesty.


Ay, brother, to our grief, as it is yours: Too late he died that might have kept that title, Which by his death hath lost much majesty.

How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York?


How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York?

I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord, You said that idle weeds are fast in growth The prince my brother hath outgrown me far.


I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord, You said that idle weeds are fast in growth The prince my brother hath outgrown me far.


Then is he more beholding to you than I.


Then is he more beholding to you than I.

He may command me as my sovereign; But you have power in me as in a kinsman.


He may command me as my sovereign; But you have power in me as in a kinsman.


My dagger, little cousin? with all my heart.


Of my kind uncle, that I know will give; And being but a toy, which is no grief to give.


Of my kind uncle, that I know will give; And being but a toy, which is no grief to give.

A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin.


A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin.

A greater gift! O, that's the sword to it.


A greater gift! O, that's the sword to it.


O, then, I see, you will part but with light gifts; In weightier things you'll say a beggar nay.


What, would you have my weapon, little lord?


What, would you have my weapon, little lord?

I would, that I might thank you as you call me.


I would, that I might thank you as you call me.


My Lord of York will still be cross in talk: Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him.


My Lord of York will still be cross in talk: Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him.

You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me: Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me; Because that I am little, like an ape, He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders.


You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me: Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me; Because that I am little, like an ape, He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders.

With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons! To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle, He prettily and aptly taunts himself: So cunning and so young is wonderful.


With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons! To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle, He prettily and aptly taunts himself: So cunning and so young is wonderful.

My lord, will't please you pass along? Myself and my good cousin Buckingham Will to your mother, to entreat of her To meet you at the Tower and welcome you.


My lord, will't please you pass along? Myself and my good cousin Buckingham Will to your mother, to entreat of her To meet you at the Tower and welcome you.

What, will you go unto the Tower, my lord?


What, will you go unto the Tower, my lord?

My lord protector needs will have it so.


My lord protector needs will have it so.

I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower.


I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower.


Marry, my uncle Clarence' angry ghost: My grandam told me he was murdered there.


An if they live, I hope I need not fear. But come, my lord; and with a heavy heart, Thinking on them, go I unto the Tower.


An if they live, I hope I need not fear. But come, my lord; and with a heavy heart, Thinking on them, go I unto the Tower.

Think you, my lord, this little prating York Was not incensed by his subtle mother To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously?


Think you, my lord, this little prating York Was not incensed by his subtle mother To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously?

No doubt, no doubt; O, 'tis a parlous boy; Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable He is all the mother's, from the top to toe.


No doubt, no doubt; O, 'tis a parlous boy; Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable He is all the mother's, from the top to toe.

Well, let them rest. Come hither, Catesby. Thou art sworn as deeply to effect what we intend As closely to conceal what we impart: Thou know'st our reasons urged upon the way; What think'st thou?


Well, let them rest. Come hither, Catesby. Thou art sworn as deeply to effect what we intend As closely to conceal what we impart: Thou know'st our reasons urged upon the way; What think'st thou?

is it not an easy matter To make William Lord Hastings of our mind, For the instalment of this noble duke In the seat royal of this famous isle?


is it not an easy matter To make William Lord Hastings of our mind, For the instalment of this noble duke In the seat royal of this famous isle?

He for his father's sake so loves the prince, That he will not be won to aught against him.


He for his father's sake so loves the prince, That he will not be won to aught against him.

What think'st thou, then, of Stanley? what will he?


What think'st thou, then, of Stanley? what will he?


Well, then, no more but this: go, gentle Catesby, And, as it were far off sound thou Lord Hastings, How doth he stand affected to our purpose;


Well, then, no more but this: go, gentle Catesby, And, as it were far off sound thou Lord Hastings, How doth he stand affected to our purpose;

And summon him to-morrow to the Tower, To sit about the coronation. If thou dost find him tractable to us, Encourage him, and show him all our reasons:


And summon him to-morrow to the Tower, To sit about the coronation. If thou dost find him tractable to us, Encourage him, and show him all our reasons:

If he be leaden, icy-cold, unwilling, Be thou so too; and so break off your talk, And give us notice of his inclination:


If he be leaden, icy-cold, unwilling, Be thou so too; and so break off your talk, And give us notice of his inclination:

For we to-morrow hold divided councils, Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd.


For we to-morrow hold divided councils, Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd.

Commend me to Lord William: tell him, Catesby, His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret-castle;


Commend me to Lord William: tell him, Catesby, His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret-castle;

And bid my friend, for joy of this good news, Give mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more.


And bid my friend, for joy of this good news, Give mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more.

Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly.


Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly.

My good lords both, with all the heed I may.


My good lords both, with all the heed I may.

Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?


Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?


At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both.


At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both.

Now, my lord, what shall we do, if we perceive Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots?


Now, my lord, what shall we do, if we perceive Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots?

Chop off his head, man; somewhat we will do: And, look, when I am king, claim thou of me The earldom of Hereford, and the moveables Whereof the king my brother stood possess'd.


Chop off his head, man; somewhat we will do: And, look, when I am king, claim thou of me The earldom of Hereford, and the moveables Whereof the king my brother stood possess'd.

I'll claim that promise at your grace's hands.


I'll claim that promise at your grace's hands.

And look to have it yielded with all willingness. Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards We may digest our complots in some form.


And look to have it yielded with all willingness. Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards We may digest our complots in some form.


Cannot thy master sleep these tedious nights?


Cannot thy master sleep these tedious nights?

So it should seem by that I have to say. First, he commends him to your noble lordship.


So it should seem by that I have to say. First, he commends him to your noble lordship.


And then he sends you word He dreamt to-night the boar had razed his helm: Besides, he says there are two councils held;


And then he sends you word He dreamt to-night the boar had razed his helm: Besides, he says there are two councils held;

And that may be determined at the one which may make you and him to rue at the other.


And that may be determined at the one which may make you and him to rue at the other.

Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure, If presently you will take horse with him, And with all speed post with him toward the north, To shun the danger that his soul divines.


Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure, If presently you will take horse with him, And with all speed post with him toward the north, To shun the danger that his soul divines.


Bid him not fear the separated councils His honour and myself are at the one, And at the other is my servant Catesby Where nothing can proceed that toucheth us Whereof I shall not have intelligence.


Bid him not fear the separated councils His honour and myself are at the one, And at the other is my servant Catesby Where nothing can proceed that toucheth us Whereof I shall not have intelligence.

Tell him his fears are shallow, wanting instance: Go, bid thy master rise and come to me And we will both together to the Tower, Where, he shall see, the boar will use us kindly.


Tell him his fears are shallow, wanting instance: Go, bid thy master rise and come to me And we will both together to the Tower, Where, he shall see, the boar will use us kindly.

My gracious lord, I'll tell him what you say.


My gracious lord, I'll tell him what you say.


Good morrow, Catesby; you are early stirring What news, what news, in this our tottering state?


Good morrow, Catesby; you are early stirring What news, what news, in this our tottering state?

It is a reeling world, indeed, my lord; And I believe twill never stand upright Tim Richard wear the garland of the realm.


It is a reeling world, indeed, my lord; And I believe twill never stand upright Tim Richard wear the garland of the realm.

How! wear the garland! dost thou mean the crown?


How! wear the garland! dost thou mean the crown?


I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders Ere I will see the crown so foul misplaced. But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it?


I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders Ere I will see the crown so foul misplaced. But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it?

Ay, on my life; and hopes to find forward Upon his party for the gain thereof:


Ay, on my life; and hopes to find forward Upon his party for the gain thereof:

And thereupon he sends you this good news, That this same very day your enemies, The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret.


And thereupon he sends you this good news, That this same very day your enemies, The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret.

Indeed, I am no mourner for that news, Because they have been still mine enemies:


Indeed, I am no mourner for that news, Because they have been still mine enemies:

But, that I'll give my voice on Richard's side, To bar my master's heirs in true descent, God knows I will not do it, to the death.


But, that I'll give my voice on Richard's side, To bar my master's heirs in true descent, God knows I will not do it, to the death.

God keep your lordship in that gracious mind!


God keep your lordship in that gracious mind!

But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence, That they who brought me in my master's hate I live to look upon their tragedy. I tell thee, Catesby--


But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence, That they who brought me in my master's hate I live to look upon their tragedy. I tell thee, Catesby--


Ere a fortnight make me elder, I'll send some packing that yet think not on it.


Ere a fortnight make me elder, I'll send some packing that yet think not on it.

'Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord, When men are unprepared and look not for it.


'Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord, When men are unprepared and look not for it.

O monstrous, monstrous! and so falls it out With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: and so 'twill do With some men else, who think themselves as safe As thou and I;


O monstrous, monstrous! and so falls it out With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: and so 'twill do With some men else, who think themselves as safe As thou and I;

who, as thou know'st, are dear To princely Richard and to Buckingham.


who, as thou know'st, are dear To princely Richard and to Buckingham.

The princes both make high account of you; For they account his head upon the bridge.


The princes both make high account of you; For they account his head upon the bridge.

I know they do; and I have well deserved it. Come on, come on; where is your boar-spear, man? Fear you the boar, and go so unprovided?


I know they do; and I have well deserved it. Come on, come on; where is your boar-spear, man? Fear you the boar, and go so unprovided?

My lord, good morrow; good morrow, Catesby: You may jest on, but, by the holy rood, I do not like these several councils, I.


My lord, good morrow; good morrow, Catesby: You may jest on, but, by the holy rood, I do not like these several councils, I.

My lord, I hold my life as dear as you do yours; And never in my life, I do protest, Was it more precious to me than 'tis now:


My lord, I hold my life as dear as you do yours; And never in my life, I do protest, Was it more precious to me than 'tis now:

Think you, but that I know our state secure, I would be so triumphant as I am?


Think you, but that I know our state secure, I would be so triumphant as I am?

The lords at Pomfret, when they rode from London, Were jocund, and supposed their state was sure, And they indeed had no cause to mistrust; But yet, you see how soon the day o'ercast.


The lords at Pomfret, when they rode from London, Were jocund, and supposed their state was sure, And they indeed had no cause to mistrust; But yet, you see how soon the day o'ercast.

This sudden stag of rancour I misdoubt: Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward! What, shall we toward the Tower? the day is spent.


This sudden stag of rancour I misdoubt: Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward! What, shall we toward the Tower? the day is spent.

Come, come, have with you. Wot you what, my lord? To-day the lords you talk of are beheaded.


Come, come, have with you. Wot you what, my lord? To-day the lords you talk of are beheaded.

They, for their truth, might better wear their heads Than some that have accused them wear their hats. But come, my lord, let us away.


They, for their truth, might better wear their heads Than some that have accused them wear their hats. But come, my lord, let us away.

Go on before; I'll talk with this good fellow. How now, sirrah! how goes the world with thee?


Go on before; I'll talk with this good fellow. How now, sirrah! how goes the world with thee?

The better that your lordship please to ask.


The better that your lordship please to ask.

I tell thee, man, 'tis better with me now Than when I met thee last where now we meet: Then was I going prisoner to the Tower, By the suggestion of the queen's allies;


I tell thee, man, 'tis better with me now Than when I met thee last where now we meet: Then was I going prisoner to the Tower, By the suggestion of the queen's allies;

But now, I tell thee--keep it to thyself-- This day those enemies are put to death, And I in better state than e'er I was.


But now, I tell thee--keep it to thyself-- This day those enemies are put to death, And I in better state than e'er I was.

God hold it, to your honour's good content!


God hold it, to your honour's good content!

Gramercy, fellow: there, drink that for me.


Gramercy, fellow: there, drink that for me.


Well met, my lord; I am glad to see your honour.


Well met, my lord; I am glad to see your honour.

I thank thee, good Sir John, with all my heart. I am in your debt for your last exercise; Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you.


I thank thee, good Sir John, with all my heart. I am in your debt for your last exercise; Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you.

What, talking with a priest, lord chamberlain? Your friends at Pomfret, they do need the priest; Your honour hath no shriving work in hand.


What, talking with a priest, lord chamberlain? Your friends at Pomfret, they do need the priest; Your honour hath no shriving work in hand.

Good faith, and when I met this holy man, Those men you talk of came into my mind. What, go you toward the Tower?


Good faith, and when I met this holy man, Those men you talk of came into my mind. What, go you toward the Tower?

I do, my lord; but long I shall not stay I shall return before your lordship thence.


I do, my lord; but long I shall not stay I shall return before your lordship thence.

'Tis like enough, for I stay dinner there.


'Tis like enough, for I stay dinner there.


Sir Richard Ratcliff, let me tell thee this: To-day shalt thou behold a subject die For truth, for duty, and for loyalty.


Sir Richard Ratcliff, let me tell thee this: To-day shalt thou behold a subject die For truth, for duty, and for loyalty.

God keep the prince from all the pack of you! A knot you are of damned blood-suckers!


God keep the prince from all the pack of you! A knot you are of damned blood-suckers!

You live that shall cry woe for this after.


You live that shall cry woe for this after.

Dispatch; the limit of your lives is out.


Dispatch; the limit of your lives is out.

O Pomfret, Pomfret! O thou bloody prison, Fatal and ominous to noble peers! Within the guilty closure of thy walls Richard the second here was hack'd to death;


O Pomfret, Pomfret! O thou bloody prison, Fatal and ominous to noble peers! Within the guilty closure of thy walls Richard the second here was hack'd to death;

And, for more slander to thy dismal seat, We give thee up our guiltless blood to drink.


And, for more slander to thy dismal seat, We give thee up our guiltless blood to drink.

Now Margaret's curse is fall'n upon our heads, For standing by when Richard stabb'd her son.


Now Margaret's curse is fall'n upon our heads, For standing by when Richard stabb'd her son.

Then cursed she Hastings, then cursed she Buckingham, Then cursed she Richard.


Then cursed she Hastings, then cursed she Buckingham, Then cursed she Richard.

O, remember, God To hear her prayers for them, as now for us And for my sister and her princely sons, Be satisfied, dear God, with our true blood, Which, as thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt.


O, remember, God To hear her prayers for them, as now for us And for my sister and her princely sons, Be satisfied, dear God, with our true blood, Which, as thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt.

Make haste; the hour of death is expiate.


Make haste; the hour of death is expiate.

Come, Grey, come, Vaughan, let us all embrace: And take our leave, until we meet in heaven.


Come, Grey, come, Vaughan, let us all embrace: And take our leave, until we meet in heaven.

My lords, at once: the cause why we are met Is, to determine of the coronation. In God's name, speak: when is the royal day?


My lords, at once: the cause why we are met Is, to determine of the coronation. In God's name, speak: when is the royal day?

Are all things fitting for that royal time?


Are all things fitting for that royal time?


Who knows the lord protector's mind herein? Who is most inward with the royal duke?


Who knows the lord protector's mind herein? Who is most inward with the royal duke?

Your grace, we think, should soonest know his mind.


Your grace, we think, should soonest know his mind.

Who, I, my lord I we know each other's faces, But for our hearts, he knows no more of mine, Than I of yours; Nor I no more of his, than you of mine. Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.


Who, I, my lord I we know each other's faces, But for our hearts, he knows no more of mine, Than I of yours; Nor I no more of his, than you of mine. Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.

I thank his grace, I know he loves me well; But, for his purpose in the coronation. I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd His gracious pleasure any way therein:


I thank his grace, I know he loves me well; But, for his purpose in the coronation. I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd His gracious pleasure any way therein:

But you, my noble lords, may name the time; And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice, Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle part.


But you, my noble lords, may name the time; And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice, Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle part.

Now in good time, here comes the duke himself.


Now in good time, here comes the duke himself.

My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow. I have been long a sleeper; but, I hope, My absence doth neglect no great designs, Which by my presence might have been concluded.


My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow. I have been long a sleeper; but, I hope, My absence doth neglect no great designs, Which by my presence might have been concluded.

Had not you come upon your cue, my lord William Lord Hastings had pronounced your part,-- I mean, your voice,--for crowning of the king.


Had not you come upon your cue, my lord William Lord Hastings had pronounced your part,-- I mean, your voice,--for crowning of the king.

Than my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder; His lordship knows me well, and loves me well.


Than my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder; His lordship knows me well, and loves me well.


When I was last in Holborn, I saw good strawberries in your garden there I do beseech you send for some of them.


When I was last in Holborn, I saw good strawberries in your garden there I do beseech you send for some of them.

Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart.


Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart.


Withdraw you hence, my lord, I'll follow you.


Withdraw you hence, my lord, I'll follow you.

We have not yet set down this day of triumph. To-morrow, in mine opinion, is too sudden; For I myself am not so well provided As else I would be, were the day prolong'd.


We have not yet set down this day of triumph. To-morrow, in mine opinion, is too sudden; For I myself am not so well provided As else I would be, were the day prolong'd.

Where is my lord protector? I have sent for these strawberries.


Where is my lord protector? I have sent for these strawberries.

His grace looks cheerfully and smooth to-day; There's some conceit or other likes him well, When he doth bid good morrow with such a spirit.


His grace looks cheerfully and smooth to-day; There's some conceit or other likes him well, When he doth bid good morrow with such a spirit.

I think there's never a man in Christendom That can less hide his love or hate than he; For by his face straight shall you know his heart.


I think there's never a man in Christendom That can less hide his love or hate than he; For by his face straight shall you know his heart.

What of his heart perceive you in his face By any likelihood he show'd to-day?


What of his heart perceive you in his face By any likelihood he show'd to-day?

Marry, that with no man here he is offended; For, were he, he had shown it in his looks.


Marry, that with no man here he is offended; For, were he, he had shown it in his looks.


I pray you all, tell me what they deserve That do conspire my death with devilish plots Of damned witchcraft, and that have prevail'd Upon my body with their hellish charms?


I pray you all, tell me what they deserve That do conspire my death with devilish plots Of damned witchcraft, and that have prevail'd Upon my body with their hellish charms?

The tender love I bear your grace, my lord, Makes me most forward in this noble presence To doom the offenders, whatsoever they be I say, my lord, they have deserved death.


The tender love I bear your grace, my lord, Makes me most forward in this noble presence To doom the offenders, whatsoever they be I say, my lord, they have deserved death.

Then be your eyes the witness of this ill: See how I am bewitch'd; behold mine arm Is, like a blasted sapling, wither'd up:


Then be your eyes the witness of this ill: See how I am bewitch'd; behold mine arm Is, like a blasted sapling, wither'd up:

And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch, Consorted with that harlot strumpet Shore, That by their witchcraft thus have marked me.


And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch, Consorted with that harlot strumpet Shore, That by their witchcraft thus have marked me.

If they have done this thing, my gracious lord--


If they have done this thing, my gracious lord--

If I thou protector of this damned strumpet-- Tellest thou me of 'ifs'?  Thou art a traitor: Off with his head! Now, by Saint Paul I swear, I will not dine until I see the same.


If I thou protector of this damned strumpet-- Tellest thou me of 'ifs'?  Thou art a traitor: Off with his head! Now, by Saint Paul I swear, I will not dine until I see the same.

Lovel and Ratcliff, look that it be done: The rest, that love me, rise and follow me.


Lovel and Ratcliff, look that it be done: The rest, that love me, rise and follow me.

Woe, woe for England! not a whit for me; For I, too fond, might have prevented this. Stanley did dream the boar did raze his helm; But I disdain'd it, and did scorn to fly:


Woe, woe for England! not a whit for me; For I, too fond, might have prevented this. Stanley did dream the boar did raze his helm; But I disdain'd it, and did scorn to fly:

Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble, And startled, when he look'd upon the Tower, As loath to bear me to the slaughter-house. O, now I want the priest that spake to me:


Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble, And startled, when he look'd upon the Tower, As loath to bear me to the slaughter-house. O, now I want the priest that spake to me:

I now repent I told the pursuivant As 'twere triumphing at mine enemies, How they at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd, And I myself secure in grace and favour.


I now repent I told the pursuivant As 'twere triumphing at mine enemies, How they at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd, And I myself secure in grace and favour.

O Margaret, Margaret, now thy heavy curse Is lighted on poor Hastings' wretched head!


O Margaret, Margaret, now thy heavy curse Is lighted on poor Hastings' wretched head!

Dispatch, my lord; the duke would be at dinner: Make a short shrift; he longs to see your head.


Dispatch, my lord; the duke would be at dinner: Make a short shrift; he longs to see your head.

O momentary grace of mortal men, Which we more hunt for than the grace of God!


O momentary grace of mortal men, Which we more hunt for than the grace of God!

Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks, Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast, Ready, with every nod, to tumble down Into the fatal bowels of the deep.


Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks, Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast, Ready, with every nod, to tumble down Into the fatal bowels of the deep.

Come, come, dispatch; 'tis bootless to exclaim.


Come, come, dispatch; 'tis bootless to exclaim.

O bloody Richard! miserable England! I prophesy the fearful'st time to thee That ever wretched age hath look'd upon. Come, lead me to the block; bear him my head.


O bloody Richard! miserable England! I prophesy the fearful'st time to thee That ever wretched age hath look'd upon. Come, lead me to the block; bear him my head.

They smile at me that shortly shall be dead.


They smile at me that shortly shall be dead.

Come, cousin, canst thou quake, and change thy colour, Murder thy breath in the middle of a word, And then begin again, and stop again, As if thou wert distraught and mad with terror?


Come, cousin, canst thou quake, and change thy colour, Murder thy breath in the middle of a word, And then begin again, and stop again, As if thou wert distraught and mad with terror?

Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian; Speak and look back, and pry on every side, Tremble and start at wagging of a straw, Intending deep suspicion:


Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian; Speak and look back, and pry on every side, Tremble and start at wagging of a straw, Intending deep suspicion:

ghastly looks Are at my service, like enforced smiles; And both are ready in their offices, At any time, to grace my stratagems. But what, is Catesby gone?


ghastly looks Are at my service, like enforced smiles; And both are ready in their offices, At any time, to grace my stratagems. But what, is Catesby gone?

He is; and, see, he brings the mayor along.


He is; and, see, he brings the mayor along.


Look back, defend thee, here are enemies.


Look back, defend thee, here are enemies.

God and our innocency defend and guard us!


God and our innocency defend and guard us!

Be patient, they are friends, Ratcliff and Lovel.


Be patient, they are friends, Ratcliff and Lovel.

Here is the head of that ignoble traitor, The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings.


Here is the head of that ignoble traitor, The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings.

So dear I loved the man, that I must weep. I took him for the plainest harmless creature That breathed upon this earth a Christian;


So dear I loved the man, that I must weep. I took him for the plainest harmless creature That breathed upon this earth a Christian;

Made him my book wherein my soul recorded The history of all her secret thoughts:


Made him my book wherein my soul recorded The history of all her secret thoughts:

So smooth he daub'd his vice with show of virtue, That, his apparent open guilt omitted, I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife, He lived from all attainder of suspect.


So smooth he daub'd his vice with show of virtue, That, his apparent open guilt omitted, I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife, He lived from all attainder of suspect.

Well, well, he was the covert'st shelter'd traitor That ever lived.


Well, well, he was the covert'st shelter'd traitor That ever lived.


What, think You we are Turks or infidels?


What, think You we are Turks or infidels?

Now, fair befall you! he deserved his death; And you my good lords, both have well proceeded, To warn false traitors from the like attempts.


Now, fair befall you! he deserved his death; And you my good lords, both have well proceeded, To warn false traitors from the like attempts.

I never look'd for better at his hands, After he once fell in with Mistress Shore.


I never look'd for better at his hands, After he once fell in with Mistress Shore.

Yet had not we determined he should die, Until your lordship came to see his death; Which now the loving haste of these our friends, Somewhat against our meaning, have prevented:


Yet had not we determined he should die, Until your lordship came to see his death; Which now the loving haste of these our friends, Somewhat against our meaning, have prevented:

Because, my lord, we would have had you heard The traitor speak, and timorously confess The manner and the purpose of his treason;


Because, my lord, we would have had you heard The traitor speak, and timorously confess The manner and the purpose of his treason;

That you might well have signified the same Unto the citizens, who haply may Misconstrue us in him and wail his death.


That you might well have signified the same Unto the citizens, who haply may Misconstrue us in him and wail his death.

And to that end we wish'd your lord-ship here, To avoid the carping censures of the world.


And to that end we wish'd your lord-ship here, To avoid the carping censures of the world.

But since you come too late of our intents, Yet witness what you hear we did intend: And so, my good lord mayor, we bid farewell.


But since you come too late of our intents, Yet witness what you hear we did intend: And so, my good lord mayor, we bid farewell.

Go, after, after, cousin Buckingham. The mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post: There, at your meet'st advantage of the time, Infer the bastardy of Edward's children:


Go, after, after, cousin Buckingham. The mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post: There, at your meet'st advantage of the time, Infer the bastardy of Edward's children:

Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen, Only for saying he would make his son Heir to the crown; meaning indeed his house, Which, by the sign thereof was termed so.


Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen, Only for saying he would make his son Heir to the crown; meaning indeed his house, Which, by the sign thereof was termed so.

Moreover, urge his hateful luxury And bestial appetite in change of lust;


Moreover, urge his hateful luxury And bestial appetite in change of lust;

Which stretched to their servants, daughters, wives, Even where his lustful eye or savage heart, Without control, listed to make his prey. Nay, for a need, thus far come near my person:


Which stretched to their servants, daughters, wives, Even where his lustful eye or savage heart, Without control, listed to make his prey. Nay, for a need, thus far come near my person:

Which well appeared in his lineaments, Being nothing like the noble duke my father: But touch this sparingly, as 'twere far off, Because you know, my lord, my mother lives.


Which well appeared in his lineaments, Being nothing like the noble duke my father: But touch this sparingly, as 'twere far off, Because you know, my lord, my mother lives.

Fear not, my lord, I'll play the orator As if the golden fee for which I plead Were for myself: and so, my lord, adieu.


Fear not, my lord, I'll play the orator As if the golden fee for which I plead Were for myself: and so, my lord, adieu.

If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle; Where you shall find me well accompanied With reverend fathers and well-learned bishops.


If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle; Where you shall find me well accompanied With reverend fathers and well-learned bishops.

I go: and towards three or four o'clock Look for the news that the Guildhall affords.


I go: and towards three or four o'clock Look for the news that the Guildhall affords.

Go, Lovel, with all speed to Doctor Shaw; Go thou to Friar Penker; bid them both Meet me within this hour at Baynard's Castle.


Go, Lovel, with all speed to Doctor Shaw; Go thou to Friar Penker; bid them both Meet me within this hour at Baynard's Castle.

Now will I in, to take some privy order, To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight; And to give notice, that no manner of person At any time have recourse unto the princes.


Now will I in, to take some privy order, To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight; And to give notice, that no manner of person At any time have recourse unto the princes.

This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings; Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd, That it may be this day read over in Paul's. And mark how well the sequel hangs together:


This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings; Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd, That it may be this day read over in Paul's. And mark how well the sequel hangs together:

Eleven hours I spent to write it over, For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me; The precedent was full as long a-doing:


Eleven hours I spent to write it over, For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me; The precedent was full as long a-doing:

And yet within these five hours lived Lord Hastings, Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty Here's a good world the while! Why who's so gross, That seeth not this palpable device?


And yet within these five hours lived Lord Hastings, Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty Here's a good world the while! Why who's so gross, That seeth not this palpable device?

Yet who's so blind, but says he sees it not? Bad is the world; and all will come to nought, When such bad dealings must be seen in thought.


Yet who's so blind, but says he sees it not? Bad is the world; and all will come to nought, When such bad dealings must be seen in thought.

How now, my lord, what say the citizens?


How now, my lord, what say the citizens?

Now, by the holy mother of our Lord, The citizens are mum and speak not a word.


Now, by the holy mother of our Lord, The citizens are mum and speak not a word.

Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children?


Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children?

I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy, And his contract by deputy in France; The insatiate greediness of his desires, And his enforcement of the city wives; His tyranny for trifles;


I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy, And his contract by deputy in France; The insatiate greediness of his desires, And his enforcement of the city wives; His tyranny for trifles;

his own bastardy, As being got, your father then in France, His resemblance, being not like the duke;


his own bastardy, As being got, your father then in France, His resemblance, being not like the duke;

Withal I did infer your lineaments, Being the right idea of your father, Both in your form and nobleness of mind;


Withal I did infer your lineaments, Being the right idea of your father, Both in your form and nobleness of mind;

Laid open all your victories in Scotland, Your dicipline in war, wisdom in peace, Your bounty, virtue, fair humility:'


Laid open all your victories in Scotland, Your dicipline in war, wisdom in peace, Your bounty, virtue, fair humility:'


No, so God help me, they spake not a word; But, like dumb statues or breathing stones, Gazed each on other, and look'd deadly pale. Which when I saw, I reprehended them;


No, so God help me, they spake not a word; But, like dumb statues or breathing stones, Gazed each on other, and look'd deadly pale. Which when I saw, I reprehended them;

And ask'd the mayor what meant this wilful silence: His answer was, the people were not wont To be spoke to but by the recorder.


And ask'd the mayor what meant this wilful silence: His answer was, the people were not wont To be spoke to but by the recorder.

Then he was urged to tell my tale again, 'Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd;' But nothing spake in warrant from himself.


Then he was urged to tell my tale again, 'Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd;' But nothing spake in warrant from himself.

When he had done, some followers of mine own, At the lower end of the hall, hurl'd up their caps, And some ten voices cried 'God save King Richard!


When he had done, some followers of mine own, At the lower end of the hall, hurl'd up their caps, And some ten voices cried 'God save King Richard!

' And thus I took the vantage of those few, 'Thanks, gentle citizens and friends,' quoth I; 'This general applause and loving shout Argues your wisdoms and your love to Richard:


' And thus I took the vantage of those few, 'Thanks, gentle citizens and friends,' quoth I; 'This general applause and loving shout Argues your wisdoms and your love to Richard:

' And even here brake off, and came away.


' And even here brake off, and came away.

What tongueless blocks were they! would not they speak?


What tongueless blocks were they! would not they speak?


Will not the mayor then and his brethren come?


Will not the mayor then and his brethren come?

The mayor is here at hand: intend some fear; Be not you spoke with, but by mighty suit: And look you get a prayer-book in your hand, And stand betwixt two churchmen, good my lord;


The mayor is here at hand: intend some fear; Be not you spoke with, but by mighty suit: And look you get a prayer-book in your hand, And stand betwixt two churchmen, good my lord;

For on that ground I'll build a holy descant: And be not easily won to our request: Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it.


For on that ground I'll build a holy descant: And be not easily won to our request: Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it.

I go; and if you plead as well for them As I can say nay to thee for myself, No doubt well bring it to a happy issue.


I go; and if you plead as well for them As I can say nay to thee for myself, No doubt well bring it to a happy issue.

Go, go, up to the leads; the lord mayor knocks. Welcome my lord; I dance attendance here; I think the duke will not be spoke withal. Here comes his servant: how now, Catesby, What says he?


Go, go, up to the leads; the lord mayor knocks. Welcome my lord; I dance attendance here; I think the duke will not be spoke withal. Here comes his servant: how now, Catesby, What says he?

My lord: he doth entreat your grace; To visit him to-morrow or next day: He is within, with two right reverend fathers, Divinely bent to meditation;


My lord: he doth entreat your grace; To visit him to-morrow or next day: He is within, with two right reverend fathers, Divinely bent to meditation;

And no worldly suit would he be moved, To draw him from his holy exercise.


And no worldly suit would he be moved, To draw him from his holy exercise.

Return, good Catesby, to thy lord again;


Return, good Catesby, to thy lord again;

Tell him, myself, the mayor and citizens, In deep designs and matters of great moment, No less importing than our general good, Are come to have some conference with his grace.


Tell him, myself, the mayor and citizens, In deep designs and matters of great moment, No less importing than our general good, Are come to have some conference with his grace.