Ah, ha, my lord, this prince is not an Edward! He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed, But on his knees at meditation; Not dallying with a brace of courtezans, But meditating with two deep divines;


Ah, ha, my lord, this prince is not an Edward! He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed, But on his knees at meditation; Not dallying with a brace of courtezans, But meditating with two deep divines;

Not sleeping, to engross his idle body, But praying, to enrich his watchful soul: Happy were England, would this gracious prince Take on himself the sovereignty thereof:


Not sleeping, to engross his idle body, But praying, to enrich his watchful soul: Happy were England, would this gracious prince Take on himself the sovereignty thereof:

But, sure, I fear, we shall ne'er win him to it.


But, sure, I fear, we shall ne'er win him to it.

Marry, God forbid his grace should say us nay!


Marry, God forbid his grace should say us nay!

I fear he will. How now, Catesby, what says your lord?


I fear he will. How now, Catesby, what says your lord?

My lord, He wonders to what end you have assembled Such troops of citizens to speak with him, His grace not being warn'd thereof before: My lord, he fears you mean no good to him.


My lord, He wonders to what end you have assembled Such troops of citizens to speak with him, His grace not being warn'd thereof before: My lord, he fears you mean no good to him.

Sorry I am my noble cousin should Suspect me, that I mean no good to him: By heaven, I come in perfect love to him; And so once more return and tell his grace.


Sorry I am my noble cousin should Suspect me, that I mean no good to him: By heaven, I come in perfect love to him; And so once more return and tell his grace.

When holy and devout religious men Are at their beads, 'tis hard to draw them thence, So sweet is zealous contemplation.


When holy and devout religious men Are at their beads, 'tis hard to draw them thence, So sweet is zealous contemplation.

See, where he stands between two clergymen!


See, where he stands between two clergymen!

Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, To stay him from the fall of vanity: And, see, a book of prayer in his hand, True ornaments to know a holy man.


Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, To stay him from the fall of vanity: And, see, a book of prayer in his hand, True ornaments to know a holy man.

Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince, Lend favourable ears to our request; And pardon us the interruption Of thy devotion and right Christian zeal.


Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince, Lend favourable ears to our request; And pardon us the interruption Of thy devotion and right Christian zeal.

My lord, there needs no such apology: I rather do beseech you pardon me, Who, earnest in the service of my God, Neglect the visitation of my friends. But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure?


My lord, there needs no such apology: I rather do beseech you pardon me, Who, earnest in the service of my God, Neglect the visitation of my friends. But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure?

Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above, And all good men of this ungovern'd isle.


Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above, And all good men of this ungovern'd isle.

I do suspect I have done some offence That seems disgracious in the city's eyes, And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.


I do suspect I have done some offence That seems disgracious in the city's eyes, And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.

You have, my lord: would it might please your grace, At our entreaties, to amend that fault!


You have, my lord: would it might please your grace, At our entreaties, to amend that fault!

Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land?


Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land?

Whilst, in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts, Which here we waken to our country's good, This noble isle doth want her proper limbs;


Whilst, in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts, Which here we waken to our country's good, This noble isle doth want her proper limbs;

Her face defaced with scars of infamy, Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants, And almost shoulder'd in the swallowing gulf Of blind forgetfulness and dark oblivion.


Her face defaced with scars of infamy, Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants, And almost shoulder'd in the swallowing gulf Of blind forgetfulness and dark oblivion.

Which to recure, we heartily solicit Your gracious self to take on you the charge And kingly government of this your land, Not as protector, steward, substitute, Or lowly factor for another's gain;


Which to recure, we heartily solicit Your gracious self to take on you the charge And kingly government of this your land, Not as protector, steward, substitute, Or lowly factor for another's gain;

But as successively from blood to blood, Your right of birth, your empery, your own.


But as successively from blood to blood, Your right of birth, your empery, your own.

For this, consorted with the citizens, Your very worshipful and loving friends, And by their vehement instigation, In this just suit come I to move your grace.


For this, consorted with the citizens, Your very worshipful and loving friends, And by their vehement instigation, In this just suit come I to move your grace.

I know not whether to depart in silence, Or bitterly to speak in your reproof. If to reprove you for this suit of yours, So season'd with your faithful love to me.


I know not whether to depart in silence, Or bitterly to speak in your reproof. If to reprove you for this suit of yours, So season'd with your faithful love to me.

Then, on the other side, I cheque'd my friends. Therefore, to speak, and to avoid the first, And then, in speaking, not to incur the last, Definitively thus I answer you.


Then, on the other side, I cheque'd my friends. Therefore, to speak, and to avoid the first, And then, in speaking, not to incur the last, Definitively thus I answer you.

Your love deserves my thanks; but my desert Unmeritable shuns your high request. But, God be thank'd, there's no need of me, And much I need to help you, if need were;


Your love deserves my thanks; but my desert Unmeritable shuns your high request. But, God be thank'd, there's no need of me, And much I need to help you, if need were;

The royal tree hath left us royal fruit, Which, mellow'd by the stealing hours of time, Will well become the seat of majesty, And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign.


The royal tree hath left us royal fruit, Which, mellow'd by the stealing hours of time, Will well become the seat of majesty, And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign.

On him I lay what you would lay on me, The right and fortune of his happy stars; Which God defend that I should wring from him!


On him I lay what you would lay on me, The right and fortune of his happy stars; Which God defend that I should wring from him!

My lord, this argues conscience in your grace; But the respects thereof are nice and trivial, All circumstances well considered. You say that Edward is your brother's son:


My lord, this argues conscience in your grace; But the respects thereof are nice and trivial, All circumstances well considered. You say that Edward is your brother's son:

So say we too, but not by Edward's wife;


So say we too, but not by Edward's wife;

For first he was contract to Lady Lucy-- Your mother lives a witness to that vow-- And afterward by substitute betroth'd To Bona, sister to the King of France.


For first he was contract to Lady Lucy-- Your mother lives a witness to that vow-- And afterward by substitute betroth'd To Bona, sister to the King of France.

More bitterly could I expostulate, Save that, for reverence to some alive, I give a sparing limit to my tongue. Then, good my lord, take to your royal self This proffer'd benefit of dignity;


More bitterly could I expostulate, Save that, for reverence to some alive, I give a sparing limit to my tongue. Then, good my lord, take to your royal self This proffer'd benefit of dignity;

If non to bless us and the land withal, Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry From the corruption of abusing times, Unto a lineal true-derived course.


If non to bless us and the land withal, Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry From the corruption of abusing times, Unto a lineal true-derived course.

Do, good my lord, your citizens entreat you.


Do, good my lord, your citizens entreat you.

Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love.


Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love.

O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit!


O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit!

Alas, why would you heap these cares on me? I am unfit for state and majesty; I do beseech you, take it not amiss; I cannot nor I will not yield to you.


Alas, why would you heap these cares on me? I am unfit for state and majesty; I do beseech you, take it not amiss; I cannot nor I will not yield to you.

If you refuse it,--as, in love and zeal, Loath to depose the child, Your brother's son; But we will plant some other in the throne, To the disgrace and downfall of your house:


If you refuse it,--as, in love and zeal, Loath to depose the child, Your brother's son; But we will plant some other in the throne, To the disgrace and downfall of your house:

And in this resolution here we leave you.-- Come, citizens: 'zounds! I'll entreat no more.


And in this resolution here we leave you.-- Come, citizens: 'zounds! I'll entreat no more.


Call them again, my lord, and accept their suit.


Call them again, my lord, and accept their suit.

Do, good my lord, lest all the land do rue it.


Do, good my lord, lest all the land do rue it.

Would you enforce me to a world of care? Well, call them again. I am not made of stone, But penetrable to your. kind entreats, Albeit against my conscience and my soul.


Would you enforce me to a world of care? Well, call them again. I am not made of stone, But penetrable to your. kind entreats, Albeit against my conscience and my soul.

Cousin of Buckingham, and you sage, grave men, Since you will buckle fortune on my back, To bear her burthen, whether I will or no, I must have patience to endure the load:


Cousin of Buckingham, and you sage, grave men, Since you will buckle fortune on my back, To bear her burthen, whether I will or no, I must have patience to endure the load:

But if black scandal or foul-faced reproach Attend the sequel of your imposition, Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me From all the impure blots and stains thereof;


But if black scandal or foul-faced reproach Attend the sequel of your imposition, Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me From all the impure blots and stains thereof;

For God he knows, and you may partly see, How far I am from the desire thereof.


For God he knows, and you may partly see, How far I am from the desire thereof.

God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it.


God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it.

In saying so, you shall but say the truth.


In saying so, you shall but say the truth.

Then I salute you with this kingly title: Long live Richard, England's royal king!


Then I salute you with this kingly title: Long live Richard, England's royal king!


To-morrow will it please you to be crown'd?


To-morrow will it please you to be crown'd?

Even when you please, since you will have it so.


Even when you please, since you will have it so.

To-morrow, then, we will attend your grace: And so most joyfully we take our leave.


To-morrow, then, we will attend your grace: And so most joyfully we take our leave.

Come, let us to our holy task again. Farewell, good cousin; farewell, gentle friends.


Come, let us to our holy task again. Farewell, good cousin; farewell, gentle friends.

Who meets us here?  my niece Plantagenet Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloucester? Now, for my life, she's wandering to the Tower, On pure heart's love to greet the tender princes.


Who meets us here?  my niece Plantagenet Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloucester? Now, for my life, she's wandering to the Tower, On pure heart's love to greet the tender princes.


God give your graces both A happy and a joyful time of day!


God give your graces both A happy and a joyful time of day!

As much to you, good sister! Whither away?


As much to you, good sister! Whither away?

No farther than the Tower; and, as I guess, Upon the like devotion as yourselves, To gratulate the gentle princes there.


No farther than the Tower; and, as I guess, Upon the like devotion as yourselves, To gratulate the gentle princes there.

Kind sister, thanks: we'll enter all together. And, in good time, here the lieutenant comes. Master lieutenant, pray you, by your leave, How doth the prince, and my young son of York?


Kind sister, thanks: we'll enter all together. And, in good time, here the lieutenant comes. Master lieutenant, pray you, by your leave, How doth the prince, and my young son of York?

Right well, dear madam. By your patience, I may not suffer you to visit them; The king hath straitly charged the contrary.


Right well, dear madam. By your patience, I may not suffer you to visit them; The king hath straitly charged the contrary.


I cry you mercy: I mean the lord protector.


I cry you mercy: I mean the lord protector.

The Lord protect him from that kingly title! Hath he set bounds betwixt their love and me? I am their mother; who should keep me from them?


The Lord protect him from that kingly title! Hath he set bounds betwixt their love and me? I am their mother; who should keep me from them?

I am their fathers mother; I will see them.


I am their fathers mother; I will see them.

Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother: Then bring me to their sights; I'll bear thy blame And take thy office from thee, on my peril.


Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother: Then bring me to their sights; I'll bear thy blame And take thy office from thee, on my peril.

No, madam, no; I may not leave it so: I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me.


No, madam, no; I may not leave it so: I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me.

Let me but meet you, ladies, one hour hence, And I'll salute your grace of York as mother, And reverend looker on, of two fair queens.


Let me but meet you, ladies, one hour hence, And I'll salute your grace of York as mother, And reverend looker on, of two fair queens.

Come, madam, you must straight to Westminster, There to be crowned Richard's royal queen.


Come, madam, you must straight to Westminster, There to be crowned Richard's royal queen.

O, cut my lace in sunder, that my pent heart May have some scope to beat, or else I swoon With this dead-killing news!


O, cut my lace in sunder, that my pent heart May have some scope to beat, or else I swoon With this dead-killing news!


Be of good cheer: mother, how fares your grace?


Be of good cheer: mother, how fares your grace?

O Dorset, speak not to me, get thee hence! Death and destruction dog thee at the heels; Thy mother's name is ominous to children.


O Dorset, speak not to me, get thee hence! Death and destruction dog thee at the heels; Thy mother's name is ominous to children.

If thou wilt outstrip death, go cross the seas, And live with Richmond, from the reach of hell Go, hie thee, hie thee from this slaughter-house, Lest thou increase the number of the dead;


If thou wilt outstrip death, go cross the seas, And live with Richmond, from the reach of hell Go, hie thee, hie thee from this slaughter-house, Lest thou increase the number of the dead;

And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse, Nor mother, wife, nor England's counted queen.


And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse, Nor mother, wife, nor England's counted queen.

Full of wise care is this your counsel, madam. Take all the swift advantage of the hours; You shall have letters from me to my son To meet you on the way, and welcome you.


Full of wise care is this your counsel, madam. Take all the swift advantage of the hours; You shall have letters from me to my son To meet you on the way, and welcome you.


O ill-dispersing wind of misery! O my accursed womb, the bed of death! A cockatrice hast thou hatch'd to the world, Whose unavoided eye is murderous.


O ill-dispersing wind of misery! O my accursed womb, the bed of death! A cockatrice hast thou hatch'd to the world, Whose unavoided eye is murderous.

Come, madam, come; I in all haste was sent.


Come, madam, come; I in all haste was sent.

And I in all unwillingness will go. I would to God that the inclusive verge Of golden metal that must round my brow Were red-hot steel, to sear me to the brain!


And I in all unwillingness will go. I would to God that the inclusive verge Of golden metal that must round my brow Were red-hot steel, to sear me to the brain!

Anointed let me be with deadly venom, And die, ere men can say, God save the queen!


Anointed let me be with deadly venom, And die, ere men can say, God save the queen!

Go, go, poor soul, I envy not thy glory To feed my humour, wish thyself no harm.


Go, go, poor soul, I envy not thy glory To feed my humour, wish thyself no harm.

No! why? O, when, I say, I look'd on Richard's face, This was my wish: 'Be thou,' quoth I, ' accursed, For making me, so young, so old a widow! And, when thou wed'st, let sorrow haunt thy bed;


No! why? O, when, I say, I look'd on Richard's face, This was my wish: 'Be thou,' quoth I, ' accursed, For making me, so young, so old a widow! And, when thou wed'st, let sorrow haunt thy bed;

And be thy wife--if any be so mad-- As miserable by the life of thee As thou hast made me by my dear lord's death!


And be thy wife--if any be so mad-- As miserable by the life of thee As thou hast made me by my dear lord's death!

For never yet one hour in his bed Have I enjoy'd the golden dew of sleep, But have been waked by his timorous dreams. Besides, he hates me for my father Warwick;


For never yet one hour in his bed Have I enjoy'd the golden dew of sleep, But have been waked by his timorous dreams. Besides, he hates me for my father Warwick;

And will, no doubt, shortly be rid of me.


And will, no doubt, shortly be rid of me.

Poor heart, adieu! I pity thy complaining.


Poor heart, adieu! I pity thy complaining.

No more than from my soul I mourn for yours.


No more than from my soul I mourn for yours.


Adieu, poor soul, that takest thy leave of it!


Stay, yet look back with me unto the Tower. Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes Whom envy hath immured within your walls! Rough cradle for such little pretty ones!


Stay, yet look back with me unto the Tower. Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes Whom envy hath immured within your walls! Rough cradle for such little pretty ones!

Rude ragged nurse, old sullen playfellow For tender princes, use my babies well! So foolish sorrow bids your stones farewell.


Rude ragged nurse, old sullen playfellow For tender princes, use my babies well! So foolish sorrow bids your stones farewell.


Give me thy hand. Thus high, by thy advice And thy assistance, is King Richard seated; But shall we wear these honours for a day? Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them?


Give me thy hand. Thus high, by thy advice And thy assistance, is King Richard seated; But shall we wear these honours for a day? Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them?

Still live they and for ever may they last!


Still live they and for ever may they last!

O Buckingham, now do I play the touch, To try if thou be current gold indeed Young Edward lives: think now what I would say.


O Buckingham, now do I play the touch, To try if thou be current gold indeed Young Edward lives: think now what I would say.


Why, Buckingham, I say, I would be king,


Why, Buckingham, I say, I would be king,

Why, so you are, my thrice renowned liege.


Why, so you are, my thrice renowned liege.

Ha! am I king? 'tis so: but Edward lives.


Ha! am I king? 'tis so: but Edward lives.


O bitter consequence, That Edward still should live! 'True, noble prince!' Cousin, thou wert not wont to be so dull: Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead; And I would have it suddenly perform'd.


O bitter consequence, That Edward still should live! 'True, noble prince!' Cousin, thou wert not wont to be so dull: Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead; And I would have it suddenly perform'd.

What sayest thou? speak suddenly; be brief.


What sayest thou? speak suddenly; be brief.


Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness freezeth: Say, have I thy consent that they shall die?


Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness freezeth: Say, have I thy consent that they shall die?

Give me some breath, some little pause, my lord Before I positively herein: I will resolve your grace immediately.


Give me some breath, some little pause, my lord Before I positively herein: I will resolve your grace immediately.


I will converse with iron-witted fools And unrespective boys: none are for me That look into me with considerate eyes: High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect. Boy!


Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold Would tempt unto a close exploit of death?


Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold Would tempt unto a close exploit of death?

My lord, I know a discontented gentleman, Whose humble means match not his haughty mind: Gold were as good as twenty orators, And will, no doubt, tempt him to any thing.


My lord, I know a discontented gentleman, Whose humble means match not his haughty mind: Gold were as good as twenty orators, And will, no doubt, tempt him to any thing.


I partly know the man: go, call him hither. The deep-revolving witty Buckingham No more shall be the neighbour to my counsel: Hath he so long held out with me untired, And stops he now for breath?


My lord, I hear the Marquis Dorset's fled To Richmond, in those parts beyond the sea Where he abides.


Rumour it abroad That Anne, my wife, is sick and like to die: I will take order for her keeping close. Inquire me out some mean-born gentleman, Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter:


Rumour it abroad That Anne, my wife, is sick and like to die: I will take order for her keeping close. Inquire me out some mean-born gentleman, Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter:

The boy is foolish, and I fear not him. Look, how thou dream'st! I say again, give out That Anne my wife is sick and like to die: About it;


The boy is foolish, and I fear not him. Look, how thou dream'st! I say again, give out That Anne my wife is sick and like to die: About it;

for it stands me much upon, To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me. I must be married to my brother's daughter, Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass.


for it stands me much upon, To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me. I must be married to my brother's daughter, Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass.

Murder her brothers, and then marry her! Uncertain way of gain! But I am in So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin: Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye. Is thy name Tyrrel?


Murder her brothers, and then marry her! Uncertain way of gain! But I am in So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin: Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye. Is thy name Tyrrel?

James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.


James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.


Darest thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?


Darest thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?

Ay, my lord; But I had rather kill two enemies.


Ay, my lord; But I had rather kill two enemies.

Why, there thou hast it: two deep enemies, Foes to my rest and my sweet sleep's disturbers Are they that I would have thee deal upon: Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower.


Why, there thou hast it: two deep enemies, Foes to my rest and my sweet sleep's disturbers Are they that I would have thee deal upon: Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower.

Let me have open means to come to them, And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them.


Let me have open means to come to them, And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them.

Thou sing'st sweet music. Hark, come hither, Tyrrel Go, by this token: rise, and lend thine ear: There is no more but so: say it is done, And I will love thee, and prefer thee too.


Thou sing'st sweet music. Hark, come hither, Tyrrel Go, by this token: rise, and lend thine ear: There is no more but so: say it is done, And I will love thee, and prefer thee too.


Shall we hear from thee, Tyrrel, ere we sleep?


My Lord, I have consider'd in my mind The late demand that you did sound me in.


My Lord, I have consider'd in my mind The late demand that you did sound me in.

Well, let that pass. Dorset is fled to Richmond.


Well, let that pass. Dorset is fled to Richmond.


Stanley, he is your wife's son well, look to it.


Stanley, he is your wife's son well, look to it.

My lord, I claim your gift, my due by promise, For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd; The earldom of Hereford and the moveables The which you promised I should possess.


My lord, I claim your gift, my due by promise, For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd; The earldom of Hereford and the moveables The which you promised I should possess.

Stanley, look to your wife; if she convey Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it.


Stanley, look to your wife; if she convey Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it.

What says your highness to my just demand?


What says your highness to my just demand?

As I remember, Henry the Sixth Did prophesy that Richmond should be king, When Richmond was a little peevish boy. A king, perhaps, perhaps,--


As I remember, Henry the Sixth Did prophesy that Richmond should be king, When Richmond was a little peevish boy. A king, perhaps, perhaps,--


How chance the prophet could not at that time Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him?


How chance the prophet could not at that time Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him?

My lord, your promise for the earldom,--


My lord, your promise for the earldom,--

Richmond! When last I was at Exeter, The mayor in courtesy show'd me the castle, And call'd it Rougemont:


Richmond! When last I was at Exeter, The mayor in courtesy show'd me the castle, And call'd it Rougemont:

at which name I started, Because a bard of Ireland told me once I should not live long after I saw Richmond.


at which name I started, Because a bard of Ireland told me once I should not live long after I saw Richmond.


I am thus bold to put your grace in mind Of what you promised me.


Because that, like a Jack, thou keep'st the stroke Betwixt thy begging and my meditation. I am not in the giving vein to-day.


Because that, like a Jack, thou keep'st the stroke Betwixt thy begging and my meditation. I am not in the giving vein to-day.

Why, then resolve me whether you will or no.


Why, then resolve me whether you will or no.

Tut, tut, Thou troublest me; am not in the vein.


Tut, tut, Thou troublest me; am not in the vein.

Is it even so? rewards he my true service With such deep contempt made I him king for this? O, let me think on Hastings, and be gone To Brecknock, while my fearful head is on!


Is it even so? rewards he my true service With such deep contempt made I him king for this? O, let me think on Hastings, and be gone To Brecknock, while my fearful head is on!

The tyrannous and bloody deed is done. The most arch of piteous massacre That ever yet this land was guilty of. 'Lo, thus' quoth Dighton, 'lay those tender babes:


The tyrannous and bloody deed is done. The most arch of piteous massacre That ever yet this land was guilty of. 'Lo, thus' quoth Dighton, 'lay those tender babes:

' 'Thus, thus,' quoth Forrest, 'girdling one another Within their innocent alabaster arms: Their lips were four red roses on a stalk, Which in their summer beauty kiss'd each other.


' 'Thus, thus,' quoth Forrest, 'girdling one another Within their innocent alabaster arms: Their lips were four red roses on a stalk, Which in their summer beauty kiss'd each other.

A book of prayers on their pillow lay; Which once,' quoth Forrest, 'almost changed my mind; But O! the devil'--there the villain stopp'd Whilst Dighton thus told on:


A book of prayers on their pillow lay; Which once,' quoth Forrest, 'almost changed my mind; But O! the devil'--there the villain stopp'd Whilst Dighton thus told on:

'We smothered The most replenished sweet work of nature, That from the prime creation e'er she framed.' Thus both are gone with conscience and remorse; They could not speak;


'We smothered The most replenished sweet work of nature, That from the prime creation e'er she framed.' Thus both are gone with conscience and remorse; They could not speak;

and so I left them both, To bring this tidings to the bloody king. And here he comes. All hail, my sovereign liege!


and so I left them both, To bring this tidings to the bloody king. And here he comes. All hail, my sovereign liege!


If to have done the thing you gave in charge Beget your happiness, be happy then, For it is done, my lord.


The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them; But how or in what place I do not know.


The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them; But how or in what place I do not know.

Come to me, Tyrrel, soon at after supper, And thou shalt tell the process of their death. Meantime, but think how I may do thee good, And be inheritor of thy desire. Farewell till soon.


Come to me, Tyrrel, soon at after supper, And thou shalt tell the process of their death. Meantime, but think how I may do thee good, And be inheritor of thy desire. Farewell till soon.

The son of Clarence have I pent up close; His daughter meanly have I match'd in marriage; The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom, And Anne my wife hath bid the world good night.


The son of Clarence have I pent up close; His daughter meanly have I match'd in marriage; The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom, And Anne my wife hath bid the world good night.

Now, for I know the Breton Richmond aims At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter, And, by that knot, looks proudly o'er the crown, To her I go, a jolly thriving wooer.


Now, for I know the Breton Richmond aims At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter, And, by that knot, looks proudly o'er the crown, To her I go, a jolly thriving wooer.


Good news or bad, that thou comest in so bluntly?


Good news or bad, that thou comest in so bluntly?

Bad news, my lord: Ely is fled to Richmond; And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen, Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.


Bad news, my lord: Ely is fled to Richmond; And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen, Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.

Ely with Richmond troubles me more near Than Buckingham and his rash-levied army. Come, I have heard that fearful commenting Is leaden servitor to dull delay;


Ely with Richmond troubles me more near Than Buckingham and his rash-levied army. Come, I have heard that fearful commenting Is leaden servitor to dull delay;

Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary Then fiery expedition be my wing, Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king! Come, muster men: my counsel is my shield;


Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary Then fiery expedition be my wing, Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king! Come, muster men: my counsel is my shield;

We must be brief when traitors brave the field.


We must be brief when traitors brave the field.

So, now prosperity begins to mellow And drop into the rotten mouth of death. Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd, To watch the waning of mine adversaries.


So, now prosperity begins to mellow And drop into the rotten mouth of death. Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd, To watch the waning of mine adversaries.

A dire induction am I witness to, And will to France, hoping the consequence Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical. Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret: who comes here?


A dire induction am I witness to, And will to France, hoping the consequence Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical. Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret: who comes here?

Ah, my young princes! ah, my tender babes! My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets!


Ah, my young princes! ah, my tender babes! My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets!

If yet your gentle souls fly in the air And be not fix'd in doom perpetual, Hover about me with your airy wings And hear your mother's lamentation!


If yet your gentle souls fly in the air And be not fix'd in doom perpetual, Hover about me with your airy wings And hear your mother's lamentation!

Hover about her; say, that right for right Hath dimm'd your infant morn to aged night.


Hover about her; say, that right for right Hath dimm'd your infant morn to aged night.

So many miseries have crazed my voice, That my woe-wearied tongue is mute and dumb, Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead?


So many miseries have crazed my voice, That my woe-wearied tongue is mute and dumb, Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead?

Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet. Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.


Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet. Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.

Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs, And throw them in the entrails of the wolf? When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?


Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs, And throw them in the entrails of the wolf? When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done?


O, that thou wouldst as well afford a grave As thou canst yield a melancholy seat! Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here. O, who hath any cause to mourn but I?


O, that thou wouldst as well afford a grave As thou canst yield a melancholy seat! Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here. O, who hath any cause to mourn but I?

If ancient sorrow be most reverend, Give mine the benefit of seniory, And let my woes frown on the upper hand. If sorrow can admit society, Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine:


If ancient sorrow be most reverend, Give mine the benefit of seniory, And let my woes frown on the upper hand. If sorrow can admit society, Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine:

I had an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him; I had a Harry, till a Richard kill'd him: Thou hadst an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him; Thou hadst a Richard, till a Richard killed him;


I had an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him; I had a Harry, till a Richard kill'd him: Thou hadst an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him; Thou hadst a Richard, till a Richard killed him;

I had a Richard too, and thou didst kill him; I had a Rutland too, thou holp'st to kill him.


I had a Richard too, and thou didst kill him; I had a Rutland too, thou holp'st to kill him.

Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard kill'd him. From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept A hell-hound that doth hunt us all to death:


Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard kill'd him. From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept A hell-hound that doth hunt us all to death:

O upright, just, and true-disposing God, How do I thank thee, that this carnal cur Preys on the issue of his mother's body, And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan!


O upright, just, and true-disposing God, How do I thank thee, that this carnal cur Preys on the issue of his mother's body, And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan!

O Harry's wife, triumph not in my woes! God witness with me, I have wept for thine.


O Harry's wife, triumph not in my woes! God witness with me, I have wept for thine.

Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge, And now I cloy me with beholding it. Thy Edward he is dead, that stabb'd my Edward: Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward;


Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge, And now I cloy me with beholding it. Thy Edward he is dead, that stabb'd my Edward: Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward;

Young York he is but boot, because both they Match not the high perfection of my loss: Thy Clarence he is dead that kill'd my Edward;


Young York he is but boot, because both they Match not the high perfection of my loss: Thy Clarence he is dead that kill'd my Edward;

And the beholders of this tragic play, The adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey, Untimely smother'd in their dusky graves.


And the beholders of this tragic play, The adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey, Untimely smother'd in their dusky graves.

Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer, Only reserved their factor, to buy souls And send them thither: but at hand, at hand, Ensues his piteous and unpitied end:


Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer, Only reserved their factor, to buy souls And send them thither: but at hand, at hand, Ensues his piteous and unpitied end:

Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray. To have him suddenly convey'd away. Cancel his bond of life, dear God, I prey, That I may live to say, The dog is dead!


Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray. To have him suddenly convey'd away. Cancel his bond of life, dear God, I prey, That I may live to say, The dog is dead!

O, thou didst prophesy the time would come That I should wish for thee to help me curse That bottled spider, that foul bunch-back'd toad!


O, thou didst prophesy the time would come That I should wish for thee to help me curse That bottled spider, that foul bunch-back'd toad!

I call'd thee then vain flourish of my fortune; I call'd thee then poor shadow, painted queen; The presentation of but what I was; The flattering index of a direful pageant;


I call'd thee then vain flourish of my fortune; I call'd thee then poor shadow, painted queen; The presentation of but what I was; The flattering index of a direful pageant;

One heaved a-high, to be hurl'd down below; A mother only mock'd with two sweet babes;


One heaved a-high, to be hurl'd down below; A mother only mock'd with two sweet babes;

A dream of what thou wert, a breath, a bubble, A sign of dignity, a garish flag, To be the aim of every dangerous shot, A queen in jest, only to fill the scene. Where is thy husband now?


A dream of what thou wert, a breath, a bubble, A sign of dignity, a garish flag, To be the aim of every dangerous shot, A queen in jest, only to fill the scene. Where is thy husband now?

where be thy brothers? Where are thy children? wherein dost thou, joy? Who sues to thee and cries 'God save the queen'? Where be the bending peers that flatter'd thee?


where be thy brothers? Where are thy children? wherein dost thou, joy? Who sues to thee and cries 'God save the queen'? Where be the bending peers that flatter'd thee?

Where be the thronging troops that follow'd thee? Decline all this, and see what now thou art: For happy wife, a most distressed widow; For joyful mother, one that wails the name;


Where be the thronging troops that follow'd thee? Decline all this, and see what now thou art: For happy wife, a most distressed widow; For joyful mother, one that wails the name;

For queen, a very caitiff crown'd with care; For one being sued to, one that humbly sues; For one that scorn'd at me, now scorn'd of me; For one being fear'd of all, now fearing one;


For queen, a very caitiff crown'd with care; For one being sued to, one that humbly sues; For one that scorn'd at me, now scorn'd of me; For one being fear'd of all, now fearing one;

For one commanding all, obey'd of none. Thus hath the course of justice wheel'd about, And left thee but a very prey to time;


For one commanding all, obey'd of none. Thus hath the course of justice wheel'd about, And left thee but a very prey to time;

Having no more but thought of what thou wert, To torture thee the more, being what thou art. Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?


Having no more but thought of what thou wert, To torture thee the more, being what thou art. Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?

Now thy proud neck bears half my burthen'd yoke; From which even here I slip my weary neck, And leave the burthen of it all on thee. Farewell, York's wife, and queen of sad mischance:


Now thy proud neck bears half my burthen'd yoke; From which even here I slip my weary neck, And leave the burthen of it all on thee. Farewell, York's wife, and queen of sad mischance:

These English woes will make me smile in France.


These English woes will make me smile in France.

O thou well skill'd in curses, stay awhile, And teach me how to curse mine enemies!


O thou well skill'd in curses, stay awhile, And teach me how to curse mine enemies!

Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days; Compare dead happiness with living woe; Think that thy babes were fairer than they were, And he that slew them fouler than he is:


Forbear to sleep the nights, and fast the days; Compare dead happiness with living woe; Think that thy babes were fairer than they were, And he that slew them fouler than he is:

Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse: Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.


Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse: Revolving this will teach thee how to curse.

My words are dull; O, quicken them with thine!


My words are dull; O, quicken them with thine!

Thy woes will make them sharp, and pierce like mine.


Thy woes will make them sharp, and pierce like mine.


Windy attorneys to their client woes, Airy succeeders of intestate joys, Poor breathing orators of miseries! Let them have scope: though what they do impart Help not all, yet do they ease the heart.


Windy attorneys to their client woes, Airy succeeders of intestate joys, Poor breathing orators of miseries! Let them have scope: though what they do impart Help not all, yet do they ease the heart.

If so, then be not tongue-tied: go with me. And in the breath of bitter words let's smother My damned son, which thy two sweet sons smother'd. I hear his drum: be copious in exclaims.


If so, then be not tongue-tied: go with me. And in the breath of bitter words let's smother My damned son, which thy two sweet sons smother'd. I hear his drum: be copious in exclaims.


O, she that might have intercepted thee, By strangling thee in her accursed womb From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done!


O, she that might have intercepted thee, By strangling thee in her accursed womb From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done!

Hidest thou that forehead with a golden crown, Where should be graven, if that right were right, The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown, And the dire death of my two sons and brothers?


Hidest thou that forehead with a golden crown, Where should be graven, if that right were right, The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown, And the dire death of my two sons and brothers?

Tell me, thou villain slave, where are my children?


Tell me, thou villain slave, where are my children?

Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence? And little Ned Plantagenet, his son?


Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence? And little Ned Plantagenet, his son?

Where is kind Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?


Where is kind Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey?

A flourish, trumpets! strike alarum, drums! Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women Rail on the Lord's enointed: strike, I say!


A flourish, trumpets! strike alarum, drums! Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women Rail on the Lord's enointed: strike, I say!

Either be patient, and entreat me fair, Or with the clamorous report of war Thus will I drown your exclamations.


Either be patient, and entreat me fair, Or with the clamorous report of war Thus will I drown your exclamations.


Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself.


Madam, I have a touch of your condition, Which cannot brook the accent of reproof.


And brief, good mother; for I am in haste.


And brief, good mother; for I am in haste.

Art thou so hasty? I have stay'd for thee, God knows, in anguish, pain and agony.


Art thou so hasty? I have stay'd for thee, God knows, in anguish, pain and agony.


No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well, Thou camest on earth to make the earth my hell. A grievous burthen was thy birth to me; Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;


No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well, Thou camest on earth to make the earth my hell. A grievous burthen was thy birth to me; Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy;

What comfortable hour canst thou name, That ever graced me in thy company?


What comfortable hour canst thou name, That ever graced me in thy company?

Faith, none, but Humphrey Hour, that call'd your grace To breakfast once forth of my company. If I be so disgracious in your sight, Let me march on, and not offend your grace. Strike the drum.


Faith, none, but Humphrey Hour, that call'd your grace To breakfast once forth of my company. If I be so disgracious in your sight, Let me march on, and not offend your grace. Strike the drum.


Hear me a word; For I shall never speak to thee again.


Either thou wilt die, by God's just ordinance, Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror, Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish And never look upon thy face again.


Either thou wilt die, by God's just ordinance, Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror, Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish And never look upon thy face again.

Therefore take with thee my most heavy curse; Which, in the day of battle, tire thee more Than all the complete armour that thou wear'st! My prayers on the adverse party fight;


Therefore take with thee my most heavy curse; Which, in the day of battle, tire thee more Than all the complete armour that thou wear'st! My prayers on the adverse party fight;

And there the little souls of Edward's children Whisper the spirits of thine enemies And promise them success and victory. Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end;


And there the little souls of Edward's children Whisper the spirits of thine enemies And promise them success and victory. Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end;

Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.


Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.

Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse Abides in me; I say amen to all.


Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse Abides in me; I say amen to all.

Stay, madam; I must speak a word with you.


Stay, madam; I must speak a word with you.

I have no more sons of the royal blood For thee to murder: for my daughters, Richard, They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens; And therefore level not to hit their lives.


I have no more sons of the royal blood For thee to murder: for my daughters, Richard, They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens; And therefore level not to hit their lives.

You have a daughter call'd Elizabeth, Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.


You have a daughter call'd Elizabeth, Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious.

And must she die for this? O, let her live, And I'll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty; Slander myself as false to Edward's bed; Throw over her the veil of infamy:


And must she die for this? O, let her live, And I'll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty; Slander myself as false to Edward's bed; Throw over her the veil of infamy:

So she may live unscarr'd of bleeding slaughter, I will confess she was not Edward's daughter.


So she may live unscarr'd of bleeding slaughter, I will confess she was not Edward's daughter.

Wrong not her birth, she is of royal blood.


Wrong not her birth, she is of royal blood.

To save her life, I'll say she is not so.


To save her life, I'll say she is not so.


And only in that safety died her brothers.


And only in that safety died her brothers.

Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.


Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.

No, to their lives bad friends were contrary.


No, to their lives bad friends were contrary.


True, when avoided grace makes destiny: My babes were destined to a fairer death, If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life.


True, when avoided grace makes destiny: My babes were destined to a fairer death, If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life.

You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.


You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.

Cousins, indeed; and by their uncle cozen'd Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life. Whose hand soever lanced their tender hearts, Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction:


Cousins, indeed; and by their uncle cozen'd Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life. Whose hand soever lanced their tender hearts, Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction:

No doubt the murderous knife was dull and blunt Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart, To revel in the entrails of my lambs.


No doubt the murderous knife was dull and blunt Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart, To revel in the entrails of my lambs.

But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame, My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys Till that my nails were anchor'd in thine eyes;


But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame, My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys Till that my nails were anchor'd in thine eyes;

And I, in such a desperate bay of death, Like a poor bark, of sails and tackling reft, Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.


And I, in such a desperate bay of death, Like a poor bark, of sails and tackling reft, Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.

Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise And dangerous success of bloody wars, As I intend more good to you and yours, Than ever you or yours were by me wrong'd!


Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise And dangerous success of bloody wars, As I intend more good to you and yours, Than ever you or yours were by me wrong'd!

What good is cover'd with the face of heaven, To be discover'd, that can do me good?


What good is cover'd with the face of heaven, To be discover'd, that can do me good?

The advancement of your children, gentle lady.


The advancement of your children, gentle lady.

Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads?


Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads?

No, to the dignity and height of honour The high imperial type of this earth's glory.


No, to the dignity and height of honour The high imperial type of this earth's glory.

Flatter my sorrows with report of it; Tell me what state, what dignity, what honour, Canst thou demise to any child of mine?


Flatter my sorrows with report of it; Tell me what state, what dignity, what honour, Canst thou demise to any child of mine?

Even all I have; yea, and myself and all, Will I withal endow a child of thine;


Even all I have; yea, and myself and all, Will I withal endow a child of thine;

So in the Lethe of thy angry soul Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs Which thou supposest I have done to thee.


So in the Lethe of thy angry soul Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs Which thou supposest I have done to thee.

Be brief, lest that be process of thy kindness Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.


Be brief, lest that be process of thy kindness Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.

Then know, that from my soul I love thy daughter.


Then know, that from my soul I love thy daughter.

My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul.


My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul.


That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul: So from thy soul's love didst thou love her brothers; And from my heart's love I do thank thee for it.


That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul: So from thy soul's love didst thou love her brothers; And from my heart's love I do thank thee for it.

Be not so hasty to confound my meaning: I mean, that with my soul I love thy daughter, And mean to make her queen of England.


Be not so hasty to confound my meaning: I mean, that with my soul I love thy daughter, And mean to make her queen of England.

Say then, who dost thou mean shall be her king?


Say then, who dost thou mean shall be her king?

Even he that makes her queen who should be else?


Even he that makes her queen who should be else?


That would I learn of you, As one that are best acquainted with her humour.


Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers, A pair of bleeding-hearts; thereon engrave Edward and York; then haply she will weep:


Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers, A pair of bleeding-hearts; thereon engrave Edward and York; then haply she will weep:

Therefore present to her--as sometime Margaret Did to thy father, steep'd in Rutland's blood,-- A handkerchief;


Therefore present to her--as sometime Margaret Did to thy father, steep'd in Rutland's blood,-- A handkerchief;

which, say to her, did drain The purple sap from her sweet brother's body And bid her dry her weeping eyes therewith. If this inducement force her not to love, Send her a story of thy noble acts;


which, say to her, did drain The purple sap from her sweet brother's body And bid her dry her weeping eyes therewith. If this inducement force her not to love, Send her a story of thy noble acts;

Tell her thou madest away her uncle Clarence, Her uncle Rivers; yea, and, for her sake, Madest quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.


Tell her thou madest away her uncle Clarence, Her uncle Rivers; yea, and, for her sake, Madest quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne.

Come, come, you mock me; this is not the way To win our daughter.


Come, come, you mock me; this is not the way To win our daughter.

There is no other way Unless thou couldst put on some other shape, And not be Richard that hath done all this.


There is no other way Unless thou couldst put on some other shape, And not be Richard that hath done all this.

Say that I did all this for love of her.


Say that I did all this for love of her.

Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee, Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.


Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee, Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.

Look, what is done cannot be now amended: Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes, Which after hours give leisure to repent.


Look, what is done cannot be now amended: Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes, Which after hours give leisure to repent.

If I did take the kingdom from your sons, To make amends, Ill give it to your daughter. They are as children but one step below, Even of your mettle, of your very blood;


If I did take the kingdom from your sons, To make amends, Ill give it to your daughter. They are as children but one step below, Even of your mettle, of your very blood;

Of an one pain, save for a night of groans Endured of her, for whom you bid like sorrow. Your children were vexation to your youth, But mine shall be a comfort to your age.


Of an one pain, save for a night of groans Endured of her, for whom you bid like sorrow. Your children were vexation to your youth, But mine shall be a comfort to your age.

The loss you have is but a son being king, And by that loss your daughter is made queen. I cannot make you what amends I would, Therefore accept such kindness as I can.


The loss you have is but a son being king, And by that loss your daughter is made queen. I cannot make you what amends I would, Therefore accept such kindness as I can.

Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul Leads discontented steps in foreign soil, This fair alliance quickly shall call home To high promotions and great dignity:


Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul Leads discontented steps in foreign soil, This fair alliance quickly shall call home To high promotions and great dignity:

The king, that calls your beauteous daughter wife. Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother;


The king, that calls your beauteous daughter wife. Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother;

Again shall you be mother to a king, And all the ruins of distressful times Repair'd with double riches of content. What! we have many goodly days to see:


Again shall you be mother to a king, And all the ruins of distressful times Repair'd with double riches of content. What! we have many goodly days to see:

The liquid drops of tears that you have shed Shall come again, transform'd to orient pearl, Advantaging their loan with interest Of ten times double gain of happiness.


The liquid drops of tears that you have shed Shall come again, transform'd to orient pearl, Advantaging their loan with interest Of ten times double gain of happiness.

Go, then my mother, to thy daughter go Make bold her bashful years with your experience; Prepare her ears to hear a wooer's tale Put in her tender heart the aspiring flame Of golden sovereignty;


Go, then my mother, to thy daughter go Make bold her bashful years with your experience; Prepare her ears to hear a wooer's tale Put in her tender heart the aspiring flame Of golden sovereignty;

To whom I will retail my conquest won, And she shall be sole victress, Caesar's Caesar.


To whom I will retail my conquest won, And she shall be sole victress, Caesar's Caesar.

What were I best to say? her father's brother Would be her lord? or shall I say, her uncle? Or, he that slew her brothers and her uncles?


What were I best to say? her father's brother Would be her lord? or shall I say, her uncle? Or, he that slew her brothers and her uncles?

Under what title shall I woo for thee, That God, the law, my honour and her love, Can make seem pleasing to her tender years?


Under what title shall I woo for thee, That God, the law, my honour and her love, Can make seem pleasing to her tender years?

Infer fair England's peace by this alliance.


Infer fair England's peace by this alliance.

Which she shall purchase with still lasting war.


Which she shall purchase with still lasting war.

Say that the king, which may command, entreats.


Say that the king, which may command, entreats.

That at her hands which the king's King forbids.


That at her hands which the king's King forbids.

Say, she shall be a high and mighty queen.


Say, she shall be a high and mighty queen.


But how long shall that title 'ever' last?


But how long shall that title 'ever' last?

Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end.


Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end.

But how long fairly shall her sweet lie last?


But how long fairly shall her sweet lie last?

So long as heaven and nature lengthens it.


So long as heaven and nature lengthens it.

So long as hell and Richard likes of it.


So long as hell and Richard likes of it.

Say, I, her sovereign, am her subject love.


Say, I, her sovereign, am her subject love.

But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.


But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.


An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.


An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.

Then in plain terms tell her my loving tale.


Then in plain terms tell her my loving tale.

Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.


Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.

Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.


Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.

O no, my reasons are too deep and dead; Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their grave.


O no, my reasons are too deep and dead; Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their grave.

Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.


Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.

Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.


Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.

Now, by my George, my garter, and my crown,--


Now, by my George, my garter, and my crown,--

Profaned, dishonour'd, and the third usurp'd.


Profaned, dishonour'd, and the third usurp'd.


By nothing; for this is no oath: The George, profaned, hath lost his holy honour; The garter, blemish'd, pawn'd his knightly virtue; The crown, usurp'd, disgraced his kingly glory.


By nothing; for this is no oath: The George, profaned, hath lost his holy honour; The garter, blemish'd, pawn'd his knightly virtue; The crown, usurp'd, disgraced his kingly glory.

if something thou wilt swear to be believed, Swear then by something that thou hast not wrong'd.


if something thou wilt swear to be believed, Swear then by something that thou hast not wrong'd.


God's wrong is most of all. If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by Him, The unity the king thy brother made Had not been broken, nor my brother slain: What canst thou swear by now?


That thou hast wronged in the time o'erpast; For I myself have many tears to wash Hereafter time, for time past wrong'd by thee.


That thou hast wronged in the time o'erpast; For I myself have many tears to wash Hereafter time, for time past wrong'd by thee.

The children live, whose parents thou hast slaughter'd, Ungovern'd youth, to wail it in their age;


The children live, whose parents thou hast slaughter'd, Ungovern'd youth, to wail it in their age;

The parents live, whose children thou hast butcher'd, Old wither'd plants, to wail it with their age. Swear not by time to come; for that thou hast Misused ere used, by time misused o'erpast.


The parents live, whose children thou hast butcher'd, Old wither'd plants, to wail it with their age. Swear not by time to come; for that thou hast Misused ere used, by time misused o'erpast.

As I intend to prosper and repent, So thrive I in my dangerous attempt Of hostile arms! myself myself confound! Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours! Day, yield me not thy light;


As I intend to prosper and repent, So thrive I in my dangerous attempt Of hostile arms! myself myself confound! Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours! Day, yield me not thy light;

nor, night, thy rest! Be opposite all planets of good luck To my proceedings, if, with pure heart's love, Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts, I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter!


nor, night, thy rest! Be opposite all planets of good luck To my proceedings, if, with pure heart's love, Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts, I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter!

In her consists my happiness and thine; Without her, follows to this land and me, To thee, herself, and many a Christian soul, Death, desolation, ruin and decay: It cannot be avoided but by this;


In her consists my happiness and thine; Without her, follows to this land and me, To thee, herself, and many a Christian soul, Death, desolation, ruin and decay: It cannot be avoided but by this;

It will not be avoided but by this. Therefore, good mother,--I must can you so-- Be the attorney of my love to her: Plead what I will be, not what I have been;


It will not be avoided but by this. Therefore, good mother,--I must can you so-- Be the attorney of my love to her: Plead what I will be, not what I have been;

Not my deserts, but what I will deserve: Urge the necessity and state of times, And be not peevish-fond in great designs.


Not my deserts, but what I will deserve: Urge the necessity and state of times, And be not peevish-fond in great designs.


Ay, if yourself's remembrance wrong yourself.


But in your daughter's womb I bury them: Where in that nest of spicery they shall breed Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.


I go. Write to me very shortly. And you shall understand from me her mind.


I go. Write to me very shortly. And you shall understand from me her mind.

Bear her my true love's kiss; and so, farewell. Relenting fool, and shallow, changing woman! How now! what news?


Bear her my true love's kiss; and so, farewell. Relenting fool, and shallow, changing woman! How now! what news?

My gracious sovereign, on the western coast Rideth a puissant navy; to the shore Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends, Unarm'd, and unresolved to beat them back:


My gracious sovereign, on the western coast Rideth a puissant navy; to the shore Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends, Unarm'd, and unresolved to beat them back:

'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral; And there they hull, expecting but the aid Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.


'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral; And there they hull, expecting but the aid Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore.

Some light-foot friend post to the Duke of Norfolk: Ratcliff, thyself, or Catesby; where is he?


Some light-foot friend post to the Duke of Norfolk: Ratcliff, thyself, or Catesby; where is he?


Fly to the duke: Post thou to Salisbury When thou comest thither-- Dull, unmindful villain, Why stand'st thou still, and go'st not to the duke?


Fly to the duke: Post thou to Salisbury When thou comest thither-- Dull, unmindful villain, Why stand'st thou still, and go'st not to the duke?

First, mighty sovereign, let me know your mind, What from your grace I shall deliver to him.


First, mighty sovereign, let me know your mind, What from your grace I shall deliver to him.

O, true, good Catesby: bid him levy straight The greatest strength and power he can make, And meet me presently at Salisbury.


O, true, good Catesby: bid him levy straight The greatest strength and power he can make, And meet me presently at Salisbury.


What is't your highness' pleasure I shall do at Salisbury?


What is't your highness' pleasure I shall do at Salisbury?

Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?


Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?

Your highness told me I should post before.


Your highness told me I should post before.

My mind is changed, sir, my mind is changed. How now, what news with you?


My mind is changed, sir, my mind is changed. How now, what news with you?

None good, my lord, to please you with the hearing; Nor none so bad, but it may well be told.


None good, my lord, to please you with the hearing; Nor none so bad, but it may well be told.

Hoyday, a riddle! neither good nor bad! Why dost thou run so many mile about, When thou mayst tell thy tale a nearer way? Once more, what news?


Hoyday, a riddle! neither good nor bad! Why dost thou run so many mile about, When thou mayst tell thy tale a nearer way? Once more, what news?


There let him sink, and be the seas on him! White-liver'd runagate, what doth he there?


There let him sink, and be the seas on him! White-liver'd runagate, what doth he there?

I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.


I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.


Stirr'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Ely, He makes for England, there to claim the crown.


Stirr'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Ely, He makes for England, there to claim the crown.

Is the chair empty? is the sword unsway'd? Is the king dead? the empire unpossess'd? What heir of York is there alive but we? And who is England's king but great York's heir?


Is the chair empty? is the sword unsway'd? Is the king dead? the empire unpossess'd? What heir of York is there alive but we? And who is England's king but great York's heir?

Then, tell me, what doth he upon the sea?


Then, tell me, what doth he upon the sea?

Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.


Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess.

Unless for that he comes to be your liege, You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes. Thou wilt revolt, and fly to him, I fear.


Unless for that he comes to be your liege, You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes. Thou wilt revolt, and fly to him, I fear.

No, mighty liege; therefore mistrust me not.


No, mighty liege; therefore mistrust me not.

Where is thy power, then, to beat him back? Where are thy tenants and thy followers? Are they not now upon the western shore. Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships!


Where is thy power, then, to beat him back? Where are thy tenants and thy followers? Are they not now upon the western shore. Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships!

No, my good lord, my friends are in the north.


No, my good lord, my friends are in the north.

Cold friends to Richard: what do they in the north, When they should serve their sovereign in the west?


Cold friends to Richard: what do they in the north, When they should serve their sovereign in the west?

They have not been commanded, mighty sovereign: Please it your majesty to give me leave, I'll muster up my friends, and meet your grace Where and what time your majesty shall please.


They have not been commanded, mighty sovereign: Please it your majesty to give me leave, I'll muster up my friends, and meet your grace Where and what time your majesty shall please.

Ay, ay. thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond: I will not trust you, sir.


Ay, ay. thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond: I will not trust you, sir.

Most mighty sovereign, You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful: I never was nor never will be false.


Most mighty sovereign, You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful: I never was nor never will be false.

Well, Go muster men; but, hear you, leave behind Your son, George Stanley: look your faith be firm. Or else his head's assurance is but frail.


Well, Go muster men; but, hear you, leave behind Your son, George Stanley: look your faith be firm. Or else his head's assurance is but frail.

So deal with him as I prove true to you.


So deal with him as I prove true to you.

My liege, in Kent the Guildfords are in arms; And every hour more competitors Flock to their aid, and still their power increaseth.


My liege, in Kent the Guildfords are in arms; And every hour more competitors Flock to their aid, and still their power increaseth.

My lord, the army of the Duke of Buckingham--


My lord, the army of the Duke of Buckingham--

Out on you, owls! nothing but songs of death? Take that, until thou bring me better news.


Out on you, owls! nothing but songs of death? Take that, until thou bring me better news.

The news I have to tell your majesty Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters, Buckingham's army is dispersed and scatter'd; And he himself wander'd away alone, No man knows whither.


The news I have to tell your majesty Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters, Buckingham's army is dispersed and scatter'd; And he himself wander'd away alone, No man knows whither.

I cry thee mercy: There is my purse to cure that blow of thine. Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd Reward to him that brings the traitor in?


I cry thee mercy: There is my purse to cure that blow of thine. Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd Reward to him that brings the traitor in?

Such proclamation hath been made, my liege.


Such proclamation hath been made, my liege.

Sir Thomas Lovel and Lord Marquis Dorset, 'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms. Yet this good comfort bring I to your grace, The Breton navy is dispersed by tempest:


Sir Thomas Lovel and Lord Marquis Dorset, 'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms. Yet this good comfort bring I to your grace, The Breton navy is dispersed by tempest:

Richmond, in Yorkshire, sent out a boat Unto the shore, to ask those on the banks If they were his assistants, yea or no; Who answer'd him, they came from Buckingham. Upon his party:


Richmond, in Yorkshire, sent out a boat Unto the shore, to ask those on the banks If they were his assistants, yea or no; Who answer'd him, they came from Buckingham. Upon his party:

he, mistrusting them, Hoisted sail and made away for Brittany.


he, mistrusting them, Hoisted sail and made away for Brittany.

March on, march on, since we are up in arms; If not to fight with foreign enemies, Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.


March on, march on, since we are up in arms; If not to fight with foreign enemies, Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.

My liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken; That is the best news: that the Earl of Richmond Is with a mighty power landed at Milford, Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.


My liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken; That is the best news: that the Earl of Richmond Is with a mighty power landed at Milford, Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.

Away towards Salisbury! while we reason here, A royal battle might be won and lost Some one take order Buckingham be brought To Salisbury; the rest march on with me.


Away towards Salisbury! while we reason here, A royal battle might be won and lost Some one take order Buckingham be brought To Salisbury; the rest march on with me.

Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me: That in the sty of this most bloody boar My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold: If I revolt, off goes young George's head;


Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me: That in the sty of this most bloody boar My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold: If I revolt, off goes young George's head;

The fear of that withholds my present aid. But, tell me, where is princely Richmond now?


The fear of that withholds my present aid. But, tell me, where is princely Richmond now?

At Pembroke, or at Harford-west, in Wales.


At Pembroke, or at Harford-west, in Wales.


Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier; Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William Stanley; Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir James Blunt, And Rice ap Thomas with a valiant crew;


Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier; Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William Stanley; Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir James Blunt, And Rice ap Thomas with a valiant crew;

And many more of noble fame and worth: And towards London they do bend their course, If by the way they be not fought withal.


And many more of noble fame and worth: And towards London they do bend their course, If by the way they be not fought withal.

Return unto thy lord; commend me to him: Tell him the queen hath heartily consented He shall espouse Elizabeth her daughter. These letters will resolve him of my mind. Farewell.


Return unto thy lord; commend me to him: Tell him the queen hath heartily consented He shall espouse Elizabeth her daughter. These letters will resolve him of my mind. Farewell.

Will not King Richard let me speak with him?


Will not King Richard let me speak with him?


This is All-Souls' day, fellows, is it not?


Why, then All-Souls' day is my body's doomsday. This, this All-Souls' day to my fearful soul Is the determined respite of my wrongs:


Why, then All-Souls' day is my body's doomsday. This, this All-Souls' day to my fearful soul Is the determined respite of my wrongs:

That high All-Seer that I dallied with Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest.


That high All-Seer that I dallied with Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest.

Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men To turn their own points on their masters' bosoms: Now Margaret's curse is fallen upon my head;


Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men To turn their own points on their masters' bosoms: Now Margaret's curse is fallen upon my head;

'When he,' quoth she, 'shall split thy heart with sorrow, Remember Margaret was a prophetess.' Come, sirs, convey me to the block of shame; Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.


'When he,' quoth she, 'shall split thy heart with sorrow, Remember Margaret was a prophetess.' Come, sirs, convey me to the block of shame; Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.

Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends, Bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny, Thus far into the bowels of the land Have we march'd on without impediment;


Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends, Bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny, Thus far into the bowels of the land Have we march'd on without impediment;

And here receive we from our father Stanley Lines of fair comfort and encouragement.


And here receive we from our father Stanley Lines of fair comfort and encouragement.

In God's name, cheerly on, courageous friends, To reap the harvest of perpetual peace By this one bloody trial of sharp war.


In God's name, cheerly on, courageous friends, To reap the harvest of perpetual peace By this one bloody trial of sharp war.

Every man's conscience is a thousand swords, To fight against that bloody homicide.


Every man's conscience is a thousand swords, To fight against that bloody homicide.

I doubt not but his friends will fly to us.


I doubt not but his friends will fly to us.

He hath no friends but who are friends for fear. Which in his greatest need will shrink from him.


He hath no friends but who are friends for fear. Which in his greatest need will shrink from him.

All for our vantage. Then, in God's name, march: True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings: Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.


All for our vantage. Then, in God's name, march: True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings: Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.

Here pitch our tents, even here in Bosworth field. My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad?


Here pitch our tents, even here in Bosworth field. My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad?

My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.


My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.


Norfolk, we must have knocks; ha! must we not?


Norfolk, we must have knocks; ha! must we not?

We must both give and take, my gracious lord.


We must both give and take, my gracious lord.

Up with my tent there! here will I lie tonight; But where to-morrow?  Well, all's one for that. Who hath descried the number of the foe?


Up with my tent there! here will I lie tonight; But where to-morrow?  Well, all's one for that. Who hath descried the number of the foe?

Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.


Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.

Why, our battalion trebles that account: Besides, the king's name is a tower of strength, Which they upon the adverse party want. Up with my tent there!


Why, our battalion trebles that account: Besides, the king's name is a tower of strength, Which they upon the adverse party want. Up with my tent there!

Valiant gentlemen, Let us survey the vantage of the field Call for some men of sound direction Let's want no discipline, make no delay, For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day.


Valiant gentlemen, Let us survey the vantage of the field Call for some men of sound direction Let's want no discipline, make no delay, For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day.

The weary sun hath made a golden set, And by the bright track of his fiery car, Gives signal, of a goodly day to-morrow. Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.


The weary sun hath made a golden set, And by the bright track of his fiery car, Gives signal, of a goodly day to-morrow. Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.

Give me some ink and paper in my tent I'll draw the form and model of our battle, Limit each leader to his several charge, And part in just proportion our small strength.


Give me some ink and paper in my tent I'll draw the form and model of our battle, Limit each leader to his several charge, And part in just proportion our small strength.

My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon, And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me. The Earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment:


My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon, And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me. The Earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment:

Good Captain Blunt, bear my good night to him And by the second hour in the morning Desire the earl to see me in my tent:


Good Captain Blunt, bear my good night to him And by the second hour in the morning Desire the earl to see me in my tent:

Yet one thing more, good Blunt, before thou go'st, Where is Lord Stanley quarter'd, dost thou know?


Yet one thing more, good Blunt, before thou go'st, Where is Lord Stanley quarter'd, dost thou know?

Unless I have mista'en his colours much, Which well I am assured I have not done, His regiment lies half a mile at least South from the mighty power of the king.


Unless I have mista'en his colours much, Which well I am assured I have not done, His regiment lies half a mile at least South from the mighty power of the king.

If without peril it be possible, Good Captain Blunt, bear my good-night to him, And give him from me this most needful scroll.


If without peril it be possible, Good Captain Blunt, bear my good-night to him, And give him from me this most needful scroll.

Upon my life, my lord, I'll under-take it; And so, God give you quiet rest to-night!


Upon my life, my lord, I'll under-take it; And so, God give you quiet rest to-night!

Good night, good Captain Blunt. Come gentlemen, Let us consult upon to-morrow's business In to our tent; the air is raw and cold.


Good night, good Captain Blunt. Come gentlemen, Let us consult upon to-morrow's business In to our tent; the air is raw and cold.


It's supper-time, my lord; It's nine o'clock.


It's supper-time, my lord; It's nine o'clock.

I will not sup to-night. Give me some ink and paper. What, is my beaver easier than it was? And all my armour laid into my tent?


I will not sup to-night. Give me some ink and paper. What, is my beaver easier than it was? And all my armour laid into my tent?

If is, my liege; and all things are in readiness.


If is, my liege; and all things are in readiness.

Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge; Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels.


Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge; Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels.


Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk.


Send out a pursuivant at arms To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power Before sunrising, lest his son George fall Into the blind cave of eternal night. Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch.


Send out a pursuivant at arms To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power Before sunrising, lest his son George fall Into the blind cave of eternal night. Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch.

Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow. Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy. Ratcliff!


Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow. Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy. Ratcliff!


Saw'st thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?


Saw'st thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?

Thomas the Earl of Surrey, and himself, Much about cock-shut time, from troop to troop Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers.


Thomas the Earl of Surrey, and himself, Much about cock-shut time, from troop to troop Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers.

So, I am satisfied. Give me a bowl of wine: I have not that alacrity of spirit, Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have. Set it down. Is ink and paper ready?


So, I am satisfied. Give me a bowl of wine: I have not that alacrity of spirit, Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have. Set it down. Is ink and paper ready?


Bid my guard watch; leave me. Ratcliff, about the mid of night come to my tent And help to arm me. Leave me, I say.


All comfort that the dark night can afford Be to thy person, noble father-in-law! Tell me, how fares our loving mother?


All comfort that the dark night can afford Be to thy person, noble father-in-law! Tell me, how fares our loving mother?

I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother Who prays continually for Richmond's good: So much for that. The silent hours steal on, And flaky darkness breaks within the east.


I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother Who prays continually for Richmond's good: So much for that. The silent hours steal on, And flaky darkness breaks within the east.

In brief,--for so the season bids us be,-- Prepare thy battle early in the morning, And put thy fortune to the arbitrement Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.


In brief,--for so the season bids us be,-- Prepare thy battle early in the morning, And put thy fortune to the arbitrement Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.

I, as I may--that which I would I cannot,-- With best advantage will deceive the time, And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms:


I, as I may--that which I would I cannot,-- With best advantage will deceive the time, And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms:

But on thy side I may not be too forward Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George, Be executed in his father's sight. Farewell:


But on thy side I may not be too forward Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George, Be executed in his father's sight. Farewell:

the leisure and the fearful time Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love And ample interchange of sweet discourse, Which so long sunder'd friends should dwell upon:


the leisure and the fearful time Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love And ample interchange of sweet discourse, Which so long sunder'd friends should dwell upon:

God give us leisure for these rites of love! Once more, adieu: be valiant, and speed well!


God give us leisure for these rites of love! Once more, adieu: be valiant, and speed well!

Good lords, conduct him to his regiment: I'll strive, with troubled thoughts, to take a nap, Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow, When I should mount with wings of victory:


Good lords, conduct him to his regiment: I'll strive, with troubled thoughts, to take a nap, Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow, When I should mount with wings of victory:

Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen. O Thou, whose captain I account myself, Look on my forces with a gracious eye;


Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen. O Thou, whose captain I account myself, Look on my forces with a gracious eye;

Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath, That they may crush down with a heavy fall The usurping helmets of our adversaries!


Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath, That they may crush down with a heavy fall The usurping helmets of our adversaries!

Make us thy ministers of chastisement, That we may praise thee in the victory! To thee I do commend my watchful soul, Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes: Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!


Make us thy ministers of chastisement, That we may praise thee in the victory! To thee I do commend my watchful soul, Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes: Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!


Give me another horse: bind up my wounds. Have mercy, Jesu!--Soft! I did but dream. O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me! The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.


Give me another horse: bind up my wounds. Have mercy, Jesu!--Soft! I did but dream. O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me! The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.

Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh. What do I fear?  myself?  there's none else by: Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I. Is there a murderer here?  No. Yes, I am: Then fly.


Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh. What do I fear?  myself?  there's none else by: Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I. Is there a murderer here?  No. Yes, I am: Then fly.

What, from myself?   Great reason why: Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself? Alack. I love myself. Wherefore?  for any good That I myself have done unto myself? O, no!


What, from myself?   Great reason why: Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself? Alack. I love myself. Wherefore?  for any good That I myself have done unto myself? O, no!

alas, I rather hate myself For hateful deeds committed by myself! I am a villain: yet I lie. I am not. Fool, of thyself speak well: fool, do not flatter.


alas, I rather hate myself For hateful deeds committed by myself! I am a villain: yet I lie. I am not. Fool, of thyself speak well: fool, do not flatter.

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain.


My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain.

Perjury, perjury, in the high'st degree Murder, stem murder, in the direst degree; All several sins, all used in each degree, Throng to the bar, crying all, Guilty! guilty! I shall despair.


Perjury, perjury, in the high'st degree Murder, stem murder, in the direst degree; All several sins, all used in each degree, Throng to the bar, crying all, Guilty! guilty! I shall despair.

There is no creature loves me; And if I die, no soul shall pity me: Nay, wherefore should they, since that I myself Find in myself no pity to myself?


There is no creature loves me; And if I die, no soul shall pity me: Nay, wherefore should they, since that I myself Find in myself no pity to myself?

Methought the souls of all that I had murder'd Came to my tent; and every one did threat To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard.


Methought the souls of all that I had murder'd Came to my tent; and every one did threat To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard.


Ratcliff, my lord; 'tis I. The early village-cock Hath twice done salutation to the morn; Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour.


Ratcliff, my lord; 'tis I. The early village-cock Hath twice done salutation to the morn; Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour.

O Ratcliff, I have dream'd a fearful dream! What thinkest thou, will our friends prove all true?


O Ratcliff, I have dream'd a fearful dream! What thinkest thou, will our friends prove all true?


Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.


Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.

By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers Armed in proof, and led by shallow Richmond.


By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers Armed in proof, and led by shallow Richmond.

It is not yet near day. Come, go with me; Under our tents I'll play the eaves-dropper, To see if any mean to shrink from me.


It is not yet near day. Come, go with me; Under our tents I'll play the eaves-dropper, To see if any mean to shrink from me.


Cry mercy, lords and watchful gentlemen, That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here.


The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding dreams That ever enter'd in a drowsy head, Have I since your departure had, my lords.


The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding dreams That ever enter'd in a drowsy head, Have I since your departure had, my lords.

Methought their souls, whose bodies Richard murder'd, Came to my tent, and cried on victory: I promise you, my soul is very jocund In the remembrance of so fair a dream.


Methought their souls, whose bodies Richard murder'd, Came to my tent, and cried on victory: I promise you, my soul is very jocund In the remembrance of so fair a dream.


Why, then 'tis time to arm and give direction. More than I have said, loving countrymen, The leisure and enforcement of the time Forbids to dwell upon:


Why, then 'tis time to arm and give direction. More than I have said, loving countrymen, The leisure and enforcement of the time Forbids to dwell upon:

yet remember this, God and our good cause fight upon our side; The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls, Like high-rear'd bulwarks, stand before our faces;


yet remember this, God and our good cause fight upon our side; The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls, Like high-rear'd bulwarks, stand before our faces;

Richard except, those whom we fight against Had rather have us win than him they follow: For what is he they follow?  truly, gentlemen, A bloody tyrant and a homicide;


Richard except, those whom we fight against Had rather have us win than him they follow: For what is he they follow?  truly, gentlemen, A bloody tyrant and a homicide;

One raised in blood, and one in blood establish'd; One that made means to come by what he hath, And slaughter'd those that were the means to help him;


One raised in blood, and one in blood establish'd; One that made means to come by what he hath, And slaughter'd those that were the means to help him;

Abase foul stone, made precious by the foil Of England's chair, where he is falsely set; One that hath ever been God's enemy:


Abase foul stone, made precious by the foil Of England's chair, where he is falsely set; One that hath ever been God's enemy:

Then, if you fight against God's enemy, God will in justice ward you as his soldiers; If you do sweat to put a tyrant down, You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain;


Then, if you fight against God's enemy, God will in justice ward you as his soldiers; If you do sweat to put a tyrant down, You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain;

If you do fight against your country's foes, Your country's fat shall pay your pains the hire; If you do fight in safeguard of your wives, Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors;


If you do fight against your country's foes, Your country's fat shall pay your pains the hire; If you do fight in safeguard of your wives, Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors;

If you do free your children from the sword, Your children's children quit it in your age. Then, in the name of God and all these rights, Advance your standards, draw your willing swords.


If you do free your children from the sword, Your children's children quit it in your age. Then, in the name of God and all these rights, Advance your standards, draw your willing swords.

For me, the ransom of my bold attempt Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face; But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt The least of you shall share his part thereof.


For me, the ransom of my bold attempt Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face; But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt The least of you shall share his part thereof.

Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully; God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!


Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully; God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!

What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?


What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?


He said the truth: and what said Surrey then?


He said the truth: and what said Surrey then?

He smiled and said 'The better for our purpose.'


He smiled and said 'The better for our purpose.'

He was in the right; and so indeed it is. Ten the clock there. Give me a calendar. Who saw the sun to-day?


He was in the right; and so indeed it is. Ten the clock there. Give me a calendar. Who saw the sun to-day?


Then he disdains to shine; for by the book He should have braved the east an hour ago A black day will it be to somebody. Ratcliff!


The sun will not be seen to-day; The sky doth frown and lour upon our army. I would these dewy tears were from the ground. Not shine to-day! Why, what is that to me More than to Richmond?


The sun will not be seen to-day; The sky doth frown and lour upon our army. I would these dewy tears were from the ground. Not shine to-day! Why, what is that to me More than to Richmond?

for the selfsame heaven That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.


for the selfsame heaven That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.

Arm, arm, my lord; the foe vaunts in the field.


Arm, arm, my lord; the foe vaunts in the field.

Come, bustle, bustle; caparison my horse. Call up Lord Stanley, bid him bring his power: I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain, And thus my battle shall be ordered:


Come, bustle, bustle; caparison my horse. Call up Lord Stanley, bid him bring his power: I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain, And thus my battle shall be ordered:

My foreward shall be drawn out all in length, Consisting equally of horse and foot;


My foreward shall be drawn out all in length, Consisting equally of horse and foot;

Our archers shall be placed in the midst John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey, Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.


Our archers shall be placed in the midst John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey, Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.

They thus directed, we will follow In the main battle, whose puissance on either side Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse. This, and Saint George to boot! What think'st thou, Norfolk?


They thus directed, we will follow In the main battle, whose puissance on either side Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse. This, and Saint George to boot! What think'st thou, Norfolk?

A good direction, warlike sovereign. This found I on my tent this morning.


A good direction, warlike sovereign. This found I on my tent this morning.


My lord, the enemy is past the marsh After the battle let George Stanley die.


My lord, the enemy is past the marsh After the battle let George Stanley die.

A thousand hearts are great within my bosom: Advance our standards, set upon our foes Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George, Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons! Upon them!


A thousand hearts are great within my bosom: Advance our standards, set upon our foes Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George, Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons! Upon them!


Rescue, my Lord of Norfolk, rescue, rescue! The king enacts more wonders than a man, Daring an opposite to every danger:


Rescue, my Lord of Norfolk, rescue, rescue! The king enacts more wonders than a man, Daring an opposite to every danger:

His horse is slain, and all on foot he fights, Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death. Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost!


His horse is slain, and all on foot he fights, Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death. Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost!

A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!


A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!

Withdraw, my lord; I'll help you to a horse.


Withdraw, my lord; I'll help you to a horse.

Slave, I have set my life upon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of the die: I think there be six Richmonds in the field; Five have I slain to-day instead of him. A horse! a horse!


Slave, I have set my life upon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of the die: I think there be six Richmonds in the field; Five have I slain to-day instead of him. A horse! a horse!


God and your arms be praised, victorious friends, The day is ours, the bloody dog is dead.


God and your arms be praised, victorious friends, The day is ours, the bloody dog is dead.

Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit thee. Lo, here, this long-usurped royalty From the dead temples of this bloody wretch Have I pluck'd off, to grace thy brows withal:


Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit thee. Lo, here, this long-usurped royalty From the dead temples of this bloody wretch Have I pluck'd off, to grace thy brows withal:


Great God of heaven, say Amen to all! But, tell me, is young George Stanley living?


Great God of heaven, say Amen to all! But, tell me, is young George Stanley living?

He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town; Whither, if it please you, we may now withdraw us.


He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town; Whither, if it please you, we may now withdraw us.

What men of name are slain on either side?


What men of name are slain on either side?

John Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Robert Brakenbury, and Sir William Brandon.


John Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Robert Brakenbury, and Sir William Brandon.

Inter their bodies as becomes their births: Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled That in submission will return to us:


Inter their bodies as becomes their births: Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled That in submission will return to us:

And then, as we have ta'en the sacrament, We will unite the white rose and the red: Smile heaven upon this fair conjunction, That long have frown'd upon their enmity!


And then, as we have ta'en the sacrament, We will unite the white rose and the red: Smile heaven upon this fair conjunction, That long have frown'd upon their enmity!

What traitor hears me, and says not amen? England hath long been mad, and scarr'd herself;


What traitor hears me, and says not amen? England hath long been mad, and scarr'd herself;

The brother blindly shed the brother's blood, The father rashly slaughter'd his own son, The son, compell'd, been butcher to the sire: