Then have at you with my wit! I will dry-beat you with an iron wit, and put up my iron dagger. Answer me like men:

'When griping grief the heart doth wound, And doleful dumps the mind oppress, Then music with her silver sound'-- why 'silver sound'? why 'music with her silver sound'? What say you, Simon Catling?


'When griping grief the heart doth wound, And doleful dumps the mind oppress, Then music with her silver sound'-- why 'silver sound'? why 'music with her silver sound'? What say you, Simon Catling?

Marry, sir, because silver hath a sweet sound.


Marry, sir, because silver hath a sweet sound.


I say 'silver sound,' because musicians sound for silver.


I say 'silver sound,' because musicians sound for silver.

Pretty too! What say you, James Soundpost?


Pretty too! What say you, James Soundpost?


O, I cry you mercy; you are the singer: I will say for you. It is 'music with her silver sound,' because musicians have no gold for sounding:


O, I cry you mercy; you are the singer: I will say for you. It is 'music with her silver sound,' because musicians have no gold for sounding:

'Then music with her silver sound With speedy help doth lend redress.'


'Then music with her silver sound With speedy help doth lend redress.'


Hang him, Jack! Come, we'll in here; tarry for the mourners, and stay dinner.


Hang him, Jack! Come, we'll in here; tarry for the mourners, and stay dinner.

If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep, My dreams presage some joyful news at hand: My bosom's lord sits lightly in his throne;


If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep, My dreams presage some joyful news at hand: My bosom's lord sits lightly in his throne;

And all this day an unaccustom'd spirit Lifts me above the ground with cheerful thoughts. I dreamt my lady came and found me dead-- Strange dream, that gives a dead man leave to think!


And all this day an unaccustom'd spirit Lifts me above the ground with cheerful thoughts. I dreamt my lady came and found me dead-- Strange dream, that gives a dead man leave to think!

-- And breathed such life with kisses in my lips, That I revived, and was an emperor. Ah me! how sweet is love itself possess'd, When but love's shadows are so rich in joy! News from Verona!


-- And breathed such life with kisses in my lips, That I revived, and was an emperor. Ah me! how sweet is love itself possess'd, When but love's shadows are so rich in joy! News from Verona!

--How now, Balthasar! Dost thou not bring me letters from the friar? How doth my lady? Is my father well? How fares my Juliet? that I ask again; For nothing can be ill, if she be well.


--How now, Balthasar! Dost thou not bring me letters from the friar? How doth my lady? Is my father well? How fares my Juliet? that I ask again; For nothing can be ill, if she be well.

Then she is well, and nothing can be ill: Her body sleeps in Capel's monument, And her immortal part with angels lives.


Then she is well, and nothing can be ill: Her body sleeps in Capel's monument, And her immortal part with angels lives.

I saw her laid low in her kindred's vault, And presently took post to tell it you: O, pardon me for bringing these ill news, Since you did leave it for my office, sir.


I saw her laid low in her kindred's vault, And presently took post to tell it you: O, pardon me for bringing these ill news, Since you did leave it for my office, sir.

Is it even so? then I defy you, stars! Thou know'st my lodging: get me ink and paper, And hire post-horses; I will hence to-night.


Is it even so? then I defy you, stars! Thou know'st my lodging: get me ink and paper, And hire post-horses; I will hence to-night.

I do beseech you, sir, have patience: Your looks are pale and wild, and do import Some misadventure.


I do beseech you, sir, have patience: Your looks are pale and wild, and do import Some misadventure.

Tush, thou art deceived: Leave me, and do the thing I bid thee do. Hast thou no letters to me from the friar?


Tush, thou art deceived: Leave me, and do the thing I bid thee do. Hast thou no letters to me from the friar?


No matter: get thee gone, And hire those horses; I'll be with thee straight. Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee to-night. Let's see for means:


No matter: get thee gone, And hire those horses; I'll be with thee straight. Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee to-night. Let's see for means:

O mischief, thou art swift To enter in the thoughts of desperate men!


O mischief, thou art swift To enter in the thoughts of desperate men!

I do remember an apothecary,-- And hereabouts he dwells,--which late I noted In tatter'd weeds, with overwhelming brows, Culling of simples;


I do remember an apothecary,-- And hereabouts he dwells,--which late I noted In tatter'd weeds, with overwhelming brows, Culling of simples;

meagre were his looks, Sharp misery had worn him to the bones: And in his needy shop a tortoise hung, An alligator stuff'd, and other skins Of ill-shaped fishes;


meagre were his looks, Sharp misery had worn him to the bones: And in his needy shop a tortoise hung, An alligator stuff'd, and other skins Of ill-shaped fishes;

and about his shelves A beggarly account of empty boxes, Green earthen pots, bladders and musty seeds, Remnants of packthread and old cakes of roses, Were thinly scatter'd, to make up a show.


and about his shelves A beggarly account of empty boxes, Green earthen pots, bladders and musty seeds, Remnants of packthread and old cakes of roses, Were thinly scatter'd, to make up a show.

Noting this penury, to myself I said 'An if a man did need a poison now, Whose sale is present death in Mantua, Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him.


Noting this penury, to myself I said 'An if a man did need a poison now, Whose sale is present death in Mantua, Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him.

' O, this same thought did but forerun my need; And this same needy man must sell it me. As I remember, this should be the house. Being holiday, the beggar's shop is shut. What, ho! apothecary!


' O, this same thought did but forerun my need; And this same needy man must sell it me. As I remember, this should be the house. Being holiday, the beggar's shop is shut. What, ho! apothecary!


Come hither, man. I see that thou art poor: Hold, there is forty ducats:


Come hither, man. I see that thou art poor: Hold, there is forty ducats:

Such mortal drugs I have; but Mantua's law Is death to any he that utters them.


Such mortal drugs I have; but Mantua's law Is death to any he that utters them.

Art thou so bare and full of wretchedness, And fear'st to die? famine is in thy cheeks, Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes, Contempt and beggary hangs upon thy back;


Art thou so bare and full of wretchedness, And fear'st to die? famine is in thy cheeks, Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes, Contempt and beggary hangs upon thy back;

The world is not thy friend nor the world's law; The world affords no law to make thee rich; Then be not poor, but break it, and take this.


The world is not thy friend nor the world's law; The world affords no law to make thee rich; Then be not poor, but break it, and take this.


Put this in any liquid thing you will, And drink it off; and, if you had the strength Of twenty men, it would dispatch you straight.


Put this in any liquid thing you will, And drink it off; and, if you had the strength Of twenty men, it would dispatch you straight.

There is thy gold, worse poison to men's souls, Doing more murders in this loathsome world, Than these poor compounds that thou mayst not sell. I sell thee poison; thou hast sold me none. Farewell:


There is thy gold, worse poison to men's souls, Doing more murders in this loathsome world, Than these poor compounds that thou mayst not sell. I sell thee poison; thou hast sold me none. Farewell:

buy food, and get thyself in flesh. Come, cordial and not poison, go with me To Juliet's grave; for there must I use thee.


buy food, and get thyself in flesh. Come, cordial and not poison, go with me To Juliet's grave; for there must I use thee.


This same should be the voice of Friar John. Welcome from Mantua: what says Romeo? Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter.


This same should be the voice of Friar John. Welcome from Mantua: what says Romeo? Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter.

So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd.


So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd.


I could not send it,--here it is again,-- Nor get a messenger to bring it thee, So fearful were they of infection.


I could not send it,--here it is again,-- Nor get a messenger to bring it thee, So fearful were they of infection.

Unhappy fortune! by my brotherhood, The letter was not nice but full of charge Of dear import, and the neglecting it May do much danger. Friar John, go hence;


Unhappy fortune! by my brotherhood, The letter was not nice but full of charge Of dear import, and the neglecting it May do much danger. Friar John, go hence;

Get me an iron crow, and bring it straight Unto my cell.


Get me an iron crow, and bring it straight Unto my cell.


Now must I to the monument alone; Within three hours will fair Juliet wake: She will beshrew me much that Romeo Hath had no notice of these accidents;


Now must I to the monument alone; Within three hours will fair Juliet wake: She will beshrew me much that Romeo Hath had no notice of these accidents;

But I will write again to Mantua, And keep her at my cell till Romeo come; Poor living corse, closed in a dead man's tomb!


But I will write again to Mantua, And keep her at my cell till Romeo come; Poor living corse, closed in a dead man's tomb!

Give me thy torch, boy: hence, and stand aloof: Yet put it out, for I would not be seen. Under yond yew-trees lay thee all along, Holding thine ear close to the hollow ground;


Give me thy torch, boy: hence, and stand aloof: Yet put it out, for I would not be seen. Under yond yew-trees lay thee all along, Holding thine ear close to the hollow ground;

So shall no foot upon the churchyard tread, Being loose, unfirm, with digging up of graves, But thou shalt hear it: whistle then to me, As signal that thou hear'st something approach.


So shall no foot upon the churchyard tread, Being loose, unfirm, with digging up of graves, But thou shalt hear it: whistle then to me, As signal that thou hear'st something approach.

Give me those flowers. Do as I bid thee, go.


Give me those flowers. Do as I bid thee, go.


Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew,-- O woe! thy canopy is dust and stones;-- Which with sweet water nightly I will dew, Or, wanting that, with tears distill'd by moans:


Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew,-- O woe! thy canopy is dust and stones;-- Which with sweet water nightly I will dew, Or, wanting that, with tears distill'd by moans:

The obsequies that I for thee will keep Nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weep. The boy gives warning something doth approach.


The obsequies that I for thee will keep Nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weep. The boy gives warning something doth approach.

What cursed foot wanders this way to-night, To cross my obsequies and true love's rite? What with a torch! muffle me, night, awhile.


What cursed foot wanders this way to-night, To cross my obsequies and true love's rite? What with a torch! muffle me, night, awhile.

Give me that mattock and the wrenching iron. Hold, take this letter; early in the morning See thou deliver it to my lord and father. Give me the light:


Give me that mattock and the wrenching iron. Hold, take this letter; early in the morning See thou deliver it to my lord and father. Give me the light:

upon thy life, I charge thee, Whate'er thou hear'st or seest, stand all aloof, And do not interrupt me in my course. Why I descend into this bed of death, Is partly to behold my lady's face;


upon thy life, I charge thee, Whate'er thou hear'st or seest, stand all aloof, And do not interrupt me in my course. Why I descend into this bed of death, Is partly to behold my lady's face;

But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger A precious ring, a ring that I must use In dear employment: therefore hence, be gone:


But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger A precious ring, a ring that I must use In dear employment: therefore hence, be gone:

But if thou, jealous, dost return to pry In what I further shall intend to do, By heaven, I will tear thee joint by joint And strew this hungry churchyard with thy limbs:


But if thou, jealous, dost return to pry In what I further shall intend to do, By heaven, I will tear thee joint by joint And strew this hungry churchyard with thy limbs:

The time and my intents are savage-wild, More fierce and more inexorable far Than empty tigers or the roaring sea.


The time and my intents are savage-wild, More fierce and more inexorable far Than empty tigers or the roaring sea.

I will be gone, sir, and not trouble you.


I will be gone, sir, and not trouble you.

So shalt thou show me friendship. Take thou that: Live, and be prosperous: and farewell, good fellow.


So shalt thou show me friendship. Take thou that: Live, and be prosperous: and farewell, good fellow.


Thou detestable maw, thou womb of death, Gorged with the dearest morsel of the earth, Thus I enforce thy rotten jaws to open, And, in despite, I'll cram thee with more food!


Thou detestable maw, thou womb of death, Gorged with the dearest morsel of the earth, Thus I enforce thy rotten jaws to open, And, in despite, I'll cram thee with more food!

This is that banish'd haughty Montague, That murder'd my love's cousin, with which grief, It is supposed, the fair creature died; And here is come to do some villanous shame To the dead bodies:


This is that banish'd haughty Montague, That murder'd my love's cousin, with which grief, It is supposed, the fair creature died; And here is come to do some villanous shame To the dead bodies:

I will apprehend him. Stop thy unhallow'd toil, vile Montague! Can vengeance be pursued further than death? Condemned villain, I do apprehend thee: Obey, and go with me; for thou must die.


I will apprehend him. Stop thy unhallow'd toil, vile Montague! Can vengeance be pursued further than death? Condemned villain, I do apprehend thee: Obey, and go with me; for thou must die.

I must indeed; and therefore came I hither. Good gentle youth, tempt not a desperate man; Fly hence, and leave me: think upon these gone; Let them affright thee.


I must indeed; and therefore came I hither. Good gentle youth, tempt not a desperate man; Fly hence, and leave me: think upon these gone; Let them affright thee.

I beseech thee, youth, Put not another sin upon my head, By urging me to fury: O, be gone! By heaven, I love thee better than myself; For I come hither arm'd against myself: Stay not, be gone;


I beseech thee, youth, Put not another sin upon my head, By urging me to fury: O, be gone! By heaven, I love thee better than myself; For I come hither arm'd against myself: Stay not, be gone;

live, and hereafter say, A madman's mercy bade thee run away.


live, and hereafter say, A madman's mercy bade thee run away.

I do defy thy conjurations, And apprehend thee for a felon here.


I do defy thy conjurations, And apprehend thee for a felon here.

Wilt thou provoke me? then have at thee, boy!


Wilt thou provoke me? then have at thee, boy!

O Lord, they fight! I will go call the watch.


O Lord, they fight! I will go call the watch.

O, I am slain! If thou be merciful, Open the tomb, lay me with Juliet.


O, I am slain! If thou be merciful, Open the tomb, lay me with Juliet.

In faith, I will. Let me peruse this face. Mercutio's kinsman, noble County Paris! What said my man, when my betossed soul Did not attend him as we rode?


In faith, I will. Let me peruse this face. Mercutio's kinsman, noble County Paris! What said my man, when my betossed soul Did not attend him as we rode?

I think He told me Paris should have married Juliet: Said he not so? or did I dream it so? Or am I mad, hearing him talk of Juliet, To think it was so?


I think He told me Paris should have married Juliet: Said he not so? or did I dream it so? Or am I mad, hearing him talk of Juliet, To think it was so?

O, give me thy hand, One writ with me in sour misfortune's book! I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave; A grave? O no!


O, give me thy hand, One writ with me in sour misfortune's book! I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave; A grave? O no!

a lantern, slaughter'd youth, For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes This vault a feasting presence full of light. Death, lie thou there, by a dead man interr'd.


a lantern, slaughter'd youth, For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes This vault a feasting presence full of light. Death, lie thou there, by a dead man interr'd.

How oft when men are at the point of death Have they been merry! which their keepers call A lightning before death: O, how may I Call this a lightning? O my love! my wife!


How oft when men are at the point of death Have they been merry! which their keepers call A lightning before death: O, how may I Call this a lightning? O my love! my wife!

Death, that hath suck'd the honey of thy breath, Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty: Thou art not conquer'd;


Death, that hath suck'd the honey of thy breath, Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty: Thou art not conquer'd;

beauty's ensign yet Is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks, And death's pale flag is not advanced there. Tybalt, liest thou there in thy bloody sheet?


beauty's ensign yet Is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks, And death's pale flag is not advanced there. Tybalt, liest thou there in thy bloody sheet?

O, what more favour can I do to thee, Than with that hand that cut thy youth in twain To sunder his that was thine enemy? Forgive me, cousin! Ah, dear Juliet, Why art thou yet so fair?


O, what more favour can I do to thee, Than with that hand that cut thy youth in twain To sunder his that was thine enemy? Forgive me, cousin! Ah, dear Juliet, Why art thou yet so fair?

shall I believe That unsubstantial death is amorous, And that the lean abhorred monster keeps Thee here in dark to be his paramour? For fear of that, I still will stay with thee;


shall I believe That unsubstantial death is amorous, And that the lean abhorred monster keeps Thee here in dark to be his paramour? For fear of that, I still will stay with thee;

And never from this palace of dim night Depart again: here, here will I remain With worms that are thy chamber-maids;


And never from this palace of dim night Depart again: here, here will I remain With worms that are thy chamber-maids;

O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace!


O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace!

and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death! Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide!


and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death! Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide!

Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark! Here's to my love! O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.


Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark! Here's to my love! O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.

Saint Francis be my speed! how oft to-night Have my old feet stumbled at graves! Who's there?


Saint Francis be my speed! how oft to-night Have my old feet stumbled at graves! Who's there?

Here's one, a friend, and one that knows you well.


Here's one, a friend, and one that knows you well.

Bliss be upon you! Tell me, good my friend, What torch is yond, that vainly lends his light To grubs and eyeless skulls? as I discern, It burneth in the Capel's monument.


Bliss be upon you! Tell me, good my friend, What torch is yond, that vainly lends his light To grubs and eyeless skulls? as I discern, It burneth in the Capel's monument.

It doth so, holy sir; and there's my master, One that you love.


It doth so, holy sir; and there's my master, One that you love.


I dare not, sir My master knows not but I am gone hence; And fearfully did menace me with death, If I did stay to look on his intents.


I dare not, sir My master knows not but I am gone hence; And fearfully did menace me with death, If I did stay to look on his intents.

Stay, then; I'll go alone. Fear comes upon me: O, much I fear some ill unlucky thing.


Stay, then; I'll go alone. Fear comes upon me: O, much I fear some ill unlucky thing.

As I did sleep under this yew-tree here, I dreamt my master and another fought, And that my master slew him.


As I did sleep under this yew-tree here, I dreamt my master and another fought, And that my master slew him.

Romeo! Alack, alack, what blood is this, which stains The stony entrance of this sepulchre? What mean these masterless and gory swords To lie discolour'd by this place of peace? Romeo! O, pale!


Romeo! Alack, alack, what blood is this, which stains The stony entrance of this sepulchre? What mean these masterless and gory swords To lie discolour'd by this place of peace? Romeo! O, pale!

Who else? what, Paris too? And steep'd in blood? Ah, what an unkind hour Is guilty of this lamentable chance! The lady stirs.


Who else? what, Paris too? And steep'd in blood? Ah, what an unkind hour Is guilty of this lamentable chance! The lady stirs.

O comfortable friar! where is my lord? I do remember well where I should be, And there I am. Where is my Romeo?


O comfortable friar! where is my lord? I do remember well where I should be, And there I am. Where is my Romeo?

I hear some noise. Lady, come from that nest Of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep: A greater power than we can contradict Hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away.


I hear some noise. Lady, come from that nest Of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep: A greater power than we can contradict Hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away.

Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead; And Paris too. Come, I'll dispose of thee Among a sisterhood of holy nuns: Stay not to question, for the watch is coming;


Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead; And Paris too. Come, I'll dispose of thee Among a sisterhood of holy nuns: Stay not to question, for the watch is coming;

Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay.


Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay.

Go, get thee hence, for I will not away. What's here? a cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end: O churl! drunk all, and left no friendly drop To help me after?


Go, get thee hence, for I will not away. What's here? a cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end: O churl! drunk all, and left no friendly drop To help me after?

I will kiss thy lips; Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, To make die with a restorative. Thy lips are warm.


I will kiss thy lips; Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, To make die with a restorative. Thy lips are warm.


Yea, noise? then I'll be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.


Yea, noise? then I'll be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.

This is the place; there, where the torch doth burn.


This is the place; there, where the torch doth burn.

The ground is bloody; search about the churchyard: Go, some of you, whoe'er you find attach. Pitiful sight!


The ground is bloody; search about the churchyard: Go, some of you, whoe'er you find attach. Pitiful sight!

here lies the county slain, And Juliet bleeding, warm, and newly dead, Who here hath lain these two days buried. Go, tell the prince: run to the Capulets: Raise up the Montagues: some others search:


here lies the county slain, And Juliet bleeding, warm, and newly dead, Who here hath lain these two days buried. Go, tell the prince: run to the Capulets: Raise up the Montagues: some others search:

We see the ground whereon these woes do lie; But the true ground of all these piteous woes We cannot without circumstance descry.


We see the ground whereon these woes do lie; But the true ground of all these piteous woes We cannot without circumstance descry.

Here's Romeo's man; we found him in the churchyard.


Here's Romeo's man; we found him in the churchyard.

Hold him in safety, till the prince come hither.


Hold him in safety, till the prince come hither.

Here is a friar, that trembles, sighs and weeps: We took this mattock and this spade from him, As he was coming from this churchyard side.


Here is a friar, that trembles, sighs and weeps: We took this mattock and this spade from him, As he was coming from this churchyard side.


What misadventure is so early up, That calls our person from our morning's rest?


What misadventure is so early up, That calls our person from our morning's rest?

What should it be, that they so shriek abroad?


What should it be, that they so shriek abroad?

The people in the street cry Romeo, Some Juliet, and some Paris; and all run, With open outcry toward our monument.


The people in the street cry Romeo, Some Juliet, and some Paris; and all run, With open outcry toward our monument.

What fear is this which startles in our ears?


What fear is this which startles in our ears?

Sovereign, here lies the County Paris slain; And Romeo dead; and Juliet, dead before, Warm and new kill'd.


Sovereign, here lies the County Paris slain; And Romeo dead; and Juliet, dead before, Warm and new kill'd.

Search, seek, and know how this foul murder comes.


Search, seek, and know how this foul murder comes.

Here is a friar, and slaughter'd Romeo's man; With instruments upon them, fit to open These dead men's tombs.


Here is a friar, and slaughter'd Romeo's man; With instruments upon them, fit to open These dead men's tombs.

O heavens! O wife, look how our daughter bleeds! This dagger hath mista'en--for, lo, his house Is empty on the back of Montague,-- And it mis-sheathed in my daughter's bosom!


O heavens! O wife, look how our daughter bleeds! This dagger hath mista'en--for, lo, his house Is empty on the back of Montague,-- And it mis-sheathed in my daughter's bosom!

O me! this sight of death is as a bell, That warns my old age to a sepulchre.


O me! this sight of death is as a bell, That warns my old age to a sepulchre.

Come, Montague; for thou art early up, To see thy son and heir more early down.


Come, Montague; for thou art early up, To see thy son and heir more early down.

Alas, my liege, my wife is dead to-night; Grief of my son's exile hath stopp'd her breath: What further woe conspires against mine age?


Alas, my liege, my wife is dead to-night; Grief of my son's exile hath stopp'd her breath: What further woe conspires against mine age?


O thou untaught! what manners is in this? To press before thy father to a grave?


O thou untaught! what manners is in this? To press before thy father to a grave?

Seal up the mouth of outrage for a while, Till we can clear these ambiguities, And know their spring, their head, their true descent;


Seal up the mouth of outrage for a while, Till we can clear these ambiguities, And know their spring, their head, their true descent;

And then will I be general of your woes, And lead you even to death: meantime forbear, And let mischance be slave to patience. Bring forth the parties of suspicion.


And then will I be general of your woes, And lead you even to death: meantime forbear, And let mischance be slave to patience. Bring forth the parties of suspicion.

I am the greatest, able to do least, Yet most suspected, as the time and place Doth make against me of this direful murder;


I am the greatest, able to do least, Yet most suspected, as the time and place Doth make against me of this direful murder;

And here I stand, both to impeach and purge Myself condemned and myself excused.


And here I stand, both to impeach and purge Myself condemned and myself excused.

Then say at once what thou dost know in this.


Then say at once what thou dost know in this.

I will be brief, for my short date of breath Is not so long as is a tedious tale. Romeo, there dead, was husband to that Juliet; And she, there dead, that Romeo's faithful wife: I married them;


I will be brief, for my short date of breath Is not so long as is a tedious tale. Romeo, there dead, was husband to that Juliet; And she, there dead, that Romeo's faithful wife: I married them;

and their stol'n marriage-day Was Tybalt's dooms-day, whose untimely death Banish'd the new-made bridegroom from the city, For whom, and not for Tybalt, Juliet pined.


and their stol'n marriage-day Was Tybalt's dooms-day, whose untimely death Banish'd the new-made bridegroom from the city, For whom, and not for Tybalt, Juliet pined.

You, to remove that siege of grief from her, Betroth'd and would have married her perforce To County Paris:


You, to remove that siege of grief from her, Betroth'd and would have married her perforce To County Paris:

then comes she to me, And, with wild looks, bid me devise some mean To rid her from this second marriage, Or in my cell there would she kill herself.


then comes she to me, And, with wild looks, bid me devise some mean To rid her from this second marriage, Or in my cell there would she kill herself.

Then gave I her, so tutor'd by my art, A sleeping potion; which so took effect As I intended, for it wrought on her The form of death:


Then gave I her, so tutor'd by my art, A sleeping potion; which so took effect As I intended, for it wrought on her The form of death:

meantime I writ to Romeo, That he should hither come as this dire night, To help to take her from her borrow'd grave, Being the time the potion's force should cease.


meantime I writ to Romeo, That he should hither come as this dire night, To help to take her from her borrow'd grave, Being the time the potion's force should cease.

But he which bore my letter, Friar John, Was stay'd by accident, and yesternight Return'd my letter back.


But he which bore my letter, Friar John, Was stay'd by accident, and yesternight Return'd my letter back.

Then all alone At the prefixed hour of her waking, Came I to take her from her kindred's vault; Meaning to keep her closely at my cell, Till I conveniently could send to Romeo:


Then all alone At the prefixed hour of her waking, Came I to take her from her kindred's vault; Meaning to keep her closely at my cell, Till I conveniently could send to Romeo:

But when I came, some minute ere the time Of her awaking, here untimely lay The noble Paris and true Romeo dead. She wakes; and I entreated her come forth, And bear this work of heaven with patience:


But when I came, some minute ere the time Of her awaking, here untimely lay The noble Paris and true Romeo dead. She wakes; and I entreated her come forth, And bear this work of heaven with patience:

But then a noise did scare me from the tomb; And she, too desperate, would not go with me, But, as it seems, did violence on herself. All this I know; and to the marriage Her nurse is privy:


But then a noise did scare me from the tomb; And she, too desperate, would not go with me, But, as it seems, did violence on herself. All this I know; and to the marriage Her nurse is privy:

and, if aught in this Miscarried by my fault, let my old life Be sacrificed, some hour before his time, Unto the rigour of severest law.


and, if aught in this Miscarried by my fault, let my old life Be sacrificed, some hour before his time, Unto the rigour of severest law.

We still have known thee for a holy man. Where's Romeo's man? what can he say in this?


We still have known thee for a holy man. Where's Romeo's man? what can he say in this?

I brought my master news of Juliet's death; And then in post he came from Mantua To this same place, to this same monument.


I brought my master news of Juliet's death; And then in post he came from Mantua To this same place, to this same monument.

This letter he early bid me give his father, And threatened me with death, going in the vault, I departed not and left him there.


This letter he early bid me give his father, And threatened me with death, going in the vault, I departed not and left him there.

Give me the letter; I will look on it. Where is the county's page, that raised the watch? Sirrah, what made your master in this place?


Give me the letter; I will look on it. Where is the county's page, that raised the watch? Sirrah, what made your master in this place?

He came with flowers to strew his lady's grave; And bid me stand aloof, and so I did: Anon comes one with light to ope the tomb; And by and by my master drew on him;


He came with flowers to strew his lady's grave; And bid me stand aloof, and so I did: Anon comes one with light to ope the tomb; And by and by my master drew on him;


This letter doth make good the friar's words, Their course of love, the tidings of her death:


This letter doth make good the friar's words, Their course of love, the tidings of her death:

And here he writes that he did buy a poison Of a poor 'pothecary, and therewithal Came to this vault to die, and lie with Juliet. Where be these enemies? Capulet! Montague!


And here he writes that he did buy a poison Of a poor 'pothecary, and therewithal Came to this vault to die, and lie with Juliet. Where be these enemies? Capulet! Montague!

See, what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love. And I for winking at your discords too Have lost a brace of kinsmen: all are punish'd.


See, what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love. And I for winking at your discords too Have lost a brace of kinsmen: all are punish'd.

O brother Montague, give me thy hand: This is my daughter's jointure, for no more Can I demand.


O brother Montague, give me thy hand: This is my daughter's jointure, for no more Can I demand.

But I can give thee more: For I will raise her statue in pure gold; That while Verona by that name is known, There shall no figure at such rate be set As that of true and faithful Juliet.


But I can give thee more: For I will raise her statue in pure gold; That while Verona by that name is known, There shall no figure at such rate be set As that of true and faithful Juliet.

As rich shall Romeo's by his lady's lie; Poor sacrifices of our enmity!


As rich shall Romeo's by his lady's lie; Poor sacrifices of our enmity!

A glooming peace this morning with it brings; The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished:


A glooming peace this morning with it brings; The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished:

For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.


For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

I wonder how the king escaped our hands.


I wonder how the king escaped our hands.

While we pursued the horsemen of the north, He slily stole away and left his men: Whereat the great Lord of Northumberland, Whose warlike ears could never brook retreat, Cheer'd up the drooping army;


While we pursued the horsemen of the north, He slily stole away and left his men: Whereat the great Lord of Northumberland, Whose warlike ears could never brook retreat, Cheer'd up the drooping army;

and himself, Lord Clifford and Lord Stafford, all abreast, Charged our main battle's front, and breaking in Were by the swords of common soldiers slain.


and himself, Lord Clifford and Lord Stafford, all abreast, Charged our main battle's front, and breaking in Were by the swords of common soldiers slain.

Lord Stafford's father, Duke of Buckingham, Is either slain or wounded dangerously; I cleft his beaver with a downright blow: That this is true, father, behold his blood.


Lord Stafford's father, Duke of Buckingham, Is either slain or wounded dangerously; I cleft his beaver with a downright blow: That this is true, father, behold his blood.

And, brother, here's the Earl of Wiltshire's blood, Whom I encounter'd as the battles join'd.


And, brother, here's the Earl of Wiltshire's blood, Whom I encounter'd as the battles join'd.

Speak thou for me and tell them what I did.


Speak thou for me and tell them what I did.

Richard hath best deserved of all my sons. But is your grace dead, my Lord of Somerset?


Richard hath best deserved of all my sons. But is your grace dead, my Lord of Somerset?

Such hope have all the line of John of Gaunt!


Such hope have all the line of John of Gaunt!

Thus do I hope to shake King Henry's head.


Thus do I hope to shake King Henry's head.

And so do I. Victorious Prince of York, Before I see thee seated in that throne Which now the house of Lancaster usurps, I vow by heaven these eyes shall never close.


And so do I. Victorious Prince of York, Before I see thee seated in that throne Which now the house of Lancaster usurps, I vow by heaven these eyes shall never close.

This is the palace of the fearful king, And this the regal seat: possess it, York; For this is thine and not King Henry's heirs'


This is the palace of the fearful king, And this the regal seat: possess it, York; For this is thine and not King Henry's heirs'

Assist me, then, sweet Warwick, and I will; For hither we have broken in by force.


Assist me, then, sweet Warwick, and I will; For hither we have broken in by force.

We'll all assist you; he that flies shall die.


We'll all assist you; he that flies shall die.

Thanks, gentle Norfolk: stay by me, my lords; And, soldiers, stay and lodge by me this night.


Thanks, gentle Norfolk: stay by me, my lords; And, soldiers, stay and lodge by me this night.

And when the king comes, offer no violence, Unless he seek to thrust you out perforce.


And when the king comes, offer no violence, Unless he seek to thrust you out perforce.

The queen this day here holds her parliament, But little thinks we shall be of her council: By words or blows here let us win our right.


The queen this day here holds her parliament, But little thinks we shall be of her council: By words or blows here let us win our right.

Arm'd as we are, let's stay within this house.


Arm'd as we are, let's stay within this house.

The bloody parliament shall this be call'd, Unless Plantagenet, Duke of York, be king, And bashful Henry deposed, whose cowardice Hath made us by-words to our enemies.


The bloody parliament shall this be call'd, Unless Plantagenet, Duke of York, be king, And bashful Henry deposed, whose cowardice Hath made us by-words to our enemies.

Then leave me not, my lords; be resolute; I mean to take possession of my right.


Then leave me not, my lords; be resolute; I mean to take possession of my right.

Neither the king, nor he that loves him best, The proudest he that holds up Lancaster, Dares stir a wing, if Warwick shake his bells. I'll plant Plantagenet, root him up who dares:


Neither the king, nor he that loves him best, The proudest he that holds up Lancaster, Dares stir a wing, if Warwick shake his bells. I'll plant Plantagenet, root him up who dares:

Resolve thee, Richard; claim the English crown.


Resolve thee, Richard; claim the English crown.

My lords, look where the sturdy rebel sits, Even in the chair of state: belike he means, Back'd by the power of Warwick, that false peer, To aspire unto the crown and reign as king.


My lords, look where the sturdy rebel sits, Even in the chair of state: belike he means, Back'd by the power of Warwick, that false peer, To aspire unto the crown and reign as king.

Earl of Northumberland, he slew thy father. And thine, Lord Clifford; and you both have vow'd revenge On him, his sons, his favourites and his friends.


Earl of Northumberland, he slew thy father. And thine, Lord Clifford; and you both have vow'd revenge On him, his sons, his favourites and his friends.


The hope thereof makes Clifford mourn in steel.


The hope thereof makes Clifford mourn in steel.

What, shall we suffer this? let's pluck him down: My heart for anger burns; I cannot brook it.


What, shall we suffer this? let's pluck him down: My heart for anger burns; I cannot brook it.

Be patient, gentle Earl of Westmoreland.


Be patient, gentle Earl of Westmoreland.

Patience is for poltroons, such as he: He durst not sit there, had your father lived. My gracious lord, here in the parliament Let us assail the family of York.


Patience is for poltroons, such as he: He durst not sit there, had your father lived. My gracious lord, here in the parliament Let us assail the family of York.

Well hast thou spoken, cousin: be it so.


Well hast thou spoken, cousin: be it so.

Ah, know you not the city favours them, And they have troops of soldiers at their beck?


Ah, know you not the city favours them, And they have troops of soldiers at their beck?

But when the duke is slain, they'll quickly fly.


But when the duke is slain, they'll quickly fly.

Far be the thought of this from Henry's heart, To make a shambles of the parliament-house! Cousin of Exeter, frowns, words and threats Shall be the war that Henry means to use.


Far be the thought of this from Henry's heart, To make a shambles of the parliament-house! Cousin of Exeter, frowns, words and threats Shall be the war that Henry means to use.

Thou factious Duke of York, descend my throne, and kneel for grace and mercy at my feet; I am thy sovereign.


Thou factious Duke of York, descend my throne, and kneel for grace and mercy at my feet; I am thy sovereign.


For shame, come down: he made thee Duke of York.


For shame, come down: he made thee Duke of York.

'Twas my inheritance, as the earldom was.


'Twas my inheritance, as the earldom was.


Exeter, thou art a traitor to the crown In following this usurping Henry.


Exeter, thou art a traitor to the crown In following this usurping Henry.

Whom should he follow but his natural king?


Whom should he follow but his natural king?

True, Clifford; and that's Richard Duke of York.


True, Clifford; and that's Richard Duke of York.

And shall I stand, and thou sit in my throne?


And shall I stand, and thou sit in my throne?

It must and shall be so: content thyself.


It must and shall be so: content thyself.


He is both king and Duke of Lancaster; And that the Lord of Westmoreland shall maintain.


He is both king and Duke of Lancaster; And that the Lord of Westmoreland shall maintain.

And Warwick shall disprove it. You forget That we are those which chased you from the field And slew your fathers, and with colours spread March'd through the city to the palace gates.


And Warwick shall disprove it. You forget That we are those which chased you from the field And slew your fathers, and with colours spread March'd through the city to the palace gates.

Yes, Warwick, I remember it to my grief; And, by his soul, thou and thy house shall rue it.


Yes, Warwick, I remember it to my grief; And, by his soul, thou and thy house shall rue it.

Plantagenet, of thee and these thy sons, Thy kinsman and thy friends, I'll have more lives Than drops of blood were in my father's veins.


Plantagenet, of thee and these thy sons, Thy kinsman and thy friends, I'll have more lives Than drops of blood were in my father's veins.

Urge it no more; lest that, instead of words, I send thee, Warwick, such a messenger As shall revenge his death before I stir.


Urge it no more; lest that, instead of words, I send thee, Warwick, such a messenger As shall revenge his death before I stir.

Poor Clifford! how I scorn his worthless threats!


Poor Clifford! how I scorn his worthless threats!

Will you we show our title to the crown? If not, our swords shall plead it in the field.


Will you we show our title to the crown? If not, our swords shall plead it in the field.

What title hast thou, traitor, to the crown? Thy father was, as thou art, Duke of York; Thy grandfather, Roger Mortimer, Earl of March:


What title hast thou, traitor, to the crown? Thy father was, as thou art, Duke of York; Thy grandfather, Roger Mortimer, Earl of March:

I am the son of Henry the Fifth, Who made the Dauphin and the French to stoop And seized upon their towns and provinces.


I am the son of Henry the Fifth, Who made the Dauphin and the French to stoop And seized upon their towns and provinces.

Talk not of France, sith thou hast lost it all.


Talk not of France, sith thou hast lost it all.

The lord protector lost it, and not I: When I was crown'd I was but nine months old.


The lord protector lost it, and not I: When I was crown'd I was but nine months old.

You are old enough now, and yet, methinks, you lose. Father, tear the crown from the usurper's head.


You are old enough now, and yet, methinks, you lose. Father, tear the crown from the usurper's head.

Sweet father, do so; set it on your head.


Sweet father, do so; set it on your head.

Good brother, as thou lovest and honourest arms, Let's fight it out and not stand cavilling thus.


Good brother, as thou lovest and honourest arms, Let's fight it out and not stand cavilling thus.

Sound drums and trumpets, and the king will fly.


Sound drums and trumpets, and the king will fly.


Peace, thou! and give King Henry leave to speak.


Peace, thou! and give King Henry leave to speak.

Plantagenet shall speak first: hear him, lords; And be you silent and attentive too, For he that interrupts him shall not live.


Plantagenet shall speak first: hear him, lords; And be you silent and attentive too, For he that interrupts him shall not live.

Think'st thou that I will leave my kingly throne, Wherein my grandsire and my father sat? No: first shall war unpeople this my realm;


Think'st thou that I will leave my kingly throne, Wherein my grandsire and my father sat? No: first shall war unpeople this my realm;

Ay, and their colours, often borne in France, And now in England to our heart's great sorrow, Shall be my winding-sheet. Why faint you, lords? My title's good, and better far than his.


Ay, and their colours, often borne in France, And now in England to our heart's great sorrow, Shall be my winding-sheet. Why faint you, lords? My title's good, and better far than his.

Prove it, Henry, and thou shalt be king.


Prove it, Henry, and thou shalt be king.

Henry the Fourth by conquest got the crown.


Henry the Fourth by conquest got the crown.


An if he may, then am I lawful king; For Richard, in the view of many lords, Resign'd the crown to Henry the Fourth, Whose heir my father was, and I am his.


An if he may, then am I lawful king; For Richard, in the view of many lords, Resign'd the crown to Henry the Fourth, Whose heir my father was, and I am his.

He rose against him, being his sovereign, And made him to resign his crown perforce.


He rose against him, being his sovereign, And made him to resign his crown perforce.

Suppose, my lords, he did it unconstrain'd, Think you 'twere prejudicial to his crown?


Suppose, my lords, he did it unconstrain'd, Think you 'twere prejudicial to his crown?

No; for he could not so resign his crown But that the next heir should succeed and reign.


No; for he could not so resign his crown But that the next heir should succeed and reign.


His is the right, and therefore pardon me.


His is the right, and therefore pardon me.

Why whisper you, my lords, and answer not?


Why whisper you, my lords, and answer not?

My conscience tells me he is lawful king.


My conscience tells me he is lawful king.


Plantagenet, for all the claim thou lay'st, Think not that Henry shall be so deposed.


Thou art deceived: 'tis not thy southern power, Of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, nor of Kent, Which makes thee thus presumptuous and proud, Can set the duke up in despite of me.


Thou art deceived: 'tis not thy southern power, Of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, nor of Kent, Which makes thee thus presumptuous and proud, Can set the duke up in despite of me.

King Henry, be thy title right or wrong, Lord Clifford vows to fight in thy defence: May that ground gape and swallow me alive, Where I shall kneel to him that slew my father!


King Henry, be thy title right or wrong, Lord Clifford vows to fight in thy defence: May that ground gape and swallow me alive, Where I shall kneel to him that slew my father!

O Clifford, how thy words revive my heart!


O Clifford, how thy words revive my heart!

Henry of Lancaster, resign thy crown. What mutter you, or what conspire you, lords?


Henry of Lancaster, resign thy crown. What mutter you, or what conspire you, lords?

Do right unto this princely Duke of York, Or I will fill the house with armed men, And over the chair of state, where now he sits, Write up his title with usurping blood.


Do right unto this princely Duke of York, Or I will fill the house with armed men, And over the chair of state, where now he sits, Write up his title with usurping blood.

My Lord of Warwick, hear me but one word: Let me for this my life-time reign as king.


My Lord of Warwick, hear me but one word: Let me for this my life-time reign as king.

Confirm the crown to me and to mine heirs, And thou shalt reign in quiet while thou livest.


Confirm the crown to me and to mine heirs, And thou shalt reign in quiet while thou livest.

I am content: Richard Plantagenet, Enjoy the kingdom after my decease.


I am content: Richard Plantagenet, Enjoy the kingdom after my decease.

What wrong is this unto the prince your son!


What wrong is this unto the prince your son!

What good is this to England and himself!


What good is this to England and himself!


How hast thou injured both thyself and us!


Come, cousin, let us tell the queen these news.


Come, cousin, let us tell the queen these news.

Farewell, faint-hearted and degenerate king, In whose cold blood no spark of honour bides.


Farewell, faint-hearted and degenerate king, In whose cold blood no spark of honour bides.

Be thou a prey unto the house of York, And die in bands for this unmanly deed!


Be thou a prey unto the house of York, And die in bands for this unmanly deed!

In dreadful war mayst thou be overcome, Or live in peace abandon'd and despised!


In dreadful war mayst thou be overcome, Or live in peace abandon'd and despised!

Turn this way, Henry, and regard them not.


Turn this way, Henry, and regard them not.

They seek revenge and therefore will not yield.


They seek revenge and therefore will not yield.


Not for myself, Lord Warwick, but my son, Whom I unnaturally shall disinherit. But be it as it may: I here entail The crown to thee and to thine heirs for ever;


Not for myself, Lord Warwick, but my son, Whom I unnaturally shall disinherit. But be it as it may: I here entail The crown to thee and to thine heirs for ever;

This oath I willingly take and will perform.


This oath I willingly take and will perform.

Long live King Henry! Plantagenet embrace him.


Long live King Henry! Plantagenet embrace him.

And long live thou and these thy forward sons!


And long live thou and these thy forward sons!


Accursed be he that seeks to make them foes!


Accursed be he that seeks to make them foes!

Farewell, my gracious lord; I'll to my castle.


Farewell, my gracious lord; I'll to my castle.


And I, with grief and sorrow, to the court.


And I, with grief and sorrow, to the court.

Here comes the queen, whose looks bewray her anger: I'll steal away.


Here comes the queen, whose looks bewray her anger: I'll steal away.


Nay, go not from me; I will follow thee.


Nay, go not from me; I will follow thee.

Be patient, gentle queen, and I will stay.


Be patient, gentle queen, and I will stay.

Who can be patient in such extremes? Ah, wretched man!


Who can be patient in such extremes? Ah, wretched man!

would I had died a maid And never seen thee, never borne thee son, Seeing thou hast proved so unnatural a father Hath he deserved to lose his birthright thus?


would I had died a maid And never seen thee, never borne thee son, Seeing thou hast proved so unnatural a father Hath he deserved to lose his birthright thus?

Father, you cannot disinherit me: If you be king, why should not I succeed?


Father, you cannot disinherit me: If you be king, why should not I succeed?

Pardon me, Margaret; pardon me, sweet son: The Earl of Warwick and the duke enforced me.


Pardon me, Margaret; pardon me, sweet son: The Earl of Warwick and the duke enforced me.

Enforced thee! art thou king, and wilt be forced? I shame to hear thee speak. Ah, timorous wretch! Thou hast undone thyself, thy son and me;


Enforced thee! art thou king, and wilt be forced? I shame to hear thee speak. Ah, timorous wretch! Thou hast undone thyself, thy son and me;

And given unto the house of York such head As thou shalt reign but by their sufferance.


And given unto the house of York such head As thou shalt reign but by their sufferance.

To entail him and his heirs unto the crown, What is it, but to make thy sepulchre And creep into it far before thy time? Warwick is chancellor and the lord of Calais;


To entail him and his heirs unto the crown, What is it, but to make thy sepulchre And creep into it far before thy time? Warwick is chancellor and the lord of Calais;

Stern Falconbridge commands the narrow seas; The duke is made protector of the realm; And yet shalt thou be safe? such safety finds The trembling lamb environed with wolves.


Stern Falconbridge commands the narrow seas; The duke is made protector of the realm; And yet shalt thou be safe? such safety finds The trembling lamb environed with wolves.

Had I been there, which am a silly woman, The soldiers should have toss'd me on their pikes Before I would have granted to that act. But thou preferr'st thy life before thine honour:


Had I been there, which am a silly woman, The soldiers should have toss'd me on their pikes Before I would have granted to that act. But thou preferr'st thy life before thine honour:

And seeing thou dost, I here divorce myself Both from thy table, Henry, and thy bed, Until that act of parliament be repeal'd Whereby my son is disinherited.


And seeing thou dost, I here divorce myself Both from thy table, Henry, and thy bed, Until that act of parliament be repeal'd Whereby my son is disinherited.

The northern lords that have forsworn thy colours Will follow mine, if once they see them spread; And spread they shall be, to thy foul disgrace And utter ruin of the house of York.


The northern lords that have forsworn thy colours Will follow mine, if once they see them spread; And spread they shall be, to thy foul disgrace And utter ruin of the house of York.

Thus do I leave thee. Come, son, let's away; Our army is ready; come, we'll after them.


Thus do I leave thee. Come, son, let's away; Our army is ready; come, we'll after them.

Stay, gentle Margaret, and hear me speak.


Stay, gentle Margaret, and hear me speak.

Thou hast spoke too much already: get thee gone.


Thou hast spoke too much already: get thee gone.

Gentle son Edward, thou wilt stay with me?


Gentle son Edward, thou wilt stay with me?


When I return with victory from the field I'll see your grace: till then I'll follow her.


When I return with victory from the field I'll see your grace: till then I'll follow her.

Come, son, away; we may not linger thus.


Come, son, away; we may not linger thus.

Poor queen! how love to me and to her son Hath made her break out into terms of rage!


Poor queen! how love to me and to her son Hath made her break out into terms of rage!

Revenged may she be on that hateful duke, Whose haughty spirit, winged with desire, Will cost my crown, and like an empty eagle Tire on the flesh of me and of my son!


Revenged may she be on that hateful duke, Whose haughty spirit, winged with desire, Will cost my crown, and like an empty eagle Tire on the flesh of me and of my son!

The loss of those three lords torments my heart: I'll write unto them and entreat them fair. Come, cousin you shall be the messenger.


The loss of those three lords torments my heart: I'll write unto them and entreat them fair. Come, cousin you shall be the messenger.

And I, I hope, shall reconcile them all. 3 KING HENRY VI


And I, I hope, shall reconcile them all. 3 KING HENRY VI

Brother, though I be youngest, give me leave.


Brother, though I be youngest, give me leave.


Why, how now, sons and brother! at a strife? What is your quarrel? how began it first?


About that which concerns your grace and us; The crown of England, father, which is yours.


Your right depends not on his life or death.


Your right depends not on his life or death.

Now you are heir, therefore enjoy it now: By giving the house of Lancaster leave to breathe, It will outrun you, father, in the end.


Now you are heir, therefore enjoy it now: By giving the house of Lancaster leave to breathe, It will outrun you, father, in the end.

I took an oath that he should quietly reign.


I took an oath that he should quietly reign.

But for a kingdom any oath may be broken: I would break a thousand oaths to reign one year.


But for a kingdom any oath may be broken: I would break a thousand oaths to reign one year.

No; God forbid your grace should be forsworn.


No; God forbid your grace should be forsworn.


I'll prove the contrary, if you'll hear me speak.


An oath is of no moment, being not took Before a true and lawful magistrate, That hath authority over him that swears: Henry had none, but did usurp the place;


An oath is of no moment, being not took Before a true and lawful magistrate, That hath authority over him that swears: Henry had none, but did usurp the place;

Then, seeing 'twas he that made you to depose, Your oath, my lord, is vain and frivolous. Therefore, to arms! And, father, do but think How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown;


Then, seeing 'twas he that made you to depose, Your oath, my lord, is vain and frivolous. Therefore, to arms! And, father, do but think How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown;

Within whose circuit is Elysium And all that poets feign of bliss and joy. Why do we finger thus? I cannot rest Until the white rose that I wear be dyed Even in the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart.


Within whose circuit is Elysium And all that poets feign of bliss and joy. Why do we finger thus? I cannot rest Until the white rose that I wear be dyed Even in the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart.

Richard, enough; I will be king, or die. Brother, thou shalt to London presently, And whet on Warwick to this enterprise.


Richard, enough; I will be king, or die. Brother, thou shalt to London presently, And whet on Warwick to this enterprise.

Thou, Richard, shalt to the Duke of Norfolk, And tell him privily of our intent. You Edward, shall unto my Lord Cobham, With whom the Kentishmen will willingly rise: In them I trust;


Thou, Richard, shalt to the Duke of Norfolk, And tell him privily of our intent. You Edward, shall unto my Lord Cobham, With whom the Kentishmen will willingly rise: In them I trust;

for they are soldiers, Witty, courteous, liberal, full of spirit.


for they are soldiers, Witty, courteous, liberal, full of spirit.

While you are thus employ'd, what resteth more, But that I seek occasion how to rise, And yet the king not privy to my drift, Nor any of the house of Lancaster? But, stay: what news?


While you are thus employ'd, what resteth more, But that I seek occasion how to rise, And yet the king not privy to my drift, Nor any of the house of Lancaster? But, stay: what news?


The queen with all the northern earls and lords Intend here to besiege you in your castle: She is hard by with twenty thousand men; And therefore fortify your hold, my lord.


The queen with all the northern earls and lords Intend here to besiege you in your castle: She is hard by with twenty thousand men; And therefore fortify your hold, my lord.

Ay, with my sword. What! think'st thou that we fear them? Edward and Richard, you shall stay with me; My brother Montague shall post to London:


Ay, with my sword. What! think'st thou that we fear them? Edward and Richard, you shall stay with me; My brother Montague shall post to London:

Let noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest, Whom we have left protectors of the king, With powerful policy strengthen themselves, And trust not simple Henry nor his oaths.


Let noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest, Whom we have left protectors of the king, With powerful policy strengthen themselves, And trust not simple Henry nor his oaths.

Brother, I go; I'll win them, fear it not: And thus most humbly I do take my leave. Sir John and Sir Hugh Mortimer, mine uncles, You are come to Sandal in a happy hour;


Brother, I go; I'll win them, fear it not: And thus most humbly I do take my leave. Sir John and Sir Hugh Mortimer, mine uncles, You are come to Sandal in a happy hour;

The army of the queen mean to besiege us.


The army of the queen mean to besiege us.

She shall not need; we'll meet her in the field.


She shall not need; we'll meet her in the field.


Ay, with five hundred, father, for a need: A woman's general; what should we fear?


Ay, with five hundred, father, for a need: A woman's general; what should we fear?

I hear their drums: let's set our men in order, And issue forth and bid them battle straight.


I hear their drums: let's set our men in order, And issue forth and bid them battle straight.

Five men to twenty! though the odds be great, I doubt not, uncle, of our victory. Many a battle have I won in France, When as the enemy hath been ten to one:


Five men to twenty! though the odds be great, I doubt not, uncle, of our victory. Many a battle have I won in France, When as the enemy hath been ten to one:

Why should I not now have the like success? 3 KING HENRY VI


Why should I not now have the like success? 3 KING HENRY VI

Ah, whither shall I fly to 'scape their hands? Ah, tutor, look where bloody Clifford comes!


Ah, whither shall I fly to 'scape their hands? Ah, tutor, look where bloody Clifford comes!

Chaplain, away! thy priesthood saves thy life. As for the brat of this accursed duke, Whose father slew my father, he shall die.


Chaplain, away! thy priesthood saves thy life. As for the brat of this accursed duke, Whose father slew my father, he shall die.


Ah, Clifford, murder not this innocent child, Lest thou be hated both of God and man!


Ah, Clifford, murder not this innocent child, Lest thou be hated both of God and man!

How now! is he dead already? or is it fear That makes him close his eyes? I'll open them.


How now! is he dead already? or is it fear That makes him close his eyes? I'll open them.

So looks the pent-up lion o'er the wretch That trembles under his devouring paws; And so he walks, insulting o'er his prey, And so he comes, to rend his limbs asunder.


So looks the pent-up lion o'er the wretch That trembles under his devouring paws; And so he walks, insulting o'er his prey, And so he comes, to rend his limbs asunder.

Ah, gentle Clifford, kill me with thy sword, And not with such a cruel threatening look. Sweet Clifford, hear me speak before I die. I am too mean a subject for thy wrath:


Ah, gentle Clifford, kill me with thy sword, And not with such a cruel threatening look. Sweet Clifford, hear me speak before I die. I am too mean a subject for thy wrath:

Be thou revenged on men, and let me live.


Be thou revenged on men, and let me live.

In vain thou speak'st, poor boy; my father's blood Hath stopp'd the passage where thy words should enter.


In vain thou speak'st, poor boy; my father's blood Hath stopp'd the passage where thy words should enter.

Then let my father's blood open it again: He is a man, and, Clifford, cope with him.


Then let my father's blood open it again: He is a man, and, Clifford, cope with him.

Had thy brethren here, their lives and thine Were not revenge sufficient for me;


Had thy brethren here, their lives and thine Were not revenge sufficient for me;

No, if I digg'd up thy forefathers' graves And hung their rotten coffins up in chains, It could not slake mine ire, nor ease my heart.


No, if I digg'd up thy forefathers' graves And hung their rotten coffins up in chains, It could not slake mine ire, nor ease my heart.

The sight of any of the house of York Is as a fury to torment my soul; And till I root out their accursed line And leave not one alive, I live in hell. Therefore--


The sight of any of the house of York Is as a fury to torment my soul; And till I root out their accursed line And leave not one alive, I live in hell. Therefore--

O, let me pray before I take my death! To thee I pray; sweet Clifford, pity me!


O, let me pray before I take my death! To thee I pray; sweet Clifford, pity me!


I never did thee harm: why wilt thou slay me?


But 'twas ere I was born. Thou hast one son; for his sake pity me, Lest in revenge thereof, sith God is just, He be as miserably slain as I. Ah, let me live in prison all my days;


But 'twas ere I was born. Thou hast one son; for his sake pity me, Lest in revenge thereof, sith God is just, He be as miserably slain as I. Ah, let me live in prison all my days;

And when I give occasion of offence, Then let me die, for now thou hast no cause.


And when I give occasion of offence, Then let me die, for now thou hast no cause.

No cause! Thy father slew my father; therefore, die.


No cause! Thy father slew my father; therefore, die.


Plantagenet! I come, Plantagenet! And this thy son's blood cleaving to my blade Shall rust upon my weapon, till thy blood, Congeal'd with this, do make me wipe off both. 3 KING HENRY VI


Plantagenet! I come, Plantagenet! And this thy son's blood cleaving to my blade Shall rust upon my weapon, till thy blood, Congeal'd with this, do make me wipe off both. 3 KING HENRY VI

The army of the queen hath got the field: My uncles both are slain in rescuing me;


The army of the queen hath got the field: My uncles both are slain in rescuing me;

And all my followers to the eager foe Turn back and fly, like ships before the wind Or lambs pursued by hunger-starved wolves. My sons, God knows what hath bechanced them:


And all my followers to the eager foe Turn back and fly, like ships before the wind Or lambs pursued by hunger-starved wolves. My sons, God knows what hath bechanced them:

But this I know, they have demean'd themselves Like men born to renown by life or death. Three times did Richard make a lane to me. And thrice cried 'Courage, father! fight it out!


But this I know, they have demean'd themselves Like men born to renown by life or death. Three times did Richard make a lane to me. And thrice cried 'Courage, father! fight it out!

' And full as oft came Edward to my side, With purple falchion, painted to the hilt In blood of those that had encounter'd him: And when the hardiest warriors did retire, Richard cried 'Charge!


' And full as oft came Edward to my side, With purple falchion, painted to the hilt In blood of those that had encounter'd him: And when the hardiest warriors did retire, Richard cried 'Charge!

and give no foot of ground!' And cried 'A crown, or else a glorious tomb! A sceptre, or an earthly sepulchre!' With this, we charged again: but, out, alas! We bodged again;


and give no foot of ground!' And cried 'A crown, or else a glorious tomb! A sceptre, or an earthly sepulchre!' With this, we charged again: but, out, alas! We bodged again;

as I have seen a swan With bootless labour swim against the tide And spend her strength with over-matching waves. Ah, hark! the fatal followers do pursue; And I am faint and cannot fly their fury:


as I have seen a swan With bootless labour swim against the tide And spend her strength with over-matching waves. Ah, hark! the fatal followers do pursue; And I am faint and cannot fly their fury:

And were I strong, I would not shun their fury: The sands are number'd that make up my life; Here must I stay, and here my life must end.


And were I strong, I would not shun their fury: The sands are number'd that make up my life; Here must I stay, and here my life must end.

Come, bloody Clifford, rough Northumberland, I dare your quenchless fury to more rage: I am your butt, and I abide your shot.


Come, bloody Clifford, rough Northumberland, I dare your quenchless fury to more rage: I am your butt, and I abide your shot.


Ay, to such mercy as his ruthless arm, With downright payment, show'd unto my father. Now Phaethon hath tumbled from his car, And made an evening at the noontide prick.


Ay, to such mercy as his ruthless arm, With downright payment, show'd unto my father. Now Phaethon hath tumbled from his car, And made an evening at the noontide prick.

My ashes, as the phoenix, may bring forth A bird that will revenge upon you all: And in that hope I throw mine eyes to heaven, Scorning whate'er you can afflict me with. Why come you not? what!


My ashes, as the phoenix, may bring forth A bird that will revenge upon you all: And in that hope I throw mine eyes to heaven, Scorning whate'er you can afflict me with. Why come you not? what!


So cowards fight when they can fly no further; So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons; So desperate thieves, all hopeless of their lives, Breathe out invectives 'gainst the officers.


So cowards fight when they can fly no further; So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons; So desperate thieves, all hopeless of their lives, Breathe out invectives 'gainst the officers.

O Clifford, but bethink thee once again, And in thy thought o'er-run my former time;


O Clifford, but bethink thee once again, And in thy thought o'er-run my former time;

And, if though canst for blushing, view this face, And bite thy tongue, that slanders him with cowardice Whose frown hath made thee faint and fly ere this!


And, if though canst for blushing, view this face, And bite thy tongue, that slanders him with cowardice Whose frown hath made thee faint and fly ere this!

I will not bandy with thee word for word, But buckle with thee blows, twice two for one.


I will not bandy with thee word for word, But buckle with thee blows, twice two for one.

Hold, valiant Clifford! for a thousand causes I would prolong awhile the traitor's life. Wrath makes him deaf: speak thou, Northumberland.


Hold, valiant Clifford! for a thousand causes I would prolong awhile the traitor's life. Wrath makes him deaf: speak thou, Northumberland.

Hold, Clifford! do not honour him so much To prick thy finger, though to wound his heart:


Hold, Clifford! do not honour him so much To prick thy finger, though to wound his heart:

What valour were it, when a cur doth grin, For one to thrust his hand between his teeth, When he might spurn him with his foot away? It is war's prize to take all vantages;


What valour were it, when a cur doth grin, For one to thrust his hand between his teeth, When he might spurn him with his foot away? It is war's prize to take all vantages;


Ay, ay, so strives the woodcock with the gin.


So triumph thieves upon their conquer'd booty; So true men yield, with robbers so o'ermatch'd.


So triumph thieves upon their conquer'd booty; So true men yield, with robbers so o'ermatch'd.

What would your grace have done unto him now?


What would your grace have done unto him now?

Brave warriors, Clifford and Northumberland, Come, make him stand upon this molehill here, That raught at mountains with outstretched arms, Yet parted but the shadow with his hand. What!


Brave warriors, Clifford and Northumberland, Come, make him stand upon this molehill here, That raught at mountains with outstretched arms, Yet parted but the shadow with his hand. What!

was it you that would be England's king? Was't you that revell'd in our parliament, And made a preachment of your high descent? Where are your mess of sons to back you now?


was it you that would be England's king? Was't you that revell'd in our parliament, And made a preachment of your high descent? Where are your mess of sons to back you now?

The wanton Edward, and the lusty George? And where's that valiant crook-back prodigy, Dicky your boy, that with his grumbling voice Was wont to cheer his dad in mutinies?


The wanton Edward, and the lusty George? And where's that valiant crook-back prodigy, Dicky your boy, that with his grumbling voice Was wont to cheer his dad in mutinies?

Or, with the rest, where is your darling Rutland? Look, York: I stain'd this napkin with the blood That valiant Clifford, with his rapier's point, Made issue from the bosom of the boy;


Or, with the rest, where is your darling Rutland? Look, York: I stain'd this napkin with the blood That valiant Clifford, with his rapier's point, Made issue from the bosom of the boy;

And if thine eyes can water for his death, I give thee this to dry thy cheeks withal. Alas poor York! but that I hate thee deadly, I should lament thy miserable state.


And if thine eyes can water for his death, I give thee this to dry thy cheeks withal. Alas poor York! but that I hate thee deadly, I should lament thy miserable state.

I prithee, grieve, to make me merry, York. What, hath thy fiery heart so parch'd thine entrails That not a tear can fall for Rutland's death? Why art thou patient, man? thou shouldst be mad;


I prithee, grieve, to make me merry, York. What, hath thy fiery heart so parch'd thine entrails That not a tear can fall for Rutland's death? Why art thou patient, man? thou shouldst be mad;

And I, to make thee mad, do mock thee thus. Stamp, rave, and fret, that I may sing and dance. Thou wouldst be fee'd, I see, to make me sport: York cannot speak, unless he wear a crown.


And I, to make thee mad, do mock thee thus. Stamp, rave, and fret, that I may sing and dance. Thou wouldst be fee'd, I see, to make me sport: York cannot speak, unless he wear a crown.

A crown for York! and, lords, bow low to him: Hold you his hands, whilst I do set it on. Ay, marry, sir, now looks he like a king!


A crown for York! and, lords, bow low to him: Hold you his hands, whilst I do set it on. Ay, marry, sir, now looks he like a king!

Ay, this is he that took King Henry's chair, And this is he was his adopted heir. But how is it that great Plantagenet Is crown'd so soon, and broke his solemn oath?


Ay, this is he that took King Henry's chair, And this is he was his adopted heir. But how is it that great Plantagenet Is crown'd so soon, and broke his solemn oath?

As I bethink me, you should not be king Till our King Henry had shook hands with death.


As I bethink me, you should not be king Till our King Henry had shook hands with death.

And will you pale your head in Henry's glory, And rob his temples of the diadem, Now in his life, against your holy oath? O, 'tis a fault too too unpardonable!


And will you pale your head in Henry's glory, And rob his temples of the diadem, Now in his life, against your holy oath? O, 'tis a fault too too unpardonable!

Off with the crown, and with the crown his head; And, whilst we breathe, take time to do him dead.


Off with the crown, and with the crown his head; And, whilst we breathe, take time to do him dead.

That is my office, for my father's sake.


That is my office, for my father's sake.

Nay, stay; lets hear the orisons he makes.


Nay, stay; lets hear the orisons he makes.

She-wolf of France, but worse than wolves of France, Whose tongue more poisons than the adder's tooth!


She-wolf of France, but worse than wolves of France, Whose tongue more poisons than the adder's tooth!

How ill-beseeming is it in thy sex To triumph, like an Amazonian trull, Upon their woes whom fortune captivates!


How ill-beseeming is it in thy sex To triumph, like an Amazonian trull, Upon their woes whom fortune captivates!

But that thy face is, vizard-like, unchanging, Made impudent with use of evil deeds, I would assay, proud queen, to make thee blush.


But that thy face is, vizard-like, unchanging, Made impudent with use of evil deeds, I would assay, proud queen, to make thee blush.

To tell thee whence thou camest, of whom derived, Were shame enough to shame thee, wert thou not shameless.


To tell thee whence thou camest, of whom derived, Were shame enough to shame thee, wert thou not shameless.

Thy father bears the type of King of Naples, Of both the Sicils and Jerusalem, Yet not so wealthy as an English yeoman. Hath that poor monarch taught thee to insult?


Thy father bears the type of King of Naples, Of both the Sicils and Jerusalem, Yet not so wealthy as an English yeoman. Hath that poor monarch taught thee to insult?

It needs not, nor it boots thee not, proud queen, Unless the adage must be verified, That beggars mounted run their horse to death. 'Tis beauty that doth oft make women proud;


It needs not, nor it boots thee not, proud queen, Unless the adage must be verified, That beggars mounted run their horse to death. 'Tis beauty that doth oft make women proud;

But, God he knows, thy share thereof is small: 'Tis virtue that doth make them most admired; The contrary doth make thee wonder'd at: 'Tis government that makes them seem divine;


But, God he knows, thy share thereof is small: 'Tis virtue that doth make them most admired; The contrary doth make thee wonder'd at: 'Tis government that makes them seem divine;

The want thereof makes thee abominable: Thou art as opposite to every good As the Antipodes are unto us, Or as the south to the septentrion. O tiger's heart wrapt in a woman's hide!


The want thereof makes thee abominable: Thou art as opposite to every good As the Antipodes are unto us, Or as the south to the septentrion. O tiger's heart wrapt in a woman's hide!

How couldst thou drain the life-blood of the child, To bid the father wipe his eyes withal, And yet be seen to bear a woman's face? Women are soft, mild, pitiful and flexible;


How couldst thou drain the life-blood of the child, To bid the father wipe his eyes withal, And yet be seen to bear a woman's face? Women are soft, mild, pitiful and flexible;

Thou stern, obdurate, flinty, rough, remorseless. Bids't thou me rage? why, now thou hast thy wish: Wouldst have me weep? why, now thou hast thy will:


Thou stern, obdurate, flinty, rough, remorseless. Bids't thou me rage? why, now thou hast thy wish: Wouldst have me weep? why, now thou hast thy will:

For raging wind blows up incessant showers, And when the rage allays, the rain begins. These tears are my sweet Rutland's obsequies:


For raging wind blows up incessant showers, And when the rage allays, the rain begins. These tears are my sweet Rutland's obsequies:

And every drop cries vengeance for his death, 'Gainst thee, fell Clifford, and thee, false Frenchwoman.


And every drop cries vengeance for his death, 'Gainst thee, fell Clifford, and thee, false Frenchwoman.

Beshrew me, but his passion moves me so That hardly can I cheque my eyes from tears.


Beshrew me, but his passion moves me so That hardly can I cheque my eyes from tears.

That face of his the hungry cannibals Would not have touch'd, would not have stain'd with blood: But you are more inhuman, more inexorable, O, ten times more, than tigers of Hyrcania.


That face of his the hungry cannibals Would not have touch'd, would not have stain'd with blood: But you are more inhuman, more inexorable, O, ten times more, than tigers of Hyrcania.

See, ruthless queen, a hapless father's tears: This cloth thou dip'dst in blood of my sweet boy, And I with tears do wash the blood away. Keep thou the napkin, and go boast of this:


See, ruthless queen, a hapless father's tears: This cloth thou dip'dst in blood of my sweet boy, And I with tears do wash the blood away. Keep thou the napkin, and go boast of this:

And if thou tell'st the heavy story right, Upon my soul, the hearers will shed tears; Yea even my foes will shed fast-falling tears, And say 'Alas, it was a piteous deed!


And if thou tell'st the heavy story right, Upon my soul, the hearers will shed tears; Yea even my foes will shed fast-falling tears, And say 'Alas, it was a piteous deed!

' There, take the crown, and, with the crown, my curse; And in thy need such comfort come to thee As now I reap at thy too cruel hand! Hard-hearted Clifford, take me from the world:


' There, take the crown, and, with the crown, my curse; And in thy need such comfort come to thee As now I reap at thy too cruel hand! Hard-hearted Clifford, take me from the world:

My soul to heaven, my blood upon your heads!


My soul to heaven, my blood upon your heads!

Had he been slaughter-man to all my kin, I should not for my life but weep with him. To see how inly sorrow gripes his soul.


Had he been slaughter-man to all my kin, I should not for my life but weep with him. To see how inly sorrow gripes his soul.

What, weeping-ripe, my Lord Northumberland? Think but upon the wrong he did us all, And that will quickly dry thy melting tears.


What, weeping-ripe, my Lord Northumberland? Think but upon the wrong he did us all, And that will quickly dry thy melting tears.

Here's for my oath, here's for my father's death.


Here's for my oath, here's for my father's death.

And here's to right our gentle-hearted king.


And here's to right our gentle-hearted king.

Open Thy gate of mercy, gracious God! My soul flies through these wounds to seek out Thee.


Open Thy gate of mercy, gracious God! My soul flies through these wounds to seek out Thee.

Off with his head, and set it on York gates; So York may overlook the town of York. 3 KING HENRY VI


Off with his head, and set it on York gates; So York may overlook the town of York. 3 KING HENRY VI

I wonder how our princely father 'scaped, Or whether he be 'scaped away or no From Clifford's and Northumberland's pursuit: Had he been ta'en, we should have heard the news;


I wonder how our princely father 'scaped, Or whether he be 'scaped away or no From Clifford's and Northumberland's pursuit: Had he been ta'en, we should have heard the news;

Had he been slain, we should have heard the news; Or had he 'scaped, methinks we should have heard The happy tidings of his good escape. How fares my brother? why is he so sad?


Had he been slain, we should have heard the news; Or had he 'scaped, methinks we should have heard The happy tidings of his good escape. How fares my brother? why is he so sad?

I cannot joy, until I be resolved Where our right valiant father is become. I saw him in the battle range about; And watch'd him how he singled Clifford forth.


I cannot joy, until I be resolved Where our right valiant father is become. I saw him in the battle range about; And watch'd him how he singled Clifford forth.

Methought he bore him in the thickest troop As doth a lion in a herd of neat;


Methought he bore him in the thickest troop As doth a lion in a herd of neat;

Or as a bear, encompass'd round with dogs, Who having pinch'd a few and made them cry, The rest stand all aloof, and bark at him. So fared our father with his enemies;


Or as a bear, encompass'd round with dogs, Who having pinch'd a few and made them cry, The rest stand all aloof, and bark at him. So fared our father with his enemies;

So fled his enemies my warlike father: Methinks, 'tis prize enough to be his son. See how the morning opes her golden gates, And takes her farewell of the glorious sun!


So fled his enemies my warlike father: Methinks, 'tis prize enough to be his son. See how the morning opes her golden gates, And takes her farewell of the glorious sun!

How well resembles it the prime of youth, Trimm'd like a younker prancing to his love!


How well resembles it the prime of youth, Trimm'd like a younker prancing to his love!

Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?


Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?

Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun; Not separated with the racking clouds, But sever'd in a pale clear-shining sky. See, see!


Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun; Not separated with the racking clouds, But sever'd in a pale clear-shining sky. See, see!

they join, embrace, and seem to kiss, As if they vow'd some league inviolable: Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun. In this the heaven figures some event.


they join, embrace, and seem to kiss, As if they vow'd some league inviolable: Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun. In this the heaven figures some event.

'Tis wondrous strange, the like yet never heard of. Whate'er it bodes, henceforward will I bear Upon my target three fair-shining suns.


'Tis wondrous strange, the like yet never heard of. Whate'er it bodes, henceforward will I bear Upon my target three fair-shining suns.

Nay, bear three daughters: by your leave I speak it, You love the breeder better than the male. But what art thou, whose heavy looks foretell Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue?


Nay, bear three daughters: by your leave I speak it, You love the breeder better than the male. But what art thou, whose heavy looks foretell Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue?

Ah, one that was a woful looker-on When as the noble Duke of York was slain, Your princely father and my loving lord!


Ah, one that was a woful looker-on When as the noble Duke of York was slain, Your princely father and my loving lord!

O, speak no more, for I have heard too much.


O, speak no more, for I have heard too much.

Say how he died, for I will hear it all.


Say how he died, for I will hear it all.

Environed he was with many foes, And stood against them, as the hope of Troy Against the Greeks that would have enter'd Troy. But Hercules himself must yield to odds;


Environed he was with many foes, And stood against them, as the hope of Troy Against the Greeks that would have enter'd Troy. But Hercules himself must yield to odds;

And many strokes, though with a little axe, Hew down and fell the hardest-timber'd oak. By many hands your father was subdued;


And many strokes, though with a little axe, Hew down and fell the hardest-timber'd oak. By many hands your father was subdued;

But only slaughter'd by the ireful arm Of unrelenting Clifford and the queen, Who crown'd the gracious duke in high despite, Laugh'd in his face;


But only slaughter'd by the ireful arm Of unrelenting Clifford and the queen, Who crown'd the gracious duke in high despite, Laugh'd in his face;

and when with grief he wept, The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks A napkin steeped in the harmless blood Of sweet young Rutland, by rough Clifford slain:


and when with grief he wept, The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks A napkin steeped in the harmless blood Of sweet young Rutland, by rough Clifford slain:

And after many scorns, many foul taunts, They took his head, and on the gates of York They set the same; and there it doth remain, The saddest spectacle that e'er I view'd.


And after many scorns, many foul taunts, They took his head, and on the gates of York They set the same; and there it doth remain, The saddest spectacle that e'er I view'd.

Sweet Duke of York, our prop to lean upon, Now thou art gone, we have no staff, no stay. O Clifford, boisterous Clifford! thou hast slain The flower of Europe for his chivalry;


Sweet Duke of York, our prop to lean upon, Now thou art gone, we have no staff, no stay. O Clifford, boisterous Clifford! thou hast slain The flower of Europe for his chivalry;

And treacherously hast thou vanquish'd him, For hand to hand he would have vanquish'd thee. Now my soul's palace is become a prison:


And treacherously hast thou vanquish'd him, For hand to hand he would have vanquish'd thee. Now my soul's palace is become a prison:

Ah, would she break from hence, that this my body Might in the ground be closed up in rest! For never henceforth shall I joy again, Never, O never shall I see more joy!


Ah, would she break from hence, that this my body Might in the ground be closed up in rest! For never henceforth shall I joy again, Never, O never shall I see more joy!

I cannot weep; for all my body's moisture Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart: Nor can my tongue unload my heart's great burthen;


I cannot weep; for all my body's moisture Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart: Nor can my tongue unload my heart's great burthen;

For selfsame wind that I should speak withal Is kindling coals that fires all my breast, And burns me up with flames that tears would quench. To weep is to make less the depth of grief:


For selfsame wind that I should speak withal Is kindling coals that fires all my breast, And burns me up with flames that tears would quench. To weep is to make less the depth of grief:

Tears then for babes; blows and revenge for me Richard, I bear thy name; I'll venge thy death, Or die renowned by attempting it.


Tears then for babes; blows and revenge for me Richard, I bear thy name; I'll venge thy death, Or die renowned by attempting it.

His name that valiant duke hath left with thee; His dukedom and his chair with me is left.


His name that valiant duke hath left with thee; His dukedom and his chair with me is left.

Nay, if thou be that princely eagle's bird, Show thy descent by gazing 'gainst the sun: For chair and dukedom, throne and kingdom say; Either that is thine, or else thou wert not his.


Nay, if thou be that princely eagle's bird, Show thy descent by gazing 'gainst the sun: For chair and dukedom, throne and kingdom say; Either that is thine, or else thou wert not his.

How now, fair lords! What fare? what news abroad?


How now, fair lords! What fare? what news abroad?

Great Lord of Warwick, if we should recount Our baleful news, and at each word's deliverance Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told, The words would add more anguish than the wounds.


Great Lord of Warwick, if we should recount Our baleful news, and at each word's deliverance Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told, The words would add more anguish than the wounds.

O valiant lord, the Duke of York is slain!


O valiant lord, the Duke of York is slain!

O Warwick, Warwick! that Plantagenet, Which held three dearly as his soul's redemption, Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death.


O Warwick, Warwick! that Plantagenet, Which held three dearly as his soul's redemption, Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death.

Ten days ago I drown'd these news in tears; And now, to add more measure to your woes, I come to tell you things sith then befall'n.


Ten days ago I drown'd these news in tears; And now, to add more measure to your woes, I come to tell you things sith then befall'n.

After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought, Where your brave father breathed his latest gasp, Tidings, as swiftly as the posts could run, Were brought me of your loss and his depart.


After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought, Where your brave father breathed his latest gasp, Tidings, as swiftly as the posts could run, Were brought me of your loss and his depart.

For by my scouts I was advertised That she was coming with a full intent To dash our late decree in parliament Touching King Henry's oath and your succession.


For by my scouts I was advertised That she was coming with a full intent To dash our late decree in parliament Touching King Henry's oath and your succession.

Short tale to make, we at Saint Alban's met Our battles join'd, and both sides fiercely fought:


Short tale to make, we at Saint Alban's met Our battles join'd, and both sides fiercely fought:

But whether 'twas the coldness of the king, Who look'd full gently on his warlike queen, That robb'd my soldiers of their heated spleen; Or whether 'twas report of her success;


But whether 'twas the coldness of the king, Who look'd full gently on his warlike queen, That robb'd my soldiers of their heated spleen; Or whether 'twas report of her success;

Or more than common fear of Clifford's rigour, Who thunders to his captives blood and death, I cannot judge: but to conclude with truth, Their weapons like to lightning came and went;


Or more than common fear of Clifford's rigour, Who thunders to his captives blood and death, I cannot judge: but to conclude with truth, Their weapons like to lightning came and went;

Our soldiers', like the night-owl's lazy flight, Or like an idle thresher with a flail, Fell gently down, as if they struck their friends.


Our soldiers', like the night-owl's lazy flight, Or like an idle thresher with a flail, Fell gently down, as if they struck their friends.

I cheer'd them up with justice of our cause, With promise of high pay and great rewards: But all in vain; they had no heart to fight, And we in them no hope to win the day; So that we fled;


I cheer'd them up with justice of our cause, With promise of high pay and great rewards: But all in vain; they had no heart to fight, And we in them no hope to win the day; So that we fled;

the king unto the queen; Lord George your brother, Norfolk and myself, In haste, post-haste, are come to join with you: For in the marches here we heard you were, Making another head to fight again.


the king unto the queen; Lord George your brother, Norfolk and myself, In haste, post-haste, are come to join with you: For in the marches here we heard you were, Making another head to fight again.

Where is the Duke of Norfolk, gentle Warwick? And when came George from Burgundy to England?


Where is the Duke of Norfolk, gentle Warwick? And when came George from Burgundy to England?

Some six miles off the duke is with the soldiers; And for your brother, he was lately sent From your kind aunt, Duchess of Burgundy, With aid of soldiers to this needful war.


Some six miles off the duke is with the soldiers; And for your brother, he was lately sent From your kind aunt, Duchess of Burgundy, With aid of soldiers to this needful war.

'Twas odds, belike, when valiant Warwick fled: Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit, But ne'er till now his scandal of retire.


'Twas odds, belike, when valiant Warwick fled: Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit, But ne'er till now his scandal of retire.

Nor now my scandal, Richard, dost thou hear;


Nor now my scandal, Richard, dost thou hear;

I know it well, Lord Warwick; blame me not: 'Tis love I bear thy glories makes me speak. But in this troublous time what's to be done?


I know it well, Lord Warwick; blame me not: 'Tis love I bear thy glories makes me speak. But in this troublous time what's to be done?

Shall we go throw away our coats of steel, And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns, Numbering our Ave-Maries with our beads?


Shall we go throw away our coats of steel, And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns, Numbering our Ave-Maries with our beads?

Or shall we on the helmets of our foes Tell our devotion with revengeful arms? If for the last, say ay, and to it, lords.


Or shall we on the helmets of our foes Tell our devotion with revengeful arms? If for the last, say ay, and to it, lords.

Why, therefore Warwick came to seek you out; And therefore comes my brother Montague. Attend me, lords.


Why, therefore Warwick came to seek you out; And therefore comes my brother Montague. Attend me, lords.

The proud insulting queen, With Clifford and the haught Northumberland, And of their feather many more proud birds, Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax.


The proud insulting queen, With Clifford and the haught Northumberland, And of their feather many more proud birds, Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax.

He swore consent to your succession, His oath enrolled in the parliament; And now to London all the crew are gone, To frustrate both his oath and what beside May make against the house of Lancaster.


He swore consent to your succession, His oath enrolled in the parliament; And now to London all the crew are gone, To frustrate both his oath and what beside May make against the house of Lancaster.

Their power, I think, is thirty thousand strong:


Their power, I think, is thirty thousand strong:

Now, if the help of Norfolk and myself, With all the friends that thou, brave Earl of March, Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure, Will but amount to five and twenty thousand, Why, Via!


Now, if the help of Norfolk and myself, With all the friends that thou, brave Earl of March, Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure, Will but amount to five and twenty thousand, Why, Via!

to London will we march amain, And once again bestride our foaming steeds, And once again cry 'Charge upon our foes!' But never once again turn back and fly.


to London will we march amain, And once again bestride our foaming steeds, And once again cry 'Charge upon our foes!' But never once again turn back and fly.

Ay, now methinks I hear great Warwick speak: Ne'er may he live to see a sunshine day, That cries 'Retire,' if Warwick bid him stay.


Ay, now methinks I hear great Warwick speak: Ne'er may he live to see a sunshine day, That cries 'Retire,' if Warwick bid him stay.

Lord Warwick, on thy shoulder will I lean; And when thou fail'st--as God forbid the hour!-- Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend!


Lord Warwick, on thy shoulder will I lean; And when thou fail'st--as God forbid the hour!-- Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend!

No longer Earl of March, but Duke of York: The next degree is England's royal throne; For King of England shalt thou be proclaim'd In every borough as we pass along;


No longer Earl of March, but Duke of York: The next degree is England's royal throne; For King of England shalt thou be proclaim'd In every borough as we pass along;

And he that throws not up his cap for joy Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head.


And he that throws not up his cap for joy Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head.

King Edward, valiant Richard, Montague, Stay we no longer, dreaming of renown, But sound the trumpets, and about our task.


King Edward, valiant Richard, Montague, Stay we no longer, dreaming of renown, But sound the trumpets, and about our task.

Then, Clifford, were thy heart as hard as steel, As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds, I come to pierce it, or to give thee mine.


Then, Clifford, were thy heart as hard as steel, As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds, I come to pierce it, or to give thee mine.

Then strike up drums: God and Saint George for us!


Then strike up drums: God and Saint George for us!


The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me, The queen is coming with a puissant host; And craves your company for speedy counsel.


The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me, The queen is coming with a puissant host; And craves your company for speedy counsel.

Why then it sorts, brave warriors, let's away. 3 KING HENRY VI


Why then it sorts, brave warriors, let's away. 3 KING HENRY VI

Welcome, my lord, to this brave town of York. Yonder's the head of that arch-enemy That sought to be encompass'd with your crown: Doth not the object cheer your heart, my lord?


Welcome, my lord, to this brave town of York. Yonder's the head of that arch-enemy That sought to be encompass'd with your crown: Doth not the object cheer your heart, my lord?

Ay, as the rocks cheer them that fear their wreck: To see this sight, it irks my very soul. Withhold revenge, dear God! 'tis not my fault, Nor wittingly have I infringed my vow.