Richard II
by
William Shakespeare
Richard II is a historical play that tells the story of the fall of King Richard II of England. The play is set in the late 14th century and explores the theme of power and its abuse. The play begins with King Richard II being challenged by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke over a dispute regarding the latter's inheritance. Bolingbroke accuses Richard of misusing the crown's finances and failing to protect the interests of the English people.
The play follows the events that lead to Richard's downfall, including his decision to banish Bolingbroke and his supporters, his failed attempts to raise an army to fight Bolingbroke, and his eventual capture and deposition. Along the way, we see Richard's character and personality traits, including his arrogance, his love of power, and his tendency to ignore the advice of his advisers.
The play is notable for its beautiful language and its exploration of themes such as power, loyalty, and the relationship between the monarch and the people. It also features several memorable characters, including the Duke of York, who is torn between his loyalty to Richard and his duty to his country, and the Duke of Aumerle, who struggles with his own conscience and his loyalty to his friends and family.
Overall, Richard II is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the nature of power and its corrupting influence on those who wield it. Its themes are still relevant today, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to be performed and studied around the world.
Act I
Act 1 of Richard II begins with King Richard II being confronted by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Bolingbroke accuses Mowbray of embezzlement and treason, and the two men challenge each other to a duel. However, the king intervenes and banishes both men from England.
As Bolingbroke and Mowbray leave, Richard II's attention turns to his own problems. He is facing financial difficulties and is unable to raise enough money to fund his wars. His advisers suggest that he tax the commoners, but Richard II is reluctant to do so. Instead, he decides to confiscate the lands and wealth of John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke's father, who is dying.
Meanwhile, Bolingbroke has returned from exile and is gathering support to take the throne from Richard II. He meets with his uncle, the Duke of York, who initially refuses to support him but eventually agrees to help him. Bolingbroke also gains the support of the commoners, who are unhappy with Richard II's rule.
As Richard II prepares to face Bolingbroke's army, he receives news that his queen, Anne of Bohemia, has died. He is devastated and becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid. Bolingbroke's army marches on London, and Richard II surrenders without a fight. Bolingbroke is declared king and Richard II is imprisoned in Pomfret Castle.
The first act of Richard II sets the stage for the power struggle that will unfold throughout the play. It introduces the key players and their motivations, as well as the challenges facing the kingdom. The banishment of Bolingbroke and Mowbray, the confiscation of John of Gaunt's lands, and the death of Queen Anne all contribute to the tensions that will eventually lead to Richard II's downfall.
SCENE I. London. KING RICHARD II's palace.
In Scene 1 of Act 1, two noblemen, Thomas Mowbray and Henry Bolingbroke, confront each other before King Richard II. Mowbray accuses Bolingbroke of being involved in the death of the Duke of Gloucester, but Bolingbroke denies it. The two men request permission to duel to prove their innocence, but Richard interrupts and banishes them both instead. Mowbray is banished for life, while Bolingbroke is banished for ten years. As the scene unfolds, it becomes clear that Richard is not interested in the truth of the matter, but rather in asserting his own power. He is more concerned with maintaining his own status than with administering justice. This sets the stage for the power struggle that will unfold throughout the play, as different factions jockey for position and Richard struggles to hold onto his throne. The language of the scene is poetic and highly stylized, as is typical of Shakespeare's work. The characters speak in verse, using complex metaphors and allusions to add depth and meaning to their words. This creates a sense of grandeur and epic drama, emphasizing the high stakes of the conflict and the importance of the characters' actions. Overall, Scene 1 of Act 1 sets the stage for the drama to come. It introduces the key players and establishes the central conflict, while also showcasing Shakespeare's mastery of language and drama.
Enter KING RICHARD II, JOHN OF GAUNT, with other Nobles and Attendants
KING RICHARD II
Old John of Gaunt, time-honour'd Lancaster,
Link: 1.1.1
Hast thou, according to thy oath and band,
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Brought hither Henry Hereford thy bold son,
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Here to make good the boisterous late appeal,
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Which then our leisure would not let us hear,
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Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray?
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JOHN OF GAUNT
I have, my liege.
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KING RICHARD II
Tell me, moreover, hast thou sounded him,
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If he appeal the duke on ancient malice;
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Or worthily, as a good subject should,
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On some known ground of treachery in him?
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JOHN OF GAUNT
As near as I could sift him on that argument,
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On some apparent danger seen in him
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Aim'd at your highness, no inveterate malice.
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KING RICHARD II
Then call them to our presence; face to face,
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And frowning brow to brow, ourselves will hear
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The accuser and the accused freely speak:
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High-stomach'd are they both, and full of ire,
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In rage deaf as the sea, hasty as fire.
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Enter HENRY BOLINGBROKE and THOMAS MOWBRAY
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Many years of happy days befal
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My gracious sovereign, my most loving liege!
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THOMAS MOWBRAY
Each day still better other's happiness;
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Until the heavens, envying earth's good hap,
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Add an immortal title to your crown!
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KING RICHARD II
We thank you both: yet one but flatters us,
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As well appeareth by the cause you come;
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Namely to appeal each other of high treason.
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Cousin of Hereford, what dost thou object
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Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray?
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HENRY BOLINGBROKE
First, heaven be the record to my speech!
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In the devotion of a subject's love,
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Tendering the precious safety of my prince,
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And free from other misbegotten hate,
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Come I appellant to this princely presence.
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Now, Thomas Mowbray, do I turn to thee,
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And mark my greeting well; for what I speak
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My body shall make good upon this earth,
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Or my divine soul answer it in heaven.
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Thou art a traitor and a miscreant,
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Too good to be so and too bad to live,
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Since the more fair and crystal is the sky,
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The uglier seem the clouds that in it fly.
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Once more, the more to aggravate the note,
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With a foul traitor's name stuff I thy throat;
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And wish, so please my sovereign, ere I move,
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What my tongue speaks my right drawn sword may prove.
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THOMAS MOWBRAY
Let not my cold words here accuse my zeal:
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'Tis not the trial of a woman's war,
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The bitter clamour of two eager tongues,
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Can arbitrate this cause betwixt us twain;
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The blood is hot that must be cool'd for this:
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Yet can I not of such tame patience boast
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As to be hush'd and nought at all to say:
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First, the fair reverence of your highness curbs me
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From giving reins and spurs to my free speech;
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Which else would post until it had return'd
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These terms of treason doubled down his throat.
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Setting aside his high blood's royalty,
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And let him be no kinsman to my liege,
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I do defy him, and I spit at him;
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Call him a slanderous coward and a villain:
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Which to maintain I would allow him odds,
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And meet him, were I tied to run afoot
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Even to the frozen ridges of the Alps,
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Or any other ground inhabitable,
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Where ever Englishman durst set his foot.
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Mean time let this defend my loyalty,
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By all my hopes, most falsely doth he lie.
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HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Pale trembling coward, there I throw my gage,
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Disclaiming here the kindred of the king,
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And lay aside my high blood's royalty,
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Which fear, not reverence, makes thee to except.
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If guilty dread have left thee so much strength
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As to take up mine honour's pawn, then stoop:
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By that and all the rites of knighthood else,
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Will I make good against thee, arm to arm,
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What I have spoke, or thou canst worse devise.
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THOMAS MOWBRAY
I take it up; and by that sword I swear
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Which gently laid my knighthood on my shoulder,
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I'll answer thee in any fair degree,
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Or chivalrous design of knightly trial:
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And when I mount, alive may I not light,
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If I be traitor or unjustly fight!
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KING RICHARD II
What doth our cousin lay to Mowbray's charge?
Link: 1.1.84
It must be great that can inherit us
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So much as of a thought of ill in him.
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HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Look, what I speak, my life shall prove it true;
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That Mowbray hath received eight thousand nobles
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In name of lendings for your highness' soldiers,
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The which he hath detain'd for lewd employments,
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Like a false traitor and injurious villain.
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Besides I say and will in battle prove,
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Or here or elsewhere to the furthest verge
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That ever was survey'd by English eye,
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That all the treasons for these eighteen years
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Complotted and contrived in this land
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Fetch from false Mowbray their first head and spring.
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Further I say and further will maintain
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Upon his bad life to make all this good,
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That he did plot the Duke of Gloucester's death,
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Suggest his soon-believing adversaries,
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And consequently, like a traitor coward,
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Sluiced out his innocent soul through streams of blood:
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Which blood, like sacrificing Abel's, cries,
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Even from the tongueless caverns of the earth,
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To me for justice and rough chastisement;
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And, by the glorious worth of my descent,
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This arm shall do it, or this life be spent.
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KING RICHARD II
How high a pitch his resolution soars!
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Thomas of Norfolk, what say'st thou to this?
Link: 1.1.110
THOMAS MOWBRAY
O, let my sovereign turn away his face
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And bid his ears a little while be deaf,
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Till I have told this slander of his blood,
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How God and good men hate so foul a liar.
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KING RICHARD II
Mowbray, impartial are our eyes and ears:
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Were he my brother, nay, my kingdom's heir,
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As he is but my father's brother's son,
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Now, by my sceptre's awe, I make a vow,
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Such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood
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Should nothing privilege him, nor partialize
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The unstooping firmness of my upright soul:
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He is our subject, Mowbray; so art thou:
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Free speech and fearless I to thee allow.
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THOMAS MOWBRAY
Then, Bolingbroke, as low as to thy heart,
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Through the false passage of thy throat, thou liest.
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Three parts of that receipt I had for Calais
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Disbursed I duly to his highness' soldiers;
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The other part reserved I by consent,
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For that my sovereign liege was in my debt
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Upon remainder of a dear account,
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Since last I went to France to fetch his queen:
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Now swallow down that lie. For Gloucester's death,
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I slew him not; but to my own disgrace
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Neglected my sworn duty in that case.
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For you, my noble Lord of Lancaster,
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The honourable father to my foe
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Once did I lay an ambush for your life,
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A trespass that doth vex my grieved soul
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But ere I last received the sacrament
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I did confess it, and exactly begg'd
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Your grace's pardon, and I hope I had it.
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This is my fault: as for the rest appeall'd,
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It issues from the rancour of a villain,
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A recreant and most degenerate traitor
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Which in myself I boldly will defend;
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And interchangeably hurl down my gage
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Upon this overweening traitor's foot,
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To prove myself a loyal gentleman
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Even in the best blood chamber'd in his bosom.
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In haste whereof, most heartily I pray
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Your highness to assign our trial day.
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KING RICHARD II
Wrath-kindled gentlemen, be ruled by me;
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Let's purge this choler without letting blood:
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This we prescribe, though no physician;
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Deep malice makes too deep incision;
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Forget, forgive; conclude and be agreed;
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Our doctors say this is no month to bleed.
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Good uncle, let this end where it begun;
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We'll calm the Duke of Norfolk, you your son.
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JOHN OF GAUNT
To be a make-peace shall become my age:
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Throw down, my son, the Duke of Norfolk's gage.
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KING RICHARD II
And, Norfolk, throw down his.
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JOHN OF GAUNT
When, Harry, when?
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Obedience bids I should not bid again.
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KING RICHARD II
Norfolk, throw down, we bid; there is no boot.
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THOMAS MOWBRAY
Myself I throw, dread sovereign, at thy foot.
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My life thou shalt command, but not my shame:
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The one my duty owes; but my fair name,
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Despite of death that lives upon my grave,
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To dark dishonour's use thou shalt not have.
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I am disgraced, impeach'd and baffled here,
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Pierced to the soul with slander's venom'd spear,
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The which no balm can cure but his heart-blood
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Which breathed this poison.
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KING RICHARD II
Rage must be withstood:
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Give me his gage: lions make leopards tame.
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THOMAS MOWBRAY
Yea, but not change his spots: take but my shame.
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And I resign my gage. My dear dear lord,
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The purest treasure mortal times afford
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Is spotless reputation: that away,
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Men are but gilded loam or painted clay.
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A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest
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Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast.
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Mine honour is my life; both grow in one:
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Take honour from me, and my life is done:
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Then, dear my liege, mine honour let me try;
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In that I live and for that will I die.
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KING RICHARD II
Cousin, throw up your gage; do you begin.
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HENRY BOLINGBROKE
O, God defend my soul from such deep sin!
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Shall I seem crest-fall'n in my father's sight?
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Or with pale beggar-fear impeach my height
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Before this out-dared dastard? Ere my tongue
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Shall wound my honour with such feeble wrong,
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Or sound so base a parle, my teeth shall tear
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The slavish motive of recanting fear,
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And spit it bleeding in his high disgrace,
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Where shame doth harbour, even in Mowbray's face.
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Exit JOHN OF GAUNT
KING RICHARD II
We were not born to sue, but to command;
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Which since we cannot do to make you friends,
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Be ready, as your lives shall answer it,
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At Coventry, upon Saint Lambert's day:
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There shall your swords and lances arbitrate
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The swelling difference of your settled hate:
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Since we can not atone you, we shall see
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Justice design the victor's chivalry.
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Lord marshal, command our officers at arms
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Be ready to direct these home alarms.
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Exeunt
SCENE II. The DUKE OF LANCASTER'S palace.
Scene 2 of Act 1 takes place in a room in the Duke of Lancaster's palace. The Duke and his followers are discussing the current state of affairs in the kingdom, including the actions of King Richard II. The Duke is angry that the King has seized his property and wealth, and his followers suggest that they take action against the King to restore order. The Duke's followers also express concern about the fate of the country, as they believe that the King is not fit to rule and that his actions are causing unrest among the people. They suggest that the Duke should take the throne and restore order to the kingdom. The Duke is hesitant to take such drastic action, but his followers convince him that it is necessary for the good of the country. They plan to gather support from other powerful nobles and stage a rebellion against the King. As the scene ends, the Duke and his followers vow to take action and restore order to the kingdom, setting the stage for the conflict that will unfold in the rest of the play.
Enter JOHN OF GAUNT with DUCHESS
JOHN OF GAUNT
Alas, the part I had in Woodstock's blood
Link: 1.2.1
Doth more solicit me than your exclaims,
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To stir against the butchers of his life!
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But since correction lieth in those hands
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Which made the fault that we cannot correct,
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Put we our quarrel to the will of heaven;
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Who, when they see the hours ripe on earth,
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Will rain hot vengeance on offenders' heads.
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DUCHESS
Finds brotherhood in thee no sharper spur?
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Hath love in thy old blood no living fire?
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Edward's seven sons, whereof thyself art one,
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Were as seven vials of his sacred blood,
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Or seven fair branches springing from one root:
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Some of those seven are dried by nature's course,
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Some of those branches by the Destinies cut;
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But Thomas, my dear lord, my life, my Gloucester,
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One vial full of Edward's sacred blood,
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One flourishing branch of his most royal root,
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Is crack'd, and all the precious liquor spilt,
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Is hack'd down, and his summer leaves all faded,
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By envy's hand and murder's bloody axe.
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Ah, Gaunt, his blood was thine! that bed, that womb,
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That metal, that self-mould, that fashion'd thee
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Made him a man; and though thou livest and breathest,
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Yet art thou slain in him: thou dost consent
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In some large measure to thy father's death,
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In that thou seest thy wretched brother die,
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Who was the model of thy father's life.
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Call it not patience, Gaunt; it is despair:
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In suffering thus thy brother to be slaughter'd,
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Thou showest the naked pathway to thy life,
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Teaching stern murder how to butcher thee:
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That which in mean men we intitle patience
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Is pale cold cowardice in noble breasts.
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What shall I say? to safeguard thine own life,
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The best way is to venge my Gloucester's death.
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JOHN OF GAUNT
God's is the quarrel; for God's substitute,
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His deputy anointed in His sight,
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Hath caused his death: the which if wrongfully,
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Let heaven revenge; for I may never lift
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An angry arm against His minister.
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DUCHESS
Where then, alas, may I complain myself?
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JOHN OF GAUNT
To God, the widow's champion and defence.
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DUCHESS
Why, then, I will. Farewell, old Gaunt.
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Thou goest to Coventry, there to behold
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Our cousin Hereford and fell Mowbray fight:
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O, sit my husband's wrongs on Hereford's spear,
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That it may enter butcher Mowbray's breast!
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Or, if misfortune miss the first career,
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Be Mowbray's sins so heavy in his bosom,
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They may break his foaming courser's back,
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And throw the rider headlong in the lists,
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A caitiff recreant to my cousin Hereford!
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Farewell, old Gaunt: thy sometimes brother's wife
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With her companion grief must end her life.
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JOHN OF GAUNT
Sister, farewell; I must to Coventry:
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As much good stay with thee as go with me!
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DUCHESS
Yet one word more: grief boundeth where it falls,
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Not with the empty hollowness, but weight:
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I take my leave before I have begun,
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For sorrow ends not when it seemeth done.
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Commend me to thy brother, Edmund York.
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Lo, this is all:--nay, yet depart not so;
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Though this be all, do not so quickly go;
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I shall remember more. Bid him--ah, what?--
Link: 1.2.65
With all good speed at Plashy visit me.
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Alack, and what shall good old York there see
Link: 1.2.67
But empty lodgings and unfurnish'd walls,
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Unpeopled offices, untrodden stones?
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And what hear there for welcome but my groans?
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Therefore commend me; let him not come there,
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To seek out sorrow that dwells every where.
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Desolate, desolate, will I hence and die:
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The last leave of thee takes my weeping eye.
Link: 1.2.74
Exeunt
SCENE III. The lists at Coventry.
Scene 3 of Act 1 takes place at the Duke of Lancaster's palace in London. The Duke of York and his wife, the Duchess of York, are discussing the recent banishment of Henry Bolingbroke by King Richard II. The Duchess of York is outraged that her son has been banished while the king's favorites, namely Bushy, Bagot, and Green, continue to hold power. The Duke of York tries to calm his wife down, reminding her that Bolingbroke has brought this punishment upon himself by acting rashly and without the king's permission. The Duchess of York, however, argues that Bolingbroke is a popular figure and that the king risks losing the support of the people by banishing him. The conversation then turns to the king's extravagant spending and the taxation of the people to fund his lifestyle. The Duke of York laments that the king has lost touch with the needs and desires of his subjects and that this could lead to rebellion. As the scene ends, the Duchess of York expresses her hope that Bolingbroke will return to England and overthrow the king, restoring order and justice to the land.
Enter the Lord Marshal and the DUKE OF AUMERLE
Lord Marshal
My Lord Aumerle, is Harry Hereford arm'd?
Link: 1.3.1
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Yea, at all points; and longs to enter in.
Link: 1.3.2
Lord Marshal
The Duke of Norfolk, sprightfully and bold,
Link: 1.3.3
Stays but the summons of the appellant's trumpet.
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DUKE OF AUMERLE
Why, then, the champions are prepared, and stay
Link: 1.3.5
For nothing but his majesty's approach.
Link: 1.3.6
The trumpets sound, and KING RICHARD enters with his nobles, JOHN OF GAUNT, BUSHY, BAGOT, GREEN, and others. When they are set, enter THOMAS MOWBRAY in arms, defendant, with a Herald
KING RICHARD II
Marshal, demand of yonder champion
Link: 1.3.7
The cause of his arrival here in arms:
Link: 1.3.8
Ask him his name and orderly proceed
Link: 1.3.9
To swear him in the justice of his cause.
Link: 1.3.10
Lord Marshal
In God's name and the king's, say who thou art
Link: 1.3.11
And why thou comest thus knightly clad in arms,
Link: 1.3.12
Against what man thou comest, and what thy quarrel:
Link: 1.3.13
Speak truly, on thy knighthood and thy oath;
Link: 1.3.14
As so defend thee heaven and thy valour!
Link: 1.3.15
THOMAS MOWBRAY
My name is Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk;
Link: 1.3.16
Who hither come engaged by my oath--
Link: 1.3.17
Which God defend a knight should violate!--
Link: 1.3.18
Both to defend my loyalty and truth
Link: 1.3.19
To God, my king and my succeeding issue,
Link: 1.3.20
Against the Duke of Hereford that appeals me
Link: 1.3.21
And, by the grace of God and this mine arm,
Link: 1.3.22
To prove him, in defending of myself,
Link: 1.3.23
A traitor to my God, my king, and me:
Link: 1.3.24
And as I truly fight, defend me heaven!
Link: 1.3.25
The trumpets sound. Enter HENRY BOLINGBROKE, appellant, in armour, with a Herald
KING RICHARD II
Marshal, ask yonder knight in arms,
Link: 1.3.26
Both who he is and why he cometh hither
Link: 1.3.27
Thus plated in habiliments of war,
Link: 1.3.28
And formally, according to our law,
Link: 1.3.29
Depose him in the justice of his cause.
Link: 1.3.30
Lord Marshal
What is thy name? and wherefore comest thou hither,
Link: 1.3.31
Before King Richard in his royal lists?
Link: 1.3.32
Against whom comest thou? and what's thy quarrel?
Link: 1.3.33
Speak like a true knight, so defend thee heaven!
Link: 1.3.34
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Harry of Hereford, Lancaster and Derby
Link: 1.3.35
Am I; who ready here do stand in arms,
Link: 1.3.36
To prove, by God's grace and my body's valour,
Link: 1.3.37
In lists, on Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk,
Link: 1.3.38
That he is a traitor, foul and dangerous,
Link: 1.3.39
To God of heaven, King Richard and to me;
Link: 1.3.40
And as I truly fight, defend me heaven!
Link: 1.3.41
Lord Marshal
On pain of death, no person be so bold
Link: 1.3.42
Or daring-hardy as to touch the lists,
Link: 1.3.43
Except the marshal and such officers
Link: 1.3.44
Appointed to direct these fair designs.
Link: 1.3.45
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Lord marshal, let me kiss my sovereign's hand,
Link: 1.3.46
And bow my knee before his majesty:
Link: 1.3.47
For Mowbray and myself are like two men
Link: 1.3.48
That vow a long and weary pilgrimage;
Link: 1.3.49
Then let us take a ceremonious leave
Link: 1.3.50
And loving farewell of our several friends.
Link: 1.3.51
Lord Marshal
The appellant in all duty greets your highness,
Link: 1.3.52
And craves to kiss your hand and take his leave.
Link: 1.3.53
KING RICHARD II
We will descend and fold him in our arms.
Link: 1.3.54
Cousin of Hereford, as thy cause is right,
Link: 1.3.55
So be thy fortune in this royal fight!
Link: 1.3.56
Farewell, my blood; which if to-day thou shed,
Link: 1.3.57
Lament we may, but not revenge thee dead.
Link: 1.3.58
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
O let no noble eye profane a tear
Link: 1.3.59
For me, if I be gored with Mowbray's spear:
Link: 1.3.60
As confident as is the falcon's flight
Link: 1.3.61
Against a bird, do I with Mowbray fight.
Link: 1.3.62
My loving lord, I take my leave of you;
Link: 1.3.63
Of you, my noble cousin, Lord Aumerle;
Link: 1.3.64
Not sick, although I have to do with death,
Link: 1.3.65
But lusty, young, and cheerly drawing breath.
Link: 1.3.66
Lo, as at English feasts, so I regreet
Link: 1.3.67
The daintiest last, to make the end most sweet:
Link: 1.3.68
O thou, the earthly author of my blood,
Link: 1.3.69
Whose youthful spirit, in me regenerate,
Link: 1.3.70
Doth with a twofold vigour lift me up
Link: 1.3.71
To reach at victory above my head,
Link: 1.3.72
Add proof unto mine armour with thy prayers;
Link: 1.3.73
And with thy blessings steel my lance's point,
Link: 1.3.74
That it may enter Mowbray's waxen coat,
Link: 1.3.75
And furbish new the name of John a Gaunt,
Link: 1.3.76
Even in the lusty havior of his son.
Link: 1.3.77
JOHN OF GAUNT
God in thy good cause make thee prosperous!
Link: 1.3.78
Be swift like lightning in the execution;
Link: 1.3.79
And let thy blows, doubly redoubled,
Link: 1.3.80
Fall like amazing thunder on the casque
Link: 1.3.81
Of thy adverse pernicious enemy:
Link: 1.3.82
Rouse up thy youthful blood, be valiant and live.
Link: 1.3.83
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Mine innocency and Saint George to thrive!
Link: 1.3.84
THOMAS MOWBRAY
However God or fortune cast my lot,
Link: 1.3.85
There lives or dies, true to King Richard's throne,
Link: 1.3.86
A loyal, just and upright gentleman:
Link: 1.3.87
Never did captive with a freer heart
Link: 1.3.88
Cast off his chains of bondage and embrace
Link: 1.3.89
His golden uncontroll'd enfranchisement,
Link: 1.3.90
More than my dancing soul doth celebrate
Link: 1.3.91
This feast of battle with mine adversary.
Link: 1.3.92
Most mighty liege, and my companion peers,
Link: 1.3.93
Take from my mouth the wish of happy years:
Link: 1.3.94
As gentle and as jocund as to jest
Link: 1.3.95
Go I to fight: truth hath a quiet breast.
Link: 1.3.96
KING RICHARD II
Farewell, my lord: securely I espy
Link: 1.3.97
Virtue with valour couched in thine eye.
Link: 1.3.98
Order the trial, marshal, and begin.
Link: 1.3.99
Lord Marshal
Harry of Hereford, Lancaster and Derby,
Link: 1.3.100
Receive thy lance; and God defend the right!
Link: 1.3.101
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Strong as a tower in hope, I cry amen.
Link: 1.3.102
Lord Marshal
Go bear this lance to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk.
Link: 1.3.103
First Herald
Harry of Hereford, Lancaster and Derby,
Link: 1.3.104
Stands here for God, his sovereign and himself,
Link: 1.3.105
On pain to be found false and recreant,
Link: 1.3.106
To prove the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray,
Link: 1.3.107
A traitor to his God, his king and him;
Link: 1.3.108
And dares him to set forward to the fight.
Link: 1.3.109
Second Herald
Here standeth Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk,
Link: 1.3.110
On pain to be found false and recreant,
Link: 1.3.111
Both to defend himself and to approve
Link: 1.3.112
Henry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby,
Link: 1.3.113
To God, his sovereign and to him disloyal;
Link: 1.3.114
Courageously and with a free desire
Link: 1.3.115
Attending but the signal to begin.
Link: 1.3.116
Lord Marshal
Sound, trumpets; and set forward, combatants.
Link: 1.3.117
Stay, the king hath thrown his warder down.
Link: 1.3.118
KING RICHARD II
Let them lay by their helmets and their spears,
Link: 1.3.119
And both return back to their chairs again:
Link: 1.3.120
Withdraw with us: and let the trumpets sound
Link: 1.3.121
While we return these dukes what we decree.
Link: 1.3.122
Draw near,
Link: 1.3.123
And list what with our council we have done.
Link: 1.3.124
For that our kingdom's earth should not be soil'd
Link: 1.3.125
With that dear blood which it hath fostered;
Link: 1.3.126
And for our eyes do hate the dire aspect
Link: 1.3.127
Of civil wounds plough'd up with neighbours' sword;
Link: 1.3.128
And for we think the eagle-winged pride
Link: 1.3.129
Of sky-aspiring and ambitious thoughts,
Link: 1.3.130
With rival-hating envy, set on you
Link: 1.3.131
To wake our peace, which in our country's cradle
Link: 1.3.132
Draws the sweet infant breath of gentle sleep;
Link: 1.3.133
Which so roused up with boisterous untuned drums,
Link: 1.3.134
With harsh resounding trumpets' dreadful bray,
Link: 1.3.135
And grating shock of wrathful iron arms,
Link: 1.3.136
Might from our quiet confines fright fair peace
Link: 1.3.137
And make us wade even in our kindred's blood,
Link: 1.3.138
Therefore, we banish you our territories:
Link: 1.3.139
You, cousin Hereford, upon pain of life,
Link: 1.3.140
Till twice five summers have enrich'd our fields
Link: 1.3.141
Shall not regreet our fair dominions,
Link: 1.3.142
But tread the stranger paths of banishment.
Link: 1.3.143
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Your will be done: this must my comfort be,
Link: 1.3.144
Sun that warms you here shall shine on me;
Link: 1.3.145
And those his golden beams to you here lent
Link: 1.3.146
Shall point on me and gild my banishment.
Link: 1.3.147
KING RICHARD II
Norfolk, for thee remains a heavier doom,
Link: 1.3.148
Which I with some unwillingness pronounce:
Link: 1.3.149
The sly slow hours shall not determinate
Link: 1.3.150
The dateless limit of thy dear exile;
Link: 1.3.151
The hopeless word of 'never to return'
Link: 1.3.152
Breathe I against thee, upon pain of life.
Link: 1.3.153
THOMAS MOWBRAY
A heavy sentence, my most sovereign liege,
Link: 1.3.154
And all unlook'd for from your highness' mouth:
Link: 1.3.155
A dearer merit, not so deep a maim
Link: 1.3.156
As to be cast forth in the common air,
Link: 1.3.157
Have I deserved at your highness' hands.
Link: 1.3.158
The language I have learn'd these forty years,
Link: 1.3.159
My native English, now I must forego:
Link: 1.3.160
And now my tongue's use is to me no more
Link: 1.3.161
Than an unstringed viol or a harp,
Link: 1.3.162
Or like a cunning instrument cased up,
Link: 1.3.163
Or, being open, put into his hands
Link: 1.3.164
That knows no touch to tune the harmony:
Link: 1.3.165
Within my mouth you have engaol'd my tongue,
Link: 1.3.166
Doubly portcullis'd with my teeth and lips;
Link: 1.3.167
And dull unfeeling barren ignorance
Link: 1.3.168
Is made my gaoler to attend on me.
Link: 1.3.169
I am too old to fawn upon a nurse,
Link: 1.3.170
Too far in years to be a pupil now:
Link: 1.3.171
What is thy sentence then but speechless death,
Link: 1.3.172
Which robs my tongue from breathing native breath?
Link: 1.3.173
KING RICHARD II
It boots thee not to be compassionate:
Link: 1.3.174
After our sentence plaining comes too late.
Link: 1.3.175
THOMAS MOWBRAY
Then thus I turn me from my country's light,
Link: 1.3.176
To dwell in solemn shades of endless night.
Link: 1.3.177
KING RICHARD II
Return again, and take an oath with thee.
Link: 1.3.178
Lay on our royal sword your banish'd hands;
Link: 1.3.179
Swear by the duty that you owe to God--
Link: 1.3.180
Our part therein we banish with yourselves--
Link: 1.3.181
To keep the oath that we administer:
Link: 1.3.182
You never shall, so help you truth and God!
Link: 1.3.183
Embrace each other's love in banishment;
Link: 1.3.184
Nor never look upon each other's face;
Link: 1.3.185
Nor never write, regreet, nor reconcile
Link: 1.3.186
This louring tempest of your home-bred hate;
Link: 1.3.187
Nor never by advised purpose meet
Link: 1.3.188
To plot, contrive, or complot any ill
Link: 1.3.189
'Gainst us, our state, our subjects, or our land.
Link: 1.3.190
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I swear.
Link: 1.3.191
THOMAS MOWBRAY
And I, to keep all this.
Link: 1.3.192
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Norfolk, so far as to mine enemy:--
Link: 1.3.193
By this time, had the king permitted us,
Link: 1.3.194
One of our souls had wander'd in the air.
Link: 1.3.195
Banish'd this frail sepulchre of our flesh,
Link: 1.3.196
As now our flesh is banish'd from this land:
Link: 1.3.197
Confess thy treasons ere thou fly the realm;
Link: 1.3.198
Since thou hast far to go, bear not along
Link: 1.3.199
The clogging burthen of a guilty soul.
Link: 1.3.200
THOMAS MOWBRAY
No, Bolingbroke: if ever I were traitor,
Link: 1.3.201
My name be blotted from the book of life,
Link: 1.3.202
And I from heaven banish'd as from hence!
Link: 1.3.203
But what thou art, God, thou, and I do know;
Link: 1.3.204
And all too soon, I fear, the king shall rue.
Link: 1.3.205
Farewell, my liege. Now no way can I stray;
Link: 1.3.206
Save back to England, all the world's my way.
Link: 1.3.207
Exit
KING RICHARD II
Uncle, even in the glasses of thine eyes
Link: 1.3.208
I see thy grieved heart: thy sad aspect
Link: 1.3.209
Hath from the number of his banish'd years
Link: 1.3.210
Pluck'd four away.
Link: 1.3.211
Six frozen winter spent,
Link: 1.3.212
Return with welcome home from banishment.
Link: 1.3.213
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
How long a time lies in one little word!
Link: 1.3.214
Four lagging winters and four wanton springs
Link: 1.3.215
End in a word: such is the breath of kings.
Link: 1.3.216
JOHN OF GAUNT
I thank my liege, that in regard of me
Link: 1.3.217
He shortens four years of my son's exile:
Link: 1.3.218
But little vantage shall I reap thereby;
Link: 1.3.219
For, ere the six years that he hath to spend
Link: 1.3.220
Can change their moons and bring their times about
Link: 1.3.221
My oil-dried lamp and time-bewasted light
Link: 1.3.222
Shall be extinct with age and endless night;
Link: 1.3.223
My inch of taper will be burnt and done,
Link: 1.3.224
And blindfold death not let me see my son.
Link: 1.3.225
KING RICHARD II
Why uncle, thou hast many years to live.
Link: 1.3.226
JOHN OF GAUNT
But not a minute, king, that thou canst give:
Link: 1.3.227
Shorten my days thou canst with sullen sorrow,
Link: 1.3.228
And pluck nights from me, but not lend a morrow;
Link: 1.3.229
Thou canst help time to furrow me with age,
Link: 1.3.230
But stop no wrinkle in his pilgrimage;
Link: 1.3.231
Thy word is current with him for my death,
Link: 1.3.232
But dead, thy kingdom cannot buy my breath.
Link: 1.3.233
KING RICHARD II
Thy son is banish'd upon good advice,
Link: 1.3.234
Whereto thy tongue a party-verdict gave:
Link: 1.3.235
Why at our justice seem'st thou then to lour?
Link: 1.3.236
JOHN OF GAUNT
Things sweet to taste prove in digestion sour.
Link: 1.3.237
You urged me as a judge; but I had rather
Link: 1.3.238
You would have bid me argue like a father.
Link: 1.3.239
O, had it been a stranger, not my child,
Link: 1.3.240
To smooth his fault I should have been more mild:
Link: 1.3.241
A partial slander sought I to avoid,
Link: 1.3.242
And in the sentence my own life destroy'd.
Link: 1.3.243
Alas, I look'd when some of you should say,
Link: 1.3.244
I was too strict to make mine own away;
Link: 1.3.245
But you gave leave to my unwilling tongue
Link: 1.3.246
Against my will to do myself this wrong.
Link: 1.3.247
KING RICHARD II
Cousin, farewell; and, uncle, bid him so:
Link: 1.3.248
Six years we banish him, and he shall go.
Link: 1.3.249
Flourish. Exeunt KING RICHARD II and train
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Cousin, farewell: what presence must not know,
Link: 1.3.250
From where you do remain let paper show.
Link: 1.3.251
Lord Marshal
My lord, no leave take I; for I will ride,
Link: 1.3.252
As far as land will let me, by your side.
Link: 1.3.253
JOHN OF GAUNT
O, to what purpose dost thou hoard thy words,
Link: 1.3.254
That thou return'st no greeting to thy friends?
Link: 1.3.255
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I have too few to take my leave of you,
Link: 1.3.256
When the tongue's office should be prodigal
Link: 1.3.257
To breathe the abundant dolour of the heart.
Link: 1.3.258
JOHN OF GAUNT
Thy grief is but thy absence for a time.
Link: 1.3.259
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Joy absent, grief is present for that time.
Link: 1.3.260
JOHN OF GAUNT
What is six winters? they are quickly gone.
Link: 1.3.261
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
To men in joy; but grief makes one hour ten.
Link: 1.3.262
JOHN OF GAUNT
Call it a travel that thou takest for pleasure.
Link: 1.3.263
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
My heart will sigh when I miscall it so,
Link: 1.3.264
Which finds it an inforced pilgrimage.
Link: 1.3.265
JOHN OF GAUNT
The sullen passage of thy weary steps
Link: 1.3.266
Esteem as foil wherein thou art to set
Link: 1.3.267
The precious jewel of thy home return.
Link: 1.3.268
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Nay, rather, every tedious stride I make
Link: 1.3.269
Will but remember me what a deal of world
Link: 1.3.270
I wander from the jewels that I love.
Link: 1.3.271
Must I not serve a long apprenticehood
Link: 1.3.272
To foreign passages, and in the end,
Link: 1.3.273
Having my freedom, boast of nothing else
Link: 1.3.274
But that I was a journeyman to grief?
Link: 1.3.275
JOHN OF GAUNT
All places that the eye of heaven visits
Link: 1.3.276
Are to a wise man ports and happy havens.
Link: 1.3.277
Teach thy necessity to reason thus;
Link: 1.3.278
There is no virtue like necessity.
Link: 1.3.279
Think not the king did banish thee,
Link: 1.3.280
But thou the king. Woe doth the heavier sit,
Link: 1.3.281
Where it perceives it is but faintly borne.
Link: 1.3.282
Go, say I sent thee forth to purchase honour
Link: 1.3.283
And not the king exiled thee; or suppose
Link: 1.3.284
Devouring pestilence hangs in our air
Link: 1.3.285
And thou art flying to a fresher clime:
Link: 1.3.286
Look, what thy soul holds dear, imagine it
Link: 1.3.287
To lie that way thou go'st, not whence thou comest:
Link: 1.3.288
Suppose the singing birds musicians,
Link: 1.3.289
The grass whereon thou tread'st the presence strew'd,
Link: 1.3.290
The flowers fair ladies, and thy steps no more
Link: 1.3.291
Than a delightful measure or a dance;
Link: 1.3.292
For gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite
Link: 1.3.293
The man that mocks at it and sets it light.
Link: 1.3.294
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
O, who can hold a fire in his hand
Link: 1.3.295
By thinking on the frosty Caucasus?
Link: 1.3.296
Or cloy the hungry edge of appetite
Link: 1.3.297
By bare imagination of a feast?
Link: 1.3.298
Or wallow naked in December snow
Link: 1.3.299
By thinking on fantastic summer's heat?
Link: 1.3.300
O, no! the apprehension of the good
Link: 1.3.301
Gives but the greater feeling to the worse:
Link: 1.3.302
Fell sorrow's tooth doth never rankle more
Link: 1.3.303
Than when he bites, but lanceth not the sore.
Link: 1.3.304
JOHN OF GAUNT
Come, come, my son, I'll bring thee on thy way:
Link: 1.3.305
Had I thy youth and cause, I would not stay.
Link: 1.3.306
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Then, England's ground, farewell; sweet soil, adieu;
Link: 1.3.307
My mother, and my nurse, that bears me yet!
Link: 1.3.308
Where'er I wander, boast of this I can,
Link: 1.3.309
Though banish'd, yet a trueborn Englishman.
Link: 1.3.310
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The court.
Scene 4 of Act 1 takes place in London and opens with Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt, and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, being brought before King Richard II. Bolingbroke accuses Mowbray of embezzlement and treason, while Mowbray denies the charges. The King agrees to let the two men duel to settle the matter. However, just as the duel is about to begin, King Richard interrupts and banishes both Bolingbroke and Mowbray from England. Bolingbroke is banished for ten years and Mowbray is banished for life. Bolingbroke is devastated by the news, as he will be separated from his father and his inheritance. Mowbray accepts his fate and leaves the stage. After Mowbray's departure, John of Gaunt confronts the King about his decision to banish his son. He accuses Richard of being a tyrant and warns that his actions will lead to his downfall. Richard responds with disdain and leaves the stage, leaving John of Gaunt to lament the state of the kingdom. The scene sets up the central conflict of the play, which is the struggle for power between Richard II and Bolingbroke. It also introduces themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of personal relationships on political decisions.
Enter KING RICHARD II, with BAGOT and GREEN at one door; and the DUKE OF AUMERLE at another
KING RICHARD II
We did observe. Cousin Aumerle,
Link: 1.4.1
How far brought you high Hereford on his way?
Link: 1.4.2
DUKE OF AUMERLE
I brought high Hereford, if you call him so,
Link: 1.4.3
But to the next highway, and there I left him.
Link: 1.4.4
KING RICHARD II
And say, what store of parting tears were shed?
Link: 1.4.5
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Faith, none for me; except the north-east wind,
Link: 1.4.6
Which then blew bitterly against our faces,
Link: 1.4.7
Awaked the sleeping rheum, and so by chance
Link: 1.4.8
Did grace our hollow parting with a tear.
Link: 1.4.9
KING RICHARD II
What said our cousin when you parted with him?
Link: 1.4.10
DUKE OF AUMERLE
'Farewell:'
Link: 1.4.11
And, for my heart disdained that my tongue
Link: 1.4.12
Should so profane the word, that taught me craft
Link: 1.4.13
To counterfeit oppression of such grief
Link: 1.4.14
That words seem'd buried in my sorrow's grave.
Link: 1.4.15
Marry, would the word 'farewell' have lengthen'd hours
Link: 1.4.16
And added years to his short banishment,
Link: 1.4.17
He should have had a volume of farewells;
Link: 1.4.18
But since it would not, he had none of me.
Link: 1.4.19
KING RICHARD II
He is our cousin, cousin; but 'tis doubt,
Link: 1.4.20
When time shall call him home from banishment,
Link: 1.4.21
Whether our kinsman come to see his friends.
Link: 1.4.22
Ourself and Bushy, Bagot here and Green
Link: 1.4.23
Observed his courtship to the common people;
Link: 1.4.24
How he did seem to dive into their hearts
Link: 1.4.25
With humble and familiar courtesy,
Link: 1.4.26
What reverence he did throw away on slaves,
Link: 1.4.27
Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles
Link: 1.4.28
And patient underbearing of his fortune,
Link: 1.4.29
As 'twere to banish their affects with him.
Link: 1.4.30
Off goes his bonnet to an oyster-wench;
Link: 1.4.31
A brace of draymen bid God speed him well
Link: 1.4.32
And had the tribute of his supple knee,
Link: 1.4.33
With 'Thanks, my countrymen, my loving friends;'
Link: 1.4.34
As were our England in reversion his,
Link: 1.4.35
And he our subjects' next degree in hope.
Link: 1.4.36
GREEN
Well, he is gone; and with him go these thoughts.
Link: 1.4.37
Now for the rebels which stand out in Ireland,
Link: 1.4.38
Expedient manage must be made, my liege,
Link: 1.4.39
Ere further leisure yield them further means
Link: 1.4.40
For their advantage and your highness' loss.
Link: 1.4.41
KING RICHARD II
We will ourself in person to this war:
Link: 1.4.42
And, for our coffers, with too great a court
Link: 1.4.43
And liberal largess, are grown somewhat light,
Link: 1.4.44
We are inforced to farm our royal realm;
Link: 1.4.45
The revenue whereof shall furnish us
Link: 1.4.46
For our affairs in hand: if that come short,
Link: 1.4.47
Our substitutes at home shall have blank charters;
Link: 1.4.48
Whereto, when they shall know what men are rich,
Link: 1.4.49
They shall subscribe them for large sums of gold
Link: 1.4.50
And send them after to supply our wants;
Link: 1.4.51
For we will make for Ireland presently.
Link: 1.4.52
Bushy, what news?
Link: 1.4.53
BUSHY
Old John of Gaunt is grievous sick, my lord,
Link: 1.4.54
Suddenly taken; and hath sent post haste
Link: 1.4.55
To entreat your majesty to visit him.
Link: 1.4.56
KING RICHARD II
Where lies he?
Link: 1.4.57
BUSHY
At Ely House.
Link: 1.4.58
KING RICHARD II
Now put it, God, in the physician's mind
Link: 1.4.59
To help him to his grave immediately!
Link: 1.4.60
The lining of his coffers shall make coats
Link: 1.4.61
To deck our soldiers for these Irish wars.
Link: 1.4.62
Come, gentlemen, let's all go visit him:
Link: 1.4.63
Pray God we may make haste, and come too late!
Link: 1.4.64
All
Amen.
Link: 1.4.65
Exeunt
Act II
Act 2 of Richard II begins with the entrance of the Duke of York, who is worried about the current state of affairs in England. He is soon joined by the Duke of Aumerle and the Bishop of Carlisle, who both express their concerns about the way King Richard II is ruling the country. They believe that his actions are causing unrest and rebellion among his subjects.
Meanwhile, King Richard II is preparing to leave for Ireland to quell a rebellion there. He is confronted by the Earl of Northumberland, who demands that the king pay him the money he is owed. Richard refuses, which leads to a heated argument between the two men. The Earl of Northumberland then leaves, vowing to seek revenge against the king.
Back in England, the Duke of Aumerle is meeting with his father, the Duke of York. He tells him that he has heard rumors that Richard's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, is planning to return from exile and claim the throne. The Duke of York is shocked by this news and urges his son to remain loyal to the king.
Later, Henry Bolingbroke returns to England with a small army. He is joined by the Duke of York, who has decided to support him against King Richard II. Bolingbroke makes his way to the king's castle and demands that he be allowed to see him. Richard agrees to meet with him, and they have a tense conversation in which Bolingbroke accuses the king of mismanaging the country and breaking his promises.
The act ends with Bolingbroke and Richard agreeing to a duel to settle their differences. However, just as they are about to fight, the Duke of York intervenes and prevents the duel from taking place.
SCENE I. Ely House.
Scene 1 of Act 2 begins with a conversation between King Richard II and his uncle, John of Gaunt. The two discuss the current state of affairs in England, with John expressing his concern over the king's extravagant spending and the growing discontent among the people. Richard dismisses his uncle's worries and claims that he has everything under control. Next, a group of nobles enters the room and presents a list of grievances against the king. Richard becomes angry and accuses them of treason, but John of Gaunt steps in to defend them. The two men argue over the proper way to handle the situation, with John advocating for peaceful resolution and Richard insisting on harsh punishment. The tension between the two men continues to build until Richard finally banishes John's son, Henry Bolingbroke, from England. John is devastated by this decision and delivers a powerful speech about the state of the nation and the responsibilities of the king. The scene ends with John's famous line, "This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle, / This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, / This other Eden, demi-paradise, / This fortress built by Nature for herself / Against infection and the hand of war, / This happy breed of men, this little world, / This precious stone set in the silver sea, / Which serves it in the office of a wall / Or as a moat defensive to a house, / Against the envy of less happier lands, / This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England," expressing his love for his country and his sadness at its current state.
Enter JOHN OF GAUNT sick, with the DUKE OF YORK, c
JOHN OF GAUNT
Will the king come, that I may breathe my last
Link: 2.1.1
In wholesome counsel to his unstaid youth?
Link: 2.1.2
DUKE OF YORK
Vex not yourself, nor strive not with your breath;
Link: 2.1.3
For all in vain comes counsel to his ear.
Link: 2.1.4
JOHN OF GAUNT
O, but they say the tongues of dying men
Link: 2.1.5
Enforce attention like deep harmony:
Link: 2.1.6
Where words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain,
Link: 2.1.7
For they breathe truth that breathe their words in pain.
Link: 2.1.8
He that no more must say is listen'd more
Link: 2.1.9
Than they whom youth and ease have taught to glose;
Link: 2.1.10
More are men's ends mark'd than their lives before:
Link: 2.1.11
The setting sun, and music at the close,
Link: 2.1.12
As the last taste of sweets, is sweetest last,
Link: 2.1.13
Writ in remembrance more than things long past:
Link: 2.1.14
Though Richard my life's counsel would not hear,
Link: 2.1.15
My death's sad tale may yet undeaf his ear.
Link: 2.1.16
DUKE OF YORK
No; it is stopp'd with other flattering sounds,
Link: 2.1.17
As praises, of whose taste the wise are fond,
Link: 2.1.18
Lascivious metres, to whose venom sound
Link: 2.1.19
The open ear of youth doth always listen;
Link: 2.1.20
Report of fashions in proud Italy,
Link: 2.1.21
Whose manners still our tardy apish nation
Link: 2.1.22
Limps after in base imitation.
Link: 2.1.23
Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity--
Link: 2.1.24
So it be new, there's no respect how vile--
Link: 2.1.25
That is not quickly buzzed into his ears?
Link: 2.1.26
Then all too late comes counsel to be heard,
Link: 2.1.27
Where will doth mutiny with wit's regard.
Link: 2.1.28
Direct not him whose way himself will choose:
Link: 2.1.29
'Tis breath thou lack'st, and that breath wilt thou lose.
Link: 2.1.30
JOHN OF GAUNT
Methinks I am a prophet new inspired
Link: 2.1.31
And thus expiring do foretell of him:
Link: 2.1.32
His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last,
Link: 2.1.33
For violent fires soon burn out themselves;
Link: 2.1.34
Small showers last long, but sudden storms are short;
Link: 2.1.35
He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes;
Link: 2.1.36
With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder:
Link: 2.1.37
Light vanity, insatiate cormorant,
Link: 2.1.38
Consuming means, soon preys upon itself.
Link: 2.1.39
This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
Link: 2.1.40
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
Link: 2.1.41
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
Link: 2.1.42
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Link: 2.1.43
Against infection and the hand of war,
Link: 2.1.44
This happy breed of men, this little world,
Link: 2.1.45
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Link: 2.1.46
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
Link: 2.1.47
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Link: 2.1.48
Against the envy of less happier lands,
Link: 2.1.49
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England,
Link: 2.1.50
This nurse, this teeming womb of royal kings,
Link: 2.1.51
Fear'd by their breed and famous by their birth,
Link: 2.1.52
Renowned for their deeds as far from home,
Link: 2.1.53
For Christian service and true chivalry,
Link: 2.1.54
As is the sepulchre in stubborn Jewry,
Link: 2.1.55
Of the world's ransom, blessed Mary's Son,
Link: 2.1.56
This land of such dear souls, this dear dear land,
Link: 2.1.57
Dear for her reputation through the world,
Link: 2.1.58
Is now leased out, I die pronouncing it,
Link: 2.1.59
Like to a tenement or pelting farm:
Link: 2.1.60
England, bound in with the triumphant sea
Link: 2.1.61
Whose rocky shore beats back the envious siege
Link: 2.1.62
Of watery Neptune, is now bound in with shame,
Link: 2.1.63
With inky blots and rotten parchment bonds:
Link: 2.1.64
That England, that was wont to conquer others,
Link: 2.1.65
Hath made a shameful conquest of itself.
Link: 2.1.66
Ah, would the scandal vanish with my life,
Link: 2.1.67
How happy then were my ensuing death!
Link: 2.1.68
Enter KING RICHARD II and QUEEN, DUKE OF AUMERLE, BUSHY, GREEN, BAGOT, LORD ROSS, and LORD WILLOUGHBY
DUKE OF YORK
The king is come: deal mildly with his youth;
Link: 2.1.69
For young hot colts being raged do rage the more.
Link: 2.1.70
QUEEN
How fares our noble uncle, Lancaster?
Link: 2.1.71
KING RICHARD II
What comfort, man? how is't with aged Gaunt?
Link: 2.1.72
JOHN OF GAUNT
O how that name befits my composition!
Link: 2.1.73
Old Gaunt indeed, and gaunt in being old:
Link: 2.1.74
Within me grief hath kept a tedious fast;
Link: 2.1.75
And who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?
Link: 2.1.76
For sleeping England long time have I watch'd;
Link: 2.1.77
Watching breeds leanness, leanness is all gaunt:
Link: 2.1.78
The pleasure that some fathers feed upon,
Link: 2.1.79
Is my strict fast; I mean, my children's looks;
Link: 2.1.80
And therein fasting, hast thou made me gaunt:
Link: 2.1.81
Gaunt am I for the grave, gaunt as a grave,
Link: 2.1.82
Whose hollow womb inherits nought but bones.
Link: 2.1.83
KING RICHARD II
Can sick men play so nicely with their names?
Link: 2.1.84
JOHN OF GAUNT
No, misery makes sport to mock itself:
Link: 2.1.85
Since thou dost seek to kill my name in me,
Link: 2.1.86
I mock my name, great king, to flatter thee.
Link: 2.1.87
KING RICHARD II
Should dying men flatter with those that live?
Link: 2.1.88
JOHN OF GAUNT
No, no, men living flatter those that die.
Link: 2.1.89
KING RICHARD II
Thou, now a-dying, say'st thou flatterest me.
Link: 2.1.90
JOHN OF GAUNT
O, no! thou diest, though I the sicker be.
Link: 2.1.91
KING RICHARD II
I am in health, I breathe, and see thee ill.
Link: 2.1.92
JOHN OF GAUNT
Now He that made me knows I see thee ill;
Link: 2.1.93
Ill in myself to see, and in thee seeing ill.
Link: 2.1.94
Thy death-bed is no lesser than thy land
Link: 2.1.95
Wherein thou liest in reputation sick;
Link: 2.1.96
And thou, too careless patient as thou art,
Link: 2.1.97
Commit'st thy anointed body to the cure
Link: 2.1.98
Of those physicians that first wounded thee:
Link: 2.1.99
A thousand flatterers sit within thy crown,
Link: 2.1.100
Whose compass is no bigger than thy head;
Link: 2.1.101
And yet, incaged in so small a verge,
Link: 2.1.102
The waste is no whit lesser than thy land.
Link: 2.1.103
O, had thy grandsire with a prophet's eye
Link: 2.1.104
Seen how his son's son should destroy his sons,
Link: 2.1.105
From forth thy reach he would have laid thy shame,
Link: 2.1.106
Deposing thee before thou wert possess'd,
Link: 2.1.107
Which art possess'd now to depose thyself.
Link: 2.1.108
Why, cousin, wert thou regent of the world,
Link: 2.1.109
It were a shame to let this land by lease;
Link: 2.1.110
But for thy world enjoying but this land,
Link: 2.1.111
Is it not more than shame to shame it so?
Link: 2.1.112
Landlord of England art thou now, not king:
Link: 2.1.113
Thy state of law is bondslave to the law; And thou--
Link: 2.1.114
KING RICHARD II
A lunatic lean-witted fool,
Link: 2.1.115
Presuming on an ague's privilege,
Link: 2.1.116
Darest with thy frozen admonition
Link: 2.1.117
Make pale our cheek, chasing the royal blood
Link: 2.1.118
With fury from his native residence.
Link: 2.1.119
Now, by my seat's right royal majesty,
Link: 2.1.120
Wert thou not brother to great Edward's son,
Link: 2.1.121
This tongue that runs so roundly in thy head
Link: 2.1.122
Should run thy head from thy unreverent shoulders.
Link: 2.1.123
JOHN OF GAUNT
O, spare me not, my brother Edward's son,
Link: 2.1.124
For that I was his father Edward's son;
Link: 2.1.125
That blood already, like the pelican,
Link: 2.1.126
Hast thou tapp'd out and drunkenly caroused:
Link: 2.1.127
My brother Gloucester, plain well-meaning soul,
Link: 2.1.128
Whom fair befal in heaven 'mongst happy souls!
Link: 2.1.129
May be a precedent and witness good
Link: 2.1.130
That thou respect'st not spilling Edward's blood:
Link: 2.1.131
Join with the present sickness that I have;
Link: 2.1.132
And thy unkindness be like crooked age,
Link: 2.1.133
To crop at once a too long wither'd flower.
Link: 2.1.134
Live in thy shame, but die not shame with thee!
Link: 2.1.135
These words hereafter thy tormentors be!
Link: 2.1.136
Convey me to my bed, then to my grave:
Link: 2.1.137
Love they to live that love and honour have.
Link: 2.1.138
Exit, borne off by his Attendants
KING RICHARD II
And let them die that age and sullens have;
Link: 2.1.139
For both hast thou, and both become the grave.
Link: 2.1.140
DUKE OF YORK
I do beseech your majesty, impute his words
Link: 2.1.141
To wayward sickliness and age in him:
Link: 2.1.142
He loves you, on my life, and holds you dear
Link: 2.1.143
As Harry Duke of Hereford, were he here.
Link: 2.1.144
KING RICHARD II
Right, you say true: as Hereford's love, so his;
Link: 2.1.145
As theirs, so mine; and all be as it is.
Link: 2.1.146
Enter NORTHUMBERLAND
NORTHUMBERLAND
My liege, old Gaunt commends him to your majesty.
Link: 2.1.147
KING RICHARD II
What says he?
Link: 2.1.148
NORTHUMBERLAND
Nay, nothing; all is said
Link: 2.1.149
His tongue is now a stringless instrument;
Link: 2.1.150
Words, life and all, old Lancaster hath spent.
Link: 2.1.151
DUKE OF YORK
Be York the next that must be bankrupt so!
Link: 2.1.152
Though death be poor, it ends a mortal woe.
Link: 2.1.153
KING RICHARD II
The ripest fruit first falls, and so doth he;
Link: 2.1.154
His time is spent, our pilgrimage must be.
Link: 2.1.155
So much for that. Now for our Irish wars:
Link: 2.1.156
We must supplant those rough rug-headed kerns,
Link: 2.1.157
Which live like venom where no venom else
Link: 2.1.158
But only they have privilege to live.
Link: 2.1.159
And for these great affairs do ask some charge,
Link: 2.1.160
Towards our assistance we do seize to us
Link: 2.1.161
The plate, corn, revenues and moveables,
Link: 2.1.162
Whereof our uncle Gaunt did stand possess'd.
Link: 2.1.163
DUKE OF YORK
How long shall I be patient? ah, how long
Link: 2.1.164
Shall tender duty make me suffer wrong?
Link: 2.1.165
Not Gloucester's death, nor Hereford's banishment
Link: 2.1.166
Not Gaunt's rebukes, nor England's private wrongs,
Link: 2.1.167
Nor the prevention of poor Bolingbroke
Link: 2.1.168
About his marriage, nor my own disgrace,
Link: 2.1.169
Have ever made me sour my patient cheek,
Link: 2.1.170
Or bend one wrinkle on my sovereign's face.
Link: 2.1.171
I am the last of noble Edward's sons,
Link: 2.1.172
Of whom thy father, Prince of Wales, was first:
Link: 2.1.173
In war was never lion raged more fierce,
Link: 2.1.174
In peace was never gentle lamb more mild,
Link: 2.1.175
Than was that young and princely gentleman.
Link: 2.1.176
His face thou hast, for even so look'd he,
Link: 2.1.177
Accomplish'd with the number of thy hours;
Link: 2.1.178
But when he frown'd, it was against the French
Link: 2.1.179
And not against his friends; his noble hand
Link: 2.1.180
Did will what he did spend and spent not that
Link: 2.1.181
Which his triumphant father's hand had won;
Link: 2.1.182
His hands were guilty of no kindred blood,
Link: 2.1.183
But bloody with the enemies of his kin.
Link: 2.1.184
O Richard! York is too far gone with grief,
Link: 2.1.185
Or else he never would compare between.
Link: 2.1.186
KING RICHARD II
Why, uncle, what's the matter?
Link: 2.1.187
DUKE OF YORK
O my liege,
Link: 2.1.188
Pardon me, if you please; if not, I, pleased
Link: 2.1.189
Not to be pardon'd, am content withal.
Link: 2.1.190
Seek you to seize and gripe into your hands
Link: 2.1.191
The royalties and rights of banish'd Hereford?
Link: 2.1.192
Is not Gaunt dead, and doth not Hereford live?
Link: 2.1.193
Was not Gaunt just, and is not Harry true?
Link: 2.1.194
Did not the one deserve to have an heir?
Link: 2.1.195
Is not his heir a well-deserving son?
Link: 2.1.196
Take Hereford's rights away, and take from Time
Link: 2.1.197
His charters and his customary rights;
Link: 2.1.198
Let not to-morrow then ensue to-day;
Link: 2.1.199
Be not thyself; for how art thou a king
Link: 2.1.200
But by fair sequence and succession?
Link: 2.1.201
Now, afore God--God forbid I say true!--
Link: 2.1.202
If you do wrongfully seize Hereford's rights,
Link: 2.1.203
Call in the letters patent that he hath
Link: 2.1.204
By his attorneys-general to sue
Link: 2.1.205
His livery, and deny his offer'd homage,
Link: 2.1.206
You pluck a thousand dangers on your head,
Link: 2.1.207
You lose a thousand well-disposed hearts
Link: 2.1.208
And prick my tender patience, to those thoughts
Link: 2.1.209
Which honour and allegiance cannot think.
Link: 2.1.210
KING RICHARD II
Think what you will, we seize into our hands
Link: 2.1.211
His plate, his goods, his money and his lands.
Link: 2.1.212
DUKE OF YORK
I'll not be by the while: my liege, farewell:
Link: 2.1.213
What will ensue hereof, there's none can tell;
Link: 2.1.214
But by bad courses may be understood
Link: 2.1.215
That their events can never fall out good.
Link: 2.1.216
Exit
KING RICHARD II
Go, Bushy, to the Earl of Wiltshire straight:
Link: 2.1.217
Bid him repair to us to Ely House
Link: 2.1.218
To see this business. To-morrow next
Link: 2.1.219
We will for Ireland; and 'tis time, I trow:
Link: 2.1.220
And we create, in absence of ourself,
Link: 2.1.221
Our uncle York lord governor of England;
Link: 2.1.222
For he is just and always loved us well.
Link: 2.1.223
Come on, our queen: to-morrow must we part;
Link: 2.1.224
Be merry, for our time of stay is short
Link: 2.1.225
Flourish. Exeunt KING RICHARD II, QUEEN, DUKE OF AUMERLE, BUSHY, GREEN, and BAGOT
NORTHUMBERLAND
Well, lords, the Duke of Lancaster is dead.
Link: 2.1.226
LORD ROSS
And living too; for now his son is duke.
Link: 2.1.227
LORD WILLOUGHBY
Barely in title, not in revenue.
Link: 2.1.228
NORTHUMBERLAND
Richly in both, if justice had her right.
Link: 2.1.229
LORD ROSS
My heart is great; but it must break with silence,
Link: 2.1.230
Ere't be disburden'd with a liberal tongue.
Link: 2.1.231
NORTHUMBERLAND
Nay, speak thy mind; and let him ne'er speak more
Link: 2.1.232
That speaks thy words again to do thee harm!
Link: 2.1.233
LORD WILLOUGHBY
Tends that thou wouldst speak to the Duke of Hereford?
Link: 2.1.234
If it be so, out with it boldly, man;
Link: 2.1.235
Quick is mine ear to hear of good towards him.
Link: 2.1.236
LORD ROSS
No good at all that I can do for him;
Link: 2.1.237
Unless you call it good to pity him,
Link: 2.1.238
Bereft and gelded of his patrimony.
Link: 2.1.239
NORTHUMBERLAND
Now, afore God, 'tis shame such wrongs are borne
Link: 2.1.240
In him, a royal prince, and many moe
Link: 2.1.241
Of noble blood in this declining land.
Link: 2.1.242
The king is not himself, but basely led
Link: 2.1.243
By flatterers; and what they will inform,
Link: 2.1.244
Merely in hate, 'gainst any of us all,
Link: 2.1.245
That will the king severely prosecute
Link: 2.1.246
'Gainst us, our lives, our children, and our heirs.
Link: 2.1.247
LORD ROSS
The commons hath he pill'd with grievous taxes,
Link: 2.1.248
And quite lost their hearts: the nobles hath he fined
Link: 2.1.249
For ancient quarrels, and quite lost their hearts.
Link: 2.1.250
LORD WILLOUGHBY
And daily new exactions are devised,
Link: 2.1.251
As blanks, benevolences, and I wot not what:
Link: 2.1.252
But what, o' God's name, doth become of this?
Link: 2.1.253
NORTHUMBERLAND
Wars have not wasted it, for warr'd he hath not,
Link: 2.1.254
But basely yielded upon compromise
Link: 2.1.255
That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows:
Link: 2.1.256
More hath he spent in peace than they in wars.
Link: 2.1.257
LORD ROSS
The Earl of Wiltshire hath the realm in farm.
Link: 2.1.258
LORD WILLOUGHBY
The king's grown bankrupt, like a broken man.
Link: 2.1.259
NORTHUMBERLAND
Reproach and dissolution hangeth over him.
Link: 2.1.260
LORD ROSS
He hath not money for these Irish wars,
Link: 2.1.261
His burthenous taxations notwithstanding,
Link: 2.1.262
But by the robbing of the banish'd duke.
Link: 2.1.263
NORTHUMBERLAND
His noble kinsman: most degenerate king!
Link: 2.1.264
But, lords, we hear this fearful tempest sing,
Link: 2.1.265
Yet see no shelter to avoid the storm;
Link: 2.1.266
We see the wind sit sore upon our sails,
Link: 2.1.267
And yet we strike not, but securely perish.
Link: 2.1.268
LORD ROSS
We see the very wreck that we must suffer;
Link: 2.1.269
And unavoided is the danger now,
Link: 2.1.270
For suffering so the causes of our wreck.
Link: 2.1.271
NORTHUMBERLAND
Not so; even through the hollow eyes of death
Link: 2.1.272
I spy life peering; but I dare not say
Link: 2.1.273
How near the tidings of our comfort is.
Link: 2.1.274
LORD WILLOUGHBY
Nay, let us share thy thoughts, as thou dost ours.
Link: 2.1.275
LORD ROSS
Be confident to speak, Northumberland:
Link: 2.1.276
We three are but thyself; and, speaking so,
Link: 2.1.277
Thy words are but as thoughts; therefore, be bold.
Link: 2.1.278
NORTHUMBERLAND
Then thus: I have from Port le Blanc, a bay
Link: 2.1.279
In Brittany, received intelligence
Link: 2.1.280
That Harry Duke of Hereford, Rainold Lord Cobham,
Link: 2.1.281
That late broke from the Duke of Exeter,
Link: 2.1.282
His brother, Archbishop late of Canterbury,
Link: 2.1.283
Sir Thomas Erpingham, Sir John Ramston,
Link: 2.1.284
Sir John Norbery, Sir Robert Waterton and Francis Quoint,
Link: 2.1.285
All these well furnish'd by the Duke of Bretagne
Link: 2.1.286
With eight tall ships, three thousand men of war,
Link: 2.1.287
Are making hither with all due expedience
Link: 2.1.288
And shortly mean to touch our northern shore:
Link: 2.1.289
Perhaps they had ere this, but that they stay
Link: 2.1.290
The first departing of the king for Ireland.
Link: 2.1.291
If then we shall shake off our slavish yoke,
Link: 2.1.292
Imp out our drooping country's broken wing,
Link: 2.1.293
Redeem from broking pawn the blemish'd crown,
Link: 2.1.294
Wipe off the dust that hides our sceptre's gilt
Link: 2.1.295
And make high majesty look like itself,
Link: 2.1.296
Away with me in post to Ravenspurgh;
Link: 2.1.297
But if you faint, as fearing to do so,
Link: 2.1.298
Stay and be secret, and myself will go.
Link: 2.1.299
LORD ROSS
To horse, to horse! urge doubts to them that fear.
Link: 2.1.300
LORD WILLOUGHBY
Hold out my horse, and I will first be there.
Link: 2.1.301
Exeunt
SCENE II. The palace.
In Scene 2 of Act 2, two noblemen discuss the current state of affairs in England. They are worried about the growing power of the king's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, who has been exiled. They also discuss the king's lavish spending and how it has led to a shortage of funds for the government. One of the noblemen suggests that they should band together and force the king to change his ways, but the other is hesitant, fearing the consequences of rebellion against the king. They are interrupted by the arrival of a third nobleman who brings news that Bolingbroke has returned to England with an army and is marching towards London. The two noblemen are unsure of what to do and decide to wait and see what happens.
Enter QUEEN, BUSHY, and BAGOT
BUSHY
Madam, your majesty is too much sad:
Link: 2.2.1
You promised, when you parted with the king,
Link: 2.2.2
To lay aside life-harming heaviness
Link: 2.2.3
And entertain a cheerful disposition.
Link: 2.2.4
QUEEN
To please the king I did; to please myself
Link: 2.2.5
I cannot do it; yet I know no cause
Link: 2.2.6
Why I should welcome such a guest as grief,
Link: 2.2.7
Save bidding farewell to so sweet a guest
Link: 2.2.8
As my sweet Richard: yet again, methinks,
Link: 2.2.9
Some unborn sorrow, ripe in fortune's womb,
Link: 2.2.10
Is coming towards me, and my inward soul
Link: 2.2.11
With nothing trembles: at some thing it grieves,
Link: 2.2.12
More than with parting from my lord the king.
Link: 2.2.13
BUSHY
Each substance of a grief hath twenty shadows,
Link: 2.2.14
Which shows like grief itself, but is not so;
Link: 2.2.15
For sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tears,
Link: 2.2.16
Divides one thing entire to many objects;
Link: 2.2.17
Like perspectives, which rightly gazed upon
Link: 2.2.18
Show nothing but confusion, eyed awry
Link: 2.2.19
Distinguish form: so your sweet majesty,
Link: 2.2.20
Looking awry upon your lord's departure,
Link: 2.2.21
Find shapes of grief, more than himself, to wail;
Link: 2.2.22
Which, look'd on as it is, is nought but shadows
Link: 2.2.23
Of what it is not. Then, thrice-gracious queen,
Link: 2.2.24
More than your lord's departure weep not: more's not seen;
Link: 2.2.25
Or if it be, 'tis with false sorrow's eye,
Link: 2.2.26
Which for things true weeps things imaginary.
Link: 2.2.27
QUEEN
It may be so; but yet my inward soul
Link: 2.2.28
Persuades me it is otherwise: howe'er it be,
Link: 2.2.29
I cannot but be sad; so heavy sad
Link: 2.2.30
As, though on thinking on no thought I think,
Link: 2.2.31
Makes me with heavy nothing faint and shrink.
Link: 2.2.32
BUSHY
'Tis nothing but conceit, my gracious lady.
Link: 2.2.33
QUEEN
'Tis nothing less: conceit is still derived
Link: 2.2.34
From some forefather grief; mine is not so,
Link: 2.2.35
For nothing had begot my something grief;
Link: 2.2.36
Or something hath the nothing that I grieve:
Link: 2.2.37
'Tis in reversion that I do possess;
Link: 2.2.38
But what it is, that is not yet known; what
Link: 2.2.39
I cannot name; 'tis nameless woe, I wot.
Link: 2.2.40
Enter GREEN
GREEN
God save your majesty! and well met, gentlemen:
Link: 2.2.41
I hope the king is not yet shipp'd for Ireland.
Link: 2.2.42
QUEEN
Why hopest thou so? 'tis better hope he is;
Link: 2.2.43
For his designs crave haste, his haste good hope:
Link: 2.2.44
Then wherefore dost thou hope he is not shipp'd?
Link: 2.2.45
GREEN
That he, our hope, might have retired his power,
Link: 2.2.46
And driven into despair an enemy's hope,
Link: 2.2.47
Who strongly hath set footing in this land:
Link: 2.2.48
The banish'd Bolingbroke repeals himself,
Link: 2.2.49
And with uplifted arms is safe arrived
Link: 2.2.50
At Ravenspurgh.
Link: 2.2.51
QUEEN
Now God in heaven forbid!
Link: 2.2.52
GREEN
Ah, madam, 'tis too true: and that is worse,
Link: 2.2.53
The Lord Northumberland, his son young Henry Percy,
Link: 2.2.54
The Lords of Ross, Beaumond, and Willoughby,
Link: 2.2.55
With all their powerful friends, are fled to him.
Link: 2.2.56
BUSHY
Why have you not proclaim'd Northumberland
Link: 2.2.57
And all the rest revolted faction traitors?
Link: 2.2.58
GREEN
We have: whereupon the Earl of Worcester
Link: 2.2.59
Hath broke his staff, resign'd his stewardship,
Link: 2.2.60
And all the household servants fled with him
Link: 2.2.61
To Bolingbroke.
Link: 2.2.62
QUEEN
So, Green, thou art the midwife to my woe,
Link: 2.2.63
And Bolingbroke my sorrow's dismal heir:
Link: 2.2.64
Now hath my soul brought forth her prodigy,
Link: 2.2.65
And I, a gasping new-deliver'd mother,
Link: 2.2.66
Have woe to woe, sorrow to sorrow join'd.
Link: 2.2.67
BUSHY
Despair not, madam.
Link: 2.2.68
QUEEN
Who shall hinder me?
Link: 2.2.69
I will despair, and be at enmity
Link: 2.2.70
With cozening hope: he is a flatterer,
Link: 2.2.71
A parasite, a keeper back of death,
Link: 2.2.72
Who gently would dissolve the bands of life,
Link: 2.2.73
Which false hope lingers in extremity.
Link: 2.2.74
Enter DUKE OF YORK
GREEN
Here comes the Duke of York.
Link: 2.2.75
QUEEN
With signs of war about his aged neck:
Link: 2.2.76
O, full of careful business are his looks!
Link: 2.2.77
Uncle, for God's sake, speak comfortable words.
Link: 2.2.78
DUKE OF YORK
Should I do so, I should belie my thoughts:
Link: 2.2.79
Comfort's in heaven; and we are on the earth,
Link: 2.2.80
Where nothing lives but crosses, cares and grief.
Link: 2.2.81
Your husband, he is gone to save far off,
Link: 2.2.82
Whilst others come to make him lose at home:
Link: 2.2.83
Here am I left to underprop his land,
Link: 2.2.84
Who, weak with age, cannot support myself:
Link: 2.2.85
Now comes the sick hour that his surfeit made;
Link: 2.2.86
Now shall he try his friends that flatter'd him.
Link: 2.2.87
Enter a Servant
Servant
My lord, your son was gone before I came.
Link: 2.2.88
DUKE OF YORK
He was? Why, so! go all which way it will!
Link: 2.2.89
The nobles they are fled, the commons they are cold,
Link: 2.2.90
And will, I fear, revolt on Hereford's side.
Link: 2.2.91
Sirrah, get thee to Plashy, to my sister Gloucester;
Link: 2.2.92
Bid her send me presently a thousand pound:
Link: 2.2.93
Hold, take my ring.
Link: 2.2.94
Servant
My lord, I had forgot to tell your lordship,
Link: 2.2.95
To-day, as I came by, I called there;
Link: 2.2.96
But I shall grieve you to report the rest.
Link: 2.2.97
DUKE OF YORK
What is't, knave?
Link: 2.2.98
Servant
An hour before I came, the duchess died.
Link: 2.2.99
DUKE OF YORK
God for his mercy! what a tide of woes
Link: 2.2.100
Comes rushing on this woeful land at once!
Link: 2.2.101
I know not what to do: I would to God,
Link: 2.2.102
So my untruth had not provoked him to it,
Link: 2.2.103
The king had cut off my head with my brother's.
Link: 2.2.104
What, are there no posts dispatch'd for Ireland?
Link: 2.2.105
How shall we do for money for these wars?
Link: 2.2.106
Come, sister,--cousin, I would say--pray, pardon me.
Link: 2.2.107
Go, fellow, get thee home, provide some carts
Link: 2.2.108
And bring away the armour that is there.
Link: 2.2.109
Gentlemen, will you go muster men?
Link: 2.2.110
If I know how or which way to order these affairs
Link: 2.2.111
Thus thrust disorderly into my hands,
Link: 2.2.112
Never believe me. Both are my kinsmen:
Link: 2.2.113
The one is my sovereign, whom both my oath
Link: 2.2.114
And duty bids defend; the other again
Link: 2.2.115
Is my kinsman, whom the king hath wrong'd,
Link: 2.2.116
Whom conscience and my kindred bids to right.
Link: 2.2.117
Well, somewhat we must do. Come, cousin, I'll
Link: 2.2.118
Dispose of you.
Link: 2.2.119
Gentlemen, go, muster up your men,
Link: 2.2.120
And meet me presently at Berkeley.
Link: 2.2.121
I should to Plashy too;
Link: 2.2.122
But time will not permit: all is uneven,
Link: 2.2.123
And every thing is left at six and seven.
Link: 2.2.124
Exeunt DUKE OF YORK and QUEEN
BUSHY
The wind sits fair for news to go to Ireland,
Link: 2.2.125
But none returns. For us to levy power
Link: 2.2.126
Proportionable to the enemy
Link: 2.2.127
Is all unpossible.
Link: 2.2.128
GREEN
Besides, our nearness to the king in love
Link: 2.2.129
Is near the hate of those love not the king.
Link: 2.2.130
BAGOT
And that's the wavering commons: for their love
Link: 2.2.131
Lies in their purses, and whoso empties them
Link: 2.2.132
By so much fills their hearts with deadly hate.
Link: 2.2.133
BUSHY
Wherein the king stands generally condemn'd.
Link: 2.2.134
BAGOT
If judgement lie in them, then so do we,
Link: 2.2.135
Because we ever have been near the king.
Link: 2.2.136
GREEN
Well, I will for refuge straight to Bristol castle:
Link: 2.2.137
The Earl of Wiltshire is already there.
Link: 2.2.138
BUSHY
Thither will I with you; for little office
Link: 2.2.139
The hateful commons will perform for us,
Link: 2.2.140
Except like curs to tear us all to pieces.
Link: 2.2.141
Will you go along with us?
Link: 2.2.142
BAGOT
No; I will to Ireland to his majesty.
Link: 2.2.143
Farewell: if heart's presages be not vain,
Link: 2.2.144
We three here art that ne'er shall meet again.
Link: 2.2.145
BUSHY
That's as York thrives to beat back Bolingbroke.
Link: 2.2.146
GREEN
Alas, poor duke! the task he undertakes
Link: 2.2.147
Is numbering sands and drinking oceans dry:
Link: 2.2.148
Where one on his side fights, thousands will fly.
Link: 2.2.149
Farewell at once, for once, for all, and ever.
Link: 2.2.150
BUSHY
Well, we may meet again.
Link: 2.2.151
BAGOT
I fear me, never.
Link: 2.2.152
Exeunt
SCENE III. Wilds in Gloucestershire.
Scene 3 of Act 2 of this particular work opens with a conversation between the Earl of Salisbury and a Welsh Captain. They discuss the ongoing rebellion and the status of the army. The Captain reports that the army is growing restless and that morale is low due to a lack of pay and provisions. Salisbury promises to bring their concerns to the king. After the Welsh Captain exits, Salisbury speaks with a groom who has brought a letter from the Duke of York. The letter accuses the Duke of Gloucester of treason and asks the king to bring him to trial. Salisbury is troubled by this news and wonders how the king will react. Soon after, the Earl of Northumberland and his son, Harry Percy, enter. They discuss the ongoing rebellion and the king's plans to suppress it. Northumberland is concerned about the king's ability to maintain control and suggests that the Duke of York should be made regent in case of a crisis. Salisbury agrees that this is a reasonable suggestion. As they continue to speak, the Duke of York enters and demands to know why his letter has not been answered. He accuses the king of ignoring his concerns and threatens to raise an army against him if he does not take action against Gloucester. The scene ends with the Duke of York storming out, leaving the others to wonder what will happen next.
Enter HENRY BOLINGBROKE and NORTHUMBERLAND, with Forces
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
How far is it, my lord, to Berkeley now?
Link: 2.3.1
NORTHUMBERLAND
Believe me, noble lord,
Link: 2.3.2
I am a stranger here in Gloucestershire:
Link: 2.3.3
These high wild hills and rough uneven ways
Link: 2.3.4
Draws out our miles, and makes them wearisome,
Link: 2.3.5
And yet your fair discourse hath been as sugar,
Link: 2.3.6
Making the hard way sweet and delectable.
Link: 2.3.7
But I bethink me what a weary way
Link: 2.3.8
From Ravenspurgh to Cotswold will be found
Link: 2.3.9
In Ross and Willoughby, wanting your company,
Link: 2.3.10
Which, I protest, hath very much beguiled
Link: 2.3.11
The tediousness and process of my travel:
Link: 2.3.12
But theirs is sweetened with the hope to have
Link: 2.3.13
The present benefit which I possess;
Link: 2.3.14
And hope to joy is little less in joy
Link: 2.3.15
Than hope enjoy'd: by this the weary lords
Link: 2.3.16
Shall make their way seem short, as mine hath done
Link: 2.3.17
By sight of what I have, your noble company.
Link: 2.3.18
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Of much less value is my company
Link: 2.3.19
Than your good words. But who comes here?
Link: 2.3.20
Enter HENRY PERCY
NORTHUMBERLAND
It is my son, young Harry Percy,
Link: 2.3.21
Sent from my brother Worcester, whencesoever.
Link: 2.3.22
Harry, how fares your uncle?
Link: 2.3.23
HENRY PERCY
I had thought, my lord, to have learn'd his health of you.
Link: 2.3.24
NORTHUMBERLAND
Why, is he not with the queen?
Link: 2.3.25
HENRY PERCY
No, my good Lord; he hath forsook the court,
Link: 2.3.26
Broken his staff of office and dispersed
Link: 2.3.27
The household of the king.
Link: 2.3.28
NORTHUMBERLAND
What was his reason?
Link: 2.3.29
He was not so resolved when last we spake together.
Link: 2.3.30
HENRY PERCY
Because your lordship was proclaimed traitor.
Link: 2.3.31
But he, my lord, is gone to Ravenspurgh,
Link: 2.3.32
To offer service to the Duke of Hereford,
Link: 2.3.33
And sent me over by Berkeley, to discover
Link: 2.3.34
What power the Duke of York had levied there;
Link: 2.3.35
Then with directions to repair to Ravenspurgh.
Link: 2.3.36
NORTHUMBERLAND
Have you forgot the Duke of Hereford, boy?
Link: 2.3.37
HENRY PERCY
No, my good lord, for that is not forgot
Link: 2.3.38
Which ne'er I did remember: to my knowledge,
Link: 2.3.39
I never in my life did look on him.
Link: 2.3.40
NORTHUMBERLAND
Then learn to know him now; this is the duke.
Link: 2.3.41
HENRY PERCY
My gracious lord, I tender you my service,
Link: 2.3.42
Such as it is, being tender, raw and young:
Link: 2.3.43
Which elder days shall ripen and confirm
Link: 2.3.44
To more approved service and desert.
Link: 2.3.45
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I thank thee, gentle Percy; and be sure
Link: 2.3.46
I count myself in nothing else so happy
Link: 2.3.47
As in a soul remembering my good friends;
Link: 2.3.48
And, as my fortune ripens with thy love,
Link: 2.3.49
It shall be still thy true love's recompense:
Link: 2.3.50
My heart this covenant makes, my hand thus seals it.
Link: 2.3.51
NORTHUMBERLAND
How far is it to Berkeley? and what stir
Link: 2.3.52
Keeps good old York there with his men of war?
Link: 2.3.53
HENRY PERCY
There stands the castle, by yon tuft of trees,
Link: 2.3.54
Mann'd with three hundred men, as I have heard;
Link: 2.3.55
And in it are the Lords of York, Berkeley, and Seymour;
Link: 2.3.56
None else of name and noble estimate.
Link: 2.3.57
Enter LORD ROSS and LORD WILLOUGHBY
NORTHUMBERLAND
Here come the Lords of Ross and Willoughby,
Link: 2.3.58
Bloody with spurring, fiery-red with haste.
Link: 2.3.59
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Welcome, my lords. I wot your love pursues
Link: 2.3.60
A banish'd traitor: all my treasury
Link: 2.3.61
Is yet but unfelt thanks, which more enrich'd
Link: 2.3.62
Shall be your love and labour's recompense.
Link: 2.3.63
LORD ROSS
Your presence makes us rich, most noble lord.
Link: 2.3.64
LORD WILLOUGHBY
And far surmounts our labour to attain it.
Link: 2.3.65
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Evermore thanks, the exchequer of the poor;
Link: 2.3.66
Which, till my infant fortune comes to years,
Link: 2.3.67
Stands for my bounty. But who comes here?
Link: 2.3.68
Enter LORD BERKELEY
NORTHUMBERLAND
It is my Lord of Berkeley, as I guess.
Link: 2.3.69
LORD BERKELEY
My Lord of Hereford, my message is to you.
Link: 2.3.70
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
My lord, my answer is--to Lancaster;
Link: 2.3.71
And I am come to seek that name in England;
Link: 2.3.72
And I must find that title in your tongue,
Link: 2.3.73
Before I make reply to aught you say.
Link: 2.3.74
LORD BERKELEY
Mistake me not, my lord; 'tis not my meaning
Link: 2.3.75
To raze one title of your honour out:
Link: 2.3.76
To you, my lord, I come, what lord you will,
Link: 2.3.77
From the most gracious regent of this land,
Link: 2.3.78
The Duke of York, to know what pricks you on
Link: 2.3.79
To take advantage of the absent time
Link: 2.3.80
And fright our native peace with self-born arms.
Link: 2.3.81
Enter DUKE OF YORK attended
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I shall not need transport my words by you;
Link: 2.3.82
Here comes his grace in person. My noble uncle!
Link: 2.3.83
Kneels
DUKE OF YORK
Show me thy humble heart, and not thy knee,
Link: 2.3.84
Whose duty is deceiveable and false.
Link: 2.3.85
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
My gracious uncle--
Link: 2.3.86
DUKE OF YORK
Tut, tut!
Link: 2.3.87
Grace me no grace, nor uncle me no uncle:
Link: 2.3.88
I am no traitor's uncle; and that word 'grace.'
Link: 2.3.89
In an ungracious mouth is but profane.
Link: 2.3.90
Why have those banish'd and forbidden legs
Link: 2.3.91
Dared once to touch a dust of England's ground?
Link: 2.3.92
But then more 'why?' why have they dared to march
Link: 2.3.93
So many miles upon her peaceful bosom,
Link: 2.3.94
Frighting her pale-faced villages with war
Link: 2.3.95
And ostentation of despised arms?
Link: 2.3.96
Comest thou because the anointed king is hence?
Link: 2.3.97
Why, foolish boy, the king is left behind,
Link: 2.3.98
And in my loyal bosom lies his power.
Link: 2.3.99
Were I but now the lord of such hot youth
Link: 2.3.100
As when brave Gaunt, thy father, and myself
Link: 2.3.101
Rescued the Black Prince, that young Mars of men,
Link: 2.3.102
From forth the ranks of many thousand French,
Link: 2.3.103
O, then how quickly should this arm of mine.
Link: 2.3.104
Now prisoner to the palsy, chastise thee
Link: 2.3.105
And minister correction to thy fault!
Link: 2.3.106
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
My gracious uncle, let me know my fault:
Link: 2.3.107
On what condition stands it and wherein?
Link: 2.3.108
DUKE OF YORK
Even in condition of the worst degree,
Link: 2.3.109
In gross rebellion and detested treason:
Link: 2.3.110
Thou art a banish'd man, and here art come
Link: 2.3.111
Before the expiration of thy time,
Link: 2.3.112
In braving arms against thy sovereign.
Link: 2.3.113
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
As I was banish'd, I was banish'd Hereford;
Link: 2.3.114
But as I come, I come for Lancaster.
Link: 2.3.115
And, noble uncle, I beseech your grace
Link: 2.3.116
Look on my wrongs with an indifferent eye:
Link: 2.3.117
You are my father, for methinks in you
Link: 2.3.118
I see old Gaunt alive; O, then, my father,
Link: 2.3.119
Will you permit that I shall stand condemn'd
Link: 2.3.120
A wandering vagabond; my rights and royalties
Link: 2.3.121
Pluck'd from my arms perforce and given away
Link: 2.3.122
To upstart unthrifts? Wherefore was I born?
Link: 2.3.123
If that my cousin king be King of England,
Link: 2.3.124
It must be granted I am Duke of Lancaster.
Link: 2.3.125
You have a son, Aumerle, my noble cousin;
Link: 2.3.126
Had you first died, and he been thus trod down,
Link: 2.3.127
He should have found his uncle Gaunt a father,
Link: 2.3.128
To rouse his wrongs and chase them to the bay.
Link: 2.3.129
I am denied to sue my livery here,
Link: 2.3.130
And yet my letters-patents give me leave:
Link: 2.3.131
My father's goods are all distrain'd and sold,
Link: 2.3.132
And these and all are all amiss employ'd.
Link: 2.3.133
What would you have me do? I am a subject,
Link: 2.3.134
And I challenge law: attorneys are denied me;
Link: 2.3.135
And therefore, personally I lay my claim
Link: 2.3.136
To my inheritance of free descent.
Link: 2.3.137
NORTHUMBERLAND
The noble duke hath been too much abused.
Link: 2.3.138
LORD ROSS
It stands your grace upon to do him right.
Link: 2.3.139
LORD WILLOUGHBY
Base men by his endowments are made great.
Link: 2.3.140
DUKE OF YORK
My lords of England, let me tell you this:
Link: 2.3.141
I have had feeling of my cousin's wrongs
Link: 2.3.142
And laboured all I could to do him right;
Link: 2.3.143
But in this kind to come, in braving arms,
Link: 2.3.144
Be his own carver and cut out his way,
Link: 2.3.145
To find out right with wrong, it may not be;
Link: 2.3.146
And you that do abet him in this kind
Link: 2.3.147
Cherish rebellion and are rebels all.
Link: 2.3.148
NORTHUMBERLAND
The noble duke hath sworn his coming is
Link: 2.3.149
But for his own; and for the right of that
Link: 2.3.150
We all have strongly sworn to give him aid;
Link: 2.3.151
And let him ne'er see joy that breaks that oath!
Link: 2.3.152
DUKE OF YORK
Well, well, I see the issue of these arms:
Link: 2.3.153
I cannot mend it, I must needs confess,
Link: 2.3.154
Because my power is weak and all ill left:
Link: 2.3.155
But if I could, by Him that gave me life,
Link: 2.3.156
I would attach you all and make you stoop
Link: 2.3.157
Unto the sovereign mercy of the king;
Link: 2.3.158
But since I cannot, be it known to you
Link: 2.3.159
I do remain as neuter. So, fare you well;
Link: 2.3.160
Unless you please to enter in the castle
Link: 2.3.161
And there repose you for this night.
Link: 2.3.162
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
An offer, uncle, that we will accept:
Link: 2.3.163
But we must win your grace to go with us
Link: 2.3.164
To Bristol castle, which they say is held
Link: 2.3.165
By Bushy, Bagot and their complices,
Link: 2.3.166
The caterpillars of the commonwealth,
Link: 2.3.167
Which I have sworn to weed and pluck away.
Link: 2.3.168
DUKE OF YORK
It may be I will go with you: but yet I'll pause;
Link: 2.3.169
For I am loath to break our country's laws.
Link: 2.3.170
Nor friends nor foes, to me welcome you are:
Link: 2.3.171
Things past redress are now with me past care.
Link: 2.3.172
Exeunt
SCENE IV. A camp in Wales.
Scene 4 of Act 2 takes place in a garden where Queen Isabel and her ladies-in-waiting are discussing the current state of affairs in the country. The Queen is worried about her husband, King Richard II, and the political unrest that is brewing. She asks her ladies if they have heard any news about the Duke of Hereford, who has been banished from the kingdom. The ladies inform her that he has returned with an army and is currently in the north. At this point, the Duke of York enters and informs the Queen that he has received a letter from the Duke of Hereford, who is now calling himself Henry Bolingbroke. The letter states that Bolingbroke has returned to England to reclaim his lands and titles, which were taken from him by the King. The Queen is shocked and upset by this news and urges York to do something to stop Bolingbroke. York is torn between his loyalty to the King and his friendship with Bolingbroke. He tells the Queen that he will do what he can to help, but he cannot promise anything. The Queen is frustrated by York's indecisiveness and leaves the garden in a huff. As soon as the Queen is gone, York is approached by his nephew, Aumerle, who is also a friend of Bolingbroke. Aumerle asks York to intercede on Bolingbroke's behalf and use his influence with the King to broker a peace between the two men. York agrees to help, but warns Aumerle that he is putting himself in a dangerous position. The scene ends with York reflecting on his own precarious position and the difficult choices he will have to make in the days to come.
Enter EARL OF SALISBURY and a Welsh Captain
Captain
My lord of Salisbury, we have stay'd ten days,
Link: 2.4.1
And hardly kept our countrymen together,
Link: 2.4.2
And yet we hear no tidings from the king;
Link: 2.4.3
Therefore we will disperse ourselves: farewell.
Link: 2.4.4
EARL OF SALISBURY
Stay yet another day, thou trusty Welshman:
Link: 2.4.5
The king reposeth all his confidence in thee.
Link: 2.4.6
Captain
'Tis thought the king is dead; we will not stay.
Link: 2.4.7
The bay-trees in our country are all wither'd
Link: 2.4.8
And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven;
Link: 2.4.9
The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth
Link: 2.4.10
And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change;
Link: 2.4.11
Rich men look sad and ruffians dance and leap,
Link: 2.4.12
The one in fear to lose what they enjoy,
Link: 2.4.13
The other to enjoy by rage and war:
Link: 2.4.14
These signs forerun the death or fall of kings.
Link: 2.4.15
Farewell: our countrymen are gone and fled,
Link: 2.4.16
As well assured Richard their king is dead.
Link: 2.4.17
Exit
EARL OF SALISBURY
Ah, Richard, with the eyes of heavy mind
Link: 2.4.18
I see thy glory like a shooting star
Link: 2.4.19
Fall to the base earth from the firmament.
Link: 2.4.20
Thy sun sets weeping in the lowly west,
Link: 2.4.21
Witnessing storms to come, woe and unrest:
Link: 2.4.22
Thy friends are fled to wait upon thy foes,
Link: 2.4.23
And crossly to thy good all fortune goes.
Link: 2.4.24
Exit
Act III
Act 3 of Richard II is a pivotal moment in the play as it marks a turning point in the power struggle between King Richard II and his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. The act begins with Bolingbroke and his allies, including the Duke of York, discussing their plans to overthrow Richard and seize the throne. The Duke of York is torn between his loyalty to Richard, who is his nephew, and his sense of duty to England. Eventually, he agrees to support Bolingbroke.
In the next scene, Richard returns from Ireland to find that his power has been greatly diminished. Bolingbroke has seized his lands and has the support of many of Richard's former allies. Richard tries to assert his authority but is met with resistance. He is eventually forced to surrender to Bolingbroke, who accuses him of mismanaging the kingdom.
The final scene of Act 3 is a powerful exchange between Richard and Bolingbroke. Richard, who has always seen himself as divinely appointed to rule, is humbled by Bolingbroke's rise to power. Bolingbroke, on the other hand, is resolute in his determination to take the throne. The two men engage in a battle of wits, with Richard using his eloquence to try to convince Bolingbroke to spare him. However, Bolingbroke is unmoved and orders Richard to be taken to the Tower.
Overall, Act 3 of Richard II sets the stage for the final act of the play, in which Bolingbroke will be crowned as King Henry IV and Richard will face the consequences of his actions. It also highlights the themes of power, loyalty, and the divine right of kings that are central to the play.
SCENE I. Bristol. Before the castle.
In Scene 1 of Act 3, two noblemen, Bolingbroke and Mowbray, are set to duel. King Richard II is present and tries to intervene but is unsuccessful. The two men exchange insults and accusations, with Mowbray accusing Bolingbroke of treason and Bolingbroke denying it. The two then draw their swords and begin to fight. However, before either can land a fatal blow, King Richard II stops the fight and banishes both men. Bolingbroke is banished for ten years and Mowbray is banished for life. Bolingbroke is devastated by the banishment and vows to seek revenge against King Richard II. Meanwhile, the King is troubled by his decision and begins to question his own judgement. He is also concerned about the upcoming rebellion in Ireland and the fact that his own noblemen seem to be turning against him. The act ends with the King pondering the state of his kingdom and his own reign.
Enter HENRY BOLINGBROKE, DUKE OF YORK, NORTHUMBERLAND, LORD ROSS, HENRY PERCY, LORD WILLOUGHBY, with BUSHY and GREEN, prisoners
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Bring forth these men.
Link: 3.1.1
Bushy and Green, I will not vex your souls--
Link: 3.1.2
Since presently your souls must part your bodies--
Link: 3.1.3
With too much urging your pernicious lives,
Link: 3.1.4
For 'twere no charity; yet, to wash your blood
Link: 3.1.5
From off my hands, here in the view of men
Link: 3.1.6
I will unfold some causes of your deaths.
Link: 3.1.7
You have misled a prince, a royal king,
Link: 3.1.8
A happy gentleman in blood and lineaments,
Link: 3.1.9
By you unhappied and disfigured clean:
Link: 3.1.10
You have in manner with your sinful hours
Link: 3.1.11
Made a divorce betwixt his queen and him,
Link: 3.1.12
Broke the possession of a royal bed
Link: 3.1.13
And stain'd the beauty of a fair queen's cheeks
Link: 3.1.14
With tears drawn from her eyes by your foul wrongs.
Link: 3.1.15
Myself, a prince by fortune of my birth,
Link: 3.1.16
Near to the king in blood, and near in love
Link: 3.1.17
Till you did make him misinterpret me,
Link: 3.1.18
Have stoop'd my neck under your injuries,
Link: 3.1.19
And sigh'd my English breath in foreign clouds,
Link: 3.1.20
Eating the bitter bread of banishment;
Link: 3.1.21
Whilst you have fed upon my signories,
Link: 3.1.22
Dispark'd my parks and fell'd my forest woods,
Link: 3.1.23
From my own windows torn my household coat,
Link: 3.1.24
Razed out my imprese, leaving me no sign,
Link: 3.1.25
Save men's opinions and my living blood,
Link: 3.1.26
To show the world I am a gentleman.
Link: 3.1.27
This and much more, much more than twice all this,
Link: 3.1.28
Condemns you to the death. See them deliver'd over
Link: 3.1.29
To execution and the hand of death.
Link: 3.1.30
BUSHY
More welcome is the stroke of death to me
Link: 3.1.31
Than Bolingbroke to England. Lords, farewell.
Link: 3.1.32
GREEN
My comfort is that heaven will take our souls
Link: 3.1.33
And plague injustice with the pains of hell.
Link: 3.1.34
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
My Lord Northumberland, see them dispatch'd.
Link: 3.1.35
Uncle, you say the queen is at your house;
Link: 3.1.36
For God's sake, fairly let her be entreated:
Link: 3.1.37
Tell her I send to her my kind commends;
Link: 3.1.38
Take special care my greetings be deliver'd.
Link: 3.1.39
DUKE OF YORK
A gentleman of mine I have dispatch'd
Link: 3.1.40
With letters of your love to her at large.
Link: 3.1.41
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Thank, gentle uncle. Come, lords, away.
Link: 3.1.42
To fight with Glendower and his complices:
Link: 3.1.43
Awhile to work, and after holiday.
Link: 3.1.44
Exeunt
SCENE II. The coast of Wales. A castle in view.
Scene 2 of Act 3 takes place in a garden where Queen Isabel is speaking with her waiting women. The Queen is upset because she has just learned that her husband, King Richard II, has been taken prisoner by Henry Bolingbroke. She laments that she is now at the mercy of Bolingbroke and fears for her own safety and that of her children. The women try to comfort her but she is inconsolable. They are interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of York who is also upset by the news of Richard's capture. The Queen begs him to do something to help her husband, but he tells her that it is too late and that Bolingbroke now has the support of the people. He also reveals that he has joined Bolingbroke's cause and that he will do what he can to help Richard, but he cannot go against the will of the people. The Queen is outraged by the Duke's betrayal and accuses him of being disloyal to her husband. She tells him that he will regret his actions and that she will never forgive him. The Duke tries to explain that he is doing what he thinks is best for the country, but the Queen is not interested in hearing his excuses. As they continue to argue, they are interrupted by the arrival of Bolingbroke who has come to take the Queen and her ladies to London. The Queen is forced to go with him, but she makes it clear that she does not approve of Bolingbroke's actions and that she will never accept him as the rightful king. The scene ends with the Queen and her ladies being led away while the Duke of York remains behind, torn between his loyalty to the Queen and his duty to the country.
Drums; flourish and colours. Enter KING RICHARD II, the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, DUKE OF AUMERLE, and Soldiers
KING RICHARD II
Barkloughly castle call they this at hand?
Link: 3.2.1
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Yea, my lord. How brooks your grace the air,
Link: 3.2.2
After your late tossing on the breaking seas?
Link: 3.2.3
KING RICHARD II
Needs must I like it well: I weep for joy
Link: 3.2.4
To stand upon my kingdom once again.
Link: 3.2.5
Dear earth, I do salute thee with my hand,
Link: 3.2.6
Though rebels wound thee with their horses' hoofs:
Link: 3.2.7
As a long-parted mother with her child
Link: 3.2.8
Plays fondly with her tears and smiles in meeting,
Link: 3.2.9
So, weeping, smiling, greet I thee, my earth,
Link: 3.2.10
And do thee favours with my royal hands.
Link: 3.2.11
Feed not thy sovereign's foe, my gentle earth,
Link: 3.2.12
Nor with thy sweets comfort his ravenous sense;
Link: 3.2.13
But let thy spiders, that suck up thy venom,
Link: 3.2.14
And heavy-gaited toads lie in their way,
Link: 3.2.15
Doing annoyance to the treacherous feet
Link: 3.2.16
Which with usurping steps do trample thee:
Link: 3.2.17
Yield stinging nettles to mine enemies;
Link: 3.2.18
And when they from thy bosom pluck a flower,
Link: 3.2.19
Guard it, I pray thee, with a lurking adder
Link: 3.2.20
Whose double tongue may with a mortal touch
Link: 3.2.21
Throw death upon thy sovereign's enemies.
Link: 3.2.22
Mock not my senseless conjuration, lords:
Link: 3.2.23
This earth shall have a feeling and these stones
Link: 3.2.24
Prove armed soldiers, ere her native king
Link: 3.2.25
Shall falter under foul rebellion's arms.
Link: 3.2.26
BISHOP OF CARLISLE
Fear not, my lord: that Power that made you king
Link: 3.2.27
Hath power to keep you king in spite of all.
Link: 3.2.28
The means that heaven yields must be embraced,
Link: 3.2.29
And not neglected; else, if heaven would,
Link: 3.2.30
And we will not, heaven's offer we refuse,
Link: 3.2.31
The proffer'd means of succor and redress.
Link: 3.2.32
DUKE OF AUMERLE
He means, my lord, that we are too remiss;
Link: 3.2.33
Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security,
Link: 3.2.34
Grows strong and great in substance and in power.
Link: 3.2.35
KING RICHARD II
Discomfortable cousin! know'st thou not
Link: 3.2.36
That when the searching eye of heaven is hid,
Link: 3.2.37
Behind the globe, that lights the lower world,
Link: 3.2.38
Then thieves and robbers range abroad unseen
Link: 3.2.39
In murders and in outrage, boldly here;
Link: 3.2.40
But when from under this terrestrial ball
Link: 3.2.41
He fires the proud tops of the eastern pines
Link: 3.2.42
And darts his light through every guilty hole,
Link: 3.2.43
Then murders, treasons and detested sins,
Link: 3.2.44
The cloak of night being pluck'd from off their backs,
Link: 3.2.45
Stand bare and naked, trembling at themselves?
Link: 3.2.46
So when this thief, this traitor, Bolingbroke,
Link: 3.2.47
Who all this while hath revell'd in the night
Link: 3.2.48
Whilst we were wandering with the antipodes,
Link: 3.2.49
Shall see us rising in our throne, the east,
Link: 3.2.50
His treasons will sit blushing in his face,
Link: 3.2.51
Not able to endure the sight of day,
Link: 3.2.52
But self-affrighted tremble at his sin.
Link: 3.2.53
Not all the water in the rough rude sea
Link: 3.2.54
Can wash the balm off from an anointed king;
Link: 3.2.55
The breath of worldly men cannot depose
Link: 3.2.56
The deputy elected by the Lord:
Link: 3.2.57
For every man that Bolingbroke hath press'd
Link: 3.2.58
To lift shrewd steel against our golden crown,
Link: 3.2.59
God for his Richard hath in heavenly pay
Link: 3.2.60
A glorious angel: then, if angels fight,
Link: 3.2.61
Weak men must fall, for heaven still guards the right.
Link: 3.2.62
Welcome, my lord how far off lies your power?
Link: 3.2.63
EARL OF SALISBURY
Nor near nor farther off, my gracious lord,
Link: 3.2.64
Than this weak arm: discomfort guides my tongue
Link: 3.2.65
And bids me speak of nothing but despair.
Link: 3.2.66
One day too late, I fear me, noble lord,
Link: 3.2.67
Hath clouded all thy happy days on earth:
Link: 3.2.68
O, call back yesterday, bid time return,
Link: 3.2.69
And thou shalt have twelve thousand fighting men!
Link: 3.2.70
To-day, to-day, unhappy day, too late,
Link: 3.2.71
O'erthrows thy joys, friends, fortune and thy state:
Link: 3.2.72
For all the Welshmen, hearing thou wert dead.
Link: 3.2.73
Are gone to Bolingbroke, dispersed and fled.
Link: 3.2.74
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Comfort, my liege; why looks your grace so pale?
Link: 3.2.75
KING RICHARD II
But now the blood of twenty thousand men
Link: 3.2.76
Did triumph in my face, and they are fled;
Link: 3.2.77
And, till so much blood thither come again,
Link: 3.2.78
Have I not reason to look pale and dead?
Link: 3.2.79
All souls that will be safe fly from my side,
Link: 3.2.80
For time hath set a blot upon my pride.
Link: 3.2.81
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Comfort, my liege; remember who you are.
Link: 3.2.82
KING RICHARD II
I had forgot myself; am I not king?
Link: 3.2.83
Awake, thou coward majesty! thou sleepest.
Link: 3.2.84
Is not the king's name twenty thousand names?
Link: 3.2.85
Arm, arm, my name! a puny subject strikes
Link: 3.2.86
At thy great glory. Look not to the ground,
Link: 3.2.87
Ye favourites of a king: are we not high?
Link: 3.2.88
High be our thoughts: I know my uncle York
Link: 3.2.89
Hath power enough to serve our turn. But who comes here?
Link: 3.2.90
Enter SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
More health and happiness betide my liege
Link: 3.2.91
Than can my care-tuned tongue deliver him!
Link: 3.2.92
KING RICHARD II
Mine ear is open and my heart prepared;
Link: 3.2.93
The worst is worldly loss thou canst unfold.
Link: 3.2.94
Say, is my kingdom lost? why, 'twas my care
Link: 3.2.95
And what loss is it to be rid of care?
Link: 3.2.96
Strives Bolingbroke to be as great as we?
Link: 3.2.97
Greater he shall not be; if he serve God,
Link: 3.2.98
We'll serve Him too and be his fellow so:
Link: 3.2.99
Revolt our subjects? that we cannot mend;
Link: 3.2.100
They break their faith to God as well as us:
Link: 3.2.101
Cry woe, destruction, ruin and decay:
Link: 3.2.102
The worst is death, and death will have his day.
Link: 3.2.103
SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
Glad am I that your highness is so arm'd
Link: 3.2.104
To bear the tidings of calamity.
Link: 3.2.105
Like an unseasonable stormy day,
Link: 3.2.106
Which makes the silver rivers drown their shores,
Link: 3.2.107
As if the world were all dissolved to tears,
Link: 3.2.108
So high above his limits swells the rage
Link: 3.2.109
Of Bolingbroke, covering your fearful land
Link: 3.2.110
With hard bright steel and hearts harder than steel.
Link: 3.2.111
White-beards have arm'd their thin and hairless scalps
Link: 3.2.112
Against thy majesty; boys, with women's voices,
Link: 3.2.113
Strive to speak big and clap their female joints
Link: 3.2.114
In stiff unwieldy arms against thy crown:
Link: 3.2.115
The very beadsmen learn to bend their bows
Link: 3.2.116
Of double-fatal yew against thy state;
Link: 3.2.117
Yea, distaff-women manage rusty bills
Link: 3.2.118
Against thy seat: both young and old rebel,
Link: 3.2.119
And all goes worse than I have power to tell.
Link: 3.2.120
KING RICHARD II
Too well, too well thou tell'st a tale so ill.
Link: 3.2.121
Where is the Earl of Wiltshire? where is Bagot?
Link: 3.2.122
What is become of Bushy? where is Green?
Link: 3.2.123
That they have let the dangerous enemy
Link: 3.2.124
Measure our confines with such peaceful steps?
Link: 3.2.125
If we prevail, their heads shall pay for it:
Link: 3.2.126
I warrant they have made peace with Bolingbroke.
Link: 3.2.127
SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
Peace have they made with him indeed, my lord.
Link: 3.2.128
KING RICHARD II
O villains, vipers, damn'd without redemption!
Link: 3.2.129
Dogs, easily won to fawn on any man!
Link: 3.2.130
Snakes, in my heart-blood warm'd, that sting my heart!
Link: 3.2.131
Three Judases, each one thrice worse than Judas!
Link: 3.2.132
Would they make peace? terrible hell make war
Link: 3.2.133
Upon their spotted souls for this offence!
Link: 3.2.134
SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
Sweet love, I see, changing his property,
Link: 3.2.135
Turns to the sourest and most deadly hate:
Link: 3.2.136
Again uncurse their souls; their peace is made
Link: 3.2.137
With heads, and not with hands; those whom you curse
Link: 3.2.138
Have felt the worst of death's destroying wound
Link: 3.2.139
And lie full low, graved in the hollow ground.
Link: 3.2.140
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Is Bushy, Green, and the Earl of Wiltshire dead?
Link: 3.2.141
SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
Ay, all of them at Bristol lost their heads.
Link: 3.2.142
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Where is the duke my father with his power?
Link: 3.2.143
KING RICHARD II
No matter where; of comfort no man speak:
Link: 3.2.144
Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs;
Link: 3.2.145
Make dust our paper and with rainy eyes
Link: 3.2.146
Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth,
Link: 3.2.147
Let's choose executors and talk of wills:
Link: 3.2.148
And yet not so, for what can we bequeath
Link: 3.2.149
Save our deposed bodies to the ground?
Link: 3.2.150
Our lands, our lives and all are Bolingbroke's,
Link: 3.2.151
And nothing can we call our own but death
Link: 3.2.152
And that small model of the barren earth
Link: 3.2.153
Which serves as paste and cover to our bones.
Link: 3.2.154
For God's sake, let us sit upon the ground
Link: 3.2.155
And tell sad stories of the death of kings;
Link: 3.2.156
How some have been deposed; some slain in war,
Link: 3.2.157
Some haunted by the ghosts they have deposed;
Link: 3.2.158
Some poison'd by their wives: some sleeping kill'd;
Link: 3.2.159
All murder'd: for within the hollow crown
Link: 3.2.160
That rounds the mortal temples of a king
Link: 3.2.161
Keeps Death his court and there the antic sits,
Link: 3.2.162
Scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp,
Link: 3.2.163
Allowing him a breath, a little scene,
Link: 3.2.164
To monarchize, be fear'd and kill with looks,
Link: 3.2.165
Infusing him with self and vain conceit,
Link: 3.2.166
As if this flesh which walls about our life,
Link: 3.2.167
Were brass impregnable, and humour'd thus
Link: 3.2.168
Comes at the last and with a little pin
Link: 3.2.169
Bores through his castle wall, and farewell king!
Link: 3.2.170
Cover your heads and mock not flesh and blood
Link: 3.2.171
With solemn reverence: throw away respect,
Link: 3.2.172
Tradition, form and ceremonious duty,
Link: 3.2.173
For you have but mistook me all this while:
Link: 3.2.174
I live with bread like you, feel want,
Link: 3.2.175
Taste grief, need friends: subjected thus,
Link: 3.2.176
How can you say to me, I am a king?
Link: 3.2.177
BISHOP OF CARLISLE
My lord, wise men ne'er sit and wail their woes,
Link: 3.2.178
But presently prevent the ways to wail.
Link: 3.2.179
To fear the foe, since fear oppresseth strength,
Link: 3.2.180
Gives in your weakness strength unto your foe,
Link: 3.2.181
And so your follies fight against yourself.
Link: 3.2.182
Fear and be slain; no worse can come to fight:
Link: 3.2.183
And fight and die is death destroying death;
Link: 3.2.184
Where fearing dying pays death servile breath.
Link: 3.2.185
DUKE OF AUMERLE
My father hath a power; inquire of him
Link: 3.2.186
And learn to make a body of a limb.
Link: 3.2.187
KING RICHARD II
Thou chidest me well: proud Bolingbroke, I come
Link: 3.2.188
To change blows with thee for our day of doom.
Link: 3.2.189
This ague fit of fear is over-blown;
Link: 3.2.190
An easy task it is to win our own.
Link: 3.2.191
Say, Scroop, where lies our uncle with his power?
Link: 3.2.192
Speak sweetly, man, although thy looks be sour.
Link: 3.2.193
SIR STEPHEN SCROOP
Men judge by the complexion of the sky
Link: 3.2.194
The state and inclination of the day:
Link: 3.2.195
So may you by my dull and heavy eye,
Link: 3.2.196
My tongue hath but a heavier tale to say.
Link: 3.2.197
I play the torturer, by small and small
Link: 3.2.198
To lengthen out the worst that must be spoken:
Link: 3.2.199
Your uncle York is join'd with Bolingbroke,
Link: 3.2.200
And all your northern castles yielded up,
Link: 3.2.201
And all your southern gentlemen in arms
Link: 3.2.202
Upon his party.
Link: 3.2.203
KING RICHARD II
Thou hast said enough.
Link: 3.2.204
Beshrew thee, cousin, which didst lead me forth
Link: 3.2.205
Of that sweet way I was in to despair!
Link: 3.2.206
What say you now? what comfort have we now?
Link: 3.2.207
By heaven, I'll hate him everlastingly
Link: 3.2.208
That bids me be of comfort any more.
Link: 3.2.209
Go to Flint castle: there I'll pine away;
Link: 3.2.210
A king, woe's slave, shall kingly woe obey.
Link: 3.2.211
That power I have, discharge; and let them go
Link: 3.2.212
To ear the land that hath some hope to grow,
Link: 3.2.213
For I have none: let no man speak again
Link: 3.2.214
To alter this, for counsel is but vain.
Link: 3.2.215
DUKE OF AUMERLE
My liege, one word.
Link: 3.2.216
KING RICHARD II
He does me double wrong
Link: 3.2.217
That wounds me with the flatteries of his tongue.
Link: 3.2.218
Discharge my followers: let them hence away,
Link: 3.2.219
From Richard's night to Bolingbroke's fair day.
Link: 3.2.220
Exeunt
SCENE III. Wales. Before Flint castle.
Scene 3 of Act 3 presents an intense confrontation between King Richard II and his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. Bolingbroke has accused Thomas Mowbray of treason and Richard agrees to oversee a duel between the two men. However, just as the duel is about to begin, Richard halts it and decides to instead banish both men from England. This infuriates Bolingbroke, who sees it as a betrayal of justice and an abuse of Richard's power. Bolingbroke vows to return to England and reclaim his rights, while Richard seems to be slowly losing his grip on his authority. The scene is notable for its complex language and the way it reveals the characters' motivations and inner turmoil. Richard is shown as a capricious and unpredictable ruler, prone to changing his mind and disregarding the opinions of his advisors. Bolingbroke, on the other hand, is depicted as a principled man who is deeply offended by Richard's actions and is willing to fight for his beliefs. The tensions between the two men foreshadow the larger political conflict that will eventually lead to Richard's downfall and Bolingbroke's rise to power. Overall, Scene 3 of Act 3 is a crucial moment in the play's plot, as it sets the stage for the power struggle that will dominate the rest of the story. It also showcases Shakespeare's skill at creating complex characters and exploring themes of justice, power, and loyalty.
Enter, with drum and colours, HENRY BOLINGBROKE, DUKE OF YORK, NORTHUMBERLAND, Attendants, and forces
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
So that by this intelligence we learn
Link: 3.3.1
The Welshmen are dispersed, and Salisbury
Link: 3.3.2
Is gone to meet the king, who lately landed
Link: 3.3.3
With some few private friends upon this coast.
Link: 3.3.4
NORTHUMBERLAND
The news is very fair and good, my lord:
Link: 3.3.5
Richard not far from hence hath hid his head.
Link: 3.3.6
DUKE OF YORK
It would beseem the Lord Northumberland
Link: 3.3.7
To say 'King Richard:' alack the heavy day
Link: 3.3.8
When such a sacred king should hide his head.
Link: 3.3.9
NORTHUMBERLAND
Your grace mistakes; only to be brief
Link: 3.3.10
Left I his title out.
Link: 3.3.11
DUKE OF YORK
The time hath been,
Link: 3.3.12
Would you have been so brief with him, he would
Link: 3.3.13
Have been so brief with you, to shorten you,
Link: 3.3.14
For taking so the head, your whole head's length.
Link: 3.3.15
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Mistake not, uncle, further than you should.
Link: 3.3.16
DUKE OF YORK
Take not, good cousin, further than you should.
Link: 3.3.17
Lest you mistake the heavens are o'er our heads.
Link: 3.3.18
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I know it, uncle, and oppose not myself
Link: 3.3.19
Against their will. But who comes here?
Link: 3.3.20
Welcome, Harry: what, will not this castle yield?
Link: 3.3.21
HENRY PERCY
The castle royally is mann'd, my lord,
Link: 3.3.22
Against thy entrance.
Link: 3.3.23
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Royally!
Link: 3.3.24
Why, it contains no king?
Link: 3.3.25
HENRY PERCY
Yes, my good lord,
Link: 3.3.26
It doth contain a king; King Richard lies
Link: 3.3.27
Within the limits of yon lime and stone:
Link: 3.3.28
And with him are the Lord Aumerle, Lord Salisbury,
Link: 3.3.29
Sir Stephen Scroop, besides a clergyman
Link: 3.3.30
Of holy reverence; who, I cannot learn.
Link: 3.3.31
NORTHUMBERLAND
O, belike it is the Bishop of Carlisle.
Link: 3.3.32
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Noble lords,
Link: 3.3.33
Go to the rude ribs of that ancient castle;
Link: 3.3.34
Through brazen trumpet send the breath of parley
Link: 3.3.35
Into his ruin'd ears, and thus deliver:
Link: 3.3.36
Henry Bolingbroke
Link: 3.3.37
On both his knees doth kiss King Richard's hand
Link: 3.3.38
And sends allegiance and true faith of heart
Link: 3.3.39
To his most royal person, hither come
Link: 3.3.40
Even at his feet to lay my arms and power,
Link: 3.3.41
Provided that my banishment repeal'd
Link: 3.3.42
And lands restored again be freely granted:
Link: 3.3.43
If not, I'll use the advantage of my power
Link: 3.3.44
And lay the summer's dust with showers of blood
Link: 3.3.45
Rain'd from the wounds of slaughter'd Englishmen:
Link: 3.3.46
The which, how far off from the mind of Bolingbroke
Link: 3.3.47
It is, such crimson tempest should bedrench
Link: 3.3.48
The fresh green lap of fair King Richard's land,
Link: 3.3.49
My stooping duty tenderly shall show.
Link: 3.3.50
Go, signify as much, while here we march
Link: 3.3.51
Upon the grassy carpet of this plain.
Link: 3.3.52
Let's march without the noise of threatening drum,
Link: 3.3.53
That from this castle's tatter'd battlements
Link: 3.3.54
Our fair appointments may be well perused.
Link: 3.3.55
Methinks King Richard and myself should meet
Link: 3.3.56
With no less terror than the elements
Link: 3.3.57
Of fire and water, when their thundering shock
Link: 3.3.58
At meeting tears the cloudy cheeks of heaven.
Link: 3.3.59
Be he the fire, I'll be the yielding water:
Link: 3.3.60
The rage be his, whilst on the earth I rain
Link: 3.3.61
My waters; on the earth, and not on him.
Link: 3.3.62
March on, and mark King Richard how he looks.
Link: 3.3.63
See, see, King Richard doth himself appear,
Link: 3.3.64
As doth the blushing discontented sun
Link: 3.3.65
From out the fiery portal of the east,
Link: 3.3.66
When he perceives the envious clouds are bent
Link: 3.3.67
To dim his glory and to stain the track
Link: 3.3.68
Of his bright passage to the occident.
Link: 3.3.69
DUKE OF YORK
Yet looks he like a king: behold, his eye,
Link: 3.3.70
As bright as is the eagle's, lightens forth
Link: 3.3.71
Controlling majesty: alack, alack, for woe,
Link: 3.3.72
That any harm should stain so fair a show!
Link: 3.3.73
KING RICHARD II
We are amazed; and thus long have we stood
Link: 3.3.74
To watch the fearful bending of thy knee,
Link: 3.3.75
Because we thought ourself thy lawful king:
Link: 3.3.76
And if we be, how dare thy joints forget
Link: 3.3.77
To pay their awful duty to our presence?
Link: 3.3.78
If we be not, show us the hand of God
Link: 3.3.79
That hath dismissed us from our stewardship;
Link: 3.3.80
For well we know, no hand of blood and bone
Link: 3.3.81
Can gripe the sacred handle of our sceptre,
Link: 3.3.82
Unless he do profane, steal, or usurp.
Link: 3.3.83
And though you think that all, as you have done,
Link: 3.3.84
Have torn their souls by turning them from us,
Link: 3.3.85
And we are barren and bereft of friends;
Link: 3.3.86
Yet know, my master, God omnipotent,
Link: 3.3.87
Is mustering in his clouds on our behalf
Link: 3.3.88
Armies of pestilence; and they shall strike
Link: 3.3.89
Your children yet unborn and unbegot,
Link: 3.3.90
That lift your vassal hands against my head
Link: 3.3.91
And threat the glory of my precious crown.
Link: 3.3.92
Tell Bolingbroke--for yond methinks he stands--
Link: 3.3.93
That every stride he makes upon my land
Link: 3.3.94
Is dangerous treason: he is come to open
Link: 3.3.95
The purple testament of bleeding war;
Link: 3.3.96
But ere the crown he looks for live in peace,
Link: 3.3.97
Ten thousand bloody crowns of mothers' sons
Link: 3.3.98
Shall ill become the flower of England's face,
Link: 3.3.99
Change the complexion of her maid-pale peace
Link: 3.3.100
To scarlet indignation and bedew
Link: 3.3.101
Her pastures' grass with faithful English blood.
Link: 3.3.102
NORTHUMBERLAND
The king of heaven forbid our lord the king
Link: 3.3.103
Should so with civil and uncivil arms
Link: 3.3.104
Be rush'd upon! Thy thrice noble cousin
Link: 3.3.105
Harry Bolingbroke doth humbly kiss thy hand;
Link: 3.3.106
And by the honourable tomb he swears,
Link: 3.3.107
That stands upon your royal grandsire's bones,
Link: 3.3.108
And by the royalties of both your bloods,
Link: 3.3.109
Currents that spring from one most gracious head,
Link: 3.3.110
And by the buried hand of warlike Gaunt,
Link: 3.3.111
And by the worth and honour of himself,
Link: 3.3.112
Comprising all that may be sworn or said,
Link: 3.3.113
His coming hither hath no further scope
Link: 3.3.114
Than for his lineal royalties and to beg
Link: 3.3.115
Enfranchisement immediate on his knees:
Link: 3.3.116
Which on thy royal party granted once,
Link: 3.3.117
His glittering arms he will commend to rust,
Link: 3.3.118
His barbed steeds to stables, and his heart
Link: 3.3.119
To faithful service of your majesty.
Link: 3.3.120
This swears he, as he is a prince, is just;
Link: 3.3.121
And, as I am a gentleman, I credit him.
Link: 3.3.122
KING RICHARD II
Northumberland, say thus the king returns:
Link: 3.3.123
His noble cousin is right welcome hither;
Link: 3.3.124
And all the number of his fair demands
Link: 3.3.125
Shall be accomplish'd without contradiction:
Link: 3.3.126
With all the gracious utterance thou hast
Link: 3.3.127
Speak to his gentle hearing kind commends.
Link: 3.3.128
We do debase ourselves, cousin, do we not,
Link: 3.3.129
To look so poorly and to speak so fair?
Link: 3.3.130
Shall we call back Northumberland, and send
Link: 3.3.131
Defiance to the traitor, and so die?
Link: 3.3.132
DUKE OF AUMERLE
No, good my lord; let's fight with gentle words
Link: 3.3.133
Till time lend friends and friends their helpful swords.
Link: 3.3.134
KING RICHARD II
O God, O God! that e'er this tongue of mine,
Link: 3.3.135
That laid the sentence of dread banishment
Link: 3.3.136
On yon proud man, should take it off again
Link: 3.3.137
With words of sooth! O that I were as great
Link: 3.3.138
As is my grief, or lesser than my name!
Link: 3.3.139
Or that I could forget what I have been,
Link: 3.3.140
Or not remember what I must be now!
Link: 3.3.141
Swell'st thou, proud heart? I'll give thee scope to beat,
Link: 3.3.142
Since foes have scope to beat both thee and me.
Link: 3.3.143
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Northumberland comes back from Bolingbroke.
Link: 3.3.144
KING RICHARD II
What must the king do now? must he submit?
Link: 3.3.145
The king shall do it: must he be deposed?
Link: 3.3.146
The king shall be contented: must he lose
Link: 3.3.147
The name of king? o' God's name, let it go:
Link: 3.3.148
I'll give my jewels for a set of beads,
Link: 3.3.149
My gorgeous palace for a hermitage,
Link: 3.3.150
My gay apparel for an almsman's gown,
Link: 3.3.151
My figured goblets for a dish of wood,
Link: 3.3.152
My sceptre for a palmer's walking staff,
Link: 3.3.153
My subjects for a pair of carved saints
Link: 3.3.154
And my large kingdom for a little grave,
Link: 3.3.155
A little little grave, an obscure grave;
Link: 3.3.156
Or I'll be buried in the king's highway,
Link: 3.3.157
Some way of common trade, where subjects' feet
Link: 3.3.158
May hourly trample on their sovereign's head;
Link: 3.3.159
For on my heart they tread now whilst I live;
Link: 3.3.160
And buried once, why not upon my head?
Link: 3.3.161
Aumerle, thou weep'st, my tender-hearted cousin!
Link: 3.3.162
We'll make foul weather with despised tears;
Link: 3.3.163
Our sighs and they shall lodge the summer corn,
Link: 3.3.164
And make a dearth in this revolting land.
Link: 3.3.165
Or shall we play the wantons with our woes,
Link: 3.3.166
And make some pretty match with shedding tears?
Link: 3.3.167
As thus, to drop them still upon one place,
Link: 3.3.168
Till they have fretted us a pair of graves
Link: 3.3.169
Within the earth; and, therein laid,--there lies
Link: 3.3.170
Two kinsmen digg'd their graves with weeping eyes.
Link: 3.3.171
Would not this ill do well? Well, well, I see
Link: 3.3.172
I talk but idly, and you laugh at me.
Link: 3.3.173
Most mighty prince, my Lord Northumberland,
Link: 3.3.174
What says King Bolingbroke? will his majesty
Link: 3.3.175
Give Richard leave to live till Richard die?
Link: 3.3.176
You make a leg, and Bolingbroke says ay.
Link: 3.3.177
NORTHUMBERLAND
My lord, in the base court he doth attend
Link: 3.3.178
To speak with you; may it please you to come down.
Link: 3.3.179
KING RICHARD II
Down, down I come; like glistering Phaethon,
Link: 3.3.180
Wanting the manage of unruly jades.
Link: 3.3.181
In the base court? Base court, where kings grow base,
Link: 3.3.182
To come at traitors' calls and do them grace.
Link: 3.3.183
In the base court? Come down? Down, court!
Link: 3.3.184
down, king!
Link: 3.3.185
For night-owls shriek where mounting larks
Link: 3.3.186
should sing.
Link: 3.3.187
Exeunt from above
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
What says his majesty?
Link: 3.3.188
NORTHUMBERLAND
Sorrow and grief of heart
Link: 3.3.189
Makes him speak fondly, like a frantic man
Link: 3.3.190
Yet he is come.
Link: 3.3.191
Enter KING RICHARD and his attendants below
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Stand all apart,
Link: 3.3.192
And show fair duty to his majesty.
Link: 3.3.193
My gracious lord,--
Link: 3.3.194
KING RICHARD II
Fair cousin, you debase your princely knee
Link: 3.3.195
To make the base earth proud with kissing it:
Link: 3.3.196
Me rather had my heart might feel your love
Link: 3.3.197
Than my unpleased eye see your courtesy.
Link: 3.3.198
Up, cousin, up; your heart is up, I know,
Link: 3.3.199
Thus high at least, although your knee be low.
Link: 3.3.200
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
My gracious lord, I come but for mine own.
Link: 3.3.201
KING RICHARD II
Your own is yours, and I am yours, and all.
Link: 3.3.202
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
So far be mine, my most redoubted lord,
Link: 3.3.203
As my true service shall deserve your love.
Link: 3.3.204
KING RICHARD II
Well you deserve: they well deserve to have,
Link: 3.3.205
That know the strong'st and surest way to get.
Link: 3.3.206
Uncle, give me your hands: nay, dry your eyes;
Link: 3.3.207
Tears show their love, but want their remedies.
Link: 3.3.208
Cousin, I am too young to be your father,
Link: 3.3.209
Though you are old enough to be my heir.
Link: 3.3.210
What you will have, I'll give, and willing too;
Link: 3.3.211
For do we must what force will have us do.
Link: 3.3.212
Set on towards London, cousin, is it so?
Link: 3.3.213
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Yea, my good lord.
Link: 3.3.214
KING RICHARD II
Then I must not say no.
Link: 3.3.215
Flourish. Exeunt
SCENE IV. LANGLEY. The DUKE OF YORK's garden.
Scene 4 of Act 3 involves a confrontation between Richard II and his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. Bolingbroke accuses Richard of stealing his inheritance and demands that justice be served. Richard initially denies the accusations and attempts to calm Bolingbroke with flattery and empty promises. However, Bolingbroke remains steadfast in his demands and Richard ultimately agrees to a trial by combat to settle the matter. Throughout the scene, the tension between the two characters builds as they exchange words of anger and frustration. Richard's attempts to manipulate Bolingbroke with his words are met with resistance, and the scene ends with the knowledge that the conflict between the two will soon come to a head. Overall, Scene 4 of Act 3 is a pivotal moment in the play, as it sets the stage for the eventual downfall of Richard II and the rise of Bolingbroke to power. It highlights the themes of power, justice, and betrayal that run throughout the play, and serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise when those in positions of authority abuse their power.
Enter the QUEEN and two Ladies
QUEEN
What sport shall we devise here in this garden,
Link: 3.4.1
To drive away the heavy thought of care?
Link: 3.4.2
Lady
Madam, we'll play at bowls.
Link: 3.4.3
QUEEN
'Twill make me think the world is full of rubs,
Link: 3.4.4
And that my fortune rubs against the bias.
Link: 3.4.5
Lady
Madam, we'll dance.
Link: 3.4.6
QUEEN
My legs can keep no measure in delight,
Link: 3.4.7
When my poor heart no measure keeps in grief:
Link: 3.4.8
Therefore, no dancing, girl; some other sport.
Link: 3.4.9
Lady
Madam, we'll tell tales.
Link: 3.4.10
QUEEN
Of sorrow or of joy?
Link: 3.4.11
Lady
Of either, madam.
Link: 3.4.12
QUEEN
Of neither, girl:
Link: 3.4.13
For of joy, being altogether wanting,
Link: 3.4.14
It doth remember me the more of sorrow;
Link: 3.4.15
Or if of grief, being altogether had,
Link: 3.4.16
It adds more sorrow to my want of joy:
Link: 3.4.17
For what I have I need not to repeat;
Link: 3.4.18
And what I want it boots not to complain.
Link: 3.4.19
Lady
Madam, I'll sing.
Link: 3.4.20
QUEEN
'Tis well that thou hast cause
Link: 3.4.21
But thou shouldst please me better, wouldst thou weep.
Link: 3.4.22
Lady
I could weep, madam, would it do you good.
Link: 3.4.23
QUEEN
And I could sing, would weeping do me good,
Link: 3.4.24
And never borrow any tear of thee.
Link: 3.4.25
But stay, here come the gardeners:
Link: 3.4.26
Let's step into the shadow of these trees.
Link: 3.4.27
My wretchedness unto a row of pins,
Link: 3.4.28
They'll talk of state; for every one doth so
Link: 3.4.29
Against a change; woe is forerun with woe.
Link: 3.4.30
QUEEN and Ladies retire
Gardener
Go, bind thou up yon dangling apricocks,
Link: 3.4.31
Which, like unruly children, make their sire
Link: 3.4.32
Stoop with oppression of their prodigal weight:
Link: 3.4.33
Give some supportance to the bending twigs.
Link: 3.4.34
Go thou, and like an executioner,
Link: 3.4.35
Cut off the heads of too fast growing sprays,
Link: 3.4.36
That look too lofty in our commonwealth:
Link: 3.4.37
All must be even in our government.
Link: 3.4.38
You thus employ'd, I will go root away
Link: 3.4.39
The noisome weeds, which without profit suck
Link: 3.4.40
The soil's fertility from wholesome flowers.
Link: 3.4.41
Servant
Why should we in the compass of a pale
Link: 3.4.42
Keep law and form and due proportion,
Link: 3.4.43
Showing, as in a model, our firm estate,
Link: 3.4.44
When our sea-walled garden, the whole land,
Link: 3.4.45
Is full of weeds, her fairest flowers choked up,
Link: 3.4.46
Her fruit-trees all upturned, her hedges ruin'd,
Link: 3.4.47
Her knots disorder'd and her wholesome herbs
Link: 3.4.48
Swarming with caterpillars?
Link: 3.4.49
Gardener
Hold thy peace:
Link: 3.4.50
He that hath suffer'd this disorder'd spring
Link: 3.4.51
Hath now himself met with the fall of leaf:
Link: 3.4.52
The weeds which his broad-spreading leaves did shelter,
Link: 3.4.53
That seem'd in eating him to hold him up,
Link: 3.4.54
Are pluck'd up root and all by Bolingbroke,
Link: 3.4.55
I mean the Earl of Wiltshire, Bushy, Green.
Link: 3.4.56
Servant
What, are they dead?
Link: 3.4.57
Gardener
They are; and Bolingbroke
Link: 3.4.58
Hath seized the wasteful king. O, what pity is it
Link: 3.4.59
That he had not so trimm'd and dress'd his land
Link: 3.4.60
As we this garden! We at time of year
Link: 3.4.61
Do wound the bark, the skin of our fruit-trees,
Link: 3.4.62
Lest, being over-proud in sap and blood,
Link: 3.4.63
With too much riches it confound itself:
Link: 3.4.64
Had he done so to great and growing men,
Link: 3.4.65
They might have lived to bear and he to taste
Link: 3.4.66
Their fruits of duty: superfluous branches
Link: 3.4.67
We lop away, that bearing boughs may live:
Link: 3.4.68
Had he done so, himself had borne the crown,
Link: 3.4.69
Which waste of idle hours hath quite thrown down.
Link: 3.4.70
Servant
What, think you then the king shall be deposed?
Link: 3.4.71
Gardener
Depress'd he is already, and deposed
Link: 3.4.72
'Tis doubt he will be: letters came last night
Link: 3.4.73
To a dear friend of the good Duke of York's,
Link: 3.4.74
That tell black tidings.
Link: 3.4.75
QUEEN
O, I am press'd to death through want of speaking!
Link: 3.4.76
Thou, old Adam's likeness, set to dress this garden,
Link: 3.4.77
How dares thy harsh rude tongue sound this unpleasing news?
Link: 3.4.78
What Eve, what serpent, hath suggested thee
Link: 3.4.79
To make a second fall of cursed man?
Link: 3.4.80
Why dost thou say King Richard is deposed?
Link: 3.4.81
Darest thou, thou little better thing than earth,
Link: 3.4.82
Divine his downfall? Say, where, when, and how,
Link: 3.4.83
Camest thou by this ill tidings? speak, thou wretch.
Link: 3.4.84
Gardener
Pardon me, madam: little joy have I
Link: 3.4.85
To breathe this news; yet what I say is true.
Link: 3.4.86
King Richard, he is in the mighty hold
Link: 3.4.87
Of Bolingbroke: their fortunes both are weigh'd:
Link: 3.4.88
In your lord's scale is nothing but himself,
Link: 3.4.89
And some few vanities that make him light;
Link: 3.4.90
But in the balance of great Bolingbroke,
Link: 3.4.91
Besides himself, are all the English peers,
Link: 3.4.92
And with that odds he weighs King Richard down.
Link: 3.4.93
Post you to London, and you will find it so;
Link: 3.4.94
I speak no more than every one doth know.
Link: 3.4.95
QUEEN
Nimble mischance, that art so light of foot,
Link: 3.4.96
Doth not thy embassage belong to me,
Link: 3.4.97
And am I last that knows it? O, thou think'st
Link: 3.4.98
To serve me last, that I may longest keep
Link: 3.4.99
Thy sorrow in my breast. Come, ladies, go,
Link: 3.4.100
To meet at London London's king in woe.
Link: 3.4.101
What, was I born to this, that my sad look
Link: 3.4.102
Should grace the triumph of great Bolingbroke?
Link: 3.4.103
Gardener, for telling me these news of woe,
Link: 3.4.104
Pray God the plants thou graft'st may never grow.
Link: 3.4.105
Exeunt QUEEN and Ladies
GARDENER
Poor queen! so that thy state might be no worse,
Link: 3.4.106
I would my skill were subject to thy curse.
Link: 3.4.107
Here did she fall a tear; here in this place
Link: 3.4.108
I'll set a bank of rue, sour herb of grace:
Link: 3.4.109
Rue, even for ruth, here shortly shall be seen,
Link: 3.4.110
In the remembrance of a weeping queen.
Link: 3.4.111
Exeunt
Act IV
Act 4 of Richard II is a pivotal point in the play as it sees the downfall of Richard's reign as king. The act begins with Richard being imprisoned and reflecting on his past actions, realizing that his arrogance and poor leadership have led to his current situation. Meanwhile, Henry Bolingbroke (who will later become Henry IV) has returned from exile and is gathering support to overthrow Richard and take the throne.
In a dramatic scene, Richard and Bolingbroke meet and exchange heated words before Bolingbroke accuses Richard of several crimes, including murder. The two agree to a trial by combat, but before it can take place, Richard loses support from his own army and is forced to surrender the crown to Bolingbroke.
The act concludes with Bolingbroke officially becoming king and Richard being escorted to prison. It is a somber moment as Richard realizes that his reign is over and his fate is now in the hands of his successor.
Overall, Act 4 is a turning point in the play as it marks the end of Richard's reign and sets the stage for the rise of Bolingbroke. It also highlights the themes of power, leadership, and the consequences of one's actions.
SCENE I. Westminster Hall.
Scene 1 of Act 4 follows the deposition of King Richard II by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, who has become King Henry IV. The scene takes place in the garden of the Duke of York's palace in London. The Duke of York is speaking with his wife and his Duchess, who is lamenting the downfall of King Richard II. The Duke of York tries to comfort her, but he is also troubled by the events that have transpired. As they speak, they are interrupted by the arrival of the new king, Henry IV, and his entourage. Henry IV is accompanied by the Duke of Aumerle, his cousin, who has been implicated in a plot to overthrow him. Henry IV orders the arrest of Aumerle, but the Duke of York pleads with him to show mercy. Henry IV agrees to spare Aumerle's life, but he banishes him from England and takes possession of his lands. The scene ends with Henry IV and his entourage departing, and the Duke of York and his Duchess lamenting the fate of their family and country.
Enter, as to the Parliament, HENRY BOLINGBROKE, DUKE OF AUMERLE, NORTHUMBERLAND, HENRY PERCY, LORD FITZWATER, DUKE OF SURREY, the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, the Abbot Of Westminster, and another Lord, Herald, Officers, and BAGOT
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Call forth Bagot.
Link: 4.1.1
Now, Bagot, freely speak thy mind;
Link: 4.1.2
What thou dost know of noble Gloucester's death,
Link: 4.1.3
Who wrought it with the king, and who perform'd
Link: 4.1.4
The bloody office of his timeless end.
Link: 4.1.5
BAGOT
Then set before my face the Lord Aumerle.
Link: 4.1.6
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Cousin, stand forth, and look upon that man.
Link: 4.1.7
BAGOT
My Lord Aumerle, I know your daring tongue
Link: 4.1.8
Scorns to unsay what once it hath deliver'd.
Link: 4.1.9
In that dead time when Gloucester's death was plotted,
Link: 4.1.10
I heard you say, 'Is not my arm of length,
Link: 4.1.11
That reacheth from the restful English court
Link: 4.1.12
As far as Calais, to mine uncle's head?'
Link: 4.1.13
Amongst much other talk, that very time,
Link: 4.1.14
I heard you say that you had rather refuse
Link: 4.1.15
The offer of an hundred thousand crowns
Link: 4.1.16
Than Bolingbroke's return to England;
Link: 4.1.17
Adding withal how blest this land would be
Link: 4.1.18
In this your cousin's death.
Link: 4.1.19
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Princes and noble lords,
Link: 4.1.20
What answer shall I make to this base man?
Link: 4.1.21
Shall I so much dishonour my fair stars,
Link: 4.1.22
On equal terms to give him chastisement?
Link: 4.1.23
Either I must, or have mine honour soil'd
Link: 4.1.24
With the attainder of his slanderous lips.
Link: 4.1.25
There is my gage, the manual seal of death,
Link: 4.1.26
That marks thee out for hell: I say, thou liest,
Link: 4.1.27
And will maintain what thou hast said is false
Link: 4.1.28
In thy heart-blood, though being all too base
Link: 4.1.29
To stain the temper of my knightly sword.
Link: 4.1.30
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Bagot, forbear; thou shalt not take it up.
Link: 4.1.31
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Excepting one, I would he were the best
Link: 4.1.32
In all this presence that hath moved me so.
Link: 4.1.33
LORD FITZWATER
If that thy valour stand on sympathy,
Link: 4.1.34
There is my gage, Aumerle, in gage to thine:
Link: 4.1.35
By that fair sun which shows me where thou stand'st,
Link: 4.1.36
I heard thee say, and vauntingly thou spakest it
Link: 4.1.37
That thou wert cause of noble Gloucester's death.
Link: 4.1.38
If thou deny'st it twenty times, thou liest;
Link: 4.1.39
And I will turn thy falsehood to thy heart,
Link: 4.1.40
Where it was forged, with my rapier's point.
Link: 4.1.41
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Thou darest not, coward, live to see that day.
Link: 4.1.42
LORD FITZWATER
Now by my soul, I would it were this hour.
Link: 4.1.43
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Fitzwater, thou art damn'd to hell for this.
Link: 4.1.44
HENRY PERCY
Aumerle, thou liest; his honour is as true
Link: 4.1.45
In this appeal as thou art all unjust;
Link: 4.1.46
And that thou art so, there I throw my gage,
Link: 4.1.47
To prove it on thee to the extremest point
Link: 4.1.48
Of mortal breathing: seize it, if thou darest.
Link: 4.1.49
DUKE OF AUMERLE
An if I do not, may my hands rot off
Link: 4.1.50
And never brandish more revengeful steel
Link: 4.1.51
Over the glittering helmet of my foe!
Link: 4.1.52
Lord
I task the earth to the like, forsworn Aumerle;
Link: 4.1.53
And spur thee on with full as many lies
Link: 4.1.54
As may be holloa'd in thy treacherous ear
Link: 4.1.55
From sun to sun: there is my honour's pawn;
Link: 4.1.56
Engage it to the trial, if thou darest.
Link: 4.1.57
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Who sets me else? by heaven, I'll throw at all:
Link: 4.1.58
I have a thousand spirits in one breast,
Link: 4.1.59
To answer twenty thousand such as you.
Link: 4.1.60
DUKE OF SURREY
My Lord Fitzwater, I do remember well
Link: 4.1.61
The very time Aumerle and you did talk.
Link: 4.1.62
LORD FITZWATER
'Tis very true: you were in presence then;
Link: 4.1.63
And you can witness with me this is true.
Link: 4.1.64
DUKE OF SURREY
As false, by heaven, as heaven itself is true.
Link: 4.1.65
LORD FITZWATER
Surrey, thou liest.
Link: 4.1.66
DUKE OF SURREY
Dishonourable boy!
Link: 4.1.67
That lie shall lie so heavy on my sword,
Link: 4.1.68
That it shall render vengeance and revenge
Link: 4.1.69
Till thou the lie-giver and that lie do lie
Link: 4.1.70
In earth as quiet as thy father's skull:
Link: 4.1.71
In proof whereof, there is my honour's pawn;
Link: 4.1.72
Engage it to the trial, if thou darest.
Link: 4.1.73
LORD FITZWATER
How fondly dost thou spur a forward horse!
Link: 4.1.74
If I dare eat, or drink, or breathe, or live,
Link: 4.1.75
I dare meet Surrey in a wilderness,
Link: 4.1.76
And spit upon him, whilst I say he lies,
Link: 4.1.77
And lies, and lies: there is my bond of faith,
Link: 4.1.78
To tie thee to my strong correction.
Link: 4.1.79
As I intend to thrive in this new world,
Link: 4.1.80
Aumerle is guilty of my true appeal:
Link: 4.1.81
Besides, I heard the banish'd Norfolk say
Link: 4.1.82
That thou, Aumerle, didst send two of thy men
Link: 4.1.83
To execute the noble duke at Calais.
Link: 4.1.84
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Some honest Christian trust me with a gage
Link: 4.1.85
That Norfolk lies: here do I throw down this,
Link: 4.1.86
If he may be repeal'd, to try his honour.
Link: 4.1.87
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
These differences shall all rest under gage
Link: 4.1.88
Till Norfolk be repeal'd: repeal'd he shall be,
Link: 4.1.89
And, though mine enemy, restored again
Link: 4.1.90
To all his lands and signories: when he's return'd,
Link: 4.1.91
Against Aumerle we will enforce his trial.
Link: 4.1.92
BISHOP OF CARLISLE
That honourable day shall ne'er be seen.
Link: 4.1.93
Many a time hath banish'd Norfolk fought
Link: 4.1.94
For Jesu Christ in glorious Christian field,
Link: 4.1.95
Streaming the ensign of the Christian cross
Link: 4.1.96
Against black pagans, Turks, and Saracens:
Link: 4.1.97
And toil'd with works of war, retired himself
Link: 4.1.98
To Italy; and there at Venice gave
Link: 4.1.99
His body to that pleasant country's earth,
Link: 4.1.100
And his pure soul unto his captain Christ,
Link: 4.1.101
Under whose colours he had fought so long.
Link: 4.1.102
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Why, bishop, is Norfolk dead?
Link: 4.1.103
BISHOP OF CARLISLE
As surely as I live, my lord.
Link: 4.1.104
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Sweet peace conduct his sweet soul to the bosom
Link: 4.1.105
Of good old Abraham! Lords appellants,
Link: 4.1.106
Your differences shall all rest under gage
Link: 4.1.107
Till we assign you to your days of trial.
Link: 4.1.108
Enter DUKE OF YORK, attended
DUKE OF YORK
Great Duke of Lancaster, I come to thee
Link: 4.1.109
From plume-pluck'd Richard; who with willing soul
Link: 4.1.110
Adopts thee heir, and his high sceptre yields
Link: 4.1.111
To the possession of thy royal hand:
Link: 4.1.112
Ascend his throne, descending now from him;
Link: 4.1.113
And long live Henry, fourth of that name!
Link: 4.1.114
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
In God's name, I'll ascend the regal throne.
Link: 4.1.115
BISHOP OF CARLISLE
Marry. God forbid!
Link: 4.1.116
Worst in this royal presence may I speak,
Link: 4.1.117
Yet best beseeming me to speak the truth.
Link: 4.1.118
Would God that any in this noble presence
Link: 4.1.119
Were enough noble to be upright judge
Link: 4.1.120
Of noble Richard! then true noblesse would
Link: 4.1.121
Learn him forbearance from so foul a wrong.
Link: 4.1.122
What subject can give sentence on his king?
Link: 4.1.123
And who sits here that is not Richard's subject?
Link: 4.1.124
Thieves are not judged but they are by to hear,
Link: 4.1.125
Although apparent guilt be seen in them;
Link: 4.1.126
And shall the figure of God's majesty,
Link: 4.1.127
His captain, steward, deputy-elect,
Link: 4.1.128
Anointed, crowned, planted many years,
Link: 4.1.129
Be judged by subject and inferior breath,
Link: 4.1.130
And he himself not present? O, forfend it, God,
Link: 4.1.131
That in a Christian climate souls refined
Link: 4.1.132
Should show so heinous, black, obscene a deed!
Link: 4.1.133
I speak to subjects, and a subject speaks,
Link: 4.1.134
Stirr'd up by God, thus boldly for his king:
Link: 4.1.135
My Lord of Hereford here, whom you call king,
Link: 4.1.136
Is a foul traitor to proud Hereford's king:
Link: 4.1.137
And if you crown him, let me prophesy:
Link: 4.1.138
The blood of English shall manure the ground,
Link: 4.1.139
And future ages groan for this foul act;
Link: 4.1.140
Peace shall go sleep with Turks and infidels,
Link: 4.1.141
And in this seat of peace tumultuous wars
Link: 4.1.142
Shall kin with kin and kind with kind confound;
Link: 4.1.143
Disorder, horror, fear and mutiny
Link: 4.1.144
Shall here inhabit, and this land be call'd
Link: 4.1.145
The field of Golgotha and dead men's skulls.
Link: 4.1.146
O, if you raise this house against this house,
Link: 4.1.147
It will the woefullest division prove
Link: 4.1.148
That ever fell upon this cursed earth.
Link: 4.1.149
Prevent it, resist it, let it not be so,
Link: 4.1.150
Lest child, child's children, cry against you woe!
Link: 4.1.151
NORTHUMBERLAND
Well have you argued, sir; and, for your pains,
Link: 4.1.152
Of capital treason we arrest you here.
Link: 4.1.153
My Lord of Westminster, be it your charge
Link: 4.1.154
To keep him safely till his day of trial.
Link: 4.1.155
May it please you, lords, to grant the commons' suit.
Link: 4.1.156
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Fetch hither Richard, that in common view
Link: 4.1.157
He may surrender; so we shall proceed
Link: 4.1.158
Without suspicion.
Link: 4.1.159
DUKE OF YORK
I will be his conduct.
Link: 4.1.160
Exit
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Lords, you that here are under our arrest,
Link: 4.1.161
Procure your sureties for your days of answer.
Link: 4.1.162
Little are we beholding to your love,
Link: 4.1.163
And little look'd for at your helping hands.
Link: 4.1.164
Re-enter DUKE OF YORK, with KING RICHARD II, and Officers bearing the regalia
KING RICHARD II
Alack, why am I sent for to a king,
Link: 4.1.165
Before I have shook off the regal thoughts
Link: 4.1.166
Wherewith I reign'd? I hardly yet have learn'd
Link: 4.1.167
To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs:
Link: 4.1.168
Give sorrow leave awhile to tutor me
Link: 4.1.169
To this submission. Yet I well remember
Link: 4.1.170
The favours of these men: were they not mine?
Link: 4.1.171
Did they not sometime cry, 'all hail!' to me?
Link: 4.1.172
So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve,
Link: 4.1.173
Found truth in all but one: I, in twelve thousand, none.
Link: 4.1.174
God save the king! Will no man say amen?
Link: 4.1.175
Am I both priest and clerk? well then, amen.
Link: 4.1.176
God save the king! although I be not he;
Link: 4.1.177
And yet, amen, if heaven do think him me.
Link: 4.1.178
To do what service am I sent for hither?
Link: 4.1.179
DUKE OF YORK
To do that office of thine own good will
Link: 4.1.180
Which tired majesty did make thee offer,
Link: 4.1.181
The resignation of thy state and crown
Link: 4.1.182
To Henry Bolingbroke.
Link: 4.1.183
KING RICHARD II
Give me the crown. Here, cousin, seize the crown;
Link: 4.1.184
Here cousin:
Link: 4.1.185
On this side my hand, and on that side yours.
Link: 4.1.186
Now is this golden crown like a deep well
Link: 4.1.187
That owes two buckets, filling one another,
Link: 4.1.188
The emptier ever dancing in the air,
Link: 4.1.189
The other down, unseen and full of water:
Link: 4.1.190
That bucket down and full of tears am I,
Link: 4.1.191
Drinking my griefs, whilst you mount up on high.
Link: 4.1.192
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I thought you had been willing to resign.
Link: 4.1.193
KING RICHARD II
My crown I am; but still my griefs are mine:
Link: 4.1.194
You may my glories and my state depose,
Link: 4.1.195
But not my griefs; still am I king of those.
Link: 4.1.196
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Part of your cares you give me with your crown.
Link: 4.1.197
KING RICHARD II
Your cares set up do not pluck my cares down.
Link: 4.1.198
My care is loss of care, by old care done;
Link: 4.1.199
Your care is gain of care, by new care won:
Link: 4.1.200
The cares I give I have, though given away;
Link: 4.1.201
They tend the crown, yet still with me they stay.
Link: 4.1.202
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Are you contented to resign the crown?
Link: 4.1.203
KING RICHARD II
Ay, no; no, ay; for I must nothing be;
Link: 4.1.204
Therefore no no, for I resign to thee.
Link: 4.1.205
Now mark me, how I will undo myself;
Link: 4.1.206
I give this heavy weight from off my head
Link: 4.1.207
And this unwieldy sceptre from my hand,
Link: 4.1.208
The pride of kingly sway from out my heart;
Link: 4.1.209
With mine own tears I wash away my balm,
Link: 4.1.210
With mine own hands I give away my crown,
Link: 4.1.211
With mine own tongue deny my sacred state,
Link: 4.1.212
With mine own breath release all duty's rites:
Link: 4.1.213
All pomp and majesty I do forswear;
Link: 4.1.214
My manors, rents, revenues I forego;
Link: 4.1.215
My acts, decrees, and statutes I deny:
Link: 4.1.216
God pardon all oaths that are broke to me!
Link: 4.1.217
God keep all vows unbroke that swear to thee!
Link: 4.1.218
Make me, that nothing have, with nothing grieved,
Link: 4.1.219
And thou with all pleased, that hast all achieved!
Link: 4.1.220
Long mayst thou live in Richard's seat to sit,
Link: 4.1.221
And soon lie Richard in an earthly pit!
Link: 4.1.222
God save King Harry, unking'd Richard says,
Link: 4.1.223
And send him many years of sunshine days!
Link: 4.1.224
What more remains?
Link: 4.1.225
NORTHUMBERLAND
No more, but that you read
Link: 4.1.226
These accusations and these grievous crimes
Link: 4.1.227
Committed by your person and your followers
Link: 4.1.228
Against the state and profit of this land;
Link: 4.1.229
That, by confessing them, the souls of men
Link: 4.1.230
May deem that you are worthily deposed.
Link: 4.1.231
KING RICHARD II
Must I do so? and must I ravel out
Link: 4.1.232
My weaved-up folly? Gentle Northumberland,
Link: 4.1.233
If thy offences were upon record,
Link: 4.1.234
Would it not shame thee in so fair a troop
Link: 4.1.235
To read a lecture of them? If thou wouldst,
Link: 4.1.236
There shouldst thou find one heinous article,
Link: 4.1.237
Containing the deposing of a king
Link: 4.1.238
And cracking the strong warrant of an oath,
Link: 4.1.239
Mark'd with a blot, damn'd in the book of heaven:
Link: 4.1.240
Nay, all of you that stand and look upon,
Link: 4.1.241
Whilst that my wretchedness doth bait myself,
Link: 4.1.242
Though some of you with Pilate wash your hands
Link: 4.1.243
Showing an outward pity; yet you Pilates
Link: 4.1.244
Have here deliver'd me to my sour cross,
Link: 4.1.245
And water cannot wash away your sin.
Link: 4.1.246
NORTHUMBERLAND
My lord, dispatch; read o'er these articles.
Link: 4.1.247
KING RICHARD II
Mine eyes are full of tears, I cannot see:
Link: 4.1.248
And yet salt water blinds them not so much
Link: 4.1.249
But they can see a sort of traitors here.
Link: 4.1.250
Nay, if I turn mine eyes upon myself,
Link: 4.1.251
I find myself a traitor with the rest;
Link: 4.1.252
For I have given here my soul's consent
Link: 4.1.253
To undeck the pompous body of a king;
Link: 4.1.254
Made glory base and sovereignty a slave,
Link: 4.1.255
Proud majesty a subject, state a peasant.
Link: 4.1.256
NORTHUMBERLAND
My lord,--
Link: 4.1.257
KING RICHARD II
No lord of thine, thou haught insulting man,
Link: 4.1.258
Nor no man's lord; I have no name, no title,
Link: 4.1.259
No, not that name was given me at the font,
Link: 4.1.260
But 'tis usurp'd: alack the heavy day,
Link: 4.1.261
That I have worn so many winters out,
Link: 4.1.262
And know not now what name to call myself!
Link: 4.1.263
O that I were a mockery king of snow,
Link: 4.1.264
Standing before the sun of Bolingbroke,
Link: 4.1.265
To melt myself away in water-drops!
Link: 4.1.266
Good king, great king, and yet not greatly good,
Link: 4.1.267
An if my word be sterling yet in England,
Link: 4.1.268
Let it command a mirror hither straight,
Link: 4.1.269
That it may show me what a face I have,
Link: 4.1.270
Since it is bankrupt of his majesty.
Link: 4.1.271
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Go some of you and fetch a looking-glass.
Link: 4.1.272
Exit an attendant
NORTHUMBERLAND
Read o'er this paper while the glass doth come.
Link: 4.1.273
KING RICHARD II
Fiend, thou torment'st me ere I come to hell!
Link: 4.1.274
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Urge it no more, my Lord Northumberland.
Link: 4.1.275
NORTHUMBERLAND
The commons will not then be satisfied.
Link: 4.1.276
KING RICHARD II
They shall be satisfied: I'll read enough,
Link: 4.1.277
When I do see the very book indeed
Link: 4.1.278
Where all my sins are writ, and that's myself.
Link: 4.1.279
Give me the glass, and therein will I read.
Link: 4.1.280
No deeper wrinkles yet? hath sorrow struck
Link: 4.1.281
So many blows upon this face of mine,
Link: 4.1.282
And made no deeper wounds? O flattering glass,
Link: 4.1.283
Like to my followers in prosperity,
Link: 4.1.284
Thou dost beguile me! Was this face the face
Link: 4.1.285
That every day under his household roof
Link: 4.1.286
Did keep ten thousand men? was this the face
Link: 4.1.287
That, like the sun, did make beholders wink?
Link: 4.1.288
Was this the face that faced so many follies,
Link: 4.1.289
And was at last out-faced by Bolingbroke?
Link: 4.1.290
A brittle glory shineth in this face:
Link: 4.1.291
As brittle as the glory is the face;
Link: 4.1.292
For there it is, crack'd in a hundred shivers.
Link: 4.1.293
Mark, silent king, the moral of this sport,
Link: 4.1.294
How soon my sorrow hath destroy'd my face.
Link: 4.1.295
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
The shadow of your sorrow hath destroy'd
Link: 4.1.296
The shadow or your face.
Link: 4.1.297
KING RICHARD II
Say that again.
Link: 4.1.298
The shadow of my sorrow! ha! let's see:
Link: 4.1.299
'Tis very true, my grief lies all within;
Link: 4.1.300
And these external manners of laments
Link: 4.1.301
Are merely shadows to the unseen grief
Link: 4.1.302
That swells with silence in the tortured soul;
Link: 4.1.303
There lies the substance: and I thank thee, king,
Link: 4.1.304
For thy great bounty, that not only givest
Link: 4.1.305
Me cause to wail but teachest me the way
Link: 4.1.306
How to lament the cause. I'll beg one boon,
Link: 4.1.307
And then be gone and trouble you no more.
Link: 4.1.308
Shall I obtain it?
Link: 4.1.309
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Name it, fair cousin.
Link: 4.1.310
KING RICHARD II
'Fair cousin'? I am greater than a king:
Link: 4.1.311
For when I was a king, my flatterers
Link: 4.1.312
Were then but subjects; being now a subject,
Link: 4.1.313
I have a king here to my flatterer.
Link: 4.1.314
Being so great, I have no need to beg.
Link: 4.1.315
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Yet ask.
Link: 4.1.316
KING RICHARD II
And shall I have?
Link: 4.1.317
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
You shall.
Link: 4.1.318
KING RICHARD II
Then give me leave to go.
Link: 4.1.319
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Whither?
Link: 4.1.320
KING RICHARD II
Whither you will, so I were from your sights.
Link: 4.1.321
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Go, some of you convey him to the Tower.
Link: 4.1.322
KING RICHARD II
O, good! convey? conveyers are you all,
Link: 4.1.323
That rise thus nimbly by a true king's fall.
Link: 4.1.324
Exeunt KING RICHARD II, some Lords, and a Guard
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
On Wednesday next we solemnly set down
Link: 4.1.325
Our coronation: lords, prepare yourselves.
Link: 4.1.326
Exeunt all except the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, the Abbot of Westminster, and DUKE OF AUMERLE
Abbot
A woeful pageant have we here beheld.
Link: 4.1.327
BISHOP OF CARLISLE
The woe's to come; the children yet unborn.
Link: 4.1.328
Shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn.
Link: 4.1.329
DUKE OF AUMERLE
You holy clergymen, is there no plot
Link: 4.1.330
To rid the realm of this pernicious blot?
Link: 4.1.331
Abbot
My lord,
Link: 4.1.332
Before I freely speak my mind herein,
Link: 4.1.333
You shall not only take the sacrament
Link: 4.1.334
To bury mine intents, but also to effect
Link: 4.1.335
Whatever I shall happen to devise.
Link: 4.1.336
I see your brows are full of discontent,
Link: 4.1.337
Your hearts of sorrow and your eyes of tears:
Link: 4.1.338
Come home with me to supper; and I'll lay
Link: 4.1.339
A plot shall show us all a merry day.
Link: 4.1.340
Exeunt
Act V
Act 5 of Richard II is a dramatic and poignant finale to the play. The act opens with King Richard reflecting on his past mistakes and the consequences of his actions. He is imprisoned by his cousin, Bolingbroke, who has taken the crown and become King Henry IV. Richard is visited by his former queen, who tries to comfort him in his hour of need.
Meanwhile, King Henry IV is dealing with the aftermath of his ascension to the throne. He is faced with rebellions and unrest throughout the land, and he struggles to maintain his power. He receives news that Richard has been murdered in his cell, and he is haunted by the guilt of his actions.
The final scene of the play is a powerful moment of reconciliation and redemption. King Henry IV visits the tomb of Richard and reflects on the futility of power and the transience of life. He realizes that he too will one day face the same fate as Richard, and he asks for forgiveness for his role in his cousin's downfall. The play ends with a sense of melancholy and reflection, as the characters come to terms with the consequences of their actions and the impermanence of human life.
SCENE I. London. A street leading to the Tower.
The scene opens with two noblemen, Lord Salisbury and Sir Stephen Scroop, discussing the imminent arrival of Bolingbroke's army. They express their loyalty to King Richard and their willingness to defend him until the end. However, they are aware of the overwhelming force of Bolingbroke's army and the inevitability of defeat. As they continue their conversation, King Richard enters, accompanied by his followers, Aumerle, and Welsh Captain. The King is in a reflective mood, contemplating the events that led to his downfall. He expresses his regret over his past actions, admitting that he had been too proud, too arrogant, and too self-absorbed to notice the signs of his imminent downfall. Aumerle tries to comfort him, but the King is inconsolable. He laments his fate, expressing his desire to die rather than face the humiliation of defeat. However, Welsh Captain reminds him of his duty as a King and urges him to fight till the end. At this point, Lord Salisbury and Sir Stephen Scroop enter, informing the King of Bolingbroke's arrival. The King orders his followers to prepare for battle, but he is clearly not in the right frame of mind to lead his army. He appears distracted and disoriented, lost in his own thoughts. With a heavy heart, the King leads his army towards Bolingbroke's encampment, determined to fight till the end. However, it is clear that the odds are stacked against him, and the outcome of the battle is inevitable.
Enter QUEEN and Ladies
QUEEN
This way the king will come; this is the way
Link: 5.1.1
To Julius Caesar's ill-erected tower,
Link: 5.1.2
To whose flint bosom my condemned lord
Link: 5.1.3
Is doom'd a prisoner by proud Bolingbroke:
Link: 5.1.4
Here let us rest, if this rebellious earth
Link: 5.1.5
Have any resting for her true king's queen.
Link: 5.1.6
But soft, but see, or rather do not see,
Link: 5.1.7
My fair rose wither: yet look up, behold,
Link: 5.1.8
That you in pity may dissolve to dew,
Link: 5.1.9
And wash him fresh again with true-love tears.
Link: 5.1.10
Ah, thou, the model where old Troy did stand,
Link: 5.1.11
Thou map of honour, thou King Richard's tomb,
Link: 5.1.12
And not King Richard; thou most beauteous inn,
Link: 5.1.13
Why should hard-favour'd grief be lodged in thee,
Link: 5.1.14
When triumph is become an alehouse guest?
Link: 5.1.15
KING RICHARD II
Join not with grief, fair woman, do not so,
Link: 5.1.16
To make my end too sudden: learn, good soul,
Link: 5.1.17
To think our former state a happy dream;
Link: 5.1.18
From which awaked, the truth of what we are
Link: 5.1.19
Shows us but this: I am sworn brother, sweet,
Link: 5.1.20
To grim Necessity, and he and I
Link: 5.1.21
Will keep a league till death. Hie thee to France
Link: 5.1.22
And cloister thee in some religious house:
Link: 5.1.23
Our holy lives must win a new world's crown,
Link: 5.1.24
Which our profane hours here have stricken down.
Link: 5.1.25
QUEEN
What, is my Richard both in shape and mind
Link: 5.1.26
Transform'd and weaken'd? hath Bolingbroke deposed
Link: 5.1.27
Thine intellect? hath he been in thy heart?
Link: 5.1.28
The lion dying thrusteth forth his paw,
Link: 5.1.29
And wounds the earth, if nothing else, with rage
Link: 5.1.30
To be o'erpower'd; and wilt thou, pupil-like,
Link: 5.1.31
Take thy correction mildly, kiss the rod,
Link: 5.1.32
And fawn on rage with base humility,
Link: 5.1.33
Which art a lion and a king of beasts?
Link: 5.1.34
KING RICHARD II
A king of beasts, indeed; if aught but beasts,
Link: 5.1.35
I had been still a happy king of men.
Link: 5.1.36
Good sometime queen, prepare thee hence for France:
Link: 5.1.37
Think I am dead and that even here thou takest,
Link: 5.1.38
As from my death-bed, thy last living leave.
Link: 5.1.39
In winter's tedious nights sit by the fire
Link: 5.1.40
With good old folks and let them tell thee tales
Link: 5.1.41
Of woeful ages long ago betid;
Link: 5.1.42
And ere thou bid good night, to quit their griefs,
Link: 5.1.43
Tell thou the lamentable tale of me
Link: 5.1.44
And send the hearers weeping to their beds:
Link: 5.1.45
For why, the senseless brands will sympathize
Link: 5.1.46
The heavy accent of thy moving tongue
Link: 5.1.47
And in compassion weep the fire out;
Link: 5.1.48
And some will mourn in ashes, some coal-black,
Link: 5.1.49
For the deposing of a rightful king.
Link: 5.1.50
Enter NORTHUMBERLAND and others
NORTHUMBERLAND
My lord, the mind of Bolingbroke is changed:
Link: 5.1.51
You must to Pomfret, not unto the Tower.
Link: 5.1.52
And, madam, there is order ta'en for you;
Link: 5.1.53
With all swift speed you must away to France.
Link: 5.1.54
KING RICHARD II
Northumberland, thou ladder wherewithal
Link: 5.1.55
The mounting Bolingbroke ascends my throne,
Link: 5.1.56
The time shall not be many hours of age
Link: 5.1.57
More than it is ere foul sin gathering head
Link: 5.1.58
Shalt break into corruption: thou shalt think,
Link: 5.1.59
Though he divide the realm and give thee half,
Link: 5.1.60
It is too little, helping him to all;
Link: 5.1.61
And he shall think that thou, which know'st the way
Link: 5.1.62
To plant unrightful kings, wilt know again,
Link: 5.1.63
Being ne'er so little urged, another way
Link: 5.1.64
To pluck him headlong from the usurped throne.
Link: 5.1.65
The love of wicked men converts to fear;
Link: 5.1.66
That fear to hate, and hate turns one or both
Link: 5.1.67
To worthy danger and deserved death.
Link: 5.1.68
NORTHUMBERLAND
My guilt be on my head, and there an end.
Link: 5.1.69
Take leave and part; for you must part forthwith.
Link: 5.1.70
KING RICHARD II
Doubly divorced! Bad men, you violate
Link: 5.1.71
A twofold marriage, 'twixt my crown and me,
Link: 5.1.72
And then betwixt me and my married wife.
Link: 5.1.73
Let me unkiss the oath 'twixt thee and me;
Link: 5.1.74
And yet not so, for with a kiss 'twas made.
Link: 5.1.75
Part us, Northumberland; I toward the north,
Link: 5.1.76
Where shivering cold and sickness pines the clime;
Link: 5.1.77
My wife to France: from whence, set forth in pomp,
Link: 5.1.78
She came adorned hither like sweet May,
Link: 5.1.79
Sent back like Hallowmas or short'st of day.
Link: 5.1.80
QUEEN
And must we be divided? must we part?
Link: 5.1.81
KING RICHARD II
Ay, hand from hand, my love, and heart from heart.
Link: 5.1.82
QUEEN
Banish us both and send the king with me.
Link: 5.1.83
NORTHUMBERLAND
That were some love but little policy.
Link: 5.1.84
QUEEN
Then whither he goes, thither let me go.
Link: 5.1.85
KING RICHARD II
So two, together weeping, make one woe.
Link: 5.1.86
Weep thou for me in France, I for thee here;
Link: 5.1.87
Better far off than near, be ne'er the near.
Link: 5.1.88
Go, count thy way with sighs; I mine with groans.
Link: 5.1.89
QUEEN
So longest way shall have the longest moans.
Link: 5.1.90
KING RICHARD II
Twice for one step I'll groan, the way being short,
Link: 5.1.91
And piece the way out with a heavy heart.
Link: 5.1.92
Come, come, in wooing sorrow let's be brief,
Link: 5.1.93
Since, wedding it, there is such length in grief;
Link: 5.1.94
One kiss shall stop our mouths, and dumbly part;
Link: 5.1.95
Thus give I mine, and thus take I thy heart.
Link: 5.1.96
QUEEN
Give me mine own again; 'twere no good part
Link: 5.1.97
To take on me to keep and kill thy heart.
Link: 5.1.98
So, now I have mine own again, be gone,
Link: 5.1.99
That I might strive to kill it with a groan.
Link: 5.1.100
KING RICHARD II
We make woe wanton with this fond delay:
Link: 5.1.101
Once more, adieu; the rest let sorrow say.
Link: 5.1.102
Exeunt
SCENE II. The DUKE OF YORK's palace.
Scene 2 of Act 5 takes place in a castle in England. The Duke of York is speaking with his wife, the Duchess of York, about the current state of affairs. He is torn between his loyalty to the king, who has been deposed, and his duty to the country. The Duchess tries to convince him to stay loyal to the king, but he is hesitant. They are interrupted by the entrance of a messenger who brings news that the Duke of Aumerle has fled the country. The Duke of York is shocked and upset, as Aumerle was his own son. The Duchess tries to console him, but he is deeply troubled by the news. As they are speaking, they are interrupted again by the entrance of King Henry and his entourage. The Duke of York is forced to swear his loyalty to the new king, but he does so reluctantly. King Henry tries to smooth things over and reassure him, but the Duke of York is clearly still conflicted. The scene ends with the Duke of York expressing his fears and doubts to the audience in a soliloquy. He knows that his loyalty to King Henry is necessary for the stability of the country, but he cannot help feeling guilty and torn. The scene sets up the tension and conflict that will continue to unfold in the rest of the play.
Enter DUKE OF YORK and DUCHESS OF YORK
DUCHESS OF YORK
My lord, you told me you would tell the rest,
Link: 5.2.1
When weeping made you break the story off,
Link: 5.2.2
of our two cousins coming into London.
Link: 5.2.3
DUKE OF YORK
Where did I leave?
Link: 5.2.4
DUCHESS OF YORK
At that sad stop, my lord,
Link: 5.2.5
Where rude misgovern'd hands from windows' tops
Link: 5.2.6
Threw dust and rubbish on King Richard's head.
Link: 5.2.7
DUKE OF YORK
Then, as I said, the duke, great Bolingbroke,
Link: 5.2.8
Mounted upon a hot and fiery steed
Link: 5.2.9
Which his aspiring rider seem'd to know,
Link: 5.2.10
With slow but stately pace kept on his course,
Link: 5.2.11
Whilst all tongues cried 'God save thee,
Link: 5.2.12
Bolingbroke!'
Link: 5.2.13
You would have thought the very windows spake,
Link: 5.2.14
So many greedy looks of young and old
Link: 5.2.15
Through casements darted their desiring eyes
Link: 5.2.16
Upon his visage, and that all the walls
Link: 5.2.17
With painted imagery had said at once
Link: 5.2.18
'Jesu preserve thee! welcome, Bolingbroke!'
Link: 5.2.19
Whilst he, from the one side to the other turning,
Link: 5.2.20
Bareheaded, lower than his proud steed's neck,
Link: 5.2.21
Bespake them thus: 'I thank you, countrymen:'
Link: 5.2.22
And thus still doing, thus he pass'd along.
Link: 5.2.23
DUCHESS OF YORK
Alack, poor Richard! where rode he the whilst?
Link: 5.2.24
DUKE OF YORK
As in a theatre, the eyes of men,
Link: 5.2.25
After a well-graced actor leaves the stage,
Link: 5.2.26
Are idly bent on him that enters next,
Link: 5.2.27
Thinking his prattle to be tedious;
Link: 5.2.28
Even so, or with much more contempt, men's eyes
Link: 5.2.29
Did scowl on gentle Richard; no man cried 'God save him!'
Link: 5.2.30
No joyful tongue gave him his welcome home:
Link: 5.2.31
But dust was thrown upon his sacred head:
Link: 5.2.32
Which with such gentle sorrow he shook off,
Link: 5.2.33
His face still combating with tears and smiles,
Link: 5.2.34
The badges of his grief and patience,
Link: 5.2.35
That had not God, for some strong purpose, steel'd
Link: 5.2.36
The hearts of men, they must perforce have melted
Link: 5.2.37
And barbarism itself have pitied him.
Link: 5.2.38
But heaven hath a hand in these events,
Link: 5.2.39
To whose high will we bound our calm contents.
Link: 5.2.40
To Bolingbroke are we sworn subjects now,
Link: 5.2.41
Whose state and honour I for aye allow.
Link: 5.2.42
DUCHESS OF YORK
Here comes my son Aumerle.
Link: 5.2.43
DUKE OF YORK
Aumerle that was;
Link: 5.2.44
But that is lost for being Richard's friend,
Link: 5.2.45
And, madam, you must call him Rutland now:
Link: 5.2.46
I am in parliament pledge for his truth
Link: 5.2.47
And lasting fealty to the new-made king.
Link: 5.2.48
Enter DUKE OF AUMERLE
DUCHESS OF YORK
Welcome, my son: who are the violets now
Link: 5.2.49
That strew the green lap of the new come spring?
Link: 5.2.50
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Madam, I know not, nor I greatly care not:
Link: 5.2.51
God knows I had as lief be none as one.
Link: 5.2.52
DUKE OF YORK
Well, bear you well in this new spring of time,
Link: 5.2.53
Lest you be cropp'd before you come to prime.
Link: 5.2.54
What news from Oxford? hold those justs and triumphs?
Link: 5.2.55
DUKE OF AUMERLE
For aught I know, my lord, they do.
Link: 5.2.56
DUKE OF YORK
You will be there, I know.
Link: 5.2.57
DUKE OF AUMERLE
If God prevent not, I purpose so.
Link: 5.2.58
DUKE OF YORK
What seal is that, that hangs without thy bosom?
Link: 5.2.59
Yea, look'st thou pale? let me see the writing.
Link: 5.2.60
DUKE OF AUMERLE
My lord, 'tis nothing.
Link: 5.2.61
DUKE OF YORK
No matter, then, who see it;
Link: 5.2.62
I will be satisfied; let me see the writing.
Link: 5.2.63
DUKE OF AUMERLE
I do beseech your grace to pardon me:
Link: 5.2.64
It is a matter of small consequence,
Link: 5.2.65
Which for some reasons I would not have seen.
Link: 5.2.66
DUKE OF YORK
Which for some reasons, sir, I mean to see.
Link: 5.2.67
I fear, I fear,--
Link: 5.2.68
DUCHESS OF YORK
What should you fear?
Link: 5.2.69
'Tis nothing but some bond, that he is enter'd into
Link: 5.2.70
For gay apparel 'gainst the triumph day.
Link: 5.2.71
DUKE OF YORK
Bound to himself! what doth he with a bond
Link: 5.2.72
That he is bound to? Wife, thou art a fool.
Link: 5.2.73
Boy, let me see the writing.
Link: 5.2.74
DUKE OF AUMERLE
I do beseech you, pardon me; I may not show it.
Link: 5.2.75
DUKE OF YORK
I will be satisfied; let me see it, I say.
Link: 5.2.76
Treason! foul treason! Villain! traitor! slave!
Link: 5.2.77
DUCHESS OF YORK
What is the matter, my lord?
Link: 5.2.78
DUKE OF YORK
Ho! who is within there?
Link: 5.2.79
Saddle my horse.
Link: 5.2.80
God for his mercy, what treachery is here!
Link: 5.2.81
DUCHESS OF YORK
Why, what is it, my lord?
Link: 5.2.82
DUKE OF YORK
Give me my boots, I say; saddle my horse.
Link: 5.2.83
Now, by mine honour, by my life, by my troth,
Link: 5.2.84
I will appeach the villain.
Link: 5.2.85
DUCHESS OF YORK
What is the matter?
Link: 5.2.86
DUKE OF YORK
Peace, foolish woman.
Link: 5.2.87
DUCHESS OF YORK
I will not peace. What is the matter, Aumerle.
Link: 5.2.88
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Good mother, be content; it is no more
Link: 5.2.89
Than my poor life must answer.
Link: 5.2.90
DUCHESS OF YORK
Thy life answer!
Link: 5.2.91
DUKE OF YORK
Bring me my boots: I will unto the king.
Link: 5.2.92
Re-enter Servant with boots
DUCHESS OF YORK
Strike him, Aumerle. Poor boy, thou art amazed.
Link: 5.2.93
Hence, villain! never more come in my sight.
Link: 5.2.94
DUKE OF YORK
Give me my boots, I say.
Link: 5.2.95
DUCHESS OF YORK
Why, York, what wilt thou do?
Link: 5.2.96
Wilt thou not hide the trespass of thine own?
Link: 5.2.97
Have we more sons? or are we like to have?
Link: 5.2.98
Is not my teeming date drunk up with time?
Link: 5.2.99
And wilt thou pluck my fair son from mine age,
Link: 5.2.100
And rob me of a happy mother's name?
Link: 5.2.101
Is he not like thee? is he not thine own?
Link: 5.2.102
DUKE OF YORK
Thou fond mad woman,
Link: 5.2.103
Wilt thou conceal this dark conspiracy?
Link: 5.2.104
A dozen of them here have ta'en the sacrament,
Link: 5.2.105
And interchangeably set down their hands,
Link: 5.2.106
To kill the king at Oxford.
Link: 5.2.107
DUCHESS OF YORK
He shall be none;
Link: 5.2.108
We'll keep him here: then what is that to him?
Link: 5.2.109
DUKE OF YORK
Away, fond woman! were he twenty times my son,
Link: 5.2.110
I would appeach him.
Link: 5.2.111
DUCHESS OF YORK
Hadst thou groan'd for him
Link: 5.2.112
As I have done, thou wouldst be more pitiful.
Link: 5.2.113
But now I know thy mind; thou dost suspect
Link: 5.2.114
That I have been disloyal to thy bed,
Link: 5.2.115
And that he is a bastard, not thy son:
Link: 5.2.116
Sweet York, sweet husband, be not of that mind:
Link: 5.2.117
He is as like thee as a man may be,
Link: 5.2.118
Not like to me, or any of my kin,
Link: 5.2.119
And yet I love him.
Link: 5.2.120
DUKE OF YORK
Make way, unruly woman!
Link: 5.2.121
Exit
DUCHESS OF YORK
After, Aumerle! mount thee upon his horse;
Link: 5.2.122
Spur post, and get before him to the king,
Link: 5.2.123
And beg thy pardon ere he do accuse thee.
Link: 5.2.124
I'll not be long behind; though I be old,
Link: 5.2.125
I doubt not but to ride as fast as York:
Link: 5.2.126
And never will I rise up from the ground
Link: 5.2.127
Till Bolingbroke have pardon'd thee. Away, be gone!
Link: 5.2.128
Exeunt
SCENE III. A royal palace.
Scene 3 of Act 5 involves the meeting of two armies, one led by Richard II and the other by Henry Bolingbroke. The two leaders exchange insults, with Richard II accusing Bolingbroke of being a traitor and Bolingbroke responding by saying that he is only claiming what is rightfully his. Richard II then offers to fight Bolingbroke in single combat, but Bolingbroke refuses, saying that he has come with an army and that Richard II must surrender the crown. Richard II reluctantly agrees to surrender, but not before making a dramatic speech in which he laments his downfall and predicts that Bolingbroke will also eventually suffer a similar fate. Finally, Richard II hands over the crown to Bolingbroke, who is then declared King Henry IV. The scene ends with King Henry IV ordering Richard II to be taken away to prison, where he will spend the rest of his life.
Enter HENRY BOLINGBROKE, HENRY PERCY, and other Lords
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Can no man tell me of my unthrifty son?
Link: 5.3.1
'Tis full three months since I did see him last;
Link: 5.3.2
If any plague hang over us, 'tis he.
Link: 5.3.3
I would to God, my lords, he might be found:
Link: 5.3.4
Inquire at London, 'mongst the taverns there,
Link: 5.3.5
For there, they say, he daily doth frequent,
Link: 5.3.6
With unrestrained loose companions,
Link: 5.3.7
Even such, they say, as stand in narrow lanes,
Link: 5.3.8
And beat our watch, and rob our passengers;
Link: 5.3.9
Which he, young wanton and effeminate boy,
Link: 5.3.10
Takes on the point of honour to support
Link: 5.3.11
So dissolute a crew.
Link: 5.3.12
HENRY PERCY
My lord, some two days since I saw the prince,
Link: 5.3.13
And told him of those triumphs held at Oxford.
Link: 5.3.14
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
And what said the gallant?
Link: 5.3.15
HENRY PERCY
His answer was, he would unto the stews,
Link: 5.3.16
And from the common'st creature pluck a glove,
Link: 5.3.17
And wear it as a favour; and with that
Link: 5.3.18
He would unhorse the lustiest challenger.
Link: 5.3.19
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
As dissolute as desperate; yet through both
Link: 5.3.20
I see some sparks of better hope, which elder years
Link: 5.3.21
May happily bring forth. But who comes here?
Link: 5.3.22
Enter DUKE OF AUMERLE
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Where is the king?
Link: 5.3.23
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
What means our cousin, that he stares and looks
Link: 5.3.24
So wildly?
Link: 5.3.25
DUKE OF AUMERLE
God save your grace! I do beseech your majesty,
Link: 5.3.26
To have some conference with your grace alone.
Link: 5.3.27
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Withdraw yourselves, and leave us here alone.
Link: 5.3.28
What is the matter with our cousin now?
Link: 5.3.29
DUKE OF AUMERLE
For ever may my knees grow to the earth,
Link: 5.3.30
My tongue cleave to my roof within my mouth
Link: 5.3.31
Unless a pardon ere I rise or speak.
Link: 5.3.32
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Intended or committed was this fault?
Link: 5.3.33
If on the first, how heinous e'er it be,
Link: 5.3.34
To win thy after-love I pardon thee.
Link: 5.3.35
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Then give me leave that I may turn the key,
Link: 5.3.36
That no man enter till my tale be done.
Link: 5.3.37
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Have thy desire.
Link: 5.3.38
DUKE OF YORK
(Within) My liege, beware; look to thyself;
Link: 5.3.39
Thou hast a traitor in thy presence there.
Link: 5.3.40
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Villain, I'll make thee safe.
Link: 5.3.41
Drawing
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Stay thy revengeful hand; thou hast no cause to fear.
Link: 5.3.42
DUKE OF YORK
(Within) Open the door, secure, foolhardy king:
Link: 5.3.43
Shall I for love speak treason to thy face?
Link: 5.3.44
Open the door, or I will break it open.
Link: 5.3.45
Enter DUKE OF YORK
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
What is the matter, uncle? speak;
Link: 5.3.46
Recover breath; tell us how near is danger,
Link: 5.3.47
That we may arm us to encounter it.
Link: 5.3.48
DUKE OF YORK
Peruse this writing here, and thou shalt know
Link: 5.3.49
The treason that my haste forbids me show.
Link: 5.3.50
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Remember, as thou read'st, thy promise pass'd:
Link: 5.3.51
I do repent me; read not my name there
Link: 5.3.52
My heart is not confederate with my hand.
Link: 5.3.53
DUKE OF YORK
It was, villain, ere thy hand did set it down.
Link: 5.3.54
I tore it from the traitor's bosom, king;
Link: 5.3.55
Fear, and not love, begets his penitence:
Link: 5.3.56
Forget to pity him, lest thy pity prove
Link: 5.3.57
A serpent that will sting thee to the heart.
Link: 5.3.58
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
O heinous, strong and bold conspiracy!
Link: 5.3.59
O loyal father of a treacherous son!
Link: 5.3.60
Thou sheer, immaculate and silver fountain,
Link: 5.3.61
From when this stream through muddy passages
Link: 5.3.62
Hath held his current and defiled himself!
Link: 5.3.63
Thy overflow of good converts to bad,
Link: 5.3.64
And thy abundant goodness shall excuse
Link: 5.3.65
This deadly blot in thy digressing son.
Link: 5.3.66
DUKE OF YORK
So shall my virtue be his vice's bawd;
Link: 5.3.67
And he shall spend mine honour with his shame,
Link: 5.3.68
As thriftless sons their scraping fathers' gold.
Link: 5.3.69
Mine honour lives when his dishonour dies,
Link: 5.3.70
Or my shamed life in his dishonour lies:
Link: 5.3.71
Thou kill'st me in his life; giving him breath,
Link: 5.3.72
The traitor lives, the true man's put to death.
Link: 5.3.73
DUCHESS OF YORK
(Within) What ho, my liege! for God's sake,
Link: 5.3.74
let me in.
Link: 5.3.75
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
What shrill-voiced suppliant makes this eager cry?
Link: 5.3.76
DUCHESS OF YORK
A woman, and thy aunt, great king; 'tis I.
Link: 5.3.77
Speak with me, pity me, open the door.
Link: 5.3.78
A beggar begs that never begg'd before.
Link: 5.3.79
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Our scene is alter'd from a serious thing,
Link: 5.3.80
And now changed to 'The Beggar and the King.'
Link: 5.3.81
My dangerous cousin, let your mother in:
Link: 5.3.82
I know she is come to pray for your foul sin.
Link: 5.3.83
DUKE OF YORK
If thou do pardon, whosoever pray,
Link: 5.3.84
More sins for this forgiveness prosper may.
Link: 5.3.85
This fester'd joint cut off, the rest rest sound;
Link: 5.3.86
This let alone will all the rest confound.
Link: 5.3.87
Enter DUCHESS OF YORK
DUCHESS OF YORK
O king, believe not this hard-hearted man!
Link: 5.3.88
Love loving not itself none other can.
Link: 5.3.89
DUKE OF YORK
Thou frantic woman, what dost thou make here?
Link: 5.3.90
Shall thy old dugs once more a traitor rear?
Link: 5.3.91
DUCHESS OF YORK
Sweet York, be patient. Hear me, gentle liege.
Link: 5.3.92
Kneels
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Rise up, good aunt.
Link: 5.3.93
DUCHESS OF YORK
Not yet, I thee beseech:
Link: 5.3.94
For ever will I walk upon my knees,
Link: 5.3.95
And never see day that the happy sees,
Link: 5.3.96
Till thou give joy; until thou bid me joy,
Link: 5.3.97
By pardoning Rutland, my transgressing boy.
Link: 5.3.98
DUKE OF AUMERLE
Unto my mother's prayers I bend my knee.
Link: 5.3.99
DUKE OF YORK
Against them both my true joints bended be.
Link: 5.3.100
Ill mayst thou thrive, if thou grant any grace!
Link: 5.3.101
DUCHESS OF YORK
Pleads he in earnest? look upon his face;
Link: 5.3.102
His eyes do drop no tears, his prayers are in jest;
Link: 5.3.103
His words come from his mouth, ours from our breast:
Link: 5.3.104
He prays but faintly and would be denied;
Link: 5.3.105
We pray with heart and soul and all beside:
Link: 5.3.106
His weary joints would gladly rise, I know;
Link: 5.3.107
Our knees shall kneel till to the ground they grow:
Link: 5.3.108
His prayers are full of false hypocrisy;
Link: 5.3.109
Ours of true zeal and deep integrity.
Link: 5.3.110
Our prayers do out-pray his; then let them have
Link: 5.3.111
That mercy which true prayer ought to have.
Link: 5.3.112
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Good aunt, stand up.
Link: 5.3.113
DUCHESS OF YORK
Nay, do not say, 'stand up;'
Link: 5.3.114
Say, 'pardon' first, and afterwards 'stand up.'
Link: 5.3.115
And if I were thy nurse, thy tongue to teach,
Link: 5.3.116
'Pardon' should be the first word of thy speech.
Link: 5.3.117
I never long'd to hear a word till now;
Link: 5.3.118
Say 'pardon,' king; let pity teach thee how:
Link: 5.3.119
The word is short, but not so short as sweet;
Link: 5.3.120
No word like 'pardon' for kings' mouths so meet.
Link: 5.3.121
DUKE OF YORK
Speak it in French, king; say, 'pardonne moi.'
Link: 5.3.122
DUCHESS OF YORK
Dost thou teach pardon pardon to destroy?
Link: 5.3.123
Ah, my sour husband, my hard-hearted lord,
Link: 5.3.124
That set'st the word itself against the word!
Link: 5.3.125
Speak 'pardon' as 'tis current in our land;
Link: 5.3.126
The chopping French we do not understand.
Link: 5.3.127
Thine eye begins to speak; set thy tongue there;
Link: 5.3.128
Or in thy piteous heart plant thou thine ear;
Link: 5.3.129
That hearing how our plaints and prayers do pierce,
Link: 5.3.130
Pity may move thee 'pardon' to rehearse.
Link: 5.3.131
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Good aunt, stand up.
Link: 5.3.132
DUCHESS OF YORK
I do not sue to stand;
Link: 5.3.133
Pardon is all the suit I have in hand.
Link: 5.3.134
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
I pardon him, as God shall pardon me.
Link: 5.3.135
DUCHESS OF YORK
O happy vantage of a kneeling knee!
Link: 5.3.136
Yet am I sick for fear: speak it again;
Link: 5.3.137
Twice saying 'pardon' doth not pardon twain,
Link: 5.3.138
But makes one pardon strong.
Link: 5.3.139
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
With all my heart
Link: 5.3.140
I pardon him.
Link: 5.3.141
DUCHESS OF YORK
A god on earth thou art.
Link: 5.3.142
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
But for our trusty brother-in-law and the abbot,
Link: 5.3.143
With all the rest of that consorted crew,
Link: 5.3.144
Destruction straight shall dog them at the heels.
Link: 5.3.145
Good uncle, help to order several powers
Link: 5.3.146
To Oxford, or where'er these traitors are:
Link: 5.3.147
They shall not live within this world, I swear,
Link: 5.3.148
But I will have them, if I once know where.
Link: 5.3.149
Uncle, farewell: and, cousin too, adieu:
Link: 5.3.150
Your mother well hath pray'd, and prove you true.
Link: 5.3.151
DUCHESS OF YORK
Come, my old son: I pray God make thee new.
Link: 5.3.152
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The same.
Scene 4 of Act 5 follows the imprisonment of Richard II after his defeat by Bolingbroke, who is now King Henry IV. Richard's queen, Aumerle, and several other loyalists plot to overthrow Henry and restore Richard to the throne. However, their plot is discovered, and Aumerle is forced to confess and beg for mercy. Henry is torn between his duty to punish the conspirators and his love for Aumerle, who is his cousin. Ultimately, he decides to spare Aumerle's life but banishes him from the kingdom. The other conspirators are not so lucky and are executed for their treasonous actions. The scene ends with Henry reflecting on the consequences of his actions and feeling guilty for the bloodshed that has occurred. He realizes that he has become a king who must rule with an iron fist and that his actions will have consequences that he cannot control. The play ends with Henry's uncertain future as king and the potential for more political upheaval in the future.
Enter EXTON and Servant
EXTON
Didst thou not mark the king, what words he spake,
Link: 5.4.1
'Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear?'
Link: 5.4.2
Was it not so?
Link: 5.4.3
Servant
These were his very words.
Link: 5.4.4
EXTON
'Have I no friend?' quoth he: he spake it twice,
Link: 5.4.5
And urged it twice together, did he not?
Link: 5.4.6
Servant
He did.
Link: 5.4.7
EXTON
And speaking it, he wistly look'd on me,
Link: 5.4.8
And who should say, 'I would thou wert the man'
Link: 5.4.9
That would divorce this terror from my heart;'
Link: 5.4.10
Meaning the king at Pomfret. Come, let's go:
Link: 5.4.11
I am the king's friend, and will rid his foe.
Link: 5.4.12
Exeunt
SCENE V. Pomfret castle.
Scene 5 of Act 5 features the deposition of King Richard II. The scene begins with Richard reflecting on his own fate, lamenting his downfall and the loss of his power. He is met by the Duke of York, who informs him that he is no longer the king and that Henry Bolingbroke has taken his place. Richard is initially in disbelief, but eventually resigns himself to his fate. Henry Bolingbroke then enters the scene and confronts Richard. Bolingbroke accuses Richard of being a poor ruler and of squandering the kingdom's resources. Richard attempts to defend himself, but Bolingbroke is unyielding. Eventually, Richard realizes that his defeat is inevitable and he surrenders the crown. Bolingbroke is crowned King Henry IV and orders Richard to be taken to the Tower of London. Richard is left alone on stage, contemplating his fate and expressing his sorrow at the loss of his crown and his power. The scene ends with Richard being led offstage to begin his captivity.
Enter KING RICHARD
KING RICHARD II
I have been studying how I may compare
Link: 5.5.1
This prison where I live unto the world:
Link: 5.5.2
And for because the world is populous
Link: 5.5.3
And here is not a creature but myself,
Link: 5.5.4
I cannot do it; yet I'll hammer it out.
Link: 5.5.5
My brain I'll prove the female to my soul,
Link: 5.5.6
My soul the father; and these two beget
Link: 5.5.7
A generation of still-breeding thoughts,
Link: 5.5.8
And these same thoughts people this little world,
Link: 5.5.9
In humours like the people of this world,
Link: 5.5.10
For no thought is contented. The better sort,
Link: 5.5.11
As thoughts of things divine, are intermix'd
Link: 5.5.12
With scruples and do set the word itself
Link: 5.5.13
Against the word:
Link: 5.5.14
As thus, 'Come, little ones,' and then again,
Link: 5.5.15
'It is as hard to come as for a camel
Link: 5.5.16
To thread the postern of a small needle's eye.'
Link: 5.5.17
Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot
Link: 5.5.18
Unlikely wonders; how these vain weak nails
Link: 5.5.19
May tear a passage through the flinty ribs
Link: 5.5.20
Of this hard world, my ragged prison walls,
Link: 5.5.21
And, for they cannot, die in their own pride.
Link: 5.5.22
Thoughts tending to content flatter themselves
Link: 5.5.23
That they are not the first of fortune's slaves,
Link: 5.5.24
Nor shall not be the last; like silly beggars
Link: 5.5.25
Who sitting in the stocks refuge their shame,
Link: 5.5.26
That many have and others must sit there;
Link: 5.5.27
And in this thought they find a kind of ease,
Link: 5.5.28
Bearing their own misfortunes on the back
Link: 5.5.29
Of such as have before endured the like.
Link: 5.5.30
Thus play I in one person many people,
Link: 5.5.31
And none contented: sometimes am I king;
Link: 5.5.32
Then treasons make me wish myself a beggar,
Link: 5.5.33
And so I am: then crushing penury
Link: 5.5.34
Persuades me I was better when a king;
Link: 5.5.35
Then am I king'd again: and by and by
Link: 5.5.36
Think that I am unking'd by Bolingbroke,
Link: 5.5.37
And straight am nothing: but whate'er I be,
Link: 5.5.38
Nor I nor any man that but man is
Link: 5.5.39
With nothing shall be pleased, till he be eased
Link: 5.5.40
With being nothing. Music do I hear?
Link: 5.5.41
Ha, ha! keep time: how sour sweet music is,
Link: 5.5.42
When time is broke and no proportion kept!
Link: 5.5.43
So is it in the music of men's lives.
Link: 5.5.44
And here have I the daintiness of ear
Link: 5.5.45
To cheque time broke in a disorder'd string;
Link: 5.5.46
But for the concord of my state and time
Link: 5.5.47
Had not an ear to hear my true time broke.
Link: 5.5.48
I wasted time, and now doth time waste me;
Link: 5.5.49
For now hath time made me his numbering clock:
Link: 5.5.50
My thoughts are minutes; and with sighs they jar
Link: 5.5.51
Their watches on unto mine eyes, the outward watch,
Link: 5.5.52
Whereto my finger, like a dial's point,
Link: 5.5.53
Is pointing still, in cleansing them from tears.
Link: 5.5.54
Now sir, the sound that tells what hour it is
Link: 5.5.55
Are clamorous groans, which strike upon my heart,
Link: 5.5.56
Which is the bell: so sighs and tears and groans
Link: 5.5.57
Show minutes, times, and hours: but my time
Link: 5.5.58
Runs posting on in Bolingbroke's proud joy,
Link: 5.5.59
While I stand fooling here, his Jack o' the clock.
Link: 5.5.60
This music mads me; let it sound no more;
Link: 5.5.61
For though it have holp madmen to their wits,
Link: 5.5.62
In me it seems it will make wise men mad.
Link: 5.5.63
Yet blessing on his heart that gives it me!
Link: 5.5.64
For 'tis a sign of love; and love to Richard
Link: 5.5.65
Is a strange brooch in this all-hating world.
Link: 5.5.66
Enter a Groom of the Stable
Groom
Hail, royal prince!
Link: 5.5.67
KING RICHARD II
Thanks, noble peer;
Link: 5.5.68
The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.
Link: 5.5.69
What art thou? and how comest thou hither,
Link: 5.5.70
Where no man never comes but that sad dog
Link: 5.5.71
That brings me food to make misfortune live?
Link: 5.5.72
Groom
I was a poor groom of thy stable, king,
Link: 5.5.73
When thou wert king; who, travelling towards York,
Link: 5.5.74
With much ado at length have gotten leave
Link: 5.5.75
To look upon my sometimes royal master's face.
Link: 5.5.76
O, how it yearn'd my heart when I beheld
Link: 5.5.77
In London streets, that coronation-day,
Link: 5.5.78
When Bolingbroke rode on roan Barbary,
Link: 5.5.79
That horse that thou so often hast bestrid,
Link: 5.5.80
That horse that I so carefully have dress'd!
Link: 5.5.81
KING RICHARD II
Rode he on Barbary? Tell me, gentle friend,
Link: 5.5.82
How went he under him?
Link: 5.5.83
Groom
So proudly as if he disdain'd the ground.
Link: 5.5.84
KING RICHARD II
So proud that Bolingbroke was on his back!
Link: 5.5.85
That jade hath eat bread from my royal hand;
Link: 5.5.86
This hand hath made him proud with clapping him.
Link: 5.5.87
Would he not stumble? would he not fall down,
Link: 5.5.88
Since pride must have a fall, and break the neck
Link: 5.5.89
Of that proud man that did usurp his back?
Link: 5.5.90
Forgiveness, horse! why do I rail on thee,
Link: 5.5.91
Since thou, created to be awed by man,
Link: 5.5.92
Wast born to bear? I was not made a horse;
Link: 5.5.93
And yet I bear a burthen like an ass,
Link: 5.5.94
Spurr'd, gall'd and tired by jouncing Bolingbroke.
Link: 5.5.95
Enter Keeper, with a dish
Keeper
Fellow, give place; here is no longer stay.
Link: 5.5.96
KING RICHARD II
If thou love me, 'tis time thou wert away.
Link: 5.5.97
Groom
What my tongue dares not, that my heart shall say.
Link: 5.5.98
Exit
Keeper
My lord, will't please you to fall to?
Link: 5.5.99
KING RICHARD II
Taste of it first, as thou art wont to do.
Link: 5.5.100
Keeper
My lord, I dare not: Sir Pierce of Exton, who
Link: 5.5.101
lately came from the king, commands the contrary.
Link: 5.5.102
KING RICHARD II
The devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee!
Link: 5.5.103
Patience is stale, and I am weary of it.
Link: 5.5.104
Beats the keeper
Keeper
Help, help, help!
Link: 5.5.105
Enter EXTON and Servants, armed
KING RICHARD II
How now! what means death in this rude assault?
Link: 5.5.106
Villain, thy own hand yields thy death's instrument.
Link: 5.5.107
Go thou, and fill another room in hell.
Link: 5.5.108
That hand shall burn in never-quenching fire
Link: 5.5.109
That staggers thus my person. Exton, thy fierce hand
Link: 5.5.110
Hath with the king's blood stain'd the king's own land.
Link: 5.5.111
Mount, mount, my soul! thy seat is up on high;
Link: 5.5.112
Whilst my gross flesh sinks downward, here to die.
Link: 5.5.113
Dies
EXTON
As full of valour as of royal blood:
Link: 5.5.114
Both have I spill'd; O would the deed were good!
Link: 5.5.115
For now the devil, that told me I did well,
Link: 5.5.116
Says that this deed is chronicled in hell.
Link: 5.5.117
This dead king to the living king I'll bear
Link: 5.5.118
Take hence the rest, and give them burial here.
Link: 5.5.119
Exeunt
SCENE VI. Windsor castle.
Scene 6 of Act 5 sees a confrontation between two characters, one of whom has been exiled. The exiled character, Bolingbroke, has returned to England with an army to claim the throne from the current king, Richard II. The other character, Northumberland, has been tasked with negotiating a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Northumberland informs Bolingbroke that Richard has agreed to meet with him and discuss the matter. However, Bolingbroke is skeptical and demands that Northumberland swear an oath on his loyalty to ensure that Richard will not harm him during the meeting. Northumberland reluctantly agrees and swears the oath. As they continue to discuss the upcoming meeting, a messenger arrives and informs them that Richard has changed his mind and will not meet with Bolingbroke. Bolingbroke is outraged and demands that they march on Richard's castle and overthrow him by force. Northumberland tries to reason with him and suggests that they send another delegation to negotiate with Richard, but Bolingbroke is determined to take the throne by any means necessary. The scene ends with Bolingbroke and his army departing to confront Richard, setting the stage for the final climax of the play.
Flourish. Enter HENRY BOLINGBROKE, DUKE OF YORK, with other Lords, and Attendants
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Kind uncle York, the latest news we hear
Link: 5.6.1
Is that the rebels have consumed with fire
Link: 5.6.2
Our town of Cicester in Gloucestershire;
Link: 5.6.3
But whether they be ta'en or slain we hear not.
Link: 5.6.4
Welcome, my lord what is the news?
Link: 5.6.5
NORTHUMBERLAND
First, to thy sacred state wish I all happiness.
Link: 5.6.6
The next news is, I have to London sent
Link: 5.6.7
The heads of Oxford, Salisbury, Blunt, and Kent:
Link: 5.6.8
The manner of their taking may appear
Link: 5.6.9
At large discoursed in this paper here.
Link: 5.6.10
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
We thank thee, gentle Percy, for thy pains;
Link: 5.6.11
And to thy worth will add right worthy gains.
Link: 5.6.12
Enter LORD FITZWATER
LORD FITZWATER
My lord, I have from Oxford sent to London
Link: 5.6.13
The heads of Brocas and Sir Bennet Seely,
Link: 5.6.14
Two of the dangerous consorted traitors
Link: 5.6.15
That sought at Oxford thy dire overthrow.
Link: 5.6.16
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Thy pains, Fitzwater, shall not be forgot;
Link: 5.6.17
Right noble is thy merit, well I wot.
Link: 5.6.18
Enter HENRY PERCY, and the BISHOP OF CARLISLE
HENRY PERCY
The grand conspirator, Abbot of Westminster,
Link: 5.6.19
With clog of conscience and sour melancholy
Link: 5.6.20
Hath yielded up his body to the grave;
Link: 5.6.21
But here is Carlisle living, to abide
Link: 5.6.22
Thy kingly doom and sentence of his pride.
Link: 5.6.23
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Carlisle, this is your doom:
Link: 5.6.24
Choose out some secret place, some reverend room,
Link: 5.6.25
More than thou hast, and with it joy thy life;
Link: 5.6.26
So as thou livest in peace, die free from strife:
Link: 5.6.27
For though mine enemy thou hast ever been,
Link: 5.6.28
High sparks of honour in thee have I seen.
Link: 5.6.29
Enter EXTON, with persons bearing a coffin
EXTON
Great king, within this coffin I present
Link: 5.6.30
Thy buried fear: herein all breathless lies
Link: 5.6.31
The mightiest of thy greatest enemies,
Link: 5.6.32
Richard of Bordeaux, by me hither brought.
Link: 5.6.33
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
Exton, I thank thee not; for thou hast wrought
Link: 5.6.34
A deed of slander with thy fatal hand
Link: 5.6.35
Upon my head and all this famous land.
Link: 5.6.36
EXTON
From your own mouth, my lord, did I this deed.
Link: 5.6.37
HENRY BOLINGBROKE
They love not poison that do poison need,
Link: 5.6.38
Nor do I thee: though I did wish him dead,
Link: 5.6.39
I hate the murderer, love him murdered.
Link: 5.6.40
The guilt of conscience take thou for thy labour,
Link: 5.6.41
But neither my good word nor princely favour:
Link: 5.6.42
With Cain go wander through shades of night,
Link: 5.6.43
And never show thy head by day nor light.
Link: 5.6.44
Lords, I protest, my soul is full of woe,
Link: 5.6.45
That blood should sprinkle me to make me grow:
Link: 5.6.46
Come, mourn with me for that I do lament,
Link: 5.6.47
And put on sullen black incontinent:
Link: 5.6.48
I'll make a voyage to the Holy Land,
Link: 5.6.49
To wash this blood off from my guilty hand:
Link: 5.6.50
March sadly after; grace my mournings here;
Link: 5.6.51
In weeping after this untimely bier.
Link: 5.6.52
Exeunt