Speeches (Lines) for Duke of Gloucester
in "Richard III"
Total: 163

1

I,1,2

(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER, solus]

Duke of Gloucester. Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York;
And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths;
Our bruised arms hung up for monuments;
Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings,
Our dreadful marches to delightful measures.
Grim-visaged war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front;
And now, instead of mounting barded steeds
To fright the souls of fearful adversaries,
He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber
To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.
But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks,
Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass;
I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty
To strut before a wanton ambling nymph;
I, that am curtail'd of this fair proportion,
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature,
Deformed, unfinish'd, sent before my time
Into this breathing world, scarce half made up,
And that so lamely and unfashionable
That dogs bark at me as I halt by them;
Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace,
Have no delight to pass away the time,
Unless to spy my shadow in the sun
And descant on mine own deformity:
And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover,
To entertain these fair well-spoken days,
I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days.
Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous,
By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams,
To set my brother Clarence and the king
In deadly hate the one against the other:
And if King Edward be as true and just
As I am subtle, false and treacherous,
This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up,
About a prophecy, which says that 'G'
Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be.
Dive, thoughts, down to my soul: here
Clarence comes.
[Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY]
Brother, good day; what means this armed guard
That waits upon your grace?

2

I,1,50

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). His majesty
Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed
This conduct to convey me to the Tower.

Duke of Gloucester. Upon what cause?

3

I,1,52

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). Because my name is George.

Duke of Gloucester. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours;
He should, for that, commit your godfathers:
O, belike his majesty hath some intent
That you shall be new-christen'd in the Tower.
But what's the matter, Clarence? may I know?

4

I,1,67

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). Yea, Richard, when I know; for I protest
As yet I do not: but, as I can learn,
He hearkens after prophecies and dreams;
And from the cross-row plucks the letter G.
And says a wizard told him that by G
His issue disinherited should be;
And, for my name of George begins with G,
It follows in his thought that I am he.
These, as I learn, and such like toys as these
Have moved his highness to commit me now.

Duke of Gloucester. Why, this it is, when men are ruled by women:
'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower:
My Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she
That tempers him to this extremity.
Was it not she and that good man of worship,
Anthony Woodville, her brother there,
That made him send Lord Hastings to the Tower,
From whence this present day he is deliver'd?
We are not safe, Clarence; we are not safe.

5

I,1,81

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). By heaven, I think there's no man is secure
But the queen's kindred and night-walking heralds
That trudge betwixt the king and Mistress Shore.
Heard ye not what an humble suppliant
Lord hastings was to her for his delivery?

Duke of Gloucester. Humbly complaining to her deity
Got my lord chamberlain his liberty.
I'll tell you what; I think it is our way,
If we will keep in favour with the king,
To be her men and wear her livery:
The jealous o'erworn widow and herself,
Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen.
Are mighty gossips in this monarchy.

6

I,1,93

Sir Robert Brakenbury. I beseech your graces both to pardon me;
His majesty hath straitly given in charge
That no man shall have private conference,
Of what degree soever, with his brother.

Duke of Gloucester. Even so; an't please your worship, Brakenbury,
You may partake of any thing we say:
We speak no treason, man: we say the king
Is wise and virtuous, and his noble queen
Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous;
We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot,
A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue;
And that the queen's kindred are made gentle-folks:
How say you sir? Can you deny all this?

7

I,1,103

Sir Robert Brakenbury. With this, my lord, myself have nought to do.

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

8

I,1,107

Sir Robert Brakenbury. What one, my lord?

Duke of Gloucester. Her husband, knave: wouldst thou betray me?

9

I,1,111

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey.

Duke of Gloucester. We are the queen's abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewell: I will unto the king;
And whatsoever you will employ me in,
Were it to call King Edward's widow sister,
I will perform it to enfranchise you.
Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood
Touches me deeper than you can imagine.

10

I,1,119

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). I know it pleaseth neither of us well.

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

11

I,1,123

(stage directions). [Exeunt CLARENCE, BRAKENBURY, and Guard]

Duke of Gloucester. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return.
Simple, plain Clarence! I do love thee so,
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
If heaven will take the present at our hands.
But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings?

12

I,1,130

Lord Hastings. Good time of day unto my gracious lord!

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

13

I,1,136

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

Duke of Gloucester. No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too;
For they that were your enemies are his,
And have prevail'd as much on him as you.

14

I,1,141

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

Duke of Gloucester. What news abroad?

15

I,1,145

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

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

16

I,1,151

Lord Hastings. He is.

Duke of Gloucester. Go you before, and I will follow you.
[Exit HASTINGS]
He cannot live, I hope; and must not die
Till George be pack'd with post-horse up to heaven.
I'll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence,
With lies well steel'd with weighty arguments;
And, if I fall not in my deep intent,
Clarence hath not another day to live:
Which done, God take King Edward to his mercy,
And leave the world for me to bustle in!
For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter.
What though I kill'd her husband and her father?
The readiest way to make the wench amends
Is to become her husband and her father:
The which will I; not all so much for love
As for another secret close intent,
By marrying her which I must reach unto.
But yet I run before my horse to market:
Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives and reigns:
When they are gone, then must I count my gains.

17

I,2,207

(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER]

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

18

I,2,210

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

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

19

I,2,213

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

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

20

I,2,223

Lady Anne. What, do you tremble? are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell!
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body,
His soul thou canst not have; therefore be gone.

Duke of Gloucester. Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.

21

I,2,243

Lady Anne. Foul devil, for God's sake, hence, and trouble us not;
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
Fill'd it with cursing cries and deep exclaims.
If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,
Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
O, gentlemen, see, see! dead Henry's wounds
Open their congeal'd mouths and bleed afresh!
Blush, Blush, thou lump of foul deformity;
For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood
From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells;
Thy deed, inhuman and unnatural,
Provokes this deluge most unnatural.
O God, which this blood madest, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink'st revenge his death!
Either heaven with lightning strike the
murderer dead,
Or earth, gape open wide and eat him quick,
As thou dost swallow up this good king's blood
Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butchered!

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

22

I,2,247

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

Duke of Gloucester. But I know none, and therefore am no beast.

23

I,2,249

Lady Anne. O wonderful, when devils tell the truth!

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

24

I,2,256

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

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

25

I,2,260

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

Duke of Gloucester. By such despair, I should accuse myself.

26

I,2,264

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

Duke of Gloucester. Say that I slew them not?

27

I,2,267

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

Duke of Gloucester. I did not kill your husband.

28

I,2,269

Lady Anne. Why, then he is alive.

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

29

I,2,274

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

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

30

I,2,279

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

Duke of Gloucester. I grant ye.

31

I,2,283

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

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

32

I,2,285

Lady Anne. He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.

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

33

I,2,288

Lady Anne. And thou unfit for any place but hell.

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

34

I,2,290

Lady Anne. Some dungeon.

Duke of Gloucester. Your bed-chamber.

35

I,2,292

Lady Anne. I'll rest betide the chamber where thou liest!

Duke of Gloucester. So will it, madam till I lie with you.

36

I,2,294

Lady Anne. I hope so.

Duke of Gloucester. I know so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
To leave this keen encounter of our wits,
And fall somewhat into a slower method,
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?

37

I,2,301

Lady Anne. Thou art the cause, and most accursed effect.

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

38

I,2,307

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

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

39

I,2,312

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

Duke of Gloucester. Curse not thyself, fair creature thou art both.

40

I,2,314

Lady Anne. I would I were, to be revenged on thee.

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

41

I,2,318

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

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

42

I,2,321

Lady Anne. His better doth not breathe upon the earth.

Duke of Gloucester. He lives that loves thee better than he could.

43

I,2,323

Lady Anne. Name him.

Duke of Gloucester. Plantagenet.

44

I,2,325

Lady Anne. Why, that was he.

Duke of Gloucester. The selfsame name, but one of better nature.

45

I,2,327

Lady Anne. Where is he?

Duke of Gloucester. Here.
[She spitteth at him]
Why dost thou spit at me?

46

I,2,331

Lady Anne. Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake!

Duke of Gloucester. Never came poison from so sweet a place.

47

I,2,334

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

Duke of Gloucester. Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.

48

I,2,336

Lady Anne. Would they were basilisks, to strike thee dead!

Duke of Gloucester. I would they were, that I might die at once;
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops:
These eyes that never shed remorseful tear,
No, when my father York and Edward wept,
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
Told the sad story of my father's death,
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep,
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks
Like trees bedash'd with rain: in that sad time
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
And what these sorrows could not thence exhale,
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping.
I never sued to friend nor enemy;
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word;
But now thy beauty is proposed my fee,
My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
[She looks scornfully at him]
Teach not thy lips such scorn, for they were made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword;
Which if thou please to hide in this true bosom.
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke,
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
[He lays his breast open: she offers at it with his sword]
Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry,
But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me.
Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward,
But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
[Here she lets fall the sword]
Take up the sword again, or take up me.

49

I,2,374

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

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

50

I,2,376

Lady Anne. I have already.

Duke of Gloucester. Tush, that was in thy rage:
Speak it again, and, even with the word,
That hand, which, for thy love, did kill thy love,
Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love;
To both their deaths thou shalt be accessary.

51

I,2,382

Lady Anne. I would I knew thy heart.

Duke of Gloucester. 'Tis figured in my tongue.

52

I,2,384

Lady Anne. I fear me both are false.

Duke of Gloucester. Then never man was true.

53

I,2,386

Lady Anne. Well, well, put up your sword.

Duke of Gloucester. Say, then, my peace is made.

54

I,2,388

Lady Anne. That shall you know hereafter.

Duke of Gloucester. But shall I live in hope?

55

I,2,390

Lady Anne. All men, I hope, live so.

Duke of Gloucester. Vouchsafe to wear this ring.

56

I,2,392

Lady Anne. To take is not to give.

Duke of Gloucester. Look, how this ring encompasseth finger.
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart;
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted suppliant may
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.

57

I,2,399

Lady Anne. What is it?

Duke of Gloucester. That it would please thee leave these sad designs
To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby Place;
Where, after I have solemnly interr'd
At Chertsey monastery this noble king,
And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you:
For divers unknown reasons. I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.

58

I,2,411

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

Duke of Gloucester. Bid me farewell.

59

I,2,416

(stage directions). [Exeunt LADY ANNE, TRESSEL, and BERKELEY]

Duke of Gloucester. Sirs, take up the corse.

60

I,2,418

Gentlemen. Towards Chertsey, noble lord?

Duke of Gloucester. No, to White-Friars; there attend my coining.
[Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER]
Was ever woman in this humour woo'd?
Was ever woman in this humour won?
I'll have her; but I will not keep her long.
What! I, that kill'd her husband and his father,
To take her in her heart's extremest hate,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of her hatred by;
Having God, her conscience, and these bars
against me,
And I nothing to back my suit at all,
But the plain devil and dissembling looks,
And yet to win her, all the world to nothing!
Ha!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I, some three months since,
Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury?
A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman,
Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal,
The spacious world cannot again afford
And will she yet debase her eyes on me,
That cropp'd the golden prime of this sweet prince,
And made her widow to a woful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety?
On me, that halt and am unshapen thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while:
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marvellous proper man.
I'll be at charges for a looking-glass,
And entertain some score or two of tailors,
To study fashions to adorn my body:
Since I am crept in favour with myself,
Will maintain it with some little cost.
But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave;
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass.

61

I,3,503

(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and DORSET]

Duke of Gloucester. They do me wrong, and I will not endure it:
Who are they that complain unto the king,
That I, forsooth, am stern, and love them not?
By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly
That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours.
Because I cannot flatter and speak fair,
Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and cog,
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
I must be held a rancorous enemy.
Cannot a plain man live and think no harm,
But thus his simple truth must be abused
By silken, sly, insinuating Jacks?

62

I,3,516

Lord (Earl) Rivers. To whom in all this presence speaks your grace?

Duke of Gloucester. To thee, that hast nor honesty nor grace.
When have I injured thee? when done thee wrong?
Or thee? or thee? or any of your faction?
A plague upon you all! His royal person,—
Whom God preserve better than you would wish!—
Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing-while,
But you must trouble him with lewd complaints.

63

I,3,531

Queen Elizabeth. Brother of Gloucester, you mistake the matter.
The king, of his own royal disposition,
And not provoked by any suitor else;
Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred,
Which in your outward actions shows itself
Against my kindred, brothers, and myself,
Makes him to send; that thereby he may gather
The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it.

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

64

I,3,539

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

Duke of Gloucester. Meantime, God grants that we have need of you:
Your brother is imprison'd by your means,
Myself disgraced, and the nobility
Held in contempt; whilst many fair promotions
Are daily given to ennoble those
That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble.

65

I,3,552

Queen Elizabeth. By Him that raised me to this careful height
From that contented hap which I enjoy'd,
I never did incense his majesty
Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been
An earnest advocate to plead for him.
My lord, you do me shameful injury,
Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects.

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

66

I,3,555

Lord (Earl) Rivers. She may, my lord, for—

Duke of Gloucester. She may, Lord Rivers! why, who knows not so?
She may do more, sir, than denying that:
She may help you to many fair preferments,
And then deny her aiding hand therein,
And lay those honours on your high deserts.
What may she not? She may, yea, marry, may she—

67

I,3,562

Lord (Earl) Rivers. What, marry, may she?

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

68

I,3,576

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

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

69

I,3,584

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

Duke of Gloucester. Ere you were queen, yea, or your husband king,
I was a pack-horse in his great affairs;
A weeder-out of his proud adversaries,
A liberal rewarder of his friends:
To royalize his blood I spilt mine own.

70

I,3,590

Queen Margaret. Yea, and much better blood than his or thine.

Duke of Gloucester. In all which time you and your husband Grey
Were factious for the house of Lancaster;
And, Rivers, so were you. Was not your husband
In Margaret's battle at Saint Alban's slain?
Let me put in your minds, if you forget,
What you have been ere now, and what you are;
Withal, what I have been, and what I am.

71

I,3,598

Queen Margaret. A murderous villain, and so still thou art.

Duke of Gloucester. Poor Clarence did forsake his father, Warwick;
Yea, and forswore himself,—which Jesu pardon!—

72

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Queen Margaret. Which God revenge!

Duke of Gloucester. To fight on Edward's party for the crown;
And for his meed, poor lord, he is mew'd up.
I would to God my heart were flint, like Edward's;
Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine
I am too childish-foolish for this world.

73

I,3,612

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

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

74

I,3,628

Queen Margaret. A little joy enjoys the queen thereof;
For I am she, and altogether joyless.
I can no longer hold me patient.
[Advancing]
Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out
In sharing that which you have pill'd from me!
Which of you trembles not that looks on me?
If not, that, I being queen, you bow like subjects,
Yet that, by you deposed, you quake like rebels?
O gentle villain, do not turn away!

Duke of Gloucester. Foul wrinkled witch, what makest thou in my sight?

75

I,3,631

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

Duke of Gloucester. Wert thou not banished on pain of death?

76

I,3,638

Queen Margaret. I was; but I do find more pain in banishment
Than death can yield me here by my abode.
A husband and a son thou owest to me;
And thou a kingdom; all of you allegiance:
The sorrow that I have, by right is yours,
And all the pleasures you usurp are mine.

Duke of Gloucester. The curse my noble father laid on thee,
When thou didst crown his warlike brows with paper
And with thy scorns drew'st rivers from his eyes,
And then, to dry them, gavest the duke a clout
Steep'd in the faultless blood of pretty Rutland—
His curses, then from bitterness of soul
Denounced against thee, are all fall'n upon thee;
And God, not we, hath plagued thy bloody deed.

77

I,3,679

Queen Margaret. What were you snarling all before I came,
Ready to catch each other by the throat,
And turn you all your hatred now on me?
Did York's dread curse prevail so much with heaven?
That Henry's death, my lovely Edward's death,
Their kingdom's loss, my woful banishment,
Could all but answer for that peevish brat?
Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven?
Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses!
If not by war, by surfeit die your king,
As ours by murder, to make him a king!
Edward thy son, which now is Prince of Wales,
For Edward my son, which was Prince of Wales,
Die in his youth by like untimely violence!
Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen,
Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self!
Long mayst thou live to wail thy children's loss;
And see another, as I see thee now,
Deck'd in thy rights, as thou art stall'd in mine!
Long die thy happy days before thy death;
And, after many lengthen'd hours of grief,
Die neither mother, wife, nor England's queen!
Rivers and Dorset, you were standers by,
And so wast thou, Lord Hastings, when my son
Was stabb'd with bloody daggers: God, I pray him,
That none of you may live your natural age,
But by some unlook'd accident cut off!

Duke of Gloucester. Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd hag!

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I,3,698

Queen Margaret. And leave out thee? stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me.
If heaven have any grievous plague in store
Exceeding those that I can wish upon thee,
O, let them keep it till thy sins be ripe,
And then hurl down their indignation
On thee, the troubler of the poor world's peace!
The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul!
Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou livest,
And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends!
No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine,
Unless it be whilst some tormenting dream
Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils!
Thou elvish-mark'd, abortive, rooting hog!
Thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity
The slave of nature and the son of hell!
Thou slander of thy mother's heavy womb!
Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins!
Thou rag of honour! thou detested—

Duke of Gloucester. Margaret.

79

I,3,700

Queen Margaret. Richard!

Duke of Gloucester. Ha!

80

I,3,702

Queen Margaret. I call thee not.

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

81

I,3,706

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

Duke of Gloucester. 'Tis done by me, and ends in 'Margaret.'

82

I,3,728

Queen Margaret. Peace, master marquess, you are malapert:
Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current.
O, that your young nobility could judge
What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable!
They that stand high have many blasts to shake them;
And if they fall, they dash themselves to pieces.

Duke of Gloucester. Good counsel, marry: learn it, learn it, marquess.

83

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Marquis of Dorset. It toucheth you, my lord, as much as me.

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

84

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Queen Margaret. I'll not believe but they ascend the sky,
And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace.
O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog!
Look, when he fawns, he bites; and when he bites,
His venom tooth will rankle to the death:
Have not to do with him, beware of him;
Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him,
And all their ministers attend on him.

Duke of Gloucester. What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham?

85

I,3,774

Lord (Earl) Rivers. And so doth mine: I muse why she's at liberty.

Duke of Gloucester. I cannot blame her: by God's holy mother,
She hath had too much wrong; and I repent
My part thereof that I have done to her.

86

I,3,778

Queen Elizabeth. I never did her any, to my knowledge.

Duke of Gloucester. But you have all the vantage of her wrong.
I was too hot to do somebody good,
That is too cold in thinking of it now.
Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid,
He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains
God pardon them that are the cause of it!

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I,3,786

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

Duke of Gloucester. So do I ever:
[Aside]
being well-advised.
For had I cursed now, I had cursed myself.

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(stage directions). [Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER]

Duke of Gloucester. I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl.
The secret mischiefs that I set abroach
I lay unto the grievous charge of others.
Clarence, whom I, indeed, have laid in darkness,
I do beweep to many simple gulls
Namely, to Hastings, Derby, Buckingham;
And say it is the queen and her allies
That stir the king against the duke my brother.
Now, they believe it; and withal whet me
To be revenged on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey:
But then I sigh; and, with a piece of scripture,
Tell them that God bids us do good for evil:
And thus I clothe my naked villany
With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ;
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.
[Enter two Murderers]
But, soft! here come my executioners.
How now, my hardy, stout resolved mates!
Are you now going to dispatch this deed?

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

Duke of Gloucester. Well thought upon; I have it here about me.
[Gives the warrant]
When you have done, repair to Crosby Place.
But, sirs, be sudden in the execution,
Withal obdurate, do not hear him plead;
For Clarence is well-spoken, and perhaps
May move your hearts to pity if you mark him.

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

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

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II,1,1170

(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER]

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

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II,1,1176

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

Duke of Gloucester. A blessed labour, my most sovereign liege:
Amongst this princely heap, if any here,
By false intelligence, or wrong surmise,
Hold me a foe;
If I unwittingly, or in my rage,
Have aught committed that is hardly borne
By any in this presence, I desire
To reconcile me to his friendly peace:
'Tis death to me to be at enmity;
I hate it, and desire all good men's love.
First, madam, I entreat true peace of you,
Which I will purchase with my duteous service;
Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham,
If ever any grudge were lodged between us;
Of you, Lord Rivers, and, Lord Grey, of you;
That without desert have frown'd on me;
Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen; indeed, of all.
I do not know that Englishman alive
With whom my soul is any jot at odds
More than the infant that is born to-night
I thank my God for my humility.

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

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

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II,1,1212

King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Is Clarence dead? the order was reversed.

Duke of Gloucester. But he, poor soul, by your first order died,
And that a winged Mercury did bear:
Some tardy cripple bore the countermand,
That came too lag to see him buried.
God grant that some, less noble and less loyal,
Nearer in bloody thoughts, but not in blood,
Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did,
And yet go current from suspicion!

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II,1,1262

(stage directions). [Exeunt some with KING EDWARD IV and QUEEN MARGARET]

Duke of Gloucester. This is the fruit of rashness! Mark'd you not
How that the guilty kindred of the queen
Look'd pale when they did hear of Clarence' death?
O, they did urge it still unto the king!
God will revenge it. But come, let us in,
To comfort Edward with our company.

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II,2,1374

(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM, DERBY, HASTINGS, and RATCLIFF]

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

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II,2,1382

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

Duke of Gloucester. [Aside] Amen; and make me die a good old man!
That is the butt-end of a mother's blessing:
I marvel why her grace did leave it out.

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II,2,1405

Duke of Buckingham. Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude,
The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out,
Which would be so much the more dangerous
By how much the estate is green and yet ungovern'd:
Where every horse bears his commanding rein,
And may direct his course as please himself,
As well the fear of harm, as harm apparent,
In my opinion, ought to be prevented.

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

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II,2,1414

Lord Hastings. And so say I.

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

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Duke of Buckingham. My lord, whoever journeys to the Prince,
For God's sake, let not us two be behind;
For, by the way, I'll sort occasion,
As index to the story we late talk'd of,
To part the queen's proud kindred from the king.

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

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III,1,1568

Duke of Buckingham. Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber.

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

102

III,1,1573

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

Duke of Gloucester. Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years
Hath not yet dived into the world's deceit
Nor more can you distinguish of a man
Than of his outward show; which, God he knows,
Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart.
Those uncles which you want were dangerous;
Your grace attended to their sugar'd words,
But look'd not on the poison of their hearts :
God keep you from them, and from such false friends!

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III,1,1583

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

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

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III,1,1632

Prince Edward. Good lords, make all the speedy haste you may.
[Exeunt CARDINAL and HASTINGS]
Say, uncle Gloucester, if our brother come,
Where shall we sojourn till our coronation?

Duke of Gloucester. Where it seems best unto your royal self.
If I may counsel you, some day or two
Your highness shall repose you at the Tower:
Then where you please, and shall be thought most fit
For your best health and recreation.

105

III,1,1648

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

Duke of Gloucester. [Aside] So wise so young, they say, do never
live long.

106

III,1,1651

Prince Edward. What say you, uncle?

Duke of Gloucester. I say, without characters, fame lives long.
[Aside]
Thus, like the formal vice, Iniquity,
I moralize two meanings in one word.

107

III,1,1665

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

Duke of Gloucester. [Aside] Short summers lightly have a forward spring.

108

III,1,1673

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

Duke of Gloucester. How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York?

109

III,1,1677

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord,
You said that idle weeds are fast in growth
The prince my brother hath outgrown me far.

Duke of Gloucester. He hath, my lord.

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III,1,1679

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). And therefore is he idle?

Duke of Gloucester. O, my fair cousin, I must not say so.

111

III,1,1681

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). Then is he more beholding to you than I.

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

112

III,1,1684

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). I pray you, uncle, give me this dagger.

Duke of Gloucester. My dagger, little cousin? with all my heart.

113

III,1,1688

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). Of my kind uncle, that I know will give;
And being but a toy, which is no grief to give.

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

114

III,1,1690

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). A greater gift! O, that's the sword to it.

Duke of Gloucester. A gentle cousin, were it light enough.

115

III,1,1693

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). O, then, I see, you will part but with light gifts;
In weightier things you'll say a beggar nay.

Duke of Gloucester. It is too heavy for your grace to wear.

116

III,1,1695

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). I weigh it lightly, were it heavier.

Duke of Gloucester. What, would you have my weapon, little lord?

117

III,1,1697

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). I would, that I might thank you as you call me.

Duke of Gloucester. How?

118

III,1,1709

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

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

119

III,1,1716

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower.

Duke of Gloucester. Why, what should you fear?

120

III,1,1720

Prince Edward. I fear no uncles dead.

Duke of Gloucester. Nor none that live, I hope.

121

III,1,1729

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

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

122

III,1,1756

Duke of Buckingham. Well, then, no more but this: go, gentle Catesby,
And, as it were far off sound thou Lord Hastings,
How doth he stand affected to our purpose;
And summon him to-morrow to the Tower,
To sit about the coronation.
If thou dost find him tractable to us,
Encourage him, and show him all our reasons:
If he be leaden, icy-cold, unwilling,
Be thou so too; and so break off your talk,
And give us notice of his inclination:
For we to-morrow hold divided councils,
Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd.

Duke of Gloucester. Commend me to Lord William: tell him, Catesby,
His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries
To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret-castle;
And bid my friend, for joy of this good news,
Give mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more.

123

III,1,1763

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

Duke of Gloucester. Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?

124

III,1,1765

Sir William Catesby. You shall, my lord.

Duke of Gloucester. At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both.

125

III,1,1769

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

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

126

III,1,1774

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

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

127

III,4,1971

John Morton. Now in good time, here comes the duke himself.

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

128

III,4,1978

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

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

129

III,4,1981

Lord Hastings. I thank your grace.

Duke of Gloucester. My lord of Ely!

130

III,4,1983

John Morton. My lord?

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

131

III,4,1988

(stage directions). [Exit]

Duke of Gloucester. Cousin of Buckingham, a word with you.
[Drawing him aside]
Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business,
And finds the testy gentleman so hot,
As he will lose his head ere give consent
His master's son, as worshipful as he terms it,
Shall lose the royalty of England's throne.

132

III,4,2016

(stage directions). [Re-enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM]

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

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III,4,2024

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

Duke of Gloucester. Then be your eyes the witness of this ill:
See how I am bewitch'd; behold mine arm
Is, like a blasted sapling, wither'd up:
And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot strumpet Shore,
That by their witchcraft thus have marked me.

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III,4,2031

Lord Hastings. If they have done this thing, my gracious lord—

Duke of Gloucester. If I thou protector of this damned strumpet—
Tellest thou me of 'ifs'? Thou art a traitor:
Off with his head! Now, by Saint Paul I swear,
I will not dine until I see the same.
Lovel and Ratcliff, look that it be done:
The rest, that love me, rise and follow me.

135

III,5,2069

(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM, in rotten armour,]
marvellous ill-favoured]

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

136

III,5,2081

Duke of Buckingham. Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian;
Speak and look back, and pry on every side,
Tremble and start at wagging of a straw,
Intending deep suspicion: ghastly looks
Are at my service, like enforced smiles;
And both are ready in their offices,
At any time, to grace my stratagems.
But what, is Catesby gone?

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

137

III,5,2084

Duke of Buckingham. Lord mayor,—

Duke of Gloucester. Look to the drawbridge there!

138

III,5,2086

Duke of Buckingham. Hark! a drum.

Duke of Gloucester. Catesby, o'erlook the walls.

139

III,5,2088

Duke of Buckingham. Lord mayor, the reason we have sent—

Duke of Gloucester. Look back, defend thee, here are enemies.

140

III,5,2090

Duke of Buckingham. God and our innocency defend and guard us!

Duke of Gloucester. Be patient, they are friends, Ratcliff and Lovel.

141

III,5,2094

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

Duke of Gloucester. So dear I loved the man, that I must weep.
I took him for the plainest harmless creature
That breathed upon this earth a Christian;
Made him my book wherein my soul recorded
The history of all her secret thoughts:
So smooth he daub'd his vice with show of virtue,
That, his apparent open guilt omitted,
I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife,
He lived from all attainder of suspect.

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Lord Mayor of London. What, had he so?

Duke of Gloucester. What, think You we are Turks or infidels?
Or that we would, against the form of law,
Proceed thus rashly to the villain's death,
But that the extreme peril of the case,
The peace of England and our persons' safety,
Enforced us to this execution?

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III,5,2122

Lord Mayor of London. Now, fair befall you! he deserved his death;
And you my good lords, both have well proceeded,
To warn false traitors from the like attempts.
I never look'd for better at his hands,
After he once fell in with Mistress Shore.

Duke of Gloucester. Yet had not we determined he should die,
Until your lordship came to see his death;
Which now the loving haste of these our friends,
Somewhat against our meaning, have prevented:
Because, my lord, we would have had you heard
The traitor speak, and timorously confess
The manner and the purpose of his treason;
That you might well have signified the same
Unto the citizens, who haply may
Misconstrue us in him and wail his death.

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III,5,2137

Lord Mayor of London. But, my good lord, your grace's word shall serve,
As well as I had seen and heard him speak
And doubt you not, right noble princes both,
But I'll acquaint our duteous citizens
With all your just proceedings in this cause.

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

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III,5,2143

(stage directions). [Exit Lord Mayor]

Duke of Gloucester. Go, after, after, cousin Buckingham.
The mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post:
There, at your meet'st advantage of the time,
Infer the bastardy of Edward's children:
Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen,
Only for saying he would make his son
Heir to the crown; meaning indeed his house,
Which, by the sign thereof was termed so.
Moreover, urge his hateful luxury
And bestial appetite in change of lust;
Which stretched to their servants, daughters, wives,
Even where his lustful eye or savage heart,
Without control, listed to make his prey.
Nay, for a need, thus far come near my person:
Tell them, when that my mother went with child
Of that unsatiate Edward, noble York
My princely father then had wars in France
And, by just computation of the time,
Found that the issue was not his begot;
Which well appeared in his lineaments,
Being nothing like the noble duke my father:
But touch this sparingly, as 'twere far off,
Because you know, my lord, my mother lives.

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

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

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III,5,2175

(stage directions). [Exit BUCKINGHAM]

Duke of Gloucester. Go, Lovel, with all speed to Doctor Shaw;
[To CATESBY]
Go thou to Friar Penker; bid them both
Meet me within this hour at Baynard's Castle.
[Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER]
Now will I in, to take some privy order,
To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight;
And to give notice, that no manner of person
At any time have recourse unto the princes.

148

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(stage directions). [Enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM, at several doors]

Duke of Gloucester. How now, my lord, what say the citizens?

149

III,7,2205

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

Duke of Gloucester. Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children?

150

III,7,2224

Duke of Buckingham. I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy,
And his contract by deputy in France;
The insatiate greediness of his desires,
And his enforcement of the city wives;
His tyranny for trifles; his own bastardy,
As being got, your father then in France,
His resemblance, being not like the duke;
Withal I did infer your lineaments,
Being the right idea of your father,
Both in your form and nobleness of mind;
Laid open all your victories in Scotland,
Your dicipline in war, wisdom in peace,
Your bounty, virtue, fair humility:
Indeed, left nothing fitting for the purpose
Untouch'd, or slightly handled, in discourse
And when mine oratory grew to an end
I bid them that did love their country's good
Cry 'God save Richard, England's royal king!'

Duke of Gloucester. Ah! and did they so?

151

III,7,2243

Duke of Buckingham. No, so God help me, they spake not a word;
But, like dumb statues or breathing stones,
Gazed each on other, and look'd deadly pale.
Which when I saw, I reprehended them;
And ask'd the mayor what meant this wilful silence:
His answer was, the people were not wont
To be spoke to but by the recorder.
Then he was urged to tell my tale again,
'Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd;'
But nothing spake in warrant from himself.
When he had done, some followers of mine own,
At the lower end of the hall, hurl'd up their caps,
And some ten voices cried 'God save King Richard!'
And thus I took the vantage of those few,
'Thanks, gentle citizens and friends,' quoth I;
'This general applause and loving shout
Argues your wisdoms and your love to Richard:'
And even here brake off, and came away.

Duke of Gloucester. What tongueless blocks were they! would not they speak?

152

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Duke of Buckingham. No, by my troth, my lord.

Duke of Gloucester. Will not the mayor then and his brethren come?

153

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Duke of Buckingham. The mayor is here at hand: intend some fear;
Be not you spoke with, but by mighty suit:
And look you get a prayer-book in your hand,
And stand betwixt two churchmen, good my lord;
For on that ground I'll build a holy descant:
And be not easily won to our request:
Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it.

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

154

III,7,2315

Duke of Buckingham. Two props of virtue for a Christian prince,
To stay him from the fall of vanity:
And, see, a book of prayer in his hand,
True ornaments to know a holy man.
Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince,
Lend favourable ears to our request;
And pardon us the interruption
Of thy devotion and right Christian zeal.

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

155

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

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

156

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

Duke of Gloucester. Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land?

157

III,7,2352

Duke of Buckingham. Then know, it is your fault that you resign
The supreme seat, the throne majestical,
The scepter'd office of your ancestors,
Your state of fortune and your due of birth,
The lineal glory of your royal house,
To the corruption of a blemished stock:
Whilst, in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts,
Which here we waken to our country's good,
This noble isle doth want her proper limbs;
Her face defaced with scars of infamy,
Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants,
And almost shoulder'd in the swallowing gulf
Of blind forgetfulness and dark oblivion.
Which to recure, we heartily solicit
Your gracious self to take on you the charge
And kingly government of this your land,
Not as protector, steward, substitute,
Or lowly factor for another's gain;
But as successively from blood to blood,
Your right of birth, your empery, your own.
For this, consorted with the citizens,
Your very worshipful and loving friends,
And by their vehement instigation,
In this just suit come I to move your grace.

Duke of Gloucester. I know not whether to depart in silence,
Or bitterly to speak in your reproof.
Best fitteth my degree or your condition
If not to answer, you might haply think
Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty,
Which fondly you would here impose on me;
If to reprove you for this suit of yours,
So season'd with your faithful love to me.
Then, on the other side, I cheque'd my friends.
Therefore, to speak, and to avoid the first,
And then, in speaking, not to incur the last,
Definitively thus I answer you.
Your love deserves my thanks; but my desert
Unmeritable shuns your high request.
First if all obstacles were cut away,
And that my path were even to the crown,
As my ripe revenue and due by birth
Yet so much is my poverty of spirit,
So mighty and so many my defects,
As I had rather hide me from my greatness,
Being a bark to brook no mighty sea,
Than in my greatness covet to be hid,
And in the vapour of my glory smother'd.
But, God be thank'd, there's no need of me,
And much I need to help you, if need were;
The royal tree hath left us royal fruit,
Which, mellow'd by the stealing hours of time,
Will well become the seat of majesty,
And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign.
On him I lay what you would lay on me,
The right and fortune of his happy stars;
Which God defend that I should wring from him!

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Sir William Catesby. O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit!

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

159

III,7,2431

Duke of Buckingham. If you refuse it,—as, in love and zeal,
Loath to depose the child, Your brother's son;
As well we know your tenderness of heart
And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse,
Which we have noted in you to your kin,
And egally indeed to all estates,—
Yet whether you accept our suit or no,
Your brother's son shall never reign our king;
But we will plant some other in the throne,
To the disgrace and downfall of your house:
And in this resolution here we leave you.—
Come, citizens: 'zounds! I'll entreat no more.

Duke of Gloucester. O, do not swear, my lord of Buckingham.

160

III,7,2435

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

Duke of Gloucester. Would you enforce me to a world of care?
Well, call them again. I am not made of stone,
But penetrable to your. kind entreats,
Albeit against my conscience and my soul.
[Re-enter BUCKINGHAM and the rest]
Cousin of Buckingham, and you sage, grave men,
Since you will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her burthen, whether I will or no,
I must have patience to endure the load:
But if black scandal or foul-faced reproach
Attend the sequel of your imposition,
Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me
From all the impure blots and stains thereof;
For God he knows, and you may partly see,
How far I am from the desire thereof.

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Lord Mayor of London. God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it.

Duke of Gloucester. In saying so, you shall but say the truth.

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Duke of Buckingham. To-morrow will it please you to be crown'd?

Duke of Gloucester. Even when you please, since you will have it so.

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III,7,2459

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

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