Read and listen with a SparkNotes PLUS trial!

studyGuide_translation

No Fear Translations

noFear_audio

No Fear Audio

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter RICHARD , in arms, with NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , SURREY , and soldiers
Enter RICHARD , in arms, with NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , SURREY , and soldiers

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

SURREY

My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.

SURREY

My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.

RICHARD

My Lord of Norfolk—

RICHARD

My Lord of Norfolk—

NORFOLK

5 Here, most gracious liege.

NORFOLK

Here, most gracious liege.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

NORFOLK

We must both give and take, my loving lord.

NORFOLK

We must both give and take, my loving lord.

RICHARD

Up with my tent!—Here will I lie tonight.
But where tomorrow? Well, all’s one for that.
10 Who hath descried the number of the traitors?

RICHARD

Up with my tent!—Here will I lie tonight.
But where tomorrow? Well, all’s one for that.
Who hath descried the number of the traitors?

NORFOLK

Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.

NORFOLK

Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.

RICHARD

Why, our battalia trebles that account.
Besides, the king’s name is a tower of strength
Which they upon the adverse party want.
15 Up with the tent!—Come, noble gentlemen,
Let us survey the vantage of the ground.
Call for some men of sound direction.
Let’s lack no discipline, make no delay,
For, lords, tomorrow is a busy day.

RICHARD

Why, our battalia trebles that account.
Besides, the king’s name is a tower of strength
Which they upon the adverse party want.
Up with the tent!—Come, noble gentlemen,
Let us survey the vantage of the ground.
Call for some men of sound direction.
Let’s lack no discipline, make no delay,
For, lords, tomorrow is a busy day.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter RICHMOND , Sir William Brandon, OXFORD , DORSET , HERBERT , BLUNT , and others. Some of the soldiers pitch RICHMOND ’s tent
Enter RICHMOND , Sir William Brandon, OXFORD , DORSET , HERBERT , BLUNT , and others. Some of the soldiers pitch RICHMOND ’s tent

RICHMOND

20 The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And by the bright track of his fiery car,
Gives token of a goodly day tomorrow.—
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.—
Give me some ink and paper in my tent;
25 I’ll draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several charge,
And part in just proportion our small power.
My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon,
And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me.
30 The earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment—
Good Captain Blunt, bear my goodnight to him,
And by the second hour in the morning
Desire the earl to see me in my tent.
Yet one thing more, good captain, do for me.
35 Where is Lord Stanley quartered, do you know?

RICHMOND

The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And by the bright track of his fiery car,
Gives token of a goodly day tomorrow.—
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.—
Give me some ink and paper in my tent;
I’ll draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several charge,
And part in just proportion our small power.
My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon,
And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me.
The earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment—
Good Captain Blunt, bear my goodnight to him,
And by the second hour in the morning
Desire the earl to see me in my tent.
Yet one thing more, good captain, do for me.
Where is Lord Stanley quartered, do you know?

BLUNT

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

BLUNT

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

RICHMOND

40 If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him,
And give him from me this most needful note.

RICHMOND

If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him,
And give him from me this most needful note.
He hands him a paper
He hands him a paper

BLUNT

Upon my life, my lord, I’ll undertake it.
And so God give you quiet rest tonight!

BLUNT

Upon my life, my lord, I’ll undertake it.
And so God give you quiet rest tonight!

RICHMOND

45 Good night, good Captain Blunt.

RICHMOND

Good night, good Captain Blunt.
BLUNT exits
BLUNT exits
Come, gentlemen,
Let us consult upon tomorrow’s business
Into my tent. The dew is raw and cold.
Come, gentlemen,
Let us consult upon tomorrow’s business
Into my tent. The dew is raw and cold.
Enter, to his tent, RICHARD , NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , CATESBY , and others
Enter, to his tent, RICHARD , NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , CATESBY , and others

RICHARD

What is “t o”clock?

RICHARD

What is “t o”clock?

CATESBY

50 It’s suppertime, my lord. It’s nine o'clock.

CATESBY

It’s suppertime, my lord. It’s nine o'clock.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

CATESBY

It is, my liege, and all things are in readiness.

CATESBY

It is, my liege, and all things are in readiness.

RICHARD

55 Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge.
Use careful watch. Choose trusty sentinels.

RICHARD

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

NORFOLK

I go, my lord.

NORFOLK

I go, my lord.

RICHARD

Stir with the lark tomorrow, gentle Norfolk.

RICHARD

Stir with the lark tomorrow, gentle Norfolk.

NORFOLK

I warrant you, my lord.

NORFOLK

I warrant you, my lord.
Exit
Exit

RICHARD

60 Catesby.

RICHARD

Catesby.

CATESBY

My lord.

CATESBY

My lord.

RICHARD

Send out a pursuivant-at-arms
To Stanley’s regiment. Bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
65 Into the blind cave of eternal night.

RICHARD

Send out a pursuivant-at-arms
To Stanley’s regiment. Bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
Into the blind cave of eternal night.
Exit CATESBY
Exit CATESBY
(to soldiers) Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch.
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.—
Ratcliffe.
(to soldiers) Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch.
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.—
Ratcliffe.

RATCLIFFE

70 My lord.

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RICHARD

Sawst thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?

RICHARD

Sawst thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?

RATCLIFFE

Thomas the earl of Surrey and himself,
Much about cockshut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army cheering up the soldiers.

RATCLIFFE

Thomas the earl of Surrey and himself,
Much about cockshut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army cheering up the soldiers.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

RATCLIFFE

It is, my lord.

RATCLIFFE

It is, my lord.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

Bid my guard watch. Leave me.
Ratcliffe, about the mid of night come to my tent
And help to arm me. Leave me, I say.
Exeunt Ratcliffe and the other attendants. RICHARD sleeps.
Exeunt Ratcliffe and the other attendants. RICHARD sleeps.
Enter STANLEY to RICHMOND in his tent, lords and others attending
Enter STANLEY to RICHMOND in his tent, lords and others attending

STANLEY

Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!

STANLEY

Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!

RICHMOND

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

RICHMOND

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

STANLEY

I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond’s good.
So much for that. The silent hours steal on,
90 And flaky darkness breaks within the east.
In brief, for so the season bids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning,
And put thy fortune to the arbitrament
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.
95 I, as I may—that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms.
But on thy side I may not be too forward,
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George,
100 Be executed in his father’s sight.
Farewell. The leisure and the fearful time
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
And ample interchange of sweet discourse,
Which so-long-sundered friends should dwell upon.
105 God give us leisure for these rites of love!
Once more, adieu. Be valiant, and speed well.

STANLEY

I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond’s good.
So much for that. The silent hours steal on,
And flaky darkness breaks within the east.
In brief, for so the season bids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning,
And put thy fortune to the arbitrament
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.
I, as I may—that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms.
But on thy side I may not be too forward,
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George,
Be executed in his father’s sight.
Farewell. The leisure and the fearful time
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
And ample interchange of sweet discourse,
Which so-long-sundered friends should dwell upon.
God give us leisure for these rites of love!
Once more, adieu. Be valiant, and speed well.

RICHMOND

Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I’ll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap,
Lest leaden slumber peise me down tomorrow,
110 When I should mount with wings of victory.
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.

RICHMOND

Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I’ll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap,
Lest leaden slumber peise me down tomorrow,
When I should mount with wings of victory.
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.
Exeunt all but RICHMOND
Exeunt all but RICHMOND
O Thou, whose captain I account myself,
Look on my forces with a gracious eye.
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
115 That they may crush down with a heavy fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries!
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in the victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
120 Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes.
Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!
Sleeps
O Thou, whose captain I account myself,
Look on my forces with a gracious eye.
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
That they may crush down with a heavy fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries!
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in the victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes.
Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!
Sleeps
Enter the GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD , son to KING HENRY VI
Enter the GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD , son to KING HENRY VI

GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow!
Think how thou stabbed’st me in my prime of youth
125 At Tewkesbury. Despair therefore, and die!
(to RICHMOND)
Be cheerful, Richmond, for the wrongèd souls
Of butchered princes fight in thy behalf.
King Henry’s issue, Richmond, comforts thee.

GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow!
Think how thou stabbed’st me in my prime of youth
At Tewkesbury. Despair therefore, and die!
(to RICHMOND)
Be cheerful, Richmond, for the wrongèd souls
Of butchered princes fight in thy behalf.
King Henry’s issue, Richmond, comforts thee.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOST OF KING HENRY VI
Enter the GHOST OF KING HENRY VI

GHOST OF KING HENRY VI

130 (to RICHARD) When I was mortal, my anointed body
By thee was punchèd full of deadly holes.
Think on the Tower and me. Despair, and die!
Harry the Sixth bids thee despair and die.
(to RICHMOND)
135Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror.
Harry, that prophesied thou shouldst be king,
Doth comfort thee in thy sleep. Live and flourish.

GHOST OF KING HENRY VI

(to RICHARD) When I was mortal, my anointed body
By thee was punchèd full of deadly holes.
Think on the Tower and me. Despair, and die!
Harry the Sixth bids thee despair and die.
(to RICHMOND)
Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror.
Harry, that prophesied thou shouldst be king,
Doth comfort thee in thy sleep. Live and flourish.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOST OF CLARENCE
Enter the GHOST OF CLARENCE

GHOST OF CLARENCE

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
I, that was washed to death with fulsome wine,
140 Poor Clarence, by thy guile betrayed to death.
Tomorrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword. Despair, and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster,
The wrongèd heirs of York do pray for thee
145 Good angels guard thy battle. Live and flourish.

GHOST OF CLARENCE

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
I, that was washed to death with fulsome wine,
Poor Clarence, by thy guile betrayed to death.
Tomorrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword. Despair, and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster,
The wrongèd heirs of York do pray for thee
Good angels guard thy battle. Live and flourish.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOSTS OF RIVERS , GRAY , and VAUGHAN
Enter the GHOSTS OF RIVERS , GRAY , and VAUGHAN

GHOST OF RIVERS

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
Rivers, that died at Pomfret. Despair, and die!

GHOST OF RIVERS

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
Rivers, that died at Pomfret. Despair, and die!

GHOST OF GREY

(to RICHARD) Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!

GHOST OF GREY

(to RICHARD) Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!

GHOST OF VAUGHAN

(to RICHARD)
150 Think upon Vaughan, and with guilty fear
Let fall thy lance. Despair, and die!

GHOST OF VAUGHAN

(to RICHARD)
Think upon Vaughan, and with guilty fear
Let fall thy lance. Despair, and die!

ALL

(to RICHMOND)
Awake, and think our wrongs in Richard’s bosom
Will conquer him! Awake, and win the day.

ALL

(to RICHMOND)
Awake, and think our wrongs in Richard’s bosom
Will conquer him! Awake, and win the day.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter the GHOSTS OF the two young PRINCES
Enter the GHOSTS OF the two young PRINCES

GHOSTS OF PRINCES

155 (to RICHARD)
Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower.
Let us be lead within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death.
Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair and die.
160 (to RICHMOND)
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace and wake in joy.
Good angels guard thee from the boar’s annoy.
Live, and beget a happy race of kings.
Edward’s unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.

GHOSTS OF PRINCES

(to RICHARD)
Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower.
Let us be lead within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death.
Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair and die.
(to RICHMOND)
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace and wake in joy.
Good angels guard thee from the boar’s annoy.
Live, and beget a happy race of kings.
Edward’s unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter the GHOST OF HASTINGS
Enter the GHOST OF HASTINGS

GHOST OF HASTINGS

165 (to RICHARD) Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake,
And in a bloody battle end thy days.
Think on Lord Hastings. Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Quiet, untroubled soul, awake, awake.
Arm, fight, and conquer for fair England’s sake.

GHOST OF HASTINGS

(to RICHARD) Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake,
And in a bloody battle end thy days.
Think on Lord Hastings. Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Quiet, untroubled soul, awake, awake.
Arm, fight, and conquer for fair England’s sake.
Exit.
Exit.
Enter the GHOST OF ANNE
Enter the GHOST OF ANNE

GHOST OF ANNE

170 (to RICHARD)
Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife,
That never slept a quiet hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations.
Tomorrow, in the battle, think on me,
175And fall thy edgeless sword: Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep.
Dream of success and happy victory.
Thy adversary’s wife doth pray for thee.

GHOST OF ANNE

(to RICHARD)
Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife,
That never slept a quiet hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations.
Tomorrow, in the battle, think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword: Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep.
Dream of success and happy victory.
Thy adversary’s wife doth pray for thee.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM
Enter the GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM

GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM

(to RICHARD) The last was I that helped thee to the crown;
180 The last was I that felt thy tyranny.
O, in the battle think on Buckingham,
And die in terror of thy guiltiness.
Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death.
Fainting, despair; despairing, yield thy breath.
185 (to RICHMOND) I died for hope ere I could lend thee aid,
But cheer thy heart, and be thou not dismayed.
God and good angels fight on Richmond’s side,
And Richard fall in height of all his pride.

GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM

(to RICHARD) The last was I that helped thee to the crown;
The last was I that felt thy tyranny.
O, in the battle think on Buckingham,
And die in terror of thy guiltiness.
Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death.
Fainting, despair; despairing, yield thy breath.
(to RICHMOND) I died for hope ere I could lend thee aid,
But cheer thy heart, and be thou not dismayed.
God and good angels fight on Richmond’s side,
And Richard fall in height of all his pride.
Exit
Exit
RICHARD starts out of his dream
RICHARD starts out of his dream

RICHARD

Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!
190 Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft, I did but dream.
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
195 Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why:
Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
200 That I myself have done unto myself?
O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter.

RICHARD

Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!
Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft, I did but dream.
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why:
Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter.
205 My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain.
Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree;
Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;
210 All several sins, all used in each degree,
Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!”
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me,
And if I die no soul will pity me.
And wherefore should they, since that I myself
215 Find in myself no pity to myself?
Methought the souls of all that I had murdered
Came to my tent, and every one did threat
Tomorrow’s vengeance on the head of Richard.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain.
Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree;
Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;
All several sins, all used in each degree,
Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!”
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me,
And if I die no soul will pity me.
And wherefore should they, since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself?
Methought the souls of all that I had murdered
Came to my tent, and every one did threat
Tomorrow’s vengeance on the head of Richard.
Enter RATCLIFFE
Enter RATCLIFFE

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RICHARD

220 Zounds, who is there?

RICHARD

Zounds, who is there?

RATCLIFFE

Ratcliffe, my lord, ’tis I. The early village cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn.
Your friends are up and buckle on their armor.

RATCLIFFE

Ratcliffe, my lord, ’tis I. The early village cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn.
Your friends are up and buckle on their armor.

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream!
225 What think’st thou, will our friends prove all true?

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream!
What think’st thou, will our friends prove all true?

RATCLIFFE

No doubt, my lord.

RATCLIFFE

No doubt, my lord.

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.

RATCLIFFE

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

RATCLIFFE

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

RICHARD

By the apostle Paul, shadows tonight
230 Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed in proof and led by shallow Richmond.
'Tis not yet near day. Come, go with me;
Under our tents I’ll play the eavesdropper
235 To see if any mean to shrink from me.

RICHARD

By the apostle Paul, shadows tonight
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed in proof and led by shallow Richmond.
'Tis not yet near day. Come, go with me;
Under our tents I’ll play the eavesdropper
To see if any mean to shrink from me.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter the lords to RICHMOND , sitting in his tent
Enter the lords to RICHMOND , sitting in his tent

LORDS

Good morrow, Richmond.

LORDS

Good morrow, Richmond.

RICHMOND

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

RICHMOND

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

A LORD

How have you slept, my lord?

A LORD

How have you slept, my lord?

RICHMOND

240 The sweetest sleep and fairest-boding dreams
That ever entered in a drowsy head
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought their souls whose bodies Richard murdered
Came to my tent and cried on victory.
245 I promise you, my soul is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords?

RICHMOND

The sweetest sleep and fairest-boding dreams
That ever entered in a drowsy head
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought their souls whose bodies Richard murdered
Came to my tent and cried on victory.
I promise you, my soul is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords?

LORDS

Upon the stroke of four.

LORDS

Upon the stroke of four.

RICHMOND

Why, then ’tis time to arm and give direction.
250 His oration to his soldiers
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon. Yet remember this:

RICHMOND

Why, then ’tis time to arm and give direction.
His oration to his soldiers
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon. Yet remember this:
God and our good cause fight upon our side.
255 The prayers of holy saints and wrongèd souls,
Like high-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces.
Richard except, those whom we fight against
Had rather have us win than him they follow.
For what is he they follow? Truly, gentlemen,
260 A bloody tyrant and a homicide;
One raised in blood, and one in blood established;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughtered those that were the means to help him;
A base foul stone, made precious by the foil
265 Of England’s chair, where he is falsely set;
One that hath ever been God’s enemy.
Then if you fight against God’s enemy,
God will, in justice, ward you as his soldiers.
If you do sweat to put a tyrant down,
270 You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain.
If you do fight against your country’s foes,
Your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire.
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors.
275 If you do free your children from the sword,
Your children’s children quits it in your age.
Then, in the name of God and all these rights,
Advance your standards. Draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
280 Shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully;
God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!
God and our good cause fight upon our side.
The prayers of holy saints and wrongèd souls,
Like high-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces.
Richard except, those whom we fight against
Had rather have us win than him they follow.
For what is he they follow? Truly, gentlemen,
A bloody tyrant and a homicide;
One raised in blood, and one in blood established;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughtered those that were the means to help him;
A base foul stone, made precious by the foil
Of England’s chair, where he is falsely set;
One that hath ever been God’s enemy.
Then if you fight against God’s enemy,
God will, in justice, ward you as his soldiers.
If you do sweat to put a tyrant down,
You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain.
If you do fight against your country’s foes,
Your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire.
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors.
If you do free your children from the sword,
Your children’s children quits it in your age.
Then, in the name of God and all these rights,
Advance your standards. Draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully;
God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter King RICHARD , RATCLIFFE , attendants and forces
Enter King RICHARD , RATCLIFFE , attendants and forces

RICHARD

285 What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?

RICHARD

What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?

RATCLIFFE

That he was never trainèd up in arms.

RATCLIFFE

That he was never trainèd up in arms.

RICHARD

He said the truth. And what said Surrey then?

RICHARD

He said the truth. And what said Surrey then?

RATCLIFFE

He smiled and said “The better for our purpose.”

RATCLIFFE

He smiled and said “The better for our purpose.”

RICHARD

He was in the right, and so indeed it is.

RICHARD

He was in the right, and so indeed it is.
The clock striketh
The clock striketh
290 Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar.
He looks in an almanac
Who saw the sun today?
Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar.
He looks in an almanac
Who saw the sun today?

RATCLIFFE

Not I, my lord.

RATCLIFFE

Not I, my lord.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RICHARD

The sun will not be seen today.
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
300 I would these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine today? Why, what is that to me
More than to Richmond, for the selfsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.

RICHARD

The sun will not be seen today.
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
I would these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine today? Why, what is that to me
More than to Richmond, for the selfsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.
Enter NORFOLK
Enter NORFOLK

NORFOLK

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

NORFOLK

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

RICHARD

305 Come, bustle, bustle. Caparison my horse.—
Call up Lord Stanley; bid him bring his power.—
I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain,
And thus my battle shall be orderèd:
My foreward shall be drawn out all in length,
310 Consisting equally of horse and foot;
Our archers shall be placèd in the midst.
John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey,
Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.
They thus directed, we will follow
315 In the main battle, whose puissance on either side
Shall be well wingèd with our chiefest horse.
This, and Saint George to boot—What think’st thou,
Norfolk?

RICHARD

Come, bustle, bustle. Caparison my horse.—
Call up Lord Stanley; bid him bring his power.—
I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain,
And thus my battle shall be orderèd:
My foreward shall be drawn out all in length,
Consisting equally of horse and foot;
Our archers shall be placèd in the midst.
John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey,
Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.
They thus directed, we will follow
In the main battle, whose puissance on either side
Shall be well wingèd with our chiefest horse.
This, and Saint George to boot—What think’st thou,
Norfolk?

NORFOLK

A good direction, warlike sovereign.

NORFOLK

A good direction, warlike sovereign.
He sheweth him a paper
He sheweth him a paper
320 This found I on my tent this morning.
This found I on my tent this morning.

RICHARD

(reads)
Jockey of Norfolk, be not so bold.
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devisèd by the enemy.—
325 Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge.
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls.
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.

RICHARD

(reads)
Jockey of Norfolk, be not so bold.
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devisèd by the enemy.—
Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge.
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls.
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
330 March on. Join bravely. Let us to it pell mell
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
His oration to his army
What shall I say more than I have inferred?
Remember whom you are to cope withal,
335 A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyèd country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest;
340 You having lands and blessed with beauteous wives,
They would restrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Brittany at our mother’s cost,
A milksop, one that never in his life
345 Felt so much cold as overshoes in snow?
Let’s whip these stragglers o'er the seas again,
Lash hence these overweening rags of France,
These famished beggars weary of their lives,
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
350 For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves.
If we be conquered, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Bretons, whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and thumped,
And in record, left them the heirs of shame.
355 Shall these enjoy our lands, lie with our wives,
Ravish our daughters?
March on. Join bravely. Let us to it pell mell
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
His oration to his army
What shall I say more than I have inferred?
Remember whom you are to cope withal,
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyèd country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest;
You having lands and blessed with beauteous wives,
They would restrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Brittany at our mother’s cost,
A milksop, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as overshoes in snow?
Let’s whip these stragglers o'er the seas again,
Lash hence these overweening rags of France,
These famished beggars weary of their lives,
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves.
If we be conquered, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Bretons, whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and thumped,
And in record, left them the heirs of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands, lie with our wives,
Ravish our daughters?
Drum afar off
Drum afar off
Hark! I hear their drum.
Fight, gentlemen of England.—Fight, bold yeomen.—
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head.—
360 Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood.
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves—
Hark! I hear their drum.
Fight, gentlemen of England.—Fight, bold yeomen.—
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head.—
Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood.
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves—
Enter a MESSENGER
Enter a MESSENGER
What says Lord Stanley? Will he bring his power?
What says Lord Stanley? Will he bring his power?

MESSENGER

My lord, he doth deny to come.

MESSENGER

My lord, he doth deny to come.

RICHARD

Off with his son George’s head!

RICHARD

Off with his son George’s head!

NORFOLK

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

NORFOLK

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

RICHARD

A thousand hearts are great within my bosom.
Advance our standards. Set upon our foes.
Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George,
370 Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons.
Upon them! Victory sits on our helms.

RICHARD

A thousand hearts are great within my bosom.
Advance our standards. Set upon our foes.
Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George,
Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons.
Upon them! Victory sits on our helms.
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter RICHARD , in arms, with NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , SURREY , and soldiers
Enter RICHARD , in arms, with NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , SURREY , and soldiers

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

SURREY

My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.

SURREY

My heart is ten times lighter than my looks.

RICHARD

My Lord of Norfolk—

RICHARD

My Lord of Norfolk—

NORFOLK

5 Here, most gracious liege.

NORFOLK

Here, most gracious liege.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

NORFOLK

We must both give and take, my loving lord.

NORFOLK

We must both give and take, my loving lord.

RICHARD

Up with my tent!—Here will I lie tonight.
But where tomorrow? Well, all’s one for that.
10 Who hath descried the number of the traitors?

RICHARD

Up with my tent!—Here will I lie tonight.
But where tomorrow? Well, all’s one for that.
Who hath descried the number of the traitors?

NORFOLK

Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.

NORFOLK

Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.

RICHARD

Why, our battalia trebles that account.
Besides, the king’s name is a tower of strength
Which they upon the adverse party want.
15 Up with the tent!—Come, noble gentlemen,
Let us survey the vantage of the ground.
Call for some men of sound direction.
Let’s lack no discipline, make no delay,
For, lords, tomorrow is a busy day.

RICHARD

Why, our battalia trebles that account.
Besides, the king’s name is a tower of strength
Which they upon the adverse party want.
Up with the tent!—Come, noble gentlemen,
Let us survey the vantage of the ground.
Call for some men of sound direction.
Let’s lack no discipline, make no delay,
For, lords, tomorrow is a busy day.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter RICHMOND , Sir William Brandon, OXFORD , DORSET , HERBERT , BLUNT , and others. Some of the soldiers pitch RICHMOND ’s tent
Enter RICHMOND , Sir William Brandon, OXFORD , DORSET , HERBERT , BLUNT , and others. Some of the soldiers pitch RICHMOND ’s tent

RICHMOND

20 The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And by the bright track of his fiery car,
Gives token of a goodly day tomorrow.—
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.—
Give me some ink and paper in my tent;
25 I’ll draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several charge,
And part in just proportion our small power.
My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon,
And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me.
30 The earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment—
Good Captain Blunt, bear my goodnight to him,
And by the second hour in the morning
Desire the earl to see me in my tent.
Yet one thing more, good captain, do for me.
35 Where is Lord Stanley quartered, do you know?

RICHMOND

The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And by the bright track of his fiery car,
Gives token of a goodly day tomorrow.—
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard.—
Give me some ink and paper in my tent;
I’ll draw the form and model of our battle,
Limit each leader to his several charge,
And part in just proportion our small power.
My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon,
And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me.
The earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment—
Good Captain Blunt, bear my goodnight to him,
And by the second hour in the morning
Desire the earl to see me in my tent.
Yet one thing more, good captain, do for me.
Where is Lord Stanley quartered, do you know?

BLUNT

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

BLUNT

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

RICHMOND

40 If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him,
And give him from me this most needful note.

RICHMOND

If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him,
And give him from me this most needful note.
He hands him a paper
He hands him a paper

BLUNT

Upon my life, my lord, I’ll undertake it.
And so God give you quiet rest tonight!

BLUNT

Upon my life, my lord, I’ll undertake it.
And so God give you quiet rest tonight!

RICHMOND

45 Good night, good Captain Blunt.

RICHMOND

Good night, good Captain Blunt.
BLUNT exits
BLUNT exits
Come, gentlemen,
Let us consult upon tomorrow’s business
Into my tent. The dew is raw and cold.
Come, gentlemen,
Let us consult upon tomorrow’s business
Into my tent. The dew is raw and cold.
Enter, to his tent, RICHARD , NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , CATESBY , and others
Enter, to his tent, RICHARD , NORFOLK , RATCLIFFE , CATESBY , and others

RICHARD

What is “t o”clock?

RICHARD

What is “t o”clock?

CATESBY

50 It’s suppertime, my lord. It’s nine o'clock.

CATESBY

It’s suppertime, my lord. It’s nine o'clock.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

CATESBY

It is, my liege, and all things are in readiness.

CATESBY

It is, my liege, and all things are in readiness.

RICHARD

55 Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge.
Use careful watch. Choose trusty sentinels.

RICHARD

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

NORFOLK

I go, my lord.

NORFOLK

I go, my lord.

RICHARD

Stir with the lark tomorrow, gentle Norfolk.

RICHARD

Stir with the lark tomorrow, gentle Norfolk.

NORFOLK

I warrant you, my lord.

NORFOLK

I warrant you, my lord.
Exit
Exit

RICHARD

60 Catesby.

RICHARD

Catesby.

CATESBY

My lord.

CATESBY

My lord.

RICHARD

Send out a pursuivant-at-arms
To Stanley’s regiment. Bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
65 Into the blind cave of eternal night.

RICHARD

Send out a pursuivant-at-arms
To Stanley’s regiment. Bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
Into the blind cave of eternal night.
Exit CATESBY
Exit CATESBY
(to soldiers) Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch.
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.—
Ratcliffe.
(to soldiers) Fill me a bowl of wine. Give me a watch.
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.—
Ratcliffe.

RATCLIFFE

70 My lord.

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RICHARD

Sawst thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?

RICHARD

Sawst thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?

RATCLIFFE

Thomas the earl of Surrey and himself,
Much about cockshut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army cheering up the soldiers.

RATCLIFFE

Thomas the earl of Surrey and himself,
Much about cockshut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army cheering up the soldiers.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

RATCLIFFE

It is, my lord.

RATCLIFFE

It is, my lord.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

Bid my guard watch. Leave me.
Ratcliffe, about the mid of night come to my tent
And help to arm me. Leave me, I say.
Exeunt Ratcliffe and the other attendants. RICHARD sleeps.
Exeunt Ratcliffe and the other attendants. RICHARD sleeps.
Enter STANLEY to RICHMOND in his tent, lords and others attending
Enter STANLEY to RICHMOND in his tent, lords and others attending

STANLEY

Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!

STANLEY

Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!

RICHMOND

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

RICHMOND

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

STANLEY

I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond’s good.
So much for that. The silent hours steal on,
90 And flaky darkness breaks within the east.
In brief, for so the season bids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning,
And put thy fortune to the arbitrament
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.
95 I, as I may—that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms.
But on thy side I may not be too forward,
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George,
100 Be executed in his father’s sight.
Farewell. The leisure and the fearful time
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
And ample interchange of sweet discourse,
Which so-long-sundered friends should dwell upon.
105 God give us leisure for these rites of love!
Once more, adieu. Be valiant, and speed well.

STANLEY

I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond’s good.
So much for that. The silent hours steal on,
And flaky darkness breaks within the east.
In brief, for so the season bids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning,
And put thy fortune to the arbitrament
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.
I, as I may—that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms.
But on thy side I may not be too forward,
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George,
Be executed in his father’s sight.
Farewell. The leisure and the fearful time
Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
And ample interchange of sweet discourse,
Which so-long-sundered friends should dwell upon.
God give us leisure for these rites of love!
Once more, adieu. Be valiant, and speed well.

RICHMOND

Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I’ll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap,
Lest leaden slumber peise me down tomorrow,
110 When I should mount with wings of victory.
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.

RICHMOND

Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I’ll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap,
Lest leaden slumber peise me down tomorrow,
When I should mount with wings of victory.
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.
Exeunt all but RICHMOND
Exeunt all but RICHMOND
O Thou, whose captain I account myself,
Look on my forces with a gracious eye.
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
115 That they may crush down with a heavy fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries!
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in the victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
120 Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes.
Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!
Sleeps
O Thou, whose captain I account myself,
Look on my forces with a gracious eye.
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
That they may crush down with a heavy fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries!
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in the victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes.
Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!
Sleeps
Enter the GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD , son to KING HENRY VI
Enter the GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD , son to KING HENRY VI

GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow!
Think how thou stabbed’st me in my prime of youth
125 At Tewkesbury. Despair therefore, and die!
(to RICHMOND)
Be cheerful, Richmond, for the wrongèd souls
Of butchered princes fight in thy behalf.
King Henry’s issue, Richmond, comforts thee.

GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow!
Think how thou stabbed’st me in my prime of youth
At Tewkesbury. Despair therefore, and die!
(to RICHMOND)
Be cheerful, Richmond, for the wrongèd souls
Of butchered princes fight in thy behalf.
King Henry’s issue, Richmond, comforts thee.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOST OF KING HENRY VI
Enter the GHOST OF KING HENRY VI

GHOST OF KING HENRY VI

130 (to RICHARD) When I was mortal, my anointed body
By thee was punchèd full of deadly holes.
Think on the Tower and me. Despair, and die!
Harry the Sixth bids thee despair and die.
(to RICHMOND)
135Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror.
Harry, that prophesied thou shouldst be king,
Doth comfort thee in thy sleep. Live and flourish.

GHOST OF KING HENRY VI

(to RICHARD) When I was mortal, my anointed body
By thee was punchèd full of deadly holes.
Think on the Tower and me. Despair, and die!
Harry the Sixth bids thee despair and die.
(to RICHMOND)
Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror.
Harry, that prophesied thou shouldst be king,
Doth comfort thee in thy sleep. Live and flourish.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOST OF CLARENCE
Enter the GHOST OF CLARENCE

GHOST OF CLARENCE

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
I, that was washed to death with fulsome wine,
140 Poor Clarence, by thy guile betrayed to death.
Tomorrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword. Despair, and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster,
The wrongèd heirs of York do pray for thee
145 Good angels guard thy battle. Live and flourish.

GHOST OF CLARENCE

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
I, that was washed to death with fulsome wine,
Poor Clarence, by thy guile betrayed to death.
Tomorrow in the battle think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword. Despair, and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster,
The wrongèd heirs of York do pray for thee
Good angels guard thy battle. Live and flourish.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOSTS OF RIVERS , GRAY , and VAUGHAN
Enter the GHOSTS OF RIVERS , GRAY , and VAUGHAN

GHOST OF RIVERS

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
Rivers, that died at Pomfret. Despair, and die!

GHOST OF RIVERS

(to RICHARD) Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow,
Rivers, that died at Pomfret. Despair, and die!

GHOST OF GREY

(to RICHARD) Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!

GHOST OF GREY

(to RICHARD) Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!

GHOST OF VAUGHAN

(to RICHARD)
150 Think upon Vaughan, and with guilty fear
Let fall thy lance. Despair, and die!

GHOST OF VAUGHAN

(to RICHARD)
Think upon Vaughan, and with guilty fear
Let fall thy lance. Despair, and die!

ALL

(to RICHMOND)
Awake, and think our wrongs in Richard’s bosom
Will conquer him! Awake, and win the day.

ALL

(to RICHMOND)
Awake, and think our wrongs in Richard’s bosom
Will conquer him! Awake, and win the day.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter the GHOSTS OF the two young PRINCES
Enter the GHOSTS OF the two young PRINCES

GHOSTS OF PRINCES

155 (to RICHARD)
Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower.
Let us be lead within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death.
Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair and die.
160 (to RICHMOND)
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace and wake in joy.
Good angels guard thee from the boar’s annoy.
Live, and beget a happy race of kings.
Edward’s unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.

GHOSTS OF PRINCES

(to RICHARD)
Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower.
Let us be lead within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death.
Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair and die.
(to RICHMOND)
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace and wake in joy.
Good angels guard thee from the boar’s annoy.
Live, and beget a happy race of kings.
Edward’s unhappy sons do bid thee flourish.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter the GHOST OF HASTINGS
Enter the GHOST OF HASTINGS

GHOST OF HASTINGS

165 (to RICHARD) Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake,
And in a bloody battle end thy days.
Think on Lord Hastings. Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Quiet, untroubled soul, awake, awake.
Arm, fight, and conquer for fair England’s sake.

GHOST OF HASTINGS

(to RICHARD) Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake,
And in a bloody battle end thy days.
Think on Lord Hastings. Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Quiet, untroubled soul, awake, awake.
Arm, fight, and conquer for fair England’s sake.
Exit.
Exit.
Enter the GHOST OF ANNE
Enter the GHOST OF ANNE

GHOST OF ANNE

170 (to RICHARD)
Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife,
That never slept a quiet hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations.
Tomorrow, in the battle, think on me,
175And fall thy edgeless sword: Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep.
Dream of success and happy victory.
Thy adversary’s wife doth pray for thee.

GHOST OF ANNE

(to RICHARD)
Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife,
That never slept a quiet hour with thee,
Now fills thy sleep with perturbations.
Tomorrow, in the battle, think on me,
And fall thy edgeless sword: Despair and die!
(to RICHMOND) Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep.
Dream of success and happy victory.
Thy adversary’s wife doth pray for thee.
Exit
Exit
Enter the GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM
Enter the GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM

GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM

(to RICHARD) The last was I that helped thee to the crown;
180 The last was I that felt thy tyranny.
O, in the battle think on Buckingham,
And die in terror of thy guiltiness.
Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death.
Fainting, despair; despairing, yield thy breath.
185 (to RICHMOND) I died for hope ere I could lend thee aid,
But cheer thy heart, and be thou not dismayed.
God and good angels fight on Richmond’s side,
And Richard fall in height of all his pride.

GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM

(to RICHARD) The last was I that helped thee to the crown;
The last was I that felt thy tyranny.
O, in the battle think on Buckingham,
And die in terror of thy guiltiness.
Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death.
Fainting, despair; despairing, yield thy breath.
(to RICHMOND) I died for hope ere I could lend thee aid,
But cheer thy heart, and be thou not dismayed.
God and good angels fight on Richmond’s side,
And Richard fall in height of all his pride.
Exit
Exit
RICHARD starts out of his dream
RICHARD starts out of his dream

RICHARD

Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!
190 Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft, I did but dream.
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
195 Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why:
Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
200 That I myself have done unto myself?
O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter.

RICHARD

Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!
Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft, I did but dream.
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why:
Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter.
205 My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain.
Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree;
Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;
210 All several sins, all used in each degree,
Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!”
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me,
And if I die no soul will pity me.
And wherefore should they, since that I myself
215 Find in myself no pity to myself?
Methought the souls of all that I had murdered
Came to my tent, and every one did threat
Tomorrow’s vengeance on the head of Richard.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain.
Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree;
Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;
All several sins, all used in each degree,
Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!”
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me,
And if I die no soul will pity me.
And wherefore should they, since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself?
Methought the souls of all that I had murdered
Came to my tent, and every one did threat
Tomorrow’s vengeance on the head of Richard.
Enter RATCLIFFE
Enter RATCLIFFE

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RICHARD

220 Zounds, who is there?

RICHARD

Zounds, who is there?

RATCLIFFE

Ratcliffe, my lord, ’tis I. The early village cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn.
Your friends are up and buckle on their armor.

RATCLIFFE

Ratcliffe, my lord, ’tis I. The early village cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn.
Your friends are up and buckle on their armor.

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream!
225 What think’st thou, will our friends prove all true?

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream!
What think’st thou, will our friends prove all true?

RATCLIFFE

No doubt, my lord.

RATCLIFFE

No doubt, my lord.

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.

RICHARD

O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.

RATCLIFFE

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

RATCLIFFE

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

RICHARD

By the apostle Paul, shadows tonight
230 Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed in proof and led by shallow Richmond.
'Tis not yet near day. Come, go with me;
Under our tents I’ll play the eavesdropper
235 To see if any mean to shrink from me.

RICHARD

By the apostle Paul, shadows tonight
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed in proof and led by shallow Richmond.
'Tis not yet near day. Come, go with me;
Under our tents I’ll play the eavesdropper
To see if any mean to shrink from me.
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter the lords to RICHMOND , sitting in his tent
Enter the lords to RICHMOND , sitting in his tent

LORDS

Good morrow, Richmond.

LORDS

Good morrow, Richmond.

RICHMOND

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

RICHMOND

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

A LORD

How have you slept, my lord?

A LORD

How have you slept, my lord?

RICHMOND

240 The sweetest sleep and fairest-boding dreams
That ever entered in a drowsy head
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought their souls whose bodies Richard murdered
Came to my tent and cried on victory.
245 I promise you, my soul is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords?

RICHMOND

The sweetest sleep and fairest-boding dreams
That ever entered in a drowsy head
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought their souls whose bodies Richard murdered
Came to my tent and cried on victory.
I promise you, my soul is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords?

LORDS

Upon the stroke of four.

LORDS

Upon the stroke of four.

RICHMOND

Why, then ’tis time to arm and give direction.
250 His oration to his soldiers
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon. Yet remember this:

RICHMOND

Why, then ’tis time to arm and give direction.
His oration to his soldiers
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon. Yet remember this:
God and our good cause fight upon our side.
255 The prayers of holy saints and wrongèd souls,
Like high-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces.
Richard except, those whom we fight against
Had rather have us win than him they follow.
For what is he they follow? Truly, gentlemen,
260 A bloody tyrant and a homicide;
One raised in blood, and one in blood established;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughtered those that were the means to help him;
A base foul stone, made precious by the foil
265 Of England’s chair, where he is falsely set;
One that hath ever been God’s enemy.
Then if you fight against God’s enemy,
God will, in justice, ward you as his soldiers.
If you do sweat to put a tyrant down,
270 You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain.
If you do fight against your country’s foes,
Your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire.
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors.
275 If you do free your children from the sword,
Your children’s children quits it in your age.
Then, in the name of God and all these rights,
Advance your standards. Draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
280 Shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully;
God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!
God and our good cause fight upon our side.
The prayers of holy saints and wrongèd souls,
Like high-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces.
Richard except, those whom we fight against
Had rather have us win than him they follow.
For what is he they follow? Truly, gentlemen,
A bloody tyrant and a homicide;
One raised in blood, and one in blood established;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughtered those that were the means to help him;
A base foul stone, made precious by the foil
Of England’s chair, where he is falsely set;
One that hath ever been God’s enemy.
Then if you fight against God’s enemy,
God will, in justice, ward you as his soldiers.
If you do sweat to put a tyrant down,
You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain.
If you do fight against your country’s foes,
Your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire.
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors.
If you do free your children from the sword,
Your children’s children quits it in your age.
Then, in the name of God and all these rights,
Advance your standards. Draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully;
God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!
Exeunt
Exeunt
Enter King RICHARD , RATCLIFFE , attendants and forces
Enter King RICHARD , RATCLIFFE , attendants and forces

RICHARD

285 What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?

RICHARD

What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?

RATCLIFFE

That he was never trainèd up in arms.

RATCLIFFE

That he was never trainèd up in arms.

RICHARD

He said the truth. And what said Surrey then?

RICHARD

He said the truth. And what said Surrey then?

RATCLIFFE

He smiled and said “The better for our purpose.”

RATCLIFFE

He smiled and said “The better for our purpose.”

RICHARD

He was in the right, and so indeed it is.

RICHARD

He was in the right, and so indeed it is.
The clock striketh
The clock striketh
290 Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar.
He looks in an almanac
Who saw the sun today?
Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar.
He looks in an almanac
Who saw the sun today?

RATCLIFFE

Not I, my lord.

RATCLIFFE

Not I, my lord.

RICHARD

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

RICHARD

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

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RATCLIFFE

My lord.

RICHARD

The sun will not be seen today.
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
300 I would these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine today? Why, what is that to me
More than to Richmond, for the selfsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.

RICHARD

The sun will not be seen today.
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
I would these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine today? Why, what is that to me
More than to Richmond, for the selfsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.
Enter NORFOLK
Enter NORFOLK

NORFOLK

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

NORFOLK

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

RICHARD

305 Come, bustle, bustle. Caparison my horse.—
Call up Lord Stanley; bid him bring his power.—
I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain,
And thus my battle shall be orderèd:
My foreward shall be drawn out all in length,
310 Consisting equally of horse and foot;
Our archers shall be placèd in the midst.
John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey,
Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.
They thus directed, we will follow
315 In the main battle, whose puissance on either side
Shall be well wingèd with our chiefest horse.
This, and Saint George to boot—What think’st thou,
Norfolk?

RICHARD

Come, bustle, bustle. Caparison my horse.—
Call up Lord Stanley; bid him bring his power.—
I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain,
And thus my battle shall be orderèd:
My foreward shall be drawn out all in length,
Consisting equally of horse and foot;
Our archers shall be placèd in the midst.
John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey,
Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.
They thus directed, we will follow
In the main battle, whose puissance on either side
Shall be well wingèd with our chiefest horse.
This, and Saint George to boot—What think’st thou,
Norfolk?

NORFOLK

A good direction, warlike sovereign.

NORFOLK

A good direction, warlike sovereign.
He sheweth him a paper
He sheweth him a paper
320 This found I on my tent this morning.
This found I on my tent this morning.

RICHARD

(reads)
Jockey of Norfolk, be not so bold.
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devisèd by the enemy.—
325 Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge.
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls.
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.

RICHARD

(reads)
Jockey of Norfolk, be not so bold.
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devisèd by the enemy.—
Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge.
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls.
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
330 March on. Join bravely. Let us to it pell mell
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
His oration to his army
What shall I say more than I have inferred?
Remember whom you are to cope withal,
335 A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyèd country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest;
340 You having lands and blessed with beauteous wives,
They would restrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Brittany at our mother’s cost,
A milksop, one that never in his life
345 Felt so much cold as overshoes in snow?
Let’s whip these stragglers o'er the seas again,
Lash hence these overweening rags of France,
These famished beggars weary of their lives,
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
350 For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves.
If we be conquered, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Bretons, whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and thumped,
And in record, left them the heirs of shame.
355 Shall these enjoy our lands, lie with our wives,
Ravish our daughters?
March on. Join bravely. Let us to it pell mell
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
His oration to his army
What shall I say more than I have inferred?
Remember whom you are to cope withal,
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o'er-cloyèd country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest;
You having lands and blessed with beauteous wives,
They would restrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Brittany at our mother’s cost,
A milksop, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as overshoes in snow?
Let’s whip these stragglers o'er the seas again,
Lash hence these overweening rags of France,
These famished beggars weary of their lives,
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves.
If we be conquered, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Bretons, whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and thumped,
And in record, left them the heirs of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands, lie with our wives,
Ravish our daughters?
Drum afar off
Drum afar off
Hark! I hear their drum.
Fight, gentlemen of England.—Fight, bold yeomen.—
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head.—
360 Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood.
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves—
Hark! I hear their drum.
Fight, gentlemen of England.—Fight, bold yeomen.—
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head.—
Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood.
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves—
Enter a MESSENGER
Enter a MESSENGER
What says Lord Stanley? Will he bring his power?
What says Lord Stanley? Will he bring his power?

MESSENGER

My lord, he doth deny to come.

MESSENGER

My lord, he doth deny to come.

RICHARD

Off with his son George’s head!

RICHARD

Off with his son George’s head!

NORFOLK

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

NORFOLK

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

RICHARD

A thousand hearts are great within my bosom.
Advance our standards. Set upon our foes.
Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George,
370 Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons.
Upon them! Victory sits on our helms.

RICHARD

A thousand hearts are great within my bosom.
Advance our standards. Set upon our foes.
Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George,
Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons.
Upon them! Victory sits on our helms.
Exeunt
Exeunt