The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: r2r - Histories, p. 179

Left Column


The Life and Death of Richard the Third. O that your yong Nobility could iudge What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable. They that stand high, haue many blasts to shake them,
[710]
And if they fall, they dash themselues to peeces.
Rich. Good counsaile marry, learne it, learne it Mar‑ quesse. Dor. It touches you my Lord, as much as me. Rich. I, and much more: but I was borne so high: Our ayerie buildeth in the Cedars top,
[715]
And dallies with the winde, and scornes the Sunne.
Mar. And turnes the Sun to shade: alas, alas, Witnesse my Sonne, now in the shade of death, Whose bright out‑shining beames, thy cloudy wrath Hath in eternall darknesse folded vp.
[720]
Your ayery buildeth in our ayeries Nest: O God that seest it, do not suffer it, As it is wonne with blood, lost be it so.
Buc. Peace, peace for shame: If not, for Charity. Mar. Vrge neither charity, nor shame to me:
[725]
Vncharitably with me haue you dealt, And shamefully my hopes (by you) are butcher'd. My Charity is outrage, Life my shame, And in that shame, still liue my sorrowes rage.
Buc. Haue done, haue done. Mar.
[730]
O Princely Buckingham, Ile kisse thy hand, In signe of League and amity with thee: Now faire befall thee, and thy Noble house: Thy Garments are not spotted with our blood: Nor thou within the compasse of my curse.
Buc.
[735]
Nor no one heere: for Curses neuer passe The lips of those that breath them in the ayre.
Mar. I will not thinke but they ascend the sky, And there awake Gods gentle sleeping peace. O Buckingham, take heede of yonder dogge:
[740]
Looke when he fawnes, he bites; and when he bites, His venom tooth will rankle to the death. Haue not to do with him, beware of him, Sinne, death, and hell haue set their markes on him, And all their Ministers attend on him.
Rich.
[745]
What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham.
Buc. Nothing that I respect my gracious Lord. Mar. What dost thou scorne me For my gentle counsell? And sooth the diuell that I warne thee from.
[750]
O but remember this another day: When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow: And say (poore Margaret) was a Prophetesse: Liue each of you the subiects to his hate, And he to yours, and all of you to Gods.
Exit. Buc.
[755]
My haire doth stand an end to heare her curses.
Riu. And so doth mine, I muse why she's at libertie. Rich. I cannot blame her, by Gods holy mother, She hath had too much wrong, and I repent My part thereof, that I haue done to her. Mar.
[760]
I neuer did her any to my knowledge.
Rich. Yet you haue 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 repayed:
[765]
He is frank'd vp to fatting for his paines, God pardon them, that are the cause thereof.
Riu. A vertuous, and a Christian‑like conclusion To pray for them that haue done scath to vs. Rich. So do I euer, being well aduis'd. Speakes to himselfe.
[770]
For had I curst now, I had curst my selfe.

Right Column


Enter Catesby. Cates. Madam, his Maiesty doth call for you, And for your Grace, and yours my gracious Lord. Qu. Catesby I come, Lords will you go with mee. Riu. We wait vpon your Grace. Exeunt all but Gloster. Rich.
[775]
I do the wrong, and first begin to brawle. The secret Mischeefes that I set abroach, I lay vnto the greeuous charge of others. Clarence, who I indeede haue cast in darknesse, I do beweepe to many simple Gulles,
[780]
Namely to Derby, Hastings, Buckingham, And tell them 'tis the Queene, and her Allies, That stirre the King against the Duke my Brother, Now they beleeue it, and withall whet me To be reueng'd on Riuers, Dorset, Grey.
[785]
But then I sigh, and with a peece of Scripture, Tell them that God bids vs do good for euill: And thus I cloath my naked Villanie With odde old ends, stolne forth of holy Writ, And seeme a Saint, when most I play the deuill. Enter two murtherers.
[790]
But soft, heere come my Executioners, How now my hardy stout resolued Mates, Are you now going to dispatch this thing?
Vil. We are my Lord, and come to haue the Warrant, That we may be admitted where he is. Ric.
[795]
Well thought vpon, I haue it heare about me: When you haue done, repayre to Crosby place; But sirs be sodaine in the execution, Withall obdurate, do not heare him pleade; For Clarence is well spoken, and perhappes
[800]
May moue your hearts to pitty, if you marke him.
Vil. Tut, tut, my Lord, we will not stand to prate, Talkers are no good dooers, be assur'd: We go to vse our hands, and not our tongues. Rich. Your eyes drop Mill‑stones, when Fooles eyes fall Teares:
[805]
I like you Lads, about your businesse straight. Go, go, dispatch.
Vil. We will my Noble Lord.
Scena Quarta. [Act 1, Scene 4] Enter Clarence and Keeper. Keep. Why lookes your Grace so heauily to day. Cla. 0, I haue past a miserable night,
[810]
So full of fearefull Dreames, of vgly sights, That as I am a Christian faithfull man, I would not spend another such a night Though 'twere to buy a world of happy daies: So full of dismall terror was the time.
Keep.
[815]
What was your dream my Lord, I pray you tel me
Cla. Me thoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark'd to crosse to Burgundy, And in my company my Brother Glouster, Who from my Cabin tempted me to walke,
[820]
Vpon the Hatches: There we look'd toward England, And cited vp a thousand heauy times, r2 During

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Scena Quarta. [Act 1, Scene 4] Enter Clarence and Keeper. Keep. Why lookes your Grace so heauily to day. Cla. 0, I haue past a miserable night,
[810]
So full of fearefull Dreames, of vgly sights, That as I am a Christian faithfull man, I would not spend another such a night Though 'twere to buy a world of happy daies: So full of dismall terror was the time.
Keep.
[815]
What was your dream my Lord, I pray you tel me
Cla. Me thoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark'd to crosse to Burgundy, And in my company my Brother Glouster, Who from my Cabin tempted me to walke,
[820]
Vpon the Hatches: There we look'd toward England, And cited vp a thousand heauy times, During the warres of Yorke and Lancaster That had befalne vs. As we pac'd along Vpon the giddy footing of the Hatches,
[825]
Me thought that Glouster stumbled, and in falling Strooke me (that thought to stay him) ouer‑boord, Into the tumbling billowes of the maine. O Lord, me thought what paine it was to drowne, What dreadfull noise of water in mine eares,
[830]
What sights of vgly death within mine eyes. Me thoughts, I saw a thousand fearfull wrackes: A thousand men that Fishes gnaw'd vpon: Wedges of Gold, great Anchors, heapes of Pearle, Inestimable Stones, vnvalewed Iewels,
[835]
All scattred in the bottome of the Sea, Some lay in dead‑mens Sculles, and in the holes Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept (As 'twere in scorne of eyes) reflecting Gemmes, That woo'd the slimy bottome of the deepe,
[840]
And mock'd the dead bones that lay scattred by.
Keep. Had you such leysure in the time of death To gaze vpon these secrets of the deepe ? Cla. Me thought I had, and often did I striue To yeeld the Ghost: but still the enuious Flood
[845]
Stop'd in my soule, and would not let it forth To find the empty, vast, and wand'ring ayre: But smother'd it within my panting bulke, Who almost burst, to belch it in the Sea.
Keep. Awak'd you not in this sore Agony? Clar.
[850]
No, no, my Dreame was lengthen'd after life. O then, began the Tempest to my Soule. I past (me thought) the Melancholly Flood, With that sowre Ferry‑man which Poets write of, Vnto the Kingdome of perpetuall Night.
[855]
The first that there did greet my Stranger‑soule, Was my great Father‑in‑Law, renowned Warwicke, Who spake alowd: What scourge for Periurie, Can this darke Monarchy affoord false Clarence? And so he vanish'd. Then came wand'ring by,
[860]
A Shadow like an Angell, with bright hayre Dabbel'd in blood, and he shriek'd out alowd Clarence is come, false, fleeting, periur'd Clarence, That stabb'd me in the field by Tewkesbury: Seize on him Furies, take him vnto Torment.
[865]
With that (me thought) a Legion of foule Fiends uiron'd me, and howled in mine eares uch hiddeous cries, that with the very Noise, I (trembling) wak'd, and for a season after, Could not beleeue, but that I was in Hell,
[870]
Such terrible Impression made my Dreame.
Keep. No maruell Lord, though it affrighted you, I am affraid (me thinkes) to heare you tell it. Cla. Ah Keeper, Keeper, I haue done these things (That now giue euidence against my Soule)
[875]
For Edwards sake, and see how he requits mee. O God! if my deepe prayres cannot appease thee, But thou wilt be aueng'd on my misdeeds, Yet execute thy wrath in me alone: O spare my guiltlesse Wife, and my poore children.
[880]
Keeper, I prythee sit by me a‑while, My Soule is heauy, and I faine would sleepe.
Keep. I will my Lord, God giue your Grace good rest. Enter Brakenbury the Lieutenant. Bra. Sorrow breakes Seasons, and reposing houres, Makes the Night Morning, and the Noon‑tide night:
[885]
Princes haue but their Titles for their Glories, An outward Honor, for an inward Toyle, And for vnfelt Imaginations They often feele a world of restlesse Cares: So that betweene their Titles, and low Name,
[890]
There's nothing differs, but the outward fame.
Enter two Murtherers. 1. Mur. Ho, who's heere ? Bra. What would'st thou Fellow? And how camm'st thou hither. 2. Mur.

I would speak with Clarence, and I came hi­

ther on my Legges.

Bra.
[895]
What so breefe?
1. 'Tis better (Sir) then to be tedious: Let him see our Commission, and talke no more. Reads Bra. I am in this, commanded to deliuer The Noble Duke of Clarence to your hands.
[900]
I will not reason what is meant heereby, Because I will be guiltlesse from the meaning. There lies the Duke asleepe, and there the Keyes. Ile to the King, and signifie to him, That thus I haue resign'd to you my charge.
Exit. 1
[905]
You may sir, 'tis a point of wisedome: Far you well.
2 What, shall we stab him as he sleepes. 1 No: hee'l say 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes 2

Why he shall neuer wake, vntill the great Iudge­

[910]

ment day.

1 Why then hee'l say, we stab'd him sleeping. 2

The vrging of that word Iudgement, hath bred a

kinde of remorse in me.

1 What? art thou affraid? 2
[915]
Not to kill him, hauing a Warrant, But to be damn'd for killing him, from the which No Warrant can defend me.
1 I thought thou had'st bin resolute. 2

So I am, to let him liue.

1
[920]

Ile backe to the Duke of Glouster, and tell him so.

2 Nay, I prythee stay a little: I hope this passionate humor of mine, will change, It was wont to hold me but while one tels twenty. 1

How do'st thou feele thy selfe now?

2
[925]

Some certaine dregges of conscience are yet with­

in mee.

1

Remember our Reward, when the deed's done.

2

Come, he dies: I had forgot the Reward.

1

Where's thy conscience now.

2
[930]

O, in the Duke of Glousters purse.

1

When hee opens his purse to giue vs our Reward,

thy Conscience flyes out.

2

'Tis no matter, let it goe: There's few or none will

entertaine it.

1
[935]

What if it come to thee againe?

2

Ile not meddle with it, it makes a man a Coward:

A man cannot steale, but it accuseth him: A man cannot

Sweare, but it Checkes him: A man cannot lye with his

Neighbours Wife, but it detects him. 'Tis a blushing

[940]

shamefac'd spirit, that mutinies in a mans bosome: It

filles a man full of Obstacles. It made me once restore a

Pursse of Gold that (by chance) I found: It beggars any

man that keepes it: It is turn'd out of Townes and Cit­

ties for a dangerous thing, and euery man that means to

[945]

liue well, endeuours to trust to himselfe, and liue vvith­

out it.

1

'Tis euen now at my elbow, perswading me not to

kill the Dkue Duke .

2 Take the diuell in thy minde, and beleeue him not:
[950]
He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
1 I am strong fram'd, he cannot preuaile with me. 2 Spoke like a tall man, that respects thy reputation. Come, shall we fall to worke? 1

Take him on the Costard, with the hiltes of thy

[955]

Sword, and then throw him into the Malmesey‑Butte in

the next roome.

2 O excellent deuice; and make a sop of him. 1 Soft, he wakes. 2 Strike. 1
[960]
No, wee'l reason with him.
Cla. Where art thou Keeper? Giue me a cup of wine. 2 You shall haue Wine enough my Lord anon. Cla. In Gods name, what art thou? 1 A man, as you are. Cla.
[965]
But not as I am Royall.
1 Nor you as we are, Loyall. Cla. Thy voice is Thunder, but thy looks are humble. 1 My voice is now the Kings, my lookes mine owne. Cla. How darkly, and how deadly dost thou speake?
[970]
Your eyes do menace me: why looke you pale? Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?
2 To, to, to⸺ Cla. To murther me? Both. I, I. Cla.
[975]
You scarsely haue the hearts to tell me so, And therefore cannot haue the hearts to do it. Wherein my Friends haue I offended you ?
1 Offended vs you haue not, but the King. Cla. 1 shall be reconcil'd to him againe. 2
[980]
Neuer my Lord, therefore prepare to dye.
Cla. Are you drawne forth among a world of men To slay the innocent? What is my offence ? Where is the Euidence that doth accuse me? What lawfull Quest haue giuen their Verdict vp
[985]
Vnto the frowning Iudge? Or who pronounc'd The bitter Sentence of poore Clarence death, Before I be conuict by course of Law? To threaten me with death, is most vnlawfull. I charge you, as you hope for any goodnesse,
[990]
That you depart, and lay no hands on me: The deed you vndertake is damnable.
1 What we will do, we do vpon command. 2 And he that hath commanded, is our King. Cla. Erroneous Vassals, the great King of Kings
[995]
Hath in the Table of his Law commanded That thou shalt do no murther. Will you then Spurne at his Edict, and fulfill a Mans? Take heed: for he holds Vengeance in his hand, To hurle vpon their heads that breake his Law.
2
[1000]
And that same Vengeance doth he hurle on thee, For false Forswearing, and for murther too: Thou did'st receiue the Sacrament, to fight In quarrell of the House of Lancaster.
1 And like a Traitor to the name of God,
[1005]
Did'st breake that Vow, and with thy treacherous blade, Vnrip'st the Bowels of thy Sou'raignes Sonne.
2 Whom thou was't sworne to cherish and defend. 1 How canst thou vrge Gods dreadfull Law to vs When thou hast broke it in such deere degree? Cla.
[1010]
Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deede? For Edward, for my Brother, for his sake. He sends you not to murther me for this: For in that sinne, he is as deepe as I. If God will be auenged for the deed,
[1015]
O know you yet, he doth it publiquely, Take not the quarrell from his powrefull arme: He needs no indirect, or lawlesse course, To cut off those that haue offended him.
1 Who made thee then a bloudy minister,
[1020]
When gallant springing braue Plantagenet, That Princely Nouice was strucke dead by thee?
Cla. My Brothers loue, the Diuell, and my Rage. 1 Thy Brothers Loue, our Duty, and thy Faults, Prouoke vs hither now, to slaughter thee. Cla.
[1025]
If you do loue my Brother, hate not me: I am his Brother, and I loue him well. If you are hyr'd for meed, go backe againe, And I will send you so my Brother Glouster: Who shall reward you better for my life,
[1030]
Then Edward will for tydings of my death.
2 You are deceiu'd, Your Brother Glouster hates you. Cla. Oh no, he loues me, and he holds me deere: Go you to him from me. 1
[1035]
I so we will.
Cla. Tell him, when that our Princely Father Yorke, Blest his three Sonnes with his victorious Arme, He little thought of this diuided Friendship: Bid Glouster thinke on this, and he will weepe. 1
[1040]
I Milstones, as he lessoned vs to weepe.
Cla. O do not slander him, for he is kinde. 1 Right, as Snow in Haruest: Come, you deceiue your selfe, 'Tis he that sends vs to destroy you heere. Cla.
[1045]
It cannot be, for he bewept my Fortune, And hugg'd me in his armes, and swore with sobs, That he would labour my deliuery.
1 Why so he doth, when he deliuers you From this earths thraldome, to the ioyes of heauen. 2
[1050]
Make peace with God, for you must die my Lord.
Cla. Haue you that holy feeling in your soules, To counsaile me to make my peace with God, And are you yet to your owne soules so blinde, That you will warre with God, by murd'ring me.
[1055]
O sirs consider, they that set you on To do this deede, will hate you for the deede.
2 What shall we do? Clar. Relent, and saue your soules: Which of you, if you were a Princes Sonne,
[1060]
Being pent from Liberty, as I am now, If two such murtherers as your selues came to you, Would not intreat for life, as you would begge Were you in my distresse.
1 Relent? no: 'Tis cowardly and womanish. Cla.
[1065]
Not to relent, is beastly, sauage, diuellish: My Friend, I spy some pitty in thy lookes: O, if thine eye be not a Flatterer, Come thou on my side, and intreate for mee, A begging Prince, what begger pitties not.
2
[1070]
Looke behinde you, my Lord.
1 Take that, and that, if all this will not do, Stabs him. Ile drowne you in the Malmesey‑But within. Exit. 2 A bloody deed, and desperately dispatcht: How faine (like Pilate) would I wash my hands
[1075]
Of this most greeuous murther.
Enter 1. Murtherer 1

How now? what mean'st thou that thou help'st me

not? By Heauen the Duke shall know how slacke you

haue beene.

2. Mur. I would he knew that I had sau'd his brother,
[1080]
Take thou the Fee, and tell him what I say, For I repent me that the Duke is slaine.
Exit. 1. Mur. So do not I: go Coward as thou art. Well, Ile go hide the body in some hole, Till that the Duke giue order for his buriall:
[1085]
And when I haue my meede, I will away, For this will out, and then I must not stay.
Exit
 

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<div type="scene" n="4">
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Quarta.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 1, Scene 4]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Clarence and Keeper.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-kee">
      <speaker rend="italic">Keep.</speaker>
      <l n="808">Why lookes your Grace so heauily to day.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="809">0, I haue past a miserable night,</l>
      <l n="810">So full of fearefull Dreames, of vgly sights,</l>
      <l n="811">That as I am a Christian faithfull man,</l>
      <l n="812">I would not spend another such a night</l>
      <l n="813">Though 'twere to buy a world of happy daies:</l>
      <l n="814">So full of dismall terror was the time.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-kee">
      <speaker rend="italic">Keep.</speaker>
      <l n="815">What was your dream my Lord, I pray you tel me</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="816">Me thoughts that I had broken from the Tower,</l>
      <l n="817">And was embark'd to crosse to Burgundy,</l>
      <l n="818">And in my company my Brother Glouster,</l>
      <l n="819">Who from my Cabin tempted me to walke,</l>
      <l n="820">Vpon the Hatches: There we look'd toward England,</l>
      <l n="821">And cited vp a thousand heauy times,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0536-0.jpg" n="180"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="822">During the warres of Yorke and Lancaster</l>
      <l n="823">That had befalne vs. As we pac'd along</l>
      <l n="824">Vpon the giddy footing of the Hatches,</l>
      <l n="825">Me thought that Glouster stumbled, and in falling</l>
      <l n="826">Strooke me (that thought to stay him) ouer‑boord,</l>
      <l n="827">Into the tumbling billowes of the maine.</l>
      <l n="828">O Lord, me thought what paine it was to drowne,</l>
      <l n="829">What dreadfull noise of water in mine eares,</l>
      <l n="830">What sights of vgly death within mine eyes.</l>
      <l n="831">Me thoughts, I saw a thousand fearfull wrackes:</l>
      <l n="832">A thousand men that Fishes gnaw'd vpon:</l>
      <l n="833">Wedges of Gold, great Anchors, heapes of Pearle,</l>
      <l n="834">Inestimable Stones, vnvalewed Iewels,</l>
      <l n="835">All scattred in the bottome of the Sea,</l>
      <l n="836">Some lay in dead‑mens Sculles, and in the holes</l>
      <l n="837">Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept</l>
      <l n="838">(As 'twere in scorne of eyes) reflecting Gemmes,</l>
      <l n="839">That woo'd the slimy bottome of the deepe,</l>
      <l n="840">And mock'd the dead bones that lay scattred by.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-kee">
      <speaker rend="italic">Keep.</speaker>
      <l n="841">Had you such leysure in the time of death</l>
      <l n="842">To gaze vpon these secrets of the deepe<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="843">Me thought I had, and often did I striue</l>
      <l n="844">To yeeld the Ghost: but still the enuious Flood</l>
      <l n="845">Stop'd in my soule, and would not let it forth</l>
      <l n="846">To find the empty, vast, and wand'ring ayre:</l>
      <l n="847">But smother'd it within my panting bulke,</l>
      <l n="848">Who almost burst, to belch it in the Sea.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-kee">
      <speaker rend="italic">Keep.</speaker>
      <l n="849">Awak'd you not in this sore Agony?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clar.</speaker>
      <l n="850">No, no, my Dreame was lengthen'd after life.</l>
      <l n="851">O then, began the Tempest to my Soule.</l>
      <l n="852">I past (me thought) the Melancholly Flood,</l>
      <l n="853">With that sowre Ferry‑man which Poets write of,</l>
      <l n="854">Vnto the Kingdome of perpetuall Night.</l>
      <l n="855">The first that there did greet my Stranger‑soule,</l>
      <l n="856">Was my great Father‑in‑Law, renowned Warwicke,</l>
      <l n="857">Who spake alowd: What scourge for Periurie,</l>
      <l n="858">Can this darke Monarchy affoord false<hi rend="italic">Clarence</hi>?</l>
      <l n="859">And so he vanish'd. Then came wand'ring by,</l>
      <l n="860">A Shadow like an Angell, with bright hayre</l>
      <l n="861">Dabbel'd in blood, and he shriek'd out alowd</l>
      <l n="862">
         <hi rend="italic">Clarence</hi>is come, false, fleeting, periur'd<hi rend="italic">Clarence</hi>,</l>
      <l n="863">That stabb'd me in the field by Tewkesbury:</l>
      <l n="864">Seize on him Furies, take him vnto Torment.</l>
      <l n="865">With that (me thought) a Legion of foule Fiends</l>
      <l n="866">
         <gap extent="2"
              unit="chars"
              reason="absent"
              agent="torn"
              resp="#ES"/>uiron'd me, and howled in mine eares</l>
      <l n="867">
         <gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="absent"
              agent="torn"
              resp="#ES"/>uch hiddeous cries, that with the very Noise,</l>
      <l n="868">I (trembling) wak'd, and for a season after,</l>
      <l n="869">Could not beleeue, but that I was in Hell,</l>
      <l n="870">Such terrible Impression made my Dreame.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-kee">
      <speaker rend="italic">Keep.</speaker>
      <l n="871">No maruell Lord, though it affrighted you,</l>
      <l n="872">I am affraid (me thinkes) to heare you tell it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="873">Ah Keeper, Keeper, I haue done these things</l>
      <l n="874">(That now giue euidence against my Soule)</l>
      <l n="875">For<hi rend="italic">Edwards</hi>sake, and see how he requits mee.</l>
      <l n="876">O God! if my deepe prayres cannot appease thee,</l>
      <l n="877">But thou wilt be aueng'd on my misdeeds,</l>
      <l n="878">Yet execute thy wrath in me alone:</l>
      <l n="879">O spare my guiltlesse Wife, and my poore children.</l>
      <l n="880">Keeper, I prythee sit by me a‑while,</l>
      <l n="881">My Soule is heauy, and I faine would sleepe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-kee">
      <speaker rend="italic">Keep.</speaker>
      <l n="882">I will my Lord, God giue your Grace good rest.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Brakenbury the Lieutenant.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-bra">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bra.</speaker>
      <l n="883">Sorrow breakes Seasons, and reposing houres,</l>
      <l n="884">Makes the Night Morning, and the Noon‑tide night:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="885">Princes haue but their Titles for their Glories,</l>
      <l n="886">An outward Honor, for an inward Toyle,</l>
      <l n="887">And for vnfelt Imaginations</l>
      <l n="888">They often feele a world of restlesse Cares:</l>
      <l n="889">So that betweene their Titles, and low Name,</l>
      <l n="890">There's nothing differs, but the outward fame.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter two Murtherers.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1. Mur.</speaker>
      <l n="891">Ho, who's heere<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-bra">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bra.</speaker>
      <l n="892">What would'st thou Fellow? And how camm'st
      <lb/>thou hither.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2. Mur.</speaker>
      <p n="893">I would speak with<hi rend="italic">Clarence</hi>, and I came hi­
      <lb n="894"/>ther on my Legges.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-bra">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bra.</speaker>
      <l n="895">What so breefe?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1.</speaker>
      <l n="896">'Tis better (Sir) then to be tedious:</l>
      <l n="897">Let him see our Commission, and talke no more.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Reads</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-bra">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bra.</speaker>
      <l n="898">I am in this, commanded to deliuer</l>
      <l n="899">The Noble Duke of<hi rend="italic">Clarence</hi>to your hands.</l>
      <l n="900">I will not reason what is meant heereby,</l>
      <l n="901">Because I will be guiltlesse from the meaning.</l>
      <l n="902">There lies the Duke asleepe, and there the Keyes.</l>
      <l n="903">Ile to the King, and signifie to him,</l>
      <l n="904">That thus I haue resign'd to you my charge.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="905">You may sir, 'tis a point of wisedome:</l>
      <l n="906">Far you well.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="907">What, shall we stab him as he sleepes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="908">No: hee'l say 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="909">Why he shall neuer wake, vntill the great Iudge­
      <lb n="910"/>ment day.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="911">Why then hee'l say, we stab'd him sleeping.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="912">The vrging of that word Iudgement, hath bred a
      <lb n="913"/>kinde of remorse in me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="914">What? art thou affraid?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="915">Not to kill him, hauing a Warrant,</l>
      <l n="916">But to be damn'd for killing him, from the which</l>
      <l n="917">No Warrant can defend me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="918">I thought thou had'st bin resolute.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="919">So I am, to let him liue.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="920">Ile backe to the Duke of Glouster, and tell him so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="921">Nay, I prythee stay a little:</l>
      <l n="922">I hope this passionate humor of mine, will change,</l>
      <l n="923">It was wont to hold me but while one tels twenty.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="924">How do'st thou feele thy selfe now?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="925">Some certaine dregges of conscience are yet with­
      <lb n="926"/>in mee.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="927">Remember our Reward, when the deed's done.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="928">Come, he dies: I had forgot the Reward.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="929">Where's thy conscience now.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="930">O, in the Duke of Glousters purse.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="931">When hee opens his purse to giue vs our Reward,
      <lb n="932"/>thy Conscience flyes out.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="933">'Tis no matter, let it goe: There's few or none will
      <lb n="934"/>entertaine it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="935">What if it come to thee againe?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <p n="936">Ile not meddle with it, it makes a man a Coward:
      <lb n="937"/>A man cannot steale, but it accuseth him: A man cannot
      <lb n="938"/>Sweare, but it Checkes him: A man cannot lye with his
      <lb n="939"/>Neighbours Wife, but it detects him. 'Tis a blushing
      <lb n="940"/>shamefac'd spirit, that mutinies in a mans bosome: It
      <lb n="941"/>filles a man full of Obstacles. It made me once restore a
      <lb n="942"/>Pursse of Gold that (by chance) I found: It beggars any
      <lb n="943"/>man that keepes it: It is turn'd out of Townes and Cit­
      <lb n="944"/>ties for a dangerous thing, and euery man that means to
      <lb n="945"/>liue well, endeuours to trust to himselfe, and liue vvith­
      <lb n="946"/>out it.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0537-0.jpg" n="181"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="947">'Tis euen now at my elbow, perswading me not to
      <lb n="948"/>kill the<choice>
            <orig>Dkue</orig>
            <corr>Duke</corr>
         </choice>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="949">Take the diuell in thy minde, and beleeue him not:</l>
      <l n="950">He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="951">I am strong fram'd, he cannot preuaile with me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="952">Spoke like a tall man, that respects thy reputation.</l>
      <l n="953">Come, shall we fall to worke?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="954">Take him on the Costard, with the hiltes of thy
      <lb n="955"/>Sword, and then throw him into the Malmesey‑Butte in
      <lb n="956"/>the next roome.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="957">O excellent deuice; and make a sop of him.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="958">Soft, he wakes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="959">Strike.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="960">No, wee'l reason with him.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="961">Where art thou Keeper? Giue me a cup of wine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="962">You shall haue Wine enough my Lord anon.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="963">In Gods name, what art thou?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="964">A man, as you are.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="965">But not as I am Royall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="966">Nor you as we are, Loyall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="967">Thy voice is Thunder, but thy looks are humble.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="968">My voice is now the Kings, my lookes mine owne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="969">How darkly, and how deadly dost thou speake?</l>
      <l n="970">Your eyes do menace me: why looke you pale?</l>
      <l n="971">Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="972">To, to, to⸺</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="973">To murther me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1 #F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <l n="974">I, I.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="975">You scarsely haue the hearts to tell me so,</l>
      <l n="976">And therefore cannot haue the hearts to do it.</l>
      <l n="977">Wherein my Friends haue I offended you<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="978">Offended vs you haue not, but the King.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="979">1 shall be reconcil'd to him againe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="980">Neuer my Lord, therefore prepare to dye.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="981">Are you drawne forth among a world of men</l>
      <l n="982">To slay the innocent? What is my offence<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
      <l n="983">Where is the Euidence that doth accuse me?</l>
      <l n="984">What lawfull Quest haue giuen their Verdict vp</l>
      <l n="985">Vnto the frowning Iudge? Or who pronounc'd</l>
      <l n="986">The bitter Sentence of poore<hi rend="italic">Clarence</hi>death,</l>
      <l n="987">Before I be conuict by course of Law?</l>
      <l n="988">To threaten me with death, is most vnlawfull.</l>
      <l n="989">I charge you, as you hope for any goodnesse,</l>
      <l n="990">That you depart, and lay no hands on me:</l>
      <l n="991">The deed you vndertake is damnable.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="992">What we will do, we do vpon command.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="993">And he that hath commanded, is our King.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="994">Erroneous Vassals, the great King of Kings</l>
      <l n="995">Hath in the Table of his Law commanded</l>
      <l n="996">That thou shalt do no murther. Will you then</l>
      <l n="997">Spurne at his Edict, and fulfill a Mans?</l>
      <l n="998">Take heed: for he holds Vengeance in his hand,</l>
      <l n="999">To hurle vpon their heads that breake his Law.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1000">And that same Vengeance doth he hurle on thee,</l>
      <l n="1001">For false Forswearing, and for murther too:</l>
      <l n="1002">Thou did'st receiue the Sacrament, to fight</l>
      <l n="1003">In quarrell of the House of Lancaster.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1004">And like a Traitor to the name of God,</l>
      <l n="1005">Did'st breake that Vow, and with thy treacherous blade,</l>
      <l n="1006">Vnrip'st the Bowels of thy Sou'raignes Sonne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1007">Whom thou was't sworne to cherish and defend.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1008">How canst thou vrge Gods dreadfull Law to vs</l>
      <l n="1009">When thou hast broke it in such deere degree?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1010">Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deede?</l>
      <l n="1011">For<hi rend="italic">Edward</hi>, for my Brother, for his sake.</l>
      <l n="1012">He sends you not to murther me for this:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1013">For in that sinne, he is as deepe as I.</l>
      <l n="1014">If God will be auenged for the deed,</l>
      <l n="1015">O know you yet, he doth it publiquely,</l>
      <l n="1016">Take not the quarrell from his powrefull arme:</l>
      <l n="1017">He needs no indirect, or lawlesse course,</l>
      <l n="1018">To cut off those that haue offended him.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1019">Who made thee then a bloudy minister,</l>
      <l n="1020">When gallant springing braue<hi rend="italic">Plantagenet</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1021">That Princely Nouice was strucke dead by thee?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1022">My Brothers loue, the Diuell, and my Rage.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1023">Thy Brothers Loue, our Duty, and thy Faults,</l>
      <l n="1024">Prouoke vs hither now, to slaughter thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1025">If you do loue my Brother, hate not me:</l>
      <l n="1026">I am his Brother, and I loue him well.</l>
      <l n="1027">If you are hyr'd for meed, go backe againe,</l>
      <l n="1028">And I will send you so my Brother Glouster:</l>
      <l n="1029">Who shall reward you better for my life,</l>
      <l n="1030">Then<hi rend="italic">Edward</hi>will for tydings of my death.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1031">You are deceiu'd,</l>
      <l n="1032">Your Brother Glouster hates you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1033">Oh no, he loues me, and he holds me deere:</l>
      <l n="1034">Go you to him from me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1035">I so we will.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1036">Tell him, when that our Princely Father Yorke,</l>
      <l n="1037">Blest his three Sonnes with his victorious Arme,</l>
      <l n="1038">He little thought of this diuided Friendship:</l>
      <l n="1039">Bid Glouster thinke on this, and he will weepe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1040">I Milstones, as he lessoned vs to weepe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1041">O do not slander him, for he is kinde.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1042">Right, as Snow in Haruest:</l>
      <l n="1043">Come, you deceiue your selfe,</l>
      <l n="1044">'Tis he that sends vs to destroy you heere.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1045">It cannot be, for he bewept my Fortune,</l>
      <l n="1046">And hugg'd me in his armes, and swore with sobs,</l>
      <l n="1047">That he would labour my deliuery.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1048">Why so he doth, when he deliuers you</l>
      <l n="1049">From this earths thraldome, to the ioyes of heauen.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1050">Make peace with God, for you must die my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1051">Haue you that holy feeling in your soules,</l>
      <l n="1052">To counsaile me to make my peace with God,</l>
      <l n="1053">And are you yet to your owne soules so blinde,</l>
      <l n="1054">That you will warre with God, by murd'ring me.</l>
      <l n="1055">O sirs consider, they that set you on</l>
      <l n="1056">To do this deede, will hate you for the deede.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1057">What shall we do?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-pla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clar.</speaker>
      <l n="1058">Relent, and saue your soules:</l>
      <l n="1059">Which of you, if you were a Princes Sonne,</l>
      <l n="1060">Being pent from Liberty, as I am now,</l>
      <l n="1061">If two such murtherers as your selues came to you,</l>
      <l n="1062">Would not intreat for life, as you would begge</l>
      <l n="1063">Were you in my distresse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1064">Relent? no: 'Tis cowardly and womanish.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-geo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cla.</speaker>
      <l n="1065">Not to relent, is beastly, sauage, diuellish:</l>
      <l n="1066">My Friend, I spy some pitty in thy lookes:</l>
      <l n="1067">O, if thine eye be not a Flatterer,</l>
      <l n="1068">Come thou on my side, and intreate for mee,</l>
      <l n="1069">A begging Prince, what begger pitties not.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1070">Looke behinde you, my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <l n="1071">Take that, and that, if all this will not do,</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Stabs him.</stage>
      <l n="1072">Ile drowne you in the Malmesey‑But within.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2</speaker>
      <l n="1073">A bloody deed, and desperately dispatcht:</l>
      <l n="1074">How faine (like<hi rend="italic">Pilate</hi>) would I wash my hands</l>
      <l n="1075">Of this most greeuous murther.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="entrance">Enter 1. Murtherer</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1</speaker>
      <p n="1076">How now? what mean'st thou that thou help'st me
      <lb n="1077"/>not? By Heauen the Duke shall know how slacke you
      <lb n="1078"/>haue beene.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0538-0.jpg" n="182"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2. Mur.</speaker>
      <l n="1079">I would he knew that I had sau'd his brother,</l>
      <l n="1080">Take thou the Fee, and tell him what I say,</l>
      <l n="1081">For I repent me that the Duke is slaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-r3-mur.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1. Mur.</speaker>
      <l n="1082">So do not I: go Coward as thou art.</l>
      <l n="1083">Well, Ile go hide the body in some hole,</l>
      <l n="1084">Till that the Duke giue order for his buriall:</l>
      <l n="1085">And when I haue my meede, I will away,</l>
      <l n="1086">For this will out, and then I must not stay.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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