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Richard III

Act 5, Scene 3

Enter RICHARD, in arms, with NORFOLK, RATCLIFFE, SURREY, and soldiers	RICHARD, dressed in his armor, enters with NORFOLK, SURREY, and others.
RICHARD Here pitch our tent, even here in Bosworth field.— My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad?	RICHARD Let’s pitch our tents right here in Bosworth Field. My Lord of Surrey, why do you look 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 Here, most gracious liege.	NORFOLK Here, most gracious king.
RICHARD Norfolk, we must have knocks, ha, must we not?	RICHARD Norfolk, we’re going to have a few blows, right?
NORFOLK We must both give and take, my loving lord.	NORFOLK We’ve got to give them and take them, my lord.
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?	RICHARD Put my tent up! I’ll lie here tonight. But where will I lie tomorrow? Well, it doesn’t matter. Does anyone know the number of the enemy’s troops?
NORFOLK Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.	NORFOLK Six or seven thousand, at most.
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.	RICHARD Why, our troops amount to three times that. Besides, the king’s name is a tower of strength; the opposition doesn’t have that advantage. Put up my tent! Come, noble gentlemen, let us look at our battle plan and get some experienced officers to help us figure out the best strategy. Let’s be disciplined and not delay, because tomorrow is a busy day.
Exeunt	They all exit.
Enter RICHMOND, Sir William Brandon, OXFORD, DORSET, HERBERT, BLUNT, and others. Some of the soldiers pitch RICHMOND’s tent	RICHMOND, Sir William Brandon, OXFORD, DORSET, HERBERT, BLUNT, and others enter on the other side of the stage. Some soldiers pitch RICHMOND’s tent.
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?	RICHMOND The sunset was golden and left a bright track in the sky, which indicates that tomorrow will be a good day. Sir William Brandon, you will carry my flag. Bring some ink and paper to my tent, and I’ll draw a model of our battle, appoint each leader to his particular command, and carefully divide up our small army. My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon, and you, Sir Walter Herbert, are going to stay with me. The earl of Pembroke will stick with his regiment. Good Captain Blunt, tell the earl goodnight from me, and tell him that by two in the morning I would like him to visit my tent. One more thing before you go, Blunt—where is Lord Stanley lodging, 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’ve mistaken his battle flags, which I’m sure I haven’t, his regiment lies at least half a mile south of the king’s mighty army.
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.	RICHMOND If it’s possible to do this without putting yourself in danger, dear Captain Blunt, say goodnight to him from me and give him this important 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 do it. Have a restful night!
RICHMOND Good night, good Captain Blunt.	RICHMOND Good night, dear 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’s discuss tomorrow’s action in my tent. The night air is too raw and cold for us to stay outdoors.
Enter, to his tent, RICHARD, NORFOLK, RATCLIFFE, CATESBY, and others	RICHARD, NORFOLK, RATCLIFFE, CATESBY, and others enter in RICHARD’s tent.
RICHARD What is “t o”clock?	RICHARD What time is it?
CATESBY It’s suppertime, my lord. It’s nine o’clock.	CATESBY It’s dinnertime, 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’m not going to eat dinner tonight. Give me some ink and paper. Is the visor of my helmet working better now? And has my armor been put in my tent?
CATESBY It is, my liege, and all things are in readiness.	CATESBY Yes, my lord. Everything’s ready.
RICHARD Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge. Use careful watch. Choose trusty sentinels.	RICHARD My good man Norfolk, hurry to your post. Be careful whom you choose as guards—make sure they’re trustworthy.
NORFOLK I go, my lord.	NORFOLK I’m off, my lord.
RICHARD Stir with the lark tomorrow, gentle Norfolk.	RICHARD Get up early tomorrow—at the sound of the lark—noble Norfolk.
NORFOLK I warrant you, my lord.	NORFOLK I will, my lord.
Exit	He exits.
RICHARD Catesby.	RICHARD Catesby.
CATESBY My lord.	CATESBY Yes, 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 Into the blind cave of eternal night.	RICHARD Send a junior officer to Stanley’s regiment to tell Stanley to bring his men here before sunrise—if he wants to see his son George alive.
Exit CATESBY	CATESBY exits.
(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) Get me some wine. Get a soldier to stand watch outside my tent. Saddle my white horse Surrey for battle tomorrow. Make sure the shafts of my lances are solid, but not too heavy. Ratcliffe!
RATCLIFFE My lord.	RATCLIFFE Yes, my lord?
RICHARD Sawst thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland?	RICHARD Did you see the gloomy 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 he were moving from troop to troop around twilight cheering up the soldiers.
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?	RICHARD Good, I’m satisfied. Give me some wine—I don’t feel as energetic as I used to. Set it down. Is my ink and paper ready?
RATCLIFFE It is, my lord.	RATCLIFFE It is, my lord.
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.	RICHARD Make sure my guard is on duty and leave me alone. Ratcliffe, around midnight come to my tent and help me put on my armor. Now leave me alone, as I said.
Exeunt Ratcliffe and the other attendants. RICHARD sleeps.	RATCLIFFE and the other attendants exit. RICHARD sleeps.
Enter STANLEY to RICHMOND in his tent, lords and others attending	STANLEY enters and goes to RICHMOND’s tent, where lords and others are waiting on him.
STANLEY Fortune and victory sit on thy helm!	STANLEY Let fortune and victory be yours!
RICHMOND All comfort that the dark night can afford Be to thy person, noble father-in-law. Tell me, how fares our loving mother?	RICHMOND I wish you all the comfort that such a dark night as this can offer, noble father-in-law. Tell me, how is my 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, 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.	STANLEY Your mother sends her blessings. She prays continually on your behalf. Enough about that—morning will be here soon. To be brief—as the occasion requires—prepare to fight early in the morning, when your future will be decided. I can’t do everything I want to, but I’ll help you as well as I can. But I can’t be too obvious about being on your side without risking the life of your stepbrother, young George. If I’m seen helping you, George will be killed right in front of my eyes. Farewell. The lack of time and the risk I’m under will have to keep us from bonding and catching up on each other’s news the way we usually would after not seeing each other for so long. I hope we have the time some day! Again, goodbye. Be brave and do 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, When I should mount with wings of victory. Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.	RICHMOND Good lords, escort him to his regiment. I’m going to try to take a nap despite my racing thoughts so that exhaustion won’t get the better of me tomorrow, when I’ll need to ride as if my horse had wings. Again, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.
Exeunt all but RICHMOND	Everyone exits except 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, 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)	Oh God, whose side I think I’m fighting on, look kindly on my forces. Fuel them with dangerous fury, so they can crush the enemy. Make us your agents of revenge, so we can praise you when we’re victorious! Before I fall asleep, I entrust my soul to you. Defend me, God, both when I’m asleep and when I’m awake. (He sleeps.)
Enter the GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD, son to KING HENRY VI	The GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD, King Henry VI’s son, enters.
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.	GHOST OF PRINCE EDWARD (to RICHARD) I will weigh heavily on your soul tomorrow. Remember how you stabbed me at Tewksbury, when I was just a young man. Despair, and die! (to RICHMOND) Be cheerful, Richmond—butchered princes fight for you. I, King Henry’s son, will provide you with comfort.
Exit	He exits.
Enter the GHOST OF KING HENRY VI	The GHOST OF KING HENRY VI enters.
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.	GHOST OF KING HENRY VI (to RICHARD) When I was still alive, you punctured my body, the body of God’s blessed king, full of holes. Remember the Tower and me there. Despair, and die! Harry the Sixth commands you to despair and die! (to RICHMOND) Because you are virtuous and holy, you must be the conqueror! Harry, who prophesied that you would be king, comforts you in your sleep: live and prosper!
Exit	He exits.
Enter the GHOST OF CLARENCE	The GHOST OF CLARENCE enters.
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.	GHOST OF CLARENCE (to RICHARD) I hope I weigh heavily on your soul tomorrow! It’s me, drowned to death in a nauseating barrel of wine. It’s me, poor Clarence, whom you betrayed to death! Tomorrow in battle, think of me and drop your useless sword. Despair, and die! (to RICHMOND) Offspring of the House of Lancaster, the wronged heirs of York pray for you. Good angels protect your fight! Live and prosper!
Exit	He exits.
Enter the GHOSTS OF RIVERS, GRAY, and VAUGHAN	The GHOSTS of RIVERS, GRAY, and VAUGHAN enter.
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) I will weigh heavily on your soul tomorrow—I, Rivers, who 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 about Grey, and despair!
GHOST OF VAUGHAN (to RICHARD) Think upon Vaughan, and with guilty fear Let fall thy lance. Despair, and die!	GHOST OF VAUGHAN (to RICHARD) Think about Vaughan, and drop your lance from fear and guilt. 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) Awaken, and have faith that the wrongs Richard carries in his heart will defeat him! Awaken, and win the day!
Exeunt	They exit.
Enter the GHOSTS OF the two young PRINCES	The GHOSTS OF the two young PRINCES enter.
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.	GHOSTS OF PRINCES (to RICHARD) Dream about your nephews, smothered in the Tower. Let us rest in your heart as heavily as lead, Richard, and drag you down to ruin, shame, and death! Your nephews’ souls command that you despair and die! (to RICHMOND) Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace and wake in joy. Good angels will protect you from the boar’s attacks! Live, and give birth to a whole, happy race of kings! Edward’s unlucky sons want you to flourish.
Exeunt	They exit.
Enter the GHOST OF HASTINGS	The GHOST OF HASTINGS enters.
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.	GHOST OF HASTINGS (to RICHARD) You violent, guilty man, wake up full of guilt and end your days in a bloody battle! Think about Lord Hastings. Despair, and die! (to RICHMOND) Quiet untroubled soul, wake up! Arm yourself, fight, and win for beautiful England’s sake!
Exit	He exits.
Enter the GHOST OF ANNE	The GHOST OF ANNE enters.
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.	GHOST OF ANNE (to RICHARD) Richard, your wife, your wretched wife, Anne, who never enjoyed a quiet hour of sleep with you, now fills your sleep with disturbing thoughts. Tomorrow in battle think of me and fall on your sword: despair, and die! (to RICHMOND) You quiet soul, sleep a quiet sleep. Dream of success and happy victory. Your enemy’s wife is praying for you.
Exit	She exits.
Enter the GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM	The GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM enters.
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.	GHOST OF BUCKINGHAM (to RICHARD) I was the first to help you to the crown and the last to feel the effects of your tyranny. Think of Buckingham when you’re fighting tomorrow, and die terrified of the sins you’ve committed! Tonight, dream of bloody deeds and death. Tomorrow, when you lose heart, fall into despair and then death. (to RICHMOND) I died before I could help you as I was hoping to. But be cheerful and don’t worry. God and good angels fight on your side, and Richard will fall at the height of his false pride.
Exit	He exits.
RICHARD starts out of his dream	RICHARD starts up out of his dream.
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. 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.	RICHARD Give me another horse! Bandage my wounds! Have mercy, Jesus!—Wait, I was only dreaming. Oh cowardly conscience, how you’re torturing me! The candles burn blue—that means it’s the dead of night. I’m sweating and trembling with fear. But what am I afraid of? Myself? There’s no one else here. Richard loves Richard, that is, there’s just me and myself here. Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am. Then run away. What, from myself? Yes, to avoid taking revenge on myself. Unfortunately, I love myself. Why? Did I do anything good to myself? Oh, no. Alas, I hate myself instead, because of the hateful deeds I’ve committed. I am a villain. But I’m lying; I’m not a villain. Fool, speak well of yourself. Fool, do not flatter yourself. Give me another horse! Bandage my wounds! Have mercy, Jesus!—Wait, I was only dreaming. Oh cowardly conscience, how you’re torturing me! The candles burn blue—that means it’s the dead of night. I’m sweating and trembling with fear. But what am I afraid of? Myself? There’s no one else here. Richard loves Richard, that is, there’s just me and myself here. Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am. Then run away. What, from myself? Yes, to avoid taking revenge on myself. Unfortunately, I love myself. Why? Did I do anything good to myself? Oh, no. Alas, I hate myself instead, because of the hateful deeds I’ve committed. I am a villain. But I’m lying; I’m not a villain. Fool, speak well of yourself. Fool, do not flatter yourself.
Enter RATCLIFFE	RATCLIFFE enters.
RATCLIFFE My lord.	RATCLIFFE My lord.
RICHARD Zounds, who is there?	RICHARD Damn it, who’s 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, it’s me. The rooster has already crowed twice. Your friends are up and buckling on their armor.
RICHARD O Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream! What think’st thou, will our friends prove all true?	RICHARD Oh Ratcliffe, I had a terrifying dream! What do you think, will my friends prove loyal?
RATCLIFFE No doubt, my lord.	RATCLIFFE No doubt, my lord.
RICHARD O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.	RICHARD Oh Ratcliffe, I’m afraid, I’m afraid—
RATCLIFFE Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.	RATCLIFFE No, my good lord, don’t be afraid of dreams.
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.	RICHARD By St. Paul, ghosts have struck more terror in my soul tonight than ten thousand of worthless Richmond’s soldiers could, dressed up in their most sword-proof armor. It’s not yet daylight. Come with me; I’ll spy under the tents to see if any of my own people plan to desert me.
Exeunt	They exit
Enter the lords to RICHMOND, sitting in his tent	RICHMOND’s LORDS enter his tent and go to where he is sitting.
LORDS Good morrow, Richmond.	LORDS Good morning, Richmond.
RICHMOND Cry mercy, lords and watchful gentlemen, That you have ta’en a tardy sluggard here.	RICHMOND Pardon me, lords and gentlemen who stayed awake. You’ve caught me oversleeping.
A LORD How have you slept, my lord?	A LORD How did you sleep, my lord?
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?	RICHMOND Since you left, I’ve been enjoying the sweetest sleep and most promising dreams I’ve ever had, my lords. I dreamed the souls of the people Richard murdered came to my tent and promised me victory. I tell you, I feel very jolly remembering such a beautiful dream. How late is it, lords?
LORDS Upon the stroke of four.	LORDS It’s almost four.
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. 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!	RICHMOND Why, then, it’s time to put on my armor and instruct the troops. (to his soldiers) I can’t tell you much right now, loyal countrymen, because we don’t have time. But know this: We have God and a good cause on our side. The prayers of saints and those that Richard wronged support us like high-walled fortresses. Other than Richard, even those whom we fight against would rather we won. Because who is this man they follow? Truly, gentlemen, a violent tyrant and a murderer, who rose to his high position by shedding blood and kept the position the same way. He rose to the top by means of others and then slaughtered them. He’s like a worthless stone, who only seems like a valuable gem because he’s on the throne, where he doesn’t belong. He has always been God’s enemy. And when you fight God’s enemy, God will protect you. If you struggle to bring down a tyrant, you will sleep peacefully when the tyrant is killed. When you fight against your country’s enemies, you will be paid for your efforts with your country’s wealth. If you fight to protect your wives, your wives will welcome you home as conquerors. When you free your children from the sword, your grandchildren will repay you in your old age. So, in the name of God and all the good that will come of this battle, march with your flags high and draw your swords. As for me, if I fail, the only ransom I will offer the enemy is my corpse. But if I succeed, every one of you will share in the profit. Play boldly and cheerfully, drummers and trumpeters. Here’s to God and Saint George! To Richmond and victory!
Exeunt	They all exit.
Enter King RICHARD, RATCLIFFE, attendants and forces	RICHARD, RATCLIFFE, attendants, and soldiers enter.
RICHARD What said Northumberland as touching Richmond?	RICHARD What did Northumberland say about Richmond?
RATCLIFFE That he was never trainèd up in arms.	RATCLIFFE That he was never trained as a soldier.
RICHARD He said the truth. And what said Surrey then?	RICHARD That’s true. And what did Surrey say to that?
RATCLIFFE He smiled and said “The better for our purpose.”	RATCLIFFE He smiled and said, “The better for us.”
RICHARD He was in the right, and so indeed it is.	RICHARD He’s right, and that’s how it is.
The clock striketh	The clock strikes.
Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar. He looks in an almanac Who saw the sun today?	Read the time there. Give me an almanac. (looking in an almanac) Did anyone see the sun today?
RATCLIFFE Not I, my lord.	RATCLIFFE I didn’t, my lord.
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!	RICHARD Then it refuses to shine. According to this almanac, it should have risen an hour ago. It’ll be a black day for somebody today. Ratcliffe!
RATCLIFFE My lord.	RATCLIFFE My lord?
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.	RICHARD The sun will not appear today. The sky frowns and scowls on our army. I wish there wasn’t so much dew on the ground. So, the sun won’t shine today! Well, why should that be worse for me than it is for Richmond? The same heaven that’s frowning on me looks gloomily on him.
Enter NORFOLK	NORFOLK enters.
NORFOLK Arm, arm, my lord. The foe vaunts in the field.	NORFOLK Get ready, my lord. The enemy is making its appearance on the battlefield.
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?	RICHARD Hurry, hurry—prepare my horse. Tell Lord Stanley to bring his army. I will lead my soldiers to the field and the battle formation will be like this: the vanguard will extend in a line that is equal parts horsemen and foot soldiers. The archers will stay in the middle. John Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Earl of Surrey will lead the horsemen and foot soldiers. I’ll follow in the center of the troop formation, which I’ll defend with my best horse, and with Saint George on my side, as well! What do you think, Norfolk?
NORFOLK A good direction, warlike sovereign.	NORFOLK A good plan, warrior king.
He sheweth him a paper	He shows RICHARD a piece of paper.
This found I on my tent this morning.	I found this pinned to 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.— 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. 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?	RICHARD (reads) “Jackie of Norfolk, don’t be too bold, for Dick your master has been betrayed.” Something the enemy devised. Go, gentleman, every man to his command. Don’t let babbling dreams frighten us—conscience is just a word that cowards use to intimidate the strong. The strong fight we put on will be our conscience, our swords will be our law. March on, be brave in battle, and let’s go pell-mell to heaven, if not hand in hand to hell. (to his army) What more can I say? Remember who you’re dealing with—a random bunch of bums, rascals, runaways, Breton scum, and peasant hangers-on whom an overcrowded nation vomits out to populate every desperate, sure-to-fail enterprise. You have been sleeping soundly, and they bring unrest. You own land they want to steal. Those of you who are blessed with beautiful wives, they want to defile them. And who’s leading them but an inconsequential fellow who for the longest time lived in Brittany at his mother’s expense? A girly man, a man who never in his life felt more cold than seeps into one’s boots in the snow? Let’s send these stragglers back over the sea. Let’s whip these arrogant relics of France—these starving beggars, tired of their lives, who would have hanged themselves, poor rats, if it weren’t for this foolish enterprise they’ve been dreaming about—back to France. If we’re going to be conquered, let men conquer us, and not these French bastards whom our forefathers already beat, thrashed, and pummeled on their own turf, and shamed them forever in the history books. Should these people enjoy our lands? Sleep with our wives? Rape our daughters?
Drum afar off	Drum heard far off.
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—	Listen! I hear their drums. Fight, gentlemen of England! Fight, brave landlords! Draw your bows all the way back, archers! Spur your proud horses hard, horsemen, and ride in blood. Startle even the sky with the sound of your lances cracking.
Enter a MESSENGER	A MESSENGER enters.
What says Lord Stanley? Will he bring his power?	What does Lord Stanley say? Will he bring his army?
MESSENGER My lord, he doth deny to come.	MESSENGER My lord, he refuses to come.
RICHARD Off with his son George’s head!	RICHARD Off with his son George’s head!
NORFOLK My lord, the enemy is past the marsh. After the battle let George Stanley die.	NORFOLK My lord, the enemy has already passed the marsh. Let George Stanley die after the battle.
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.	RICHARD A thousand hearts beat in my chest. Let’s advance our flags, set upon our enemies, and have our ancient saint of courage, good Saint George, inspire us with the fury of fiery dragons! Let’s go! Victory is with us.
Exeunt	They all exit.