LIFE AND DEATH OF KING RICHARD III. ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. London. A Street. Enter GLOSter. Glo. Now is the winter of our discontent Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; But I,-that am not shap'd for sportive tricks, 1 Dances. I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty, Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be. Dive, thoughts, down to my soul! here Clarence comes. Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY. Brother, good day: What means this armed guard, Clar. Glo. Upon what cause? Clar. Because my name is-George. 3 Preparations for mischief. Glo. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours; That you shall be new christen'd in the Tower. He hearkens after prophecies, and dreams; And, for my name of George begins with G, These, as I learn, and such like toys as these, Glo. Why, this it is, when men are rul'd by wo men: 'Tis not the king, that sends you to the Tower; Was it not she, and that good man of worship, That made him send lord Hastings to the Tower; Clar. By heaven, I think, there is no man secure, But the queen's kindred, and night-walking heralds That trudge betwixt the king and mistress Shore.. Heard you not, what an humble suppliant Lord Hastings was to her for his delivery? Glo. Humbly complaining to her deity Got my lord chamberlain his liberty. VOL. VII. 4 The Queen and Shore, C Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen, Are mighty gossips in this monarchy. Brak. I beseech your graces both to pardon me; His majesty hath straitly given in charge, That no man shall have private conference, Glo. Even so? an please your worship, Brakenbury, You may partake of any thing we say: We speak no treason, man ;- We say, the king A bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; Brak. With this, my lord, myself have nought to do, And I beseech your grace to pardon me; and, withal, Forbear your conference with the noble duke. Clar. We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey. sister, Glo. We are the queen's abjects, and must obey. Brother, farewell: I will unto the king; And whatsoever you will employ me in, Were it, to call king Edward's widow I will perform it to enfranchise you. Mean time, this deep disgrace in brotherhood, Touches me deeper than you can imagine. Clar. I know it pleaseth neither of us well. Glo. Well, your imprisonment shall not be long; I will deliver you, or else lie for you: Mean time, have patience. Clar. I must perforce; farewell. [Exeunt CLARENCE, BRAKENBURY, and Guard. Glo. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return, Simple, plain Clarence! - I do love thee so, Enter HASTINGS, Hast. Good time of day unto my gracious lord! Glo. As much unto my good lord chamberlain ! Well are you welcome to this open air, How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment? Hast. With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must: But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks, Glo. No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too; For they, that were your enemies, are his, Hast. No news so bad abroad, as this at home;- Glo. Now, by Saint Paul, this news is bad indeed. O, he hath kept an evil diet long, And over-much consum'd his royal person; 'Tis very grievous to be thought upon. What, is he in his bed? Hast. He is. Glo. Go you before, and I will follow you. [Exit HASTINGS. He cannot live, I hope; and must not die, |