Richard III by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online Page A

approaching, and again withdraws to watch. As the two women mourn the princes, she comments with satisfaction on their grief, seeing it as revenge for her own losses. She comes forward and points out that her curses have come true: Elizabeth is “a most distressed widow,” has lost her sons, and is “queen of sad mischance.” She starts to leave, but Elizabeth begs her to teach her to curse her enemies. Margaret says that the way to do this is to “Compare dead happiness with living woe” and her grief and therefore her words will pierce like Margaret’s. Margaret leaves and Elizabeth and the duchess vow to smother Richard “in the breath of bitter words.”
    Lines 135–444: Richard arrives and the two women launch a bitter attack on him, directly accusing him of killing the princes and Clarence. Reinforcing the attention to disguise, Elizabeth suggests that his “golden crown” conceals a “branded” forehead, a reference to Cain that also emphasizes the accusations of fratricide. Richard calls for trumpets and drums to drown out “these tell-tale women,” saying that he will only listen if they speak courteously. The duchess asserts her right as his mother to speak to Richard, and accuses him of making the earth her “hell.” She curses him, hoping that he will die shamed in battle, and leaves. Elizabeth is about to follow, but Richard detains her. She bitterly comments that she has “no more sons” for Richard to “slaughter,” but he is only interested in her “royal and gracious” daughter. He explains that he wishes to make her his queen and asks how to win her. Queen Elizabeth bitterly suggests that he send her the bleeding hearts of her brothers. Richard attempts to persuade her in a speech that shows his old command over language, but his charming imagery is juxtaposed by the repellent idea of what he is suggesting, which he is either choosing toignore or genuinely cannot see. Elizabeth points this out, asking if she should say to her daughter that “her father’s brother / Would be her lord?” Echoing the argument with Anne in Act 1 Scene 2, Elizabeth verbally matches Richard, defeating his every move, but he persists until she apparently gives in, although her final words to Richard are ambiguous. However, he chooses to see her as defeated and describes her as a “Relenting fool.”
    Lines 445–555: Ratcliffe and Catesby report that Richmond’s navy is approaching the coast, with the intention of joining Buckingham and his army. Richard orders Catesby to go to the Duke of Norfolk, and grows angry when he does not leave. Catesby explains that he has not been given any message for Norfolk, the first sign of genuine weakness in Richard. Derby brings confirmation that Richmond intends “to claim the crown.” Angry, Richard questions Derby’s loyalty and, despite Derby’s assurances, holds his son George hostage until he has mustered his forces to join Richard in battle. A series of messengers bring bad news, until Richard strikes one man before he can even speak, suggesting his increasing loss of self-control. The man reports that Buckingham’s army has been dispersed by floods and that Buckingham is missing. The confusion continues as it is reported first that Richmond is returning to France, and then that he has landed at Milford, but Buckingham has been taken prisoner by Richard’s forces. Richard heads for Salisbury to do battle.
ACT 4 SCENE 5
    Derby sends word to Richmond of his support, but explains that Richard is holding his son hostage. He also reveals that Queen Elizabeth has consented to Richmond marrying her daughter.
ACT 5 SCENE 1
    Buckingham, under guard, asks to speak to Richard, but is refused. He knows that it is his “doomsday,” and recalls the words of Margaret’s prophecy.
ACT 5 SCENE 2
    Richmond’s army marches toward Leicester.
ACT 5 SCENE 3
    The action shifts quickly between events and the opposing camps, building pace and tension.
    Lines 1–19: Richard and