LIFE AND DEATH OF OF KING RICHARD III. ACT I. SCENE I.-London. A street. Enter Gloster. Gloster. Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; But I,-that am not shap'd for sportive tricks, (1) Dances. Deform'd, unfinish'd, sent before my time Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be. comes. Enter Clarence, guarded, and Brakenbury. Brother, good day: What means this armed guard That waits upon your grace? Clar. His majesty, Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed This conduct to convey me to the Tower. Glo. Upon what cause? Clar. yours; Because my name is-George. Glo. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of He should, for that, commit your godfathers:O, belike, his majesty hath some intent, That you shall be new christen'd in the Tower. But what's the matter, Clarence? may I know? Clar. Yea, Richard, when I know; for I protest, (1) Preparations for mischief. As yet I do not: But, as I can learn, 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 women : "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. I'll tell you what,-I think, it is our way, If we will keep in favour with the king, To be her men, and wear her livery: The jealous o'er-worn widow, and herself,2 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, Of what degree soever, with his brother. Glo. Even so? an please your worship, Brakenbury, (1) Fancies. (2) The queen and Shore. You may partake of any thing we say: A bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; Brak. With this, my lord, myself have nought to do. Glo. Naught to do with mistress Shore? I tell thee, fellow, He that doth naught with her, excepting one, Glo. Her husband, knave:-Would'st thou betray me? Brak. 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. Glo. We are the queen's abjects, and must obey. Mean time, this deep disgrace in brotherhood, Clar. I know it pleaseth neither of us well. 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. (1) Lowest of subjects. Simple, plain Clarence!-I do love thee so, 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 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, Till George be pack'd with posthorse up to heaven. (1) Confined. |