Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 1

Richard III

R3

By William Shakespeare

Adapted by

Gregory J. Thompson

“Evil can be a spiritual experience, too.”

Myra Hendley from Longford (2006) Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 2

Cheated of feature by dissembling nature, THE PLACE: Charlotte NC – most of the action Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time takes place in the board room of the YORK Financial Into this breathing world, scarce half made up, Group. And that so lamely and unfashionable That dogs bark at me as I halt by them; THE TIME: TODAY Why, love forswore me in my mother’s womb,

A projection on a screen – “A news montage of the To disproportion me in every part recent hostile acquisition of the Lancaster Bank Like to a chaos, or an unlicked bear-whelp Corporation by the York Financial Group” That carries no impression like the dam. The midwife wondered and the women cried SCENE I. ‘O Jesus bless us, she is born with teeth!’ And so I was, which plainly signified The first part of this speech is delivered on screen as That should snarl and bite and play the dog. part of yearly shareholders report… Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, Have no delight to pass away the time, Enter GLOUCESTER, solus Unless to spy my shadow in the sun GLOUCESTER And descant on mine own deformity: Now is the winter of our discontent And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, Made glorious summer by this sun of York; To entertain these fair well-spoken days, And all the clouds that lowered upon our house I am determined to prove a villain In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. And hate the idle pleasures of these days. Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; Then since the heavens have shaped my body so, Our bruisèd arms hung up for monuments; Let hell make crooked my mind to answer it. Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings, I’ll make my heaven to dream upon the crown, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures. And whiles I live t’account this world but hell Grim-visaged war has smoothed his wrinkled front; Until my misshaped trunk that bears this head And now, instead of mounting barbèd steeds Be round impalèd with a glorious crown. To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, (The channel changes and we see the arrest of (at this point “Mute” is pressed on the video screen and Clarence) Rachel speaks live) Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous, He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams, To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. To set my brothers Clarence and Edward But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks, In deadly hate the one against the other: Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; And if Edward be as true and just I, that am rudely stamped, As I am subtle, false and treacherous, This day should Clarence closely be caged up, Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 3

Over a prophecy, which says that 'G' He hearkens after prophecies and dreams. Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be. GLOUCESTER Why, I can smile and murder whiles I smile, 'Tis not Edward that sends you to the Tower: And cry ‘content’ to that which grieves my heart, Elizabeth, his wife, Clarence, 'tis she And wet my cheeks with artificial tears, That tempers him to this extremity. And frame my face to all occasions. BRAKENBURY I can add colors to the chameleon, I beseech your graces both to pardon me; Change shapes with Proteus for advantages, Edward has strictly given charge And set the murderous Machiavel to school. That none shall have a private conference, So do I wish the crown, being so far off, Of what degree so ever, with his brother. And so I chide the means that keeps me from it, GLOUCESTER And so I say I’ll cut the causes off. Even so; and to please your worship, Brakenbury, Dive, thoughts, down to my soul: here You may partake of anything we say: Clarence comes. We speak no treason, man: we say the boss Is wise and virtuous, and his noble queen (again Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY – sarcastic) Although Clarence is dressed in a prison jumpsuit and Well struck in years, is fair. initially handcuffed he is free to move about the room. CLARENCE We know your charge, Brakenbury, and will obey. Brother, good day; what means this armèd guard GLOUCESTER That waits upon your grace? We are the queen's abjects, and must obey. CLARENCE Brother, farewell: I will unto Edward; His majesty (“majesty” is used sarcastically here) Meantime, have patience. Tendering my person's safety, has appointed CLARENCE This conduct to convey me to the Tower. I must perforce. Farewell. GLOUCESTER

Upon what cause? Exeunt CLARENCE, and BRAKENBURY CLARENCE Because my name is George. GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER Simple, plain Clarence! I do love you so…. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours; I do love you so… But what's the matter, Clarence? may I know? That I will shortly send your soul to heaven. CLARENCE Meanwhile about my brother the Boss; Yea, Rachel, when I know; for I protest He cannot live, I hope; and must not die As yet I do not: but, as I can learn, Till Clarence is packed with post-horse up to heaven. I'll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence, Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 4

With lies well steeled with weighty arguments; And, if I fail not in my deep intent, Clarence hath not another day to live: Which done, God take Good Edward to his mercy, And leave the world for me to bustle in! For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter, Anne. What? Although I killed her husband and her father? The readiest way to make the wench amends Is to become her lover and her father. The which will I; not all so much for love As for another secret close intent, By marrying her which I must reach unto. But yet I run before my horse to market: Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives and reigns: When they are gone, then must I count my gains. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 5

Away, you dreadful minister of hell! SCENE II. GLOUCESTER Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst. “With her brother in prison and needing to cement LADY ANNE her claim to power, our villain plots to woo the wife Foul devil, for God's sake, hence, and trouble us not; of the recently dead Prince.” For you have made the happy earth my hell.

Enter the corpse of Anne’s husband, the Prince of Behold this pattern of your butcheries. Wales, Gentlemen with halberds (spears) to guard it; O, gentlemen, see, see! dead Edward's wounds LADY ANNE being the mourner Open their congealed mouths and bleed afresh! Blush, Blush, you lump of foul deformity; LADY ANNE For 'tis your presence that exhales this blood. O, cursèd be the hand that made these fatal holes! (exit, in fright, the spear dudes) Cursed be the heart that had the heart to do it! GLOUCESTER Cursed the blood that let this blood from hence! Lady, you know no rules of charity, If ever he have child, abortive be it, LADY ANNE If ever he have wife, let her be made Villain, you know no law of God or man. More miserable by the death of him GLOUCESTER As I am made by my poor lord and you! Except, divine perfection of a woman. Come, now towards Chertsey with your holy load. LADY ANNE Enter GLOUCESTER Vouchsafe, defused infection of woman. GLOUCESTER Didst you not kill this man? Stay, you that bear the corpse, and set it down. GLOUCESTER LADY ANNE I grant you. What black magician conjures up this fiend, LADY ANNE To stop devoted charitable deeds? Dost grant me, hedgehog? then, God grant me too GLOUCESTER You will be damned for that wicked deed! Villains, set down the corpse; or, by Saint Paul, O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous! I'll make a corpse of him that disobeys. GLOUCESTER Gentleman (Tyrell) The fitter for the King of heaven, which has him. Stand back, and let the coffin pass. LADY ANNE GLOUCESTER He is in heaven, where you shall never come. Unmannered dog! stand down, when I command. GLOUCESTER LADY ANNE Let him thank me, that helped to send him there; What, do you tremble? are you all afraid? For he was fitter for that place than earth. Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal, And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil. LADY ANNE Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 6

And you unfit for any place but hell. GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER One lives that loves you better than he could. Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it. LADY ANNE LADY ANNE Name him. Some dungeon. GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER Plantagenet. Your bed-chamber. LADY ANNE But, gentle Lady Anne, Why, that was he. [Let’s] leave this keen encounter of our wits, GLOUCESTER And fall somewhat into a slower method, The selfsame name, but one of better nature. Is not the causer of the timeless deaths LADY ANNE Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward, Where is he? As blameful as the executioner? GLOUCESTER LADY ANNE Here! You are the cause, and most accursed effect. GLOUCESTER Anne spits in Rachel’s face Your beauty was the cause of that effect; GLOUCESTER Your beauty: which did haunt me in my sleep Why do you spit at me? To undertake the death of all the world, LADY ANNE So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom. Would it were mortal poison, for your sake! LADY ANNE GLOUCESTER If I thought that, I tell you, homicide, Never came poison from so sweet a place. These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks. LADY ANNE GLOUCESTER Never hung poison on a fouler toad. These eyes could never endure sweet beauty's wreck; Out of my sight! You do infect my eyes. You should not blemish it, if I stood by. GLOUCESTER It is a quarrel most unnatural, Those eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine. To be revenged on her that loves you. LADY ANNE LADY ANNE Would they were cobras, to strike you dead! It is a quarrel just and reasonable, GLOUCESTER To be revenged on her that slew my husband. I would they were, that I might die at once; GLOUCESTER For now they kill me with a living death. She that bereft you, lady, of your husband, Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears, Did it to help you to a better husband. These eyes that never shed remorseful tear, LADY ANNE His better does not breathe upon the earth. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 7

Your beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping. LADY ANNE I fear me both are false. She looks scornfully at her GLOUCESTER Then ne’er was woman true. GLOUCESTER LADY ANNE Teach not your lips such scorn, for they were made Well, well, put up your sword. For kissing, lady, not for such contempt. GLOUCESTER If your revengeful heart cannot forgive, But shall I live in hope? I humbly beg the death upon my knee. LADY ANNE All men, I hope, live so. Rachel lays her breast open: she offers at it with her GLOUCESTER sword Vouchsafe to wear this ring. LADY ANNE Nay, do not pause; for I did kill old Henry, To take is not to give. But 'twas your beauty that provoked me. GLOUCESTER Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabbed your Edward, Look, how this ring encompasses your finger. But 'twas your heavenly face that set me on. Even while your breast encloses my poor heart; Wear both of them, for both of them are thine. Here she lets fall the sword LADY ANNE Take up the sword again, or take up me. It joys me so LADY ANNE To see you are become so penitent. Arise, dissembler: though I wish your death, GLOUCESTER I will not be the executioner. Bid me farewell. GLOUCESTER LADY ANNE Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it. 'Tis more than you deserve; LADY ANNE But since you teach me how to flatter you, I have already. Imagine I have said farewell already. GLOUCESTER Exeunt LADY ANNE (the body remains) That was in your rage: Speak it again, and, even with the word… GLOUCESTER LADY ANNE Was ever woman in this humor wooed? I would I knew your heart. Was ever woman in this humor won? I'll have her; but I will not keep her long. What! I, that killed her husband and his father, GLOUCESTER To take her in her heart's extremest hate, 'Tis figured in my tongue. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 8

With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes, This bleeding witness of her hatred by; And I no friends to back my suit at all, But the plain devil and dissembling looks, And yet to win her, all the world to nothing! Ha! Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot, Myself to be a marvelous proper love. I'll be at charges for a looking-glass, And entertain some score or two of tailors, To study fashions to adorn my body: Since I am crept in favor with myself, Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, That I may see my shadow as I pass.

Exit Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 9

BUCKINGHAM SCENE III. Good time of day unto your royal grace! RIVERS “The current queen, Elizabeth, bemoans her fate and Saw you the boss to-day, Derby? the failing health of her husband, Edward IV. BUCKINGHAM Elizabeth’s brother, Rivers, and her son from But even now the I come from meeting him. another marriage, Grey, attempt to console her. QUEEN ELIZABETH Rachel continues to stir up dissent by creating What likelihood of his recovery, friends? arguments with all.” BUCKINGHAM

[Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH, RIVERS, and GREY] Madam, good hope; he speaks quite cheerfully. Rivers and Grey are engrossed in video game playing. QUEEN ELIZABETH

RIVERS God grant him health! Did you confer with him? Have patience, madam: there's no doubt your husband BUCKINGHAM Will soon recover his accustomed health. Madam, I did: he desires to make atonement QUEEN ELIZABETH Betwixt the Duchess Gloucester and your brothers, If he were dead, what would become of me? And betwixt them and Old Bob Chamberlain; RIVERS And he called them to his office. No other harm but loss of such a man. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH Would all were well! but that will never be The loss of such a man includes all harm. I fear our happiness is at the highest. RIVERS [Enter GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and DORSET] The heavens have blessed you with a goodly son,

To be your comforter when he is gone. GLOUCESTER QUEEN ELIZABETH They do me wrong, and I will not endure it: Oh, he is young and his minority Who are they that complain unto Edward, Is put unto the trust of Rachel Gloucester, That I, forsooth, am stern, and love them not? A woman that loves not me, nor none of you. By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly RIVERS That fill his ears with such dissentious rumors. Is it concluded that she shall be protector? RIVERS QUEEN ELIZABETH To whom in all this presence speaks your grace? It is determined, not concluded yet: GLOUCESTER But so it must be, if Edward miscarry. To you, that has no honesty nor grace. When have I injured you? when done you wrong? [Enter BUCKINGHAM and DERBY] Or you? or you? or any of your faction? A plague upon you all! His royal person, -- Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 10

Whom God preserve better than you would wish! -- Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects. Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing-while, GLOUCESTER But you must trouble him with lewd complaints. You may deny that you were not the cause QUEEN ELIZABETH Of my Lord Hastings' late imprisonment. Dear Sister Gloucester, you mistake the matter. RIVERS Edward, of his own free will, She may, lady, for -- And not provoked by any suitor else; GLOUCESTER Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred, She may, Lord Rivers! why, who knows not so? Which in your outward actions shows itself She may do more, sir, than denying that: Against my kindred, brothers, and myself, She may help you to many fair promotions, Makes him to send; that thereby he may gather And then deny her aiding hand therein, The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it. And lay those honors on your high deserts. GLOUCESTER What may she not? She may, yea, marry, may she -- I cannot tell: the world is grown so bad, RIVERS That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch: What, marry, may she? Since every Jack became a gentleman GLOUCESTER There's many a gentle person made a Jack. What, marry, may she! marry with a boss, QUEEN ELIZABETH A bachelor, a handsome stripling too: Come, come, we know your meaning, sister I wish your grandam had a worser match. Gloucester; QUEEN ELIZABETH You envy my advancement and my friends': My Lady Gloucester, I have too long borne God grant we never may have need of you! Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs: GLOUCESTER By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty Meantime, God grants that we have need of you: With those gross taunts I often have endured. Your brother is imprisoned by your means, I had rather be a country servant-maid Myself disgraced, and the nobility Than a great queen, with this condition, Held in contempt; whilst many fair promotions To be thus taunted, scorned, and baited at: Are daily given to ennoble those [Enter QUEEN MARGARET, behind] That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH Small joy have I in being England's queen. By Him that raised me to this careful height QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) From that contented hap which I enjoyed, And lessened be that small, God, I beseech you! I never did incense his majesty Your honor, state and seat is due to me. Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been An earnest advocate to plead for him. Lady, you do me shameful injury, GLOUCESTER Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 11

What! threat you me with telling of Edward? To fight on Edward's party for the crown; Tell him, and spare not: look, what I have said And for his meed, poor lord, he is mew'd up. I will avouch in presence of Edward: I would to God my heart were flint, like Edward's; I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower. Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine 'Tis time to speak; my pains are quite forgot. I am too childish-foolish for this world. QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) Out, devil! I remember them too well: Go to hell, you cacodemon! there is your kingdom. You killed my husband Henry in the Tower, RIVERS And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury. My Lady Gloucester, in those busy days GLOUCESTER Which here you urge to prove us enemies, Ere you were queen, yea, or your husband king, We followed then our lord, our lawful king: I was a pack-horse in his great affairs; So should we you, if you should be our king. A weeder-out of his proud adversaries, GLOUCESTER A liberal rewarder of his friends: If I should be! I had rather be a peddler: To royalize his blood I spilt mine own. Far be it from my heart, the thought of it! QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) QUEEN ELIZABETH Yea, and much better blood than his or thine. As little joy, my lass, as you suppose GLOUCESTER You should enjoy, were you this corporation’s king, In all which time you and your husband Grey As little joy may you suppose in me. Were working for the house of Lancaster; That I enjoy, being the queen thereof. And, Rivers, so were you. Was not your husband QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) In Margaret's battle at Saint Alban's slain? A little joy enjoys the queen thereof; Let me put in your minds, if you forget, For I am she, and altogether joyless. What you have been 'til now, and what you are; I can no longer hold me patient. Withal, what I have been, and what I am. [Advancing – now seen and heard by others in the QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) room] A murderous villain, and so still you are. Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out GLOUCESTER In sharing that which you have pilled from me! Poor Clarence did forsake his father, Warwick; Which of you trembles not that looks on me? Yea, and forswore himself, -- which Jesu pardon! -- If not, that, I being queen, you bow like subjects, QUEEN MARGARET (unseen) Yet that, by you deposed, you quake like rebels? Which God revenge! O gentle villain, do not turn away!

GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER Foul wrinkled witch, what makes you in my sight? QUEEN MARGARET Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 12

But repetition of what you have marred; That none of you may live your natural age, That will I make before I let you go. But by some unlooked accident cut off! GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER Wert you not banished on pain of death? Have done your charm, you hateful withered hag! QUEEN MARGARET QUEEN MARGARET I was; but I do find more pain in banishment And leave out you? stay, dog, Oh you shall hear me. Than death can yield me here by my abode. If heaven have any grievous plague in store A husband and a son you owe to me; Exceeding those that I can wish upon you, And you a kingdom; all of you allegiance: O, let them keep it till your sins be ripe, The sorrow that I have, by right is yours, And then hurl down their indignation And all the pleasures you usurp are mine. On you, the troubler of the poor world's peace! What were you snarling all before I came, The worm of conscience still gnawing at your soul! Ready to catch each other by the throat, Your friends suspect for traitors while you live, And turn you all your hatred now on me? And take deep traitors for your dearest friends! Did York's dread curse prevail so much with heaven? No sleep close up that deadly eye of yours, That Henry's death, my lovely Edward's death, Unless it be while some tormenting dream Their kingdom's loss, my woeful banishment, Frightens you with a hell of ugly devils! Could all but answer for that peevish brat? You elvish-mark'd, abortive, rooting hog! Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven? You that was sealed in your nativity Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses! The slave of nature and the son of hell! If not by war, by surfeit die your king, You slander of your mother's heavy womb! As ours by murder, to make him a king! You loathed issue of your father's loins! Edward your son, which now is Prince of Wales, You rag of honor! you detested – For Edward my son, which was Prince of Wales, GLOUCESTER Die in his youth by like untimely violence! Margaret. Yourself a queen, for me that was a queen, QUEEN MARGARET Outlive your glory, like my wretched self! Rachel! Long may you live to wail your children's loss; GLOUCESTER And see another, as I see you now, Ha! Decked in your rights, as you are stalled in mine! QUEEN MARGARET Long die your happy days before your death; I call you not. And, after many lengthened hours of grief, GLOUCESTER Die neither mother, wife, nor England's queen! I cry you mercy then, for I had thought Rivers and Dorset, you were standers by, That you had called me all these bitter names. And so were you, Lord Hastings, when my son QUEEN MARGARET Was stabbed with bloody daggers: God, I pray him, Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 13

Why, so I did; but looked for no reply. O princely Buckingham I'll kiss your hand, O, let me make the period to my curse! In sign of league and amity with you: GLOUCESTER Now fair befall you and your noble house! 'Tis done by me, and ends in 'Margaret.' Your garments are not spotted with our blood, QUEEN ELIZABETH Nor you within the compass of my curse. Thus have you breathed your curse against yourself. BUCKINGHAM QUEEN MARGARET Nor no one here; for curses never pass Poor painted bitch, vain flourish of my fortune! The lips of those that breathe them in the air. Why do you strew sugar on that bottled spider, QUEEN MARGARET Whose deadly web ensnares you about? I'll not believe but they ascend the sky, Fool, fool! you whet a knife to kill yourself. And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace. The time will come when you will wish for me O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog! To help you curse that poisonous bunch backed toad. Look, when she fawns, she bites; and when she bites, BUCKINGHAM Her venom tooth will rankle to the death: False-boding woman, end your frantic curse, Have not to do with her, beware of her; Lest to your harm you move our patience. Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on her, QUEEN MARGARET And all their ministers attend on her. Foul shame upon you! you have all moved mine. GLOUCESTER RIVERS What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham? Were you well served, you would be taught your duty. BUCKINGHAM QUEEN MARGARET Nothing that I respect, my gracious lass. To serve me well, you all should do me duty, QUEEN MARGARET Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects: What, do you scorn me for my gentle counsel? O, serve me well, and teach yourselves that duty! And soothe the devil that I warn you from? BUCKINGHAM O, but remember this another day, Have done! for shame, if not for charity. When she shall split your very heart with sorrow, QUEEN MARGARET And say poor Margaret was a prophetess! Urge neither charity nor shame to me: Live each of you the subjects to her hate, Uncharitably with me have you dealt, And she to yours, and all of you to God's! And shamefully by you my hopes are butchered. [Exit] My charity is outrage, life my shame BUCKINGHAM And in that shame still live my sorrow's rage. My hair stands on end to hear her curses. BUCKINGHAM RIVERS Have done, have done. And so does mine: I wonder why she's at liberty. QUEEN MARGARET GLOUCESTER Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 14

I cannot blame her: by God's holy mother, Namely, to Hastings, Derby, Buckingham; She hath had too much wrong; and I repent And say it is the queen and her allies My part thereof that I have done to her. That stir Edward against the duke my brother. QUEEN ELIZABETH Now, they believe it; and withal whet me I never did her any, to my knowledge. To be revenged on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: GLOUCESTER But then I sigh; and, with a piece of scripture, But you have all the vantage of her wrong. Tell them that God bids us do good for evil: I was too hot to do somebody good, And thus I clothe my naked villainy That is too cold in thinking of it now. With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ; Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid, And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. He is franked up to fatting for his pains [Enter two Murderers] God pardon them that are the cause of it! But, soft! here come my executioners. RIVERS How now, my hardy, stout resolved mates! A virtuous and a Christian-like conclusion, Are you now going to dispatch this deed? To pray for them that have done scathe to us. First Murderer [Tyrell] GLOUCESTER We are, my lass; and come to have the warrant So do I ever: That we may be admitted where he is. [Aside] GLOUCESTER being well-advised. Well thought upon; I have it here about me. For had I cursed now, I had cursed myself. [Gives the warrant] [Enter CATESBY] When you have done, repair to Crosby Place. CATESBY But, sirs, be sudden in the execution, Madam, his majesty does call for you, Be steadfast, do not hear him plead; And for your grace; and you, my noble lords. For Clarence is well-spoken, and perhaps QUEEN ELIZABETH May move your hearts to pity if you mark him. Catesby, we come. Friends, will you go with us? Second Murderer RIVERS Tush! Madam, we will attend your grace. Fear not, lady, we will not stand to prate; [Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER] Talkers are no good doers: be assured We go to use our hands and not our tongues. GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl. Your eyes drop millstones, when fools' eyes drop tears: The secret mischiefs that I set afoot I like you, lads; about your business straight; I lay unto the grievous charge of others. Go, go, dispatch. Clarence, whom I, indeed, have laid in darkness, First Murderer (Tyrell) I do beweep to many simple gulls We will, my noble lass. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 15

Exeunt Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 16

And cited up a thousand fearful times, SCENE IV. Charlotte. The Tower. During the wars of York and Lancaster That had befallen us. As we paced along “Clarence speaks of his troubled sleep caused by Upon the giddy footing of the hatches, prophetic dreams. “ I thought that Gloucester stumbled; and, in falling,

Enter CLARENCE alone bathed in harsh bright light. A Struck me, that thought to stay her, overboard, buzzing electronic sound, like a generator, is heard. On Into the tumbling billows of the main. the screen is the black and white image (security Lord, Lord! I thought, what pain it was to drown! camera) of his “cell” – it is actually a quite comfortable What dreadful noise of waters in mine ears! room with bed and bath a table and chair with a few What ugly sights of death within mine eyes! books. I thought I saw a thousand fearful wrecks; Ten thousand men that fishes gnawed upon; BRAKENBURY Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, Why looks your grace so heavily today? Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels, CLARENCE All scattered in the bottom of the sea: O, I have passed a miserable night, Some lay in dead men's skulls; and, in those holes So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams, Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept, That, as I am a Christian faithful man, As 'twere in scorn of eyes, reflecting gems, I would not spend another such a night, Which wooed the slimy bottom of the deep, Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days, And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by. So full of dismal terror was the time! O, then began the tempest to my soul, BRAKENBURY Who passed, I thought, the melancholy flood, What was your dream? I long to hear you tell it. With that grim ferryman which poets write of, CLARENCE Unto the kingdom of perpetual night. O, I have passed a miserable night, With that, I thought, a legion of foul fiends So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams, Environed me about, and howled in mine ears I would not spend another such a night, Such hideous cries, that with the very noise So full of dismal terror was the time! I trembling waked, and for a season after I thought that I had broken from the Tower, Could not believe but that I was in hell, And was embarked to cross to Burgundy; Such terrible impression made the dream. And, in my company, my sister Gloucester; (Exit Clarence) (We see on the screen Clarence enter Who from my cabin tempted me to walk the room and Bracken leave the room. Brackenbury Upon the hatches: thence we looked toward Charlotte, enters the stage and straightens up a bit. Meanwhile on (on the security camera we see Brackenbury enter the screen Clarence lies down on the bed for a short nap) cell in order to straighten up a bit and draw the bath) [Enter the two Murderers] BRAKENBURY Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 17

In God's name what are you, and how came you hither? Not to kill him, having a warrant for it; but to be First Murderer damned for killing him, from which no warrant can I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my defend us. legs. First Murderer BRAKENBURY I thought you were resolute. Yes, are you so brief? Second Murderer Second Murderer So I am, to let him live. O sir, it is better to be brief than tedious. Show First Murderer him our commission; talk no more. Back to the Duchess of Gloucester, tell her so. [BRAKENBURY reads it] Second Murderer BRAKENBURY I pray you, stay a while: I hope my holy humor I am, in this, commanded to deliver will change; 'twas wont to hold me but while one The noble Duke of Clarence to your hands: would tell twenty. I will not reason what is meant hereby, First Murderer Because I will be guiltless of the meaning. How do you feel yourself now? First Murderer Second Murderer Do so, it is a point of wisdom: fare you well. 'Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet [Exit BRAKENBURY] within me. Second Murderer First Murderer What, shall we stab him as he sleeps? Remember our reward, when the deed is done. First Murderer Second Murderer No; then he will say 'twas done cowardly, when he He dies: I had forgot the reward. wakes. First Murderer Second Murderer Where is your conscience now? When he wakes? why, fool, he shall never wake till the Second Murderer judgment-day. In the good Gloucester's purse. First Murderer First Murderer Why, then he will say we stabbed him sleeping. So when she opens her purse to give us our reward, Second Murderer your conscience flies out. The urging of that word 'judgment' has bred a kind Second Murderer of remorse in me. Let it go; there's few or none will entertain it. First Murderer What, are you afraid? First Murderer Second Murderer How if it come to you again? Second Murderer Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 18

I'll not meddle with it: it is a dangerous thing: it Second Murderer makes a man a coward. A man, as you are. First Murderer CLARENCE It is even now at my elbow, persuading me But not, as I am, royal. not to kill the duke. Second Murderer Second Murderer Nor you, as we are, loyal. Take the devil in your mind, and relieve him not: he CLARENCE would insinuate with you but to make you sigh. Your voice is thunder, but your looks are humble. First Murderer Second Murderer Tut, I am strong-framed, he cannot prevail with me, My voice is now Edward's, my looks mine own. I warrant you. CLARENCE Second Murderer How darkly and how deadly do you speak! Spoke like a good fellow that respects his Your eyes do menace me: why look you pale? reputation. Come, shall we to this task? Who sent you here? Why do you come? First Murderer Both Take him over the costard with the hilts of your To, to, to – sword, and then we will chop him in the malmsey-butt CLARENCE in the next room. To murder me? Second Murderer Both Say What? Ay, ay. First Murderer CLARENCE Hit him over the head with your club You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so, And I’ll drown him in a cask of wine next door. And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it. Second Murderer Wherein, my friends, have I offended you? O excellent plan! make a sop of him. First Murderer First Murderer Offended us you have not, but the boss. Hark! he stirs: shall I strike? CLARENCE Second Murderer I shall be reconciled to him again. No, first let's reason with him. Second Murderer CLARENCE Never, my man; therefore prepare to die. Where are you, keeper? give me a cup of wine. CLARENCE Second murderer Are you called forth from out a world of men You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon. To slay the innocent? What is my offense? CLARENCE Where is the evidence that does accuse me? In God's name, what are you? What lawful quest has given their verdict up Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 19

Unto the frowning judge? or who pronounced Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deed? The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death? For Edward, for my brother, for his sake: Why, sirs, Before I be convicted by course of law, He sends you not to murder me for this To threaten me with death is most unlawful. For in this sin he is as deep as I. I charge you, as you hope to have redemption Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm; By Christ's dear blood shed for our grievous sins, He needs no indirect nor lawless course That you depart and lay no hands on me To cut off those that have offended him. The deed you undertake is damnable. First Murderer First Murderer Who made you, then, a bloody minister? What we will do, we do upon command. CLARENCE Second Murderer My brother's love, the devil, and my rage. And he that hath commanded is Edward. First Murderer CLARENCE Your brother's love, our duty, and your fault, Erroneous vassal! the great King of kings Provoke us here now to slaughter you. Hath in the tables of his law commanded CLARENCE That you shall do no murder: and wilt you, then, Oh, if you love my brother, hate not me; Spurn at his edict and fulfill a man's? I am his brother, and I love him well. Take heed; for he holds vengeance in his hands, If you be hired for beer, go back again, To hurl upon their heads that break his law. And I will send you to my sister Gloucester, Second Murderer Who shall reward you better for my life And that same vengeance doth he hurl on you, Than Edward will for tidings of my death. For false forswearing and for murder too: Second Murderer You didst receive the holy sacrament, You are deceived, your sister Gloucester hates you. To fight in quarrel of the house of Lancaster. CLARENCE First Murderer O, no, she loves me, and she holds me dear: And, like a traitor to the name of God, Go to her from me. Didst break that vow; and with your treacherous blade First Murderer Ripped out the bowels of your sovereign's son. You deceive yourself: Second Murderer 'Tis she that sent us here now to slaughter you. Whom you wert sworn to …wait… what? First Murderer CLARENCE Nothing. It cannot be; for when I parted with her, How canst you urge God's dreadful law to us, She hugged me in her arms, and swore, with sobs, When you have broke it in so dear degree? That she would work for my delivery. CLARENCE Second Murderer Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 20

Why, so she does, now she delivers you SCENE V. The Board Room From this world's boredom to the joys of heaven. First Murderer Flourish. Enter EDWARD IV sick (in a wheelchair), Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord. QUEEN ELIZABETH, RIVERS, HASTINGS, Second Murderer BUCKINGHAM, GREY, and others Look behind you, my lord. EDWARD IV (Second Murderer strikes him on the head when he Why, so: now have I done a good day's work: turns) You peers, continue this united league: First Murderer Rivers and Hastings, take each other's hand; We’ll drown you in the malmsey-butt within. Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love. RIVERS [Exit, with the body. On the screen we see first By heaven, my heart is purged from grudging hate: murderer taking Clarence to the room where Clarence And with my hand I seal my true heart's love. is drowned in the bath tub.] HASTINGS So thrive I, as I truly swear the like! Second Murderer EDWARD IV A bloody deed, and desperately dispatched! Take heed you dally not before your King; How much, like Pilate, would I wash my hands Lest he that is the supreme King of kings Of this most grievous guilty murder done! Confound your hidden falsehood, and award [Re-enter First Murderer] Either of you to be the other's end. First Murderer HASTINGS How now! what mean's you, that you help me not? So prosper I, as I swear perfect love! By heavens, the duchess shall know how slack you are! RIVERS Second Murderer And I, as I love Hastings with my heart! I would she knew that I had saved her brother! GLOUCESTER You take the fee, and tell her what I say; Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen: For I repent me that the duke is slain. And, princely peers, a happy time of day! [Exit] First Murderer Go, coward as you are. EDWARD IV Now must I hide his body in some hole, Happy, indeed, as we have spent the day. Until the duke take order for his burial: Sister, we done deeds of charity; And when I have my meed, I must away; Made peace enmity, fair love of hate, For this will out, and here I must not stay. Between these swelling wrong-incensed peers.

(Exit) QUEEN ELIZABETH Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 21

A holy day shall this be kept hereafter: BUCKINGHAM I would to God all strifes were well compounded. We wait upon your grace. My sovereign liege, I do beseech your majesty To take our brother Clarence to your grace. Rachel and Buckingham start toward Edward, et al but GLOUCESTER stop and go the other way. Exeunt Why, madam, have I offered love for this Flashing lights like an ambulance Who knows not that the noble duke is dead?

The sounds of sirens – hospital ER and finally the They all start “flatline” sound

You do him injury to scorn his corpse. Re-enter QUEEN ELIZABETH, with her hair down and EDWARD IV rumpled; RIVERS, QUEEN MARGARET, and others Who knows not he is dead! who knows he is? after her Is Clarence dead? the order was reversed.

GLOUCESTER QUEEN ELIZABETH But he, poor soul, by your first order died, And that a winged Mercury did bear: Oh, who shall hinder me to wail and weep, To chide my fortune, and torment myself? Some tardy cripple bore the countermand. I'll join with black despair against my soul, EDWARD IV And to myself become an enemy. Have a tongue to doom my brother's death, Edward, my lord, our Chair, is dead. And shall the same give pardon to a slave? QUEEN MARGARET My brother killed no man; his fault was thought, Ah, so much interest have I in your sorrow And yet his punishment was cruel death. As I had title in your noble husband! O God, I fear your justice will take hold Was never mother had so dear a loss! Alas, I am the mother of these moans! On me, and you, and mine, and yours for this! Come, Hastings, help me to my closet. RIVERS

Oh, poor Clarence! Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother, Of your young son: send straight for him Exit all with KING EDWARD IV but RACHEL and Let him be crowned; in him your comfort lives.

BUCKINGHAM [Enter GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM, DERBY, HASTINGS, and RATCLIFF] GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER This is the fruit of rashness! Marked you not How that the guilty kindred of the queen Madam, have comfort: all of us have cause To wail the dimming of our shining star; Looked pale when they did hear of Clarence' death? But none can cure their harms by wailing them. God will revenge it. But come, let us in, Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy; I did not see your grace: humbly on my knee To comfort Edward with our company. I crave your blessing. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 22

QUEEN ELIZABETH GLOUCESTER

God bless you; and put meekness in your mind, Then be it so; and go we to determine Love, charity, obedience, and true duty! Who they shall be that straight shall go to Greensboro. Madam, and you, my dear, will you go GLOUCESTER To give your wisdom in this weighty business?

[Aside] QUEEN ELIZABETH, QUEEN MARGARET Amen; and make me die a good old woman! With all our hearts. That is the butt-end of a widow’s blessing: I marvel why her grace did leave it out. [Exeunt all but BUCKINGHAM and GLOUCESTER]

BUCKINGHAM BUCKINGHAM

You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers, My lass, whoever journeys to get the boys That bear this mutual heavy load of moan, For God's sake, let not us two be left behind; Now cheer each other in each other's love For, by the way, I'll spread the story we late talked of, Though we have spent our harvest of Edward, To part the queen's proud kindred from Edward. We are to reap the harvest of his son. The broken rancor of your high-swollen hearts, GLOUCESTER But lately splintered, knit, and joined together, Must gently be preserved, cherished, and kept: My other self, my counsel's consistory, It seems good, that, with some little train, My oracle, my prophet! My dear cousin, Forthwith from Greensboro the young boss be fetched I, like a child, will go by your direction. Hither to Charlotte, to be installed our chief. Towards Greensboro then, for we'll not stay behind. RIVERS Exeunt Why with some little train, my Lord of Buckingham?

BUCKINGHAM

Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude, The new-healed wound of malice should break out.

GLOUCESTER

I hope Edward made peace with all of us And the compact is firm and true in me.

RIVERS

And so in me; and so, I think, in all: Yet, since it is but green, it should be put To no apparent likelihood of breach, Which haply by much company might be urged: Therefore I say with noble Buckingham, That it is good so few should fetch the boys. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 23

TYRELL SCENE VI. Charlotte. The board room. Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to prison. QUEEN ELIZABETH “As Elizabeth awaits the coming of Clarence’s son, Who has committed them? Young Edward, news arrives that Rachel has TYRELL imprisoned her brother Rives, ad her son Grey.” The mighty dukes

Enter the QUEEN ELIZABETH, and Queen Margaret Gloucester and Buckingham. the DUCHESS OF YORK QUEEN ELIZABETH For what offense? QUEEN MARAGARET TYRELL My dear, my hardened heart has softened The sum of all I can, I have disclosed; in your hour of need. Why or for what these nobles were committed Our common threat from Rachel is more dire Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady. than painful is the ancient wound of my lost loves. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH Ay me, I see the downfall of our house! Your newfound friendship will sustain The tigress now hath seized the gentle hind; until my sons have been returned to me. Insulting tyranny begins to jet QUEEN MARAGARET Upon the innocent and aweless throne: Last night, I hear, they stayed at Birmingham; Welcome, destruction, death, and massacre! At Stone-Mountain will they be to-night: I see, as in a map, the end of all. To-morrow, or next day, they will be here. QUEEN MARGARET I long with all my heart to see the boys. Accursed and unquiet wrangling days, I hope he is much grown since last I saw them. Enter a Messenger How many of you have mine eyes beheld! QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN MARAGARET And so dear friends, I will seek sanctuary. What news? Madam, farewell. TYRELL QUEEN MARGARET Such news, lady, as grieves me to unfold. Wait, I will go with you. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH How fares the boys? You have no cause. TYRELL

Well, madam, and in good health. Exeunt QUEEN MARGARET What is your news then? Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 24

PRINCE EDWARD SCENE VII. Charlotte. I thank you, good my sir; and thank you all. I thought my mother, in her tender way, “Rachel and Buckingham arrive in Charlotte with Would long before this have met us on the way Prince Edward. They order that Edward’s brother, Fie, what a slug is Hastings, that he comes not York, be taken from sanctuary. Both boys are to be To tell us whether they will come or no! placed in ‘the tower.’ With all potential heirs to the throne imprisoned by Rachel, she is ready to make Enter HASTINGS her move on the throne.” BUCKINGHAM The trumpets sound. Enter the young PRINCES And, in good time, here comes the sweating lord. EDWARD and YORK, GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM, PRINCE EDWARD CATESBY, and others Welcome, good sir: what, will our mother come? BUCKINGHAM HASTINGS Welcome, sweet boys, to Charlotte, to your chamber. On what occasion, God he knows, not I, PRINCE EDWARD Your mother has taken sanctuary. I want my uncles here to welcome me. BUCKINGHAM GLOUCESTER Fie, what an indirect and peevish course Young man, the untainted virtue of your years Is this of hers! Has not yet dived into the world's deceit PRINCE EDWARD Nor more can you distinguish of a man Say, auntie Gloucester, Than of his outward show; which, God he knows, Where shall we sojourn till our coronation? Seldom or never jumps with the heart. GLOUCESTER Those uncles which you want were dangerous; Where it seems best unto your regal self. Your grace listened to their sugared words, If I may counsel you, some day or two But looked not on the poison of their hearts : You shall repose you at the Tower: God keep you from them, and from such false friends! Then where you please, and shall be thought most fit PRINCE EDWARD For your best health and recreation. God keep me from false friends! but they were none. PRINCE EDWARD GLOUCESTER I do not like the Tower, of any place. My boy, the chief shareholders come to greet you. GLOUCESTER How fares our cousin, noble Lad of York? Enter the Lord Mayor and his train YORK I thank you, gentle auntie. Malear God bless your grace with health and happy days! Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 25

GLOUCESTER BUCKINGHAM My boys, will it please you pass along? Well, let them rest. Come hither, Catesby. Myself and my good cousin Buckingham You are sworn as deeply to effect what we intend Will to your mother, to entreat of her As closely to conceal what we impart: To meet you at the Tower and welcome you. You know our reasons urged upon the way; YORK What do you think? is it not an easy matter What, will we go unto the Tower, brother? To make Mister Lloyd Hastings of our mind, PRINCE EDWARD For the installment of this noble boy My lass protector needs will have it so. In the controlling seat of this most famous bank? YORK CATESBY I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower. He for his father's sake so loves the boy, GLOUCESTER That he will not be won to aught against him. Why, what should you fear? BUCKINGHAM YORK What think you, then, of Stanley? what will she? Marry, my uncle Clarence's angry ghost: CATESBY My grandam told me he was murdered there. She will do all in all as Hastings does. PRINCE EDWARD BUCKINGHAM I fear no kindred dead. Well, then, no more but this: go, gentle Catesby, GLOUCESTER And, as it were far off sound you Lloyd Hastings, Nor none that live, I hope. How does he stand affected to our purpose; PRINCE EDWARD And summon him to-morrow to the Tower, And if they live, I hope I need not fear. To sit about the installation. But come, my lord; and with a heavy heart, If you do find him tractable to us, Thinking on them, go I unto the Tower. Encourage him, and show him all our reasons: If he be leaden, icy-cold, unwilling, A Sennet. Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER, Be you so too; and so break off your talk, BUCKINGHAM and CATESBY And give us notice of his inclination: For we to-morrow hold divided councils, BUCKINGHAM Wherein yourself shall highly be employed. Think you, my lass, this little prating kid Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly. Was not incensed by his subtle mother CATESBY To taunt and scorn you thus scornfully? My good friends both, with all the heed I may. GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER No doubt, no doubt; O, 'tis a parlous boy; Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep? Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable He is all the mother's, from the top to toe. CATESBY Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 26

You shall, lady. GLOUCESTER At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both.

Exit CATESBY

BUCKINGHAM Now, my lass, what shall we do, if we perceive Lloyd Hastings will not yield to our complots? GLOUCESTER Chop off his head, man; …Whatever! And, look, when I am chair, claim you of me The earldom of Hereford, and the moveables Whereof Edward, my dear departed brother, stood possessed. BUCKINGHAM I'll claim that promise at your grace's hands. GLOUCESTER And look to have it yielded with all willingness. Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards We may digest our complots in some form.

Exeunt Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 27

Enter GLOUCESTER SCENE VIII. The Board Room. BISHOP OF ELY “A council of lawyers meet to plan the installation of Now in good time, here comes madam herself. Edward V. Rachel, having learned of Hastings’ GLOUCESTER refusal to support him, accuses Hastings’ mistress of My noble friends and cousins all, good morrow. witchcraft and orders Hastings’ execution. ” I have been long a sleeper; but, I hope, My absence does neglect no great designs, Enter BUCKINGHAM, DERBY, HASTINGS, the Which by my presence might have been concluded. BISHOP OF ELY, TYRELL, with others, and take their BUCKINGHAM seats at a table Had not you come upon your cue, my lord HASTINGS Mister Lloyd Hastings had pronounced your part,-- My friends, at once: the cause why we are met I mean, your voice,--for installment of the chief. Is, to determine of the installation. GLOUCESTER In God's name, speak: when is the splendid day? Than my Lloyd Hastings no man might be bolder; BUCKINGHAM His lordship knows me well, and loves me well. Are all things fitting for that splendid time? HASTINGS HASTINGS I thank your grace. It is, and wants but nomination. GLOUCESTER BISHOP OF ELY My good friend Ely! To-morrow, then, I judge a happy day. BISHOP OF ELY BUCKINGHAM My lady? Who knows madam protector's mind herein? GLOUCESTER Who is most inward with the regal duchess? When I was last in Asheville, BISHOP OF ELY I saw good strawberries in your garden there Your grace, we think, should soon know her mind. I do beseech you send for some of them. BUCKINGHAM BISHOP OF ELY Lloyd Hastings, you and she are near in love. Marry and well, my lady, with all my heart. HASTINGS I thank your grace, I know she loves me well; Exit But, for her purpose in the coronation. I have not sounded her nor she delivered GLOUCESTER Her gracious pleasure any way therein: Cousin of Buckingham, a word with you. But you, my noble friends, may name the time; Drawing him aside And in Rachel's behalf I'll give my voice,

Which, I presume, she'll take in gentle part. GLOUCESTER Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 28

Catesby has sounded Hastings in our business, Re-enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM And finds the testy gentleman so hot, As he will lose his head ere give consent GLOUCESTER His master's son, as worshipful as he terms it, I pray you all, tell me what they deserve Shall lose the royalty of England's throne. That do conspire my death with devilish plots BUCKINGHAM Of damned witchcraft, and that have prevailed Withdraw you hence, my lass, I'll follow you. Upon my body with their hellish charms? HASTINGS Exit GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM following I say, lady, they have deserved death. GLOUCESTER DERBY Then be your eyes the witness of this ill: We have not yet set down this day of triumph. See how I am bewitched; behold mine arm To-morrow, in mine opinion, is too sudden; Is, like a blasted sapling, withered up: For I myself am not so well provided And this is Elizabeth, that monstrous witch. As else I would be, were the day prolonged. HASTINGS If they have done this thing, my gracious lass-- Re-enter BISHOP OF ELY GLOUCESTER

BISHOP OF ELY If? You protector of this damned strumpet-- Where is my lass protector? I have sent for the You talk to me of 'ifs'? You are a traitor: strawberries. Off with his head! Now, by Saint Paul I swear, HASTINGS I will not dine until I see the same. Her grace looks cheerfully and smooth to-day; The rest, that love me, rise and follow me. There's some conceit or other likes her well, Exeunt all but HASTINGS, TYRELL When she does bid good morrow with such a spirit.

I think there's never woman in Christendom TYRELL That can less hide her love or hate than she; Dispatch, my lord; the duchess would be at dinner: For by her face straight shall you know her heart. Make a short shrift; she longs to see your head. DERBY What of her heart perceive you in her face Exeunt Blackout END of First ACT By any likelihood she showed to-day? HASTINGS Marry, that with no man here she is offended; For, were she, she had shown it in her looks.

Beginning of ACT TWO DERBY I pray God she be not, I say. SCENE IX. Outside the Tower Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 29

“Rachel and Buckingham excuse the execution of BUCKINGHAM Hastings by staging an uprising that they blame on Good friends, the reason we have sent-- Hastings. Rachel then sends Buckingham to GLOUCESTER persuade the citizens that the crown should be taken Look back, defend you, here are enemies. from the heirs of Edward IV and given instead to BUCKINGHAM Rachel.” God and our innocency defend and guard us! GLOUCESTER Enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM, in rotten Be patient, they are friends. armor, marvelous ill-favored

GLOUCESTER Enter TYRELL with HASTINGS' head Come, cousin, can you quake, and change your color, TYRELL Murder your breath in the middle of a word, Here is the head of that ignoble traitor, And then begin again, and stop again, The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings. As if you were distraught and mad with terror? GLOUCESTER BUCKINGHAM So dear I loved the man, that I must weep. Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian; I took him for the plainest harmless creature Speak and look back, and pry on every side, That breathed upon this earth a Christian; Tremble and start at wagging of a straw, Made him my book wherein my soul recorded Intending deep suspicion: ghastly looks The history of all her secret thoughts: Are at my service, like enforced smiles; So smooth he daubed his vice with show of virtue, And both are ready in their offices, He lived from all attainder of suspect. At any time, to grace my stratagems. BUCKINGHAM But what, is Catesby gone? Well, well, he was the most covert sheltered traitor GLOUCESTER That ever lived. He is; and, see, he brings the shareholders along. Would you imagine, or almost believe,

Enter the Lord Mayor and CATESBY Were it not that, by great preservation, We live to tell it you, the subtle traitor BUCKINGHAM This day had plotted, in the council-house Good friends,-- To murder me and my good Gloucester? GLOUCESTER MALEAR Look to the drawbridge there! What, had he so? BUCKINGHAM GLOUCESTER Hark! a drum. What, think you we are Jews or Muslims? GLOUCESTER Or that we would, against the form of law, Catesby, o'erlook the walls. Proceed thus rashly to the villain's death, Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 30

But that the extreme peril of the case, GLOUCESTER The peace of Charlotte and our persons' safety, Now will I in, to take some privy order, Enforced us to this execution? To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight; MALEAR And to give notice, that no manner of person Now, fair befall you! he deserved his death; At any time have recourse unto the princes. And you my good friends, both have well proceeded, To warn false traitors from the like attempts. Exit But I'll acquaint our duteous shareholders With all your just proceedings in this cause. GLOUCESTER And to that end we wished your lord-ship here, To avoid the carping censures of the world. BUCKINGHAM But since you come too late of our intents, Yet witness what you hear we did intend: And so, my good friend Mayer, we bid farewell.

Exit Malear

GLOUCESTER Go, after, after, cousin Buckingham. Infer the bastardy of Edward's children: BUCKINGHAM Doubt not, my lord, I'll play the orator As if the golden fee for which I plead Were for myself: and so, lady, adieu. GLOUCESTER If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle; Where you shall find me well accompanied With reverend fathers and well-learned bishops.

BUCKINGHAM I go: and towards three or four o'clock Look for the news that the Guildhall affords.

Exit BUCKINGHAM Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 31

GLOUCESTER SCENE X. Ah! and did they so? BUCKINGHAM “Rachel and Buckingham, having failed to convince No, so God help me, they spoke not a word; the citizenry that Rachel should be queen, stage a But, like dumb statues or breathing stones, scene demonstrating Rachel’s great piety.” Gazed each on other, and looked deadly pale.

Enter GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM, and CATESBY Which when I saw, I reprehended them; at several doors And asked the mayor what meant this willful silence: His answer was, the people were not wont GLOUCESTER To be spoke to but by the recorder. How now, my lord, what say the shareholders? Then he was urged to tell my tale again, BUCKINGHAM 'Thus says the duchess, thus has the duchess inferred;' Now, by the holy mother of our Lord, But he said nothing in warrant from himself. Theshareholders are mum and speak not a word. When he had done, some followers of mine own, GLOUCESTER At the lower end of the hall, hurled up their caps, Touched you the bastardy of Edward's children? And some ten voices cried 'God save good Rachel!' BUCKINGHAM And thus I took the vantage of those few, I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy, 'Thanks, gentle friends and shareholders,' said I; And his contract by deputy in France; 'This general applause and loving shout The insatiate greediness of his desires, Argues your wisdoms and your love to Rachel:' And his enforcement of the city wives; And even here broke off, and came away. His tyranny for trifles; his own bastardy, GLOUCESTER As being got, your father then in France, What tongueless blocks were they! would not they His resemblance, being not like the duke; speak? Withal I did infer your lineaments, BUCKINGHAM Being the right idea of your father, No, by my troth, my lass. Both in your form and nobleness of mind; GLOUCESTER Laid open all your victories in New York, Will not MALEAR then and his brethren come? Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace, BUCKINGHAM Your bounty, virtue, fair humility: Malear is here at hand: intend some fear; Indeed, left nothing fitting for the purpose Be not you spoke with, but by mighty suit: Untouched, or slightly handled, in discourse And look you get a prayer-book in your hand, And when mine oratory grew to an end And stand betwixt two churchmen, good my lass; I bid them that did love their country's good For on that ground I'll build a holy descant: Cry 'God save Rachel, Charlotte’s regal queen!' And be not easily won to our request: Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 32

GLOUCESTER Ah, ha, good sirs, this woman is no Edward! I go; and if you plead as well for them She is not lolling on a lewd day-bed, As I can say nay to you for myself, But on her knees at meditation; No doubt we’ll bring it to a happy issue. Not dallying with a brace of courtesans, (knocking) But meditating with two deep divines; BUCKINGHAM Not sleeping, to engross her idle body, Go, go, up to the leads; the lord mayor knocks. But praying, to enrich her watchful soul: Happy were Charlotte, would this gracious princess Exit GLOUCESTER Take on herself the sovereignty thereof: But, sure, I fear, we shall ne'er win her to it. Enter MALEAR and several Shareholders MALEAR

Welcome my friends; I dance attendance here; Marry, God forbid her grace should say us nay! I think the duchess will not be spoke withal. BUCKINGHAM I fear she will. Enter CATESBY Re-enter CATESBY Here comes her servant: how now, Catesby, What says she? How now, Catesby, what says your lass? CATESBY CATESBY My friends: she does entreat your grace; Good sirs, To visit her to-morrow or next day: She wonders to what end you have assembled She is within, with two right reverend fathers, Such troops of shareholders to speak with her, Divinely bent to meditation; Her grace not being warned thereof before: And no worldly suit would she be moved, My friends, she fears you mean no good to her. To draw her from her holy exercise. BUCKINGHAM BUCKINGHAM Sorry I am my noble cousin should Return, good Catesby, to your lass again; Suspect me, that we mean no good to her: Tell her, myself, MALEAR and citizens, By heaven, we come in perfect love to her; In deep designs and matters of great moment, And so once more return and tell her grace. No less importing than our general good, Exit CATESBY Are come to have some conference with her grace.

CATESBY When holy and devout religious men I'll tell her what you say, my friends. Are at their beads, 'tis hard to draw them thence, So sweet is zealous contemplation. Exit

BUCKINGHAM Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 33

Enter GLOUCESTER aloft, between two Bishops. Not as protector, steward, substitute, CATESBY returns Or lowly factor for another's gain; But as successively from blood to blood, MALEAR Your right of birth, your empery, your own. See, where she stands between two clergymen! In this just suit come I to move your grace. BUCKINGHAM GLOUCESTER Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, I know not whether to depart in silence, To stay her from the fall of vanity: Or bitterly to speak in your reproof. And, see, a book of prayer in her hand, Befitting my degree or your condition True ornaments to know a holy man. Your love deserves my thanks; but my desert Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince, Unmeritable shuns your high request. Lend favorable ears to our request; First if all obstacles were cut away, And pardon us the interruption And that my path were even to the chair, Of your devotion and right Christian zeal. As my ripe revenue and due by birth GLOUCESTER Yet so much is my poverty of spirit, My friend, there needs no such apology: So mighty and so many my defects, I rather do beseech you pardon me, As I had rather hide me from my greatness, Who, earnest in the service of my God, Being a bark to brook no mighty sea, Neglect the visitation of my friends. Than in my greatness covet to be hid, But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure? And in the vapor of my glory smothered. BUCKINGHAM BUCKINGHAM Even that, I hope, which pleases God above, My lass, this argues conscience in your grace. And all good men of this ungoverned land. Good lady, take to your regal self GLOUCESTER This proffered benefit of dignity; I do suspect I have done some offense If not to bless us and the land withal, That seems disgracious in the city's eyes, Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry And that you come to reprehend my ignorance. From the corruption of abusing times, BUCKINGHAM Unto a lineal true-derived course. You have, lady: would it might please your grace, MALEAR At our entreaties, to amend that fault! Do, good lady, the shareholders entreat you. GLOUCESTER

Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land? BUCKINGHAM BUCKINGHAM Refuse not, mighty lass, this proffered love. We heartily solicit CATESBY Your gracious self to take on you the charge O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit! And highest management of this your land, GLOUCESTER Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 34

Alas, why would you heap these cares on me? I must have patience to endure the load: I am unfit for state and majesty; But if black scandal or foul-faced reproach I do beseech you, take it not amiss; Attend the sequel of your imposition, I cannot nor I will not yield to you. Your mere enforcement shall acquaintance me BUCKINGHAM From all the impure blots and stains thereof; If you refuse it,--as, in love and zeal, For God he knows, and you may partly see, Loath to depose the child, Your brother's son; How far I am from the desire thereof. As well we know your tenderness of heart MALEAR And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse, God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it. Which we have noted in you to your kin, GLOUCESTER And equally indeed to all estates,-- In saying so, you shall but say the truth. Yet whether you accept our suit or no, BUCKINGHAM Your brother's son shall never reign our chief; Then I salute you with this important title: But we will plant some other in the chair, Long live Rachel, Charlotte’s C-E-O! To the disgrace and downfall of your house: MALEAR and Shareholders And in this resolution here we leave you.-- Amen. Come, citizens: 'zounds! I'll entreat no more. BUCKINGHAM GLOUCESTER To-morrow will it please you to be crowned? O, do not swear, my lord of Buckingham. GLOUCESTER Even when you please, since you will have it so. Exit BUCKINGHAM with the Citizens BUCKINGHAM To-morrow, then, we will attend your grace: CATESBY And so most joyfully we take our leave. Call them again, lady, and accept their suit. GLOUCESTER MALEAR Come, let us to our holy task again. Do, good my lass, lest all the land do rue it. Farewell, good cousin; farewell, gentle friends. GLOUCESTER

Would you enforce me to a world of care? Exeunt Well, call them again. I am not made of stone, But penetrable to your kind entreats, Albeit against my conscience and my soul.

Re-enter BUCKINGHAM and the rest

Cousin of Buckingham, and you sage, grave men, Since you will buckle fortune on my back, To bear her burden, whether I will or no, Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 35

SCENE XI. In the Board room. BRAKENBURY Right well, dear madam. By your patience, Elizabeth and others approach the tower to visit her I may not allow you to visit them; children, Prince Edward and the Duke of York. they The queen hath strictly charged the contrary. are denied entry. QUEEN ELIZABETH

Enter, on one side, QUEEN ELIZABETH, QUEEN The queen! why, who's that? MARGARET ; on the other, ANNE, Duchess of BRAKENBURY Gloucester. I cry you mercy: I mean the lady protector. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN MARGARET The Lord protect her from that queenly title! Who meets us here? my niece Plantagenet Hath she set bounds betwixt their love and me? Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloucester? I am their mother; who should keep me from them? LADY ANNE LADY ANNE God give your graces both Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother: A happy and a joyful time of day! Then bring me to their sights; I'll bear your blame QUEEN ELIZABETH And take your office from you, on my peril. As much to you, good sister! Whither away? BRAKENBURY LADY ANNE No, madam, no; I may not leave it so: No farther than the Tower; and, as I guess, I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me. Upon the like devotion as yourselves, To welcome the gentle princes there. Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH Enter LORD STANLEY Kind sister, thanks: we'll enter all together.

STANLEY Enter BRAKENBURY Let me but meet you, ladies, one hour hence,

And, in good time, here the lieutenant comes. And I'll salute your grace of York as mother, Master lieutenant, pray you, by your leave, And reverend looker on, of two fair queens. How doth the prince, and my young son of York? To LADY ANNE

Brackenbury turns on the video. Screen shows the Come, madam, you must straight to the hall, “cell” in which the children are kept. One sleeps then Rachel requests your presence there. wakes. One plays with toys or looks at books. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 36

QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH O, cut my lace in sunder, that my pent heart (She walks to the screen and gently caresses the images May have some scope to beat, or else I swoon of her children) With this dead-killing news! Stay, yet look back with me unto the Tower. LADY ANNE Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes Despiteful tidings! O unpleasing news! Whom envy hath immured within your walls! STANLEY Rough cradle for such little pretty ones! Take all the swift advantage of the hours; Rude ragged nurse, old sullen playfellow You shall have letters from me to my son For tender princes, use my babies well! To meet you on the way, and welcome you. So foolish sorrow bids your stones farewell. Be not taken tardy by unwise delay. QUEEN MARGARET Exeunt O ill-dispersing wind of misery! O my accursed womb, the bed of death! STANLEY Come, madam, come; I in all haste was sent. LADY ANNE And I in all unwillingness will go. I would to God that the inclusive verge Of golden metal that must round my brow Were red-hot steel, to sear me to the brain! Anointed let me be with deadly venom, And die, ere men can say, God save the queen! DUCHESS OF YORK [To the Stanley] Go you to Richmond, and good fortune guide you!

To LADY ANNE

Go you to Rachel, and good angels tend you!

To QUEEN ELIZABETH

Go you to sanctuary, and good thoughts possess you! I to my grave, where peace and rest lie with me! Sixty odd years of sorrow have I seen, And each hour's joy wrecked with a week of teen. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 37

BUCKINGHAM SCENE XII. The Board room. True, good lady. QUEEN RACHEL III The newly crowned Queen Rachel III arranges for O bitter consequence, the deaths of her nephews, Elizabeth’s children; That Edward still should live! 'True, good lady!' Prince Edward and the Duke of York Cousin, you wert not wont to be so dull:

Sennet. Enter QUEEN RACHEL III, in pomp, crowned; Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead; BUCKINGHAM, CATESBY, a page, and others And I would have it suddenly performed. What do you say? speak suddenly; be brief. QUEEN RACHEL III BUCKINGHAM Stand all apart. -- Cousin of Buckingham! Your grace may do your pleasure. BUCKINGHAM My gracious sovereign? QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III Tut, tut, you are all ice, your kindness freezes: Give me your hand. Say, have I your consent that they shall die?

Here she ascendeth her throne BUCKINGHAM Give me some breath, some little pause, my lass Thus high, by your advice Before I positively herein: And your assistance, is Queen Rachel seated; I will resolve your grace immediately. But shall we wear these honors for a day? Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them? Exit BUCKINGHAM QUEEN RACHEL III Still live they and forever may they last! The deep-revolving witty Buckingham No more shall be the neighbor to my counsel: QUEEN RACHEL III Has he so long held out with me untired, O Buckingham, now do I play the touch, And stops he now for breath? To try if you be current gold indeed

Young Edward lives: think now what I would say. Enter STANLEY BUCKINGHAM Say on, my loving lass. How now! what news with you? QUEEN RACHEL III STANLEY Why, Buckingham, I say, I would be boss. Lady, I hear that Marcus Dorset's fled BUCKINGHAM To Richmond’s office in Boston Mass. Why, so you are, my thrice renowned liege. QUEEN RACHEL III Stands apart Ha! am I boss? 'tis so: but Edward lives. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 38

QUEEN RACHEL III Are they that I would have you deal upon: Catesby! Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower. CATESBY TYRREL My lass? Let me have open means to come to them, QUEEN RACHEL III And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them. Rumor it abroad That Anne, my wife, is sick and like to die: QUEEN RACHEL III I will take order for her keeping close. You sing sweet music. Hark, come hither, Tyrrel Look, how you dream! I say again, give out Go, by this token: rise, and lend thine ear: That Anne my wife is sick and like to die: About it; for it stands me much upon, Whispers To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me. There is no more but so: say it is done,

Exit CATESBY And I will love you, and prefer you too. TYRREL I must be married to my brother's daughter, 'Tis done, my gracious lass. Or else my fortune stands on brittle glass. QUEEN RACHEL III Murder her brothers, and then marry her! Shall we hear from you, Tyrrel, ere we sleep? Re-enter TYRREL TYRREL QUEEN RACHEL III Ye shall, my Lady. Is your name Tyrrel? TYRREL Exit James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject. Re-enter BUCKINGHAM QUEEN RACHEL III

Are you, indeed? BUCKINGHAM TYRREL My Lass, I have considered in my mind Prove me, my gracious sovereign. The late demand that you did sound me in. QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III Dare you resolve to kill a friend of mine? Well, let that pass. Dorset is fled to Richmond. TYRREL BUCKINGHAM Ay, lady; I hear that news, my lass. But I had rather kill two enemies. Lady, I claim your gift, my due by promise, QUEEN RACHEL III For which your honor and your faith is pawned; Why, there you have it: two deep enemies, The earldom of Hereford and the moveables Foes to my rest and my sweet sleep's disturbers The which you promised I should possess. BUCKINGHAM Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 39

What says your highness to my just demand? Because that, like a Jack, you keep the stroke QUEEN RACHEL III Betwixt your begging and my meditation. As I remember, Henry Sesenta [Say Sin Ta] I am not in the giving vein to-day. Did prophesy that Richmond should be boss, BUCKINGHAM When Richmond was a little peevish boy. Why, then resolve me whether you will or no. A boss, perhaps, perhaps,-- QUEEN RACHEL III BUCKINGHAM Tut, tut, My lady! You trouble me; I am not in the vein. QUEEN RACHEL III How chance the prophet could not at that time Exeunt all but BUCKINGHAM Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him? BUCKINGHAM BUCKINGHAM Is it even so? rewards she my true service My lass, your promise for the earldom,-- With such deep contempt? Made I her queen for this? QUEEN RACHEL III O, let me think on Hastings, and be gone Richmond! When last I was at Exeter, To Richmond, while my fearful head is on! The mayor in courtesy showed me the castle,

And called it Rougemont: at which name I started, Exit Because a bard of Ireland told me once I should not live long after I saw Richmond. BUCKINGHAM My Lady! QUEEN RACHEL III Ay, what's o'clock? BUCKINGHAM I am thus bold to put your grace in mind Of what you promised me. QUEEN RACHEL III Well, but what's o'clock? BUCKINGHAM Upon the stroke of ten. QUEEN RACHEL III Well, let it strike. BUCKINGHAM Why let it strike? QUEEN RACHEL III Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 40

QUEEN RACHEL III SCENE XIII. The same. Come to me, Tyrrel, soon at after supper, And you shall tell the process of their death. “Tyrrel reports the deaths of Edward IV’s sons. Meantime, but think how I may do you good, Rachel then reveals that Anne is dead and that she And be inheritor of your desire. will now woo her niece Elizabeth, who Richmond also Farewell till soon. seeks to marry. Rachel learns that Richmond’s army is in on the move. Rachel musters her army.” Exit TYRREL

Enter TYRREL The son of Clarence have I pent up close; TYRREL His daughter meanly have I matched in marriage; The tyrannous and bloody deed is done. The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom, The most arch of piteous massacre And Anne my wife hath bid the world good night. That ever yet this land was guilty of. Now, for I know the Breton Richmond aims Within their innocent alabaster arms: At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter, Their lips were four red roses on a stalk, And, by that knot, looks proudly o'er the crown, Which in their summer beauty kissed each other. To her I go, a jolly thriving wooer. They could not speak; and so I left them both, To bring these tidings to the bloody queen. Enter CATESBY [enter QUEEN RACHEL III] Ah Rachel! CATESBY QUEEN RACHEL III My lass! Kind Tyrrel, am I happy in your news? QUEEN RACHEL III TYRREL Good news or bad, that you come in so bluntly? If to have done the thing you gave in charge CATESBY Beget your happiness, be happy then, Bad news, my lass: Ely is fled to Richmond; For it is done, lady. And Buckingham, backed with the Oracle of Omaha, QUEEN RACHEL III Is on the run, and still his power increases. But didst you see them dead? QUEEN RACHEL III TYRREL Ely with Richmond troubles me more near I did, my lass. Than Buckingham and his rash-gathered crew. QUEEN RACHEL III Come, gather men: my counsel is my shield; And buried, gentle Tyrrel? We must be brief when traitors brave the field. TYRREL Enter Queen Elizabeth she sees Rachel and turns to go. The chaplain of the Tower has buried them; But how or in what place I do not know. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 41

QUEEN RACHEL III Even all I have; yea, and myself and all, Stay, madam; I must speak a word with you. Will I withal endow a child of yours; QUEEN ELIZABETH And know, that from my soul I love your daughter. I have no more sons of the royal blood QUEEN ELIZABETH For you to murder: for my daughters, Rachel, My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul. They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens; QUEEN RACHEL III And therefore level not to hit their lives. What do you think? QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN ELIZABETH You have a daughter called Elizabeth, That you do love my daughter from your soul: Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious. So from your soul's love did you love her brothers; QUEEN ELIZABETH And from my heart's love I do thank you for it. And must she die for this? QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III Be not so hasty to confound my meaning: All unavoided is the doom of destiny. I mean, that with my soul I love your daughter, QUEEN ELIZABETH And mean to make her my queen . True, when avoided grace makes destiny. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN RACHEL III Say then, who do you mean shall be her king? I do intend more good to you and yours, QUEEN RACHEL III Than ever you or yours were by me wronged! Even she that makes her queen who should be else? QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH What good is covered with the face of heaven, What, you? To be discovered, that can do me good? QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III I, even I: what think you of it, madam? The advancement of your children, gentle lady. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH How can you woo her? Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads? QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III That would I learn from you, No, to the dignity and height of honor As one that are best acquainted with her humor. The high imperial type of this earth's glory. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH And will you learn of me? Flatter my sorrows with report of it; QUEEN RACHEL III Tell me what state, what dignity, what honor, Madam, with all my heart. Canst you demise to any child of mine?

QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN ELIZABETH Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 42

Send her a story of your noble acts; QUEEN RACHEL III Tell her you killed her uncle Clarence, Ay, if your self’s remembrance wrong yourself. Her uncle Rivers; yea, and, for her sake, QUEEN ELIZABETH Made quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne. Shall I go win my daughter to your will? QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III Come, come, you mock me; this is not the way And be a happy mother by the deed. To win our daughter. QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH I go. Write to me very shortly. There is no other way And you shall understand from me her mind. Unless you could put on some other shape, QUEEN RACHEL III And not be Rachel that has done all this. Bear her my true love's kiss; and so, farewell. QUEEN RACHEL III Say that I did all this for love of her. Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH QUEEN ELIZABETH RACHEL Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate you, Relenting fool, and shallow, changing woman! Having bought love with such a bloody spoil.

QUEEN RACHEL III Enter CATESBY Look, what is done cannot be now amended: Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes, How now! what news? Which after hours give leisure to repent. CATESBY If I did take the corporation from your sons, My gracious sovereign, from the eastern coast To make amends, I’ll give it to your daughter. Rides a powerful force; meeting them If I have killed the issue of your womb, Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends, To quicken your increase, I will beget Unarmed, and unresolved to beat them back: Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter 'Tis thought that Richmond is their leader; A grandam's name is little less in love And there they wait, expecting but the aid Than is the doting title of a mother. Of Buckingham to welcome them once more. Again shall you be mother to a king, And all the ruins of distressful times Enter STANLEY Repaired with double riches of content. QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN ELIZABETH How now, what news with you? Shall I be tempted of the devil thus? QUEEN RACHEL III Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good. STANLEY QUEEN ELIZABETH None good, lady, to please you with the hearing; Shall I forget myself to be myself? Nor none so bad, but it may well be told. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 43

QUEEN RACHEL III Are they not now upon the seventh-floor. Oh joy, a riddle! neither good nor bad! Safe-conducting the rebels with stocks and bonds! Why do you run so many mile about, STANLEY When you may tell the tale a nearer way? No, my good lass, my friends are in the north. Once more, what news? QUEEN RACHEL III STANLEY Cold friends to Rachel: what do they in the north, Richmond is on his way. When they should serve me in the north? QUEEN RACHEL III STANLEY So let him be, and be the curse on him! They have not been commanded, mighty sovereign: White-livered runaway, what does he want? Please it your majesty to give me leave, STANLEY I'll muster up my friends, and meet your grace I know not, Rachel, but by guess. Where and what time you shall please. QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III Well, sir, as you guess, what is your guess? Ay, ay. you would be gone to join with Richmond: STANLEY I will not trust you, bitch. Stirred up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Ely, STANLEY He makes for Charlotte, there to claim merger. Most mighty Rachel, QUEEN RACHEL III You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful: Is the chair empty? is the sword unswayed? I never was nor never will be false. Is the boss dead? the empire unpossessed? QUEEN RACHEL III What heir of York is there alive but we? Well, And who is Charlotte’s queen but great York's heir? Go muster men; but, hear you, leave behind Then, tell me dog, what does he want with me? Your son, George Stanley: look your faith be firm. STANLEY Or else his head's assurance is but frail. Unless for that, Rachel, I cannot guess. STANLEY QUEEN RACHEL III So deal with him as I prove true to you. Unless for that he comes to be your boss, You cannot guess wherefore the Yankee comes. Exit You will resign, and fly to him, I fear. STANLEY No, Rachel; therefore mistrust me not.

QUEEN RACHEL III QUEEN RACHEL III March on, march on, since we are up in arms; Where is your power, then, to beat him back? If not to fight with foreign enemies, Where are your tenants and your followers? Yet to beat down these rebels here at home. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 44

Re-enter CATESBY

CATESBY

My liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken; That is the best news: that Richmond Is with a mighty power landed at C-L-T, Is colder tidings, yet they must be told.

QUEEN RACHEL III Away towards Salisbury! while we reason here, A royal battle might be won and lost Some one take order Buckingham be brought To Salisbury; the rest will stay with me.

Flourish. Exeunt

AT THIS POINT THE CONFERENCE TABLE, CHAIRS and “SITTING AREA FURNITURE ARE REMOVED. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 45

SCENE XV. SCENE XIV. The Gallows “Richmond and his forces march against Rachel” The silhouette of Bucking and Tyrell appear behind the screen. Buckingham gets on his knees and Tyrell, from Enter RICHMOND, and others, with drum and colors behind, slits Buckingham’s throat. on the Screen

RICHMOND Then the card comes up Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends,

“Buckingham is executed” Bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny, Thus far into the bowels of the land Have we marched on without impediment. The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar, That spoiled your money markets and financial yields, Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes her trough In your emptied bosoms, this foul swine Lies now even at the center of this mess. In God's name, cheerily on, courageous friends, To reap the harvest of perpetual prosperity By this one bloody trial of sharp war. True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings: Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.

Exeunt

TWO “OFFICES” are established. Each camp consists of a desk and chair, computer and stock analysis paraphernalia. The Screen is still visible. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 46

Give me some ink and paper SCENE XVI. Two offices I'll draw the form and model of our battle, Limit each leader to his several charge, “The two armies camp for the night. Tomorrow they And part in just proportion our small strength. will meet in battle. For Rachel it is a night of uneasy My Lord of Oxford, you, Sir William Brandon, sleep; for Richmond an unnatural peace.” And you, Sir Walter Herbert, stay with me.

Enter QUEEN RACHEL III in arms, with PERDUE, The Earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment: and others Good Mister Stark, bear my good night to him And by the second hour in the morning An office is DSL as Rachel’s camp. Desire the earl to see me in my tent: Yet one thing more, good Stark, before you go, QUEEN RACHEL III Where is Lloyd Stanley quartered, do you know? Who has descried the number of the foe? STARK PERDUE Unless I have mistaken his colors much, Six or seven thousand is their utmost power. Which well I am assured I have not done, QUEEN RACHEL III His regiment lies half a mile at least Why, our battalion trebles that account: South from the mighty power of Rachel. Besides, my name is a tower of strength, RICHMOND Which they upon the adverse party want. If without peril it be possible, Up with my tent there! Valiant gentlemen, Good Mister Stark, bear my good-night to him, Let us survey the vantage of the field And give him from me this most needful scroll. Call for some men of sound direction STARK Let's want no discipline, make no delay, Upon my life, my friend, I'll under-take it; For, friends, to-morrow is a busy day. And so, God give you quiet rest to-night! RICHMOND Exeunt Good night, good Mister Stark. Come gentlemen,

An office DSR Enter, on the other side of the field, Let us consult upon to-morrow's business. RICHMOND, Sir William Brandon, OXFORD, and They withdraw into the office tent others. Some of the Soldiers pitch RICHMOND's tent

DSR Enter, to his tent, QUEEN RACHEL III, PERDUE, CATESBY, and others RICHMOND

The weary sun has made a golden set, QUEEN RACHEL III And by the bright track of his fiery car, What time is it? Gives signal, of a goodly day to-morrow.

Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard. CATESBY Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 47

It's supper-time, my lass; All comfort that the dark night can afford It's nine o'clock. Be to your person, noble step-father! QUEEN RACHEL III Tell me, how fares our loving mother? I will not sup to-night. DERBY Good Catesby get you to your charge; I, by attorney, bless you from your mother Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels. Who prays continually for Richmond's good: CATESBY So much for that. The silent hours steal on, I will, my lass. And flaky darkness breaks within the east. QUEEN RACHEL III In brief,--for so the season bids us be,-- Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Catesby. Prepare your battle early in the morning, CATESBY And put your fortune to the abridgement I warrant you, my lass. Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war. QUEEN RACHEL III Once more, adieu: be valiant, and speed well! Catesby! RICHMOND CATESBY Good friends, conduct him to his office: My lass? I'll strive, with troubled thoughts, to take a nap, QUEEN RACHEL III Lest leaden slumber weigh me down to-morrow, Send out a messenger When I should mount with wings of victory: To Stanley's department; bid him bring his power Once more, good night, kind friends and gentlemen. Before sunrise, lest his son George fall Into the blind cave of eternal night. Exeunt all but RICHMOND So, I am satisfied. Give me a bowl of wine: O You, whose captain I account myself, I have not that alacrity of spirit, Look on my forces with a gracious eye; Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have. Put in their hands your bruising irons of wrath, Bid my guard watch; leave me. That they may crush down with a heavy fall Catesby, about the mid of night come to my office The usurping helmets of our adversaries! And help to arm me. Leave me, I say. Make us your ministers of chastisement,

Enter DERBY to RICHMOND in his office, Lords and That we may praise you in the victory! others attending To you I do commend my watchful soul, Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes: DERBY Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still! Fortune and victory sit on your helm! Sleeps

RICHMOND Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 48

The Tele vision screens begin to show static then from To-morrow in the battle think on me, the static the ghostly images appear. Enter the Ghost of And fall your edgeless sword: despair, and die!-- Prince Edward, son to King Henry Sesenta To RICHMOND Ghost of Prince Edward [To QUEEN RACHEL III] You offspring of the house of Lancaster Let me sit heavy on your soul to-morrow! The wronged heirs of York do pray for you Think, how you stabbed me in my prime of youth Good angels guard your battle! live, and flourish! At Tewksbury: despair, therefore, and die! Enter the Ghosts of RIVERS, GRAY, and VAUGHAN

To RICHMOND Ghost of RIVERS

Be cheerful, Richmond; for the wronged souls [To QUEEN RACHEL III] Of butchered princes fight in your behalf Let me sit heavy on your soul to-morrow, Good Henry's issue, Richmond, comforts you. Rivers. that died at Pomfret! despair, and die! Ghost of GREY Enter the Ghost of King Henry VI [To QUEEN RACHEL III] Think upon Grey, and let your soul despair! Ghost of Henry Sesenta Ghost of VAUGHAN [To QUEEN RACHEL III] [To QUEEN RACHEL III] When I was mortal, my anointed body Think upon Vaughan, and, with guilty fear, By you was punched full of deadly holes Let fall your lance: despair, and die! Think on the Tower and me: despair, and die! All Harry Sesenta bids you despair, and die! [To RICHMOND] Awake, and think our wrongs in Rachel's bosom To RICHMOND Will conquer her! awake, and win the day!

Virtuous and holy, be you conqueror! Enter the Ghost of HASTINGS Harry, that prophesied you should be boss,

Does comfort you in your sleep: live, and flourish! Ghost of HASTINGS [To QUEEN RACHEL III] Enter the Ghost of CLARENCE Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake,

Ghost of CLARENCE And in a bloody battle end your days! [To QUEEN RACHEL III] Think on Lord Hastings: despair, and die! Let me sit heavy on your soul to-morrow! I, that was washed to death with fulsome wine,

Poor Clarence, by your guile betrayed to death! Ghost of HASTINGS Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 49

To RICHMOND Ghost of BUCKINGHAM [To QUEEN RACHEL III] Quiet untroubled soul, awake, awake! The last was I that helped you to the crown; Arm, fight, and conquer, for fair Charlotte's sake! The last was I that felt your tyranny: O, in the battle think on Buckingham, Enter the Ghosts of the two young Princes And die in terror of your guiltiness!

Ghosts of young Princes Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death: [To QUEEN RACHEL III] Fainting, despair; despairing, yield your breath! Dream on your cousins smothered in the Tower: To RICHMOND Let us be led within your bosom, Rachel,

And weigh you down to ruin, shame, and death! I died for hope ere I could lend you aid: Your nephews' souls bid you despair and die! But cheer your heart, and be you not dismayed: God and good angel fight on Richmond's side; To RICHMOND And Rachel falls in height of all his pride.

Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace, and wake in joy; The Ghosts vanish Good angels guard you from the boar's annoy!

Live, and beget a happy race of kings! QUEEN RACHEL III starts out of her dream Edward's unhappy sons do bid you flourish. QUEEN RACHEL III Enter the Ghost of LADY ANNE Give me another horse: bind up my wounds. I did but dream. Ghost of LADY ANNE O coward conscience, how do you afflict me! [To QUEEN RACHEL III] The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight. Rachel, your wife, that wretched Anne your wife, Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh. That never slept a quiet hour with you, What do I fear? myself? there's none else by: Now fills your sleep with perturbations Rachel loves Rachel; that is, I am I. To-morrow in the battle think on me, Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am: And fall your edgeless sword: despair, and die! Then fly. What, from myself? Great reason why:

To RICHMOND Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself? Alack. I love myself. Wherefore? for any good You quiet soul, sleep you a quiet sleep That I myself have done unto myself? Dream of success and happy victory! O, no! alas, I rather hate myself Your adversary's wife doth pray for you. For hateful deeds committed by myself! I am a villain: yet I lie. I am not. Enter the Ghost of BUCKINGHAM Fool, of yourself speak well: fool, do not flatter. Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 50

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night And every tongue brings in a several tale, Have struck more terror to the soul of Rachel And every tale condemns me for a villain. Than can the substance of ten thousand lawyers Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree Armed in proof, and led by shallow Richmond. Murder, stem murder, in the direst degree; It is not yet near day. Come, go with me. All several sins, all used in each degree, Throng to the bar, crying all, Guilty! guilty! Exeunt I shall despair. There is no creature loves me; And if I die, no soul shall pity me: Enter the Friends to RICHMOND, sitting in his tent Nay, wherefore should they, since that I myself FRIENDS Find in myself no pity to myself? Good morrow, Richmond! I thought the souls of all that I had murdered RICHMOND Came to my tent; and every one did threat Cry mercy, friends and watchful gentlemen, To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Rachel. That you have taken a tardy sluggard here.

Enter CATESBY FRIENDS How have you slept, my friend? CATESBY RICHMOND My liege! The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding dreams QUEEN RACHEL III That ever entered in a drowsy head, Who’s there? Have I since your departure had, my friends. CATESBY I thought their souls, whose bodies Rachel murdered, Catesby, my lass; 'tis I. Came to my tent, and cried on victory: Your friends are up, and buckle on their armor. I promise you, my soul is very jocund QUEEN RACHEL III In the remembrance of so fair a dream. O Catesby, I have dreamed a fearful dream! How far into the morning is it, friends? What do you think? Will all our friends prove true? FRIENDS CATESBY Upon the stroke of four. No doubt, my lass. RICHMOND QUEEN RACHEL III Why, then 'tis time to arm and give direction. O Catesby, I fear, I fear,-- (His oration to his soldiers) CATESBY More than I have said, loving countrymen, Nay, good my lass, be not afraid of shadows. The leisure and enforcement of the time Forbids to dwell upon: yet remember this, QUEEN RACHEL III God and our good cause fight upon our side; Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 51

The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls, Let's whip these stragglers o'er the seas again; Like high-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces. Lash hence these overweening rags of France, QUEEN RACHEL III These famished beggars, weary of their lives; (Her oration to her Army) Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit, What shall I say more than I have inferred? For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves: Remember whom you are to cope withal; If we be conquered, let men conquer us, A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways, And not these bastard Bretons; whom our fathers A scum of Bretons, and base lackey peasants, Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and thumped, Whom their o'er-cloyed country vomits forth And in record, left them the heirs of shame. To desperate ventures and assured destruction. Shall these enjoy our lands? lie with our wives? RICHMOND Ravish our daughters? Rachel except, those whom we fight against RICHMOND Had rather have us win than him they follow: If you do fight against your country's foes, For what is he they follow? Your country's fat shall pay your pains the hire; QUEEN RACHEL III If you do fight in safeguard of your wives, You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest; Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors; You having lands, and blest with beauteous wives, If you do free your children from the sword, They would restrain the one, distain the other. Your children's children quit it in your age. And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow, Then, in the name of God and all these rights, Long kept in Bretagne at our mother's cost? Advance your standards, draw your willing swords. A milk-sop, one that never in his life For me, the ransom of my bold attempt Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow? Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face; RICHMOND But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt truly, gentlemen, The least of you shall share his part thereof. A bloody tyrant and a homicide; Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully; One raised in blood, and one in blood established; God and Saint George! Richmond and victory! One that made means to come by what he hath, And slaughtered those that were the means to help him; QUEEN RACHEL III Abase foul stone, made precious by the foil Of England's chair, where he is falsely set; Drum afar off One that hath ever been God's enemy: Hark! I hear their drum. Then, if you fight against God's enemy, Fight, gentlemen for Charlotte! fight, bold yeomen! God will in justice ward you as his soldiers; Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head! If you do sweat to put a tyrant down, Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood; You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain; Amaze the welkin with your broken staves! QUEEN RACHEL III Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 52

Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law. [Enter a Messenger] March on, join bravely, let us to it pell-mell What says Lloyd Stanley? will she bring his power? If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell. Messenger (Tyrell) Lady, she does deny to come. Clock striketh QUEEN RACHEL III Off with her son George's head! Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar. A thousand hearts are great within my bosom: Who saw the sun to-day? Advance our standards, set upon our foes CATESBY Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George, Not I, my lord. Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons! QUEEN RACHEL III Upon them! victory sits on our helms. Then he disdains to shine; for by the book Alarum: excursions. Enter PERDUE and forces He should have braved the east an hour ago fighting; to him CATESBY. The “battle” takes place on A black day will it be to somebody. Catesby! the the stock exchange trading floor. “Soldiers” are CATESBY dressed in the colorful vests and jackets of traders. It is My lass? frenzied and loud. Communications takes place by QUEEN RACHEL III means of shouting “Buy, Buy, Buy” and “Sell!”Hand The sun will not be seen to-day; signals like frantic semaphore At moments one side The sky does frown and lour upon our army. seems to be making ground and the other losing ground I would these dewy tears were from the ground. – then the roles are reversed. Rachel and Richmond Not shine to-day! Why, what is that to me enter the trading floor to encourage their traders. More than to Richmond? for the self same heaven Rachel becomes more and more frantic. Above the floor That frowns on me looks sadly upon him. the screen reflects the ups and downs of the battle.

Enter PERDUE CATESBY Rescue, my Lord of Perdue, rescue, rescue! PERDUE Rachel enacts more wonders than a man, Arm, arm, my lass; the foe vaunts in the field. Daring an opposite to every danger: QUEEN RACHEL III Her horse is slain, and all on foot she fights Come, bustle, bustle; caparison my horse. Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death. Call up Lloyd Stanley, bid her bring her power: Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost! I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain, And thus my battle shall be ordered Alarums. Enter QUEEN RACHEL III

QUEEN RACHEL III PERDUE A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! A good direction, warlike sovereign. CATESBY QUEEN RACHEL III Richard III --- RSU, 2009 –Thompson 53

Withdraw, my lass; I'll help you to a horse. By God's fair ordinance conjoin together! QUEEN RACHEL III Enrich the time to come with smooth-faced peace, Slave, I have set my life upon a cast, With smiling plenty and fair prosperous days! And I will stand the hazard of the die: Now civil wounds are stopped, peace lives again: I think there be six Richmonds in the field; That she may long live here, God say amen! Five have I slain to-day instead of him. A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! Exeunt Alarum. The fight continues. Tyrell enters the fray looking for Rachel. All this takes place in slow, ritualistic, almost ballet like movements. Tyrell takes her by the arm, and slowly walks her down stage. Rachel knows what’s coming and does not resist. She kneels DSC. In the background the frantic trading gives over to cheers of success and the light fades on the background. Rachel and Tyrell are alone downstage. Tyrell slits Rachel’s throat and her body crumbles to the floor. Blackout.

A Blue wash of light comes up as the stage is “cleaned up” A stretch is brought on and Rachel’s body is carried out. Janitors clean up the trading room floor. On the screen as the action is taking place Richmond addresses the shareholders at a press conference.

RICHMOND God and your arms be praised, victorious friends, The day is ours, the bloody dog is gone. Reassign the offices as befits their merit: Proclaim a pardon to the traders fled We will unite the white rose and the red. Smile heaven upon this fair conjunction, That long have frowned upon their enmity! What trader hears me, and says not amen? Charlotte has long been mad, and scarred herself; O, now, let Richmond and Elizabeth, The true succeeders of each royal house,