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No Fear Translations
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Enter the corse of Henry the Sixth, on a bier, with halberds to guard it, Lady ANNE being the mourner, accompanied by gentlemen
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Enter the corse of Henry the Sixth, on a bier, with halberds to guard it, Lady ANNE being the mourner, accompanied by gentlemen
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ANNE Set down, set down your honorable load,
If honor may be shrouded in a hearse,
Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th' untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
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ANNE Set down, set down your honorable load,
If honor may be shrouded in a hearse,
Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th' untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
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They set down the bier
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They set down the bier
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5 Poor key-cold figure of a holy king,
Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster,
Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood,
Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost
To hear the lamentations of poor Anne,
10 Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughtered son,
Stabbed by the selfsame hand that made these wounds.
Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life
I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes.
O, cursèd be the hand that made these holes;
15 Cursèd the heart that had the heart to do it;
Cursèd the blood that let this blood from hence.
More direful hap betide that hated wretch
That makes us wretched by the death of thee
Than I can wish to wolves, to spiders, toads,
20 Or any creeping venomed thing that lives.
If ever he have child, abortive be it,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
May fright the hopeful mother at the view,
25 And that be heir to his unhappiness.
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Poor key-cold figure of a holy king,
Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster,
Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood,
Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost
To hear the lamentations of poor Anne,
Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughtered son,
Stabbed by the selfsame hand that made these wounds.
Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life
I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes.
O, cursèd be the hand that made these holes;
Cursèd the heart that had the heart to do it;
Cursèd the blood that let this blood from hence.
More direful hap betide that hated wretch
That makes us wretched by the death of thee
Than I can wish to wolves, to spiders, toads,
Or any creeping venomed thing that lives.
If ever he have child, abortive be it,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
May fright the hopeful mother at the view,
And that be heir to his unhappiness.
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If ever he have wife, let her be made
More miserable by the death of him
Than I am made by my poor lord and thee.—
Come now towards Chertsey with your holy load,
30 Taken from Paul’s to be interrèd there.
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If ever he have wife, let her be made
More miserable by the death of him
Than I am made by my poor lord and thee.—
Come now towards Chertsey with your holy load,
Taken from Paul’s to be interrèd there.
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They take up the bier
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They take up the bier
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And still, as you are weary of this weight,
Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry’s corse.
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And still, as you are weary of this weight,
Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry’s corse.
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Enter RICHARD , Duke of Gloucester
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Enter RICHARD , Duke of Gloucester
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RICHARD Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
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RICHARD Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
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ANNE What black magician conjures up this fiend
35 To stop devoted charitable deeds?
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ANNE What black magician conjures up this fiend
To stop devoted charitable deeds?
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RICHARD Villains, set down the corse or, by Saint Paul,
I’ll make a corse of him that disobeys.
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RICHARD Villains, set down the corse or, by Saint Paul,
I’ll make a corse of him that disobeys.
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GENTLEMAN My lord, stand back and let the coffin pass.
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GENTLEMAN My lord, stand back and let the coffin pass.
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RICHARD Unmannered dog, stand thou when I command!—
40 Advance thy halberd higher than my breast,
Or by Saint Paul I’ll strike thee to my foot
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
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RICHARD Unmannered dog, stand thou when I command!—
Advance thy halberd higher than my breast,
Or by Saint Paul I’ll strike thee to my foot
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
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They set down the bier
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They set down the bier
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ANNE (to gentlemen and halberds)
What, do you tremble? Are you all afraid?
45 Alas, I blame you not, for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.—
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell.
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body;
His soul thou canst not have. Therefore begone.
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ANNE (to gentlemen and halberds)
What, do you tremble? Are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not, for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.—
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell.
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body;
His soul thou canst not have. Therefore begone.
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RICHARD 50 Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
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RICHARD Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
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ANNE Foul devil, for God’s sake, hence, and trouble us not,
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
Filled it with cursing cries and deep exclaims.
If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,
55 Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
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ANNE Foul devil, for God’s sake, hence, and trouble us not,
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
Filled it with cursing cries and deep exclaims.
If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,
Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
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She points to the corse
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She points to the corse
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O, gentlemen, see, see dead Henry’s wounds
Open their congealed mouths and bleed afresh!—
Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity,
For ’tis thy presence that exhales this blood
60 From cold and empty veins where no blood dwells.
Thy deeds, inhuman and unnatural,
Provokes this deluge most unnatural.—
O God, which this blood mad’st, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink’st revenge his death!
65 Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead,
Or earth gape open wide and eat him quick,
As thou dost swallow up this good king’s blood,
Which his hell-governed arm hath butcherèd!
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O, gentlemen, see, see dead Henry’s wounds
Open their congealed mouths and bleed afresh!—
Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity,
For ’tis thy presence that exhales this blood
From cold and empty veins where no blood dwells.
Thy deeds, inhuman and unnatural,
Provokes this deluge most unnatural.—
O God, which this blood mad’st, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink’st revenge his death!
Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead,
Or earth gape open wide and eat him quick,
As thou dost swallow up this good king’s blood,
Which his hell-governed arm hath butcherèd!
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RICHARD Lady, you know no rules of charity,
70 Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
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RICHARD Lady, you know no rules of charity,
Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
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ANNE Villain, thou know’st not law of God nor man.
No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
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ANNE Villain, thou know’st not law of God nor man.
No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
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RICHARD But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
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RICHARD But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
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ANNE O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
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ANNE O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
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RICHARD 75 More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposèd crimes to give me leave
By circumstance but to acquit myself.
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RICHARD More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposèd crimes to give me leave
By circumstance but to acquit myself.
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ANNE Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man,
80 Of these known evils but to give me leave
By circumstance to curse thy cursèd self.
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ANNE Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man,
Of these known evils but to give me leave
By circumstance to curse thy cursèd self.
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RICHARD Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
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RICHARD Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
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ANNE Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
85 No excuse current but to hang thyself.
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ANNE Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
No excuse current but to hang thyself.
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RICHARD By such despair I should accuse myself.
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RICHARD By such despair I should accuse myself.
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ANNE And by despairing shalt thou stand excused
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself
That didst unworthy slaughter upon others.
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ANNE And by despairing shalt thou stand excused
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself
That didst unworthy slaughter upon others.
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RICHARD 90 Say that I slew them not.
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RICHARD Say that I slew them not.
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ANNE Then say they were not slain.
But dead they are, and devilish slave, by thee.
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ANNE Then say they were not slain.
But dead they are, and devilish slave, by thee.
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RICHARD I did not kill your husband.
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RICHARD I did not kill your husband.
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ANNE Why then, he is alive.
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ANNE Why then, he is alive.
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RICHARD 95 Nay, he is dead, and slain by Edward’s hands.
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RICHARD Nay, he is dead, and slain by Edward’s hands.
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ANNE In thy foul throat thou liest. Queen Margaret saw
Thy murd'rous falchion smoking in his blood,
The which thou once didst bend against her breast,
But that thy brothers beat aside the point.
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ANNE In thy foul throat thou liest. Queen Margaret saw
Thy murd'rous falchion smoking in his blood,
The which thou once didst bend against her breast,
But that thy brothers beat aside the point.
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RICHARD 100 I was provokèd by her sland'rous tongue,
That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.
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RICHARD I was provokèd by her sland'rous tongue,
That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.
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ANNE Thou wast provokèd by thy bloody mind,
That never dream’st on aught but butcheries.
Didst thou not kill this king?
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ANNE Thou wast provokèd by thy bloody mind,
That never dream’st on aught but butcheries.
Didst thou not kill this king?
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RICHARD 105 I grant you.
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RICHARD I grant you.
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ANNE Dost grant me, hedgehog? Then, God grant me too
Thou mayst be damnèd for that wicked deed.
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.
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ANNE Dost grant me, hedgehog? Then, God grant me too
Thou mayst be damnèd for that wicked deed.
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.
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RICHARD The better for the King of heaven that hath him.
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RICHARD The better for the King of heaven that hath him.
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ANNE 110 He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.
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ANNE He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.
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RICHARD Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither,
For he was fitter for that place than earth.
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RICHARD Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither,
For he was fitter for that place than earth.
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ANNE And thou unfit for any place but hell.
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ANNE And thou unfit for any place but hell.
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RICHARD Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.
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RICHARD Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.
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ANNE 115 Some dungeon.
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ANNE Some dungeon.
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RICHARD Your bedchamber.
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RICHARD Your bedchamber.
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ANNE Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest!
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ANNE Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest!
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RICHARD So will it, madam till I lie with you.
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RICHARD So will it, madam till I lie with you.
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ANNE I hope so.
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ANNE I hope so.
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RICHARD I know so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
120 To leave this keen encounter of our wits
And fall something into a slower method—
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?
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RICHARD I know so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
To leave this keen encounter of our wits
And fall something into a slower method—
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?
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ANNE 125 Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect.
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ANNE Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect.
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RICHARD Your beauty was the cause of that effect—
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.
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RICHARD Your beauty was the cause of that effect—
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.
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ANNE 130 If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.
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ANNE If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.
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RICHARD These eyes could never endure that beauty’s wrack.
You should not blemish it, if I stood by.
As all the world is cheerèd by the sun,
135 So I by that. It is my day, my life.
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RICHARD These eyes could never endure that beauty’s wrack.
You should not blemish it, if I stood by.
As all the world is cheerèd by the sun,
So I by that. It is my day, my life.
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ANNE Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life.
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ANNE Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life.
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RICHARD Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both.
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RICHARD Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both.
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ANNE I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
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ANNE I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
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RICHARD It is a quarrel most unnatural
140 To be revenged on him that loveth thee.
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RICHARD It is a quarrel most unnatural
To be revenged on him that loveth thee.
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ANNE It is a quarrel just and reasonable
To be revenged on him that killed my husband.
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ANNE It is a quarrel just and reasonable
To be revenged on him that killed my husband.
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RICHARD He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband
Did it to help thee to a better husband.
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RICHARD He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband
Did it to help thee to a better husband.
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ANNE 145 His better doth not breathe upon the earth.
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ANNE His better doth not breathe upon the earth.
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RICHARD He lives that loves thee better than he could.
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RICHARD He lives that loves thee better than he could.
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ANNE Name him.
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ANNE Name him.
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RICHARD Plantagenet.
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RICHARD Plantagenet.
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ANNE Why, that was he.
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ANNE Why, that was he.
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RICHARD The selfsame name, but one of better nature.
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RICHARD The selfsame name, but one of better nature.
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ANNE Where is he?
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ANNE Where is he?
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RICHARD Here.
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RICHARD Here.
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She spitteth at him
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She spitteth at him
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Why dost thou spit at me?
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Why dost thou spit at me?
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ANNE 150 Would it were mortal poison for thy sake.
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ANNE Would it were mortal poison for thy sake.
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RICHARD Never came poison from so sweet a place.
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RICHARD Never came poison from so sweet a place.
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ANNE Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.
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ANNE Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.
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RICHARD Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
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RICHARD Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
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ANNE 155 Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead.
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ANNE Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead.
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RICHARD I would they were, that I might die at once,
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops.
160 These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear—
No, when my father York and Edward wept
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
165 Told the sad story of my father’s death
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep,
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks
Like trees bedashed with rain—in that sad time,
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
170 And what these sorrows could not thence exhale
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping.
I never sued to friend, nor enemy;
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word.
But now thy beauty is proposed my fee,
175 My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
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RICHARD I would they were, that I might die at once,
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops.
These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear—
No, when my father York and Edward wept
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
Told the sad story of my father’s death
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep,
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks
Like trees bedashed with rain—in that sad time,
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
And what these sorrows could not thence exhale
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping.
I never sued to friend, nor enemy;
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word.
But now thy beauty is proposed my fee,
My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
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She looks scornfully at him
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She looks scornfully at him
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Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it were made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword,
180 Which if thou please to hide in this true breast
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
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Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it were made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword,
Which if thou please to hide in this true breast
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
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He kneels and lays his breast open; she offers at it with his sword
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He kneels and lays his breast open; she offers at it with his sword
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Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry—
185 But ’twas thy beauty that provokèd me.
Nay, now dispatch; ’twas I that stabbed young Edward—
But ’twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
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Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry—
But ’twas thy beauty that provokèd me.
Nay, now dispatch; ’twas I that stabbed young Edward—
But ’twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
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She falls the sword
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She falls the sword
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Take up the sword again, or take up me.
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Take up the sword again, or take up me.
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ANNE Arise, dissembler. Though I wish thy death,
190 I will not be the executioner.
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ANNE Arise, dissembler. Though I wish thy death,
I will not be the executioner.
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RICHARD (rising) Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
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RICHARD (rising) Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
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ANNE I have already.
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ANNE I have already.
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RICHARD That was in thy rage.
Speak it again and, even with the word,
This hand, which for thy love did kill thy love,
195 Shall for thy love kill a far truer love.
To both their deaths shalt thou be accessory.
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RICHARD That was in thy rage.
Speak it again and, even with the word,
This hand, which for thy love did kill thy love,
Shall for thy love kill a far truer love.
To both their deaths shalt thou be accessory.
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ANNE I would I knew thy heart.
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ANNE I would I knew thy heart.
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RICHARD 'Tis figured in my tongue.
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RICHARD 'Tis figured in my tongue.
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ANNE I fear me both are false.
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ANNE I fear me both are false.
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RICHARD 200 Then never man was man true.
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RICHARD Then never man was man true.
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ANNE Well, well, put up your sword.
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ANNE Well, well, put up your sword.
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RICHARD Say then my peace is made.
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RICHARD Say then my peace is made.
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ANNE That shall you know hereafter.
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ANNE That shall you know hereafter.
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RICHARD But shall I live in hope?
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RICHARD But shall I live in hope?
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ANNE 205 All men I hope live so.
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ANNE All men I hope live so.
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RICHARD Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
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RICHARD Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
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ANNE To take is not to give.
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ANNE To take is not to give.
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He places the ring on her finger
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He places the ring on her finger
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RICHARD Look, how this ring encompasseth finger;
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart.
210 Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted servant may
But beg one favor at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness forever.
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RICHARD Look, how this ring encompasseth finger;
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart.
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted servant may
But beg one favor at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness forever.
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ANNE What is it?
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ANNE What is it?
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RICHARD 215 That it would please you leave these sad designs
To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby House,
Where, after I have solemnly interred
At Chertsey monast'ry this noble king
220 And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you.
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.
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RICHARD That it would please you leave these sad designs
To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby House,
Where, after I have solemnly interred
At Chertsey monast'ry this noble king
And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you.
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.
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ANNE With all my heart, and much it joys me too
225 To see you are become so penitent.—
Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.
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ANNE With all my heart, and much it joys me too
To see you are become so penitent.—
Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.
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RICHARD Bid me farewell.
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RICHARD Bid me farewell.
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ANNE 'Tis more than you deserve;
But since you teach me how to flatter you,
230 Imagine I have said “farewell” already.
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ANNE 'Tis more than you deserve;
But since you teach me how to flatter you,
Imagine I have said “farewell” already.
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Exeunt Lady ANNE and two others
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Exeunt Lady ANNE and two others
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RICHARD Sirs, take up the corse.
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RICHARD Sirs, take up the corse.
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GENTLEMAN Towards Chertsey, noble lord?
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GENTLEMAN Towards Chertsey, noble lord?
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RICHARD No, to Whitefriars. There attend my coming.
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RICHARD No, to Whitefriars. There attend my coming.
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Exeunt all but RICHARD
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Exeunt all but RICHARD
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Was ever woman in this humor wooed?
235 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,
To take her in her heart’s extremest hate,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
240 The bleeding witness of my hatred by,
Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
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!
245 Ha!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I some three months since
Stabbed in my angry mood at Tewkesbury?
A sweeter and a Lovellier gentleman,
250 Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal,
The spacious world cannot again afford.
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Was ever woman in this humor wooed?
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,
To take her in her heart’s extremest hate,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of my hatred by,
Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
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!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I some three months since
Stabbed in my angry mood at Tewkesbury?
A sweeter and a Lovellier gentleman,
Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal,
The spacious world cannot again afford.
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And will she yet abase her eyes on me,
That cropped the golden prime of this sweet prince
255 And made her widow to a woeful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward’s moiety?
On me, that halts and am misshapen thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while!
260 Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marv'lous proper man.
I’ll be at charges for a looking glass
And entertain a score or two of tailors
To study fashions to adorn my body.
265 Since I am crept in favor with myself,
I will maintain it with some little cost.
But first I’ll turn yon fellow in his grave
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass,
270 That I may see my shadow as I pass.
|
And will she yet abase her eyes on me,
That cropped the golden prime of this sweet prince
And made her widow to a woeful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward’s moiety?
On me, that halts and am misshapen thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while!
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marv'lous proper man.
I’ll be at charges for a looking glass
And entertain a score or two of tailors
To study fashions to adorn my body.
Since I am crept in favor with myself,
I will maintain it with some little cost.
But first I’ll turn yon fellow in his grave
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass.
|
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Exit
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Exit
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Original Text |
Modern Text |
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Enter the corse of Henry the Sixth, on a bier, with halberds to guard it, Lady ANNE being the mourner, accompanied by gentlemen
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Enter the corse of Henry the Sixth, on a bier, with halberds to guard it, Lady ANNE being the mourner, accompanied by gentlemen
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ANNE Set down, set down your honorable load,
If honor may be shrouded in a hearse,
Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th' untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
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ANNE Set down, set down your honorable load,
If honor may be shrouded in a hearse,
Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th' untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
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They set down the bier
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They set down the bier
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5 Poor key-cold figure of a holy king,
Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster,
Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood,
Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost
To hear the lamentations of poor Anne,
10 Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughtered son,
Stabbed by the selfsame hand that made these wounds.
Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life
I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes.
O, cursèd be the hand that made these holes;
15 Cursèd the heart that had the heart to do it;
Cursèd the blood that let this blood from hence.
More direful hap betide that hated wretch
That makes us wretched by the death of thee
Than I can wish to wolves, to spiders, toads,
20 Or any creeping venomed thing that lives.
If ever he have child, abortive be it,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
May fright the hopeful mother at the view,
25 And that be heir to his unhappiness.
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Poor key-cold figure of a holy king,
Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster,
Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood,
Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost
To hear the lamentations of poor Anne,
Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughtered son,
Stabbed by the selfsame hand that made these wounds.
Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life
I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes.
O, cursèd be the hand that made these holes;
Cursèd the heart that had the heart to do it;
Cursèd the blood that let this blood from hence.
More direful hap betide that hated wretch
That makes us wretched by the death of thee
Than I can wish to wolves, to spiders, toads,
Or any creeping venomed thing that lives.
If ever he have child, abortive be it,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
May fright the hopeful mother at the view,
And that be heir to his unhappiness.
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If ever he have wife, let her be made
More miserable by the death of him
Than I am made by my poor lord and thee.—
Come now towards Chertsey with your holy load,
30 Taken from Paul’s to be interrèd there.
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If ever he have wife, let her be made
More miserable by the death of him
Than I am made by my poor lord and thee.—
Come now towards Chertsey with your holy load,
Taken from Paul’s to be interrèd there.
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They take up the bier
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They take up the bier
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And still, as you are weary of this weight,
Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry’s corse.
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And still, as you are weary of this weight,
Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry’s corse.
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Enter RICHARD , Duke of Gloucester
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Enter RICHARD , Duke of Gloucester
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RICHARD Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
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RICHARD Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
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ANNE What black magician conjures up this fiend
35 To stop devoted charitable deeds?
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ANNE What black magician conjures up this fiend
To stop devoted charitable deeds?
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RICHARD Villains, set down the corse or, by Saint Paul,
I’ll make a corse of him that disobeys.
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RICHARD Villains, set down the corse or, by Saint Paul,
I’ll make a corse of him that disobeys.
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GENTLEMAN My lord, stand back and let the coffin pass.
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GENTLEMAN My lord, stand back and let the coffin pass.
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RICHARD Unmannered dog, stand thou when I command!—
40 Advance thy halberd higher than my breast,
Or by Saint Paul I’ll strike thee to my foot
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
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RICHARD Unmannered dog, stand thou when I command!—
Advance thy halberd higher than my breast,
Or by Saint Paul I’ll strike thee to my foot
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
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They set down the bier
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They set down the bier
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ANNE (to gentlemen and halberds)
What, do you tremble? Are you all afraid?
45 Alas, I blame you not, for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.—
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell.
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body;
His soul thou canst not have. Therefore begone.
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ANNE (to gentlemen and halberds)
What, do you tremble? Are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not, for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.—
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell.
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body;
His soul thou canst not have. Therefore begone.
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RICHARD 50 Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
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RICHARD Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.
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ANNE Foul devil, for God’s sake, hence, and trouble us not,
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
Filled it with cursing cries and deep exclaims.
If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,
55 Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
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ANNE Foul devil, for God’s sake, hence, and trouble us not,
For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell,
Filled it with cursing cries and deep exclaims.
If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,
Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
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She points to the corse
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She points to the corse
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O, gentlemen, see, see dead Henry’s wounds
Open their congealed mouths and bleed afresh!—
Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity,
For ’tis thy presence that exhales this blood
60 From cold and empty veins where no blood dwells.
Thy deeds, inhuman and unnatural,
Provokes this deluge most unnatural.—
O God, which this blood mad’st, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink’st revenge his death!
65 Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead,
Or earth gape open wide and eat him quick,
As thou dost swallow up this good king’s blood,
Which his hell-governed arm hath butcherèd!
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O, gentlemen, see, see dead Henry’s wounds
Open their congealed mouths and bleed afresh!—
Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity,
For ’tis thy presence that exhales this blood
From cold and empty veins where no blood dwells.
Thy deeds, inhuman and unnatural,
Provokes this deluge most unnatural.—
O God, which this blood mad’st, revenge his death!
O earth, which this blood drink’st revenge his death!
Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead,
Or earth gape open wide and eat him quick,
As thou dost swallow up this good king’s blood,
Which his hell-governed arm hath butcherèd!
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RICHARD Lady, you know no rules of charity,
70 Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
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RICHARD Lady, you know no rules of charity,
Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
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ANNE Villain, thou know’st not law of God nor man.
No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
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ANNE Villain, thou know’st not law of God nor man.
No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
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RICHARD But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
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RICHARD But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
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ANNE O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
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ANNE O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
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RICHARD 75 More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposèd crimes to give me leave
By circumstance but to acquit myself.
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RICHARD More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposèd crimes to give me leave
By circumstance but to acquit myself.
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ANNE Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man,
80 Of these known evils but to give me leave
By circumstance to curse thy cursèd self.
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ANNE Vouchsafe, defused infection of a man,
Of these known evils but to give me leave
By circumstance to curse thy cursèd self.
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RICHARD Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
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RICHARD Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have
Some patient leisure to excuse myself.
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ANNE Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
85 No excuse current but to hang thyself.
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ANNE Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make
No excuse current but to hang thyself.
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RICHARD By such despair I should accuse myself.
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RICHARD By such despair I should accuse myself.
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ANNE And by despairing shalt thou stand excused
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself
That didst unworthy slaughter upon others.
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ANNE And by despairing shalt thou stand excused
For doing worthy vengeance on thyself
That didst unworthy slaughter upon others.
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RICHARD 90 Say that I slew them not.
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RICHARD Say that I slew them not.
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ANNE Then say they were not slain.
But dead they are, and devilish slave, by thee.
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ANNE Then say they were not slain.
But dead they are, and devilish slave, by thee.
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RICHARD I did not kill your husband.
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RICHARD I did not kill your husband.
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ANNE Why then, he is alive.
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ANNE Why then, he is alive.
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RICHARD 95 Nay, he is dead, and slain by Edward’s hands.
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RICHARD Nay, he is dead, and slain by Edward’s hands.
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ANNE In thy foul throat thou liest. Queen Margaret saw
Thy murd'rous falchion smoking in his blood,
The which thou once didst bend against her breast,
But that thy brothers beat aside the point.
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ANNE In thy foul throat thou liest. Queen Margaret saw
Thy murd'rous falchion smoking in his blood,
The which thou once didst bend against her breast,
But that thy brothers beat aside the point.
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RICHARD 100 I was provokèd by her sland'rous tongue,
That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.
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RICHARD I was provokèd by her sland'rous tongue,
That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders.
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ANNE Thou wast provokèd by thy bloody mind,
That never dream’st on aught but butcheries.
Didst thou not kill this king?
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ANNE Thou wast provokèd by thy bloody mind,
That never dream’st on aught but butcheries.
Didst thou not kill this king?
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RICHARD 105 I grant you.
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RICHARD I grant you.
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ANNE Dost grant me, hedgehog? Then, God grant me too
Thou mayst be damnèd for that wicked deed.
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.
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ANNE Dost grant me, hedgehog? Then, God grant me too
Thou mayst be damnèd for that wicked deed.
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.
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RICHARD The better for the King of heaven that hath him.
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RICHARD The better for the King of heaven that hath him.
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ANNE 110 He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.
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ANNE He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come.
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RICHARD Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither,
For he was fitter for that place than earth.
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RICHARD Let him thank me, that holp to send him thither,
For he was fitter for that place than earth.
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ANNE And thou unfit for any place but hell.
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ANNE And thou unfit for any place but hell.
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RICHARD Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.
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RICHARD Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.
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ANNE 115 Some dungeon.
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ANNE Some dungeon.
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RICHARD Your bedchamber.
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RICHARD Your bedchamber.
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ANNE Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest!
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ANNE Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest!
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RICHARD So will it, madam till I lie with you.
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RICHARD So will it, madam till I lie with you.
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ANNE I hope so.
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ANNE I hope so.
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RICHARD I know so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
120 To leave this keen encounter of our wits
And fall something into a slower method—
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?
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RICHARD I know so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
To leave this keen encounter of our wits
And fall something into a slower method—
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?
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ANNE 125 Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect.
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ANNE Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect.
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RICHARD Your beauty was the cause of that effect—
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.
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RICHARD Your beauty was the cause of that effect—
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.
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ANNE 130 If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.
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ANNE If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.
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RICHARD These eyes could never endure that beauty’s wrack.
You should not blemish it, if I stood by.
As all the world is cheerèd by the sun,
135 So I by that. It is my day, my life.
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RICHARD These eyes could never endure that beauty’s wrack.
You should not blemish it, if I stood by.
As all the world is cheerèd by the sun,
So I by that. It is my day, my life.
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ANNE Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life.
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ANNE Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life.
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RICHARD Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both.
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RICHARD Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both.
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ANNE I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
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ANNE I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
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RICHARD It is a quarrel most unnatural
140 To be revenged on him that loveth thee.
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RICHARD It is a quarrel most unnatural
To be revenged on him that loveth thee.
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ANNE It is a quarrel just and reasonable
To be revenged on him that killed my husband.
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ANNE It is a quarrel just and reasonable
To be revenged on him that killed my husband.
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RICHARD He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband
Did it to help thee to a better husband.
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RICHARD He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband
Did it to help thee to a better husband.
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ANNE 145 His better doth not breathe upon the earth.
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ANNE His better doth not breathe upon the earth.
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RICHARD He lives that loves thee better than he could.
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RICHARD He lives that loves thee better than he could.
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ANNE Name him.
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ANNE Name him.
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RICHARD Plantagenet.
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RICHARD Plantagenet.
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ANNE Why, that was he.
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ANNE Why, that was he.
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RICHARD The selfsame name, but one of better nature.
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RICHARD The selfsame name, but one of better nature.
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ANNE Where is he?
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ANNE Where is he?
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RICHARD Here.
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RICHARD Here.
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She spitteth at him
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She spitteth at him
|
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Why dost thou spit at me?
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Why dost thou spit at me?
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ANNE 150 Would it were mortal poison for thy sake.
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ANNE Would it were mortal poison for thy sake.
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RICHARD Never came poison from so sweet a place.
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RICHARD Never came poison from so sweet a place.
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ANNE Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.
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ANNE Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.
|
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RICHARD Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
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RICHARD Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
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ANNE 155 Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead.
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ANNE Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead.
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RICHARD I would they were, that I might die at once,
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops.
160 These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear—
No, when my father York and Edward wept
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
165 Told the sad story of my father’s death
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep,
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks
Like trees bedashed with rain—in that sad time,
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
170 And what these sorrows could not thence exhale
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping.
I never sued to friend, nor enemy;
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word.
But now thy beauty is proposed my fee,
175 My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
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RICHARD I would they were, that I might die at once,
For now they kill me with a living death.
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,
Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops.
These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear—
No, when my father York and Edward wept
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him;
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
Told the sad story of my father’s death
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep,
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks
Like trees bedashed with rain—in that sad time,
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear;
And what these sorrows could not thence exhale
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping.
I never sued to friend, nor enemy;
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word.
But now thy beauty is proposed my fee,
My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak.
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She looks scornfully at him
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She looks scornfully at him
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Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it were made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword,
180 Which if thou please to hide in this true breast
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
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Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it were made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword,
Which if thou please to hide in this true breast
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
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He kneels and lays his breast open; she offers at it with his sword
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He kneels and lays his breast open; she offers at it with his sword
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Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry—
185 But ’twas thy beauty that provokèd me.
Nay, now dispatch; ’twas I that stabbed young Edward—
But ’twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
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Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry—
But ’twas thy beauty that provokèd me.
Nay, now dispatch; ’twas I that stabbed young Edward—
But ’twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
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She falls the sword
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She falls the sword
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Take up the sword again, or take up me.
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Take up the sword again, or take up me.
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ANNE Arise, dissembler. Though I wish thy death,
190 I will not be the executioner.
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ANNE Arise, dissembler. Though I wish thy death,
I will not be the executioner.
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RICHARD (rising) Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
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RICHARD (rising) Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
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ANNE I have already.
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ANNE I have already.
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RICHARD That was in thy rage.
Speak it again and, even with the word,
This hand, which for thy love did kill thy love,
195 Shall for thy love kill a far truer love.
To both their deaths shalt thou be accessory.
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RICHARD That was in thy rage.
Speak it again and, even with the word,
This hand, which for thy love did kill thy love,
Shall for thy love kill a far truer love.
To both their deaths shalt thou be accessory.
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ANNE I would I knew thy heart.
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ANNE I would I knew thy heart.
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RICHARD 'Tis figured in my tongue.
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RICHARD 'Tis figured in my tongue.
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ANNE I fear me both are false.
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ANNE I fear me both are false.
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RICHARD 200 Then never man was man true.
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RICHARD Then never man was man true.
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ANNE Well, well, put up your sword.
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ANNE Well, well, put up your sword.
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RICHARD Say then my peace is made.
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RICHARD Say then my peace is made.
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ANNE That shall you know hereafter.
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ANNE That shall you know hereafter.
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RICHARD But shall I live in hope?
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RICHARD But shall I live in hope?
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ANNE 205 All men I hope live so.
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ANNE All men I hope live so.
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RICHARD Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
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RICHARD Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
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ANNE To take is not to give.
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ANNE To take is not to give.
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He places the ring on her finger
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He places the ring on her finger
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RICHARD Look, how this ring encompasseth finger;
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart.
210 Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted servant may
But beg one favor at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness forever.
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RICHARD Look, how this ring encompasseth finger;
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart.
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted servant may
But beg one favor at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness forever.
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ANNE What is it?
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ANNE What is it?
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RICHARD 215 That it would please you leave these sad designs
To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby House,
Where, after I have solemnly interred
At Chertsey monast'ry this noble king
220 And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you.
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.
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RICHARD That it would please you leave these sad designs
To him that hath more cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby House,
Where, after I have solemnly interred
At Chertsey monast'ry this noble king
And wet his grave with my repentant tears,
I will with all expedient duty see you.
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.
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ANNE With all my heart, and much it joys me too
225 To see you are become so penitent.—
Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.
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ANNE With all my heart, and much it joys me too
To see you are become so penitent.—
Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.
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RICHARD Bid me farewell.
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RICHARD Bid me farewell.
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ANNE 'Tis more than you deserve;
But since you teach me how to flatter you,
230 Imagine I have said “farewell” already.
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ANNE 'Tis more than you deserve;
But since you teach me how to flatter you,
Imagine I have said “farewell” already.
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Exeunt Lady ANNE and two others
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Exeunt Lady ANNE and two others
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RICHARD Sirs, take up the corse.
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RICHARD Sirs, take up the corse.
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GENTLEMAN Towards Chertsey, noble lord?
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GENTLEMAN Towards Chertsey, noble lord?
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RICHARD No, to Whitefriars. There attend my coming.
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RICHARD No, to Whitefriars. There attend my coming.
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Exeunt all but RICHARD
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Exeunt all but RICHARD
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Was ever woman in this humor wooed?
235 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,
To take her in her heart’s extremest hate,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
240 The bleeding witness of my hatred by,
Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
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!
245 Ha!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I some three months since
Stabbed in my angry mood at Tewkesbury?
A sweeter and a Lovellier gentleman,
250 Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal,
The spacious world cannot again afford.
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Was ever woman in this humor wooed?
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,
To take her in her heart’s extremest hate,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of my hatred by,
Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
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!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I some three months since
Stabbed in my angry mood at Tewkesbury?
A sweeter and a Lovellier gentleman,
Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal,
The spacious world cannot again afford.
|
|
And will she yet abase her eyes on me,
That cropped the golden prime of this sweet prince
255 And made her widow to a woeful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward’s moiety?
On me, that halts and am misshapen thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while!
260 Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marv'lous proper man.
I’ll be at charges for a looking glass
And entertain a score or two of tailors
To study fashions to adorn my body.
265 Since I am crept in favor with myself,
I will maintain it with some little cost.
But first I’ll turn yon fellow in his grave
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass,
270 That I may see my shadow as I pass.
|
And will she yet abase her eyes on me,
That cropped the golden prime of this sweet prince
And made her widow to a woeful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward’s moiety?
On me, that halts and am misshapen thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while!
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marv'lous proper man.
I’ll be at charges for a looking glass
And entertain a score or two of tailors
To study fashions to adorn my body.
Since I am crept in favor with myself,
I will maintain it with some little cost.
But first I’ll turn yon fellow in his grave
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass.
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Exit
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Exit
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