Cinnafs Easy Plays from Shakespeare 7
RICHARD III
SCENE 1
(RICHARD
enters; we see he is hunchbacked.)
Richard:
The king of England is sick and will soon die. I hope! After he dies, my
nephew Edward will be king; after him, the Duke of York will be king. Next
is my brother Clarence, and after him, me, Richard. They call me ugly,
because I was born hunchbacked, but when I am king, they will not insult
me. One, two, three, four people must die before I am king. The question
is... how will they die ? Death comes by nature, and nature is slow. I
must help it. I told the king that our brother Clarence is a secret danger.
The king believes every foolish story, and so perhaps Clarence will soon..
. .
(RICHARD draws fingers across his throat. Enter CLARENCE, his hands tied behind his back. With him are BRACKENBURY and two SOLDIERS.)
Richard:
Clarence !
Clarence:
Richard.
Richard:
Soldiers ? Ropes? What is all this?
Clarence:
The king wishes me to be safe, in the Tower.
Richard:
Safe in the Tower ? But that means death, brother:
Clarence:
Yes. I have some secret enemy. He told the king I was a danger to him.
Richard:
Ah ! That happened to me also.
Clarence:
To you ?
Richard:
Yes, indeed. This is what always happens when men are ruled by women.
Clarence:
What women ?
Richard:
The queen, of course. Our brother's loving wife. She hates us because we
are his brothers. But look at her friends. They go up and up. Rivers and
Hastings are now Lord Rivers and Lord Hastings. But we honest brothers
. . . I fear we are all in danger. I fear. . . .
Clarence:
What do you fear?
Richard:
I fear everything.
Brackenbury:
Pardon me, my lords. The king wishes no one to speak with the Duke of Clarence.
Clarence:
True, I forgot.
Richard:
But, good Brackenbury ! You may listen to us. We speak no treason. We say
the king is wise and virtuous. We say the queen's friends receive office,
land, money, titles. Can you deny this ?
Brackenbury:
My lord, this is not my concern. The king has ordered me to lead his Grace
of Clarence to the Tower.
Clarence:
Yes, Brackenbury. You are an honest man and we must not stop you. Let us
go.
Richard:
Go to the Tower, then, good Clarence, but I will go to the king and demand
your immediate freedom. This wickedness of the queen must stop. None of
us is safe.
Clarence:
Save me if you can.
Richard:
I will, you may depend on it.
(Exit CLARENCE, BRACKENBURY, and SOLDIERS.)
Richard:
Goodbye, simple Clarence. We will not meet again. A man who enters the
Tower never comes out alive.
SCENE 2
(Enter two MEN carrying a coffin, followed by ANNE.)
Richard
(to himself)
: Hallo, what's this ? The lady Anne.
Anne
(to MEN)
: Stop. Put down the coffin. Before we bury my poor father, let me look
again at his face.
(The MEN stop, and rest coffin on ground. ANNE reveals face of corpse.)
Anne:
Poor Henry. Murdered by that devil Richard. How I hate him. I hope he marries
and has a son even uglier than himself. That will be a good revenge. (to
MEN) Come along. We must take this unhappy body to its grave.
(The MEN raise coffin.)
Richard
(coming to them)
: Stop !
Anne
(screaming)
: Richard !
Richard:
Richard it is. Put down the coffin.
Man:
My lord, let us go.
Richard
(knocking the MAN to ground)
: I said, "Put it down!"
(The MEN move away in fear.)
Anne:
Are you afraid ? Yes, I can understand that. This is not a man, but a monster
from hell.
Richard
(very politely)
: Sweet lady.
Anne
(violently)
: Foul devil! Here is the man you killed ! Look! My father! He bleeds again
to prove you killed him.
Richard:
Lady Anne, Lady Anne, the Christian rule is love and forgiveness.
Anne:
You ask me for love?
Richard:
Not for hate but for love.
Anne:
You murdered my husband !
Richard:
No, no, I did not.
Anne:
Then he is alive !
Richard:
It is true he is dead.
Anne:
And you killed him. The queen saw you.
Richard:
The queen ! She tells many tales.
Anne:
She saw the dagger in your hand.
Richard:
Perhaps the hand that killed your husband was my hand. . . .
Anne:
So, you did kill him !
Richard:
No, no, the hand was mine, but the cause was . . . .
Anne:
What ?
Richard:
You.
Anne:
Me ?
Richard
: You.
Anne:
I caused my husband's death?
Richard:
My hand . . . but your face, your beauty, your body.
(RICHARD kneels, takes ANNE'S hand and kisses it. ANNE struggles against him.)
Anne:
No ! Stop !
Richard:
How can I stop ? You have captured me.
Anne:
No.
Richard:
You say "No." That is a woman's trick. In your heart you know
well enough that you excite men. Ah, beauty !
Anne:
Beast !
Richard:
Beauty and beast. Perhaps. I am ugly today, Anne, but I shall become Prince
Charming if. . . .
Anne:
If what ?
Richard:
If you marry me.
(ANNE spits in RICHARD's face. He takes out a handkerchief, wipes his face, and carefully put the handkerchief under his shirt near his heart.)
Richard:
Thank you.
Anne:
I wish it were poison.
Richard:
My eyes are already infected.
Anne:
Let the infection kill you, then.
Richard:
You wish me dead ?
Anne:
Yes. Dead.
Richard:
Then kill me.
(He opens his shirt, holds his sword to his chest, the handle near ANNE.)
Richard:
Now. Kill me. If you want to kill the man who loves you most, kill me.
You say I killed your husband. True. But you made me do it. He may be dead,
but you are the cause. Now. Kill me. (ANNE takes sword as if to kill
him, hesitates, and drops sword.)
Richard:
Take up the sword again, or take up me.
Anne:
I wish you dead, but I do not wish to be your executioner.
Richard
(takes sword)
: Then tell me to kill myself.
Anne:
I have said I wished you dead.
Richard:
That was in anger. Tell me calmly. Tell the man who loves you more than
any other Tell him to kill himself.
Anne
(doubtful)
: I wish I understood you.
Richard:
My words are clear.
Anne:
Yes, but perhaps they are false.
Richard:
If I am false, then all men are false.
Anne
(sighing)
: Very well, put away your sword.
Richard:
You agree, then?
Anne:
Agree to what ?
Richard:
Marriage.
Anne:
I will answer later.
Richard:
But I may hope ?
Anne:
All men may hope.
Richard:
Wear this ring for me. (He puts a ring on her finger.) Look. A sign
of our love.
Anne:
Richard, Richard, is there perhaps some good hidden in you ?
Richard:
It is you who have made me good, dear Anne.
Anne:
You make me happy. I am glad you are ashamed of your past badness.
Richard:
Now let us say good-bye. Help me to become a good man, Anne.
Anne:
Can I do so ?
Richard:
Try.
(ANNE kisses RICHARD ; he is still kneeling.)
Anne:
Good-bye.
Richard:
Until tomorrow.
Anne:
Tomorrow ? Perhaps.
(RICHARD stands, taps coffin to attract MEN, and they pick it up and exit, ANNE follows.)
Richard
(alone, laughing)
: Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? Was ever woman in this humour
won ? I'll have her, but I'll not keep her long. I killed her husband.
Then I killed her father. Now this foolish girl will marry me and make
me a good boy ! What fools women are !
SCENE 3
(Enter TYRREL and 2nd MURDERER.)
Richard:
Ah, here come my executioners.
Tyrrel:
Good evening, my lord.
Richard:
Are you ready, Tyrrel ?
Tyrrel:
We are, my lord.
Richard:
You have your knives ?
(Both men show knives.)
Richard:
Good. Clarence is now in the Tower. Go there. Kill him. Then come at once
and tell me.
Tyrrel:
We cannot enter without a letter.
Richard:
I have written one; here it is.
(Gives the letter to TYRREL.)
Tyrrel:
Thank you, sir.
Richard:
You must be quick. Do not talk with the Duke of Clarence. He is a clever
speaker. He will persuade you if he can. He will offer you gold.
Tyrrel:
We will not listen.
Richard:
If he offers gold, remember, I will give you more.
Tyrrel:
You are a generous man, my lord.
Richard:
You are a good fellow, Tyrrel. I like you both. As soon as it is finished,
come and find me. I will pay you then, but here is something in advance.
(RICHARD gives money to MEN.)
Tyrrel:
Thank you, my lord.
Richard:
Off you go.
(Exit RICHARD and MURDERERS separately.)
SCENE 4
(Enter BRACKENBURY and CLARENCE, who drags a chain as he moves.)
Brackenbury:
Good morning, my lord. :
Clarence:
Brackenbury ! Is it morning ?
Brackenbury
(giving CLARENCE some wine)
: It is, sir.
Clarence
(drinking):
There is no sun in this prison. I didn't know.
Brackenbury:
I am sorry. It is dark here.
Clarence:
Can't you open the windows ?
Brackenbury:
There are no windows. We are below the river.
Clarence:
I have done much wrong in my life, Brackenbury. The king my brother will
punish me for it.
Brackenbury:
It is hard, my lord.
Clarence:
It is fair, I suppose. Last night I didn't sleep. I had terrible dreams.
Now I am so tired.
Brackenbury:
Then sleep a while.
Clarence:
I will.
(He lies down, BRACKENBURY walks away. two MURDERERS enter.)
Brackenbury:
Who are you ? How did you come here ?
Tyrrel:
I am a friend of the Duke of Clarence, and I came here on these two feet.
Brackenbury:
Get out. No one is allowed to enter here.
Tyrrel:
I think we may. Read this.
(Gives letter to BRACKENBURY.)
Brackenbury
(reading)
: This is strange. It says I must deliver to you the Duke of Clarence.
What can this mean ?
Tyrrel:
It means you must deliver to us the Duke of Clarence.
Brackenbury:
I don't know what to do. The Duke is there, sleeping. I will go and ask
the king.
Tyrrel:
That's a very good idea. Good-;bye.
(Exit BRACKENBURY.)
2nd
Murderer:
Shall I stab him as he sleeps ?
Tyrrel:
No, that would be cowardly. !
2nd
Murderer:
Then what?
Tyrrel:
Why, wake him first, and kill him second.
2nd
Murderer:
I don't like this.
Tyrrel:
Nobody asked you to like it.
2nd
Murderer:
He is a royal duke. The brother of the king.
Tyrrel:
Then go and tell the other brother of the king you do not want his money.
2nd
Murderer:
I'll kill him.
(Moves to kill CLARENCE.)
Tyrrel:
No, no, wake him. What's that thing?
(Points
to side of stage.)
2nd
Murderer:
I think it is a wine barrel.
Tyrrel:
Good. We will knock him on the head and then drop him in the wine. He may
be thirsty.
2nd
Murderer:Look.
He wakes.
Clarence
(waking)
: Brackenbury. Bring me some wine.
Tyrrel
(takes him a cup of wine)
: There you are, my lord.
Clarence
(drinking)
: Thank you.
Tyrrel:
Some more ?
Clarence
(sees TYRREL)
: Who are you ? Where is Brackenbury ?
Tyrrel:
He went to see the king.
Clarence:
But who are you ?
Tyrrel:
A man like you.
Clarence:
But not royal, like me.
Tyrrel:
You are not loyal, like us.
Clarence:
Why have you come here ?
Tyrrel:
To . . . to . . . to . . . .
Clarence:
To murder me ! I know.
Tyrrel:
If you know, I need not explain.
Clarence:
You are ashamed to do this wicked deed.
Tyrrel:
I think you were not ashamed to kill the Prince Plantagenet.
Clarence:
How do you know about that ?
Tyrrel:
Ah, my little secret.
Clarence:
I have confessed that crime.
2nd
Murderer (giving him wine)
: Prepare to die, my lord.
Clarence
(drinking)
: Can you kill an innocent man ?
Tyrrel:
We act on command.
Clarence:
Whose command ? The king's?
Tyrrel:
He sent you here.
Clarence:
Go to my brother Richard.
Tyrrel:
Richard ?
Clarence:
Yes, Richard. He loves me.
Tyrrel:
He loves you so much he thinks this world is not good enough for you.
2nd
Murderer:
The Duke Richard sent us here.
Clarence:
Richard sent you to kill me ! Impossible.
Tyrrel:
Oh ?
Clarence:
If you kill me, Richard will hate you.
Tyrrel:
Will he ?
Clarence:
Go home. Leave me.
Tyrrel:
That would be cowardly.
Clarence:
I see pity in your faces. You know murder is wrong. Save me, and I will
make you rich.
2nd
Murderer (to TYRREL)
: What shall we do ?
Clarence:
Go home.
(TYRREL approaches CLARENCE who walks backward dragging chain. The chain suddenly becomes taut.)
Clarence:
No .
2nd
Murderer:
Don't kill him.
(TYRREL kills CLARENCE)
Tyrrel:
Dead. And now some more wine for the Duke of Clarence.
(They pick up the body, and put it into the wine barrel, headfirst. Wine spills on the floor.)
Tyrrel:
Did you say, "Don't kill him" ?
2nd
Murderer:
No. I don't know.
Tyrrel:
I will tell Lord Richard and collect our fee. I don't think you can expect
any money. Do you ?
(Exit.)
SCENE 5
(Enter court; the KING is carried on a bed, very sick; QUEEN, HASTINGS together; RIVERS, DORSET together; BUCKINGHAM alone.)
King:
I shall soon be dead.
All:
No, no.
King:
Yes. I know it. But before I die I want to be sure we all are friends.
Rivers and Hastings. You have been enemies. Shake hands now and swear you
love each other.
Hastings:
I have been wrong. Forgive me, Rivers.
Rivers:
I have also been wrong Let us become friends, Hastings.
(They
shake hands.)
King:
Very nice. Now, Buckingham, you and my queen have quarrelled. Make it up.
Buckingham:
Madam, here is my hand. Let us from now be true friends and loyal subjects
to the king.
Queen:
Thank you, good Buckingham. Here is my promise of friendship. ( They
shake hands.)
King:
Excellent, excellent. Now I can die, knowing my dear country will be at
peace. Where is Clarence and my brother Richard ?
Buckingham:
Here comes the noble duke.
Richard
(entering)
: Good day to my king and queen. Lords, a happy time of day. :
King:
Yes, it is a happy day. Old enmities are at an end and all here are now
pledged to friendship.
Richard:
Bravo. Let me join in too. I may by mistake have made an enemy. If so,
I ask him to forgive me. The queen I think has sometimes thought that Richard
has been wrong, and I ask her forgiveness. And my noble cousin Buckingham.
Let us be true friends. And the Lords Rivers, and Hastings. No more quarrels.
Let us be brothers. I hope there is no man alive in England who can say
I have harmed him.
King:
Amen.
Queen:
I wish our brother Clarence were here.
Richard
(angry)
: Clarence ! I offer love and you insult me ?
Queen
(surprised)
: What do you mean, my lord ?
Richard:
Who does not know that Clarence is dead ?
(All
are surprised.)
Dorset:
Dead! Who knows he is?
King:
Is Clarence dead ?
Richard:
Dead and buried.
King:
No.
Richard:
Oh, yes. You ordered his arrest and death.
King:
I ordered it, but I later changed that order. I freed him.
Richard:
The second order came too late. The Duke is dead. Poor innocent Clarence.
My brother is dead.
(RICHARD
weeps.)
King
(shocked)
: Clarence dead !
(The KING is carried out by HASTINGS, RIVERS, DORSET, and QUEEN. RICHARD, BUCKINGHAM remain.)
Richard:
Did you see the queen's friends ? Rivers and Hastings; they persuaded the
king to kill poor Clarence.
Buckingham:
But they weep now.
Richard:
They pretend to. Ah, such clever villains. We are not safe, good Buckingham.
Our enemies are everywhere. Who will die next ?
(Exit RICHARD and BUCKINGHAM together.)
SCENE 6
(Enter three CITIZENS.)
1st
Citizen:
Have you heard the news ?
2nd
Citizen:
What news is that ?
1st
Citizen:
The king is dead.
3rd
Citizen:
The king dead !
1st
Citizen:
Yes, the good man died last night.
2nd
Citizen:
Then we shall have trouble very soon.
1st
Citizen:
Why ?
2ndCitizen:
The new king is a young boy.
3rd
Citizen:
Yes.
2nd
Citizen:
And while he is young, others will have the power. Suppose Duke Richard
seizes power, what then?
1st
Citizen:
He is the worst, but the queen's friends will stop him.
2nd
Citizen:
The queen's friends ! Are the Lords Rivers and Vaughan not friends of the
queen ?
1st
Citizen:
Of course.
2nd
Citizen:
They were taken to the Tower this morning.
3rd
Citizen:
To the Tower !
2nd
Citizen:
Yes, to the Tower. The Duke of Clarence died there recently, and they will
die next.
All:
It's a bad business. I don't know. Whatever will happen .
(Exit.)
SCENE 7
(Enter the court, with RICHARD and BUCKINGHAM. They talk for a moment. The young PRINCE enters. All kneel.)
Richard:
Welcome to London, my prince. England's new king.
Buckingham:
God save the king.
All:
God save the king.
Richard:
You must be tired after such a long journey.
Prince:
Not so tired, I like to travel. Where is everybody ? I want more uncles
here to welcome me.
Richard:
More ! I shall be fifty uncles to you, little lord.
Prince:
But where are the others ?
Richard:
Ah ! They were dangerous men. They flattered. They used sugared words.
You did not see the poison in their hearts. God keep you from them, and
such false friends.
Prince:
God keep me from false friends, but they were not.
Buckingham:
My prince, here is the Mayor of London to welcome you.
Mayor
(entering)
: Welcome to our new king.
Prince:
Thank you, lord, but I expected to see my mother and brother. Where are
they?
Mayor:
They are hiding.
Prince:
Hiding !
Mayor:
Yes. After the king your father died, the queen feared she might be murdered.
Prince:
Murdered !
Richard:
Nonsense !
Buckingham:
My lord, go and bring the younger prince here as fast as you can.
Mayor:
He is not far, my lord, I will do my best.
(Exit
MAYOR.)
Prince:
Why is my mother frightened ?
Richard:
I have no idea. Does she have enemies ?
Buckingham:
Oh, I don't think that is possible.
Richard:
Luckily the prince has us to take care of him.
Prince:
Before I am crowned, where shall I stay, uncle ?
Richard:
Wherever you think best. If I may make a suggestion, perhaps the Tower
would be the safest place.
Prince:
The Tower. I hear that Julius Caesar built the Tower.
Richard:
So they say, my lord.
Prince:
Is it true, then ?
Richard:
Caesar lived a thousand years ago, my prince, and I am not so old.
Prince:
When I am a man, I will go to France and fight for our ancient rights there.
Or die a soldier.
(Enter MAYOR with younger PRINCE.)
Buckingham:
Here comes your brother, sir.
(Younger PRINCE kneels and kisses hand of older.)
Prince:
Stand up, brother.
Younger
Prince:
But you are now king.
Prince:
Yes, our loving father died.
Richard:
And how is my loving little cousin ?
Younger
Prince:
Well, uncle, well, but very small. Look how tall my brother is getting.
Richard:
Yes, he is our king, so height suits him.
Younger
Prince:
You love him more than me!
Richard:
He commands my love because he is my king, but you may command me as a
relative.
Younger
Prince:
Then, give me a present, uncle.
Richard:
Certainly, what would you like ?
Younger
Prince:
Can I have your dagger?
Richard:
You want my dagger? With all my heart.
Prince:
Are you a beggar, brother ?
Younger
Prince:
No, but my uncle loves me and will give me anything I want.
Richard:
Well, I don't know about that. But I must give the king something bigger
than I give you.
Prince:
Such as your sword, uncle ?
Richard:
Yes, my sword, if you wish. But it is too heavy. My sword is bigger than
you.
Younger
Prince (laughing)
: He is not so tall after all ! Dear uncle, play with me.
Richard:
I will.
Younger
Prince:
Carry me.
Richard:
Where to ?
Younger
Prince:
Anywhere. Let me ride on your back.
(Embarrassed silence. All look at RICHARD's hunchback.)
Buckingham:
You have a sharp tongue, little cousin.
Richard:
Will it please your Grace to go to the Tower ? The Duke of Buckingham will
look for your mother and beg her to join you there.
Younger
Prince (surprised)
: Are you going to the Tower, brother ?
Prince:
My uncle Richard wishes me to.
Younger
Prince:
But our uncle Clarence was murdered there the other day.
Buckingham:
And who told you that?
Younger
Prince:
My mother.
Buckingham:
Your mother! She likes to talk.
Younger
Prince:
Don't go to the Tower. I am frightened of my uncle Clarence's ghost.
Prince:
I am not frightened of any dead uncles.
Richard:
Nor living ones, either, I hope.
Prince
(sadly))
: Come, brother; Let us go to the Tower.
(All bow as the two PRINCES exit. All follow, but RICHARD and BUCKINGHAM.)
Buckingham:
This little fellow is like a snake. Clearly, his mother told him what to
say.
Richard:
No doubt, no doubt. Quick, bold, clever, daring; he is just like his mother.
Did you see Hastings ?
Buckingham:
I did.
Richard:
And ?
Buckingham:
The answer is no.
Richard:
No ?
Buckingham:
Hastings does not favour you.
Richard:
Hm, I see. And Stanley ?
Buckingham:
No .
Richard:
And the queen's son Dorset.
Buckingham:
Dorset is very much against you.
Richard:
Is that so ? Ask Hastings to meet us here tomorrow and if he does not support
us . . .off with his head.
Buckingham:
His head ?
Richard:
His head. So. (Gestures across neck.) I will be king, Buckingham,
and those who help me will be rewarded. The others will... you understand
?
Buckingham:
My lord, you know I am your friend.
Richard:
Yes, Buckingham, I know. And when I become king, ask me for the earldom
of Hereford, with all the money it possesses. It will all be yours.
Buckingham:
Thank you, my lord, I will not forget.
Richard:
Don't forget. Ask, and expect to receive it all. I am faithful to my friends.
Richard:
We must work together closely, Buckingham. I will be king.
Buckingham:
King: Richard the . . . Third.
Richard:
Richard the Third.
Buckingham:
Yes .
Richard:
But not yet, not yet.
SCENE 8
(Enter MAYOR and HASTINGS.)
Mayor:Lord
Hastings.
Hastings:
Good morning, Mayor.
Mayor:
Good morning, my lord. Have you seen the princes ?
:
Not today.
Mayor:
Where are they staying ?
Hastings:
I believe they are in the Tower.
Mayor:
I see.
Hastings:
You wish to talk with them ?
Mayor:
Well, yes. It's about the coronation.
Hastings:
The coronation of the new king ?
Mayor:
Yes. He is very young, and the people fear trouble unless he is made king,
as soon as possible.
Hastings:
Trouble ? What kind of trouble ?
Mayor:
Well. People gossip about rivals, you know.
Hastings:
Duke Richard is the Protector of the young prince. We should ask him.
(Enter RICHARD and BUCKINGHAM.)
Richard:
What should you ask the Duke, Lord Hastings ?
Mayor:
We were speaking of the coronation of the young prince.
Richard:
The young prince ! Yes ! He is in danger.
Mayor:
Danger !
Richard:
We are all in danger, every one of us.
Hastings:
Why is that ?
Richard:
Treachery, treason. Those are the reasons. Poor Clarence was cruelly murdered
yesterday . . . .
Hastings:
Last month.
Richard:
And I don't know who will die next.
Mayor:
Who are the traitors, my lord ?
Richard:
First tell me this; what should we do with a traitor ?
Hastings:
Why, hang him, of course.
Mayor:
Do you know of a traitor, my lord ?
Richard:
I do.
Mayor:
But where ? ,
Richard:
In this room.
Mayor:
Here ?
Richard:
Here.
Hastings:
If there is a traitor here, hang him !
Richard:
I have a better idea. (claps hands) We will chop off his head. (
Two MEN run in.) Seize him.
( The MEN seize HASTINGS. All are astonished.)
Mayor:
Lord Hastings !
Richard:
Yes.
Hastings:
What is . . . .
Richard:
Did you not murder the Duke of Clarence ?
Hastings:
Murder Clarence !
Richard:
Is he guilty, Buckingham ?
Buckingham:
He blushes. He is red.
Mayor:
But surely . . . .
Richard:
Who will be next, Hastings ? Me ? The Mayor ? The little princes ?
Mayor:
The little princes . . . murder . . . .
Buckingham:
It is possible. We do not know what will happen next.
Richard:
No man is safe.
Hastings:
I . . . .
Richard:
Off with his head.
Hastings:
But . . . .
Richard:
Chop off his head.
Mayor:
My lord . . . .
Richard:
I will not eat until he is dead.
(The two MEN take HASTINGS out.)
Buckingham:
You seem surprised.
Mayor:
I can't believe it !
Richard:
It is hard to believe. He was my closest friend. What a shock! I learn
he is a traitor. I learn he murdered my poor brother Clarence . . . .
(RICHARD
weeps.)
Mayor:
Did Hastings kill Clarence ?
Buckingham:
And others.
Richard:
Stop, Buckingham. No more. This is too painful. My friend Hastings ! A
traitor !
Mayor:
It is hard to believe.
Richard:
The man was so clever.
Mayor:
Hastings was such a good friend to Clarence.
Richard:
That's what we all thought. It was just pretence.
Mayor:
So Hastings will die.
Richard:
But the two little princes will live.
Mayor:
Poor boys !
Richard:
There is no need to worry. They will be safe now.
(MAN enters carrying a head.)
Richard:
Look! My dear friend Hastings. How I loved the man. For years I told him
every secret, but at last I find he is a traitor. Can you explain such
a thing, Buckingham ?
Buckingham:
It is hard to understand.
Richard:
We must protect England from such men. I don't know what to do. I must
go and pray.
(Exit RICHARD.)
Mayor:
My Lord of Buckingham, these are bad days.
Buckingham:
They are, sir, they are.
Mayor:
No man is safe.
Buckingham:
True.
Mayor:
The people of London fear there will be more trouble.
Buckingham:
That is possible . The young prince is loved by all of us, but of course
he is just a child.
Mayor:
He cannot control strong and evil men.
Buckingham:
Exactly. We need a strong king.
Mayor:
Duke Richard . . . .
Buckingham:
Exactly. But, you know, he is shy. He only thinks of a quiet life. Study.
Reading. Praying. He will not enter public life, I think.
Mayor:
But the Duke . . . .
Buckingham:
Look, here he comes. Ask him yourself.
(At rear, RICHARD enters reading a prayer book; two PRIESTS are with him.)
Mayor:
Shh. He is praying.
Buckingham:
Then we must not disturb him.
Priest
(chanting in Latin)
: Dominus vobiscum.
Richard
(same):
Et cum spiritu tuo.
Priest
(same)
: Oremus.
Buckingham:
There is the man to save England.
Mayor:
But he is not king. The young prince...
Buckingham:
Yes, the boy is too young. If Richard were king today, the country would
soon find peace.
Mayor:
Have you asked him ?
Buckingham:
Why don't you ask him now?
Mayor:
No, no, he is praying.
Buckingham:
He is such a holy man. His thoughts are always with God.
Mayor:
Duke Richard !
Richard:
Yes ? What ? Am I troubling you ? I am sorry, I will go.
Buckingham:
No, no, don't go.
Richard:
I see you are angry with me. What have I done ?
Mayor:
No, we are not angry, your Grace. Will you give us your advice ?
Richard:
Advice ? How can a humble man like me advise the Mayor of London ?
Mayor:
London is in danger.
Buckingham:
England is in danger. !
Mayor:
We have no king.
Richard:
No king ? The young prince will soon be crowned.
Buckingham:
He is young, though. Can he deal with traitors like Hastings ? ,
Richard:
Ah, Hastings ! How that hurt me ! Did I make a mistake ? Was he really
innocent ?
Buckingham:
You made no mistake. He was a traitor. :
Richard:
If Hastings was a traitor, what will happen ? Who can we trust?
Buckingham:
The people need a king.
Richard:
Yes.
Buckingham:
Be our king!
Richard
(as if angry)
: Me? King ? This is a foolish joke, Buckingham. My brother was king, so
I am close to the throne. But he left two sons, and the eldest boy must
be the new king.
Buckingham:
He left two sons, yes.
Richard:
So you do not need me.
Buckingham:
But they were not true sons.
Mayor:
Not true ?
Buckingham:
Hastings confessed before he died. The little princes are the sons of the
king, but not the sons of the queen.
Richard:
Stop ! Stop ! I cannot listen to such a story !
Buckingham
(to MAYOR)
: You see ? He knows little of the wickedness of men.
Mayor:
If the princes are not true sons, then who can be the new king ? Clarence
. . . .
Buckingham:
Clarence is dead. Kneel, man, kneel. We must ask Richard.
(They
kneel.)
Buckingham:
Lord Richard.
Richard:
No. Silence. I wish to pray.
(Exit RICHARD and PRIESTS)
Mayor:
Call him back, Lord Buckingham.
Buckingham:
I cannot. He wishes to pray.
Mayor:
But are you not his friend ? Ask him to listen to us.
Buckingham:
No, we must not persuade him.
Mayor:
Well, if you think not . . .
Buckingham:
Of course if you insist . . . . (Calls to RICHARD) Lord Richard
! The Mayor has something to say.
Richard
(enters)
: Yes ?
Buckingham:
You left so suddenly. The Mayor was surprised.
Richard:
Forgive me. I think too much of God, and too little of my friends. What
can I do for you, good people ?
Mayor
(kneeling)
: England needs a strong king.
Buckingham
(kneeling)
: The Mayor thinks you should be king. We beg you. Leave your studies and
become king of England.
Richard:
King ?
Buckingham
(clapping hands)
: Yes, yes. King Richard.
Mayor:
Will you be our king ?
Richard:
I don't know what to say.
Buckingham:
Long live King Richard.
Mayor:
God bless your Majesty.
Richard:
King Richard. It is a strange name for a humble man.
Buckingham:
When will you be crowned ?
Richard:
Whenever you wish. The Mayor demands I become king. He must decide. I am
the servant of the people.
Buckingham:
Tomorrow then ?
Richard:
As you wish. Tomorrow.
Buckingham:
Does that please the Mayor?
Mayor:
Yes, that seems best.
Buckingham:
Good-bye then. We will meet tomorrow. Come along, King Richard wishes to
pray.
Richard:
Yes, I must prepare for this great task you put on my shoulders.
Mayor:
Good night, King Richard.
Richard:
Good night, good friends.
Buckingham:
Good night, your Majesty.
(Exit BUCKINGHAM and MAYOR. RICHARD's manner immediately changes. He tosses the prayer book over his shoulder, and claps hands.)
Richard:
Get out of here.
(The two PRIESTS run out.)
Richard:
Oh, to become king !
SCENE 9
(Many enter; two thrones are placed on stage. Enter RICHARD and ANNE in royal robes. They kneel, and the MAYOR places a crown on the head of each. They stand and walk to thrones. They sit. We see that RICHARD's legs are too short to touch floor. ANNE seems ill.)
All:
God save King Richard.
Richard:
Thank you.
(Music, and general conversation! a line of people kneel and kiss RICHARD's hand. BUCKINGHAM is the last.)
Buckingham:
May I congratulate your Majesty ?
Richard:
Yes, yes, good Buckingham. You made me king. I congratulate you, too.
Buckingham:
I tried to help.
Richard:
You did. Here is the proof. Today I am king of England.
Buckingham:
You are.
Richard:
And tomorrow ?
Buckingham:
Tomorrow and for ever.
Richard:
I hope so, but . . . .
Buckingham:
But what ?
Richard:
Let me test you, good Buckingham. Yes, I am king. But the little princes
live. :
Buckingham:
True, noble princes.
Richard:
You are slow, Buckingham. "True, noble princes." What is this'?
Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead.
Buckingham:
Dead ! '
Richard:
And soon. What do you say ?
Buckingham:
Your Grace may do as he pleases.
Richard:
Buckingham ! Yesterday you were fire, and today you are ice. Your friendship
freezes. Do you agree the boys must die?
Buckingham:
Give me time to think, my lord.
Richard:
Time to think !
Buckingham:
Yes. (Exit BUCKINGHAM.)
Richard
(to himself)
: So. Buckingham grows careful. Hm. I must look for other friends, then.
(RICHARD looks round the room, sees TYRREL standing at side, snaps fingers, and TYRREL comes to him.)
Tyrrel
(kneeling)
: Your most obedient servant.
Richard:
Are you, now?
Tyrrel:
Prove me, gracious sovereign.
Richard:
Can you kill a friend of mine ?
Tyrrel:
I would rather kill two enemies.
Richard:
Two enemies. Good ! Yes, you shall.
Tyrrel:
Who, my lord ?
Richard:
The little princes in the Tower.
Tyrrel:
Then I shall need a letter again to enter there.
Richard
(writes a letter)
: Here you are.
Tyrrel:
Thank you, my lord.
Richard:
Now listen.
(RICHARD
holds cushion against TYRREL's face until he almost suffocates.) Do
you understand ?
Tyrrel
(choking)
: I understand.
Richard:
Good man. Now, off with you. Shall I hear from you soon?
Tyrrel:
As soon as possible, my lord.
(Exit TYRREL; enter BUCKINGHAM and STANLEY.)
Buckingham:
I have thought of what you said, my lord.
Richard
(as if surprised)
: What? Oh, it's of no importance. Stanley ! Where is Dorset?
Stanley:
I can not find him, your Grace. I hear he has gone to France.
Richard:
To France ?
Stanley:
To Richmond. I hear they will bring an army against you.
Buckingham
(to RICHARD)
: My lord, you promised me the earldom of Hereford and its money.
Richard
(to STANLEY)
: Be careful, Stanley. Do not send your son any help or letters.
Buckingham:
My lord, I presume to remind you of your promise to me.
Richard:
Dorset is with Richmond. King Henry once said that Richmond would be king.
Buckingham:
My lord, what is your answer ?
Richard
(to BUCKINGHAM)
: I am not in the giving vein.
Buckingham:
You made a promise, and I made you king.
Richard
(standing)
: I am not in the giving vein. (to ANNE) My queen ! You seem sick,
and tired. Let us go.
Β(Exit
all but BUCKINGHAM.)
Buckingham:
I made him king for this ! I remember well what happened to Hastings, who
was no traitor. Now Dorset and Richmond plan to make a war. What shall
I do ?
(Exit BUCKINGHAM.)
SCENE 10
(Two little PRINCES cross stage dressed for bed. : They sing a song. They exit. TYRREL follows them holding a cushion. Exit. RICHARD and a SERVANT enter separately. The SERVANT offers RICHARD a dish of fruit. He takes an apple and starts peeling it. The singing voices disturb , him. The song suddenly stops. RICHARD cuts the peel. It falls to the ground. RICHARD bites into the apple.)
Tyrrel
(entering)
: My lord.
Richard
(with mouth full)
: Umm?
Tyrrel:.
It is done.
Richard:
Good work.
(He gives money to TYRREL, who exits. RICHARD now sings the same song.)
SCENE 11
(CATESBY and RATCLIFFE run in panting.)
Richard:
Catesby! Ratcliffe ! Why are you running ?
Catesby:
Richmond has landed in the west, with an army.
Richard:
So soon, eh ? Tell Buckingham to prepare our men.
Ratcliffe:
The Duke of Buckingham has gone to join Richmond.
Richard:
What ! Buckingham a traitor ! (to CATESBY) Catesby, go at once to
the Duke of Norfolk. (to RATCLIFFE) Go to Salisbury. (to CATESBY)
Why are you standing here? I said, "Go to Norfolkl"
Catesby:
My lord, tell me what I must do there.
Richard:
I am a fool. Tell the Duke to bring as many men as possible and meet me
at Salisbury.
Catesby:
I will tell him, sir.
(Exit CATESBY)
Ratcliffe:
And what shall I do at Salisbury, my lord ?
Richard:
At Salisbury ?
Ratcliffe:
Sir, you told me to go to Salisbury.
Richard:
Did I ? Well, I have changed my mind .
(Enter STANLEY.)
Stanley:
Richmond has sent a message.
Richard:
Yes ?
Stanley:
He says you are not true king of England.
Richard:
What ?
Stanley:
He will fight us. Many Englishmen say Richmond will be king.
Richard
(furious)
: Richmond, king ! Am I dead? Is the throne vacant? What claim has Richmond
?
Stanley:
His claim is weak, but his army seems strong.
Richard:
Dorset is with him, Stanley. Are you a traitor, too ?
Stanley:
No, my lord, I am faithful.
Richard:
Then go to Richmond and tell him to depart. He dies if I find him.
Stanley:
I will tell him.
Richard:
But leave your younger son with me . . .
Stanley:
I will leave him here.
(MESSENGERS run in)
1st
Messenger:
My lord, the people of Devon are joining Richmond's army against you.
2nd
Messenger (runs in)
: Great king, the people of Kent approach shouting "Richmond is our
king."
3rd
Messenger (runs in):
Sir, the . . . .
Richard
(hits him)
: Stop ! Go ! Nothing but bad news.
3rd
Messenger:
No, my lord. My news is good. The Duke of Buckingham has been captured.
Richard:
Buckingham, captured ?
3rd
Messenger:
He is your prisoner.
Richard:
Forgive me. (gives money to the man) Bring him here. Now ! Tell
my armies to march west and meet Richmond.
(All exit.)
SCENE 12
(Enter RICHMOND and DORSET left.)
Richmond:
I am glad to be in England again, Dorset.
Dorset:
My Lord of Richmond, England welcomes you back.
Richmond:
What is the name of this place ?
Dorset:
This is Bosworth.
Richmond:
Bosworth ? Tonight we will sleep here, and tomorrow I hope we meet the
murderer, Richard of Gloucester.
Dorset:
Our spies say he comes this way.
Richmond:
Good. Put up my tent here.
(Exit both.)
SCENE 13
(Enter RICHARD and CATESBY, right.)
Richard:
We have marched far enough.
Catesby:
The men are tired, my lord.
Richard:
Where is Richmond ?
Catesby:
He has been reported near Bosworth.
Richard:
Then tonight we sleep here and tomorrow let us meet at Bosworth.
Catesby:
Yes, my lord. Here is the Duke of Buckingham.
Richard:
Hang him.
(Exit
RICHARD; enter RATCLIFFE and BUCKINGHAM, guarded by soldiers.)
Ratcliffe:
Where is the king ?
Catesby:
He has just gone.
Ratcliffe:
I have brought the Duke of Buckingham.
Catesby:
His Majesty says he is to be hanged.
Buckingham:
Let me see the king.
Catesby:
The king has ordered your immediate death by hanging.
Buckingham:
Not yet....
Catesby:
Yes, now, my lord.
Buckingham:
Let me speak to the king.
Catesby:
His Majesty does not wish to chat , with traitors. Come. We must hang you.
(Exit all.)
SCENE 14
(MEN put up tent on left. RICHMOND enters. He lies down and sleeps. MEN put tent on right. RICHARD enters. He lies down and sleeps. Enter ghost of CLARENCE, dragging chain. All ghosts walk left to right.)
Clarence:
(to RICHMOND) Sleep well, good Richmond. Tomorrow I shall pray for
you. (to RICHARD) Richard, this is Clarence, the brother you had
drowned in wine. Tomorrow think of me and drown in blood.
(Exit.
Enter ghost of HASTINGS, holding his head under arm.)
Hastings:
(to RICHMOND) Richmond, tomorrow fight for England's safety and
honour. (to RICHARD) I am Hastings. You cut off my head. Tomorrow
you will lose your head, and everything else.
(Exit. Enter ghosts of two young PRINCES.)
Princes
: (to RICHMOND)
Sleep happily, our loving cousin Richmond. (to RICHARD) We once
wanted more uncles to welcome us. Tomorrow think of your nephews, and shudder.
(Exit. Enter ghost of BUCKINGHAM.)
Buckingham
: (to RICHMOND)
I wished to help you, but I died too soon. (to RICHARD) I was the
first to help you and the last to die; dream now of murder and despair.
(Exit.)
Richard
(wakes in terror)
: Help ! Murder! Blue lights ! (controls himself) What is this ?
A dream. Dreams are nothing. Tomorrow on the field of war no ghost can
hurt me. Ratcliffe ! Catesby! I must prepare.
(Enter RATCLIFFE and CATESBY.)
Ratcliffe
(alarmed)
: My lord ! I heard you shout ! I thought Richmond had attacked.
Richard
(off-hand)
: Richmond ? No, no, but you slept heavily. Now we must prepare. Where
is my horse? Help me. (They exit.)
Dorset
(enters)
: Wake up, my lord.
(RICHMOND wakes.)
Dorset:
It will soon be day.
Richmond:
Good. I had a strange dream.
Dorset:
A dream ?
Richmond:
Yes, the ghosts of Richard's victims appeared and gave me courage.
Dorset:
That's a very good sign.
Richmond:
I think so. I feel like killing giants.
Dorset:
Here is your armour.
Richmond:
Yes, tell the men to prepare.
Dorset:
Your horse is outside.
(Exit
all.)
SCENE 15
(MEN enter left and right; they fight.)
Richard:
How many men does Richmond have ?
Catesby:
About ten thousand.
Richard:
We have thirty thousand. He has no chance.
(Fighting continues and many die. RICHARD seems to be winning.)
Richard:
A horse ! A horse! My kingdom for a horse !
Catesby:
Come back my lord, there is no horse here.
Richard:
Fool ! I am here to kill Richmond. I have killed a dozen men, but where
is this boy Richmond ?
Richmond
(entering)
: Here.
Richard
(laughing)
: The child is here !
Richmond:
The murderer of children is there.
Richard
(angry)
: The sports are nearly finished, little man.
(RICHARD and RICHMOND present a sharp contrast. RICHARD seems old, strong, insolent, dressed in black, and covered with blood. RICHMOND is, dressed in white, seems brave but young. RICHARD walks slowly towards him. Others watch. RICHMOND strikes at him with his sword. RICHARD moves and the sword does not touch him. But RICHARD trips over a dead body, and falls on his own sword by accident, and dies . )
(STANLEY enters.)
Richmond:
Father !
(STANLEY and RICHMOND embrace.)
Stanley
(to RICHMOND)
: My lord, the tyrant is dead. You are King Henry VII.
(STANLEY takes the crown off RICHARD's head. It is twisted. He struggles to straighten it. All laugh. RICHMOND kneels and STANLEY places this crown on RICHMOND's head. RICHMOND stands. All kneel.)
All:
Long live King Henry !
"RICHARD
III"
PLACE
: England
TIME:
1485
ACTORS
: 19 boys, 2 *½₯irls
PEOPLE
IN THE PLAY
KING
EDWARD
CLARENCE,
his brother
RICHARD
OF GLOUCESTER, another brother, later KING RICHARD III
Two
PRINCES, young sons of EDWARD
RICHMOND,
later KING HENRY VII
RIVERS,
QUEEN'S brother
HASTINGS,
a noble
STANLEY,
a noble
DORSET,
QUEEN'S son
BUCKINGHAM,
a noble
BRACKENBURY,
a jailor
TYRREL,
a murderer
SECOND
MURDERER
CATESBY
RATCLIFFE
MAYOR
OF LONDON
QUEEN
to KING EDWARD
ANNE,
later married to RICHARD
SOLDI.ERS,
MESSENGERS, CITIZENS, PRIESTS, etc.
GHOSTS
Of CLARENCE, Two PRINCES,
.