ACT V. SCENE 1.-A plain near Tamworth. Enter with drum and colours, the earl of Richmond, the earl of Oxford, marquis of Dorset, sir William Brandon, sir Walter Herbert, and others, with forces, marching. Richm. Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends, Bruis'd underneath the yoke of tyranny, Thus far into the bowels of the land That spoil'd your summer fields, and fruitful vines, In heaven's name then let's on, courageous friends, By this one bloody trial of sharp war. Dorset. Every man's conscience is a thousand swords, To fight against that bloody homicide, Our nation's terror, and remorseless scourge. Richm. The period of his tyranny approaches; I doubt not but his friends will turn to us. Bran. He hath no friends, but who are friends from fear : Which in his dearest need will fly from him. Richm. All for our vantage. Then, in heaven's name, on ! True hope is swift, and mounts on eagles' wings. (Exeunt) SCENE II.-Bosworth Field. (A march.) Enter King Richard, the duke of Norfolk, Ratcliff, and Catesby, with forces. King R. Here pitch our tent, even in Bosworth field. My Lord of Norfolk, why look you so sad? Norf. My heart is ten times lighter than my looks. King R. Norfolk, we must have blows-Ha! must we not? Norf. We must both give and take, my loving lord. Norf. Six or seven thousand is their utmost power. Norf. Their wants are greater yet, my lord. Fly o'er them all-impatient for their hour. King R. Now, by Saint Paul, we'll send them dinners and apparel Nay, give their fasting horses provender, Up with my tent. Come, noble gentlemen, King R. What say'st thou, Norfolk. Norf. Might I advise your majesty, you yet Shall save the blood that shall be shed to-morrow. King R. How so, my lord. Norf. The poor condition of the rebels tells me, That, on a pardon offer'd to the lives Of those, who instantly shall quit their arms, Young Richmond, 'ere to-morrow's dawn, were friendless. Let Kings, that fear, forgive: Blows and revenge for me. (Exeunt. SCENE III.-The other side of the Field. Enter Richmond, Sir William Brandon, Oxford, and other Lords. my standard. Richm. The weary sun hath made a golden set, Enter an Officer. Officer. A gentleman, who calls himself Stanley, desires Admittance to the Earl of Richmond. Richm. Now, by our hopes, my noble father-in-law. Admit him. (Exit Officer. Re-enter Officer with Lord Stanley. Stan. Fortune and victory sit on thy helm. Richm. All comfort that the dark night can afford, Be to thy person, noble father-in-law ! Tell me how fares our loving mother? Stan. I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother, That thou shalt wed Elizabeth, her daughter. Farewell. The leisure, and the fearful time - Richm. Good Lords, conduct him to his regiment; (Exeunt. SCENE IV.—King Richard's Encampment. Enter King Richard, Norfolk, Ratcliff, and Catesby. K. Rich. What is't o'clock? Cates. It's nine, my Lord. K, Rich. Give me some ink and paper. What, is my beaver easier than it was? And all my armour laid into my tent? (Exit Ratcliff. Cates. It is my liege, and all things are in readiness. Use careful watch, choose trusty centinels. Norf. I go, my Lord. K. Rich. Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk. Norf. I warrant you, my Lord. K. Rich. Catesby, (Exit Norfolk. Cates. My Lord? K. Rich. Send out a pursuivant at arms Into the blind care of eternal night. Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow. Give me a bowl of wine: I have not that alacrity of spirit, Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have. Re-enter Ratcliff. Is ink and paper ready? Rate. It is, my Lord. K. Rich. Bid my guard-watch About the mid of night come to my tent, And help to arm me. Good night! (Exit King Richard. Ratc. The King, methinks, looks sad: did you observe The strangeness of his altered countenance? Cates. The mere effect of business. You'll find him, sir, another man in the field, But come, 'tis late, now let us to our tents; (Exeunt. SCENE V.-King Richard's Tent. Richard discovered. K. Rich. 'Tis now the dead of night, and half the world Is in a lonely solemn darkness hung: |