The two young sons of King Edward IV and his wife, Elizabeth, their names are actually Prince Edward and the young duke of York, but they are often referred to collectively. I,1,51. I'll do that then, not out of love for her, but because it's part of my secret plan. May I know? Than Edward will for tidings of my death. But I'm afraid to be damned for killing him. Struggling with distance learning? Any man who wants to live well should trust only himself, and live without his conscience. I'm strong-willed. Nature has cheated me out of handsome features and proper proportions. Let it go; there's few or none will entertain it. OPTIONS: Show cue speeches Show full speeches # Act, Scene, Line (Click to see in context) Speech text: 1. With lies well steeled with weighty arguments. I long to hear you tell it. Thomas, Duke of Clarence. I seemed to see a thousand shipwrecks; ten thousand men whose bodies had been gnawed by fish; bars of gold; huge anchors; heaps of pearls; and vast amounts of priceless jewels, all scattered on the bottom of the sea. Duke of Clarence was a substantive title created three times in the Peerage of England.The title Duke of Clarence and St Andrews has also been created in the Peerage of Great Britain, and Duke of Clarence and Avondale and Earl of Clarence in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.The titles have traditionally been awarded to junior members of the English and British Royal Family, and all are now . Alas! Wherein, my friends, have I offended you? You may, sir. Oh, I had a miserable night last night. My brother's love; the devil; and my rage. No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too. Medium: Etching and engraving. When thou hast broke it in such dear degree? Take that, and that. Remind Richard of this, and he will weep. But, you thoughts, hide yourselves deep down in my soul, for here comes Clarence. Thomas, Duke of Clarence. He manipulates Edward into imprisoning their brother, Clarence, and then has Clarence murdered in the Tower. Had you such leisure in the time of death, To yield the ghost, but still the envious flood. It cannot be; for when I parted with him. Not afraid to kill him, since we have a warrant for it. To threaten me with death is most unlawful. He is the unhappy, "false, fleeting, perjured Clarence," who learns only just before his violent death that it is his own brother Richard who has plotted against him. The deed you undertake is damnable. For Edward, for my brother, for his sake. Wherein, my friends, have I offended you? My soul is sad, and I want to sleep. I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it. . I will, my lord. George and his younger brother Richard stayed under the care of their mother, Cecily Neville. It was so full of ugly dreams and terrifying visions, that I swear I wouldn't choose to spend another night like it. You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so,And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it. It was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty. What was your dream, my lord? George, Duke of Clarence Character Analysis George, Duke of Clarence The third son of the Duke of York is Richard's first victim. Give up? A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue. All the clouds that had descended over our family have now been banished and returned to the sea. Richard, wanting his brother out of the way so he may come closer to ascending the throne himself, hires two men to murder him. This warrant commands me to deliver the noble Duke of Clarence into your hands. And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover To entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determind to prove a villain And hate the idle pleasures of these days. Into this breathing world, scarce half made up. We say that the king is wise and virtuous, and his noble queen is well advanced in years, beautiful, and not jealous. Personally opposed to parliamentary reform, he grudgingly accepted the epochal Reform Act of 1832, which . I will go to the king and do whatever you need me to do to get you released, even if it means calling King Edward's wife "sister." I am his brother, and I love him very much. I passed over the river of death with the help of Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, and I entered the kingdom of perpetual night. God give your Grace good rest. Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover. Shakespeare's Richard III Act 1 Scene 4 The Murder of Clarence That stabb'd me in the field by Tewksbury; Seize on him, Furies, take him to your torments! Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble. About Richard III - CliffsNotes 'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower. When thou hast broke it in so dear degree? Unrippedst the bowels of thy sovereigns son. Next a shadow like an angel came wandering by, with its bright hair spattered with blood, and it shrieked aloud, "Clarence is herefalse, fickle, lying Clarence, who stabbed me in the field at Tewkesbury. No. I beg your pardon, your Graces. If you're hired to do this for money, then go back again and talk to my brother the Duke of Gloucester. No marvel, my lord, though it affrighted you; I promise, I am afraid to hear you tell it. I have hatched plots and put dangerous plans into action, using prophecies made while drunk; slander; and stories about dreams. Didst break that vow; and with thy treacherous blade. Remember the reward we'll get when the deed is done. Will you then disobey God's commandment just to obey a man's? Now we wear wreaths of victory on our foreheads, and we've hung up our armor as decoration. And I will send you to my brother Gloucester. A street. Relentlessly power-hungry, Richard is not afraid to betray, lie, and murder to advance himself towards the throne. By Saint Paul, that is bad news indeed. As snow in harvest. If that's the problem, then our brother, the king, should arrest those who named you instead. George is later seen as a ghost in Richard III's dream where he wishes death to his brother and victory for the future Henry VII. You may sir, 'tis a point of wisdom: fare you well. My brother's love, the devil, and my rage. I hope this passionate, humor of mine will change. Ever since our brother declared that Miss Shore and the queen are nobility, they've become great gossips in the court. Who made thee then a bloody ministerWhen gallant-springing, brave Plantagenet, That princely novice, was struck dead by thee? Jailer, please sit with me a while. And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it. It fills him with obstacles. You misguided subjects, the great King of, Godhas said in his Ten Commandments that "you shall not murder.". The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments. We say that Mister Shore's wife has pretty feet, cherry lips, lovely eyes, and a pleasant voice. O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear. Hicks, Michael. We are not safe. The biggest problem Warwick had was the king's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, a common woman. [To the SECOND MURDERER] My friend, I can see some pity in your face. It isn't the king who's sending you to the Towerit's his wife, Lady Elizabeth Grey. Tut, I am strong-fram'd, he cannot prevail with me. Ah, jailer, jailer, I did all those things that the ghosts accused me ofand my crimes are now giving evidence against my soul. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The jealous o'erworn widow and herself, Since that our brother dubbed them gentlewomen, Are mighty gossips in this monarchy. Where is he, in his bed? Naught to do with Mistress Shore? Then you go ahead, and I will follow you. Duke of Clarence - Wikipedia Or who has pronounced this death sentence on me before I could be convicted by a court of law? Go to him from me. Wherefore do you come? Let it go. And art you yet to your own souls so blind. For whose sake did I that ill deed? It's a blushing, shamefaced spirit that betrays a man's heart. We say that Shores wife hath a pretty foot, A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue, And that the queens kindred are made gentlefolks. For whose sake did I that ill deed? His majesty hath straitly given in charge That no man shall have private conference, Of what degree soever, with his brother. Will you then disobey God's commandment just to obey a man's? That won't matter. Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings. George Plantagenet was born the third surviving son of Richard, Duke of York, in Dublin, while his father was stationed there as lieutenant of Ireland. Why do you look so pale? Could not believe but that I was in hell. And have prevailed as much on him as you. Your brother Gloucester hates you. No doubt, no doubt. But who's this coming? I long to hear you tell it. Seize him, avenging devils. My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep. Remember our reward when the deeds done. And for a long time afterward I still believed that I was in hellthat was how terrible an impression this dream made on me. Go tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return. Your brother Richard hates you. Beware, for God holds vengeance in his hand, waiting to smite those who break his laws. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours. When they are gone, then must I count my gains. Go, coward that you are. You are deceived. He can't be sending you to murder me for the prince's deathbecause in that, he is just as guilty as I am. Oh God, if you aren't satisfied with my repentant prayersand you must avenge my crimesthen punish me alone! Edward still lives and reigns as king. O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear.Go you to him from me. SCENE IV. London. The Tower. - Massachusetts Institute of Technology What beggar wouldn't pity a begging prince? Well, then on Judgment Day he'll say that we stabbed him in his sleep. Why look you pale?Who sent you hither? Beware, for God holds vengeance in his hand, waiting to smite those who break his laws. The best way to make it up to the girl is to become her new husband and father. Act III - CliffsNotes The Duke is treated without any disposition to accentuate the ludicrous aspect of his character and fortunes. If two such murderers as yourselves came to you. No joys help me pass the time, unless I want to see my own shadow in the sun and make speeches about my deformity. I tell thee, fellow. LitCharts Teacher Editions. I can only count my gains when they're dead. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Tell him, when that our princely father York Blessed his three sons with his victorious arm, And charged us from his soul to love each other, He little thought of this divided friendship. safe are the queen's relatives, and the secret messengers who travel between the king and his mistress, Jane Shore. Ill in to urge his hatred more to Clarence. Richard III - Entire Play | Folger Shakespeare Library The urging of that word 'judgment' hath bred a kind, Not to kill him, having a warrant for it; but to be. Nay, I pray thee, stay a little: I hope my holy humour, will change; 'twas wont to hold me but while one, 'Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet. In 1460, both York and his second son Edmund were killed at the Battle of Wakefield against the Lancastrians. To hurl upon their heads that break His law. Where is the evidence that doth accuse me? George, Duke of Clarence - CliffsNotes [He hands them the keys] Ill to the king and signify to him That thus I have resigned my charge to you. Didn't you hear how Lord Hastings had to beg Miss Shore in order to get released? And we'll obey. The only glory princes really have are their titles, which are outward honors for their inner troubles. Luxurious emotions are the elements in which he lives; they run to seed in him like a "Humour." His opening words, "If music be the food of . I was barely half-created when I came into the world, and left so lame and misshapen that dogs bark at me as I limp past them. And that same vengeance doth He hurl on thee. or who pronounced. I passed, methought, the melancholy flood. For then Ill marry Warwicks youngest daughter. Toggle Contents Act and scene list. I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within. Never, my lord; therefore prepare to die. Why, he won't be waking up until Judgment Day. That thou shalt do no murder: and wilt thou, then. How now? Erroneous vassals, the great King of kings Hath in the tables of His law commanded That thou shalt do no murder. Than Edward will for tidings of my death. You hardly have the heart to tell me, so you must not have the heart to do it. endeavors to trust to himself and live without it. But what's the reason for this, Clarence? CLARENCE Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy; And, in my company, my brother Gloucester; Who from my cabin tempted me to walk Upon the hatches: thence we looked toward England, And cited up a thousand fearful times, After Edward IV ascends the throne, George is created Duke of Clarence. Hell say twas done cowardly, when he wakes. The readiest way to make the wench amends Is to become her husband and her father; The which will I, not all so much for love As for another secret close intent By marrying her which I must reach unto. I'll tell you what: if we want to stay in the king's favor, it would be best if we act like Miss Shore's servants too. By heaven, I think there is no man is secure, But the queens kindred and night-walking heralds. And then he vanished. My voice is now the king's, my looks mine own. Princes have but their titles for their glories, An outward honor for an inward toil, And, for unfelt imaginations, They often feel a world of restless cares, So that betwixt their titles and low name There's nothing differs but the outward fame. I'll go in and incite the king to more hatred against Clarence, using lies backed up by sound reasoning. Till that the duke give order for his burial. slander; and stories about dreams in order to set my brother George, Duke of Clarence, against my other brother, the king, so that they hate each other. We say that the queen's relatives have all become nobles. Zounds, tis even now at my elbow, persuading me not tokill the duke. That word "judgment" has made me feel a little bit guilty. It seemed like I did. [To the SECOND MURDERER] Let him see our warrant, and don't say anything. Character List - CliffsNotes Have moved his Highness to commit me now. from your Reading List will also remove any It makes a man a coward: a man, cannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear, but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbors, spirit that mutinies in a mans bosom. In 1476, Clarence's wife died and he fought with his brother as to who he could remarry. Any man who wants to live well should trust only himself, and live without his conscience. By 1450, York had returned to England to start an upheaval of Henry VI's government by removing a number of what he considered to be evil councilors from the king's presence. In retrospect, one can look at Clarence and see that he showed signs of capability, but cannot ignore the act that, at other times, he seemed like a genuine fool. Seize him, avenging devils. Where are the evidence that do accuse me? Therefore, since I cannot amuse myself by being a lover during these peaceful days, I am determined to become a villain. If God intends to punish me for this deed, oh, you know that he will do it publicly! BRAKENBURY What was your dream? A man can't steal without it accusing him; he can't swear without it restraining him; he can't sleep with his neighbor's wife without it exposing him. Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation. O, no, my dream was lengthen'd after life; Who pass'd, methought, the melancholy flood. 'Tis better, sir, to be brief than tedious.Let him seeour commission, and talk no more. My soul is sad, and I want to sleep. Oh, no, he loves me and cherishes me. Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days. It is labelled a history in the First Folio, and is usually considered one, but it is sometimes called a tragedy, as in the quarto edition. Well are you welcome to the open air.How hath your lordship brooked imprisonment? And if I don't fail in my plan, then Clarence won't live even one more day. He will reward you better for sparing my life than King Edward will for news of my death. Ill in to urge his hatred more to Clarence With lies well steeled with weighty arguments, And, if I fail not in my deep intent, Clarence hath not another day to live; Which done, God take King Edward to His mercy, And leave the world for me to bustle in. We are the queen's lowly subjects, and we must obey. Thy brothers love, our duty, and thy faults. And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by. It makes a man a coward: a mancannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbors wife but it detects him. You have enough holy feeling in your souls to advise me to make my peace with God. And I often tried to die, but the jealous waves kept my soul bottled up inside of me. No one will take it in. ", With that, methoughts, a legion of foul fiends, Such hideous cries that with the very noise. Was it not she and that good man of worship. Nay, I prithee stay a little. Richard III is a play by William Shakespeare. It was probably written c. 1592-1594. And just so you know, our brother's disgraceful conduct towards you upsets me more than you can imagine. To threaten me with death is wrong. CLARENCE, BRAKENBURY, and the guards exit. Advertisement. Which of you, if you were in my positiona prince's son in prison, and two murderers like yourselves came to youwouldn't beg for your life? William Blake (British, London 17571827 London), Artist: And mock'd the dead bones that lay scatter'd by. I seemed to see a thousand shipwrecks; ten thousand men whose bodies had been gnawed by fish; bars of gold; huge anchors; heaps of pearls; and vast amounts of priceless jewels, all scattered on the bottom of the sea. It's very sad to think about. The new-delivered Hastings? For false forswearing and for murder too: To fight in quarrel of the house of Lancaster. And for a long time afterward I still believed that I was in hellthat was how terrible an impression this dream made on me. If you are hired for meed, go back again. From whence this present day he is delivered? He was (as he styled himself) "son, brother and uncle of kings", being the fourth and youngest son of Henry IV of England, the brother of Henry V, and the uncle of Henry VI.Gloucester fought in the Hundred Years' War and acted as Lord Protector of England during . I hope this passionate humor of mine will change. He can't be sending you to murder me for the prince's deathbecause in that, he is just as guilty as I am. Bid Gloucester think of this, and he will weep. [He hands them the keys] I'll go to the king and tell him that I've handed over my prisoner to you. And my name, George, begins with "G," so he thinks that the prophecy refers to me. Grim-visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front; And now, instead of mounting barbd steeds. Etching and engraving, Dimensions: But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks. Edward IV was captured and briefly imprisoned by Warwick at one point, but the real victory came after Clarence and Warwick joined forces with Louis XI and Henry VI's wife, Queen Margaret, in a plot to depose Edward IV and reinstate Henry VI. Richard III Play Summary Play Summary The Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) being over, Richard of Gloucester determines to gain the throne occupied by his brother, Edward IV. Kneeling in the foreground, the Duke of Clarence looks over his shoulder at an accusing spirit chillingly described in Shakespeare's Richard III:Then came wand'ring by, A shadow like an Angel, with bright hair Dabbled in blood, and he shriek'd aloud: "Clarence is come, false, fleeting perjur'd Clarence, That stabb'd me in the field by Tewkesbury, Seize on him, furies, take him to your torments!". Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous. One factor that caused a rift between the brothers had to do with Edward's refusal to allow Clarence's marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, the man who had played the biggest part in putting the king on his throne.