Richard II
Text Circles Dramatis Personae Synopsis All Definitions

Share
All
text
First folio
Modern text
Definitions
Key line
Enter as to the Parliament, Bullingbrooke, Aumerle, Northumberland, Enter Bolingbroke with the Lords Aumerle, Northumberland, R2 IV.i.1.1
Percie, Fitz-Water, Surrey, Harry Percy, Fitzwater, Surrey, the R2 IV.i.1.2
Carlile, Abbot of Westminster. Bishop of Carlisle, the Abbot of Westminster, another R2 IV.i.1.3
Herauld, Officers, and Bagot.Lord, Herald, and officer, to Parliament R2 IV.i.1.4
Bullingbrooke. BOLINGBROKE 
Call forth Bagot.Call forth Bagot. R2 IV.i.1
Enter Bagot with officers R2 IV.i.2
Now Bagot, freely speake thy minde,Now, Bagot, freely speak thy mind R2 IV.i.2
What thou do'st know of Noble Glousters death:What thou dost know of noble Gloucester's death, R2 IV.i.3
Who wrought it with the King, and who perform'dWho wrought it with the King, and who performedwork (v.), past form wrought
bring about, arrange, effect		R2 IV.i.4
The bloody Office of his Timelesse end.The bloody office of his timeless end.timeless (adj.)

old form: Timelesse
untimely, premature, ill-timed		R2 IV.i.5
office (n.)
task, service, duty, responsibility
Bag. BAGOT 
Then set before my face, the Lord Aumerle.Then set before my face the Lord Aumerle. R2 IV.i.6
Bul. BOLINGBROKE 
Cosin, stand forth, and looke vpon that man.Cousin, stand forth, and look upon that man. R2 IV.i.7
Bag. BAGOT 
My Lord Aumerle, I know your daring tongueMy Lord Aumerle, I know your daring tongue R2 IV.i.8
Scornes to vnsay, what it hath once deliuer'd.Scorns to unsay what once it hath delivered.unsay (v.)

old form: vnsay
take back, withdraw, retract		R2 IV.i.9
deliver (v.)

old form: deliuer'd
report [to], communicate [to], tell, describe
In that dead time, when Glousters death was plotted,In that dead time when Gloucester's death was plotteddead (adj.)
mortal, deadly, fatal		R2 IV.i.10
I heard you say, Is not my arme of length,I heard you say ‘ Is not my arm of length, R2 IV.i.11
That reacheth from the restfull English CourtThat reacheth from the restful English courtrestful (adj.)

old form: restfull
quiet, peaceful, free from strife		R2 IV.i.12
As farre as Callis, to my Vnkles head.As far as Calais to mine uncle's head?’ R2 IV.i.13
Amongst much other talke, that very time,Amongst much other talk that very time R2 IV.i.14
I heard you say, that you had rather refuseI heard you say that you had rather refuse R2 IV.i.15
The offer of an hundred thousand Crownes,The offer of an hundred thousand crownscrown (n.)
coin [usually showing a monarch's crown], English value: 5 shilllings		R2 IV.i.16
Then Bullingbrookes returne to England; Than Bolingbroke's return to England, R2 IV.i.17
adding withall, / How blest this Land would be,Adding withal how blest this land would be R2 IV.i.18
in this your Cosins death.In this your cousin's death. R2 IV.i.19.1
Aum. AUMERLE 
Princes, and Noble Lords:Princes and noble lords, R2 IV.i.19.2
What answer shall I make to this base man? What answer shall I make to this base man?base (adj.)
dishonourable, low, unworthy		R2 IV.i.20
Shall I so much dishonor my faire Starres,Shall I so much dishonour my fair starsstar (n.)

old form: Starres
fate, fortune, destiny [as determined by the stars]		R2 IV.i.21
fair (adj.)

old form: faire
fortunate, favoured
On equall termes to giue him chasticement?On equal terms to give him chastisement?chastisement (n.)

old form: chasticement
punishment, retribution, correction		R2 IV.i.22
Either I must, or haue mine honor soyl'dEither I must, or have mine honour soiled R2 IV.i.23
With th'Attaindor of his sland'rous Lippes.With the attainder of his slanderous lips.attainder (n.)

old form: Attaindor
accusation, allegation, denunciation		R2 IV.i.24
He throws down his gagegage (n.)
pledge, challenge [usually, a glove or gauntlet thrown down]		R2 IV.i.25
There is my Gage, the manuall Seale of deathThere is my gage, the manual seal of death, R2 IV.i.25
That markes thee out for Hell. Thou lyest,That marks thee out for hell. I say thou liest, R2 IV.i.26
And will maintaine what thou hast said, is false,And will maintain what thou hast said is falsefalse (adj.)
wrong, mistaken		R2 IV.i.27
In thy heart blood, though being all too baseIn thy heart-blood, though being all too base R2 IV.i.28
To staine the temper of my Knightly sword.To stain the temper of my knightly sword.temper (n.)
quality, constitution, condition		R2 IV.i.29
Bul. BOLINGBROKE 
Bagot forbeare, thou shalt not take it vp.Bagot, forbear. Thou shalt not take it up.forbear (v.)

old form: forbeare
stop, cease, desist		R2 IV.i.30
Aum. AUMERLE 
Excepting one, I would he were the bestExcepting one, I would he were the bestbest (n.)
highest ranking person, most eminent person		R2 IV.i.31
In all this presence, that hath mou'd me so.In all this presence that hath moved me so.move (v.)

old form: mou'd
move to anger, provoke, exasperate		R2 IV.i.32
Fitz. FITZWATER 
If that thy valour stand on sympathize:If that thy valour stand on sympathystand on (v.)
insist on, demand, call for		R2 IV.i.33
sympathy (n.)
equivalence of rank, corresponding status
There is my Gage, Aumerle, in Gage to thine:There is my gage, Aumerle, in gage to thine. R2 IV.i.34
He throws down his gage R2 IV.i.35
By that faire Sunne, that shewes me where thou stand'st,By that fair sun which shows me where thou standest R2 IV.i.35
I heard thee say (and vauntingly thou spak'st it)I heard thee say, and vauntingly thou spakest it, R2 IV.i.36
That thou wer't cause of Noble Glousters death.That thou wert cause of noble Gloucester's death. R2 IV.i.37
If thou deniest it, twenty times thou lyest,If thou deniest it twenty times, thou liest, R2 IV.i.38
And I will turne thy falshood to thy hart,And I will turn thy falsehood to thy heart,turn (v.)

old form: turne
send, drive, dispatch		R2 IV.i.39
Where it was forged with my Rapiers point.Where it was forged, with my rapier's point.rapier (n.)
light sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting		R2 IV.i.40
Aum. AUMERLE 
Thou dar'st not (Coward) liue to see the day.Thou darest not, coward, live to see that day. R2 IV.i.41
Fitz. FITZWATER 
Now by my Soule, I would it were this houre.Now by my soul, I would it were this hour. R2 IV.i.42
Aum. AUMERLE 
Fitzwater thou art damn'd to hell for this.Fitzwater, thou art damned to hell for this. R2 IV.i.43
Per. PERCY 
Aumerle, thou lye'st: his Honor is astrueAumerle, thou liest. His honour is as true R2 IV.i.44
In this Appeale, as thou art all vniust:In this appeal as thou art all unjust;appeal (n.)

old form: Appeale
accusation, charge of treason		R2 IV.i.45
And that thou art so, there I throw my GageAnd that thou art so there I throw my gage R2 IV.i.46
To proue it on thee, to th'extreamest pointTo prove it on thee to the extremest point R2 IV.i.47
Of mortall breathing. Of mortal breathing. R2 IV.i.48.1
He throws down his gage R2 IV.i.48
Seize it, if thou dar'st.Seize it if thou darest. R2 IV.i.48.2
Aum. AUMERLE 
And if I do not, may my hands rot off,And if I do not may my hands rot off, R2 IV.i.49
And neuer brandish more reuengefull Steele,And never brandish more revengeful steel R2 IV.i.50
Ouer the glittering Helmet of my Foe.Over the glittering helmet of my foe. R2 IV.i.51
ANOTHER LORD 
I task the earth to the like, forsworn Aumerle,like, the
the same		R2 IV.i.52
forsworn (adj.)
perjured, falsely swearing
And spur thee on with full as many lieslie (n.)
accusation of lying, charge of falsehood		R2 IV.i.53
As may be hollowed in thy treacherous earhallow, holloa, hollow (v.)
shout, yell, cry out		R2 IV.i.54
From sun to sun.sun to sun, from
from sunrise to sunset		R2 IV.i.55.1
He throws down his gage R2 IV.i.55
There is my honour's pawn. R2 IV.i.55.2
Engage it to the trial if thou darest.engage (v.)
take up a gage, accept a challenge		R2 IV.i.56
AUMERLE 
Who sets me else? By heaven, I'll throw at all.set (v.)
challenge, put down a stake against		R2 IV.i.57
throw at (v.)
throw dice, play dice [with]
I have a thousand spirits in one breast R2 IV.i.58
To answer twenty thousand such as you. R2 IV.i.59
Surrey. SURREY 
My Lord Fitz-water: / I do remember well, My Lord Fitzwater, I do remember well R2 IV.i.60
the very time / Aumerle, and you did talke.The very time Aumerle and you did talk. R2 IV.i.61
Fitz. FITZWATER 
My Lord, / 'Tis very true: You were in presence then,'Tis very true. You were in presence then,presence (n.)
attendance, state of being present		R2 IV.i.62
And you can witnesse with me, this is true.And you can witness with me this is true. R2 IV.i.63
Surrey. SURREY 
As false, by heauen, / As Heauen it selfe is true.As false, by heaven, as heaven itself is true.false (adj.)
wrong, mistaken		R2 IV.i.64
Fitz. FITZWATER 
Surrey, thou Lyest.Surrey, thou liest. R2 IV.i.65.1
Surrey. SURREY 
Dishonourable Boy;Dishonourable boy, R2 IV.i.65.2
That Lye, shall lie so heauy on my Sword,That lie shall lie so heavy on my sword R2 IV.i.66
That it shall render Vengeance, and Reuenge,That it shall render vengeance and revenge R2 IV.i.67
Till thou the Lye-giuer, and that Lye, doe lyeTill thou, the lie-giver, and that lie do lie R2 IV.i.68
In earth as quiet, as thy Fathers Scull.In earth as quiet as thy father's skull. R2 IV.i.69
In proofe whereof, there is mine Honors pawne,In proof whereof, there is my honour's pawn. R2 IV.i.70
Engage it to the Triall, if thou dar'st.He throws down his gage R2 IV.i.71.1
Engage it to the trial if thou darest. R2 IV.i.71
Fitzw. FITZWATER 
How fondly do'st thou spurre a forward Horse?How fondly dost thou spur a forward horse!forward (adj.)
spirited, eager, lively		R2 IV.i.72
fondly (adv.)
foolishly, stupidly, madly
If I dare eate, or drinke, or breathe, or liue,If I dare eat, or drink, or breathe, or live, R2 IV.i.73
I dare meete Surrey in a Wildernesse,I dare meet Surrey in a wilderness R2 IV.i.74
And spit vpon him, whilest I say he Lyes,And spit upon him whilst I say he lies, R2 IV.i.75
And Lyes, and Lyes: there is my Bond of Faith,And lies, and lies. There is my bond of faith R2 IV.i.76
To tye thee to my strong Correction.To tie thee to my strong correction.correction (n.)
punishment, retribution, rebuke		R2 IV.i.77
As I intend to thriue in this new World,As I intend to thrive in this new world R2 IV.i.78
Aumerle is guiltie of my true Appeale.Aumerle is guilty of my true appeal.appeal (n.)

old form: Appeale
accusation, charge of treason		R2 IV.i.79
Besides, I heard the banish'd Norfolke say,Besides, I heard the banished Norfolk say R2 IV.i.80
That thou Aumerle didst send two of thy men,That thou, Aumerle, didst send two of thy men R2 IV.i.81
To execute the Noble Duke at Callis.To execute the noble Duke at Calais. R2 IV.i.82
Aum. AUMERLE 
Some honest Christian trust me with a Gage,Some honest Christian trust me with a gage. R2 IV.i.83
He throws down a gage R2 IV.i.84
That Norfolke lyes: here doe I throw downe this,That Norfolk lies here do I throw down this, R2 IV.i.84
If he may be repeal'd, to trie his Honor.If he may be repealed to try his honour.repeal (v.)

old form: repeal'd
recall, call back [from exile]		R2 IV.i.85
try (v.)

old form: trie
put to the test, test the goodness [of]
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
These differences shall all rest vnder Gage,These differences shall all rest under gagegage, rest under

old form: vnder
remain as challenges		R2 IV.i.86
Till Norfolke be repeal'd: repeal'd he shall be;Till Norfolk be repealed. Repealed he shall be,repeal (v.)

old form: repeal'd
recall, call back [from exile]		R2 IV.i.87
And (though mine Enemie) restor'd againeAnd, though mine enemy, restored again R2 IV.i.88
To all his Lands and Seignories: when hee's return'd,To all his lands and signories. When he is returnedsignory (n.)

old form: Seignories
estate, domain, territory		R2 IV.i.89
Against Aumerle we will enforce his Tryall.Against Aumerle we will enforce his trial. R2 IV.i.90
Carl. BISHOP OF CARLISLE 
That honorable day shall ne're be seene.That honourable day shall never be seen. R2 IV.i.91
Many a time hath banish'd Norfolke foughtMany a time hath banished Norfolk fought R2 IV.i.92
For Iesu Christ, in glorious Christian fieldFor Jesu Christ in glorious Christian field,field (n.)
field of battle, battleground, field of combat		R2 IV.i.93
Streaming the Ensigne of the Christian Crosse,Streaming the ensign of the Christian cross R2 IV.i.94
Against black Pagans, Turkes, and Saracens:Against black pagans, Turks, and Saracens, R2 IV.i.95
And toyl'd with workes of Warre, retyr'd himselfeAnd, toiled with works of war, retired himselfretire (v.)

old form: retyr'd
withdraw, take oneself away		R2 IV.i.96
toil (v.)

old form: toyl'd
exhaust, tire out, fatigue
To Italy, and there at Venice gaueTo Italy, and there at Venice gave R2 IV.i.97
His Body to that pleasant Countries Earth,His body to that pleasant country's earth, R2 IV.i.98
And his pure Soule vnto his Captaine Christ,And his pure soul unto his captain, Christ,captain (n.)

old form: Captaine
commander, chief, leader		R2 IV.i.99
Vnder whose Colours he had fought so long.Under whose colours he had fought so long.colours (n.)
battle-flags, ensigns, standards, banners		R2 IV.i.100
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Why Bishop, is Norfolke dead?Why, Bishop, is Norfolk dead? R2 IV.i.101
Carl. BISHOP OF CARLISLE 
As sure as I liue, my Lord.As surely as I live, my lord. R2 IV.i.102
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Sweet peace conduct his sweet Soule / To the BosomeSweet peace conduct his sweet soul to the bosom R2 IV.i.103
of good old Abraham. Lords Appealants, Of good old Abraham! Lords appellants,Abraham (n.)
in the Bible, a Hebrew patriarch, whose name is changed by God from Abram to Abraham 		R2 IV.i.104
your differẽces shal all rest vnder gage,Your differences shall all rest under gage R2 IV.i.105
Till we assigne you to your dayes of Tryall.Till we assign you to your days of trial. R2 IV.i.106
Enter Yorke.Enter York R2 IV.i.107
Yorke. YORK 
Great Duke of Lancaster, I come to theeGreat Duke of Lancaster, I come to thee R2 IV.i.107
From plume-pluckt Richard, who with willing SouleFrom plume-plucked Richard, who with willing soulplume-plucked (adj.)

old form: plume-pluckt
humbled, stripped of plumes		R2 IV.i.108
Adopts thee Heire, and his high Scepter yeeldsAdopts thee heir, and his high sceptre yields R2 IV.i.109
To the possession of thy Royall Hand.To the possession of thy royal hand. R2 IV.i.110
Ascend his Throne, descending now from him,Ascend his throne, descending now from him, R2 IV.i.111
And long liue Henry, of that Name the Fourth.And long live Henry, fourth of that name! R2 IV.i.112
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
In Gods Name, Ile ascend the Regall Throne.In God's name I'll ascend the regal throne. R2 IV.i.113
Carl. BISHOP OF CARLISLE 
Mary, Heauen forbid.Marry, God forbid!marry (int.)
[exclamation] by Mary		R2 IV.i.114
Worst in this Royall Presence may I speake,Worst in this royal presence may I speak, R2 IV.i.115
Yet best beseeming me to speake the truth.Yet best beseeming me to speak the truth:beseem (v.)
befit, be fitting [for], be seemly [for]		R2 IV.i.116
Would God, that any in this Noble PresenceWould God that any in this noble presence R2 IV.i.117
Were enough Noble, to be vpright IudgeWere enough noble to be upright judge R2 IV.i.118
Of Noble Richard: then true Noblenesse wouldOf noble Richard! Then true noblesse wouldnoblesse (n.)

old form: Noblenesse
nobility, nobleness		R2 IV.i.119
Learne him forbearance from so foule a Wrong.Learn him forbearance from so foul a wrong.learn (v.)

old form: Learne
teach, instruct [not a regional dialect usage as in modern English]		R2 IV.i.120
forbearance (n.)
absence, abstention, staying away
What Subiect can giue Sentence on his King?What subject can give sentence on his king? –  R2 IV.i.121
And who sits here, that is not Richards Subiect?And who sits here that is not Richard's subject? R2 IV.i.122
Theeues are not iudg'd, but they are by to heare,Thieves are not judged but they are by to hear R2 IV.i.123
Although apparant guilt be seene in them:Although apparent guilt be seen in them;apparent (adj.)

old form: apparant
plainly visible, conspicuous, evident, obvious		R2 IV.i.124
And shall the figure of Gods Maiestie,And shall the figure of God's majesty,figure (n.)
copy, image, likeness		R2 IV.i.125
His Captaine, Steward, Deputie elect,His captain, steward, deputy elect,elect (adj.)
chosen, selected, picked out		R2 IV.i.126
Anoynted, Crown'd, planted many yeeres,Anointed, crowned, planted many years, R2 IV.i.127
Be iudg'd by subiect, and inferior breathe,Be judged by subject and inferior breath R2 IV.i.128
And he himselfe not present? Oh, forbid it, God,And he himself not present? O, forfend it Godforfend (v.)
forbid		R2 IV.i.129
That in a Christian Climate, Soules refin'deThat in a Christian climate souls refinedrefined (adj.)

old form: refin'de
civilized, cultivated, sophisticated		R2 IV.i.130
climate (n.)
region, country [without reference to climatic conditions]
Should shew so heynous, black, obscene a deed.Should show so heinous, black, obscene a deed! R2 IV.i.131
I speake to Subiects, and a Subiect speakes,I speak to subjects, and a subject speaks, R2 IV.i.132
Stirr'd vp by Heauen, thus boldly for his King.Stirred up by God thus boldly for his king. R2 IV.i.133
My Lord of Hereford here, whom you call King,My Lord of Hereford here, whom you call king, R2 IV.i.134
Is a foule Traytor to prowd Herefords King.Is a foul traitor to proud Hereford's King; R2 IV.i.135
And if you Crowne him, let me prophecie,And if you crown him, let me prophesy R2 IV.i.136
The blood of English shall manure the ground,The blood of English shall manure the ground, R2 IV.i.137
And future Ages groane for his foule Act.And future ages groan for this foul act. R2 IV.i.138
Peace shall goe sleepe with Turkes and Infidels,Peace shall go sleep with Turks and infidels, R2 IV.i.139
And in this Seat of Peace, tumultuous WarresAnd in this seat of peace tumultuous wars R2 IV.i.140
Shall Kinne with Kinne, and Kinde with Kinde confound.Shall kin with kin, and kind with kind, confound.kind (n.)

old form: Kinde
breed, lineage, stock, family		R2 IV.i.141
confound (v.)
destroy, overthrow, ruin
Disorder, Horror, Feare, and MutinieDisorder, horror, fear, and mutiny R2 IV.i.142
Shall here inhabite, and this Land be call'dShall here inhabit, and this land be called R2 IV.i.143
The field of Golgotha, and dead mens Sculls.The field of Golgotha and dead men's skulls. R2 IV.i.144
Oh, if you reare this House, against this HouseO, if you raise this house against this houserear (v.)

old form: reare
raise, incite, rouse up		R2 IV.i.145
It will the wofullest Diuision proue,It will the woefullest division prove R2 IV.i.146
That euer fell vpon this cursed Earth.That ever fell upon this cursed earth. R2 IV.i.147
Preuent it, resist it, and let it not be so,Prevent it; resist it; let it not be so, R2 IV.i.148
Least Child, Childs Children cry against you, Woe.Lest child, child's children, cry against you woe. R2 IV.i.149
North. NORTHUMBERLAND 
Well haue you argu'd Sir: and for your paines,Well have you argued, sir; and for your pains R2 IV.i.150
Of Capitall Treason we arrest you here.Of capital treason we arrest you here. R2 IV.i.151
My Lord of Westminster, be it your charge,My Lord of Westminster, be it your charge R2 IV.i.152
To keepe him safely, till his day of Tryall.To keep him safely till his day of trial. R2 IV.i.153
May it please you, Lords, to grant the Commons Suit?May it please you, lords, to grant the commons' suit?suit (n.)

old form: Suit
formal request, entreaty, petition		R2 IV.i.154
commons (n.)
common people, ordinary citizens
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Fetch hither Richard, that in common viewFetch hither Richard, that in common view R2 IV.i.155
He may surrender: so we shall proceedeHe may surrender. So we shall proceedsurrender (v.)
abdicate, resign, give up the throne		R2 IV.i.156
Without suspition.Without suspicion. R2 IV.i.157.1
Yorke.YORK 
I will be his Conduct. I will be his conduct.conduct (n.)
escort, attendant, guide		R2 IV.i.157.2
Exit. Exit R2 IV.i.157
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Lords, you that here are vnder our Arrest,Lords, you that here are under our arrest, R2 IV.i.158
Procure your Sureties for your Dayes of Answer:Procure your sureties for your days of answer.surety (n.)
person undertaking a legal responsibility in relation to another, guarantor		R2 IV.i.159
answer (n.)
interrogation, cross-examination, appearance in court, trial
Little are we beholding to your Loue,Little are we beholding to your love, R2 IV.i.160
And little look'd for at your helping Hands.And little looked for at your helping hands.look for (v.)

old form: look'd
expect, hope for, anticipate		R2 IV.i.161
Enter Richard and Yorke.Enter Richard and York R2 IV.i.162
Rich. RICHARD 
Alack, why am I sent for to a King,Alack, why am I sent for to a king R2 IV.i.162
Before I haue shooke off the Regall thoughtsBefore I have shook off the regal thoughts R2 IV.i.163
Wherewith I reign'd? I hardly yet haue learn'dWherewith I reigned? I hardly yet have learned R2 IV.i.164
To insinuate, flatter, bowe, and bend my Knee.To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my knee. R2 IV.i.165
Giue Sorrow leaue a while, to tuture meGive sorrow leave awhile to tutor me R2 IV.i.166
To this submission. Yet I well rememberTo this submission. Yet I well remember R2 IV.i.167
The fauors of these men: were they not mine?The favours of these men. Were they not mine?favour (n.)

old form: fauors
gesture or token of regard, bow, curtsy		R2 IV.i.168
Did they not sometime cry, All hayle to me?Did they not sometime cry ‘ All hail!’ to me? R2 IV.i.169
So Iudas did to Christ: but he in twelue,So Judas did to Christ. But He in twelveJudas (n.)
in the Bible, Judas Iscariot, betrayer of Christ		R2 IV.i.170
Found truth in all, but one; I, in twelue thousand, none.Found truth in all but one; I, in twelve thousand, none. R2 IV.i.171
God saue the King: will no man say, Amen?God save the King! Will no man say Amen? R2 IV.i.172
Am I both Priest, and Clarke? well then, Amen.Am I both priest and clerk? Well then, Amen.clerk (n.)

old form: Clarke
altar-server, assistant		R2 IV.i.173
God saue the King, although I be not hee:God save the King, although I be not he; R2 IV.i.174
And yet Amen, if Heauen doe thinke him mee.And yet Amen if Heaven do think him me. R2 IV.i.175
To doe what seruice, am I sent for hither?To do what service am I sent for hither? R2 IV.i.176
Yorke. YORK 
To doe that office of thine owne good will,To do that office of thine own good willoffice (n.)
task, service, duty, responsibility		R2 IV.i.177
Which tyred Maiestie did make thee offer:Which tired majesty did make thee offer: R2 IV.i.178
The Resignation of thy State and CrowneThe resignation of thy state and crown R2 IV.i.179
To Henry Bullingbrooke.To Henry Bolingbroke. R2 IV.i.180.1
Rich. RICHARD 
Giue me the Crown. Give me the crown. R2 IV.i.180.2
Here Cousin, seize ye Crown: / Here Cousin, Here, cousin – seize the crown. Here, cousin –  R2 IV.i.181
on this side my Hand, on that side thine.On this side, my hand; and on that side, thine. R2 IV.i.182
Now is this Golden Crowne like a deepe Well,Now is this golden crown like a deep well R2 IV.i.183
That owes two Buckets, filling one another,That owes two buckets, filling one another,owe (v.)
own, possess, have		R2 IV.i.184
The emptier euer dancing in the ayre,The emptier ever dancing in the air, R2 IV.i.185
The other downe, vnseene, and full of Water:The other down, unseen, and full of water. R2 IV.i.186
That Bucket downe, and full of Teares am I,That bucket down and full of tears am I, R2 IV.i.187
Drinking my Griefes, whil'st you mount vp on high.Drinking my griefs whilst you mount up on high. R2 IV.i.188
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
I thought you had been willing to resigne.I thought you had been willing to resign. R2 IV.i.189
Rich.RICHARD 
My Crowne I am, but still my Griefes are mine:My crown I am; but still my griefs are mine. R2 IV.i.190
You may my Glories and my State depose,You may my glories and my state depose,depose (v.)
take away, deprive, dispossess		R2 IV.i.191
But not my Griefes; still am I King of those.But not my griefs. Still am I king of those.still (adv.)
ever, now [as before]		R2 IV.i.192
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Part of your Cares you giue me with your Crowne.Part of your cares you give me with your crown.care (n.)
sorrow, grief, trouble		R2 IV.i.193
Rich. RICHARD 
Your Cares set vp, do not pluck my Cares downe.Your cares set up do not pluck my cares down. R2 IV.i.194
My Care, is losse of Care, by old Care done,My care is loss of care by old care done;care (n.)
attentiveness, heedfulness, diligence		R2 IV.i.195
care (n.)
anxiety, worry, solicitude [about]
care (n.)
responsibility, duty, matter of concern
care (n.)
sorrow, grief, trouble
Your Care, is gaine of Care, by new Care wonne:Your care is gain of care by new care won.care (n.)
attentiveness, heedfulness, diligence		R2 IV.i.196
care (n.)
anxiety, worry, solicitude [about]
care (n.)
responsibility, duty, matter of concern
The Cares I giue, I haue, though giuen away,The cares I give, I have, though given away.care (n.)
anxiety, worry, solicitude [about]		R2 IV.i.197
They 'tend the Crowne, yet still with me they stay:They 'tend the crown, yet still with me they stay.attend (v.)
accompany, follow closely, go with		R2 IV.i.198
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Are you contented to resigne the Crowne?Are you contented to resign the crown?contented (adj.)
willing, ready, agreeable		R2 IV.i.199
Rich. RICHARD 
I, no; no, I: for I must nothing bee:Ay, no. No, ay; for I must nothing be. R2 IV.i.200
Therefore no, no, for I resigne to thee.Therefore no no, for I resign to thee. R2 IV.i.201
Now, marke me how I will vndoe my selfe.Now mark me how I will undo myself.mark (v.)

old form: marke
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]		R2 IV.i.202
undo (v.)

old form: vndoe
ruin, destroy, wipe out
I giue this heauie Weight from off my Head,I give this heavy weight from off my head, R2 IV.i.203
And this vnwieldie Scepter from my Hand,And this unwieldy sceptre from my hand, R2 IV.i.204
The pride of Kingly sway from out my Heart.The pride of kingly sway from out my heart.sway (n.)
power, dominion, rule		R2 IV.i.205
With mine owne Teares I wash away my Balme,With mine own tears I wash away my balm,balm (n.)
fragrant oil used for anointing, consecrated oil		R2 IV.i.206
With mine owne Hands I giue away my Crowne,With mine own hands I give away my crown, R2 IV.i.207
With mine owne Tongue denie my Sacred State,With mine own tongue deny my sacred state, R2 IV.i.208
With mine owne Breath release all dutious Oathes;With mine own breath release all duteous oaths.release (v.)
give up, hand over, transfer		R2 IV.i.209
duteous (adj.)

old form: dutious
dutiful, obedient, of allegiance
All Pompe and Maiestie I doe forsweare:All pomp and majesty I do forswear.forswear (v), past forms forsworn, forswore

old form: forsweare
abandon, renounce, reject, give up		R2 IV.i.210
My Manors, Rents, Reuenues, I forgoe;My manors, rents, revenues I forgo. R2 IV.i.211
My Acts, Decrees, and Statutes I denie:My acts, decrees, and statutes I deny. R2 IV.i.212
God pardon all Oathes that are broke to mee,God pardon all oaths that are broke to me; R2 IV.i.213
God keepe all Vowes vnbroke are made to thee.God keep all vows unbroke are made to thee; R2 IV.i.214
Make me, that nothing haue, with nothing grieu'd,Make me, that nothing have, with nothing grieved, R2 IV.i.215
And thou with all pleas'd, that hast all atchieu'd.And thou with all pleased, that hast all achieved. R2 IV.i.216
Long may'st thou liue in Richards Seat to sit,Long mayst thou live in Richard's seat to sit, R2 IV.i.217
And soone lye Richard in an Earthie Pit.And soon lie Richard in an earthly pit. R2 IV.i.218
God saue King Henry, vn-King'd Richard sayes,‘ God save King Henry,’ unkinged Richard says,unkinged (adj.)

old form: vn-King'd
deposed, dethroned, deprived of kingship		R2 IV.i.219
And send him many yeeres of Sunne-shine dayes.‘ And send him many years of sunshine days.’ R2 IV.i.220
What more remaines?What more remains? R2 IV.i.221.1
North. NORTHUMBERLAND 
No more: but that you readeNo more but that you read R2 IV.i.221.2
These Accusations, and these grieuous Crymes,These accusations and these grievous crimes R2 IV.i.222
Committed by your Person, and your followers,Committed by your person and your followers R2 IV.i.223
Against the State, and Profit of this Land:Against the state and profit of this land, R2 IV.i.224
That by confessing them, the Soules of menThat by confessing them the souls of men R2 IV.i.225
May deeme, that you are worthily depos'd.May deem that you are worthily deposed. R2 IV.i.226
Rich. RICHARD 
Must I doe so? and must I rauell outMust I do so? And must I ravel outravel out (v.)

old form: rauell
unravel, disentangle, make clear		R2 IV.i.227
My weau'd-vp follyes? Gentle Northumberland,My weaved-up follies? Gentle Northumberland,weaved-up (adj.)

old form: weau'd-vp
woven together, intertwined		R2 IV.i.228
gentle (adj.)
well-born, honourable, noble
If thy Offences were vpon Record,If thy offences were upon record, R2 IV.i.229
Would it not shame thee, in so faire a troupe,Would it not shame thee in so fair a troop R2 IV.i.230
To reade a Lecture of them? If thou would'st,To read a lecture of them? If thou wouldst, R2 IV.i.231
There should'st thou finde one heynous Article,There shouldst thou find one heinous article,article (n.)
item, particular, point of substance		R2 IV.i.232
Contayning the deposing of a King,Containing the deposing of a king R2 IV.i.233
And cracking the strong Warrant of an Oath,And cracking the strong warrant of an oath,warrant (n.)
assurance, pledge, guarantee		R2 IV.i.234
Mark'd with a Blot, damn'd in the Booke of Heauen.Marked with a blot, damned in the book of heaven. R2 IV.i.235
Nay, all of you, that stand and looke vpon me,Nay, all of you that stand and look upon me, R2 IV.i.236
Whil'st that my wretchednesse doth bait my selfe,Whilst that my wretchedness doth bait myself,bait (v.)
harass, persecute, torment		R2 IV.i.237
Though some of you, with Pilate, wash your hands,Though some of you – with Pilate – wash your hands,Pilate (n.)
Pontius Pilate, Roman prefect of Judea, 1st-c		R2 IV.i.238
Shewing an outward pittie: yet you PilatesShowing an outward pity, yet you Pilates R2 IV.i.239
Haue here deliuer'd me to my sowre Crosse,Have here delivered me to my sour cross,sour (adj.)

old form: sowre
bitter, harsh, painful		R2 IV.i.240
And Water cannot wash away your sinne.And water cannot wash away your sin. R2 IV.i.241
North. NORTHUMBERLAND 
My Lord dispatch, reade o're these Articles.My lord, dispatch. Read o'er these articles.dispatch, despatch (v.)
hurry up, be quick		R2 IV.i.242
Rich. RICHARD 
Mine Eyes are full of Teares, I cannot see:Mine eyes are full of tears. I cannot see. R2 IV.i.243
And yet salt-Water blindes them not so much,And yet salt water blinds them not so much R2 IV.i.244
But they can see a sort of Traytors here.But they can see a sort of traitors here.sort (n.)
pack, crowd, gang		R2 IV.i.245
Nay, if I turne mine Eyes vpon my selfe,Nay, if I turn mine eyes upon myself R2 IV.i.246
I finde my selfe a Traytor with the rest:I find myself a traitor with the rest. R2 IV.i.247
For I haue giuen here my Soules consent,For I have given here my soul's consent R2 IV.i.248
T'vndeck the pompous Body of a King;To undeck the pompous body of a king;pompous (adj.)
glorious, magnificent, splendid		R2 IV.i.249
undeck (v.)

old form: vndeck
unclothe, remove the rich garments from
Made Glory base; a Soueraigntie, a Slaue;Made glory base, and sovereignty a slave;base (adj.)
poor, wretched, of low quality		R2 IV.i.250
Prowd Maiestie, a Subiect; State, a Pesant.Proud majesty, a subject; state, a peasant.state (n.)
splendour, magnificence, stateliness, dignity		R2 IV.i.251
North. NORTHUMBERLAND 
My Lord.My lord –  R2 IV.i.252
Rich. RICHARD 
No Lord of thine, thou haught-insulting man;No lord of thine, thou haught, insulting man;haught (adj.)
haughty, arrogant, high and mighty		R2 IV.i.253
No, nor no mans Lord: I haue no Name, no Title;Nor no man's lord. I have no name, no title –  R2 IV.i.254
No, not that Name was giuen me at the Font,No, not that name was given me at the font –  R2 IV.i.255
But 'tis vsurpt: alack the heauie day,But 'tis usurped. Alack the heavy day,heavy (adj.)

old form: heauie
sorrowful, sad, gloomy		R2 IV.i.256
That I haue worne so many Winters out,That I have worn so many winters out R2 IV.i.257
And know not now, what Name to call my selfe.And know not now what name to call myself! R2 IV.i.258
Oh, that I were a Mockerie, King of Snow,O that I were a mockery king of snow, R2 IV.i.259
Standing before the Sunne of Bullingbrooke,Standing before the sun of Bolingbroke, R2 IV.i.260
To melt my selfe away in Water-drops.To melt myself away in water-drops! R2 IV.i.261
Good King, great King, and yet not greatly good,Good king; great king – and yet not greatly good –  R2 IV.i.262
And if my word be Sterling yet in England,An if my word be sterling yet in Englandsterling (n.)
valid currency, legitimate tender		R2 IV.i.263
an if (conj.)
if
Let it command a Mirror hither straight,Let it command a mirror hither straightstraight (adv.)
straightaway, immediately, at once		R2 IV.i.264
That it may shew me what a Face I haue,That it may show me what a face I have R2 IV.i.265
Since it is Bankrupt of his Maiestie.Since it is bankrupt of his majesty. R2 IV.i.266
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Goe some of you, and fetch a Looking-Glasse.Go some of you, and fetch a looking-glass.some (n.)
someone, a person, one		R2 IV.i.267
Exit attendant R2 IV.i.267
North. NORTHUMBERLAND 
Read o're this Paper, while ye Glasse doth come.Read o'er this paper while the glass doth come.glass (n.)

old form: Glasse
mirror, looking-glass		R2 IV.i.268
Rich. RICHARD 
Fiend, thou torments me, ere I come to Hell.Fiend, thou torments me ere I come to hell. R2 IV.i.269
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Vrge it no more, my Lord Northumberland.Urge it no more, my Lord Northumberland. R2 IV.i.270
North. NORTHUMBERLAND 
The Commons will not then be satisfy'd.The commons will not then be satisfied.commons (n.)
common people, ordinary citizens		R2 IV.i.271
Rich. RICHARD 
They shall be satisfy'd: Ile reade enough,They shall be satisfied. I'll read enough R2 IV.i.272
When I doe see the very Booke indeede,When I do see the very book indeed R2 IV.i.273
Where all my sinnes are writ, and that's my selfe.Where all my sins are writ; and that's myself. R2 IV.i.274
Enter one with a Glasse.Enter attendant with a glass R2 IV.i.275
Giue me that Glasse, and therein will I reade.Give me that glass, and therein will I read. R2 IV.i.275
No deeper wrinckles yet? hath Sorrow struckeNo deeper wrinkles yet? Hath sorrow struck R2 IV.i.276
So many Blowes vpon this Face of mine,So many blows upon this face of mine R2 IV.i.277
And made no deeper Wounds? Oh flatt'ring Glasse,And made no deeper wounds? O, flattering glass, R2 IV.i.278
Like to my followers in prosperitie,Like to my followers in prosperity, R2 IV.i.279
Thou do'st beguile me. Was this Face, the FaceThou dost beguile me. Was this face the facebeguile (v.)
cheat, deceive, trick		R2 IV.i.280
That euery day, vnder his House-hold Roofe,That every day under his household roof R2 IV.i.281
Did keepe ten thousand men? Was this the Face,Did keep ten thousand men? Was this the face R2 IV.i.282
That like the Sunne, did make beholders winke?That like the sun did make beholders wink?wink (v.)

old form: winke
shut one's eyes		R2 IV.i.283
Is this the Face, which fac'd so many follyes,Is this the face which faced so many follies,face (v.)
countenance, condone, cover over		R2 IV.i.284
That was at last out-fac'd by Bullingbrooke?That was at last outfaced by Bolingbroke?outface (v.)

old form: out-fac'd
put down, overcome, put to shame		R2 IV.i.285
A brittle Glory shineth in this Face,A brittle glory shineth in this face. R2 IV.i.286
As brittle as the Glory, is the Face,As brittle as the glory is the face, R2 IV.i.287
(he throws the glass down) R2 IV.i.288.1
For there it is, crackt in an hundred shiuers.For there it is, cracked in a hundred shivers.shiver (n.)

old form: shiuers
fragment, splinter, piece		R2 IV.i.288
Marke silent King, the Morall of this sport,Mark, silent King, the moral of this sport:sport (n.)
recreation, amusement, entertainment		R2 IV.i.289
mark (v.)

old form: Marke
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
How soone my Sorrow hath destroy'd my Face.How soon my sorrow hath destroyed my face. R2 IV.i.290
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
The shadow of your Sorrow hath destroy'dThe shadow of your sorrow hath destroyed R2 IV.i.291
The shadow of your Face.The shadow or your face. R2 IV.i.292.1
Rich. RICHARD 
Say that againe.Say that again! R2 IV.i.292.2
The shadow of my Sorrow: ha, let's see,‘ The shadow of my sorrow ’ – ha, let's see. R2 IV.i.293
'Tis very true, my Griefe lyes all within,'Tis very true. My grief lies all within, R2 IV.i.294
And these externall manner of Laments,And these external manners of laments R2 IV.i.295
Are meerely shadowes, to the vnseene Griefe,Are merely shadows to the unseen griefmerely (adv.)

old form: meerely
only, nothing more than		R2 IV.i.296
That swells with silence in the tortur'd Soule.That swells with silence in the tortured soul. R2 IV.i.297
There lyes the substance: and I thanke thee KingThere lies the substance; and I thank thee, King, R2 IV.i.298
For thy great bountie, that not onely giu'stFor thy great bounty, that not only givest R2 IV.i.299
Me cause to wayle, but teachest me the wayMe cause to wail, but teachest me the way R2 IV.i.300
How to lament the cause. Ile begge one Boone,How to lament the cause. I'll beg one boon, R2 IV.i.301
And then be gone, and trouble you no more.And then be gone and trouble you no more. R2 IV.i.302
Shall I obtaine it?Shall I obtain it? R2 IV.i.303.1
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Name it, faire Cousin.Name it, fair cousin. R2 IV.i.303.2
Rich. RICHARD 
Faire Cousin? I am greater then a King:‘ Fair cousin ’? I am greater than a king; R2 IV.i.304
For when I was a King, my flatterersFor when I was a king, my flatterers R2 IV.i.305
Were then but subiects; being now a subiect,Were then but subjects; being now a subject R2 IV.i.306
I haue a King here to my flatterer:I have a king here to my flatterer. R2 IV.i.307
Being so great, I haue no neede to begge.Being so great, I have no need to beg. R2 IV.i.308
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Yet aske.Yet ask. R2 IV.i.309
Rich. RICHARD 
And shall I haue?And shall I have? R2 IV.i.310
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
You shall.You shall. R2 IV.i.311
Rich. RICHARD 
Then giue me leaue to goe.Then give me leave to go. R2 IV.i.312
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Whither?Whither? R2 IV.i.313
Rich. RICHARD 
Whither you will, so I were from your sights.Whither you will, so I were from your sights. R2 IV.i.314
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
Goe some of you, conuey him to the Tower.Go some of you, convey him to the Tower. R2 IV.i.315
Rich. RICHARD 
Oh good: conuey: Conueyers are you all,O, good, ‘ convey!’ – Conveyors are you all,conveyor (n.)

old form: Conueyers
thief, robber, pilferer		R2 IV.i.316
convey (v.)

old form: conuey
carry off, make away with, take by force
That rise thus nimbly by a true Kings fall.That rise thus nimbly by a true king's fall. R2 IV.i.317
Bull. BOLINGBROKE 
On Wednesday next, we solemnly set downeOn Wednesday next we solemnly proclaimsolemnly (adv.)
ceremoniously, with ritual celebration		R2 IV.i.318
Our Coronation: Lords, prepare your selues. Our coronation. Lords, be ready, all. R2 IV.i.319
Exeunt.Exeunt all except the Abbot of Westminster, R2 IV.i.319.1
the Bishop of Carlisle, Aumerle R2 IV.i.319.2
Abbot. ABBOT OF WESTMINSTER 
A wofull Pageant haue we here beheld.A woeful pageant have we here beheld.pageant (n.)
show, scene, spectacle, tableau		R2 IV.i.320
Carl. BISHOP OF CARLISLE 
The Woes to come, the Children yet vnborne,The woe's to come. The children yet unborn R2 IV.i.321
Shall feele this day as sharpe to them as Thorne.Shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn. R2 IV.i.322
Aum. AUMERLE 
You holy Clergie-men, is there no PlotYou holy clergymen, is there no plot R2 IV.i.323
To rid the Realme of this pernicious Blot.To rid the realm of this pernicious blot? R2 IV.i.324
Abbot. ABBOT OF WESTMINSTER 
My lord, R2 IV.i.325
Before I freely speake my minde herein,Before I freely speak my mind herein, R2 IV.i.326
You shall not onely take the Sacrament,You shall not only take the Sacrament R2 IV.i.327
To bury mine intents, but also to effectTo bury mine intents, but also to effectintent (n.)
intention, purpose, aim		R2 IV.i.328
bury (v.)
conceal, hide, make inaccessible
What euer I shall happen to deuise.Whatever I shall happen to devise. R2 IV.i.329
I see your Browes are full of Discontent,I see your brows are full of discontent,brow (n.)

old form: Browes
appearance, aspect, countenance		R2 IV.i.330
Your Heart of Sorrow, and your Eyes of Teares.Your hearts of sorrow, and your eyes of tears. R2 IV.i.331
Come home with me to Supper, Ile lay Come home with me to supper, I will lay R2 IV.i.332
a Plot / Shall shew vs all a merry day. A plot shall show us all a merry day. R2 IV.i.333
Exeunt.Exeunt R2 IV.i.333
 Previous Act IV, Scene I Next  
SHAKESPEARE'S WORDS © 2022 DAVID CRYSTAL & BEN CRYSTAL
x

Jump directly to