Page 1248 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

I have not that alacrity of spirit
Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have. [75]
Set it down. Is ink and paper ready?

RAT CLIFFE

It is, my lord.

KING RICHARD

Bid my guard watch; leave me.
Ratcliffe, about the mid of night come to my tent
And help to arm me. Leave me, I say.
Exit Ratcliffe. [Richard withdraws into his tent; attendant soldiers guard

it.]

Enter Stanley Earl of Derby to Richmond in his tent.

ST ANLEY

Fortune and Victory sit on thy helm! [80]

RICHMOND

All comfort that the dark night can afford
Be to thy person, noble father-in-law.
Tell me, how fares our loving mother?

ST ANLEY

I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother,
Who prays continually for Richmond’s good. [85]
So much for that. The silent hours steal on,
And flaky darkness breaks within the East.
In brief, for so the season bids us be,
Prepare thy battle early in the morning,
And put thy fortune to the arbitrement [90]
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war.
I, as I may - that which I would, I cannot -
With best advantage will deceive the time,
And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms.
But on thy side I may not be too forward, [95]
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George,
Be executed in his father’s sight.
Farewell; the leisure and the fearful time