Page 1254 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

RAT CLIFFE

Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.

KING RICHARD

By the Apostle Paul, shadows tonight
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers,
Armed in proof, and led by shallow Richmond. [220]
’Tis not yet near day; come, go with me:
Under our tents I’ll play the eavesdropper,
To see if any mean to shrink from me.

Exeunt Richard and Ratcliffe.

Enter the Lords to Richmond sitting in his tent.

LORDS

Good morrow, Richmond.

RICHMOND

Cry mercy, lords and watchful gentlemen, [225]
That you have ta’en a tardy sluggard here.

I LORD

How have you slept, my lord?

RICHMOND

The sweetest sleep and fairest-boding dreams
That ever enter’d in a drowsy head
Have I, since your departure, had, my lords. [230]
Methought their souls whose bodies Richard murder’d
Came to my tent and cried on victory.
I promise you my soul is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords? [235]

I LORD

Upon the stroke of four.

RICHMOND

Why then ’tis time to arm and give direction.