The earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment ; Good captain Blunt, bear my good night to him, Desire the earl to see me in my tent :- 90 Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him, And give him from me this most needful note. Blunt. Upon my life, my lord, I'll undertake it; And so, God give you quiet rest to-night! Richm. Good night, good captain Blunt. Come, gentlemen, Let us consult upon to-morrow's business; In to my tent, the air is raw and cold. 100 [They withdraw into the Tent. Enter, to his Tent, King RICHARD, RATCLIFF, Nor FOLK, and CATESBY. K. Rich. What is't o'clock ? Cates. It's supper-time, my lord; It's nine o'clock. K. Rich. I will not sup to-night.Give me some ink and paper.— What, is my beaver easier than it was ? And And all my armour laid into my tent ? Cates. It is, my liege; and all things are in readi ness. K. Rich. Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge; Use careful watch, choose trusty centinels. Nor. I go, my lord. 110 K. Rich. Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk. Nor. I warrant you, my lord. K. Rich. Ratcliff Rat. My lord? [Exit. K. Rich. Send out a pursuivant at arms Fill me a bowl of wine :-Give me a watch :--- 119 [TO CATESBY, Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow. Rat. My lord? K. Rich. Saw'st thou the melancholy lord Nor thumberland ? Rat. Thomas the earl of Surrey, and himself, Much about cock-shut time, from troop to troop, Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers. K. Rich. I am satisfy'd. Give me a bowl of wine: I have not that alacrity of spirit, 130 Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.- Rat. It is, my lord. K. Rich. Bid my guard watch, and leave me. About the mid of night, come to my tent And help to arm me, Ratcliff.-Leave me, I say. [Exit RATCLIFF, RICHMOND'S Tent opens, and discovers him, and his Officers, &c. Enter 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? 140 Stan. I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother, Who prays continually for Richmond's good: 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 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, Lest, being seen, thy tender brother George Be executed in his father's sight. Farewel: The leisure, and the fearful time Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love, And ample interchange of sweet discourse, 150 Which so long sundred friends should dwell upon; God God give us leisure for these rites of love! O Thou! whose captain I account myself, 170 [Sleeps. Enter the Ghost of Prince EDWARD, Son to HENRY the Sixth. Ghost. Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow! [To K. RICH. Think, how thou stab'dst me in the prime of youth At Tewksbury; Despair therefore, and die ! Be cheerful, Richmond; for the wronged souls Of butcher'd princes fight in thy behalf: 180 Enter the Ghost of HENRY the Sixth. Ghost. When I was mortal, my anointed body [To K. RICH. By thee was punched full of deadly holes : Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror ! [To RICHM. Harry, that prophesy'd thou shouldst be king, Doth comfort thee in thy sleep; Live, and flourish ! Enter the Ghost of CLARENCE. Ghost. Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow! [To K. RICH. 190 I, that was wash'd to death with fulsome wine, [TO RICHM. The wronged heirs of York do pray for thee; Good angels guard thy battle! Live, and flourish ! Enter the Ghosts of RIVERS, GREY, and VAUGHAN. Riv. Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow, [To K. RICH. Rivers, that dy'd at Pomfret! Despair, and die! [To K. RICH. |