* List of parts: GREY…DORSET in the early scenes, these two may be treated as one figure widow historically she was betrothed, not married, to Prince Edward (son of King Henry VI), but in the play (following Hall’s chronicle) she is described as his wife/widow
1.1 Location: near the Tower of London solus alone
2 son of York i.e., Edward IV, whose father was Richard Duke of York (puns on “sun,” the emblem of the House of York)
3 loured frowned threateningly house family (of York)
6 arms armor, weapons for as
7 alarums calls to arms/sudden attacks
8 dreadful fearsome, inspiring dread measures stately dances
9 front forehead
10 barbèd armored
11 fearful frightened (or possibly “frightening”)
12 capers dances with leaping movements/has sex chamber plays on the sense of “vagina”
13 pleasing attraction, delight
14 sportive pleasurable/amorous/sexual tricks behavior, skills/sexual acts
15 court…looking-glass i.e., gaze lovingly at myself in a mirror, flirt with my own reflection
16 rudely stamped crudely formed, roughly printed with an image want lack
17 wanton flirtatious, lascivious ambling sauntering, walking with a sexy rolling gait
18 curtailed deprived, cut short (literally refers to the docking of a dog’s tail)
19 feature a pleasing shape dissembling cheating, deceitful
20 sent…time i.e., born prematurely
21 made up fully formed
22 unfashionable odd-looking, inelegant/poorly shaped
23 halt limp
24 piping characterized by pastoral pipes, rather than warlike instruments/shrill, weak, contemptible
27 descant improvise variations on (musical term), i.e., ponder, comment
29 entertain pass enjoyably well-spoken courteous, harmonious
30 determinèd resolved/destined
32 inductions initial steps, preparations
37 subtle cunning, sly false dishonest, disloyal
38 mewed up imprisoned, cooped up (like a caged bird of prey)
39 About as a result of ‘G’ Clarence’s first name is George; Richard, however, is the Duke of Gloucester
43 waits upon attends
45 Tend’ring holding dear, being concerned for (ironic)
46 conduct escort th’Tower the Tower of London
50 commit imprison godfathers sometimes responsible for the naming of the child at baptism
51 belike probably/perhaps
52 new-christened a grim anticipation of Clarence’s death by drowning
53 matter reason
54 protest declare
56 hearkens after listens to
57 cross-row alphabet (prefixed by a cross in children’s primers)
59 issue children
60 for because
62 toys whims, trifles
66 lady Grey Elizabeth’s title before her marriage to Edward; Richard is being contemptuous
68 worship repute, honor
69 Anthony Woodville i.e., Earl Rivers
71 delivered released
74 night-walking heralds secret, nighttime messengers (a night-walker also meant a thief or a prostitute)
75 trudge betwixt go to and fro between Mistress Shore Jane Shore, wife of a London goldsmith and Edward IV’s lover; she later became Hastings’ mistress Mistress usual title for a woman; perhaps here with suggestive play on the sense of “lover” or even “female master”
76 suppliant petitioner
77 delivery release from prison
78 complaining appealing, lamenting, pleading her deity a mocking title for Mistress Shore
79 Lord Chamberlain i.e., Hastings
82 men servants (perhaps with sexual connotations) livery uniform indicating whom one served (wear her livery may play on a sense of “have sex with her”)
83 o’erworn worn out (like old clothing/sexually) widow i.e., Queen Elizabeth
84 dubbed them conferred on them the rank of
85 gossips chatterers/godparents
87 straitly…charge strictly ordered
89 Of…soever regardless of social rank
90 an if it
94 Well…years well advanced in age (Richard seems to pretend to mean “mature, wise” or “well-preserved”) fair attractive/just
96 passing surpassingly, exceptionally
101 doth naught Richard shifts the sense to “sexually penetrates her vagina”
104 betray me i.e., by making me name the king as Shore’s lover
105 withal moreover
106 Forbear restrain, cease
107 charge duty, instructions
108 abjects varies “subjects” to incorporate sense of “contemptible outcasts”
112 enfranchise free
114 Touches affects
117 lie for you take your place in prison (playing on the sense of “lie about you”)
119 perforce of necessity (“patience perforce” was proverbial)
123 present gift
124 new-delivered recently released
128 brooked tolerated
130 give them thanks i.e., pay them back, have revenge
135 mewed caged
136 kites and buzzards inferior birds of prey
137 abroad in the world
140 him for him
142 diet lifestyle
149 packed packed off, dispatched post-horse all possible speed
151 steeled strengthened with steel, reinforced
152 deep cunning/secret
155 bustle busy myself, be active
156 Warwick’s youngest daughter i.e., Lady Anne Neville; having changed sides, the Earl of Warwick died fighting against the House of York
157 her husband Anne Neville was not in fact married to Prince Edward (Henry VI’s son) although she had been betrothed to him before his death father father-in-law, i.e., Henry VI
161 close concealed
162 reach unto strive to carry out
163 run…market i.e., get ahead of myself (proverbial)
1.2 Location: a London street halberds long-handled weapons with axe-like heads
2 shrouded concealed/wrapped in a shroud hearse probably here an open coffin, or litter beneath a frame supporting a funereal cloth
3 obsequiously in a manner proper to the dead
4 Lancaster i.e., Henry VI, former head of the House of Lancaster
5 key-cold cold as a metal key (proverbial)
6 ashes i.e., remains, lifeless body
8 Be it let it be invocate invoke, call upon
12 Lo look windows vents, i.e., wounds
13 balm healing ointment/substance with which the dead are anointed (i.e., tears)
17 direful hap dreadful fortune betide befall, happen to
19 spiders, toads thought to be poisonous
21 abortive monstrous, deformed
22 Prodigious unnatural/ill-omened
23 aspect appearance
25 that may that (child) unhappiness ill fortune/misery
29 Chertsey on the River Thames, in Surrey; site of a famous monastery
30 Paul’s St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
31 still as whenever
35 devoted holy, devout
40 Advance raise
42 spurn upon kick
46 Avaunt be gone
49 curst ill-tempered/cursed, damnable
50 hence get hence, go away
52 exclaims outcries, exclamations
54 pattern example, model
58 thy…blood it was popularly believed that the wounds of a murder victim would bleed in the presence of the murderer exhales draws forth
71 so is so
73 wonderful extraordinary, astonishing devils…truth Anne interprets Richard’s am no beast to mean that, as neither man nor beast, he must be a devil
75 Vouchsafe permit, consent
76 leave permission
77 circumstance detailed explanation
78 defused dispersed, spreading
82 leisure time, opportunity
84 current genuine, valid
85 despair spiritual hopelessness (thought to precede suicide)
87 worthy…thyself i.e., committing suicide (a highly sinful act)
88 unworthy dishonorable, contemptible/causeless, unjustified
91 slave villain, wretch
95 In…liest i.e., you lie outrageously
96 falchion curved sword
97 once at once
102 aught anything
105 hedgehog a contemptuous reference to Richard’s crest, which featured a wild boar
110 holp helped
115 bedchamber like hell, “chamber” could also be euphemistic for the vagina
118 I hope so i.e., I certainly hope it will, as I shall never lie with you (in an ironic anticipation of future events, however, the phrase may also be construed as “I hope to lie with you”)
120 keen sharp/eager encounter…wits plays on the sense of “sexual encounter of our genitals”
122 timeless untimely, premature
125 effect agent, perpetrator (Richard then shifts the sense to “outcome”)
130 homicide murderer
137 thou art both i.e.,day and life
138 would wish
146 He lives i.e., there is a man
148 Plantagenet the name was used by Richard Duke of York, Richard’s father
158 infected mine both disease and love were thought to enter through the eyes
159 basilisks mythical reptiles whose gaze could kill
160 die plays on the sense of “achieve sexual orgasm”
163 aspects appearance/looks, gazes
165 No, when not even when
166 Rutland Richard’s younger brother; his death is depicted in 3 Henry IV, Act 1 Scene 3
167 black-faced evil, threatening, devilish
168 father i.e., the Earl of Warwick (originally a Yorkist, although he later changed sides)
171 That so that
172 bedashed splattered
173 humble lowly
174 exhale draw out
176 sued entreated, begged (for favor)
177 smoothing flattering
178 fee payment, reward lays…open bears his chest offers aims, makes to thrust
191 set me on this probably has connotations of sexual arousal like provokèd falls lets fall
192 take up me accept me (perhaps with connotations of “possess me sexually/make my penis erect”; Anne interprets “raise me from my kneeling position”)
193 dissembler deceiver
200 truer love i.e., Richard himself (supposedly a truer lover than the murdered Edward)
203 figured in represented by
213 Even so in just such a way
221 presently immediately Crosby House Richard’s London house, in Bishopsgate Street; later referred to as Crosby Place
225 expedient duty dutiful haste
226 divers various, several unknown private, that cannot be divulged
227 boon request, favor
230 Tressell and Berkeley minor characters, not mentioned again in the play
236 Whitefriars a priory in London
237 humour manner, style, way
243 bleeding witness i.e., Henry’s body by nearby
244 bars obstacles
245 suit courtship/formal supplication withal with
247 all…nothing i.e., against huge odds, with everything stacked against me
249 brave splendid, noble
251 mood fit of fury Tewkesbury site of the Gloucestershire battle where the Lancastrians were defeated; Edward’s murder took place after the battle and is dramatized in 3 Henry VI, Act 5 Scene 5
253 Framed…nature created when nature was most generous, lavish
254 royal majestic, noble
257 prime youthful manhood/springtime
259 whose…moiety the entirety of whom is not worth half of Edward
260 halt limps unshapen deformed
261 denier small coin worth one tenth of a penny
264 proper handsome, fine
265 be…for buy, spend money on
266 entertain employ score…of twenty or forty
270 in into
272 glass mirror, looking glass
273 shadow also means “reflection”; the shadow cast by the sun will substitute for the mirror’s image
1.3 Location: the royal court, London
3 brook it ill endure it with difficulty, take it badly
4 entertain good comfort take comfort, be cheerful
6 betide on happen to, befall
8 includes incorporates, is the sum of
9 goodly splendid, fine
14 concluded legally finalized Protector guardian, who ruled on behalf of a king who was too young to do so
16 miscarry die
20 Countess Richmond Margaret Beaufort, Derby’s wife; by her first husband, Edmund Tudor, she was mother to Henry, Earl of Richmond (later Henry VII) good my my good
26 envious malicious
29 wayward obstinate, wilful
36 atonement reconciliation
37 brothers only one brother, Anthony Woodville (Earl Rivers), appears in the play, but Shakespeare may have thought of him as two characters: Rivers and Woodville are listed separately in the opening stage directions at Act 2 Scene 1, and are addressed separately later in that scene
39 warn summon
41 happiness good fortune
44 forsooth indeed, in truth stern harsh, unfriendly
45 lightly little
46 dissentious inflammatory, quarrelsome
47 fair pleasing, charming
48 smooth flatter cog fawn, flatter, deceive
49 Duck…nods i.e., bow in an affected, courtly manner apish idiotic/imitative
51 plain unaffected, simple, honest
53 silken smooth-tongued, ingratiating/elaborately dressed jacks knaves, low-born men; plays on Jack, a common name
54 presence company/royal presence
55 nor neither grace virtue/propriety/nobility (picking up on grace as a form of address in the previous line)
60 breathing-while time to draw breath
61 lewd wicked/ignorant/lowly
65 belike probably/perhaps
68 to send summon (you)
70 wrens small, gentle birds (unlike large, predatory eagles)
74 friends relatives
77 brother i.e., George, Duke of Clarence
81 noble gold coin worth about a third of a pound (puns on ennoble)
82 careful full of cares
83 hap fortune
88 draw me implicate me/represent me suspects suspicions
90 late recent
94 preferments promotions, advancements
96 desert deserving, merit
97 marry by the Virgin Mary (Richard goes on to shift the sense to “wed”)
100 stripling young man
101 Iwis indeed, certainly grandam grandmother
105 gross base/wicked/excessive Queen Margaret historically, the widow of Henry VI was imprisoned after the battle of Tewkesbury, and later exiled to her native France
111 state rank seat throne
112 Threat threaten
113 avouch’t affirm, declare it
114 adventure risk
115 pains efforts (made on behalf of the king)
116 Out exclamation of outrage and impatience
119 Ere before
120 packhorse workhorse
121 proud ambitious, arrogant
126 factious for on the side of, promoting dissent in the interests of
127 husband…slain historically, Elizabeth’s first husband, Sir John Grey, was killed fighting for the Lancastrians, although in 3 Henry VI (Act 3 Scene 2) he is depicted as having fought for the Yorkists battle army
130 ere this before now
131 Withal moreover
133 Clarence…Warwick Clarence and the Earl of Warwick deserted the Yorkists; Clarence married Warwick’s daughter, but later returned to the Yorkist cause, events that are depicted in 3 Henry VI father father-in-law
134 forswore himself broke his oath (of loyalty)
137 meed reward
139 pitiful full of pity, compassionate
140 childish-foolish innocent, inexperienced
141 Hie hurry
142 cacodemon evil spirit
144 urge bring forward, offer as evidence
157 pilled pillaged, robbed
159 If…rebels Even if you do not bow to me as your queen, then you tremble like the rebels who deposed me
161 gentle noble, high-born/kind villain low-born, rustic/scoundrel; the phrase is oxymoronic
162 mak’st thou are you doing
163 But repetition of merely recounting marred destroyed
164 make do
167 abode remaining
169 thou i.e., Elizabeth
172 curse…paper before his death, Richard Duke of York curses Margaret after she mockingly places a paper crown on his head (see 3 Henry VI, Act 1 Scene 4)
175 clout cloth
176 pretty youthful, fine-looking Rutland York’s young son; the episode with the cloth also appears in 3 Henry VI, Act 1 Scene 4
179 plagued punished ceaselessly
181 that babe i.e., Rutland
184 No…prophesied there was no man who did not prophesy
187 catch seize
192 but answer for merely equal peevish foolish, childish/obstinate
194 dull thick, dark, sluggish quick vigorous, lively, sharp
195 surfeit sickness resulting from overindulgence
199 like the same
204 Decked adorned, dressed stalled installed
208 standers-by bystanders, lookers-on
212 unlooked unforeseen, unexpected
213 charm magic spell, curse hag witch
217 them i.e., the heavens
220 still constantly begnaw eat away at, gnaw
221 for tobe
223 deadly murderous
226 elvish-marked physically marked by evil elves at birth abortive monstrous, deformed rooting hog i.e., hunched and greedy; alludes to the boar on Richard’s crest
227 sealed…nativity branded at birth
228 slave of nature slave to bestial natural impulses/one irredeemably marked out by nature
229 slander disgrace, shame heavy pregnant, weighty/sorrowful
230 issue offspring
231 rag discarded scrap
232 Margaret Richard makes Margaret the subject of her insults to him
236 cry thee mercy beg your pardon
238 looked for expected
239 period end
242 painted artificial/made-up with cosmetics vain flourish meaningless, frivolous adornment fortune (rightful) position
243 bottled swollen (with venom), rounded, bottle-shaped
245 thou whet’st you are sharpening
247 bunch-backed hunchbacked
248 False-boding falsely prophesying frantic deranged, mad
251 well served treated as befits you (Margaret maintains the sense of “treated” and adds the sense of “obeyed, paid respect to”)
252 duty respect, deference
256 Master Marquis Margaret contemptuously prefaces the aristocratic “marquis” with the form of address for an untitled man malapert impertinent
257 fire-new brand new, newly minted current valid, legitimate
258 nobility continues the coining imagery with a quibble on “noble” (a gold coin)
264 so high this high (i.e., noble)
265 eyrie nest/brood of young birds of prey (especially eagles, king of birds)/noble stock of children
266 dallies with teases, plays with scorns the sun eagles were thought to be able to gaze unblinkingly into the sun
267 sun puns on son
272 suffer endure, permit
278 My charity the charity I feel/the charity I am shown outrage violence, hostility life my shame the only life I am allowed is a dishonorable one/I am ashamed to live
279 still perpetually
283 fair good fortune
285 compass bounds
286 pass go any further than
288 but anything other than that
291 Look when whenever
292 venom poisonous rankle inflict a festering wound
294 marks blemishes/identifying insignia/aims, sights
297 respect deem worthy of listening to
299 soothe flatter, humor
311 vantage advantages, benefits (i.e., being queen) her wrong the wrong done to her
312 hot eager do somebody good i.e., help Edward to the crown
313 cold ungrateful, indifferent
315 franked…fatting penned in to be fattened up (for slaughter)
318 scathe harm
319 well advised cautious
324 wait upon attend
326 mischiefs wicked, evil deeds abroach in motion
327 lay…of impose as a serious accusation against (i.e., blame on)
328 cast in darkness caused to be imprisoned (with connotations of death)
329 beweep cry over gulls idiots, gullible people
331 allies supporters, relatives
332 stir incite, stir up
333 whet encourage, incite
338 ends scraps
341 hardy bold
342 dispatch carry out (plays on the sense of “kill”)
346 repair make your way
347 sudden swift
348 obdurate inflexible, determined
349 well-spoken articulate, persuasive
350 mark pay attention to, listen to
351 prate chat
354 eyes drop millstones proverbial image of hard-heartedness fall let fall, drop
355 straight straightaway
1.4 Location: the Tower of London Keeper guard (this role could be conflated with Brackenbury)
1 heavily sadly
5 spend pass/expend (like money)
6 Though ’twere even if it were
7 dismal ominous, sinister
13 hatches deck
14 cited up recalled
17 giddy swaying, unstable
19 stay steady, restrain
20 main sea
27 Inestimable impossible to count or value unvalued priceless
37 yield the ghost die envious flood malicious sea
38 Stopped in shut up, blocked in
39 vast boundless/empty
40 bulk body
42 sore serious, extreme
45 melancholy flood the River Styx, which had to be crossed to get to Hades, the classical underworld
46 sour ferryman Charon, who ferried souls to Hades
47 kingdom…night Hades, the underworld
48 stranger foreign, newly arrived
50 perjury oath-breaking; Clarence broke his oath of allegiance to Warwick by returning to fight for the Yorkists after he and Warwick had changed sides to support the Lancastrians
51 monarchy kingdom (the underworld) afford offer, give to
53 shadow ghost (of Prince Edward, Henry VI’s son)
54 shrieked ghosts were traditionally supposed to speak in shrill voices
55 fleeting fickle, capricious
56 field battlefield
57 Furies in classical mythology, three female spirits of vengeance
58 legion army
59 Environed surrounded
61 season while, time
64 though if
68 requites rewards, repays
73 prithee beg you (literally “I pray thee”)
74 heavy oppressed, burdened, sorrowful
76 breaks cracks, disrupts seasons natural rhythms of time reposing hours time for rest
77 noontide midday
78 for as
79 for at the cost of, as the result of
80 for in exchange for unfelt imaginations abstract concepts that cannot actually be experienced, illusory glories
81 cares anxieties
82 low name those of ordinary humble status
83 fame reputation, name
92 reason deduce, workout
93 will want to
95 signify to inform
102 urging of bringing forth/emphasis on
110 stay wait passionate humour emotional mood
111 It…me it usually lasts tells twenty counts to twenty
120 entertain receive, be hospitable to
123 checks rebukes
124 lie have sex
126 restore return keeps retains/maintains, supports
127 for as
128 well prosperously/virtuously
130 him i.e., conscience
131 insinuate ingratiate himself
133 tall brave
135 Take strike costard head (literally, a type of large apple)
136 malmsey-butt barrel of strong, sweet wine from Greece
137 device plan sop piece of bread soaked in wine
140 reason converse, talk
142 anon soon
151 Wherefore why
161 drawn forth selected
164 quest inquest, those holding a judicial inquiry
167 convict convicted
169 charge command
174 Erroneous misguided, erring vassals servants, slaves king of kings i.e., God
175 table…law i.e., the Ten Commandments
176 do no murder the Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)
177 Spurn at reject, scorn
181 false forswearing breaking your oath (forbidden by the Ninth Commandment)
182 receive the sacrament take Communion as a means of affirming your oath
183 In quarrel of in the cause of
186 Unripp’dst tore open bowels intestines, entrails sovereign’s son i.e., Prince Edward, son of Henry VI
188 dreadful inspiring dread and awe
189 dear extreme, grievous (a)
196 quarrel (settling of the) dispute
197 indirect devious, oblique
198 cut off kill
199 bloody violent, bloodthirsty
200 gallant-springing gallant and youthful, growing promisingly
201 novice youth, beginner
202 My brother’s love love for my brother
207 meed money, reward
217 friendship also kinship
219 lessoned taught
220 is kind is gentle, well-meaning/has feelings of natural kinship
226 labour my delivery strive to obtain my release
228 thraldom servitude, enslavement
230 feeling sensibility, awareness
239 pent shut up
244 beastly not human, lacking in reason
252 desperately dispatched carried out in desperation, executed recklessly (desperately has connotations of spiritual hopelessness)
253 fain willingly Pilate…murder Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea involved in the crucifixion of Christ, washed his hands before the discontented crowd as a means of exonerating himself from blame
264 out get out, be known (“murder will out” was proverbial)
2.1 Location: the royal court, London Flourish trumpet fanfare signaling the arrival of a person in authority
3 embassage message
8 Dissemble not (in shaking hands) do not conceal, disguise
9 from of
10 true honest, faithful
11 thrive I may I thrive
12 dally trifle, feign, mock
13 king of kings i.e., God
14 confound overthrow, catch out award sentence, appoint
15 end (cause of) death
19 son i.e., stepson
20 factious divisive, generators of factions
22 unfeignedly sincerely, without deception
26 protest declare
30 allies relatives
33 but…Doth i.e., and does not, with all duteous love
38 Deep cunning hollow insincere guile cunning, deceit
41 cordial heart-restoring medicine
43 wanteth only lacks
44 period end, completion
45 in good time right on time, at the perfect moment
47 morrow morning
52 swelling proud, arrogant/incensed, angry wrong-incensèd full of wrongly directed anger/enraged by perceived wrongs
54 heap gathering, group (casual and demeaning term in this context)
55 intelligence information surmise assumption, conjecture
57 is hardly borne has caused offense, is resented
67 desert deserving, justification
68 Lord Scales actually another title of Lord Rivers; Shakespeare erroneously supposes another character; some editors omit the line
72 the…tonight a newborn baby
75 well compounded settled as effectively
77 to your grace into your favor
79 flouted mocked
80 gentle kind, mild/noble
86 forsook abandoned
89 that i.e., that first order Mercury swift messenger of the Roman gods, usually depicted with wings on his cap and sandals
90 tardy slow bare the countermand brought the order revoking the first
91 lag late, slowly
92 God…suspicion I pray God there are none, less noble and loyal than Clarence, more involved in treachery yet less closely related to the king, who deserve worse than Clarence’s fate yet go free from suspicion (a pointed remark aimed at Elizabeth and her relatives) go current pass as legitimate coin
96 boon request for a favor
100 forfeit…life revocation of the death penalty that his servant has incurred
103 doom…death sentence (doom) my brother to death
107 sued pleaded
108 be advised to reconsider, reflect/to be cautious
110 forsake abandon, renounce
112 field battlefield
113 down on the ground, unhorsed/at his mercy
116 lap enfold, swathe
118 thin thinly dressed numb numbing
119 remembrance memory
122 carters cart drivers waiting vassals attendant servants
123 defaced…Redeemer i.e., committed murder (since man is made in God’s image)
125 straight straightaway
127 But yet
128 ungracious wickedly, lacking divine grace
129 proudest most splendid, eminent/most self-esteeming
130 beholding beholden, indebted
133 On of you i.e., the assembled company
134 closet private room/bedchamber
136 Marked observed, noticed
139 still constantly
1 grandam grandmother
6 wretches exiles/miserable people castaways rejected ones
8 cousins a general term for relatives
10 As being
11 lost wasted, pointless (sense then shifts to “gone”)
14 importune urge, entreat persistently
18 Incapable inexperienced, unknowing shallow naïve
22 impeachments accusations, charges
24 kindly gently, benevolently/as a family member
27 gentle shape an appearance of nobility, a benevolent guise
28 visor mask
30 dugs breasts (breast milk was popularly thought to convey some of the qualities of the mother) hair…ears disheveled and loose hair was a theatrical convention signifying distress
35 chide berate, chastise
36 black profound, dark, hellish
37 to…enemy i.e., commit suicide
38 rude impatience uncontrolled outburst, violent want of endurance
39 act deed/division of a play (continuing the theatrical image begun with scene)
42 want lack
43 brief quick
44 catch catch up with
47 interest right, entitlement
48 title in claim on (as Edward’s mother)
50 his images i.e., his sons
51 mirrors i.e., images, reflections semblance likeness
53 false glass i.e., Richard, a distorted, false image of his father
60 moiety small portion
61 overgo exceed
63 kindred similar, belonging to relatives
64 unmoaned unlamented, not grieved for
65 widow-dolour widow’s grief be shall be
67 barren to so infertile that I cannot complaints grief, lamentations
68 reduce return, bring together
69 watery moon i.e., the moon, which controls the tides
74 stay support
77 Was never widow there was never a widow who dear grievous/costly
81 parcelled in specific parts, divided between them general all-encompassing
87 nurse nourisher, feeder
88 pamper cram, feed luxuriously
92 dull sluggish, reluctant
94 opposite antagonistic, adversarial
95 For it requires because it reclaims
96 careful caring
104 cry you mercy beg your pardon
107 meekness humility
110 butt-end concluding part
111 grace quibbling on the duchess’ title and on the sense of “religious virtue”
112 cloudy gloomy
113 moan sorrow, grief
117 broken rancour divisive animosity (broken begins an image of an injured limb) high-swoll’n very inflamed/proud
118 But lately splintered only recently splinted, reset (though at the same time continuing the imagery of fragmentation)
119 kept looked after
120 Meseemeth it seems to me little train small retinue of attendants and accompanying nobles
121 Forthwith immediately Ludlow Ludlow Castle, in Shropshire, near the Welsh border fet fetched
124 multitude large group
127 estate state, kingdom green new, vulnerable (with suggestions of the prince’s youth)
128 Where…himself when each horse is in control of his own reins and may go where he pleases (i.e., in the absence of a strong rider to govern)
130 As…apparent both the fear of possible harm as well as actual harm
132 with between
133 compact agreement, contract
135 green new, not tested
136 apparent evident, real breach breakage, rupture
137 haply perhaps/probably urged encouraged
139 meet appropriate, suitable
142 post hasten
144 censures opinions
147 by on sort occasion arrange an opportunity
148 index preface story plan, business late recently
150 counsel’s innermost thoughts’ (puns on advisory “council”) consistory council chamber, meeting place
152 direction instruction, guidance
2.3 Location: a London street
3 abroad at large, in the outside world
5 by’r lady by Our Lady (the Virgin Mary) seldom…better is rarely followed by better things
6 giddy inconstant, unstable
7 God speed God be with you; a standard greeting
8 Give…morrow God give you good day; a standard greeting
9 Doth…hold is the news true
10 God…while i.e., God help us while age, times
11 masters sirs look expect
15 nonage minority, youth council under him the Privy Council, a group of the king’s ministers, governing for him
20 so in the same condition wot knows
22 politic grave counsel wise and reverend guidance
23 protect act as formal guardians for
27 emulation rivalry nearest most closely related to the king/most influential over the king
28 touch…near affect us all too closely
30 haught haughty, aspiring
32 solace take comfort, be happy
36 look for expect
37 dearth famine, shortage
38 sort ordain, arrange
41 cannot reason almost can scarcely reason
42 heavily gravely, anxiously
43 still always
44 mistrust suspect
45 proof experience
46 boist’rous violent
47 Whither away? Where are you going?
48 justices justices of the peace; the reason for this is never stated
2.4 Location: the royal court, London
1 lay spent the night Stony Stratford small town in Buckinghamshire
2 Northampton Northamptonshire town twelve miles further from London than Stony Stratford, an apparent confusion explained by Shakespeare’s sources: Richard and Buckingham met the Prince at Stony Stratford, then (Rivers, Vaughan and Grey having been arrested) took him back to Northampton before resuming the journey to London
9 cousin general term for a relative
13 grace virtuous qualities; possibly Richard quibbles on “herb of grace” or rue, a herb with medicinal qualities whose name means “sorrow” apace quickly
16 hold apply, prove true
17 object the same suggest it, apply it
23 troth faith been remembered remembered
24 flout taunt, mocking insult
25 touch…mine mock his growth more pointedly than he mocked mine
28 gnaw…old various historical accounts claim that Richard was born with teeth, something considered abnormal and ominous
30 biting sharp/to do with teeth
35 parlous mischievous, wily Go to expression of dismissive impatience shrewd sharp-tongued, cheeky
37 Pitchers have ears proverbial; pitchers were jugs with large handles (“ears”)—Elizabeth means that the boy has been eavesdropping on adult conversation
43 Pomfret Pontefract castle, in Yorkshire
48 can know, can say
51 house family
52 hind female deer
53 Insulting threatening, harmful/exulting scornfully jut thrust, shove/project, encroach
54 aweless inspiring no awe or dread throne i.e., Prince Edward
56 map chart of the world/diagram/summary, epitome
62 seated in power, having gained the throne broils turmoil
63 overblown blown over
65 preposterous unnatural (literally, in reverse order)
66 frantic outrage insane violence spleen fury (the spleen was thought to be the seat of extreme emotion)
68 sanctuary churches and their precincts provided sanctuary from arrest; Elizabeth went to Westminster Abbey
75 seal great seal of England, used by the king to authenticate documents; the Archbishop was its official keeper so…you may my fortunes depend on the care I show you
3.1 Location: London; exact location unspecified, possibly a street
1 chamber London was known as the camera regis, Latin for the “king’s chamber”
2 my thoughts’ sovereign my chief concern/head of my thoughts
4 crosses troubles (i.e., the arrests of Rivers, Vaughan and Grey)
5 heavy laborious, burdensome, sorrowful
6 want lack/desire
11 jumpeth accords, agrees
13 attended paid attention, listened
21 ere before
22 slug sluggard, lazy fellow
26 On what occasion for what reason
28 tender young prince i.e., Edward’s younger brother, Richard
29 fain willingly
30 perforce forcibly
31 indirect devious/oblique, lengthy/erroneous peevish obstinate/perverse
34 presently immediately
36 jealous suspicious, mistrustful, overprotective
37 oratory rhetorical skill
39 Anon shortly obdurate inflexible, determined
44 senseless unreasonably, foolishly
46 Weigh…with if you only judge it by grossness low standards, coarseness
48 benefit protection
49 dealings actions, conduct
50 wit intelligence, mature judgment
53 thence…there a place that cannot really be considered as sanctuary in his case
54 charter privilege, legal right
62 sojourn stay, reside
65 repose you settle yourself, rest Tower a royal residence as well as a much-feared prison
68 any place all places
71 re-edified rebuilt, developed
72 upon record written down
75 registered recorded
77 retailed recounted, retold
78 general ending day universal doomsday, the end of the world
79 So…long proverbial: “too soon wise to live long”
81 characters written records
82 formal Vice conventional Vice figure of morality plays, an allegorical character named after a particular sin and known for wordplay and grim humor Iniquity sinfulness; a stock name for a Vice figure
83 moralize interpret (perhaps playing on the idea of expounding God’s word for the purpose of moral teaching)
85 With…live i.e., he used his intellect to write down the courageous military exploits that had enriched it, in order to ensure that his reputation lived on
87 his conqueror the one who conquers death
91 An if if
94 lightly usually forward early
98 grief Edward refers to the death of his father
99 late recently
103 idle useless
108 beholding beholden, indebted
110 as in in that I am
111 dagger perhaps maintaining the link between Richard and the medieval Vice figure, who traditionally carried a dagger
112 With…heart very willingly (but also implying that he would gladly stab York with it)
115 toy trifle grief hardship
117 to it that goes with it
118 light not heavy (York shifts the sense to “trifling, cheap”)
120 a beggar nay no to a beggar
122 weigh it lightly consider it a trifle/do not think it weighs very much were it even if it were
123 have continues the grim play on “receive as a gift/receive in death”
127 still always cross contrary, perverse
131 like…shoulders professional fools or tame bears carried apes on their backs at fairs; attention is drawn here to Richard’s hunched back bear puns on the name of the animal
133 sharp-provided quick and ready
134 mitigate moderate, lessen
135 prettily cleverly, charmingly
136 cunning crafty, clever sennet trumpet call signaling the continuation of a procession
152 prating chattering, prattling
153 incensèd urged on, incited subtle cunning
154 opprobriously scornfully, insultingly
155 perilous wily, dangerous, mischievous
156 forward spirited, ready capable responsive, receptive
157 all the mother’s exactly like his mother
158 let them rest enough of them, leave them for the moment; or perhaps literally “let them take their rest”
159 deeply profoundly, solemnly
160 closely secretly
161 urged proposed, discussed way i.e., the journey from Ludlow to London
163 of…For share our opinion and intention regarding
166 He…father’s Hastings for Edward IV’s
167 won to aught persuaded to do anything
171 as…off in a roundabout way, indirectly sound sound out, probe
172 affected to disposed toward
174 sit confer, sit in council
180 divided councils two separate meetings
181 highly crucially
182 Lord William i.e., Hastings
183 ancient knot long-standing group (knot may play on the sense of “tumor”)
184 are let blood i.e., will be executed; literally, refers to surgical bloodletting
186 Mistress Shore Hastings’ mistress Jane Shore (formerly mistress ofEdward IV)
188 heed care
193 complots conspiracies, schemes
196 movables portable property
200 sup betimes have supper early
201 digest arrange (plays on the sense of literal digestion) form good order
3.2 Location: outside Hastings’ house
6 tedious weary, long
11 boar Richard’s heraldic emblem razèd pulled, torn helm helmet
13 that…determined decisions may be taken
14 to rue grieve
15 pleasure will, inclination
16 presently immediately
17 post ride swiftly
21 His honour Lord Stanley
23 toucheth affects, relates to
24 have intelligence be informed
25 without instance lacking evidence
27 mock’ry foolish delusions, false images
28 fly flee
29 Were would be
30 mean (originally) intend
33 use treat kindly gently, courteously (plays on the sense of “according to his [boarlike] nature”)
40 garland i.e., crown (with connotations of a victor’s garland)
43 crown head
44 foul wickedly, wrongfully/in an ugly manner (perhaps recalling Richard’s appearance)
46 forward…party ready to support him, eagerly on his side
54 master’s i.e., Edward IV’s
58 they i.e., the queen’s relatives in into
64 monstrous unnatural falls it out it has happened
69 make high account hold you in high estimation (in the context of the following line, high plays on the sense of “high up, aloft”)
70 account consider, expect the bridge London Bridge, on which traitors’ heads were displayed on poles
73 unprovided unprepared, ill-equipped
75 rood (Christ’s) cross
76 several separate
78 protest declare
81 triumphant cheerful/exultant (over my enemies’ deaths)
83 jocund merry, cheerful states were sure positions were secure
84 mistrust doubt, suspect
86 This…misdoubt i.e., this sudden hostile attack has made me fearful, mistrustful
88 spent coming to an end (although the scene begins at 4 a.m.; perhaps Stanley refers figuratively to his own “time,” i.e., life)
89 have with you literally “I’ll join you” or as a reprimand “come along now” Wot know
91 truth loyalty, honesty
92 hats i.e., official positions (Stanley has Richard’s role as royal Protector in mind) Pursuivant state messenger with the power to execute warrants
94 before ahead
95 sirrah sir (used to inferiors)
100 suggestion instigation, prompting
103 state prosperity, position, circumstances
104 hold keep, maintain
105 Gramercy great thanks
108 Sir conventional title for a clergyman
109 I…exercise Hastings apologizes for not attending the last church service (during which he was in prison) exercise religious service
110 content recompense
114 shriving work business of saying confession and receiving absolution
119 thence from there
120 stay stay for
3.3 Location: Pomfret (Pontefract) castle, Yorkshire
5 knot tight group
7 Dispatch get on with it
10 closure enclosure
12 for…seat to add to the disgrace associated with this place dismal seat ominous position
15 exclaimed on cried out against, condemned Hastings…I in fact, Margaret does not mention Grey (see Act 1 Scene 3)
20 for instead of
23 expiate reached, fully come
3.4 Location: council chamber, the Tower of London
2 of about
5 wants but nomination requires only the appointing of the date
6 happy auspicious, favorable
8 inward intimate
9 mind temperament/opinion on the coronation/intentions in general
10 for as for
13 near in love close, intimate
16 sounded questioned, sounded out
19 in on voice vote
20 take…part accept in a gracious manner
22 cousins term of address between nobles
24 neglect cause the neglect of
27 part role (continues the theatrical language begun with cue)
29 bolder more confident
37 testy headstrong, short-tempered hot angry/impetuous
38 head plays on the etymology of testy, i.e., teste, Old French for “head”
39 worshipfully respectfully
42 set down confirmed
44 provided prepared
45 prolonged postponed, delayed
48 smooth seemingly amiable or friendly
49 conceit idea, fancy likes pleases
53 straight instantly
55 livelihood liveliness
61 charms magic spells
64 doom sentence
68 blasted shriveled, blighted by supernatural means
69 is i.e., is the doing of monstrous unnatural
70 Consorted associated, in conjunction Shore Jane Shore, Hastings’ mistress and formerly Edward IV’s
76 the same i.e., Hastings’ beheading accomplished
80 fond foolish
81 rouse move violently, pull from our heads
83 foot-cloth horse horse with a long ornate cloth draped over its back
84 started shied, moved suddenly
85 As as if loath reluctant, unwilling
88 triumphing exulting victoriously
94 shrift confession (to a priest)
95 grace fortune, favor (in the next line, the sense shifts to “divine grace, mercy”)
97 Who he who in air on the insubstantial foundation, in the emptiness good favoring, approving
101 bootless useless exclaim protest, cry out
3.5 Location: within the walls of the Tower of London rotten rusty/old, decaying marvellous ill-favoured (looking) extremely unsightly
1 change thy colour i.e., make yourself look pale with fear
2 Murder i.e., cut off, catch
5 counterfeit imitate deep artful, cunning tragedian tragic actor
6 back behind me, over my shoulder (presumably in alarm or distrust) pry peer (nervously or suspiciously)
7 at wagging at the mere stirring, shaking
8 Intending expressing, pretending ghastly full of fear
9 service command enforcèd false, deliberate
10 offices roles, tasks
17 o’erlook look over (seems to suggest that the scene takes place on the battlements)
21 patient calm
25 plainest most honest
27 book i.e., diary, personal notebook
28 history narrative, record
29 smooth plausibly
30 his…omitted apart from his manifest guilt
31 conversation sexual relationship
32 from free from attainder of suspects stain of suspicion
33 covert’st sheltered most secretly concealed
35 almost even
37 subtle cunning
41 Turks i.e., barbarians, non-Christians
42 form order, code
43 rashly hastily
47 fair good fortune
48 proceeded acted (perhaps with connotations of “taken legal proceedings”)
50 looked for expected
51 fell in plays on the sense of “penetrated sexually”
52 had…die we had determined that he should not die
53 see attend to, manage
57 timorously with fear, tremblingly
60 haply perhaps
61 Misconster misconstrue us in him our role in or motives for his death
63 as as if
68 carping faultfinding, dissatisfied
69 of regarding
70 witness testify to
73 Guildhall central building in which civic affairs were conducted hies…post hurries as quickly as possible
74 meetest vantage best opportunity
75 Infer allege
78 house both home and either shop or inn
79 sign i.e., sign bearing the name (The Crown) of the shop or inn
80 luxury lechery, lust
81 change of lust constantly requiring new sexual partners
83 Even where wherever
85 for a need if necessary come…person i.e., tell a tale that will affect me too
86 went…Of was pregnant with
89 true exact, accurate
90 his begot conceived by him
91 well…lineaments was obvious in Edward’s features, appearance
93 sparingly carefully, discreetly, with restraint
96 golden fee i.e., the crown (fee perhaps plays on the legal sense of “inherited estate”; the sense of “payment” anticipates the reward Buckingham expects for his services)
98 thrive well are successful Baynard’s Castle London residence owned by the Duchess of York, situated by the River Thames near Blackfriars
103 Shaw…Penker both clergymen who supported Richard
106 take…order make some secret arrangements
108 manner manner of
109 recourse means of access
3.6 Location: London Scrivener professional scribe, particularly of legal documents
1 indictment formal statement of charges
2 a set hand formal handwriting fairly elegantly engrossed written in large characters appropriate for legal documents (“gross” in its sense of “wicked, reprehensible” may pick up on its moral opposite, “fair”)
3 Paul’s St. Paul’s Cathedral (where public proclamations were often made)
4 the sequel the following/the sequence of events/subsequent scribal copy he produced
7 precedent preceding document, first draft (from which the final copy has been made)
9 Untainted unstained by accusation unexamined not questioned, interrogated free at liberty/innocent/untroubled
10 the while these days gross stupid
11 palpable device obvious contrivance
14 seen in thought i.e., not acknowledged openly
3.7 Location: Baynard’s Castle, London several separate
3 mum silent
4 Touched you did you mention
5 contract betrothal
6 contract…France in 3 Henry VI (Act 3 Scene 3) the Earl of Warwick goes to France as Edward’s deputy to secure a betrothal with the King of France’s sister-in-law; he and the French king are furious and humiliated when word comes that Edward has abruptly married Elizabeth instead
8 enforcement coercion/rape
9 tyranny for trifles severe punishment of minor crimes/oppressive behavior even with regard to trivialities
10 got begot, conceived
15 Laid open revealed/described/elaborated on
16 discipline strategic skill
17 bounty generosity fair honorable
18 fitting for relevant to
19 slightly neglectfully
30 recorder civic official in the City of London
32 inferred alleged
33 in…himself on his own authority
35 hall i.e., the Guildhall
37 the vantage advantage
39 general public/widespread
40 Argues demonstrates
41 even here at this point brake broke
42 blocks blockheads, idiots
43 brethren members of the town corporation
44 Intend pretend, feign fear an intimidating manner/religious veneration/fearfulness
45 suit request, entreaty
46 look make sure
48 ground base melody descant accompaniment to or improvised variation on the ground, or underlying melody
49 won persuaded
50 maid’s young woman’s/virgin’s still constantly, repeatedly and take it yet have sex all the same
52 for myself on my own behalf/for my own advantage
53 issue outcome
54 leads lead-covered flat roof
55 dance attendance am being kept waiting, am eager to be seen
61 bent occupied, concerned/bent over (in prayer)
62 suits affairs, petitions (especially legal)
63 exercise prayers
66 deep very important, profound moment significance
67 No less importing concerning no less a matter
71 lulling lolling, reclining
73 dallying toying sexually, having sex brace pair
74 deep learned, profoundly wise divines priests
75 engross fatten
76 watchful alert/awake
77 Happy fortunate
78 his grace plays on the ducal title and on the sense of “divine grace” (suggesting a God-given right to the crown)
80 defend forbid
89 perfect complete
92 beads rosary beads
93 zealous pious, devout aloft i.e., on the upper staging level, or gallery
95 props supports
96 stay keep fall of moral fall caused by
102 right rightful/genuine, true/extremely
106 visitation visit (especially by an ecclesiastical body); Richard is deliberately employing language with religious connotations
111 disgracious disliked
112 reprehend my ignorance rebuke me for the fault I am unaware of
115 Else…land? Why else do I live as a Christian (if not to amend my faults)?
118 sceptred involving the bearing of a royal scepter
119 state position, rank/kingship of fortune to which fortune entitles you
120 lineal hereditary
121 blemished morally tainted (through illegitimacy) stock family tree (sense subsequently shifts to “tree trunk”)
124 want lack proper rightful, own
125 infamy bad reputation, disgrace
126 graft grafted, i.e., united (as in horticulture) plants may pun on “Plantagenet”
127 shouldered shoved (possibly “immersed up to the shoulders”) gulf abyss/whirlpool
129 recure redress, cure
133 factor agent
134 successively by right of succession
135 empery sovereign dominions
136 consorted united, in league
137 worshipful honorable/respectful
139 move persuade
142 degree rank or perhaps “spiritual condition” condition social status
143 not to I do not haply perhaps
144 yielded consented
146 fondly foolishly
149 checked (would have) rebuked
153 desert Unmeritable unworthiness
155 cut away with sinister connotations of “cut off, killed”
156 even direct, smooth
157 revenue possession/yield, income
160 greatness i.e., kingship
161 bark ship brook endure, withstand
162 in…hid desire to be enveloped by greatness
163 vapour mist/spray
165 much I need I would need a great deal (i.e., I am inadequate)
166 royal tree i.e., King Edward IV
167 mellowed matured stealing creeping (forward)
168 become suit, befit seat throne
170 that what
171 happy auspicious, favorable
172 defend forbid wring wrench
173 argues shows, is evidence of
174 respects thereof factors in your argument nice unimportant, trifling
178 contract…vow the verbal contract entered into at betrothal was considered binding
180 substitute deputy, delegate
181 sister sister-in-law
182 petitioner Elizabeth Grey catches Edward’s eye when she entreats him for the return of her dead husband’s lands (see 3 Henry VI, Act 3 Scene 2)
183 care-crazed fraught, worn out with anxiety
186 purchase booty, plunder wanton lustful
187 pitch height (literally, the highest point in a falcon’s flight)
188 base declension descent to baseness bigamy i.e., because Edward had been engaged to two other women previously
190 our manners courtesy
191 expostulate expound on, argue about
192 some alive i.e., Richard and Edward’s mother, the Duchess of York
193 sparing considerate, forbearing
195 benefit benevolent bestowal dignity honor, high rank, kingship
199 true-derivèd legitimate, directly descended
203 care duty, trouble, source of anxiety
207 as being, because (you are) zeal devotion
210 effeminate tender, gentle
212 estates social ranks
226 buckle i.e., like armor; my back draws attention to Richard’s hunched back
230 sequel consequences
231 Your…me the fact that you forced me shall acquit me mere absolute
241 Even just, exactly
4.1 Location: outside the Tower of London Anne…Gloucester i.e., Lady Anne, who has married Richard at some point since his wooing of her in Act 1 Scene 2 leading a girl probably Clarence’s daughter
1 niece granddaughter
4 tender young
10 like devotion same devoted purpose
11 gratulate greet, welcome
17 suffer allow
22 bounds boundaries
25 in law i.e., by marriage
27 office responsibility, official duty
31 mother mother-in-law (of Elizabeth and Anne)
32 looker-on beholder two fair queens i.e., Elizabeth and Anne (as wife of Richard, who is shortly to be crowned)
33 straight (go) straightaway
35 lace cords that fastened the tightly laced bodice (often cut when a woman became faint)
36 pent confined, penned in
38 Despiteful cruel, malicious
44 Richmond i.e., Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond (later Henry VII), who had sought refuge in Brittany from away from
45 hie hurry
47 thrall slave
48 Nor neither counted accounted, acknowledged
51 letters…way i.e., the letters will be sent to Dorset while en route/the letters will ask George Stanley to meet Dorset on the way and assist his journey/the letters will enable Dorset to be introduced to and assisted by Richmond when he reaches Brittany son stepson (Richmond), or possibly Stanley’s own son George
53 ta’en tardy caught by surprise
54 ill-dispersing evil-spreading
56 cockatrice basilisk, a mythical reptile that could kill with its gaze
57 unavoided unavoidable
60 inclusive enclosing verge band, rim
63 Anointed anointing with holy oil was a key part of the coronation
66 To…harm Do not wish yourself harm just to satisfy my mood
70 other angel husband my other (first) husband, who was an angel/my first husband, who was a different (i.e., good) type of angel (implying that Richard is the fallen angel Lucifer)
74 old experienced/worn-out
81 Grossly stupidly/excessively/coarsely
86 timorous full or fear
87 Warwick with Clarence, the Earl of Warwick deserted the Yorkist cause
89 complaining lamentations
98 teen grief, suffering
101 immured imprisoned, closed in
103 Rude harsh, rough ragged rugged, eroded sullen dismal, melancholy
105 So such/thus foolish fond, doting
4.2 Location: the royal court, London pomp ceremony, splendor, celebration
1 apart aside
9 play the touch act the touchstone (used to test the validity of gold)
10 try test current genuine
17 consequence outcome
18 true noble prince Richard adapts Buckingham’s phrase so that it applies to Edward
19 wont…dull accustomed to be so stupid
21 suddenly immediately
26 breath breathing space
27 positively definitively, directly
28 resolve answer
30 iron-witted dull-witted, stupid, obtuse
31 unrespective inattentive, disrespectful
32 considerate thoughtful
33 High-reaching ambitious
37 close secret
39 haughty proud, aspiring
40 orators persuasive speakers
45 deep-revolving deeply thoughtful, musing witty sharp, clever
46 counsels secrets, confidences
47 held out kept up
55 take order make arrangements close shut away
56 mean humble, low-ranking
58 The boy i.e., Clarence’s son
59 how thou dream’st i.e., pay attention (perhaps Catesby is shocked) give out make it known
61 it…upon it is very important for me
63 brother’s daughter i.e., Edward IV’s daughter Elizabeth
67 pluck on draw on
68 Tear-falling pity mercy, compassion that induces weeping
72 Prove test, try
73 friend plays on the sense of “relative”
78 deal upon deal with, act against
80 open unrestricted
83 token some symbol of authority, perhaps a ring
84 There…so that is all there is to it
85 prefer advance, promote
88 late recent sound me in ask me about
91 he i.e., Richmond
93 pawned pledged
94 movables portable property
96 look to beware, watch
97 answer be answerable for
101 peevish foolish, childish
103 resolve answer, satisfy
104 vein mood
108 Brecknock Brecon in Wales, Buckingham’s family seat
2 arch extreme, foremost
4 suborn bribe
5 ruthful lamentable, sad
6 fleshed experienced (hunting term referring to feeding hounds raw meat to excite them for the chase)
8 their…story in telling the sad story of their deaths
10 girdling hugging, encircling
11 alabaster i.e., white (the substance was often used for human figures that formed part of funeral monuments)
15 Which one which, which thing
18 replenishèd complete, perfect
19 prime first framed created
20 gone overcome
22 bloody bloodthirsty
25 gave in charge ordered
33 soon and i.e., soon
34 process account, story
36 be…desire you shall get what you wish
39 close securely, privately
40 meanly…marriage I have married to a low-ranking man
41 Abraham’s bosom i.e., heaven
43 for because Breton from Brittany (where Richmond is taking refuge)
45 by that knot through that marriage
48 bluntly unceremoniously, abruptly
49 Morton John Morton, Bishop of Ely (whom Richard asks for strawberries in Act 3 scene 4)
50 hardy bold, resolute
51 power army
52 near deeply
53 rash-levied rapidly mustered
54 fearful commenting nervous talk
55 leaden servitor the slow servant
56 leads precedes, generates beggary ruin
57 expedition speed, quick action
58 Jove’s Mercury swift messenger of Jove, king of the Roman gods
59 My…shield the best advice is to arm myself/arms shall be my advisers (i.e., let us not waste time discussing matters)
60 brief swift brave the field challenge us on the battlefield
4.4 Location: unspecified; probably somewhere near the royal court
1 mellow ripen
3 confines regions, territories (of England)
5 induction introduction, opening scene
6 consequence unfolding events and their conclusion
10 unblowed young and unopened, not yet in bloom sweets flowers/dear ones
12 in doom perpetual eternally in the place appointed for you
15 right for right even-handed justice
17 crazed cracked
19 Edward Plantagenet could refer to Edward IV or his son
20 quit requite, repay
21 Edward for Edward probably refers to Elizabeth’s son and Margaret’s (with Henry VI)
23 entrails insides, intestines
25 Harry Henry VI (Margaret’s husband)
27 grave’s…usurped i.e., one who should have died but remains living
28 abstract summary/epitome
29 lawful own proper, that is rightfully England’s
31 thou i.e., the earth afford offer
36 seniory seniority
37 on…hand from the superior position
38 admit society permit company
39 Edward Margaret’s son with Henry VI (murdered by Richard, Edward IV and Clarence; see 3 Henry VI, Act 5 Scene 5)
40 husband Henry VI (murdered by Richard; see 3 Henry VI, Act 5 Scene 6)
41 Edward Elizabeth’s eldest son with Edward IV
42 Richard Elizabeth’s second son, the young Duke of York
43 Richard the Duke of York, the Duchess’ husband (killed by Margaret and Clifford; see 3 Henry VI, Act 1 Scene 4)
44 Rutland the Duchess’ youngest son (murdered by Clifford; see 3 Henry IV, Act 1 Scene 3) holp’st helped
48 teeth…eyes i.e., could bite before he could see properly; Richard was born with teeth
49 worry seize by the throat
50 defacer…handiwork i.e., murderer (perhaps also alludes to Richard’s own deformed physique)
51 gallèd irritated, swollen (from weeping)
52 excellent supreme
54 upright righteous, just true-disposing arranging all justly
55 carnal cur flesh-eating dog
56 issue offspring, children
57 pew-fellow fellow mourner moan lamentations, grief
58 triumph glory, exult
61 cloy me gorge myself
62 Thy Edward Edward IV my Edward Margaret’s son with Henry VI
63 other Edward Elizabeth’s eldest son with Edward IV
64 Young York Elizabeth’s second son, the young Duke of York but boot merely added to make up the total both they Edward IV and his eldest son
65 perfection…loss completeness, extent of the loss I experience/excellence of the people I have lost
67 frantic mad, frenzied
68 Th’adulterate the adulterous (Hastings; refers to his affair with Jane Shore)
70 intelligencer spy, secret agent
71 Only reserved solely kept alive (to be)/exclusively selected (as) factor agent, representative
80 bottled swollen (with venom), rounded, bottle-shaped bunch-backed hunchbacked
81 vain flourish meaningless, frivolous adornment
82 shadow illusory, fragile image/actor painted artificial/made-up with cosmetics
83 presentation imitation
84 flattering index deceptively attractive prologue pageant play
86 mocked taunted/imitated, playacted
87 dream mere image flag army’s identifying banner, highly visible in battle/type of flower belonging to the iris family
89 sign mere symbol/military banner dignity monarchy
90 in jest for entertainment/pretend fill the fulfill the requirements of/make up numbers in
93 sues pays court, entreats
94 bending bowing/yielding
95 troops retinues
96 Decline go through in order (grammatical term)
97 For instead of
98 name i.e., of mother
100 caitiff wretch care troubles, grief
101 of by
104 course…about an image that recalls the popular conception of fortune as a wheel that raised humans up and cast them down as it came full circle
105 very absolute
106 thought i.e., memory
113 mischance misfortune
117 Forbear refrain, refuse
121 Bett’ring amplifying bad causer person responsible for the evil
122 Revolving considering, reflecting on
123 dull lifeless, sluggish/blunt quicken enliven/sharpen
126 Windy…woes (words are) empty, wind-blown representatives of the grief of the speakers
127 intestine internal (both in the sense of “experienced within” and in the sense of “digestive,” the latter making words into farts)
129 scope range, room
134 exclaims outcries, exclamations
135 expedition military enterprise/haste
136 might i.e., should
138 From i.e., to prevent
140 branded i.e., branded with
141 owed owned
143 villain wicked one/servant
148 flourish trumpet fanfare (usually signaling the arrival or departure of a person in authority) alarum call to arms
149 tell-tale prattling
150 Rail rant lord’s anointed i.e., the king, supposedly chosen by God and anointed with holy oil at the coronation to signify this
151 entreat me fair plead with me courteously
152 report loud noise, specifically the explosion of a gun or cannon
156 impatience anger
157 condition temperament
158 brook…reproof bear the language of rebuke
163 stayed waited
166 rood cross
169 Tetchy fretful wayward willful, obstinate
170 frightful frightening desp’rate reckless
171 prime early years
172 age confirmed maturity
173 kind in hatred concealing hatred in kindness (kind may play on the sense of “natural”)
174 comfortable cheerful, comforting
176 Humphrey Hour unclear; possibly a reference to “dining with Duke Humphrey,” which meant going hungry, or perhaps an actual person is meant grace puns on graced
177 forth out
186 ordinance law (plays on the sense of “artillery”)
187 turn return
191 tire may it weigh heavy on, exhaust
192 complete full, well-equipped
195 Whisper whisper to
198 serves supplies/accompanies doth i.e., will
205 level aim, set your target sights
209 manners morals/courteous habits
210 false unfaithful
211 veil shroud (usually associated with either modesty or mourning)
212 So provided of by
216 safest…birth only safeguarded by her high birth
218 opposite hostile, antagonistic
219 friends also “relatives” contrary opposed
220 unavoided unavoidable doom decree/destined judgment/condemnation
221 avoided grace an absence of God’s grace (i.e., Richard)
222 fairer better/nobler/more just
225 cozened cheated
227 Whose hand soever whoever’s hand lanched pierced
228 head brain/instigation/command all indirectly through indirect means (plays on the sense of “wrongly”)
232 But…use did not the constant experience
235 bay cove, inlet/point at which the cornered deer turns to face the hounds pursuing it
236 poor bark shabby, ill-equipped ship tackling rigging reft deprived
237 Rush am dashed
238 thrive I may I thrive enterprise military undertaking
239 dangerous success risky outcome
240 As only as far as
242 covered…heaven i.e., concealed by God
243 discovered revealed
244 Th’advancement the promotion, favoring (Elizabeth responds to the literal sense)
245 scaffold raised platform on which executions took place
246 dignity honor, high rank
247 type symbol, emblem
248 Flatter increase, pander to/alleviate, mollify
249 state high rank
250 demise convey, transfer (legal term)
251 Even exactly
252 endow bestow upon/give as a dowry
253 So if Lethe in Greek mythology, the river in the underworld that induced forgetfulness in any who drank from or were immersed in it
254 remembrance memory
256 process story, narrative
257 telling in the telling date duration, end
259 thinks i.e., believes
261 from Elizabeth now shifts the sense to “away from, at variance with”
264 confound overturn, destroy
270 How what
273 humour temperament
277 engrave inscribe (plays on the sense of “place in the grave”)
278 haply probably/perhaps
279 sometime once, formerly
282 purple blood-red
283 withal with it
286 mad’st away disposed of, killed
288 conveyance removal, dispatch (playing on the senses of “stealing” and “deceit, trickery”)
292 shape appearance/role/disguise
296 spoil booty gained from plunder
297 Look what whatever
298 deal act, behave (plays on the sense of “kill”)
299 after-hours later moments
302 issue offspring, children
303 quicken give life to increase descendants, children beget conceive
304 upon by
308 mettle substance, spirit, temperament
309 Of all one causing the same amount of
310 of her by the younger Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth’s daughter) bid like sorrow endured similar pain
315 would would like to
316 can am able (to offer)
322 Familiarly as a family member
328 orient shining
329 Advantaging adding to the value of their love the love that caused the tears to be shed
331 mother mother-in-law
332 bold confident, prepared (with connotations of “sexually ready”)
341 retail relate, retell
342 victoress female victor Caesar’s Caesar i.e., the conqueror of the victor
344 lord husband
349 Infer allege, give as a reason
350 purchase…war pay for with everlasting (personal) strife
352 That i.e., a relationship (uncle/niece) considered by the Church as incestuous king’s king i.e., God
354 vail lower (in submission), yield
356 title claim (plays on the sense of “queen’s title”)
357 in force in place, active (perhaps with sinister play on “enforce”)
358 fairly justly/in safety
362 loathes puns on low
363 in on
364 speeds succeeds plainly honestly/in simple terms, without adornment
367 quick hasty (Elizabeth plays on the sense of “alive” when she responds with its opposite: dead)
368 too puns on “two” deep profound, learned (sense then shifts to “deep down, buried”)
371 heart-strings tendons or nerves supposed to brace the heart, hence intense feelings (puns on “harp strings”)
372 my George the image of Saint George, patron saint of England, that formed part of the insignia of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of knighthood in England garter band tied around the leg to keep up hosiery; Knights of the Garter wore a blue and gold one below the left knee
376 his its
382 self-misused disgraced, abused by yourself
389 him i.e., God
390 unity i.e., reconciliation between court factions in Act 2 Scene 1
391 hadst would have
400 o’erpast past
402 Hereafter time the future
404 Ungoverned parentless, without a father’s control wail…age lament it in their maturity/throughout their lifetime
406 with along with
410 So thrive I to the same extent may I thrive
411 Myself myself confound may I destroy myself
414 opposite hostile, adversarial
415 proceeding course of action
417 tender not do not love, hold dear princely royal
425 attorney representative, pleader of a cause
426 Plead offer as a plea in court
427 my deserts what I deserve
428 times affairs/the present time
429 great designs important affairs, the business of state (plays on the sense of “schemes aimed at attaining power”)
430 of by
432 forget…myself forget my anguish and the wrongs done to me in order to be mother of a monarch
433 if…yourself if remembering yourself (i.e., collecting your wits/remembering your wrongs) compromises your future
436 spicery spices
437 recomforture new comfort
441 mind opinion, intention
446 puissant mighty, powerful
447 doubtful fearful/unreliable hollow-hearted false, insincere
449 their i.e., the attacking navy’s
450 hull float with sails furled
452 light-foot swift-footed post hurry
458 unmindful inattentive
463 strength and power army
464 suddenly immediately Salisbury town in Wiltshire, southwest England
472 well easily, readily
473 Hoyday exclamation of contemptuous impatience
475 nearest most direct
479 White-livered runagate cowardly renegade, runaway
484 chair throne sword official sword of office unswayed not wielded
485 empire kingdom unpossessed not inherited/not ruled
488 makes he is he doing
489 that i.e., the crown
490 for that because
491 the Welshman i.e., Richmond, grandson of the Welsh Owen Tudor and Katherine of Valois (widow of Henry V)
494 power army
495 tenants who would have been required to undertake military service for their lord
499 Cold unfriendly, distant (plays on the fact that the north of England often undergoes cold weather)
502 Pleaseth if it please
508 hold consider, deem
511 Look make sure
512 assurance safety
515 advertisèd informed
520 competitors associates, allies
523 owls thought to be birds of ill omen, whose cry portended death
526 fall of waters i.e. heavy rain, storms
530 cry thee mercy beg your pardon
532 well-advisèd prudent
541 assistants supporters
543 his party Richmond’s faction
544 Hoised hoisted
548 taken captured
550 Milford Milford Haven, on the coast of southwest Wales
551 colder less welcome
552 reason talk
4.5 Location: unspecified; possibly Stanley’s home in the north of England, to which Richard sent him to muster troops, or his London residence
2 sty pen boar i.e., Richard
3 franked penned hold custody
8 espouse marry
10 Pembroke town in southwest Wales, just south of Milford Haven Ha’rfordwest Haverfordwest, a town north of Milford Haven
11 name rank/reputation resort gather
14 redoubted revered/feared Pembroke Earl of Pembroke (Richmond’s uncle)
15 Rice i.e., Rhys
17 bend direct
18 by on
20 resolve…mind explain my intentions
5.1 Location: Salisbury
5 miscarrièd come to harm, died
7 moody angry
10 All Souls’ day November 2, the day in the Church calendar devoted to prayer for the souls of the dead
13 This…allies Buckingham refers to his speech in Act 2 Scene 1, in which, following the formal reconciliation of court factions, he wished to be punished with treacherous friends if he was ever disloyal to Elizabeth and her allies
19 determined respite of ordained end to the postponement in punishing
20 all-seer i.e., God dallied with trifled with, mocked
21 feignèd insincere, pretend
22 in jest in pretense
28 block execution block
5.2 Location: Tamworth, in the East Midlands
3 bowels center, inmost part
5 father stepfather
8 spoiled stripped, despoiled
9 Swills gulps wash pig food
10 emboweled disemboweled
12 Leicester chief town of Leicestershire, east of Tamworth
14 cheerly cheerfully, hopefully
16 sharp harsh, merciless
18 homicide murderer
22 vantage advantage
24 meaner humbler
5.3 Location: Bosworth Field, to the east of Leicester
2 sad solemn, grave
6 knocks hard blows
9 all’s…that it doesn’t matter, it makes no difference
10 descried discovered, seen
12 battalia army account number
14 want lack
16 vantage…ground best position for military action
17 sound direction good tactical judgment
21 tract traces, streaks car chariot (which in classical mythology was driven by the sun god)
23 standard flag, military banner
25 form and model arrangement and ground plan
26 Limit appoint, designate several separate, respective charge duty
27 part…proportion distribute evenly
30 keeps stays with
35 quartered encamped
36 colours identifying battle flags
42 needful urgent
52 beaver helmet’s visor easier looser, moving more efficiently
53 into in
55 hie hasten charge duty/post
59 warrant assure, guarantee
62 pursuivant at arms officer attendant on a herald, i.e., messenger
66 watch watch light, a slow-burning candle or one marked at regular divisions to measure the passing of time/guard, watchman
67 Surrey the name of a horse
68 staves staffs used as weapons sound in good condition
73 cockshut time dusk, twilight (when poultry are cooped up)
74 cheering up encouraging, rallying
76 alacrity readiness, sharpness
77 wont used, accustomed
78 it presumably the wine
82 arm me put on my armor
83 helm helmet
85 father-in-law stepfather
87 attorney proxy
90 flaky streaked with light
91 season time of day
93 th’arbitrement the decision, final judgment
94 mortal-staring deathly faced, with fatal gaze
95 that…would what I would like to do (i.e., fight openly on your side)
96 With…time with every opportunity I get, I will be strategically duplicitous (toward Richard)
97 doubtful shock clash of forces, the outcome of which is uncertain/frightening military encounter
98 forward eager
99 brother stepbrother tender young
101 leisure time available
103 ample interchange full exchange sweet discourse pleasant conversation
104 sundered separated
108 with against
109 peise weigh
112 account consider
113 gracious filled with divine grace/favorable
114 irons swords
119 watchful wakeful Prince Edward son of Margaret and Henry VI
124 despair experience spiritual hopelessness (thought to precede suicide)
127 issue child, offspring
128 anointed marked with holy oil, the sign of monarchy
129 punchèd punctured, pierced
130 Tower of London, where Henry was murdered (see 3 Henry VI, Act 5 Scene 6)
136 washed i.e., drowned (in a cask of malmsey, a strong sweet wine) fulsome nauseating/an abundant quantity of
139 fall drop, let fall edgeless blunt, useless
142 battle army
156 laid buried
160 annoy injury, harm
164 quiet peaceful
176 Fainting staggering, losing consciousness/losing heart yield give up
180 Richard may Richard
182 Soft wait
184 lights burn blue thought to be a sign of the presence of ghosts
185 drops i.e., of sweat
191 Wherefore? Why?
197 several different, separate
198 brings in introduces (as evidence)
202 used…degree committed at every degree of severity
203 th’bar i.e., of the court
204 creature person/minion created through favor, i.e., not a genuine supporter
209 threat threaten
217 shadows something insubstantial (Richard shifts the sense to “ghosts”)
221 proof impenetrable armor
224 shrink from i.e., desert
226 Cry mercy forgive me watchful alert/protective, guarding
227 ta’en caught
233 cried on invoked, called out to
234 jocund lively, joyful
239 said already said, said before
240 leisure time available enforcement constraints
244 bulwarks fortifications
245 except excepted
249 raised promoted (to the throne) established confirmed in power
250 made means contrived, grasped opportunities, used any resource
252 stone jewel foil setting for a jewel (designed to highlight the jewel’s beauty)
253 chair throne falsely wrongfully, treacherously/artificially
256 ward protect
260 fat wealth, prosperous growth hire recompense
264 quits requites, repays age old age
266 Advance your standards raise your battle flags
267 the…face i.e., if I fail the only ransom to be paid for me shall be my death (noblemen captured in war were often released on payment of a ransom)
269 thrive succeed/live
272 Saint George patron saint of England
273 touching regarding
278 Tell count (the chimes of) calendar almanac, containing astrological predictions that dealt with meteorology
281 book almanac
282 braved the east i.e., risen braved made splendid/challenged
283 black dark, gloomy/evil, disastrous
286 lour glower, threaten darkly
287 from not on
290 sadly solemnly
291 vaunts flaunts itself proudly
292 Caparison harness, equip
296 foreward vanguard, front line of troops drawn extended
297 horse and foot cavalry and infantry, horsemen and foot soldiers
301 directed positioned, deployed
302 puissance power
303 wingèd flanked chiefest horse best cavalry
304 to boot (to support us) as well
307 Jockey contraction of “John-kin,” a nickname for “John” (Norfolk’s first name)
308 Dickon diminutive of Dick, i.e., Richard bought and sold betrayed for a bribe
315 join join battle pell-mell with headlong haste/at close quarters, with hand-to-hand combat
317 inferred stated
318 cope fight, grapple
319 sort gang
321 o’er-cloyèd overfull and sickened
325 restrain deprive you of distain defile, soil, rape
326 fellow with lower-class connotations
327 Bretagne Brittany mother’s an error (for “brother’s”) that appears in the second edition of Shakespeare’s major source, Holinshed’s Chronicles; just conceivably “mother” might refer to “mother England”
328 milksop weak, cowardly person/infant still on a milk diet
329 over-shoes in snow when snow is above the level of one’s shoes
330 whip these stragglers i.e., as vagabonds were whipped out of the parish by a local official
331 Lash hence whip away from here overweening ambitious, overreaching rags vagrants/old scraps
333 but were it not for fond exploit foolish military undertaking
334 want lack
337 land with connotations of “sexual territory,” i.e., wives and daughters bobbed and thumped beaten, pounded/had sex with, raped (their women)
338 on record as is officially recorded the…shame in disgrace/illegitimate children
339 Lie have sex with
340 Ravish rape
341 yeomen property-owning men below the level of gentlemen
343 proud splendid/rearing blood i.e., the blood drawn from spurring the horses so hard
344 Amaze terrify, alarm, bewilder welkin sky broken i.e., shattered from energetic use
346 deny refuse
348 past the marsh i.e., advancing
350 great full of emotion
352 word of courage i.e., battle cry
353 spleen fury dragons Saint George was famed for the legendary killing of a dragon Alarum, excursions trumpet call to arms and bouts of fighting across the stage
356 a man is humanly possible
357 Daring an opposite defying an enemy
363 set…cast gambled my life on the throw of a die
364 stand await, endure hazard chance die singular of dice (with connotations of death)
365 six Richmonds probably refers to the military precaution of disguising other soldiers as their commander
370 acquit thee acquitted yourself
371 royalties emblems of sovereignty, i.e., the crown
379 name rank
382 become their births befits their social standing
385 ta’en the sacrament confirmed an oath by taking Holy Communion
386 unite…red i.e., unite the Houses of Lancaster (symbolized by a red rose) and York (a white rose) by marrying Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV
387 conjunction union (literally, proximity of planets)
393 sire father
397 succeeders inheritors, heirs
398 ordinance decree
402 Abate blunt edge sword edge
403 reduce bring back
405 increase growth, harvest, prosperity
407 stopped staunched, stopped from bleeding/no longer inflicted