ACT 4
Richard III Act 4, Scene 5: Retold in Modern English Verse
Stanley sends word to Richmond
Stanley sends the priest Sir Christopher Urswick to Richmond with two messages. He cannot yet declare for him, because Richard holds his son George Stanley hostage; and the Queen has consented to Richmond marrying her daughter Elizabeth. Urswick reports the lords who have already joined Richmond, and Stanley sends him on his way.
Characters appearing: Stanley | Sir Christopher Urswick
Key themes: Fate vs Free Will | Manipulation and Deceit | Power and Ambition
LORD STANLEY’S HOUSE.
[ENTER STANLEY THE EARL OF DERBY, AND SIR CHRISTOPHER URSWICK, A PRIEST.]
LORD STANLEY
Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me:
Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me:
That in the sty of the most deadly boar
That deadly boar has kept within his pig sty
My son George Stanley is franked up in hold;
My son George Stanley and he can’t escape.
If I revolt, off goes young George’s head;
If I revolt, he’ll chop off George’s head;
The fear of that holds off my present aid.
The fear of that prevents me helping him.
So get thee gone; commend me to thy lord.
So hurry on, and send him my best wishes.
Withal say that the Queen hath heartily consented
Additionally, say that the Queen agreed
He should espouse Elizabeth her daughter.
That Richmond weds Elizabeth, her daughter.
But tell me, where is princely Richmond now?
But tell me, where is regal Richmond now?
CHRISTOPHER URSWICK
At Pembroke or at Ha’rford-West in Wales.
In Wales, at Pembroke or Haverfordwest.
LORD STANLEY
What men of name resort to him?
Which noblemen have joined his side?
CHRISTOPHER URSWICK
Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier,
Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier;
Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William Stanley,
Sir Gilbert Talbot; Sir William Stanley;
Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir James Blunt,
Oxford; the feared Pembroke; Sir James Blunt;
And Rice ap Thomas, with a valiant crew,
And Rhys ap Thomas, with a brave brigade;
And many other of great name and worth;
And many other men of great repute;
And towards London do they bend their power,
And all that power has set a course for London
If by the way they be not fought withal.
Assuming there’s no fight along the way.
LORD STANLEY
Well, hie thee to thy lord; I kiss his hand.
Well, go back to your lord; send him my best.
My letter will resolve him of my mind.
This letter here will tell him all the rest.
Farewell.
Goodbye.
[EXEUNT.]
