Richard III by William Shakespeare

The Tragedy of King Richard the Third

written by William Shakespeare

RICHARD GLOUCESTER "I would they were, that I might die at once,

For now they kill me with a living death.

Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,

Shamed their aspects with store of childish drops.

I never sued to friend nor enemy;

My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word;

But now thy beauty is proposed my fee,

My proud heart sues and prompts my tongue to speak.

Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it was made

For kissing, lady, not such contempt.

If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,

Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword,

Which if thou please to hide in this true breast

And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,

I lay it naked to the deadly stroke

And humbly beg the death upon my knee.

Nay, do not pause, for I did kill King Henry;

But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me.

Nay, now dispatch: 'twas I that stabbed young Edward;

But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.

Take up the sword again, or take up me."

Act I Scene II