Stan. Know, my loving lord,
The Marquess Dorset, as I hear, is fled 48
To Richmond, in the parts where he abides.
K. Rich. Come hither, Catesby: rumour it abroad
That Anne, my wife, is very grievous sick;
I will take order for her keeping close. 52
Inquire me out some mean poor gentleman,
Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter:
The boy is foolish, and I fear not him.
Look, how thou dream'st! I say again, give out 56
That Anne, my queen, is sick, and like to die.
About it; for it stands me much upon
To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me.
[Exit Catesby.]
I must be married to my brother's daughter, 60
Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass.
Murther her brothers, and then marry her!
Uncertain way of gain! But I am in
So far in blood, that sin will pluck on sin: 64
Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye.
[Re-]enter [Page with] Tyrrell.
Is thy name Tyrrell?
Tyr. James Tyrrell, and your most obedient subject.
K. Rich. Art thou, indeed?
Tyr. Prove me, my gracious lord. 68
K. Rich. Dar'st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?
Tyr. Please you; but I had rather kill two enemies.
K. Rich. Why, then thou hast it: two deep enemies,
Foes to my rest, and my sweet sleep's disturbers, 72
Are they that I would have thee deal upon.
Tyrrell, I mean those bastards in the Tower.
Tyr. Let me have open means to come to them,
51 grievous sick; cf. n.
58 stands . . . upon: concerns me greatly
60 brother's daughter: cf. n.
65 Tear-falling: causing tears to fall
68 Prove: test
73 deal upon: set to work on