Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed 44
This conduct to convey me to the Tower.
Rich. Upon what cause?
Clar. Because my name is George.
Rich. Alack! my lord, that fault is none of yours;
He should, for that, commit your godfathers. 48
O! belike his majesty hath some intent
That you should be new-christen'd in the Tower.
But what’s the matter, Clarence? may I know?
Clar. Yea, Richard, when I know; but I protest 52
As yet I do not: but, as I can learn,
He hearkens after prophecies and dreams;
And from the cross-row plucks the letter G,
And says a wizard told him that by G 56
His issue disinherited should be;
And, for my name of George begins with G,
It follows in his thoughts that I am he.
These, as I learn, and such like toys as these, 60
Have mov'd his highness to commit me now.
Rich. Why, this it is, when men are rul'd by women:
'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower;
My Lady Grey, his wife, Clarence, 'tis she 64
That tempers him to this extremity.
Was it not she and that good man of worship,
Anthony Woodville, her brother there,
That made him send Lord Hastings to the Tower, 68
From whence this present day he is deliver'd?
We are not safe, Clarence; we are not safe.
Clar. By heaven, I think there is no man secure
But the queen's kindred and night-walking heralds 72
That trudge betwixt the king and Mistress Shore.
44 Tendering: having regard for
45 conduct: escort
49 belike: perhaps
54 hearkens: inquires
55 cross-row: i.e. the alphabet; cf. n.
58 for: because
60 toys: whims, idle fancies
62 this: thus
65 tempers; cf. n.
67 Anthony Woodville; cf. n.
72 night-walking heralds; cf. n.
73 Mistress Shore; cf. n.
