William Shakespeare: The Life and Death of King Richard III

ACT I. 2. SCENE II. London. Another street. (continued)

ANNE.
It is a quarrel just and reasonable,
To be reveng'd on him that kill'd my husband.

GLOSTER.
He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband,
Did it to help thee to a better husband.

ANNE.
His better doth not breathe upon the earth.

GLOSTER.
He lives that loves thee better than he could.

ANNE.
Name him.

GLOSTER.
Plantagenet.

ANNE.
Why, that was he.

GLOSTER.
The self-same name, but one of better nature.

ANNE.
Where is he?

GLOSTER.
Here.

[She spits at him.]

Why dost thou spit at me?

ANNE.
Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake!

GLOSTER.
Never came poison from so sweet a place.

ANNE.
Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! thou dost infect mine eyes.

GLOSTER.
Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.

ANNE.
Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead!