William Shakespeare: The Life and Death of King Richard III

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

ANNE.
I would I knew thy heart.

GLOSTER.
'Tis figured in my tongue.

ANNE.
I fear me both are false.

GLOSTER.
Then never was man true.

ANNE.
Well, well, put up your sword.

GLOSTER.
Say, then, my peace is made.

ANNE.
That shalt thou know hereafter.

GLOSTER.
But shall I live in hope?

ANNE.
All men, I hope, live so.

GLOSTER.
Vouchsafe to wear this ring.

ANNE.
To take is not to give.

[She puts on the ring.]

GLOSTER.
Look, how this ring encompasseth thy finger,
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart;
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted servant may
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.

ANNE.
What is it?

GLOSTER.
That it may please you leave these sad designs
To him that hath most cause to be a mourner,
And presently repair to Crosby Place;
Where,--after I have solemnly interr'd
At Chertsey monastery, this noble king,
And wet his grave with my repentant tears,--
I will with all expedient duty see you:
For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you,
Grant me this boon.

ANNE.
With all my heart; and much it joys me too
To see you are become so penitent.--
Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me.

GLOSTER.
Bid me farewell.

ANNE.
'Tis more than you deserve;
But since you teach me how to flatter you,
Imagine I have said farewell already.

[Exeunt Lady Anne, Tress, and Berk.]