William Shakespeare: The Life and Death of King Richard III

ACT V. 3. SCENE III. Bosworth Field. (continued)

BLUNT.
Unless I have mista'en his colours much,--
Which well I am assur'd I have not done,--
His regiment lies half a mile at least
South from the mighty power of the king.

RICHMOND.
If without peril it be possible,
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him
And give him from me this most needful note.

BLUNT.
Upon my life, my lord, I'll undertake it;
And so, God give you quiet rest to-night!

RICHMOND.
Good night, good Captain Blunt.--Come, gentlemen,
Let us consult upon to-morrow's business:
In to my tent; the air is raw and cold.

[They withdraw into the tent.]

[Enter, to his tent, KING RICHARD, NORFOLK,
RATCLIFF, and CATESBY.]

KING RICHARD.
What is't o'clock?

CATESBY.
It's supper-time, my lord; It's six o'clock.

KING RICHARD.
I will not sup to-night.--
Give me some ink and paper.--
What, is my beaver easier than it was?
And all my armour laid into my tent?

CATESBY.
It is, my liege; and all things are in readiness.

KING RICHARD.
Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge;
Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels.

NORFOLK.
I go, my lord.

KING RICHARD.
Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk.

NORFOLK.
I warrant you, my lord.

[Exit.]

KING RICHARD.
Ratcliff,--

RATCLIFF.
My lord?

KING RICHARD.
Send out a pursuivant-at-arms
To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
Into the blind cave of eternal night.--
Fill me a bowl of wine.--Give me a watch.--
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.--
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy.--
Ratcliff,--