The complete works of Shakspere, with a memoir, and essay, by Barry Cornwall. Historical and critical studies of Shakspere's text [&c.] by R.G. White, R.H. Horne, and other writers

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 Excerpt: ...and to thine heirs for ever; Conditionally that here thou take an oath To cease this civil war, and whilst I live To honour me as thy king and sovereign; And neither by treason nor hostility To seek to put me down, and reign thyself. Rich. About that which concerns your grace and us: The crown of England, father, which is yours. York. Mine, hoy! not till King Henry he dead. Rich. Your right depends not on his life or death. Edw.How you are heir; therefore enjoy it now. By giving the house of Lancaster leave to breathe, It will outrun you, father, in the end. York. I took an oath that he should quietly reign. Edw. But for a kingdom any oath may be broken: I 'd break a thousand oaths to reign one year. Rich. No; God forbid your grace should be forsworn I York. I shall be, if I claim by open war. Rich. I '11 prove the contrary, if you '11 hear me speak. York. Thou canst not, son: it is impossible. Rich. An oath is of no moment being not took Before a true and lawful magistrate, That hath authority over him that swears: Henry had none, but did usurp the place. Then, seeing 't was he that made you to depose, Your oath, my lord, is vain and frivolous: Therefore to arms. And father, do but think How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown; Within whose circuit is Elysium, And all that poets feign of bliss and joy! Why do we linger thus? I cannot rest Until the white rose that I wear be dyed Even in the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart. York. Richard, enough: I will be king or die. Brother, thou shall to London presently, And whet on Warwick to this enterprise. Thou, Richard, shalt unto the Duke of Norfolk, And tell him privily of our intent. You, Edward, shall unto my Lord Cobham, With whom the Kentishmen will willingly rise: In them I trust; for they are soldiers Witt...