The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]

Chapter 104: cbd SCENE IV. Another part of the field.

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About This Book

The volume presents a connected sequence of historical dramas that dramatize the disintegration of centralized power and the violent struggle among rival claimants for the crown. Through scenes of political intrigue, popular unrest, pitched battles, and calculated betrayals, it shows how shifting alliances and personal ambition accelerate dynastic collapse and reshape leadership. The plays interweave public spectacle with intimate moments of downfall and remorse, exploring themes of legitimacy, governance, and the human cost of civil war. Scholarly apparatus accompanies the texts, offering prefatory and editorial commentary, variant readings, and notes on publication history.

cbd SCENE IV. Another part of the field.

Excursions. Enter RICHARD and CLIFFORD.

♦ Rich. Now, Clifford, I have singled thee alone:

Suppose this arm is for the Duke of York,

And this for Rutland; both bound to revenge,

Wert thou environ’d with a brazen wall.

5 Clif. Now, Richard, I am with thee here alone:

This is the hand that stabb’d thy father York;

And this the hand that slew thy brother Rutland;

And here’s the heart that triumphs in their death

And cheers these hands that slew thy sire and brother

10 To execute the like upon thyself;

♦ And so, have at thee! [They fight. Warwick comes; Clifford flies.

Rich. Nay, Warwick, single out some other chase;

For I myself will hunt this wolf to death. [Exeunt.