Summary
Act V, Scenes 2-3: Eve of Battle at Bosworth
Richard III by William Shakespeare
Richmond addresses his forces: 'Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny.' He's received encouragement from Stanley. He calls Richard 'the wretched, bloody, and usurping boar, that spoiled your summer fields and fruitful vines, swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough in your emboweled bosoms.' They march toward Leicester—one day from Richard. 'In God's name cheerily on, courageous friends, to reap the harvest of perpetual peace by this one bloody trial of sharp war.' Oxford declares: 'Every man's conscience is a thousand men, to fight against this guilty homicide.' Blunt observes: 'He hath no friends, but what are friends for fear, which in his dearest need will fly from him.' Richmond closes with hope: 'True hope is swift, and flies with swallows' wings, kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.' Both sides camp at Bosworth Field. Richard asks, 'Where tomorrow? Well, all's one for that.' He's confident: 'Our battalia trebles that account... the King's name is a tower of strength.' 'Tomorrow is a busy day.' Richmond's camp is organized, methodical: 'I'll draw the form and model of our battle, limit each leader to his several charge.' He checks on Stanley's position—carefully neutral, 'half a mile at least south, from the mighty power of the king.' Richard prepares but something's wrong. He won't eat: 'I will not sup tonight.' He admits: 'I have not that alacrity of spirit, nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have.' Stanley secretly visits Richmond at night, blessing him but explaining his dilemma: 'On thy side I may not be too forward, lest being seen, thy brother, tender George be executed in his father's sight.' The eve of battle reveals the contrast: Richmond surrounded by loyal supporters planning justice, Richard surrounded by fearful allies, losing his spirit, holding Stanley's son hostage. Tomorrow decides everything.
Coming Up in Chapter 21
The final confrontation approaches as both sides prepare for battle, and Richard faces the consequences of his actions.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(~425 words)
The weary way hath made you melancholy. RICHMOND. No, my most loving lord of Norfolk; The weary way hath made you melancholy. But I, who never knew how to entreat, Nor never needed that I should entreat, Am come to crave your help, and not to buy it. I swear to you, upon my honour, That I will never break my word with you. NORFOLK. Then welcome, Richmond, to the field of battle. The weary way hath made you melancholy. But courage, man! The day is ours. RICHMOND. The day is ours, indeed, if we but stand And do not shrink. But if we shrink, we're lost. Therefore, brave friends, stand fast, and stand together. Richmond addresses his forces: 'Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny.' He's received encouragement from Stanley. He calls Richard 'the wretched, bloody, and usurping boar, that spoiled your summer fields and fruitful vines, swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough in your emboweled bosoms.' They march toward Leicester—one day from Richard. 'In God's name cheerily on, courageous friends, to reap the harvest of perpetual peace by this one bloody trial of sharp war.' Oxford declares: 'Every man's conscience is a thousand men, to fight against this guilty homicide.' Blunt observes: 'He hath no friends, but what are friends for fear, which in his dearest need will fly from him.' Richmond closes with hope: 'True hope is swift, and flies with swallows' wings, kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.' Both sides camp at Bosworth Field. Richard asks, 'Where tomorrow? Well, all's one for that.' He's confident: 'Our battalia trebles that account... the King's name is a tower of strength.' 'Tomorrow is a busy day.' Richmond's camp is organized, methodical: 'I'll draw the form and model of our battle, limit each leader to his several charge.' He checks on Stanley's position—carefully neutral, 'half a mile at least south, from the mighty power of the king.' Richard prepares but something's wrong. He won't eat: 'I will not sup tonight.' He admits: 'I have not that alacrity of spirit, nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have.' Stanley secretly visits Richmond at night, blessing him but explaining his dilemma: 'On thy side I may not be too forward, lest being seen, thy brother, tender George be executed in his father's sight.' The eve of battle reveals the contrast: Richmond surrounded by loyal supporters planning justice, Richard surrounded by fearful allies, losing his spirit, holding Stanley's son hostage. Tomorrow decides everything.
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Hope
How legitimate challengers with authority and moral standing emerge to replace manipulative rulers
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
When manipulators gain power, legitimate challengers eventually emerge. This skill helps you recognize and support legitimate opposition.
Practice This Today
When you see manipulation in power, look for legitimate challengers. Support those with authority and right on their side.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Legitimate Challenge
A challenge to power based on legitimate authority and moral standing, rather than manipulation
Modern Usage:
Like someone who challenges a manipulator with legitimate authority and moral standing
Legitimate Authority
Authority based on right, law, or moral standing, rather than manipulation or force
Modern Usage:
Like someone who has the right to challenge a manipulator based on legitimate claim
Characters in This Chapter
Richmond
Henry Tudor, legitimate challenger to Richard's throne
Richmond represents legitimate opposition and the possibility of justice. Unlike Richard, he has legitimate claim and moral authority.
Modern Equivalent:
Someone who challenges a manipulator with legitimate authority and moral standing
Norfolk
Richmond's supporter
Norfolk represents those who support legitimate authority over manipulation. He recognizes Richmond's legitimate claim.
Modern Equivalent:
Someone who supports legitimate authority over manipulation
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I swear to you, upon my honour, That I will never break my word with you."
Context: Richmond promising to keep his word
Richmond's commitment to honor contrasts with Richard's manipulation. Richmond represents legitimate authority based on honor and trust.
In Today's Words:
I promise you, on my honor, I will keep my word
"The day is ours, indeed, if we but stand And do not shrink. But if we shrink, we're lost."
Context: Richmond rallying his forces
Richmond's rallying cry emphasizes standing together and not shrinking. This represents legitimate resistance to tyranny.
In Today's Words:
We will win if we stand together and don't back down
Thematic Threads
Hope
In This Chapter
Legitimate challenger emerges
Development
Justice becomes possible
In Your Life:
When manipulators gain power, legitimate challengers eventually emerge - there is hope
Justice
In This Chapter
Richmond represents legitimate authority
Development
Justice can replace tyranny
In Your Life:
Legitimate authority can challenge and replace manipulation
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Richmond represent? Why is his challenge legitimate?
analysis • medium
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Challenge Recognition
Think about legitimate challenges to manipulative power.
Consider:
- •What makes a challenge legitimate?
- •How do you recognize legitimate opposition?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 21: Act V, Scene 3 (cont.): The Ghosts & Richard's Conscience
As the story unfolds, you'll explore allies become enemies, while uncovering betrayal has consequences. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.