Act IV, Scene 2: The Princes Murdered — Richard III

Richard enters in pomp with Buckingham and asks whether they will wear their glories for a day. He tests Buckingham: Edward still lives, shall he be plain, he wishes the bastards dead and suddenly. Buckingham says his grace may do his pleasure, then asks pause before he speaks positively. Richard gnaws his lip and says high-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.

Richard sends for Tyrrell, a discontented gentleman gold will tempt. Stanley reports Dorset fled to Richmond. Richard orders Anne rumored sick and close kept, plans to marry his brother's daughter, and says sin will pluck on sin because tear-falling pity dwells not in his eye. He hires Tyrrell for the bastards in the Tower. Buckingham returns to claim the promised earldom; Richard answers thou troublest me, I am not in the vein. Buckingham asks made I him king for this, thinks on Hastings, and flees toward Brecknock.

Tyrrell reports the arch deed of piteous massacre: Dighton and Forrest wept like children over the princes girdling one another, four red roses on a stalk, a book of prayers on the pillow. Richard confirms they are dead and buried, catalogs Clarence's son pent up, Edward's sons in Abraham's bosom, Anne good night to the world, and turns to woo young Elizabeth. Ratcliffe brings word Buckingham has rebelled with Welsh strength; Richard calls for fiery expedition and musters men.