Act IV-V: Paranoia, Rebellion, & Buckingham's End — Richard III

Richard calls Elizabeth a relenting fool and shallow-changing woman, then learns Richmond's navy rides the western coast. He sends Catesby and Ratcliffe with contradictory orders, changes his mind mid-scene, and interrogates Stanley when Richmond is on the seas. Richard says Stanley would revolt, demands where his power is, and takes George Stanley hostage: leave your son behind or his head's assurance is but frail.

Messengers pile in from Devon, Kent, and Buckingham's army. Richard strikes the third as an owl singing death until he hears floods scattered Buckingham, then pays the blow. More news: Richmond landed at Milford. Richard orders march toward Salisbury while royal battle might be won or lost in delay. Catesby says Buckingham is taken; Richmond's landing is colder news.

Derby sends word to Richmond that George Stanley is held in the bore's sty and that the Queen hath heartily consented he should espouse Elizabeth her daughter, revealing Elizabeth's feigned relent. Act V opens with Buckingham at the block on All Souls day, saying the high All-seer turned his fained prayer on his head and Margaret's curse falls heavy: wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.