Chapter 20
Act V, Scenes 2-3: Eve of Battle at Bosworth
Scena Secunda. Enter Richmond, Oxford, Blunt, Herbert, and others, with drum and colours. Richm. Fellowes in Armes, and my most louing Frends Bruis'd vnderneath the yoake of Tyranny, Thus farre into the bowels of the Land, Haue we marcht on without impediment; And heere receiue we from our Father Stanley Lines of faire comfort and encouragement: The wretched, bloody, and vsurping Boare, (That spoyl'd your Summer Fields, and fruitfull Vines) Swilles your warm blood like wash, & makes his trough In your embowel'd bosomes: This foule Swine Is now euen in the Centry of this Isle, Ne're to the Towne…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
The Eve Contrast Analysis
Richmond and Richard share Bosworth on the same night with opposite spirits. Think of a time when two sides faced the same deadline but one organized while the other frayed behind fear and hostages.
Consider:
- •How do fear-friends differ from conscience as a thousand men?
- •What does lost alacrity tell you that public boasts hide?
- •Why does the George lever reach into Richmond's tent?
- •Who sleeps and who watches, and what does that predict?
Journaling Prompt
Write about an eve-of-battle contrast you witnessed. Which detail was the real tell: food, sleep, or secret blessings?
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