Act II, Scene 3: The Citizens' Fears — Richard III

Three citizens meet on a London street and confirm Edward is dead. One man tries to stay hopeful: by God's grace the son will reign. The third citizen answers that a land governed by a child is doomed, and points to Henry VI crowned in Paris at nine months as proof that hope is not history.

They debate who will guide the young king. The optimist says he has uncles on both sides; the third citizen says the rival protectors are the danger itself. Better no uncles at all than Gloucester and the Queen's proud kindred fighting to be nearest the throne. Emulation, he warns, will touch everyone if God does not prevent it.

When the first citizen insists all will be well, the third piles on folk warnings: clouds mean cloaks, falling leaves mean winter, swelling water means storm. The second agrees men's hearts are full of fear and almost beyond reason. They leave together for the justices, carrying dread they cannot name but already feel.