CJTranslations - Richard III

QUOTES BY TOPIC

A black day will it be to somebody

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.5
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
RATCLIFFE
He smiled and said “The better for our purpose.”
KING RICHARD
He was in the right, and so indeed it is.
Tell the clock there. Give me a calendar.
Who saw the sun today?
RATCLIFFE
Not I, my lord.
KING RICHARD
Then he disdains to shine, for by the book
He should have braved the east an hour ago
A black day will it be to somebody. Ratcliffe!
RATCLIFFE
My lord.
KING RICHARD
The sun will not be seen today.
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
I would these dewy tears were from the ground.
Not shine today? Why, what is that to me
More than to Richmond, for the selfsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.

DUTCH:
Dan weigert ze ons haar licht, want, naar het boek,
Moest zij een uur reeds in het oosten prijken.
Een zwarte dag zal dit voor iemand zijn.
Ratcliff!

MORE:
Proverb: It will be a black (bloody) day to somebody

Disdains=Refuses
Book=Almanac
Lour=Scowl
Compleat:
To disdain=Versmaaden, verachten, zich verontwaaardigen
To loure (lowr)=Donker uytzien’ stuursch kyken

Topics: proverbs and idioms, fate/destiny

A horse! a horse! My kingdom for a horse!

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.4
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!
CATESBY
Withdraw, my lord. I’ll help you to a horse.
KING RICHARD
Slave, I have set my life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the die.
I think there be six Richmonds in the field;
Five have I slain today instead of him.
A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!

DUTCH:
Een paard ! een paard! gansch Eng’land voor een paard!

MORE:
One of Shakespeare’s best known lines and quoted as a classic example of Iambic Pentameter, ‘A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse’ is still used today (often replacing ‘horse’ with another small item that is desperately needed).

Cast=Throw of the dice
Die=Singular of dice
Compleat:
Die=Een dobbelsteen
To cast=Werpen, smyten, gooijen

Burgersdijk notes:
Een paard! een paard! gansch Eng’land voor een paard ! In ‘t Engelsch : A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! In het andere stuk, dat in 1594 werd uitgegeven (zie boven blz . 448) roept Richard eveneens: A horse! a horse! a fresh horse! Het zou kunnen zijn, dat deze uitroep Shakespeare heeft voorgezweefd, toen hij den diepen indruk makenden regel schreef. – lets anders schijnt hij aan het oudere stuk niet ontleend te hebben.

Topics: misquoted, still in use, courage, fate/destiny

A milksop, one that never in his life felt so much cold as overshoes in snow?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.5
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
(…) What shall I say more than I have inferred?
Remember whom you are to cope withal,
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o’er-cloyèd country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest;
You having lands and blessed with beauteous wives,
They would restrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
Long kept in Brittany at our mother’s cost,
A milksop, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as overshoes in snow?
Let’s whip these stragglers o’er the seas again,
Lash hence these overweening rags of France,
These famished beggars weary of their lives,
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit,
For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves.
If we be conquered, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Bretons, whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and thumped,
And in record, left them the heirs of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands, lie with our wives,
Ravish our daughters?

DUTCH:
Een melkmuil, die zijn leven lang zich nooit
Tot boven de enkels in de sneeuw gewaagd heeft!

MORE:
Sort=Gang
Lackey=Low-born
O’ercloyed=Overcrowded
Milksop=Coward
Distain=Sully
Fond=Foolish
Bobbed=Drubbed
Compleat:
Sort=Slach, wyze
Lackey (lacquey)=Een voetjongen, volgdienaar, lakkey
To cloy=Overlaaden
Milk-sop=Een Zoetzapige Jorden die zich van ‘t wyf laat regeren
Distain=Bevlekken, besmetten, bezwalken
Fond=Zot, dwaas, ongerymt
Bobbed=Begekt, geloerd

Burgersdijk notes:
Wat heb ik meer te zeggen, dan ik deed? Ongetwijfeld een vreemd begin eener toespraak; men moet er uit vermoeden, dat Richard reeds vroeger zjjne troepen heeft toegesproken en dat wij in deze toespraak slechts eene laatste aansporing hebben te zien, of wel, dat het begin verloren is gegaan. Dat beide veldheeren een aanspraak gehouden hebben tot hun leger, deelt de kroniek van Holinshed mede; van Richard’s toespraak weten wij, dat hij Richmond genoemd heeft “eea Walliser, een onnoozele bloed, zonder moed of ervaring, die aan het hof van Bretagne als een gevangene geleefd heeft op kosten van mij en van mijn broeder .” Aan dit laatste heeft Sh . rep . 324 ontleend: “Long kept in Bretagne at our mother’s cost”. “Die in Bretagne ‘t brood at onzer moeder” . Shakespeare schreef mother, schoon het brother moest zijn; Richard’s broeder, koning Edward, had aan den hertog van Bretagne een jaargeld betaald op voorwaarde, dat hij aan Richmond alle ondernemingen tegen Engeland zou heletten. In den tweeden druk van Holinshed’s kroniek (van 1586) staat to dezer plaatse de drukfout nioother in plaats van brother, en deze druk was het dus zeker, die door Shakespeare gebezigd werd.

Topics: order/society, value

Ah keeper, keeper, I have done those things, that now give evidence against my soul

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: Clarence
CONTEXT:
CLARENCE
Ah keeper, keeper, I have done those things,
That now give evidence against my soul,
For Edward’s sake, and see how he requites me.—
O God, if my deep prayers cannot appease thee,
But thou wilt be avenged on my misdeeds,
Yet execute thy wrath in me alone!
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children!—
Keeper, I prithee sit by me awhile.
My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep.

DUTCH:
O stokbewaarder! O, ik deed die dingen,
Die tegen mijne ziel alsnu getuigen,
Om Edwards wil; en zie, hoe hij ‘t mij loont!

MORE:
Keeper=Jailer
Requite=Repay
Heavy=Sad
Fain=Am eager to
Compleat:
Keeper=Een bewaarder
Requite=Vergelden
Heavy=Zwaar, zwaarmoedig, bedrukt, bedroefd
Fain=Gaern

Topics: conscience, offence, guilt, regret

Ah, cut my lace asunder that my pent heart may have some scope to beat

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.1
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
STANLEY
Let me but meet you ladies one hour hence,
And I’ll salute your Grace of York as mother
And reverend looker-on, of two fair queens.
Come, madam, you must straight to Westminster,
There to be crownèd Richard’s royal queen.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Ah, cut my lace asunder that my pent heart
May have some scope to beat, or else I swoon
With this dead-killing news!
ANNE
Despiteful tidings! O, unpleasing news!

DUTCH:
O, snijd mijn keurslijf los ;
Mijn hart, beklemd, wil ruimte voor zjjn kloppen,
Of ik bezwijm bij zulk een moordend nieuws !

MORE:
Looker-on=Observer
Straight=Directly, immediately
Lace=Tight lace bodice
Compleat:
Looker-on=Aanziener, aankyker
Straight=Recht

Topics: news, communication

Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shape, and with a virtuous visor hide deep vice

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.2
SPEAKER: Duchess
CONTEXT:
BOY
Grandam, we can, for my good uncle Gloucester
Told me the king, provoked to it by the queen,
Devised impeachments to imprison him;
And when my uncle told me so, he wept,
And pitied me, and kindly kissed my cheek,
Bade me rely on him as on my father,
And he would love me dearly as a child.
DUCHESS
Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shape,
And with a virtuous visor hide deep vice.
He is my son, ay, and therein my shame,
Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.

DUTCH:
Ach, dat bedrog zoo zachte trekken steelt,
En diepe boosheid dekt met deugdzaam mom!
Hij is mijn zoon, ja, en mijn schande er door,
Maar zoog aan mijn borst die arglist niet.

MORE:
CITED IN US LAW:
Amsterdam v. Amsterdam,56 N.Y.S.2d 19, 21 (N.Y.Civ.Ct. 1945)(Hammer, J.).

Proverb: He sucked evil from the dug

Impeachments=Charges
Shape=Appearance
Visor=Mask
Dug=Breast, teat
Compleat:
Impeachment=Betichting, beschuldiging, aanklagte
Dug=Een speen
Vizard=Een momaanzigt, mombakkus, masker

Topics: cited in law, proverbs and idioms, good and bad, appearance, deceit, betrayal

Alas, why would you heap this care on me?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
LORD MAYOR
Do, good my lord. Your citizens entreat you.
BUCKINGHAM
Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffered love.
CATESBY
O, make them joyful. Grant their lawful suit.
RICHARD
Alas, why would you heap this care on me?
I am unfit for state and majesty.
I do beseech you, take it not amiss;
I cannot, nor I will not, yield to you.

DUTCH:
Ach, waarom dringt gij deze zorg mij op?
Ik deug niet voor vertoon en majesteit;
Ik bid u, neemt het mij niet euvel af.
Ik kan en wil uw wenschen niet verhooren.

MORE:
Entreat=Beg
Suit=Action
Care=Responsibility
State=Power
Compleat:
To entreat=Bidden, ernstig verzoeken
Suit=Een verzoek, rechtsgeding
Care=Zorg, bezorgdheid, zorgdraagendheid, zorgvuldigheid, vlytigheid

Topics: concern , status, leadership

All of us have cause to wail the dimming of our shining star

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.2
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Sister, have comfort. All of us have cause
To wail the dimming of our shining star,
But none can help our harms by wailing them.—
Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy;
I did not see your Grace. Humbly on my knee
I crave your blessing.

DUTCH:
Wees, zuster, kalm; wij allen hebben grond
Om ‘t dooven onzer flonkerster te klagen;
Doch niemand heelt zijn smart door weegeklag.

MORE:
Wail=Bemoan
Dimming=Fading
Compleat:
Wail=Weenen, buylen, weeklaagen
To dim=Verduysteren, verdonkeren

Topics: complaint, mercy

All unavoided is the doom of destiny

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Her life is safest only in her birth.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
And only in that safety died her brothers.
KING RICHARD
Lo, at their births good stars were opposite.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
No, to their lives ill friends were contrary.
KING RICHARD
All unavoided is the doom of destiny.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
True, when avoided grace makes destiny.
My babes were destined to a fairer death
If grace had blessed thee with a fairer life.
KING RICHARD
You speak as if that I had slain my cousins.

DUTCH:
Niet af te wenden is de wil van ‘t lot.

MORE:
Proverb: It is impossible to avoid (undo) fate (destiny)

Opposite=Opposed to
Contrary=Opposed
Unavoided=Unavoidable
Doom=Judgment, sentence
Avoided=Rejected
Compleat:
Opposite=Tegen over, tegen strydig
Contrary=Tegenstrydig, strydig, tegendeel
Unavoidable=Onvermydelyk
Doom=Vonnis, oordeel, verwyzing
A heavy doom=een zwaar vonnis
To doom=Veroordelen, verwyzen, doemen

Topics: fate/destiny, order/society, proverbs and idioms

An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
QUEEN ELIZABETH
But how long shall that title “ever” last?
KING RICHARD
Sweetly in force unto her fair life’s end.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
But how long fairly shall her sweet life last?
KING RICHARD
As long as heaven and nature lengthens it.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
As long as hell and Richard likes of it.
KING RICHARD
Say I, her sovereign, am her subject low.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty.
KING RICHARD
Be eloquent in my behalf to her.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.
KING RICHARD
Then plainly to her tell my loving tale.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.
KING RICHARD
Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.

DUTCH:
t Eenvoudigst woord wint best een goede zaak .

MORE:
Title=Word
Sovereignty=Rule
Speeds=Progresses
Compleat:
Title=Een tytel, opschrift
To speed=Voortspoeden, voorspoedig zyn, wel gelukken

Topics: honesty, communication, language

And thus I clothe my naked villainy with old odd ends stolen out of holy writ; and seem a saint, when most I play the devil.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl.
The secret mischiefs that I set abroach
I lay unto the grievous charge of others.
Clarence, whom I indeed have cast in darkness,
I do beweep to many simple gulls,
Namely, to Derby, Hastings, Buckingham,
And tell them ’tis the queen and her allies
That stir the king against the duke my brother.
Now they believe it and withal whet me
To be revenged on Rivers, Dorset, Grey;
But then I sigh and, with a piece of scripture,
Tell them that God bids us do good for evil;
And thus I clothe my naked villainy
With odd old ends stolen out of Holy Writ,
And seem a saint when most I play the devil.

DUTCH:
En zoo bekleed ik steeds mijn naakte boosheid
Met dwaze vodden, uit de Schrift gekaapt,
En schijn een heil’ge, als ik echt duivelsch ben.

MORE:
Proverb: Some complain to prevent complaint

Brawl=Quarrel
Mischief=Wicked deed
Set abroach=Carried out (the harm I have done)
Lay unto the charge=Accuse
Simple gulls=Simpletons
Stir=Incite
Stout=Resolute
Compleat:
Brawl=Gekyf
To brawl=Kyven
Mischief=onheil, dwaad, ongeluk, ramp, verderf, heilloosheid
To set abroach=Een gat booren om uyt te tappen, een vat opsteeken. Ook Lucht of ruymte aan iets geven
To lay a thing to one’s charge=Iemand met iets beschuldigen, iets tot iemands laste brengen
Gull=Bedrieger
To stir=Beweegen, verroeren
Stout=Stout, koen, dapper, verwaand, lustig

Topics: good and bad, conscience, proverbs and idioms

Bad is the world, and all will come to naught when such ill dealing must be seen in thought

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.6
SPEAKER: Scrivener
CONTEXT:
SCRIVENER
This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings,
Which in a set hand fairly is engrossed,
That it may be today read o’er in Paul’s.
And mark how well the sequel hangs together:
Eleven hours I have spent to write it over,
For yesternight by Catesby was it sent me;
The precedent was full as long a-doing,
And yet within these five hours Hastings lived,
Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Here’s a good world the while. Who is so gross
That cannot see this palpable device?
Yet who so bold but says he sees it not?
Bad is the world, and all will come to naught
When such ill dealing must be seen in thought.

DUTCH:
Boos is de wereld ; alles gaat to grond,
Sluit vrees bij zulk een boosheid elk den mond.

MORE:
Fairly engrossed=Clearly written
Sequel=Chronology of events
Precedent=Original draft
Untainted=Not accused
Gross=Stupid
Palpable device=Obvious strategy
Seen in thought=Not spoken of
Compleat:
To engross=Te boek stellen, in’t net stellen
Precedent=Voorgaande, voorbeeld
Untainted=Gaaf, onbedurven, onbesmet
Gross=Grof, plomp, onbebouwen
Palpable=Tastelyk, tastbaar
Device=List; uytvindsel, gedichtsel

Topics: good and bad, trust, communication, honesty

Be not afraid of shadows

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.3
SPEAKER: Ratcliffe
CONTEXT:
RATCLIFFE
Ratcliffe, my lord, ’tis I. The early village cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn.
Your friends are up and buckle on their armor.
KING RICHARD
O Ratcliffe, I have dreamed a fearful dream!
What think’st thou, will our friends prove all true?
RATCLIFFE
No doubt, my lord.
KING RICHARD
O Ratcliffe, I fear, I fear.
RATCLIFFE
Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.
KING RICHARD
By the apostle Paul, shadows tonight
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed in proof and led by shallow Richmond.
‘Tis not yet near day. Come, go with me;
Under our tents I’ll play the eavesdropper
To see if any mean to shrink from me.

DUTCH:
Mijn beste heer, voed toch geen vrees voor schimmen.

MORE:
Threat=Threatens
Shadows=Ghosts, illusions
Proof=Impenetrable
Shallow=Inexperienced
Compleat:
To threaten=Dreygen
Shadow=Schim
Musquet-proof=Daar een musket koegel op afstuyten kan
Shallow=Ondiep
Shallowness, shallow wit=Kleinheid van begrip, dommelykheid

Topics: fate/destiny, loyalty

Between their titles and low name there’s nothing differs but the outward fame.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: Brakenbury
CONTEXT:
BRAKENBURY
Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.
Princes have but their titles for their glories,
An outward honour for an inward toil,
And, for unfelt imaginations,
They often feel a world of restless cares,
So that betwixt their titles and low name
There’s nothing differs but the outward fame.

DUTCH:
Zoodat van lagen stand een hooge naam
In niets verschilt dan in den tooi der faam.

MORE:
Breaks=Ignores
Reposing=Rest
Unfelt=Unreal
Restless=Ceaseless
Compleat:
Repose=Rust
Restless=Rusteloos, ongerust, onverduldig

Topics: sorrow, appearance, status

Brother, we have done deeds of charity, made peace of enmity

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.1
SPEAKER: King Edward
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen,
And, princely peers, a happy time of day.
KING EDWARD
Happy indeed, as we have spent the day.
Brother, we have done deeds of charity,
Made peace of enmity, fair love of hate,
Between these swelling, wrong-incensed peers.

DUTCH:
Wij deden, Gloster, hier een christ’lijk werk ;
Wij schiepen vrede uit krijg en liefde uit haat
Bij deze felle, boos ontvlamde pairs.

MORE:
Swelling=Inflated, self-important
Wrong-incensed=Inappropriately angry
Compleat:
To swell=Opblaazen
To incense=Ophitsen, vertoornen, tergen

Topics: emotion and mood, satisfaction, work, resolution

But shall we wear these glories for a day, or shall they last and we rejoice in them?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.2
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
My gracious sovereign.
KING RICHARD
Give me thy hand.
Thus high, by thy advice
And thy assistance is King Richard seated.
But shall we wear these glories for a day,
Or shall they last and we rejoice in them?
BUCKINGHAM
Still live they, and forever let them last.
KING RICHARD
Ah, Buckingham, now do I play the touch,
To try if thou be current gold indeed.
Young Edward lives; think now what I would speak.

DUTCH:
Maar zal nu deze glans ons slechts een dag,
Of zal hij ons door duurzaamheid verheugen?

MORE:
Still=Perpetually
Touch=Touchstone (to test gold)
Current=Genuine
Compleat:
Still=Steeds, gestadig, altyd
Touchstone=Een toetssteen

Topics: ambition, achievement

But yet I run before my horse to market

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Go you before, and I will follow you.
He cannot live, I hope, and must not die
Till George be packed with post-horse up to heaven.
I’ll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence
With lies well steeled with weighty arguments,
And, if I fail not in my deep intent,
Clarence hath not another day to live;
Which done, God take King Edward to His mercy,
And leave the world for me to bustle in.
For then I’ll marry Warwick’s youngest daughter.
What though I killed her husband and her father?
The readiest way to make the wench amends
Is to become her husband and her father;
The which will I, not all so much for love
As for another secret close intent
By marrying her which I must reach unto.
But yet I run before my horse to market.
Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives and reigns.
When they are gone, then must I count my gains.

DUTCH:
Doch ik wil koopen, voor er iets te koop is ;
Nog ademt Clarence; koning Edward leeft ;
Zijn zij weg, dan bereek’nen, wat het geeft!

MORE:
Proverb: I will not go (run) before my mare to market

In=Enter
Deep=Cunning
Urge=Incite
Run before my horse to market=Counting my chickens before they’re hatched
Compleat:
Urge=Dringen, pressen, aandringen, aanstaan

Topics: proverbs and idioms, impatience, caution

But yet I run before my horse to market

DUTCH:
Doch ik wil koopen, voor er iets te koop is ;
Nog ademt Clarence; koning Edward leeft ;
Zijn zij weg, dan bereek’nen, wat het geeft!

MORE:
Proverb: I will not go (run) before my mare to market

In=Enter
Deep=Cunning
Urge=Incite
Run before my horse to market=Counting my chickens before they’re hatched
Compleat:
Urge=Dringen, pressen, aandringen, aanstaan

Topics: proverbs and idioms, impatience, caution

By a divine instinct, men’s minds mistrust ensuing dangers

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.3
SPEAKER: Third Citizen
CONTEXT:
THIRD CITIZEN
When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaks;
When great leaves fall, then winter is at hand;
When the sun sets, who doth not look for night?
Untimely storms make men expect a dearth.
All may be well; but if God sort it so,
‘Tis more than we deserve or I expect.
SECOND CITIZEN
Truly, the hearts of men are full of fear.
Ye cannot reason almost with a man
That looks not heavily and full of dread.
THIRD CITIZEN
Before the days of change, still is it so.
By a divine instinct, men’s minds mistrust
Ensuing dangers, as by proof we see
The water swell before a boist’rous storm.
But leave it all to God. Whither away?
SECOND CITIZEN
Marry, we were sent for to the justices.
THIRD CITIZEN
And so was I. I’ll bear you company.

DUTCH:
Zoo is het altijd, voor verand’ring komt ;
Door hoog’ren aandrang ducht des menschen geest
Gevaar, dat naakt ; zoo zien wij immers ook
De waat’ren zwellen voor een wilden storm.

MORE:
Proverb: A man’s mind often gives him warning of evil to come

Sort=Ordain
Proof=Experience
Ensuing=Imminent
Compleat:
To sort=Uytschieten, elk by ‘t zyne leggen, sorteeren
Proof (mark or testimony)=Getuigenis
Proof=Beproeving
Ensuing=Volgende

Burgersdijk notes:
Door hoog’ren aandrang enz. De gedachte van dezen zin en de vermelding van het zwellen der wateren
voor een storm vond Sh. in de kroniek van Holinshed. Daarin wordt de ongerustheid van edelen en burgers, die op de straten samenstroomden, geschilderd; lord Hastings, dien zij als vriend des vorigen konings kenden, wist hen gerust te stellen met de verzekering, dat de gevangen edelen verraad hadden beraamd en dat zij in hechtenis waren genomen opdat hunne zaak naar behooren zou kunnen onderzocht worden. Nog meer werden zij gerustgesteld, toen Edward V in Londen aankwam en zij zagen, hoe Gloster hem met allen eerbied behandelde. Iedereen prees Gloster en hij werd door den Staatsraad tot Lord Protector benoemd.

Topics: proverbs and idioms, still in use, caution, wisdom, preparation

Call for some men of sound direction

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.3
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Up with my tent!—Here will I lie tonight.
But where tomorrow? Well, all’s one for that.
Who hath descried the number of the traitors?
NORFOLK
Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.
KING RICHARD
Why, our battalia trebles that account.
Besides, the king’s name is a tower of strength
Which they upon the adverse party want.
Up with the tent!—Come, noble gentlemen,
Let us survey the vantage of the ground.
Call for some men of sound direction.
Let’s lack no discipline, make no delay,
For, lords, tomorrow is a busy day.

DUTCH:
Roept een’ge welervaren krijgers saam

MORE:
Descried=Discovered
Battalia=Army
Account=Number
Want=Lack
Vantage of the ground=Vantage point
Sound direction=Used to taking orders
Compleat:
Vantage=Toegift, toemaat, overmaat, overwigt
To descry=Ontdekken, bespeuren
Want=Gebrek, nood
Sound (judicious)=Verstandig, schrander, gegrond

Topics: leadership, conflict, advantage/benefit, life

Cannot a plain man live and think no harm, but thus his simple truth must be abused?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
They do me wrong, and I will not endure it!
Who is it that complains unto the king
That I, forsooth, am stern and love them not?
By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly
That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours.
Because I cannot flatter and look fair,
Smile in men’s faces, smooth, deceive and cog,
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
I must be held a rancorous enemy.
Cannot a plain man live and think no harm,
But thus his simple truth must be abused
With silken, sly, insinuating jacks?

DUTCH:
Kan geen eenvoudig man meer vreedzaam leven,
Dat niet zijn eerlijk hart belasterd wordt,
Door zijden, sluw, indringend vleigeboefte?

MORE:
Endure=Put up with
Forsooth=Of all people
Smooth=Flatter
Cog=Cheat
Duck with French nods=Bow pretentiously
Apish=Clumsy
Silken=Ingratiating (and possibly wearing silk)
Jacks=Nobodies, knaves
Compleat:
To endure=Verdraagen, harden, duuren
Forsooth=Zeker, trouwens
To smooth=Glad maaken, stryken
To cog the dice=de Dobbelsteenen valschelyk zetten
A crafty jack=Een looze boef

Topics: news, communication, truth

Cannot a plain man live and think no harm, but thus his simple truth must be abused?

DUTCH:
Kan geen eenvoudig man meer vreedzaam leven,
Dat niet zijn eerlijk hart belasterd wordt,
Door zijden, sluw, indringend vleigeboefte?

Topics: news, communication, truth

Come, come, we fear the worst. All will be well.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.3
SPEAKER: First Citizen
CONTEXT:
FIRST CITIZEN
So stood the state when Henry the Sixth
Was crowned in Paris but at nine months old.
THIRD CITIZEN
Stood the state so? No, no, good friends, God wot,
For then this land was famously enriched
With politic grave counsel; then the king
Had virtuous uncles to protect his Grace.
FIRST CITIZEN
Why, so hath this, both by the father and mother.
THIRD CITIZEN
Better it were they all came by his father,
Or by the father there were none at all,
For emulation who shall now be nearest
Will touch us all too near if God prevent not.
O, full of danger is the duke of Gloucester,
And the queen’s sons and brothers haught and proud,
And were they to be ruled, and not to rule,
This sickly land might solace as before.
FIRST CITIZEN
Come, come, we fear the worst. All will be well.

DUTCH:
Kom, kom, to zwaar getild! het zal wel gaan .

MORE:
Proverb: It is good to fear the worst

Wot=Knows
Politic=Wily
Counsel=Advisers
By his father=On his father’s side
Emulation=Conflict
Nearest=Closest, with most influence
Touch=Affect
Solace=Be happy
Compleat:
I wot=Ik weet
Politick=Burgerlyk, staatkundig; (cunnning)=Slim, schrander, doorsleepen
Counsel=Raad, onderrechting
Emulation=Naayver, volgzucht, afgunst
Nearest=de Naaste, het naast
To touch=Aanraaken, aanroeren, tasten
Solace=Troost, vertroosting, vermaaak

Topics: proverbs and idioms, still in use, caution, preparation

Conscience is but a word that cowards use, devised at first to keep the strong in awe

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.5
SPEAKER: Richard
CONTEXT:
NORFOLK
A good direction, warlike sovereign.
This found I on my tent this morning.
KING RICHARD
Jockey of Norfolk, be not so bold.
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.
A thing devisèd by the enemy.—
Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge.
Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls.
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
March on. Join bravely. Let us to it pell mell
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
What shall I say more than I have inferred?
Remember whom you are to cope withal,
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants,
Whom their o’er-cloyèd country vomits forth
To desperate ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest;
You having lands and blessed with beauteous wives,
(…)

DUTCH:
Geweten is een lafaardswoord, een vond,
Die sterken, geeft men toe, in banden legt;
De vuist zij ons geweten, ‘t zwaard ons recht .

MORE:
Proverb: To be bought and sold

Direction=Plan
Dickon=Richard (Dick)
Bought and sold=Betrayed
Strong arms=Might, power
Be our conscience=Makes us right
Join=Join battle
Compleat:
Direction=Het bestier, aanwijzing
The directing of one’s intentions=Het bestieren van iemands voorneemen
Conscience=Het geweeten

Burgersdijk notes:
Hans Norfolk, tijdig heil gezocht, enz . Dit rijmpjen, waarmede men Norfolk, die aan Richard trouw bleef, hoewel hij zjjn handelingen laakte, tot afval trachtte te bewegen, luidt in de kroniek:
Jocky of Norfolk, be not too bold,
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold .
De folio heeft ten onrechte so in plaats van too; Jocky staat voor John, zooals Dickon voor Richard.

Topics: proverbs and idioms, betrayal, conscience, order/society

Dar’st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?
– Please you. But I had rather kill two enemies

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.2
SPEAKER: Tyrrel
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Dar’st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?
TYRREL
Please you. But I had rather kill two enemies.
KING RICHARD
Why then, thou hast it. Two deep enemies,
Foes to my rest, and my sweet sleep’s disturbers,
Are they that I would have thee deal upon.
Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower.
TYRREL
Let me have open means to come to them,
And soon I’ll rid you from the fear of them.
KING RICHARD
Thou sing’st sweet music. Hark, come hither, Tyrrel.

DUTCH:
KONING RICHARD
Sloegt gij wel een van mijne vrienden dood?
TYRREL
Als ‘t u behaagt; twee vijanden nog liever.

MORE:
Please you=If it please you
Open=Free
Compleat:
When you please=Als ‘t u belieft

Topics: rivalry, friendship

Decline all this, and see what now thou art

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Queen Margaret
CONTEXT:
QUEEN MARGARET
I called thee then “vain flourish of my fortune.”
I called thee then poor shadow, “painted queen,”
The presentation of but what I was,
The flattering index of a direful pageant,
One heaved a-high, to be hurled down below,
A mother only mocked with two fair babes,
A dream of what thou wast, a garish flag
To be the aim of every dangerous shot,
A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble,
A queen in jest, only to fill the scene.
Where is thy husband now? Where be thy brothers?
Where are thy two sons? Wherein dost thou joy?
Who sues and kneels and says “God save the queen?”
Where be the bending peers that flattered thee?
Where be the thronging troops that followed thee?
Decline all this, and see what now thou art:
For happy wife, a most distressèd widow;
For joyful mother, one that wails the name;
For queen, a very caitiff crowned with care;
For one being sued to, one that humbly sues;
For she that scorned at me, now scorned of me;
For she being feared of all, now fearing one;
For she commanding all, obeyed of none.
Thus hath the course of justice whirled about
And left thee but a very prey to time,
Having no more but thought of what thou wast
To torture thee the more, being what thou art.
Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow?
Now thy proud neck bears half my burdened yoke,
From which even here I slip my weary head
And leave the burthen of it all on thee.
Farewell, York’s wife, and queen of sad mischance.
These English woes will make me smile in France.

DUTCH:
Houd dit u voor, en vraag : Wat ben ik nu ?

MORE:
Vain=Meaningless
Flourish=Gloss, embellishment
Painted=Unreal
Presentation=Semblance
Index=Prologue
Mocked=Taunted
Garish=Gaudy
Sign=Empty symbol
Only to fill=As a filler for
Caitiff=Wench
Just proportion=Corresponding to
Compleat:
Vain (useless, frivolous, idle, chimerical)=Nutteloos, ydel, ingebeeld
Flourish=een cierlyke trek met de pen, een treffelyke zwier; lofwerk
Presentation=Voorstelling
Index=Een wyzer, bladwyzer
To mock=Bespotten, beschimpen, begekken
Garish=Weydsch, prachtig in schyn

Topics: vanity, dignity, wellbeing

Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.3
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
RATCLIFFE
Bad news, my lord. Morton is fled to Richmond,
And Buckingham, backed with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.
RICHARD
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near
Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength.
Come, I have learned that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay;
Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary;
Then fiery expedition be my wing,
Jove’s Mercury, and herald for a king.
Go, muster men. My counsel is my shield.
We must be brief when traitors brave the field.

DUTCH:
Dit heb ik geleerd, dat angstig wikken
De looden dienaar is van traag verzuim,
Verzuim slaktrage, macht’looze armoe brengt .

MORE:
Proverb: As slow as a snail

Troubles me more near=Is a more immediate concern
Rash-levied=Hastily recruited
Strength=Army
Leaden=Slow
Beggary=Ruin
Expedition=Speed
Counsel is my shield=My shield is my advisor
Brief=Act quickly
Brave the field=Go to battle
Compleat:
Rash=Voorbaarig, haastig, onbedacht, roekeloos
To levy=(soldiers) Soldaaten ligten, krygsvolk werven
Strength=Sterkte, kracht
To gather strength=Zyne krachten weer krygen
Beggary=Bedelaary
Expeditious=Vaerdig, afgerecht
Brief=Kort
To brave=Trotsen, braveeren, trotseeren; moedig treeden

Topics: proverbs and idioms, haste, advice, defence

For by his face straight shall you know his heart

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.4
SPEAKER: Hastings
CONTEXT:
HASTINGS
His grace looks cheerfully and smooth this morning.
There’s some conceit or other likes him well
When that he bids good morrow with such spirit.
I think there’s never a man in Christendom
Can lesser hide his love or hate than he,
For by his face straight shall you know his heart.
STANLEY
What of his heart perceive you in his face
By any livelihood he showed today?
HASTINGS
Marry, that with no man here he is offended,
For were he, he had shown it in his looks.
STANLEY
I pray God he be not, I say.

DUTCH:
De hertog ziet van morgen opgeruimd;
Een streelend denkbeeld zweeft hem voor den geest,
Als hij zoo vroolijk goeden morgen wenscht.
Ik acht, dat niemand in de christenheid
Zijn liefde en haat zoo slecht verbergt als hij;
Wat hij op ‘t hart heeft, leest ge op zijn gelaat.

MORE:
Smooth=Calm
Conceit=Design, plan
Likes him=That he is keen on
Livelihood=Liveliness
Compleat:
Smooth=Glad, effen, vlak
Conceit=Waan, bevatting, opvatting, meening
Livelihood=’t Gene waarvan men zich geneert, de Broodwinning, leeftogt

Topics: appearance, truth, honesty

Harp not on that string, madam; that is past

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Richard
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break.
RICHARD
Now by my George, my Garter, and my crown—
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Profaned, dishonoured, and the third usurped.
RICHARD
I swear—
QUEEN ELIZABETH
By nothing, for this is no oath.
Thy George, profaned, hath lost his lordly honour;
Thy garter, blemished, pawned his knightly virtue;
Thy crown, usurped, disgraced his kingly glory.
If something thou wouldst swear to be believed,
Swear then by something that thou hast not wronged.

DUTCH:
KONING RICHARD
Roer die snaar niet meer aan, dat is voorbij .
KONINGIN ELIZABETH
Ik roer die aan, tot hartesnaren springen .

MORE:
Proverb: Harp no more on that string

Profane=Desecrate
Compleat:
To profane=Ontheyligen, schenden, ontwyen
To pawn=Verpanden

Topics: proverbs and idioms, dispute, ruin

He hath no friends but who are friends for fear. Which in his dearest need will fly from him.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.2
SPEAKER: Blunt
CONTEXT:
OXFORD
Every man’s conscience is a thousand men,
To fight against this guilty homicide.
HERBERT
I doubt not but his friends will turn to us.
BLUNT
He hath no friends but who are friends for fear.
Which in his dearest need will fly from him.
RICHMOND
All for our vantage. Then, in God’s name, march.
True hope is swift, and flies with swallow’s wings.
Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.

DUTCH:
Hij heeft geen vrienden, dan die ‘t zijn uit vrees
En hem in de’ ergsten nood verlaten zullen.

MORE:
Doubt not=Don’t doubt
Fly=Flee
Vantage=Advantage
Dearest=Greatest
Compleat:
Flee=Vlieden, vlugten
Vantage=Toegift, toemaat, overmaat, overwigt

Topics: hope/optimism/conscience, friendship, loyalty

He hearkens after prophecies and dreams

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.1
SPEAKER: Clarence
CONTEXT:
CLARENCE
Because my name is George.
RICHARD
Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours.
He should, for that, commit your godfathers.
O, belike his majesty hath some intent
That you shall be new christened in the Tower.
But what’s the matter, Clarence? May I know?
CLARENCE
Yea, Richard, when I know, for I protest
As yet I do not. But, as I can learn,
He hearkens after prophecies and dreams,
And from the crossrow plucks the letter “G”,
And says a wizard told him that by “G”
His issue disinherited should be.
And for my name of George begins with “G”,
It follows in his thought that I am he.
These, as I learn, and such like toys as these
Have moved his Highness to commit me now.

DUTCH:
Ja, Richard, als ik ‘t weet ; doch ik verklaar,
Tot nog toe weet ik ‘t niet. Maar, zoo ik hoor,
Hecht hij aan profecieen en aan droomen,
En schrapt de letter G van ‘t ABC

MORE:
Belike=Probably
Hearkens after=Listens to
Cross-row=Alphabet
Toys=Trifles
Compleat:
Hearken=Toeluysteren, toehooren
Toy=Voddery

Burgersdijk notes:
Ter wille van een profecie, dat G enz. Volgens Holinshed was aan koning Edward voorspeld, dat een
man, wiens naam met G begon, voor zijn huis gevaarlijk zou worden, en meende hij, dat zijn broeder George van Clarence er mee bedoeld werd ; Gloster behoorde ten tijde, dat Clarence gedood werd, tot de trouwste aanhangers des konings. Dat Gloster de hand heeft gehad in George’s dood, was een volksoverlevering, die door de geschiedenis niet gestaafd wordt.

Topics: imagination, madness

He hearkens after prophecies and dreams

DUTCH:
Ja, Richard, als ik ‘t weet ; doch ik verklaar,
Tot nog toe weet ik ‘t niet. Maar, zoo ik hoor,
Hecht hij aan profecieen en aan droomen,
En schrapt de letter G van ‘t ABC

MORE:
Belike=Probably
Hearkens after=Listens to
Cross-row=Alphabet
Toys=Trifles
Compleat:
Hearken=Toeluysteren, toehooren
Toy=Voddery

Topics: imagination, madness

His grace looks cheerfully and smooth this morning

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.4
SPEAKER: Hastings
CONTEXT:
ELY
Where is my lord the Duke of Gloucester?
I have sent for these strawberries.
HASTINGS
His grace looks cheerfully and smooth this morning.
There’s some conceit or other likes him well
When that he bids good morrow with such spirit.
I think there’s never a man in Christendom
Can lesser hide his love or hate than he,
For by his face straight shall you know his heart.
STANLEY
What of his heart perceive you in his face
By any livelihood he showed today?
HASTINGS
Marry, that with no man here he is offended,
For were he, he had shown it in his looks.
STANLEY
I pray God he be not, I say.

DUTCH:
De hertog ziet van morgen opgeruimd ;
Een streelend denkbeeld zweeft hem voor den geest,
Als hij zoo vroolijk goeden morgen wenscht .
Ik acht, dat niemand in do christenheid
Zijn liefde en haat zoo slecht verbergt als hij ;
Wat hij op ‘t hart heeft, leest ge op zijn gelaat .

Topics: emotion and mood, satisfaction, plans/intentions

I am crept in favour with myself

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.2
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
No, to Whitefriars. There attend my coming.
Was ever woman in this humour wooed?
Was ever woman in this humour won?
I’ll have her, but I will not keep her long.
What, I that killed her husband and his father,
To take her in her heart’s extremest hate,
With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes,
The bleeding witness of my hatred by,
Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me,
And I no friends to back my suit at all
But the plain devil and dissembling looks?
And yet to win her, all the world to nothing! Ha!
Hath she forgot already that brave prince,
Edward, her lord, whom I some three months since
Stabbed in my angry mood at Tewkesbury?
A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman,
Framed in the prodigality of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal,
The spacious world cannot again afford.
And will she yet abase her eyes on me,
That cropped the golden prime of this sweet prince
And made her widow to a woeful bed?
On me, whose all not equals Edward’s moiety?
On me, that halts and am misshapen thus?
My dukedom to a beggarly denier,
I do mistake my person all this while!
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marv’lous proper man.
I’ll be at charges for a looking glass
And entertain a score or two of tailors
To study fashions to adorn my body.
Since I am crept in favour with myself,
I will maintain it with some little cost.
But first I’ll turn yon fellow in his grave
And then return lamenting to my love.
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass,
That I may see my shadow as I pass.

DUTCH:
Ik moet mij, wat het koste, een spiegel koopen,
En schaf een paar dozijnen snijders aan,
Om drachten uit te denken, die mij goed staan .
Nu ‘k bij mijzelf in gunst gekomen ben,
Leg ik er ook een weinig aan te kost.

MORE:
Humour=Manner
Bars=Impediments
All the world to nothing=All odds stacked against
Framed=Formed
Afford=Provide
Abase=Debase
Moiety=Share
Halts=Limps
Denier=French coin of little value
Proper=Handsome
Be at charges for=Spend money on
Entertain=Hire
Glass=Mirror
Compleat:
Bar=Dwarsboom, draaiboom, hinderpaal, beletsel, traali
To frame=Een gestalte geeven, toestellen, maaken, ontwerpen, schikken, beraamen
Afford=Verschaffen, uytleeveren
To abase=Vernederen, verootmoedigen
Moiety=De helft
To halt=Hinken, mank gaan
Proper=Bequaam, van een bequaame lengte
I am at a great charge=Ik moet groote kosten doen
Entertain=Onthaalen
Looking glass=Spiegel

Topics: love, suspicion, betrayal, emotion and mood

I am crept in favour with myself

Topics: love, suspicion, betrayal, emotion and mood

I am in so far in blood that sin will pluck on sin

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.2
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Come hither, Catesby. Rumour it abroad
That Anne my wife is very grievous sick.
I will take order for her keeping close.
Inquire me out some mean poor gentleman,
Whom I will marry straight to Clarence’ daughter.
The boy is foolish, and I fear not him.
Look how thou dream’st! I say again, give out
That Anne my queen is sick and like to die.
About it, for it stands me much upon
To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me.
(aside) I must be married to my brother’s daughter,
Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass.
Murder her brothers, and then marry her—
Uncertain way of gain. But I am in
So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin.
Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye.

DUTCH:
Onzeek’re kans, ja ; maar ik waadde in bloed
Zoo ver, dat zonde zonde baren moet.
Geen schreiend meelij woont er in dit oog.

MORE:
Rumour it=Spread the rumour
Take order=Arrange
Like=Likely
Stands me much upon=Is important to me
Pluck on=Build on
Falling=Dropping
Compleat:
To rumour=Waereldkundig maaken, verspreyden
To order=Schikken, belasten, beveelen, ordineeren
How much does it stand him in=Hoe duur staat het hem; hoe hoog komt het hem te staan?

Topics: news, plans/intentions, status

I am not in the giving vein to-day

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.2
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Because that, like a jack, thou keep’st the stroke
Betwixt thy begging and my meditation.
I am not in the giving vein today.
BUCKINGHAM
Why then, resolve me whether you will or no.
KING RICHARD
Thou troublest me; I am not in the vein.
BUCKINGHAM
And is it thus? Repays he my deep service
With such deep contempt? Made I him king for this?
O, let me think on Hastings and be gone
To Brecknock, while my fearful head is on!

DUTCH:
Wijl tusschen mijn gedachten en uw beed’len
Uw slag steeds komt, als van een klokkeventjen.
Ik ben in geen goedgeefsche luim vandaag.

MORE:
Jack=Figure strike the bell in old clocks
Stroke=Clock sounding the hour
Vein=Mood
Resolve me=Give me your answer/determination
Brecknock=Brecon
Compleat:
Stroke=Slag
Vein=Ader; styl
A crafty jack=Een looze boef
To resolve=Besluyten, voorneemen, een besluyt neemen, te raade worden; oplossen
Resolve me (let me know your mind)=Verklaar my uwe meening: zeg my hoe gy het hebben wilt
Resolve me this question=Los my deeze vraag eens op

Topics: order/society, merit, work, value

I am strong-framed. He cannot prevail with me.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: First Murderer
CONTEXT:
SECOND MURDERER
Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him not. He
would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
FIRST MURDERER
I am strong-framed. He cannot prevail with me.
SECOND MURDERER
Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation.
Come, shall we fall to work?
FIRST MURDERER
Take him on the costard with the hilts of thy sword,
and then throw him into the malmsey butt in the next
room.
SECOND MURDERER
O excellent device— and make a sop of him.

DUTCH:
lk ben sterk van natuur ; hij krijgt mij niet onder .

MORE:
Insinuate=Ingratiate
Prevail=Gain the upper hand
Strong-framed=Of strong stock
Tall=Valiant
Costard=Head
Malmsey=Strong wine
Butt=Barrel
Sop=Bread for dipping in wine
Compleat:
Insinulate=Inboezemen, indringen, invlyen
Malmsey=Malvezy, een soort van zoete wyn komende uyt de Straat
Butt=Wynvat of wynkuyp, houdende 126 gallons
A wine sop=Een wynsopje

Topics: good and bad, independence, reputation

I am too childish-foolish for this world

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Richard
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
To fight on Edward’s party for the crown;
And for his meed, poor lord, he is mewed up.
I would to God my heart were flint, like Edward’s,
Or Edward’s soft and pitiful, like mine.
I am too childish-foolish for this world.
QUEEN MARGARET
Hie thee to hell for shame, and leave the world,
Thou cacodemon! There thy kingdom is.
RIVERS
My Lord of Gloucester, in those busy days
Which here you urge to prove us enemies,
We followed then our lord, our sovereign king.
So should we you, if you should be our king.
RICHARD
If I should be? I had rather be a pedlar.
Far be it from my heart, the thought thereof.

DUTCH:
Om, voor de kroon, aan Edward’s zij te strijden ;
En zie, tot loon zit de arme prins in hecht’nis .
Gaav’ God, ik had een steenen hart als Edward,
Of hij een zacht, meewarig hart als ik ;
Ik ben te kindsch-goedhartig voor deze aarde .

MORE:
Party=Side
Mewed up=Caged, imprisoned
Meed=Reward
Hie=Hurry
Cacodemon=Evil spirit
Pedler (or pedlar)=Seller
Compleat:
Party=Een aanhang, gezijdheyd, party
Mewed up=Opgeslooten
Meed=Belooning, vergelding
Hie thee=Haast u
Pedlar=Een kraamer, een die met een mars omloopt en kleyne snuystering verkoopt

Topics: emotion and mood, loyalty, respect

I am too childish-foolish for this world

Topics: emotion and mood, loyalty, respect

I cannot flatter and look fair, smile in men’s faces, smooth, deceive and cog

DUTCH:
Wijl ik niet vleien kan, niet mooi kan praten
Toelachen, streelen, foppen en bedriegen
Strijkages op zijn Fransch, recht aap’rig, maken,
Moet ik volstrekt een wrokkend vijand zijn.

Topics: news, communication, truth

I cannot flatter and look fair, smile in men’s faces, smooth, deceive and cog

DUTCH:
Wijl ik niet vleien kan, niet mooi kan praten
Toelachen, streelen, foppen en bedriegen
Strijkages op zijn Fransch, recht aap’rig, maken,
Moet ik volstrekt een wrokkend vijand zijn.

Topics: news, communication, truth

I cannot tell if to depart in silence or bitterly to speak in your reproof best fitteth my degree or your condition

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
I cannot tell if to depart in silence
Or bitterly to speak in your reproof
Best fitteth my degree or your condition.
If not to answer, you might haply think
Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty,
Which fondly you would here impose on me.
If to reprove you for this suit of yours,
So seasoned with your faithful love to me,
Then on the other side I checked my friends.
Therefore, to speak, and to avoid the first,
And then, in speaking, not to incur the last,
Definitively thus I answer you:
Your love deserves my thanks, but my desert
Unmeritable shuns your high request.
First, if all obstacles were cut away
And that my path were even to the crown
As the ripe revenue and due of birth,
Yet so much is my poverty of spirit,
So mighty and so many my defects,
That I would rather hide me from my greatness,
Being a bark to brook no mighty sea,
Than in my greatness covet to be hid
And in the vapor of my glory smothered.
But, God be thanked, there is no need of me,
And much I need to help you, were there need.
The royal tree hath left us royal fruit,
Which, mellowed by the stealing hours of time,
Will well become the seat of majesty,
And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign.
On him I lay what you would lay on me,
The right and fortune of his happy stars,
Which God defend that I should wring from him.

DUTCH:
Ik weet niet, of stilzwijgend heen te gaan,
Of u met scherpe reed’nen te bestraffen,
Met mijnen rang en uwen staat best strookt.

MORE:
Proverb: Silence is (gives) consent

Fitteth=Is appropriate to
Degree=Status
Condition=Position
Tongue-tied ambition.. Yielded=Silence indicated consent
Fondly=Foolishly
Check=Rebuke
Unmeritable=Without merit
Ripe revenue=Overdue debt
Poverty=Lack
Barque=Sailing vessel
Brook=Endure
Stealing=Advancing
Happy=Auspicious
Defend=Forfend
Compleat:
To fit=Passen, pas maaken, gereed maaken, voegen
Degree=Een graad, trap
Condition=Staat, gesteltenis. gelegenheyd
To be tongue-tied=Niet spreeken kunnen, of durven
Fond=Zot, dwaas, ongerymt
Check=Berispen, beteugelen, intoomen, verwyten
Poverty=Armoede
Bark=Scheepje
Brook=Verdraagen, uitstaan
To steal=Doorsluypen
To steal away=Ontsteelen, wegsluypen

Topics: proverbs and idioms, law/legal, reply, claim

I do suspect I have done some offence that seems disgracious in the city’s eye

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
My lord, there needs no such apology.
I do beseech your Grace pardon me,
Who, earnest in the service of my God,
Deferred the visitation of my friends.
But, leaving this, what is your Grace’s pleasure?
BUCKINGHAM
Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above
And all good men of this ungoverned isle.
RICHARD
I do suspect I have done some offence
That seems disgracious in the city’s eye,
And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.
BUCKINGHAM
You have, my lord. Would it might please your Grace,
On our entreaties, to amend your fault.

DUTCH:
Ik heb vermoeden, dat ik iets beging,
Wat in der burg’ren oogen onrecht is,
En dat gij mijn onachtzaamheid komt laken.

MORE:
Even=Only
Disgracious=Displeasing
Reprehend=Blame
Ignorance=Lack of understanding
Entreaties=Requests
Compleat:
Ungracious=Van genade ontbloot, godloos, onzalig, verwaaten, heilloos
Reprehend=Berispen, bestraffen
Entreaty=Ernstig verzoek
Ignorance=Onweetendheyd, onkunde, onbewustheyd

Topics: civility, offence, guilt

I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl.
The secret mischiefs that I set abroach
I lay unto the grievous charge of others.
Clarence, whom I indeed have cast in darkness,
I do beweep to many simple gulls,
Namely, to Derby, Hastings, Buckingham,
And tell them ’tis the queen and her allies
That stir the king against the duke my brother.
Now they believe it and withal whet me
To be revenged on Rivers, Dorset, Grey;
But then I sigh and, with a piece of scripture,
Tell them that God bids us do good for evil;
And thus I clothe my naked villainy
With odd old ends stolen out of Holy Writ,
And seem a saint when most I play the devil.
But, soft! here come my executioners.—
How now, my hardy, stout, resolvèd mates?
Are you now going to dispatch this thing?

DUTCH:
Ik doe het booze, en roep het eerst om wraak.
Hot onheil, dat ik heim’lijk heb gesticht,
Leg ik als zwaren last op vreemde schouders.

MORE:
Proverb: Some complain to prevent complaint

Topics: persuasion, offence, manipulation, conflict, proverbs and idioms

I every day expect an embassage from my Redeemer to redeem me hence

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.1
SPEAKER: King Edward
CONTEXT:
KING EDWARD
Why, so. Now have I done a good day’s work.
You peers, continue this united league.
I every day expect an embassage
From my Redeemer to redeem me hence,
And more in peace my soul shall part to heaven
Since I have made my friends at peace on earth
Rivers and Hastings, take each other’s hand.
Dissemble not your hatred. Swear your love.

DUTCH:
Ik wacht van dag tot dag van mijn Verlosser
Een afgezant, die mij van hier verlost

MORE:
League=Alliance
Embassage=Representation, messenger
Dissemble=Disguise
Compleat:
League=Verbond, verdrag, verbindtenis
Embassage=Een gezantschap
Dissemble=Veynzen, ontveynzen, verbloemen

Topics: unity/collaboration, friendship

I have learned that fearful commenting is leaden servitor to dull delay

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.3
SPEAKER: Richard
CONTEXT:
RATCLIFFE
Bad news, my lord. Morton is fled to Richmond,
And Buckingham, backed with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.
RICHARD
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near
Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength.
Come, I have learned that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay;
Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary;
Then fiery expedition be my wing,
Jove’s Mercury, and herald for a king.
Go, muster men. My counsel is my shield.
We must be brief when traitors brave the field.

DUTCH:
Dit heb ik geleerd, dat angstig wikken
De looden dienaar is van traag verzuim,
Verzuim slaktrage, macht’looze armoe brengt .

MORE:
Proverb: As slow as a snail

Topics: proverbs and idioms, haste, advice, defence

I have not that alacrity of spirit nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.3
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
RATCLIFFE
Thomas the earl of Surrey and himself,
Much about cockshut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army cheering up the soldiers.
RICHARD
So, I am satisfied. Give me a bowl of wine.
I have not that alacrity of spirit
Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have.
Set it down. Is ink and paper ready?
RATCLIFFE
It is, my lord.
RICHARD
Bid my guard watch. Leave me.
Ratcliffe, about the mid of night come to my tent
And help to arm me. Leave me, I say.

DUTCH:
Ik heb ditmaal den opgewekten geest,
Den blijden moed niet, dien ik plach te hebben.

MORE:
Cockshut time=Twilight
Wont to=Customarily
Alacrity of spirit=Good cheer
Compleat:
Cock-shoot time=Schemeravond
Wont=Gewoonte
Spirit=Moed
Alacrity=Wakkerheyd, fluksheyd

Topics: satisfaction, life, age/experience, hope/optimism

I have too long borne your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
QUEEN ELIZABETH
My Lord of Gloucester, I have too long borne
Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs.
With those gross taunts that oft I have endured.
I had rather be a country servant-maid
Than a great queen with this condition,
To be so baited, scorned, and stormed at.
Small joy have I in being England’s queen.
QUEEN MARGARET
And lessened be that small, God I beseech Him!
Thy honour, state, and seat is due to me.

DUTCH:
Mylord van Gloster, al te lang verdroeg ik,
Uw plompen smaad en uwen bitt’ren spot ;
Bij God, ik meld nu aan zijn majesteit
Den groven hoon, then ik zoo vaak moest lijden.

MORE:
Baited=Provoked
State=Rank
Due to me=Is rightfully mine
Compleat:
To bait=Aas leggen, lokken, lok-aazen
State=De rang
There is nothing due to him=Hy heeft niets te goed

Burgersdijk notes:
Dat kleine word’ nog minder. Deze verschijning van koningin Margaretha, zij komt op en verdwijnt
als een spook, – is een dichtersvond; na den slag bij Tewksbury werd zij een poos gevangen gehouden en door haar vader Reignier vrjjgekocht; na dien tjjd betrad zij Engelands grond niet weer.

Topics: abuse, complaint, order/society, poverty and wealth, satisfaction

I have too long borne your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs

DUTCH:
Mylord van Gloster, al te lang verdroeg ik,
Uw plompen smaad en uwen bitt’ren spot ;
Bij God, ik meld nu aan zijn majesteit
Den groven hoon, then ik zoo vaak moest lijden.

MORE:
Baited=Provoked
State=Rank
Due to me=Is rightfully mine
Compleat:
To bait=Aas leggen, lokken, lok-aazen
State=De rang
There is nothing due to him=Hy heeft niets te goed

Topics: abuse, complaint, order/society, poverty and wealth, satisfaction

I know a discontented gentleman whose humble means match not his haughty spirit

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.2
SPEAKER: Page
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Know’st thou not any whom corrupting gold
Will tempt unto a close exploit of death?
PAGE
I know a discontented gentleman
Whose humble means match not his haughty spirit.
Gold were as good as twenty orators,
And will, no doubt, tempt him to anything.

DUTCH:
Ik ken een ontevreden edelman,
Wiens armoe met zijn hoogmoed kwalijk strookt;
Geen twintig reed’naars roerden zoo zijn hart
Als goud, om hem tot alles te verlokken.

MORE:
Close=Secret
Exploit of death=Murder
Humble means=Lack of assets
Haughty=Proud
Compleat:
Close=Beslooten, dicht, naauw
To exploit=Uytvoeren, verrichten
Humble=Ootmoedig, nederig, deemoedig
Haughty=Hoogmoedig, verwaand, opgeblaazen, trots

Topics: corruption, temptation, money

I never was nor never will be false

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Stanley
CONTEXT:
STANLEY
They have not been commanded, mighty king.
Pleaseth your Majesty to give me leave,
I’ll muster up my friends and meet your Grace
Where and what time your Majesty shall please.
KING RICHARD
Ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond,
But I’ll not trust thee.
STANLEY
Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful.
I never was nor never will be false.
KING RICHARD
Go then and muster men, but leave behind
Your son George Stanley. Look your heart be firm.
Or else his head’s assurance is but frail.
STANLEY
So deal with him as I prove true to you.

DUTCH:
Grootmachtig vorst,
Gij hebt geen grond om aan mijn trouw te twijflen.
Nooit was ik valsch, en zal het nimmer zijn .

MORE:
Hold doubtful=Doubt
False=Disloyal
Look your=Make sure your
Deal with=Treat
Compleat:
Doubtfull=Twyfelachtg
Disloyal=Ongetrouw, trouwloos

Topics: friendship, loyalty, honesty

I would to God all strifes were well compounded

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.1
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
A blessèd labour, my most sovereign lord.
Amongst this princely heap, if any here
By false intelligence, or wrong surmise
Hold me a foe,
If I unwittingly, or in my rage,
Have aught committed that is hardly borne
By any in this presence, I desire
To reconcile me to his friendly peace.
‘Tis death to me to be at enmity;
I hate it, and desire all good men’s love.
First, madam, I entreat true peace of you,
Which I will purchase with my duteous service;—
Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham,
If ever any grudge were lodged between us;—
Of you, Lord Rivers, and Lord grey of you,
Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen; indeed of all!
I do not know that Englishman alive
With whom my soul is any jot at odds
More than the infant that is born tonight.
I thank my God for my humility.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
A holy day shall this be kept hereafter.
I would to God all strifes were well compounded.
My sovereign lord, I do beseech your Highness
To take our brother Clarence to your grace.
RICHARD
Why, madam, have I offered love for this,
To be so flouted in this royal presence?
Who knows not that the gentle duke is dead?

DUTCH:
Voortaan zij deze dag een heil’ge feestdag;
Gaav’ God, dat ied’re twist ten einde waar’!
Mijn heer en vorst, thans smeek ik van uw hoogheid
Schenk onzen broeder Clarence weer uw gunst!

MORE:
Heap=Company
Intelligence=Secret information
Hardly borne=Resented
Strife=Contest, combat, fight
Compounded=Settled, resolved, composed
Compounded=Concluded
Flouted=Mocked
Compleat:
Heap=Menigte; hoop, stapel
Strife=Twist, tweedragt, krakkeel
To compound=’t Zamenzetten, byleggen, afmaaken, beslechten, vereffenen, overeenkomen
Flout=Spotterny, schimpscheut

Topics: dispute, resolution

I’ll claim that promise at your Grace’s hands.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
Now, my lord, what shall we do, if we perceive
Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots?
RICHARD
Chop off his head. Something we will determine.
And look when I am king, claim thou of me
The earldom of Hereford, and all the moveables
Whereof the king my brother was possessed.
BUCKINGHAM
I’ll claim that promise at your Grace’s hands.
RICHARD
And look to have it yielded with all kindness.
Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards
We may digest our complots in some form.

DUTCH:
Ik zal me op uwer hoogheid woord beroepen.

MORE:
Yield to=Go along with
Complots=Plots
Moveables=Movable goods
Betimes=Early, on time
Digest=Arrange, concoct
Compleat:
Yield=Overgeeven, toegeeven, geeven
Complot=Saamenrotten
Moveables=Roerelyke goederen, tilbaare goederen,inboel
Betimes=Bytyds, vroeg
To digest=Verteeren, verdouwen, verkroppen, opkroppen; in orde schikken
Look to=Toezien, toezigt hebben, acht op neemen, gade slaan, bezorgen

Burgersdijk notes:
Den kop hem af. Gloster komt wat al te haastig met zijn eigen meening voor den dag en trekt daarom
zijne woorden eenigszins in, door er bij te voegen, dat hij met Buckingham de zaak wil overleggen .

Topics: promise, debt/obligation

I’ll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.3
SPEAKER: Richmond
CONTEXT:
RICHMOND
Good lords, conduct him to his regiment:
I’ll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap,
Lest leaden slumber peise me down tomorrow,
When I should mount with wings of victory.
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen..
O Thou, whose captain I account myself,
Look on my forces with a gracious eye.
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,
That they may crush down with a heavy fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries!
Make us thy ministers of chastisement,
That we may praise thee in the victory!
To thee I do commend my watchful soul,
Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes.
Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still!

DUTCH:
Leidt, waarde lords, hem naar zijn schare op weg .
Ik tracht, verhit van hoofd, een wijl te sluim’ren,
Opdat geen looden slaap mij morgen drukk’,
Als ik op zegewieken stijgen moest.

MORE:
Strive with=Fight against
Peise=Weigh
Irons=Swords
Windows=Shutters
Compleat:
To strive against one=Tegen iemand stryven of stribbelen

Topics: conflict, imagination, conscience, punishment

If I unwittingly, or in my rage, have aught committed that is hardly borne by any in this presence, I desire to reconcile me to his friendly peace

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
A blessèd labour, my most sovereign lord.
Amongst this princely heap, if any here
By false intelligence, or wrong surmise
Hold me a foe,
If I unwittingly, or in my rage,
Have aught committed that is hardly borne
By any in this presence, I desire
To reconcile me to his friendly peace.
‘Tis death to me to be at enmity;
I hate it, and desire all good men’s love.
First, madam, I entreat true peace of you,
Which I will purchase with my duteous service;—
Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham,
If ever any grudge were lodged between us;—
Of you, Lord Rivers, and Lord grey of you,
Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen; indeed of all!
I do not know that Englishman alive
With whom my soul is any jot at odds
More than the infant that is born tonight.
I thank my God for my humility.

DUTCH:

Topics: resolution, remedy, offence, regret, blame

If not to answer, you might haply think
Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty,
Which fondly you would here impose on me.

DUTCH:
Antwoord ik niet, misschien zoudt gij vermoeden,
Dat schuilende eerzucht, stom, bereid zich toont
Om ‘t gulden juk van ‘t koningschap to dragen,
Waar gij mij dwaaslijk mee beladen wilt.

MORE:
Proverb: Silence is (gives) consent

Fitteth=Is appropriate to
Degree=Status
Condition=Position
Tongue-tied ambition.. Yielded=Silence indicated consent
Fondly=Foolishly
Check=Rebuke
Unmeritable=Without merit
Ripe revenue=Overdue debt
Poverty=Lack
Barque=Sailing vessel
Brook=Endure
Stealing=Advancing
Compleat:
To fit=Passen, pas maaken, gereed maaken, voegen
Degree=Een graad, trap
Condition=Staat, gesteltenis. gelegenheyd
To be tongue-tied=Niet spreeken kunnen, of durven
Fond=Zot, dwaas, ongerymt
Check=Berispen, beteugelen, intoomen, verwyten
Poverty=Armoede
Bark=Scheepje
Brook=Verdraagen, uitstaan
To steal=Doorsluypen
To steal away=Ontsteelen, wegsluypen

Topics: proverbs and idioms, law/legal, reply, claim

If thou dost find him tractable to us, encourage him and show him all our reasons

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
Well then, no more but this: go, gentle Catesby,
And, as it were far off, sound thou Lord Hastings
How he doth stand affected to our purpose
And summon him tomorrow to the Tower
To sit about the coronation.
If thou dost find him tractable to us,
Encourage him and show him all our reasons.
If he be leaden, icy, cold, unwilling,
Be thou so too, and so break off the talk,
And give us notice of his inclination;
For we tomorrow hold divided councils,
Wherein thyself shalt highly be employed.

DUTCH:
Bespeurt gij , dat hij naar ons luist’ren wil,
Zoo wek hem op en zeg hem onze gronden,
Maar is hij koud, als ijs, en traag, als lood,
Wees gij ‘t dan ook en houd uw woorden in,
En deel ons mede, hoe zijn stemming is.

MORE:
Sound=Sound out
Affected to=Attitude to
Tractable=Compliant
Purpose=Cause
Compleat:
To sound=Peilen
How stands he affected=Hoe is hy geneygd?
Tractable=Handelbaar
Purpose=Voorneemen, besluit, ontwerp; onderwerp, stoffe van redenering; oogmerk
Yield=Overgeeven, toegeeven, geeven

Burgersdijk notes:
Want morgen houden we een gesplitsten staatsraad. Terwijl de aan den jongen koning gehechte lords in Baynard’s slot zetelden en er, op verzoek van den Protector, over de regeling van de aanstaande kroning raadpleegden, werden er in Crosby-hof samenkomsten gehouden van hen, die den Protector aanhingen en zijn wensch, om zelfkoning te worden, wilden bevorderen. Wat hierbij verhandeld werd, bleef natuurlijk diep geheim. Het zoo even vermelde slot van Baynard, naar den stichter zoo geheeten, lag aan den oever van de Theems en is sinds lang verdwenen; het was eens eigendom van Humphrey van Gloster en werd later door Hendrik VI aan Richards vader, den Hertog van York, toegekend.

Topics: plans/intentions, conspiracy, reasons, loyalty

If you do free your children from the sword, your children’s children quits it in your age

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.3
SPEAKER: Richmond
CONTEXT:
RICHMOND
Why, then ’tis time to arm and give direction.
More than I have said, loving countrymen,
The leisure and enforcement of the time
Forbids to dwell upon. Yet remember this:
God and our good cause fight upon our side.
The prayers of holy saints and wrongèd souls,
Like high-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces.
Richard except, those whom we fight against
Had rather have us win than him they follow.
For what is he they follow? Truly, gentlemen,
A bloody tyrant and a homicide;
One raised in blood, and one in blood established;
One that made means to come by what he hath,
And slaughtered those that were the means to help him;
A base foul stone, made precious by the foil
Of England’s chair, where he is falsely set;
One that hath ever been God’s enemy.
Then if you fight against God’s enemy,
God will, in justice, ward you as his soldiers.
If you do sweat to put a tyrant down,
You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain.
If you do fight against your country’s foes,
Your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire.
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors.
If you do free your children from the sword,
Your children’s children quits it in your age.
Then, in the name of God and all these rights,
Advance your standards. Draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully;
God and Saint George! Richmond and victory!

DUTCH:
Behoedt gij uwe kind’ren voor het zwaard,
Uw grijsheid loonen ‘t uwer kind’ren kind’ren .

MORE:
Bulwarks=Ramparts
Raised=Came to the throne
Ward=Protect
Fat=Surfeit
Thrive=Succeed
Compleat:
Bulwark=Bolwerk
To ward=Bewaaren, de wacht hebben, op de wacht zyn
To ward off=Afweeren
To thrive=Voorspoedig zyn, tyk worden, wel tieren, bedyen

Topics: leadership, fate/destiny, life, justice, manipulation

If you plead as well for them as I can say “nay” to thee for myself, no doubt we bring it to a happy issue.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
What tongueless blocks were they! Would not they speak?
Will not the mayor then and his brethren come?
BUCKINGHAM
The Mayor is here at hand. Intend some fear;
Be not you spoke with but by mighty suit.
And look you get a prayer book in your hand
And stand between two churchmen, good my lord,
For on that ground I’ll make a holy descant.
And be not easily won to our requests.
Play the maid’s part: still answer “nay,” and take it.
RICHARD
I go. An if you plead as well for them
As I can say “nay” to thee for myself,
No doubt we bring it to a happy issue.

DUTCH:
Want op dien grond vertrouw ik, hen te stichten .
Goof ook aan hun verzoek niet snel gehoor,
Maar speel een meisjesrol: zeg „neen”, en grijp het .

MORE:
Proverb: Maids say nay and take it

Brethren=The aldermen
Intend=Pretend
Mighty=Important, weighty
Suit=Petition
Descant=Commentary
Won to=Persuaded by
Compleat:
Brethren=Broeders
Suit=Een verzoek, rechtsgeding
Mighty=Magtig
Descant=Uytbreyding in een reede

Burgersdijk notes:
Want op dien grond vertrouw ik hen te stichten. In het Engelsch bevat de tekst een muzikale
woordspeling: For on that ground I’ll make a holy descant. Ground beteekent zoowel grond als grondtoon, bas; descant zoowel een toelichting, breedvoerige uiteenzetting als hooge stem, discant.

Topics: proverbs and idioms, insult, persuasion, appearance

If? Thou protector of this damnèd strumpet, talk’st thou to me of “ifs?”

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.4
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Then be your eyes the witness of their evil.
Look how I am bewitched! Behold mine arm
Is like a blasted sapling withered up;
And this is Edward’s wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot, strumpet Shore,
That by their witchcraft thus have markèd me.
HASTINGS
If they have done this deed, my noble lord—
RICHARD
If? Thou protector of this damnèd strumpet,
Talk’st thou to me of “ifs?” Thou art a traitor—
Off with his head. Now by Saint Paul I swear
I will not dine until I see the same.
Lovell and Ratcliffe, look that it be done.
The rest that love me, rise and follow me.

DUTCH:
„Als” ! gij beschermer van die vloekb’re snol,
Spreekt gij van „Als” ? – Gij zijt een aartsverrader ;
Het hoofd hem of !

MORE:
Proverb: If’s and and’s

Blasted=Damaged
Consorted=In an alliance with
Compleat:
To blast=Doen verstuyven, wegblaazen, verzengen, door ‘t weer beschaadigen
To blast one’s reputation=Iemands goeden naam doen verstuyven

Topics: proverbs and idioms, good and bad, fate/destiny

Ill news… Seldom comes the better

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.3
SPEAKER:
CONTEXT:
SECOND CITIZEN
I promise you I scarcely know myself.
Hear you the news abroad?
FIRST CITIZEN
Yes, that the king is dead.
SECOND CITIZEN
Ill news, by ‘r Lady. Seldom comes the better.
I fear, I fear, ’twill prove a giddy world.

DUTCH:
Slecht nieuws, ja; zelden baart de toekomst rozen.
Ik vrees, ik vrees, er komt een tijd van storm .

MORE:
Proverb: Seldom comes the better

Promise=Assure
Abroad=Going around
By’r Lady=By the Virgin May
Giddy=Unstable
Compleat:
To promise=Belooven, toezeggen
To noise abroad=Uitbrommen, uittrompetten

Topics: news, communication, proverbs and idioms, promise

In common worldly things, ’tis called ungrateful with dull unwillingness to repay a debt which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.2
SPEAKER: Duchess
CONTEXT:
DUCHESS
Was never mother had so dear a loss.
Alas, I am the mother of these griefs.
Their woes are parcelled; mine are general.
She for an Edward weeps, and so do I;
I for a Clarence weep; so doth not she.
These babes for Clarence weep and so do I;
I for an Edward weep; so do not they.
Alas, you three, on me, threefold distressed,
Pour all your tears. I am your sorrow’s nurse,
And I will pamper it with lamentations.
DORSET
Comfort, dear mother. God is much displeased
That you take with unthankfulness, his doing.
In common worldly things, ’tis called ungrateful
With dull unwillingness to repay a debt
Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent;
Much more to be thus opposite with heaven,
For it requires the royal debt it lent you.

DUTCH:
Ondankbaar beet het steeds in ‘s werelds doen
Met tragen onwil golden weer te geven,
Met milde hand weiwillend ons geleend ;
Veel meer dan, zoo te twisten met den hemel,
Wijl die zijn vorst’lijk leengoed weder eischt.

MORE:
Parcelled=Specific, single
Pamper=Overindulge
Compleat:
To parcel=In hoopen verdeelen, in partyen deelen
To pamper=Mesten, wel onthaalen

Topics: debt/obligation, ingratitude, trust, promise

It is a reeling world indeed, my lord, and I believe will never stand upright

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.2
SPEAKER: Catesby
CONTEXT:
HASTINGS
Good morrow, Catesby. You are early stirring.
What news, what news in this our tott’ring state?
CATESBY
It is a reeling world indeed, my lord,
And I believe will never stand upright
Till Richard wear the garland of the realm.
HASTINGS
How “wear the garland?” Dost thou mean the crown?
CATESBY
Ay, my good lord.
HASTINGS
I’ll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders
Before I’ll see the crown so foul misplaced.
But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it?

DUTCH:
t Is waar, mylord, hot is een dwarrelwereld;
Zij komt, geloof ik, niet tot vasten stand,
Eer Richard met don krans van ‘t rijk gesierd is.

MORE:
Tottering=Unstable
Reeling=Unsteady
Compleat:
To totter=Schudden, waggelen
To reel=Waggelen, heen en weer zwieren
Reeling=Waggeling; haspeling

Topics: life, news, plans/intentions, order/society

Let me put in your minds, if you forget, what you have been ere this, and what you are

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Margaret
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Ere you were queen, ay, or your husband king,
I was a packhorse in his great affairs,
A weeder-out of his proud adversaries,
A liberal rewarder of his friends.
To royalize his blood, I spent mine own.
QUEEN MARGARET
Ay, and much better blood than his or thine.
RICHARD
In all which time, you and your husband Grey
Were factious for the house of Lancaster.—
And, Rivers, so were you.— Was not your husband
In Margaret’s battle at Saint Albans slain?
Let me put in your minds, if you forget,
What you have been ere this, and what you are;
Withal, what I have been, and what I am.

DUTCH:
Laat mij, zijt gij ‘t vergeten, u herinn’ren,
Wat gij voordezen waart en wat gij zijt,
Alsook, wat ik geweest ben en nu ben .

MORE:
Packhorse=Beast of burden
Factious=Fighting
Battle=Army
Put in your mind=Remind
Compleat:
Packhorse=Een lastdraagend paerd
Factious=Oproerig
It puts me in mind=Het maakt my indachtig; het brengt my in den zin

Topics: relationship, status, order/society, memory, work

Let me put in your minds, if you forget, what you have been ere this, and what you are

DUTCH:
Laat mij, zijt gij ‘t vergeten, u herinn’ren,
Wat gij voordezen waart en wat gij zijt,
Alsook, wat ik geweest ben en nu ben .

Topics: relationship, status, order/society, memory, work

Let’s lack no discipline, make no delay, for, lords, tomorrow is a busy day

DUTCH:
Een deeg’lijk plan beraamd en ras gehandeld,
Want morgen, heeren, wordt een heete dag.

Topics: leadership, conflict, advantage/benefit, life

Like the formal Vice, Iniquity, I moralize two meanings in one word.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
So wise so young, they say, do never live long.
PRINCE
What say you, uncle?
RICHARD
I say, without characters fame lives long.
Thus, like the formal Vice, Iniquity,
I moralize two meanings in one word.
PRINCE
That Julius Caesar was a famous man.
With what his valour did enrich his wit,
His wit set down to make his valour live.
Death makes no conquest of this conqueror,
For now he lives in fame, though not in life.
I’ll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham—

DUTCH:
k Zeg, roem wordt, ongeboekt, toch immer oud .
(Ter zijde) Ik spreek, als Boosheid in mysteriespelen,
Een woord gebruikend, tweederlei moraal.

MORE:
Proverb: Too soon wise to live long
Proverb: Sharp frosts bite forward springs
Proverb: Those that God loves does not live long
Proverb: Soon ripe soon rotten
Proverb: Too soon wise to be long old

Justice and Iniquity (also Sin or Vice) were common characters in medieval morality plays, with personifications of vices and virtues seeking to gain control of the ‘everyman’ main character.
Justice (personified as female)=equal distribution of right, conformity to the laws and the principles of equity, either as a quality or as a rule of acting.
See also
“Sparing justice feeds iniquity” (The Rape of Lucrece)
“Which is the wiser here? Justice or Iniquity?” (Measure for Measure, 2.1)

Vice (wickedness, buffoon, comic character).
Characters=Written records
Moralize=Interpret to mean two things (i.e. the survival of life and fame (reputation))
Formal=Customary
Wit=Intellect
Compleat:
Vice=Ondeugd
To moralize=Een zédelyke uitlegging of toepassing op iets maaken
Formal=Gestaltig, vormelyk, naauwgezet, gemaakt
Wit (understanding)=Vinding, schranderheid, verstand

Topics: proverbs and idioms, justice, understanding

Look what is done cannot be now amended

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Look what is done cannot be now amended.
Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after-hours give leisure to repent.
If I did take the kingdom from your sons,
To make amends I’ll give it to your daughter.
If I have killed the issue of your womb,
To quicken your increase I will beget
Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter.
A grandam’s name is little less in love
Than is the doting title of a mother.
They are as children but one step below,
Even of your mettle, of your very blood,
Of all one pain, save for a night of groans
Endured of her for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
But mine shall be a comfort to your age.
The loss you have is but a son being king,
And by that loss your daughter is made queen.
I cannot make you what amends I would;
Therefore accept such kindness as I can.
Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul
Leads discontented steps in foreign soil,
This fair alliance quickly shall call home
To high promotions and great dignity.
The king that calls your beauteous daughter wife
Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother. (…)

DUTCH:
Zie, ‘t eens gedane is niet meer te herdoen;
De mensch gaat somtijds overijld te werk,
Zoodat zijn doen in later uur hem rouwt;
Heb ik uw zoons het koningschap ontroofd,
Ik wil ten zoen het aan uw dochter geven.

MORE:

Proverb: Things done cannot be undone

Look what=Whatever
Mettle=Spirit
All one=All the same
Compleat:
Full of mettle=Vol vuurs, moedig
It is all one to me=’t Scheelt my niet

Topics: error, regret, proverbs and idioms

My brother killed no man; his fault was thought, and yet his punishment was bitter death

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
KING EDWARD
Have I a tongue to doom my brother’s death,
And shall the tongue give pardon to a slave?
My brother killed no man; his fault was thought,
And yet his punishment was bitter death.
Who sued to me for him? Who, in my wrath,
Kneeled at my feet, and bade me be advised?
Who spoke of brotherhood? Who spoke of love?
Who told me how the poor soul did forsake
The mighty Warwick and did fight for me?
Who told me, in the field by Tewkesbury,
When Oxford had me down, he rescued me,
And said “Dear brother, live, and be a king?”
Who told me, when we both lay in the field
Frozen almost to death, how he did lap me
Even in his garments and did give himself,
All thin and naked, to the numb-cold night?
All this from my remembrance brutish wrath
Sinfully plucked, and not a man of you
Had so much grace to put it in my mind.
But when your carters or your waiting vassals
Have done a drunken slaughter and defaced
The precious image of our dear Redeemer,
You straight are on your knees for pardon, pardon,
And I, unjustly too, must grant it you. (…)

DUTCH:
Mijn broeder deed geen doodslag; in gedachte
Bestond zijn schuld; toch leed hij bitt’ren dood.

MORE:
Proverb: Thought is free

Doom=Judge
Lap=Wrap
Vassals=Servants
Compleat:
Doom=Vonnis, oordeel, verwyzing
A heavy doom=een zwaar vonnis
To doom=Veroordelen, verwyzen, doemen
To lap up=Bewinden

Topics: proverbs and idioms, judgment, punishment, mercy

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, and every tongue brings in a several tale

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.3
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!
Have mercy, Jesu!—Soft, I did but dream.
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why:
Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,
And every tongue brings in a several tale,
And every tale condemns me for a villain.
Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree;
Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;
All several sins, all used in each degree,
Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!”
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me,
And if I die no soul will pity me.
And wherefore should they, since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself?
Methought the souls of all that I had murdered
Came to my tent, and every one did threat
Tomorrow’s vengeance on the head of Richard.

DUTCH:
O, mijn geweten heeft veel duizend tongen,
En ied’re tong vertelt een ander stuk,
En ieder stuk veroordeelt mij als schurk.

MORE:
Fly=Flee
Several=Separate
Burn blue=Indicating spirits
Compleat:
Flee=Vlieden, vlugten
Several=Verscheyden

Topics: conscience, imagination, punishment, guilt, pity

No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.2
SPEAKER: Anne
CONTEXT:
ANNE
Villain, thou know’st not law of God nor man.
No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
RICHARD
But I know none, and therefore am no beast.
ANNE
O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!
RICHARD
More wonderful, when angels are so angry.
Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman,
Of these supposèd crimes to give me leave
By circumstance but to acquit myself.
ANNE
Vouchsafe, diffused infection of a man,
Of these known evils but to give me leave
By circumstance to curse thy cursèd self.

DUTCH:
Anna.
Gij schurk, gij kent geen wet, van God noch mensch,
Het wildste beest kent eenig medelijden.
Gloster.
Dit ken ik niet en ben alzoo geen beest .

MORE:
Proverb: The devil sometimes speaks the truth

Vouchsafe=Grant
Circumstance=Argument
Diffused=Sprawling
Compleat:
To vouchsafe=Gewaardign, vergunnen
Circumstanced=Met omstandigheden belegd, onder omstandighede begreepen
To diffuse=Verspreyden

Topics: pity, nature

No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity

DUTCH:
Anna.
Gij schurk, gij kent geen wet, van God noch mensch,
Het wildste beest kent eenig medelijden.
Gloster.
Dit ken ik niet en ben alzoo geen beest .

MORE:
Proverb: The devil sometimes speaks the truth

Vouchsafe=Grant
Circumstance=Argument
Diffused=Sprawling
Compleat:
To vouchsafe=Gewaardign, vergunnen
Circumstanced=Met omstandigheden belegd, onder omstandighede begreepen
To diffuse=Verspreyden

Topics: pity, nature

Nor more can you distinguish of a man than of his outward show

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts’
sovereign.
The weary way hath made you melancholy.
PRINCE
No, uncle, but our crosses on the way
Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy.
I want more uncles here to welcome me.
RICHARD
Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years
Hath not yet dived into the world’s deceit;
Nor more can you distinguish of a man
Than of his outward show, which, God He knows,
Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart.
Those uncles which you want were dangerous.
Your Grace attended to their sugared words
But looked not on the poison of their hearts.
God keep you from them, and from such false friends.
PRINCE
God keep me from false friends, but they were none.

DUTCH:
En niets kunt gij nog aan een man erkennen
Dan wat hij toont en schijnt.

MORE:
Thoughts’ sovereign=Focus of our thoughts
Weary way=Tiring journey
Crosses=Annoyances, obstacles
Want=Lack
Years=Youth
Jumpeth=Corresponds
Attended to=Heeded
Compleat:
Sovereign (absolute, independent)=Volstrekt, onafhangkelyk, oppermachtig
Weary=Moede; vermoeid; afkeerig
To cross=Tegenstreeven, dwars voor de boeg komen, dwarsboomen, wederestreeven, kruisen
To want=Ontbreeken, missen, van noode hebben, van doen hebben
Years (age)=Ouderdom
Years of discretion=Jaaren van verstand
To jump (agree)=Het eens woorden
Their opinions jump much with ours=Hunne gevoelens komen veel met de onzen overeen
Wits jump always together=De groote verstanden beulen altyd saamen

Topics: appearance, betrayal, deception

Now is the winter of our discontent

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York,
And all the clouds that loured upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths,
Our bruisèd arms hung up for monuments,
Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings,
Our dreadful marches to delightful measures.
Grim-visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front;
And now, instead of mounting barbèd steeds
To fright the souls of fearful adversaries,
He capers nimbly in a lady’s chamber
To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.
But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks,
Nor made to court an amorous looking glass;
I, that am rudely stamped and want love’s majesty
To strut before a wanton ambling nymph;
I, that am curtailed of this fair proportion,
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature,
Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time
Into this breathing world, scarce half made up,
And that so lamely and unfashionable
That dogs bark at me as I halt by them—
Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace,
Have no delight to pass away the time,
Unless to see my shadow in the sun
And descant on mine own deformity.
And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover
To entertain these fair well-spoken days,
I am determinèd to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days.
Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous,
By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams,
To set my brother Clarence and the king
In deadly hate, the one against the other;
And if King Edward be as true and just
As I am subtle, false, and treacherous,
This day should Clarence closely be mewed up
About a prophecy which says that “G”
Of Edward’s heirs the murderer shall be.
Dive, thoughts, down to my soul. Here Clarence comes.

DUTCH:
Nu werd de winter onzer wreev’le stemming
Tot blijden zomer door de zon van York ;
De zware wolken, die ons huis bedreigden,
Verzwolg de diepe schoot des oceaans .

MORE:
Often misquoted or semi-quoted as “Now is the winter of our discontent” to announce the start of something bleak or ominous, but he is in fact describing the end of something. in context, it is actually positive. The sun is on its way!
Shakespeare is punning here with the son and sun, both in the context of the weather metaphor and the sun emblem of the House of York. Edward IV, son of Richard Duke of York, has replaced Henry VI on the throne.

House=Family, Dynasty
Measures=Stately dances
Weak-piping times=When people amused themselves with peaceful, pastoral music instead of marching drums
Wrinkled front=Frown
Barbed=Horse armour with studs and spikes
Capers=Dances involving leaping around
Court an amorous looking glass=Spend time looking in the mirror
Wanton-ambling=Sexy walk
Determined=Resolved
Idle=Frivolous
Induction=Preparation
Mewed up=Caged
Compleat:
House=Een Huys
Piping=Pypenspel
Wrinkled=Gerimpeld, gerfronseld, gekrinkeld
Barbed javeline=Een Schicht met weerhaaken
Caper=Een sprong
An ambling pace=Een telgang, pas-gang
Induction=In ‘t bezit stelling
Mewed up=Opgeslooten

Burgersdijk notes:
Nu werd de winter enz . De woorden “zon van York” zinspelen op het wapen der familie York, een door de wolken brekende zon; zie 3 Koning Hendrik VI, II. 1.
Doch ik, geenszins gevormd enz. Men vergelijke 3 Koning Hendrik VI, V. 6

Topics: misquoted, still in use, adversity, plans/intentions

Now is the winter of our discontent

DUTCH:
Nu werd de winter onzer wreev’le stemming
Tot blijden zomer door de zon van York ;
De zware wolken, die ons huis bedreigden,
Verzwolg de diepe schoot des oceaans .

Topics: misquoted, still in use, adversity, plans/intentions

O, he hath kept an evil diet long, and overmuch consumed his royal person

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
HASTINGS
No news so bad abroad as this at home:
The king is sickly, weak and melancholy,
And his physicians fear him mightily.
RICHARD
Now, by Saint Paul, that news is bad indeed.
O, he hath kept an evil diet long,
And overmuch consumed his royal person.
‘Tis very grievous to be thought upon.
Where is he, in his bed?

DUTCH:
Nu, bij Sint Paul, dit nieuws is waarlijk slecht.
O, maar zijn leefwijs was sinds lang verkeerd ;
De koning heeft zijn krachten uitgeput;
‘t Is zeer bedroevend, als men hieraan denkt .
Spreek, houdt hij ‘t bed?

MORE:
Abroad=At large
Fear him=Fear for him
Overmuch consumed=Overindulged, abused with bad habits
Compleat:
Abroad=Buyten
Overmuch=Al te veel
To consume=Verteeren, verdoen, verquisten, verbruyken, verbeezigen

Topics: abuse, excess

O, he hath kept an evil diet long, and overmuch consumed his royal person

Topics: abuse, excess

O, I have passed a miserable night, so full of ugly dreams, of ugly sights

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: Clarence
CONTEXT:
KEEPER
Why looks your grace so heavily today?
CLARENCE
O, I have passed a miserable night,
So full of ugly dreams, of ugly sights,
That, as I am a Christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night
Though ’twere to buy a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time.
KEEPER
What was your dream, my lord? I pray you tell me.
CLARENCE
Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower
And was embarked to cross to Burgundy,
And in my company my brother Gloucester,
Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
Upon the hatches. Thence we looked toward England
And cited up a thousand fearful times,
During the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall’n us. As we paced along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought that Gloucester stumbled, and in falling
Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
O Lord, methought what pain it was to drown,
What dreadful noise of waters in my ears,
What sights of ugly death within my eyes.
Methoughts I saw a thousand fearful wracks,
A thousand men that fishes gnawed upon,
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scattered in the bottom of the sea.

DUTCH:
O, ‘k heb een nacht doorleefd van diepe ellend,
Vol bange droomen, schrikk’lijke gezichten

MORE:
Heavily=Sad
Broken=Escaped
Cited up=Recalled
Giddy=Precarious
To stay=To support
Main=The sea
Compleat:
Heavy=Zwaar, zwaarmoedig, bedrukt, bedroefd
Giddy=Duyzelig, zwymelachtig
Giddy-headed=Ylhoofdig, hersenloos, wervelziek
Stay=Steun

Topics: conscience, emotion and mood, imagination

O, then I see you will part but with light gifts.
In weightier things you’ll say a beggar nay.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Duke of York
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
A greater gift than that I’ll give my cousin.
YORK
A greater gift? O, that’s the sword to it.
RICHARD
Ay, gentle cousin, were it light enough.
YORK
O, then I see you will part but with light gifts.
In weightier things you’ll say a beggar nay.
RICHARD
It is too heavy for your Grace to wear.
YORK
I weigh it lightly, were it heavier.

DUTCH:
O, dus is ‘t lichte waar slechts, die gij schenkt?
Bij iets gewichtigs zegt gij : “beed’laar, neen!”

MORE:
Light=Trivial
Weigh=Consider
Lightly=Not lending weight
Compleat:
Light=Ligt, luchtig; ligtvaardig
Weigh=Weegen, overweegen
To weigh all things by pleasures and sorrows=Van alles oordeelen door het vermaak of de droefheid

Topics: judgment, status

O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!

DUTCH:
O wondervreemd, ook duivels spreken waar!

MORE:
Proverb: The devil sometimes speaks the truth

Vouchsafe=Grant
Circumstance=Argument
Diffused=Sprawling
Compleat:
To vouchsafe=Gewaardign, vergunnen
Circumstanced=Met omstandigheden belegd, onder omstandighede begreepen
To diffuse=Verspreyden

Topics: insult, proverbs and idioms

O, wonderful, when devils tell the truth!

DUTCH:
O wondervreemd, ook duivels spreken waar!

MORE:
Proverb: The devil sometimes speaks the truth

Vouchsafe=Grant
Circumstance=Argument
Diffused=Sprawling
Compleat:
To vouchsafe=Gewaardign, vergunnen
Circumstanced=Met omstandigheden belegd, onder omstandighede begreepen
To diffuse=Verspreyden

Topics: insult, proverbs and idioms

Our crosses on the way have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts’ sovereign.
The weary way hath made you melancholy.
PRINCE
No, uncle, but our crosses on the way
Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy.
I want more uncles here to welcome me.
RICHARD
Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years
Hath not yet dived into the world’s deceit;
Nor more can you distinguish of a man
Than of his outward show, which, God He knows,
Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart.
Those uncles which you want were dangerous.
Your Grace attended to their sugared words
But looked not on the poison of their hearts.
God keep you from them, and from such false friends.
PRINCE
God keep me from false friends, but they were none.

DUTCH:
Neen, oom; maar wat mij op mijn weg weervoer,
Heeft dien mij lang, bedroevend, zwaar gemaakt;
Ik wenschte meerdere ooms hier tot ontvangst.

MORE:
Thoughts’ sovereign=Focus of our thoughts
Weary way=Tiring journey
Crosses=Annoyances, obstacles
Want=Lack
Years=Youth
Jumpeth=Corresponds
Attended to=Heeded
Compleat:
Weary=Moede; vermoeid; afkeerig
To cross=Tegenstreeven, dwars voor de boeg komen, dwarsboomen, wederestreeven, kruisen
To want=Ontbreeken, missen, van noode hebben, van doen hebben
Years (age)=Ouderdom
Years of discretion=Jaaren van verstand
To jump (agree)=Het eens woorden
Their opinions jump much with ours=Hunne gevoelens komen veel met de onzen overeen
Wits jump always together=De groote verstanden beulen altyd saamen
To attend unto=Opmerken, gadeslaan
To attend to the inward checks of conscience=Op de inwendige berispingen des gemoeds acht geeven

Topics: life, adversity, age/experience

Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.2
SPEAKER: Anne
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Here.
Why dost thou spit at me?
ANNE
Would it were mortal poison for thy sake.
ANNE
I wish my spit were deadly poison.
RICHARD
Never came poison from so sweet a place.
ANNE
Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.
RICHARD
Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine.
ANNE
Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead.

DUTCH:
En nooit kleefde er vergif aan snooder pad .
Uit mijn gezicht! want gij verzengt mijn oogen .

MORE:
Proverb: The sore eye infects the sound
Proverb: The basilisk’s eye is fatal

Poison on a fouler toad=Toads were considered to be venomous
Would=If only they were
Basilisk=Mythical reptiles that can kill with one look
Compleat:
To swell like a toad=Zwellen als een pad

Burgersdijk notes:
O waren ‘ t basilisken. Naar ‘t oude volksgeloof doodde de blik van den basilisk .

Topics: insult, proverbs and idioms

Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes

DUTCH:
En nooit kleefde er vergif aan snooder pad .
Uit mijn gezicht! want gij verzengt mijn oogen .

MORE:
Proverb: The sore eye infects the sound
Proverb: The basilisk’s eye is fatal

Poison on a fouler toad=Toads were considered to be venomous
Would=If only they were
Basilisk=Mythical reptiles that can kill with one look
Compleat:
To swell like a toad=Zwellen als een pad

Burgersdijk notes:
O waren ‘ t basilisken. Naar ‘t oude volksgeloof doodde de blik van den basilisk .

Topics: insult, proverbs and idioms

Pitchers have ears

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.4
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
YORK
Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast
That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old.
‘Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth.
Grandam, this would have been a biting jest.
DUCHESS
I prithee, pretty York, who told thee this?
YORK
Grandam, his nurse.
DUCHESS
His nurse? Why, she was dead ere thou wast born.
YORK
If ’twere not she, I cannot tell who told me.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
A parlous boy! Go to, you are too shrewd.
DUCHESS
Good madam, be not angry with the child.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Pitchers have ears.

DUTCH:
Ook kleine kruikjes hebben ooren .

MORE:
Proverb: Little (small) pitchers have wide (great) ears

Parlous=Mischievous, precocious
Shrewd=Sharp
Pitchers have ears=Proverbial, caution about speaking in earshot of others
Compleat:
Parlous=Onvergelykelyk, weergaloos
Shrewd=Loos, doortrapt, sneedig, vinnig, fel
Pitcher=Een aarden kruyk meet een handvatsel

Topics: proverbs and idioms, secrecy, trust

Plead what I will be, not what I have been; not my deserts, but what I will deserve

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Richard
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
As I intend to prosper and repent,
So thrive I in my dangerous affairs
Of hostile arms! Myself myself confound,
Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours,
Day, yield me not thy light, nor night thy rest,
Be opposite all planets of good luck
To my proceedings if, with dear heart’s love,
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter.
In her consists my happiness and thine.
Without her follows to myself and thee,
Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul,
Death, desolation, ruin and decay.
It cannot be avoided but by this;
It will not be avoided but by this.
Therefore, dear mother—I must call you so—
Be the attorney of my love to her:
Plead what I will be, not what I have been;
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve.
Urge the necessity and state of times,
And be not peevish found in great designs.

DUTCH:
Wees zaakverzorgster mijner liefde. Stel
Haar voor, wat ik zijn wil, niet wat ik was,
Niet wat ik heb verdiend, maar zal verdienen;
Leg nadruk op den stand en eisch des tijds,
En wees bij groote plannen niet kleingeestig.

MORE:
Myself myself confound=Ruin myself
Bar=Deprive
Tender=Respect, value
Peevish=Foolishly
Great designs=Important affairs (of state)
Compleat:
Confound=Verwarren, verstooren, te schande maaken, verbysteren
Bar=Dwarsboom, draaiboom, hinderpaal, beletsel, traali
To tender=Aanbieden, van harte bezinnen, behartigen
Peevish=Kribbig, gemelyk
Design=Opzet, voorneemen, oogmerk, aanslag, toeleg, ontwerp

Topics: love, achievement

Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.2
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
KING RICHARD
O bitter consequence
That Edward still should live “true noble prince”!
Cousin, thou wast not wont to be so dull.
Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead,
And I would have it suddenly performed.
What sayest thou now? Speak suddenly. Be brief.
BUCKINGHAM
Your Grace may do your pleasure.
KING RICHARD
Tut, tut, thou art all ice; thy kindness freezes.
Say, have I thy consent that they shall die?
BUCKINGHAM
Give me some little breath, some pause, dear lord,
Before I positively speak in this.
I will resolve you herein presently.

DUTCH:
Moet ik het zeggen? ‘k Wensch de bastaards dood;
En ik zou willen, dat het ras gedaan wierd.
Wat zegt gij nu? Spreek daad’lijk, zeg het kort.

MORE:
Live=Live as a
Suddenly=Now
Breath=Room to breathe
Resolve you=Give you my answer/determination
Compleat:
Suddenly=Op een schielyke wyze
He spended his breath in vain=Al zyn praaaten was te vergeefs
To resolve=Besluyten, voorneemen, een besluyt neemen, te raade worden; oplossen

Topics: status, fate/destiny, reply

Short summers lightly have a forward spring

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:

PRINCE
That Julius Caesar was a famous man.
With what his valour did enrich his wit,
His wit set down to make his valour live.
Death makes no conquest of this conqueror,
For now he lives in fame, though not in life.
I’ll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham—
BUCKINGHAM
What, my gracious lord?
PRINCE
An if I live until I be a man,
I’ll win our ancient right in France again
Or die a soldier, as I lived a king.
RICHARD
Short summers lightly have a forward spring.

DUTCH:
Vroeg wordt na vroege lent de groei geschorst .

MORE:
Proverb: Too soon wise to live long
Proverb: Sharp frosts bite forward springs
Proverb: The good die young
Proverb: Soon ripe soon rotten

Wit=Intellect
Right=Claim (to the French throne)
Compleat:
Wit (understanding)=Vinding, schranderheid, verstand
Birth-right=Geboorte-recht

Topics: time, life, proverbs and idioms, intellect

Since every Jack became a gentleman there’s many a gentle person made a Jack.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Brother of Gloucester, you mistake the matter.
The king, on his own royal disposition,
And not provoked by any suitor else,
Aiming belike at your interior hatred
That in your outward actions shows itself
Against my children, brothers, and myself,
Makes him to send, that he may learn the ground.
RICHARD
I cannot tell. The world is grown so bad
That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch.
Since every jack became a gentleman,
There’s many a gentle person made a jack.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloucester.
You envy my advancement, and my friends’.
God grant we never may have need of you.

DUTCH:
lk weet niet; – al te slecht is thans de wereld :
‘t Kleinjantjen rooft, waar de aad’laar zich niet waagt;
Sinds elke schooier edelman hier werd,
Werd menig edelman een kale schooier.

MORE:
Mistake the matter=Misunderstand
Provoked=Encouraged
Belike=No doubt
Made a Jack=Reduced to peasant status (allusion to the jack in bowls)
Compleat:
To ly under a mistake=In een misverstand steeken
To provoke=Tergen, verwekken, aanprikkelen, opscherpen, gaande maaken, ophitsen

Burgersdijk notes:
Deed u ontbieden. In het oorspronkelijke staat hier, in de folio-uitgave, slechts den regel : Makes him to send, that he may learn the ground: doet hem nu zenden om den grond te weten; in de quarto-uitgave vindt men:
“Makes him to send, that thereby he may gather
The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it.”
In beide is de zinbouw onnauwkeurig, hetzij door toevallige onachtzaamheid van Sh., hetzij om de ontroering der koningin uit te drukken, die vergeet, dat zij den zin met de woorden “De koning” begonnen is.

Topics: fate/destiny, order, society, status

Since every Jack became a gentleman there’s many a gentle person made a Jack.

Topics: fate/destiny, order, society, status

Small herbs have grace; great weeds do grow apace

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.4
SPEAKER: Duke of York
CONTEXT:
DUCHESS
Why, my young cousin? It is good to grow.
YORK
Grandam, one night as we did sit at supper,
My uncle Rivers talked how I did grow
More than my brother: “Ay,” quoth my uncle Gloucester,
“Small herbs have grace; great weeds do grow apace.”
And since, methinks I would not grow so fast
Because sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste.
DUCHESS
Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold
In him that did object the same to thee!
He was the wretched’st thing when he was young,
So long a-growing and so leisurely,

DUTCH:
„Ja,” zeide oom Gloster toen,
,,Een klein gewas is eel, onkruid groeit veel .”
En sedert wenschte ik minder sterken groei;
Eel kruid komt laat, en onkruid snel in bloei .

MORE:
Proverb: An ill weed grows apace

Grace=Good properties
Since=Since then
Hold=Hold true
Compleat:
Grace=Genade, gunst, bevalligheyd, fraaigheyd, aardige zwier
Weed=Onkruyd
To hold=Houden, vatten; achten

Topics: time, proverbs and idioms, still in use, invented or popularised, good and bad, nature

So smooth he daubed his vice with show of virtue

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.5
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
So dear I loved the man that I must weep.
I took him for the plainest harmless creature
That breathed upon this earth a Christian;
Made him my book, wherein my soul recorded
The history of all her secret thoughts.
So smooth he daubed his vice with show of virtue
That, his apparent open guilt omitted—
I mean his conversation with Shore’s wife—
He lived from all attainder of suspects.

DUTCH:
Zoo glad vernis van deugd gaf hij zijn ondeugd,
Dat, zijn bekende zonde niet gerekend

MORE:
Plainest-harmless=Plainest and harmless
Book=Diary
Apparent=Evident
Daub=Dissembling. (Old French edauber’, whitewash). See also King Lear: “I cannot daub it further.” (Edgar, 4.1)
Attainder=Stain, blemish (disgrace)
Compleat:
Plain=Vlak, effen, klaar, duydelyk, slecht, eenvoudig, oprecht
Apparent=Schynbaar, oogenschynlyk, waarschynlyk, blykbaar
Daub (dawb)=Bestryken, besmeeren, beslyken, besmeuren; vleijen; omkoopen
Attainder=Eene overtuiging in rechten van eenige misdaad, schuldig-verklaaring
To attaint=Overtuigen van misdaad, schuldig verlaaren, betichten’ bevlekken, bederf aanzetten

Topics: love, suspicion, betrayal

So when he opens his purse to give us our reward, thy conscience flies out.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: First Murderer
CONTEXT:
FIRST MURDERER
Remember our reward when the deed’s done.
SECOND MURDERER
Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward.
FIRST MURDERER
Where’s thy conscience now?
SECOND MURDERER
O, in the duke of Gloucester’s purse.
FIRST MURDERER
So when he opens his purse to give us our reward, thy conscience flies out.
SECOND MURDERER
‘Tis no matter. Let it go. There’s few or none will entertain it.
FIRST MURDERER
What if it come to thee again?
SECOND MURDERER
I’ll not meddle with it. It makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbour’s wife but it detects him. ‘Tis a blushing, shamefaced spirit that mutinies in a man’s bosom. It fills a man full of obstacles. It made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance I found. It beggars any man that keeps it. It is turned out of towns and cities for a dangerous thing, and every man that means to live well endeavours to trust to himself and live without it.

DUTCH:
Als hij zijn beurs opent om ons to beloonen, vliegt
uw geweten er Hit .

MORE:
Restrain=Legal use: keep back, withhold. Among examples in the New Eng. Dict, is: “The rents, issues, and profites thereof [they] have wrongfully restreyned, perceyved, and taken to their owne use.”

Entertain=Host
Meddle=Bother
Checks=Restrains
Live well=Virtuously, honestly
Compleat:
Entertain=Onthaalen, huysvesten, plaats vergunnen
Meddle=Bemoeijen, moeijen
Check=Berispen, beteugelen, intoomen, verwyten

Topics: courage, conscience, guilt, money

T’o avoid the censures of the carping world

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.5
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
LORD MAYOR
Now fair befall you! He deserved his death,
And your good Graces both have well proceeded
To warn false traitors from the like attempts.
I never looked for better at his hands
After he once fell in with Mrs Shore.
RICHARD
Yet had we not determined he should die
Until your Lordship came to see his end
(Which now the loving haste of these our friends,
Something against our meaning, have prevented),
Because, my lord, I would have had you heard
The traitor speak, and timorously confess
The manner and the purpose of his treasons,
That you might well have signified the same
Unto the citizens, who haply may
Misconstrue us in him, and wail his death.
LORD MAYOR
But, my good lord, your Graces’ words shall serve
As well as I had seen and heard him speak;
And do not doubt, right noble princes both,
But I’ll acquaint our duteous citizens
With all your just proceedings in this case.
RICHARD
And to that end we wished your Lordship here
T’ avoid the censures of the carping world.
BUCKINGHAM
Which since you come too late of our intent,
Yet witness what you hear we did intend.
And so, my good Lord Mayor, we bid farewell.

DUTCH:
Juist hierom wenschten wij uw lordschap hier,
Om elk verwijt te ontgaan der booze wereld.

MORE:
Fair befall=Good fortune to you
The like=Similar
Looked for=Expected
Meaning=Intention
Timorously=Timidly
Haply=Perhaps
Misconster us in him=Misconstrue what we did to him
Case=Business, affair
Carping=Critical, complaining
In all post=In all haste
Compleat:
Befall=Gebeuren, overkomen
I never saw the like=Ik heb diergelyk nooit gezien
Not looked for=Onverwacht, onverhoeds
Meaning=Opzet
Timorous=Vreesachtig, bevreesd, vervaard
Haply=Misschien
Misconstrue=Misduyden, verkeerd uytleggen
To carp=Plukken, pluyzen, bedillen, muggeziften

Topics: fate/destiny, adversity, guilt, betrayal

The broken rancour of your high-swoll’n hates, but lately splintered, knit, and joined together, must gently be preserved, cherished, and kept

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.2
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
DUCHESS
God bless thee, and put meekness in thy breast,
Love, charity, obedience, and true duty.
RICHARD
[standing] Amen. [aside] And make me die a good old
man!
That is the butt end of a mother’s blessing;
I marvel that her Grace did leave it out.
BUCKINGHAM
You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers
That bear this heavy mutual load of moan,
Now cheer each other in each other’s love.
Though we have spent our harvest of this king,
We are to reap the harvest of his son.
The broken rancour of your high-swoll’n hates,
But lately splintered, knit, and joined together,
Must gently be preserved, cherished, and kept.
Meseemeth good that with some little train
Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fet
Hither to London, to be crowned our king.

DUTCH:
De tweespalt uwer hooggezwollen harten,
Zoo kortlings eerst gezet, gespalkt, verbonden,
Vereischt een teed’re zorg, verpleging, hoede.

MORE:
Cloudy=Gloomy
Mutual=Common
Load=Weight
Moan=Sorry
Knit=Repaired
But lately=Only recently
Meseemeth=I tseems to me
Train=Group, entourage
Fet=Fetched
Estate=Government
Compleat:
Cloudy=Wolkig, betoogen
Mutual=Onderling, wederzyds
Load=Laading, last, vracht
Moan or make a moan=Een geklag maaken, jammeren
To knit together=t’Zamenknoopen
Knit together=Verknocht, t’zamengeknoopt
Lately=Onlangs, kortelings
I only perceived it now of late=Ik heb ‘t nu onlangs maar eerst bemerkt
Train, retinue attendance.=Gestoet
A retinue of attendance=Een sleep van knechten
Estate=Staat, middelen

Topics: leadership, conflict, order/society, resolution, relationship

The citizens are mum, say not a word

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
How now, how now? What say the citizens?
BUCKINGHAM
Now, by the holy mother of our Lord,
The citizens are mum, say not a word.
RICHARD
Touched you the bastardy of Edward’s children?
BUCKINGHAM
I did, with his contract with Lady Lucy
And his contract by deputy in France;
Th’ unsatiate greediness of his desire
And his enforcement of the city wives;
His tyranny for trifles; his own bastardy,
As being got, your father then in France,
His resemblance being not like the duke.
Withal, I did infer your lineaments,
Being the right idea of your father,
Both in your form and nobleness of mind;
Laid open all your victories in Scotland,
Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace,
Your bounty, virtue, fair humility;
Indeed, left nothing fitting for your purpose
Untouched or slightly handled in discourse.
And when mine oratory grew toward end,
I bid them that did love their country’s good
Cry “God save Richard, England’s royal king!”

DUTCH:
Nu, bij de heil’ge moeder onzes Heeren,
De burgerij is stom, zij zegt geen woord.

MORE:
Enforcement=Violation
Trifles=Minor offences
Lineaments=Features
Resemblance=Appearance
Right idea=Spitting image
Slightly handled=Touched on briefly
Compleat:
To enforce=Dwingen, opdwingen
Trifle=Beuzeling, kleynigheyd
Lineament=Een trek
To bear resemblance=Gelyken
To handle=Handelen, verhandelen, behandelen

Topics: reputation, rivalry

The duke would be at dinner.
Make a short shrift. He longs to see your head.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.4
SPEAKER: Ratcliffe
CONTEXT:
RATCLIFFE
Come, come, dispatch. The duke would be at dinner.
Make a short shrift. He longs to see your head.
HASTINGS
O momentary grace of mortal men,
Which we more hunt for than the grace of God!
Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks
Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast,
Ready with every nod to tumble down
Into the fatal bowels of the deep.

DUTCH:
Kom aan, maak voort; de hertog wil aan tafel;
Biecht this wat kort, hij wacht reeds op uw hoofd.

MORE:
Shriving=To hear confession and absolve (between condemnation and execution of punishment – origin of short shrift (korte metten))
Good looks=Favourable looks
Nod=As in nodding off
Compleat:
To shrive=Biechten

Topics: insult, guilt, legacy

The estate is green and yet ungoverned

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.2
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers
That bear this heavy mutual load of moan,
Now cheer each other in each other’s love.
Though we have spent our harvest of this king,
We are to reap the harvest of his son.
The broken rancour of your high-swoll’n hates,
But lately splintered, knit, and joined together,
Must gently be preserved, cherished, and kept.
Meseemeth good that with some little train
Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fet
Hither to London, to be crowned our king.
RIVERS
Why “with some little train,” my Lord of Buckingham?
BUCKINGHAM
Marry, my lord, lest by a multitude
The new-healed wound of malice should break out,
Which would be so much the more dangerous
By how much the estate is green and yet ungoverned.
Where every horse bears his commanding rein
And may direct his course as please himself,
As well the fear of harm as harm apparent,
In my opinion, ought to be prevented.
RICHARD
I hope the king made peace with all of us;
And the compact is firm and true in me.

DUTCH:
Opdat, mylord, niet door een grooten stoet
De pas geheelde wond des haats zich oop’ne;
Wat des te meer gevaarlijk wezen zou,
Daar alles groen is en nog leiding mist.

Topics: leadership, conflict, order/society, resolution, relationship

The king enacts more wonders than a man, daring an opposite to every danger

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.4
SPEAKER: Catesby
CONTEXT:
CATESBY
Rescue, my lord of Norfolk, rescue, rescue!
The king enacts more wonders than a man,
Daring an opposite to every danger.
His horse is slain, and all on foot he fights,
Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death.
Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost!

DUTCH:
Ter hulp, mylord van Norfolk, op! ter hulp !
‘t Is bovenmenschlijk, wat de koning doet;
Hij trotst op dood en leven ied’ren vijand.
Zijn paard is dood ; hij vecht te voet steeds voort,
En zoekt naar Richmond in den muil des doods.
Breng hulp, mylord, of alles is verloren.

MORE:
Daring=Challenging, facing
Opposite=Opponent
Compleat:
Opposite=Tegen over, tegen strydig
Daring=Stout, uyttartend

‘t Is bovenmensch’lijk, wat de konin g doet. Inderdaad streed Richard met ontembare dapperheid, hij wilde overwinnen of als koning sterven . Zjjn leger was veel grooter dan van zijn tegenstander, maar het verraad schuilde in zijne benden. Lord Thomas Stanley, Richmond’s stiefvader, vereenigde zich onder het gevecht met Richmond . Richard stortte zich in glanzende wapenrusting, met de fonkelende kroon op den helm in het dichtste strijdgewoel, om zijn tegenstander te bereiken. Reeds had hjj Sir William Brandon, Richmond’s banierdrager, met zijn lans geveld, een anderen sterken ridder ter aarde doen storten, hij bedreigde Richmond zelf, toen te rechter tijd Sir William Stanley, de broeder van Thomas, met drieduizend kloeke mannen Richmond ter hulpe kwam en Richard’s manschappen op de vlucht dreef. Richard zelf vond na manhaften strijd den dood. Lord Stanley nam zijne van zwaardslagen stukgehouwen kroon en zette haar den overwinnenden Richmond op het hoofd, die door het leper als koning Hendrik VII begroet werd. Des avonds bracht een heraut van Richard, Blanc Sanglier, het naakte lijk van zijn geweldigen meester, als een geveld stuk wild voor hem op het paard hangende, de stad Leicester binnen, waar het in een klooster ter aarde besteld werd .

Topics: rivalry, courage

The secret mischiefs that I set abroach I lay unto the grievous charge of others

DUTCH:
Ik doe het booze, en roep het eerst om wraak.
Hot onheil, dat ik heim’lijk heb gesticht,
Leg ik als zwaren last op vreemde schouders.

MORE:
Proverb: Some complain to prevent complaint

Topics: persuasion, offence, manipulation, conflict, proverbs and idioms

The sum of all I can, I have disclosed

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.4
SPEAKER: Messenger
CONTEXT:
MESSENGER
Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Pomfret,
And, with them, Sir Thomas Vaughan, prisoners.
DUCHESS
Who hath committed them?
MESSENGER
The mighty dukes, Gloucester and Buckingham.
ARCHBISHOP
For what offence?
MESSENGER
The sum of all I can, I have disclosed.
Why, or for what, the nobles were committed
Is all unknown to me, my gracious lord.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Ay me! I see the ruin of my house.
The tiger now hath seized the gentle hind.
Insulting tyranny begins to jut
Upon the innocent and aweless throne.
Welcome, destruction, blood, and massacre.
I see, as in a map, the end of all.

DUTCH:
Ik heb gemeld al wat ik melden kan .
Waarom, waarvoor die eed’len zijn gevat,
Is mij volkomen onbekend, mylord.

MORE:
Pomfret (or Pontefract)=A castle in Yorkshire, often used for political prisoners
All I can=All I know
Jut=Encroach, disrespect
Aweless=Not inspiring reverence
Map=Picture
Compleat:
To jut over=Voorover hellen, uytsteeken
Jutting out=Overhellende
Awed=Afgeschrikt, in ontzach gehouden
Map=Kaart, landkaart

Topics: honesty, communication, intellect, news

The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Margaret
CONTEXT:
QUEEN MARGARET
And leave out thee? Stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me.
If heaven have any grievous plague in store
Exceeding those that I can wish upon thee,
O, let them keep it till thy sins be ripe
And then hurl down their indignation
On thee, the troubler of the poor world’s peace.
The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul.
Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou liv’st,
And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends.
No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine,
Unless it be while some tormenting dream
Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils.
Thou elvish-marked, abortive, rooting hog,
Thou was sealed in thy nativity
The slave of nature and the son of hell,
Thou slander of they heavy mother’s womb,
Thou loathed issue of they father’s loins,
Thou rag of honour, thou detested—

DUTCH:
Gewetensangst knaag’ als een worm uw ziel!
Verdenk uw vrienden immer van verraad,
Kies aartsverraders tot uw boezemvrienden!

MORE:
Ripe=Concluded, perpetrated
Deadly=Fatal (as in basilisk)
Sealed=Stamped, confirmed
Still=Constantly
Hog=Richards emblem was a boar
Heavy=Sad
Compleat:
Sealed=Gezegeld
Still=Steeds, gestadig, altyd
Hog=Zwyn

Topics: conscience, suspicion

The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul

DUTCH:
Gewetensangst knaag’ als een worm uw ziel!
Verdenk uw vrienden immer van verraad,
Kies aartsverraders tot uw boezemvrienden!

Topics: conscience, suspicion

They that set you on to do this deed will hate you for the deed

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: Clarence
CONTEXT:
FIRST MURDERER
Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord.
CLARENCE
Have you that holy feeling in your souls
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art you yet to your own souls so blind
That thou will war with God by murd’ring me?
O sirs, consider: they that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed.
SECOND MURDERER
What shall we do?
CLARENCE
Relent, and save your souls.
Which of you—if you were a prince’s son
Being pent from liberty, as I am now—
If two such murderers as yourselves came to you,
Would not entreat for life? Ay, you would beg,
Were you in my distress.

DUTCH:
Bedenkt het wel: die u heeft aangezet
De daad te doen, zal om de daad u haten.

MORE:
Set you on=Urged
Pent=Restrained
Entreat=Beg
Compleat:
To set on=Aandryven, ophitsen
Pent up=Beslooten, opgeslooten
To entreat=Bidden, ernstig verzoeken

Topics: conscience, guilt, consequence, manipulation

They, for their truth, might better wear their heads than some that have accused them wear their hats

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.2
SPEAKER: Stanley
CONTEXT:
STANLEY
The lords at Pomfret, when they rode from London,
Were jocund and supposed their states were sure,
And they indeed had no cause to mistrust;
But yet you see how soon the day o’ercast.
This sudden stab of rancour I misdoubt.
Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward!
What, shall we toward the Tower? The day is spent.
HASTINGS
Come, come. Have with you. Wot you what, my lord?
Today the lords you talked of are beheaded.
STANLEY
They, for their truth, might better wear their heads
Than some that have accused them wear their hats.
But come, my lord, let’s away.

DUTCH:
Als trouw besliste, stond bet hoofd hun vaster,
Dan menigeen, die hen verklaagt, de hoed.
Maar kom nu, laat ons gaan .

MORE:
Pomfret (or Pontefract)=A castle in Yorkshire, often used for political prisoners
Jocund=Merry
Sure=Secure
Stab of rancour=Violent attack
Needless coward=Fearing without reason
Day is spent=It is getting late
Wot=Know
Compleat:
Jocund=Boertig, schimpig
Sure=Zeker, vast
Rancour=Een verouderde haat, wrok
Fraught with rancour=Met nyd bezwangerd
Coward=Een bloodaard, lafhartige, laffe guyl
Spent=Besteed, uytgegeeven, vequist, doorgebragt, verspild
The night being far spent=De nacht verre verloopen zynde
I wot=Ik weet

Topics: trust, deceit, betrayal, caution

This argues conscience in your Grace, but the respects thereof are nice and trivial, all circumstances well considerèd

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
My lord, this argues conscience in your Grace,
But the respects thereof are nice and trivial,
All circumstances well considerèd.
You say that Edward is your brother’s son;
So say we too, but not by Edward’s wife.
For first was he contract to Lady Lucy—
Your mother lives a witness to that vow—
And afterward by substitute betrothed
To Bona, sister to the king of France.
These both put off, a poor petitioner,
A care-crazed mother to a many sons,
A beauty-waning and distressèd widow,
Even in the afternoon of her best days,
Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye,
Seduced the pitch and height of his degree
To base declension and loathed bigamy.
By her in his unlawful bed he got
This Edward, whom our manners term “the Prince.”
More bitterly could I expostulate,
Save that, for reverence to some alive,
I give a sparing limit to my tongue.
Then, good my lord, take to your royal self
This proffered benefit of dignity,
If not to bless us and the land withal,
Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry
From the corruption of abusing times
Unto a lineal, true-derivèd course.

DUTCH:
Mylord, dit toont een nauwgezet gemoed;
Doch uw bezwaren zijn gezocht en nietig,
Wanneer gij alles grondig overweegt.

MORE:
Respects=Objections
Nice=Fussy, petty
Purchase=Gain, profit
Pitch=Height
Degree=Status, rank
Declension=Descent
Sparing=Restrained
Draw forth=Rescue
Compleat:
Nice=Keurig, vies
She is very nice in her diet=Z is zeer vies op haar kost
He is a little too nice upon that matter=Hy is wat al te keurig op die zaak
Purchase=Verkrygen
Pitch=Pik
Degree=Een graad, trap
Declension=Buyging of verandering van woorden
Sparing=Spaarzaam, zuynig, karig

Topics: conscience, complaint, dignity, status, respect

Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.2
SPEAKER: Anne
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
I know so. But, gentle Lady Anne,
To leave this keen encounter of our wits
And fall something into a slower method—
Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner?
ANNE
Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect.
RICHARD
Your beauty was the cause of that effect—
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.
ANNE
If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide,
These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.

DUTCH:
Gijzelf waart de oorzaak en gevloekte werking.

MORE:
Keen=Bitter
Keen encounter=Battle (of wits)
Timeless=Untimely
Executioner=Perpetrator
Compleat:
Keen=Scherp, bits, doordringend
Untimely=Ontydig, ontydiglyk

Topics: dispute, intellect, reason

Thou wast the cause and most accursed effect

DUTCH:
Gijzelf waart de oorzaak en gevloekte werking.

MORE:
Keen=Bitter
Keen encounter=Battle (of wits)
Timeless=Untimely
Executioner=Perpetrator
Compleat:
Keen=Scherp, bits, doordringend
Untimely=Ontydig, ontydiglyk

Topics: dispute, intellect, reason

Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord, when men are unprepared and look not for it

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.2
SPEAKER: Catesby
CONTEXT:
CATESBY
God keep your Lordship in that gracious mind.
HASTINGS
But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence,
That they which brought me in my master’s hate,
I live to look upon their tragedy.
Well, Catesby, ere a fortnight make me older
I’ll send some packing that yet think not on ’t.
CATESBY
‘Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord,
When men are unprepared and look not for it.
HASTINGS
O monstrous, monstrous! And so falls it out
With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey; and so ’twill do
With some men else that think themselves as safe
As thou and I, who, as thou know’st, are dear
To princely Richard and to Buckingham.

DUTCH:
t Is iets verschriklijks, edel heer, te sterven,
Geheel onvoorbereid en onverwacht.

MORE:
Gracious=Benevolent
Mind=Mindset
Brought me in my master’s hate=Turned my master against me
Compleat:
Gracious=Genadig, genadenryk, aangenaam, lieftallig, gunstig
Disposition of mind=Gesteltenis van gemoed

Topics: madness, preparation, emotion and mood

To bear her burden, whe’er I will or no, I must have patience to endure the load

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Will you enforce me to a world of cares?
Call them again. I am not made of stones,
But penetrable to your kind entreaties,
Albeit against my conscience and my soul.
Cousin of Buckingham and sage, grave men,
Since you will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her burden, whe’er I will or no,
I must have patience to endure the load;
But if black scandal or foul-faced reproach
Attend the sequel of your imposition,
Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me
From all the impure blots and stains thereof,
For God doth know, and you may partly see,
How far I am from the desire of this.

DUTCH:
Mijn neef van Buckingham, en achtb’re mannen,
Wijl gij ‘t geluk mij op de schouders gespt,
Orn, of ik wil of niet, zijn last te dragen,
Moet ik me er onder buigen, met geduld.

MORE:
Penetrable=Open to
Whe’er=Whether
Attend the sequel=Results from
Your imposition=What you have imposed
Acquittance=Acquit
Compleat:
Penetrable=Doordringbaar, doorgrondelyk
Attend=Verzellen, opwachten
Imposition=Oplegging, opdringing, belasting
To quit (dispense with, excluse)=Bevryden, verschoonen, ontslaan
I quit you from it=Ik ontsla ‘er u van
Forbearance is no acquittance=Uitstellen is geen quytschelden

Topics: concern

To fly the boar before the boar pursues were to incense the boar to follow us and make pursuit where he did mean no chase

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.2
SPEAKER: Hastings
CONTEXT:
MESSENGER
Then certifies your Lordship that this night
He dreamt the boar had razèd his helm.
Besides, he says there are two councils kept,
And that may be determined at the one
Which may make you and him to rue at th’ other.
Therefore he sends to know your Lordship’s pleasure,
If you will presently take horse with him
And with all speed post with him toward the north
To shun the danger that his soul divines.
HASTINGS
Go, fellow, go. Return unto thy lord.
Bid him not fear the separated council.
His honour and myself are at the one,
And at the other is my good friend Catesby,
Where nothing can proceed that toucheth us
Whereof I shall not have intelligence.
Tell him his fears are shallow, without instance.
And for his dreams, I wonder he’s so simple
To trust the mock’ry of unquiet slumbers.
To fly the boar before the boar pursues
Were to incense the boar to follow us
And make pursuit where he did mean no chase.
Go, bid thy master rise and come to me,
And we will both together to the Tower,
Where he shall see, the boar will use us kindly.
MESSENGER
I’ll go, my lord, and tell him what you say.

DUTCH:
Voor de’ ever vluchten, eer ons de ever aanvalt ,
Dit waar’, den ever tot vervolging prikk’len,
Tot jagen , als hijzelf er niet aan denkt .

MORE:
Certifies=Assures
Boar=Richard’s symbol was the boar and characters in the play also refer to him as a boar
Rue=Grieve
Presently=Immediately
Divines=Senses
Toucheth=Concerns
Intelligence=Secret information
Shallow=Naive
Instance=Evidence
Use us kindly=Treat us gently
Compleat:
To certify=Verzekeren; voor de waarheyd verklaaren, bewaarheyden
Boar=Een beer-zwyn, ‘t mannetje van een verken
To rue=Beklaagen, betreuren, rouwig zyn
Presently=Terstond, opstaandevoet
To divine=Waarzeggen, voorzeggen, raaden, raaamen
To touch=Aanraaken, aanroeren, tasten
Intelligence=Kundschap, verstandhouding
To give intelligence=Kundschap geeven, overbrieven
Shallow=Ondiep
Shallowness, shallow wit=Kleinheid van begrip, dommelykheid
Instance=Een voorval, voorbeeld, exempel; aandringing, aanhouding; blyk

Burgersdijk notes:
Dan meldt hij u, dat hij van nacht een droom had. De inhoud van dit tooneel: de boodschap van Stanley betreffende zjn droom, de gerustheid van Hastings, zijn bescheid aan Catesby, zijn spreken met een heraut en zijne vreugde over het lot der gevangenen in Pomfret, zijn gesprek met een geestelijke, het zeggen van Gloster’s bode, dat hij geen priester noodig heeft, het is alles overeenkomstig de kronieken.

Topics: risk, imagination, caution, evidence

To threaten me with death is most unlawful

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: Clarence
CONTEXT:
FIRST MURDERER
Offended us you have not, but the king.
CLARENCE
I shall be reconciled to him again.
SECOND MURDERER
Never, my lord. Therefore prepare to die.
CLARENCE
Are you drawn forth among a world of men
To slay the innocent? What is my offence?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me?
What lawful quest have given their verdict up
Unto the frowning judge? Or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence’ death
Before I be convict by course of law?
To threaten me with death is most unlawful.
I charge you, as you hope to have redemption,
By Christ’s dear blood shed for our grievous sins,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me.
The deed you undertake is damnable.
FIRST MURDERER
What we will do, we do upon command.

DUTCH:
Aleer de loop van ‘t recht mij schuldig vindt,
Is ‘t dreigen met den dood een schand’lijk onrecht .

MORE:
Cited in Shakespeare’s Legal Maxims (William Lowes Rushton)

Drawn forth among=Selected from
Quest=Inquest
Convict=Convicted
Compleat:
Quest=Een onderzoek omtrent misdryf
Convicted=Overtuygd, in recht verwonnen

Topics: law/legal, offence

Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.5
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Come, cousin, canst thou quake and change thy colour,
Murder thy breath in the middle of a word,
And then begin again, and stop again,
As if thou wert distraught and mad with terror?
BUCKINGHAM
Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian,
Speak, and look back, and pry on every side,
Tremble and start at wagging of a straw,
Intending deep suspicion. Ghastly looks
Are at my service, like enforcèd smiles,
And both are ready in their offices,
At any time to grace my stratagems.
But what, is Catesby gone?
RICHARD
He is; and see, he brings the mayor along.

DUTCH:
Gerust ! den besten speler boots ik na,
Zie om bij ‘t spreken, gluur naar elken kant,
Ik beef en staar, wanneer een stroohalm trilt,
En teeken diepen argwaan ; holle blikken
Staan mij ten dienst en ook gedwongen lachjes,

MORE:
Proverb: To be angry at (laugh at, be afraid of) the wagging of a strraw

Murder thy breath=Stop talking
Counterfeit=Imitate
Deep tragedian=Cunning actor
Tremble=Be afraid (at wagging of a straw: proverbial0
Intending=Pretending
Ghastly=Dismal
Offices=Positions
Compleat:
Counterfeit=Naamaaksel
Tragedian=Een treurspel-dichter
To tremble=Beeven, sidderen, trillen
Office=Een ampt, dienst

Topics: deceit, appearance, emotion and mood, proverbs and idioms

Tut, tut, my lord, we will not stand to prate. Talkers are no good doers.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: First Murderer
CONTEXT:
FIRST MURDERER
We are, my lord, and come to have the warrant
That we may be admitted where he is.
RICHARD
Well thought upon. I have it here about me.
When you have done, repair to Crosby Place.
But, sirs, be sudden in the execution,
Withal obdurate; do not hear him plead,
For Clarence is well-spoken and perhaps
May move your hearts to pity if you mark him.
FIRST MURDERER
Tut, tut, my lord, we will not stand to prate.
Talkers are no good doers. Be assured
We go to use our hands and not our tongues.
RICHARD
Your eyes drop millstones, when fools’ eyes drop tears.
I like you lads. About your business straight.
Go, go, dispatch.
MURDERERS
We will, my noble lord.

DUTCH:
Gerust, mylord; wij maken daar geen praats;
Wie babbelt, leutert meest; wees gij verzekerd,
Wij roeren onze handen, niet de tong.

MORE:
Proverb: The greatest talkers are not always the wisest men
Proverb: The greatest talkers are the least (not the greatest) doers
Proverb: He weeps millstones

Repair=Return
Well-spoken=Eloquent
Stand to prate=Stand gossiping
Eyes drop millstones=Weep millstones (proverb)
Compleat:
To repair unto=Zich na toe begeeven
Well spoken=Wel bespraakt
Prate=Praaten

Burgersdijk notes:
Naar Crosby-hof. In de folio-uitgave staat Crosby-house, in de quarto’s Crosby place. Een prachtige woning in Londen, thans nog in wezen , gebouwd door Sir John Crosby, een aanzienlijk burger, die in 1470 sheriff was. Dat Richard, die in de city veel aanhangers bad, er tijdelijk gewoond heeft, wordt
door de geschiedenis vermeld.

Topics: proverbs and idioms, perception, wisdom

Uncharitably with me have you dealt, and shamefully my hopes by you are butchered.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Margaret
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
Peace, peace, for shame, if not for charity.
QUEEN MARGARET
Urge neither charity nor shame to me.
Uncharitably with me have you dealt,
And shamefully my hopes by you are butchered.
My charity is outrage, life my shame,
And in that shame still live my sorrows’ rage.
BUCKINGHAM
Have done, have done.

DUTCH:

O spreek mij niet van christ’lijkheid of schande,
Gij allen waart onchrist’lijk jegens mij,
En schand’lijk hebt gij al mijn hoop geslacht .

MORE:
Butchered=Shattered
Outrage=Rage, fury
Compleat:
To outrage=Geweld aandoen, verongelyken

Topics: hope/optimism, guilt

Uncharitably with me have you dealt, and shamefully my hopes by you are butchered.

DUTCH:

O spreek mij niet van christ’lijkheid of schande,
Gij allen waart onchrist’lijk jegens mij,
En schand’lijk hebt gij al mijn hoop geslacht .

MORE:
Butchered=Shattered
Outrage=Rage, fury
Compleat:
To outrage=Geweld aandoen, verongelyken

Topics: hope/optimism, guilt

We are the queen’s abjects and must obey

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.1
SPEAKER: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
We are the queen’s abjects and must obey.—
Brother, farewell. I will unto the king,
And whatsoe’er you will employ me in,
Were it to call King Edward’s widow “sister,”
I will perform it to enfranchise you.
Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood
Touches me deeper than you can imagine.
CLARENCE
I know it pleaseth neither of us well.
RICHARD
Well, your imprisonment shall not be long.
I will deliver you or else lie for you.
Meantime, have patience.
CLARENCE
I must perforce. Farewell.

DUTCH:
Wij, koninginneslaven, moeten volgen .
Vaar, broeder, wel; ik spoed mij tot den koning,
En wat gij mij gelast voor u te doen,
Zelfs koning Edward’s weeuw als zuster groeten,
Ik zal het doen, zoo ‘t u bevrijden kan.

MORE:
Proverb: Patience perforce

Abject=Lowly subject
Enfranchise=Liberate, release
Touches=Concerns, implicates
Compleat:
An abject=Een verworpeling, verschooveling
To enfranchise=Tot eenen burger of vry man maaken, vryheyd vergunnen
To touch=Aanraaken, aanroeren, tasten

Burgersdijk notes:
Ik maak u vrij of raak voor u in hechtenis . In ‘t Engelsch: I will deliver you or else lie for you; of
anders lig ik zelf voo r u (in den kerker) . Het Engelsche “to lie” beteekent zoowel liggen als liegen; meermalen maakt Sh, hiervan voor een woordspeling gebruik.

Topics: patience, proverbs and idioms

We are the queen’s abjects and must obey

MORE:
Proverb: Patience perforce

Topics: patience, proverbs and idioms

Welcome, my lord. I dance attendance here. I think the duke will not be spoke withal.

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.7
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
Go, go, up to the leads. The Lord Mayor knocks.
Welcome, my lord. I dance attendance here.
I think the duke will not be spoke withal.
Now, Catesby, what says your lord to my request?
CATESBY
He doth entreat your Grace, my noble lord,
To visit him tomorrow or next day.
He is within, with two right reverend fathers,
Divinely bent to meditation,
And in no worldly suits would he be moved
To draw him from his holy exercise.

DUTCH:
Mylord, woes welkom; ja, ik schilder hier;
Licht moog’lijk is de hertog niet te spreken.

MORE:
Proverb: To dance attendance

Dance attendance=Used here to mean waiting for. It was also used to mean waiting on (in an obsequious fashion), dance attendance on someone’s pleasure, which is the more common usage today.
Suits=Affairs, business
Holy exercise=Devotions
Divinely bent=Bowed in prayer
Compleat:
Suit=Een verzoek, rechtsgeding
Exercise=Bezigheyd
Ungracious=Van genade ontbloot, godloos, onzalig, verwaaten, heilloos
Bent=Buiging, neiging

Topics: still in use, invented or popularised

What an indirect and peevish course is this of hers!

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
HASTINGS
On what occasion God He knows, not I,
The Queen your mother and your brother York
Have taken sanctuary. The tender prince
Would fain have come with me to meet your Grace,
But by his mother was perforce withheld.
BUCKINGHAM
Fie, what an indirect and peevish course
Is this of hers! —Lord Cardinal, will your Grace
Persuade the queen to send the duke of York
Unto his princely brother presently?—
If she deny, Lord Hastings, go with him,
And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce.
CARDINAL
My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory
Can from his mother win the duke of York,
Anon expect him here; but if she be obdurate
To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid
We should infringe the holy privilege
Of blessèd sanctuary! Not for all this land
Would I be guilty of so deep a sin.

DUTCH:
Foei, hoe verkeerd en valsch van haar gedaan!

MORE:
On what occasion=For what reason
Tender=Young
Fain=Would like to
Perforce=Forcibly
Withheld=Restrained
Indirect=Devious
Peevish=Perverse
Presently=Immediately
Jealous=Suspicious
Anon=Imminently
Compleat:
Occasion=Gelegenheyd, voorval, oorzaak
To occasion=Veroorzaaken
Tender=Teder, week, murw
Fain=Gaern, genoodzaak
Perforce=Met geweld
With-held=Onthouden, onttrokken
Indirect=Niet rechts weegs, zydelings. Indirect means=Slinksche middelen
Peevish=Kribbig, gemelyk
Presently=Terstond, opstaandevoet
Jealous=Belgziek, yverzuchtig, minnenydig; naayverig, argwaanig, achterdochtig, achterkousig, jaloers
Anon=Daadelyk, straks, aanstonds

Topics: opportunity, plans/intentions, persuasion

What means this scene of rude impatience?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 2.2
SPEAKER: Duchess
CONTEXT:
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Ah, who shall hinder me to wail and weep,
To chide my fortune and torment myself?
I’ll join with black despair against my soul
And to myself become an enemy.
DUCHESS
What means this scene of rude impatience?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
To make an act of tragic violence.
Edward, my lord, thy son, our king, is dead.
Why grow the branches when the root is gone?
Why wither not the leaves that want their sap?
If you will live, lament. If die, be brief,
That our swift-wingèd souls may catch the king’s,
Or, like obedient subjects, follow him
To his new kingdom of ne’er-changing night.

DUTCH:
Wat wil hier dit tooneel van felle woestheid?

MORE:
Hinder=Stop
Chide=Curse
Fortune=Luck
Rude=Unrestrained, melodramatic
Want=Are lacking
Compleat:
To hinder=Hinderen, verhinderen, beletten, weerhouden
To chide=Kyven, bekyven
Fortune=’t Geval, geluk, Fortuyn
Rude=Ruuw, groof, onbehouwen, plomp, onbeschaafd
To want=Ontbreeken, missen, van noode hebben, van doen hebben

Topics: adversity, complaint

What need’st thou run so many mile about when thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: King Richard III
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?
RATCLIFFE
Your Highness told me I should post before.
RICHARD
My mind is changed.
Stanley, what news with you?
STANLEY
None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing,
Nor none so bad but well may be reported.
RICHARD
Hoyday, a riddle! Neither good nor bad.
What need’st thou run so many mile about
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?
Once more, what news?

DUTCH:
Zie eens, een raadsel ! ‘t is noch good noch slecht?
Wat loopt gij zooveel mijlen om en rond,
En gaat niet recht naar ‘t doel en meldt uw nieuws?
Nog eens, wat is er?

MORE:
Post=Make haste
Nearest=Most direct
Hoyday=Exclamation
Compleat:
In post-haste=Met groote spoed, te post
Nearest=de Naaste, het naast

Topics: news, communication

What, art thou afraid?
– Not to kill him, having a warrant, but to be damned for killing him

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: Second murderer
CONTEXT:
FIRST MURDERER
What, art thou afraid?
SECOND MURDERER
Not to kill him, having a warrant, but to be damned
for killing him, from the which no warrant can defend
me.

DUTCH:
Eerste Moordenaar.
– Wat! zijt gij bang?
Tweede Moordenaar.
– Niet om hem to dooden, want daartoe heb ik een volmacht,
maar voor de verdoemenis, als ik hem dood ;
want daartegen kan geen volmacht mij lets helpen .

MORE:
Warrant=Authorisation
From the which=From which
Compleat:
Warrant=Een schriftuurlyke order, volmagtiging

Topics: offence, caution, foul play, consequence

When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaks

DUTCH:
Zoo is het altijd, voor verand’ring komt ;
Door hoog’ren aandrang ducht des menschen geest
Gevaar, dat naakt ; zoo zien wij immers ook
De waat’ren zwellen voor een wilden storm.

MORE:
Proverb: A man’s mind often gives him warning of evil to come

Sort=Ordain
Proof=Experience
Ensuing=Imminent
Compleat:
To sort=Uytschieten, elk by ‘t zyne leggen, sorteeren
Proof (mark or testimony)=Getuigenis
Proof=Beproeving
Ensuing=Volgende

Topics: proverbs and idioms, still in use, caution, wisdom, preparation

When he fawns, he bites; and when he bites his venom tooth will rankle to the death

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Margaret
CONTEXT:
QUEEN MARGARET
I will not think but they ascend the sky,
And there awake God’s gentle-sleeping peace.
O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog!
Look when he fawns, he bites; and when he bites,
His venom tooth will rankle to the death.
Have naught to do with him. Beware of him.
Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him,
And all their ministers attend on him.
RICHARD
What doth she say, my lord of Buckingham?

DUTCH:

Buckingham, o hoed u voor dien hond!
Zie, kwispelt hij, dan bijt hij; als hij bijt,
Dan vreet zijn gifttand tot den dood toe door.
Heb niets met hem te doen, wacht u voor hem !

MORE:
Look when=Whenever
Venom=Venomous
Rankle=Wound
Marks=Claims
Ministers=Agents
Compleat:
Venom=Venyn
Rankle=Zich tot zweeren zetten, rotten, verrotten
To mark=Merken

Topics: flattery, deceit, caution

When he fawns, he bites; and when he bites his venom tooth will rankle to the death

DUTCH:

Buckingham, o hoed u voor dien hond!
Zie, kwispelt hij, dan bijt hij; als hij bijt,
Dan vreet zijn gifttand tot den dood toe door.
Heb niets met hem te doen, wacht u voor hem !

MORE:
Look when=Whenever
Venom=Venomous
Rankle=Wound
Marks=Claims
Ministers=Agents
Compleat:
Venom=Venyn
Rankle=Zich tot zweeren zetten, rotten, verrotten
To mark=Merken

Topics: flattery, deceit, caution

When I have my meed, I will away, for this will out, and then I must not stay

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.4
SPEAKER: First Murderer
CONTEXT:
FIRST MURDERER
How now? What mean’st thou, that thou help’st me not?
By heavens, the duke shall know how slack you have
been.
SECOND MURDERER
I would he knew that I had saved his brother.
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say,
For I repent me that the duke is slain.
FIRST MURDERER
So do not I. Go, coward as thou art.
Well, I’ll go hide the body in some hole
Till that the duke give order for his burial.
And when I have my meed, I will away,
For this will out, and then I must not stay.

DUTCH:
Vernam hij eer, dat ik zijn broeder redde!
Neem gij het loon en meld hem, wat ik zeg,
Want mij berouwt het, dat de hertog dood is .

MORE:
Proverb: Murder will out

Slack=Neglectful
Meed=Payment, reward, fee
This will out=Murder will out (proverb)
Compleat:
Slack=Slap, traag
Meed=Belooning, vergelding, verdiensten

Topics: discovery, offence

Who is so gross that cannot see this palpable device?
Yet who so bold but says he sees it not?

DUTCH:
Wie is zoo stomp,
Dat hij then tastb’ren toeleg niet doorziet,
En wie zoo stout, te zeggen, wat hij ziet?

Topics: clarity/precision, communication, intellect, gullibility

Why should calamity be full of words?

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Duchess
CONTEXT:
DUCHESS
Why should calamity be full of words?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Windy attorneys to their clients’ woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope, though what they will impart
Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart.

DUTCH:
Waarom moet jammer rijk in woorden zijn?

MORE:
Full of words=Elicit a wordy response
Windy=Long-winded
Poor breathing orators=Poor speakers
Scope=Opportunity, let them speak
Compleat:
To make many words=Veel woorden maaken
Orator=Een reedenaar
To have free scope (latitude)=De ruimte hebben (vrye loop)

Burgersdijk notes:
Luchterven zijn ‘t van arm gestorven vreugd. Airy succeeders of intestate joys. Als de vreugden gestorven zijn en niets hebben nagelaten, dan komen de jjdele, onmachtige woorden van den rouw en spreken over de nalatenschap, die niets is .

Topics: lawyers, language

Windy attorneys to their clients’ woes, airy succeeders of intestate joys

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 4.4
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
DUCHESS
Why should calamity be full of words?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Windy attorneys to their clients’ woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries,
Let them have scope, though what they will impart
Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart.

DUTCH:
Wind-pleitbezorgers van het leed, hun klager,
Lucht-erven zijn ‘t van armgestorven vreugd,
Zucht-reed’naars zijn ‘t van namelooze ellend!
Maar geef hun lucht; al kunnen ze ook de smart
Niet delgen, toch verlichten zij het hart .

Topics: lawyers, language

With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons!

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Duke of York
CONTEXT:
PRINCE
My lord of York will still be cross in talk.
Uncle, your Grace knows how to bear with him.
YORK
You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me.—
Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me.
Because that I am little, like an ape,
He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders.
BUCKINGHAM
With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons!
To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle,
He prettily and aptly taunts himself.
So cunning and so young is wonderful.

DUTCH:
Hoe rijk aan scherp vernuft is wat hij zegt!
Om ‘t spotten met zijn oom wat te verzachten,
Steekt hij behendig met zichzelf den draak .
Zoo slim en nog zoo jong, is wonderbaar!

MORE:
Cross in talk=Quarrelsome
Bear with=Tolerate
Bear me=Support
Sharp=Keen
Scorn=Insult
Compleat:
To cross=Tegenstreeven, dwars voor de boeg komen, dwarsboomen, wederestreeven, kruisen
To bear=Draagen, voeren, verdraagen; dulden
To bear with=Toegeeven, geduld hebben, zich verdraagzaam aanstellen
Pray bear with me=Ey lieve schik wat met my in
Sharp=Scherp, spits, bits, streng, scherpzinnig
To scorn=Verachten, verfooijen
Scorn=Versmaading, verachting, bespotting

Burgersdijk notes:
Dat gjj mij op uw schouders dragen moet. Hij zinspeelt natuurljjk op een kameel met een aap op den rug.

Topics: language, intellect, reason

Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 5.1
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
Why, then All Souls’ Day is my body’s doomsday.
This is the day which, in King Edward’s time,
I wished might fall on me when I was found
False to his children and his wife’s allies.
This is the day wherein I wished to fall
By the false faith of him who most I trusted.
This, this All Souls’ Day to my fearful soul
Is the determined respite of my wrongs.
That high All-seer which I dallied with
Hath turned my feignèd prayer on my head
And given in earnest what I begged in jest.
Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men
To turn their own points in their masters’ bosoms.
Thus Margaret’s curse falls heavy upon my neck:
“When he,” quoth she, “shall split thy heart with sorrow,
Remember Margaret was a prophetess.”—
Come, lead me, officers, to the block of shame.
Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.

DUTCH:
Komt, leidt mij naar het schandblok, mannen; ‘t loon
Voor onrecht-doen zij onrecht, hoon voor hoon.

MORE:
Doomsday=Day of Judgment
Allies=Kingsmen
Fearful=Terrified
Due=Retribution
Compleat:
Dooms-day=De dag des oordeels
Dooms-day Book=Zeker boek waar in de Landeryën van Engeland en derzelver waarde aangetekend staan
To ally=Vereenigen, verbinden, vermaagschappen
Fearful=Vreesachtig, vreeslyk, schroomelyk
Due=Behoorlyk, schuldig; vervallen

Topics: judgment, status, fate/destiny, blame, punishment

You are too senseless-obstinate, my lord, too ceremonious and traditional. Weigh it but with the grossness of this age

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 3.1
SPEAKER: Buckingham
CONTEXT:
BUCKINGHAM
You are too senseless-obstinate, my lord,
Too ceremonious and traditional.
Weigh it but with the grossness of this age,
You break not sanctuary in seizing him.
The benefit thereof is always granted
To those whose dealings have deserved the place
And those who have the wit to claim the place.
This prince hath neither claimed it nor deserved it
And therefore, in mine opinion, cannot have it.
Then taking him from thence that is not there,
You break no privilege nor charter there.
Oft have I heard of sanctuary men,
But sanctuary children, ne’er till now.

DUTCH:
Gij klemt, Mylord, u to kleingeestig vast
Aan vormen, aan wat de oudheid heilig noemde ;
Maar toets het met de strengheid onzes tijds,
En ‘t is geen heiligschennis hem to grijpen

MORE:
Senseless-obstinate=Unreasonably stubborn
Ceremonious=Standing on ceremony
Weigh it but with=Consider only in the context of
Grossness=Crudeness
Charter=Grant of rights
Compleat:
Senseless=Gevoeleloos, ongevoelig, zinneloos
Obstinate=Hardnekkig, halstarrig, styfkoppig, wrevelmoedig
Weigh=Weegen, overweegen
To weigh all things by pleasures and sorrows=Van alles oordeelen door het vermaak of de droefheid
Gross=Grof, plomp, onbebouwen
Charter=Handvest, voorrecht

Burgersdijk notes:
De weldaad van een vrijplaats wordt verleend enz. De hier door Buckingham aangevoerde gronden werden in den raad inderdaad door hem aangevoerd, toen de Protector beide prinsen onder zijne hoede wilde nemen. De koningin, die aan de vertoogen van den kardinaal niet wilde toegeven, deed het eindelijk, toen de kardinaal vertrok en de overige edelen bleven ; zij vreesde toen, dat er geweld zou gepleegd worden. De ontmoeting der broeders had in het bisschoppelijk paleis van St. Paul plaats; daarna werden zij in alle static naar den Tower gebracht en er gehuisvest, om dezen niet weder te verlaten.

Topics: fashion/trends, judgment, understanding, time

You do me shameful injury falsely to draw me in these vile suspects

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Elizabeth
CONTEXT:
RICHARD
Meantime God grants that we have need of you.
Our brother is imprisoned by your means,
Myself disgraced, and the nobility
Held in contempt, while great promotions
Are daily given to ennoble those
That scarce some two days since were worth a noble.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
By Him that raised me to this care-full height
From that contented hap which I enjoyed,
I never did incense his majesty
Against the duke of Clarence, but have been
An earnest advocate to plead for him.
My lord, you do me shameful injury
Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects

DUTCH:
Mylord, gij doet mij smaadlijk onrecht aan,
Door zulk een valsche smet op mij te werpen

MORE:
Means=Influence
Promotions=Advancements
Noble=Gold coin
Care-full=Full of concerns
Hap=Fortune
Suspects=Suspicions
Compleat:
Promotion=Bevordering, voortzetting, verhooging, verheffing tot een ampt
Noble [a coin]=Een zekere oude munt
A noble is quickly brought to nine pence=Een dukaton komt haast tot een stuyver; ‘t is geen kunst met ‘er haast een deel gelds te verquisten
Carefull=Zorgvuldig, bezorgd, zorgdraagend, bekommerd
Hap=Het luk, geval, toeval

Topics: suspicion

Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current

PLAY: Richard III
ACT/SCENE: 1.3
SPEAKER: Queen Margaret
CONTEXT:
QUEEN MARGARET
To serve me well, you all should do me duty:
Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects.
O, serve me well, and teach yourselves that duty!
DORSET
Dispute not with her; she is lunatic.
QUEEN MARGARET
Peace, Master Marquess, you are malapert.
Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current.
O, that your young nobility could judge
What ’twere to lose it and be miserable!
They that stand high have many blasts to shake them,
And if they fall, they dash themselves to pieces.

DUTCH:
Stil, jonge marktgraaf, gij zijt ingebeeld ;
Nauw gangbaar is uw pasgemunte rang.

MORE:
Proverb: The higher standing (up) the lower (greater) fall

Duty=Reverence
Malapert=Impertinent
Fire new=Brand new
Scarce current=Is very recent
Compleat:
Duty=Eerbiedenis
Malapert=Moedwillig, stout, baldaadig
Current=Loopende, gangbaar

Topics: proverbs and idioms, vanity, merit, status

Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current

DUTCH:
Stil, jonge marktgraaf, gij zijt ingebeeld ;
Nauw gangbaar is uw pasgemunte rang.

MORE:
Proverb: The higher standing (up) the lower (greater) fall

Duty=Reverence
Malapert=Impertinent
Fire new=Brand new
Scarce current=Is very recent
Compleat:
Duty=Eerbiedenis
Malapert=Moedwillig, stout, baldaadig
Current=Loopende, gangbaar

Topics: proverbs and idioms, vanity, merit, status