Richard III: Act 4, Scene 5

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    Lord Derby's house.

    Scene Summary

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    Lord Stanley sends a secret message to Richmond: he cannot openly join him because Richard holds his son hostage, but he will be with him when he can.

    Enter DERBY and SIR CHRISTOPHER URSWICK
    DERBY
    Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me:
    That in the sty of this most bloody boar
    My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold:
    If I revolt, off goes young George's head;
    The fear of that withholds my present aid.
    But, tell me, where is princely Richmond now?
    CHRISTOPHER
    At Pembroke, or at Harford-west, in Wales.
    DERBY
    What men of name resort to him?
    CHRISTOPHER
    Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier;
    Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William Stanley;
    Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir James Blunt,
    And Rice ap Thomas with a valiant crew;
    And many more of noble fame and worth:
    And towards London they do bend their course,
    If by the way they be not fought withal.
    DERBY
    Return unto thy lord; commend me to him:
    Tell him the queen hath heartily consented
    He shall espouse Elizabeth her daughter.
    These letters will resolve him of my mind. Farewell.
    Exeunt