Act III, Scene 3

This scene moves to Flint Castle in Wales, where Richard has taken refuge. Bolingbroke appears before the castle with York, Northumberland and his army. Henry Percy, Northumberland's son, who had been sent into the castle, comes back with the news that Richard is inside along with Aumerle, Lord Salisbury, Sir Stephen Scroop and the Bishop of Carlisle. Bolingbroke asks Northumberland to tell Richard that he wishes to speak to him. He offers to lay his "arms and power" at his feet on the condition that his banishment is repealed and the lands and money belonging to him are returned. If Richard denies this appeal, Bolingbroke will be forced to use "the advantage of (his) power, / And lay the summer's dust with showers of blood / Rain'd from the wounds of slaughter'd Englishmen."

While Northumberland goes to convey Bolingbroke's message, the rest of Bolingbroke's party wait on the grassy plain surrounding the castle. Bolingbroke recognizes Richard on the walls of the castle. Harry Percy describes Richard's appearance as that of " the blushing discontented sun / From out the fiery portal of the east, / When he perceives the envious clouds are bent / To dim his glory." York also observes him and comments on his regal bearing and "controlling majesty." He expresses regret "that any harm should stain so fair a show."

Richard then refers to Henry as "King Bolingbroke" and asks Northumberland whether "his Majesty (will) / Give Richard leave to live till Richard die?" Northumberland tells Richard that Bolingbroke is waiting down on the grassy plain to meet him. Richard realizes that nothing can save him now. He exclaims, "Down, down I come; like glistering Phaethon," making a reference to the son of the sun god, who tried to drive his father's chariot and put the earth in jeopardy. Bolingbroke greets Richard as "My gracious Lord" and kneels before him, but Richard tells him to rise. Bolingbroke says that he has come only for what lawfully belongs to him. Richard simply says, "Your own is yours, and I am yours, and all." He asks Bolingbroke whether they should set out for London. When Bolingbroke answers in the affirmative, Richard agrees. The question of kingship will be resolved there.

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