Bolingbroke orders Richard to be brought before them to surrender. Richard is escorted by York and laments that he has not yet shaken away his "regal thoughts." He says that his limbs have not yet learned the courtly art of flattery and requests some time until sorrow tutors him into submission. He comments on the familiar faces of those present, who once paid obeisance him, and are now ready to betray him. He denounces them as Judases, remarking that Christ found only one Judas among his twelve disciples, while he has not found one true person in all his kingdom. Richard then resigns his position to Bolingbroke. He hands Bolingbroke the crown remarking, "Here, cousin, seize the crown." Richard further says, "I give this heavy weight from off my head, / And this unwieldy sceptre from my hand, / The pride of kingly sway from out my heart..." He relinquishes all his claims to the throne, wishing Bolingbroke "many years of sunshine days!" Northumberland, however, remains unmoved by Richard's pathos and presents him with a list of the alleged crimes, "Committed by your person and your followers / Against the state and profit of this land." He asks Richard to read it aloud so that "men / May deem that you are worthily depos'd." Richard, however, refuses to read the document, saying that his eyes are full of tears, which prevent him from seeing the charges. He laments that he has been reduced to a "mockery king of snow," who is melting away in drops before the "sun of Bolingbroke."

After Bolingbroke leaves, the Abbot of Westminster invites Aumerle and the Bishop of Carlisle to supper, confiding that he has devised a plan to eliminate Bolingbroke.

Table of Contents | Printable Version