Act 5, Scene 4

Original Text

*Another part of the field. Alarum; excursions. Enter Norfolk and forces; to him Catesby.* 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.

Modern English

*Another part of the battlefield. Battle sounds; fighting. Norfolk enters with soldiers; Catesby rushes in.* CATESBY. Rescue the King, my Lord of Norfolk — rescue, rescue! The King is fighting with superhuman strength, charging straight into every danger. His horse has been killed, and he's fighting on foot, hunting for Richmond even in the jaws of death. Rescue him, my lord, or the battle is lost.

Original Text

*Alarums. Enter King Richard.* 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 to-day instead of him. A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! *Exeunt.*

Modern English

*More battle sounds. King Richard enters.* KING RICHARD. A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse! CATESBY. Fall back, my lord! I'll find you a horse. KING RICHARD. Don't tell me what to do. I've bet my life on this throw and I'll take whatever the dice give me. I think there are six men dressed as Richmond on this field — I've killed five of them today instead of the real one. A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse! *They exit fighting.*

Richard III

Act 5, Scene 4

Act 5, Scene 4