Henry VI Part 3: Act 2, Scene 4 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 2, Scene 4 of Henry VI Part 3 from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

  Original Text

 Translated Text

  Source: Folger Shakespeare Library

Excursions. Enter, at separate doors, Richard wearing
the white rose, and Clifford, wearing the red rose.

RICHARD
Now, Clifford, I have singled thee alone.
Suppose this arm is for the Duke of York,
And this for Rutland, both bound to revenge,
Wert thou environed with a brazen wall.

CLIFFORD
Now, Richard, I am with thee here alone. 5
This is the hand that stabbed thy father York,
And this the hand that slew thy brother Rutland,
And here’s the heart that triumphs in their death
And cheers these hands that slew thy sire and brother
To execute the like upon thyself. 10
And so, have at thee!

They fight; Warwick comes; Clifford flies.

Alone on stage, Richard and Clifford fight. Richard wants to kill the man who murdered his father and little brother.

To make matters worse, Clifford readily admits to the crimes and feels no regret over them.

As they fight, Warwick enters, and Clifford flees.

RICHARD
Nay, Warwick, single out some other chase,
For I myself will hunt this wolf to death.
They exit.

Richard tells Warwick to stand down. He'll take care of Clifford. Alone.