How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
KING HENRY
Revenged may she be on that hateful duke,
Whose haughty spirit, wingèd with desire,
Will cost my crown, and like an empty eagle
Tire on the flesh of me and of my son. (1.1.274-277)
From the very first scene, Henry realizes that revenge—from either Margaret or York—will lead to his downfall. Sure, he blames York, but he also says Margaret's revenge spurs the duke (York) on. Instead of thinking about whether or not he should go to battle, Henry is more concerned with the never-ending cycle of revenge (and what it will cost him).
Quote #2
YORK
My ashes, as the Phoenix', may bring forth
A bird that will revenge upon you all;
And in that hope I throw mine eyes to heaven,
Scorning whate'er you can afflict me with. (1.4.35-38)
Talk about a comeback. After he's captured, York vows that he will enact his revenge by coming back and taking over. It's a bold statement, especially considering that Margaret up and beheads him in the very same scene. In some ways, York does get the last laugh, though, when his son takes the crown from Margaret and kills her son right in front of her. Make that a bitter, evil laugh.
Quote #3
RICHARD
I cannot weep, for all my body's moisture
Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart;
Nor can my tongue unload my heart's great burden,
For selfsame wind that I should speak withal
Is kindling coals that fires all my breast
And burns me up with flames that tears would
quench.
To weep is to make less the depth of grief:
Tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me.
Richard, I bear thy name. I'll venge thy death
Or die renownèd by attempting it. (2.1.79-89)
At the news of his father's death, Richard makes a vow of his own: he promises to avenge his father. We can't help but wonder if this anger and remorse is exactly what Clifford felt when York killed his father. The cycle continues…