PLATE LXXIV.

King

R2'kard

                    Act I Vi Scene III.


THE MURDER OF THE PRINCES AS DESCRIBED BY TYRREL.


       Tyrrel.-The tyrannous and bloody deed is done,
     The most arch act of piteous massacre
     That ever yet this land was guilty of.
     Dighton and Forrest, whom I did suborn
     To do this ruthless piece of butchery,
     Although they were flesh'd villains, bloody dogs,
     Melting with tenderness and kind compassion
     Wept like two children in their death's sad stories.
     'Lo thus,' quoth Dighton, 'lay those tender babes:'
     'Thus, thus,' quoth Forrest, 'girdling one another
     Within their innocent alabaster arms:
     Their lips were four red roses on a stalk,
     Which in their summer beauty kiss'd each other.
     A book of prayers on their pillow lay;
     Which once' quoth Forrest, 'almost changed my mind;
     But 0! the devil'-there the villain stopp'd;
     Whilst Dighton thus told on: 'We smothered
     The most replenished sweet work of nature,
     That from the prime creation e'er she framed.'


            Painted by 7AAiFES NORTHCOTE, R. A.

ILL