Kuningas Richard Kolmas
1633
Kuningas Richard Kolmas
1633
Translated by Paavo Emil Cajander
A historical play written in the late 16th century. The drama focuses on the historical figure Richard III, exploring themes of ambition, power, and betrayal as Richard, a cunning nobleman, schemes to ascend to the throne of England at any cost. The complex dynamics of family, loyalty, and treachery are central to the narrative, setting the stage for a gripping portrayal of political machinations and moral decay. The opening of the play introduces several key characters and establishes the backdrop of political unrest following the reign of King Edward IV. Richard, the Duke of Gloster, reveals his devious intentions and deep-seated desires through a soliloquy, expressing disdain for his physical deformity and vowing to take advantage of the fragile political situation to eliminate his rivals. Clarence, his brother, is apprehensive about rumors predicting danger, while the looming presence of a sickly Edward IV creates tension as factions vie for power. This intricate web of relationships and schemes is woven against the powerful themes of fate and ambition that Shakespeare masterfully explores in the ensuing acts.
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“Dispute not with her: she is lunatic.””
— William Shakespeare
“So wise so young, they say, do never live long.””
— William Shakespeare
“And thus I clothe my naked villainyWith odd old ends stol'n out of holy writ;And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.””
— William Shakespeare
“Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.””
— William Shakespeare
“And therefore,”
— William Shakespeare
“Now is the winter of our discontentMade glorious summer by this sun of York;And all the clouds that lour'd upon our houseIn the deep bosom of the ocean buried.””
— William Shakespeare
“What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I.Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why:Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself?Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any goodThat I myself have done unto myself?O, no! Alas, I rather hate myselfFor hateful deeds committed by myself.I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not.Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter:My conscience hath a thousand several tongues,And every tongue brings in a several tale,And every tale condemns me for a villain.Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree;Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree;All several sins, all used in each degree,Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!”I shall despair. There is no creature loves me,And if I die no soul will pity me.And wherefore should they, since that I myselfFind in myself no pity to myself?””
— William Shakespeare
“I have set my life upon a cast,And I will stand the hazard of the die.””
— William Shakespeare
“Conscience is but a word that cowards use,Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe:Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell;If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.””
— William Shakespeare
