Richard II

Richard, Aumerle (York’s son) and the Bishop of Carlisle land at Barkloughly, in Wales. Richard is defiant and expects to defeat the rebellion. Aumerle warns that Bolingbroke is growing in power and strength. Richard rebukes him for being disheartening, and again expresses his confidence that, as the king anointed by God, he will prevail. Then, Salisbury enters with the bad news that the band of Welshmen have either joined Bolingbroke or fled. Richard is shaken by this news but quickly recovers his poise. He believes that York has sufficient forces to ensure his triumph.

Sir Stephen Scroope enters with more bad news: Bolingbroke is acquiring large numbers of new followers across the land, and the situation for Richard is dire. When Richard enquires about his loyal supporters, Scroope tells him that Bushy and Greene have been executed. Richard plunges into despair, knowing that he will lose his crown and Bolingbroke will control everything. He speaks only about death.

Carlisle tries to motivate him, telling him that fear only strengthens the enemy, and he urges Richard to fight, as does Aumerle. Richard recovers his spirits and enquires about the whereabouts of York’s army. Scroope tells him that York has joined with Bolingbroke. All the northern castles are supporting Bolingbroke, and the news from the south is no better. On hearing this, Richard sinks again into despair. He discharges what forces he has and says he will go to Flint Castle, in Wales. He knows his situation is hopeless.

Bolingbroke, York, and Northumberland are outside Flint Castle. York is still ambivalent about supporting Bolingbroke and warns him not to advance his cause further than he should. Harry Percy enters and informs the lords that Richard has taken refuge in the castle with a few loyal followers—Aumerle, Scroope, Salisbury, and Carlisle. Bolingbroke orders that a message be sent to Richard, that he, Bolingbroke, sends his allegiance and will lay his forces at Richard’s feet if his banishment is repealed and his lands restored. Otherwise, he will use force, although he does not wish to, which is why he sends the king his allegiance. He hopes that he and the king will have a peaceful meeting.

Richard and his followers appear at the walls of the castle. Richard speaks defiantly to Northumberland, reproaching him for failing to kneel when he sees his king. He tells his uncle to inform Bolingbroke that he is committing treason and his goal is to seize the crown, but Richard warns him that the war he seeks will result in 10,000 dead. Northumberland then repeats that Bolingbroke has come only for the restoration of his properties; once that is granted, he will disband his army and offer his service to Richard.

Richard tells Northumberland that he will grant all of Bolingbroke’s demands. He then asks Aumerle whether he has done the right thing. Should he call back Northumberland with defiant words and thus ensure his own death? Aumerle advises him to speak gently and wait until the time when armed support comes. Richard says that he regrets banishing Bolingbroke. When Northumberland returns, Richard resolves to submit and be deposed. He tries to force himself to accept his loss, and he speaks again of his death.

Northumberland conveys Bolingbroke’s wish that Richard descend to the lower courtyard and meet him there. Richard does so, and Bolingbroke kneels, but Richard says he does not believe his allegiance is genuine. Bolingbroke insists that he comes only for his own property, but Richard knows that he must forfeit the crown in the face of Bolingbroke’s unstoppable ascendancy. He acknowledges that he is to be taken to London, and Bolingbroke confirms it.

The queen is in the Duke of York’s garden with two of her lady attendants. The queen asks them to suggest what the three of them can do to banish sorrow. They suggest playing bowls, or dancing, or telling stories or singing.

A gardener enters with two servants, and the queen listens to their talk. The gardener directs one man to tend to the garden in various ways, while he, the gardener, pulls up some weeds. The other man asks why they should keep the garden in perfect order when the kingdom itself is in disarray and full of parasites. The gardener replies that Richard, who is the cause of the disorder, and his followers, have been removed by Bolingbroke. The gardener says it is a pity that Richard did not tend to his land as carefully as they care for the garden.

In answer to a question, the gardener says it is likely that the king will be deposed. On hearing this, the queen emerges and reproaches the gardener for speaking about such a thing. The gardener replies that he takes no comfort in the news, but Bolingbroke is now in complete charge and has taken Richard to London. Distressed, the queen wonders why she is the last to know. She resolves to go to London.