Richard II · Chapter
Scene II explained
Richard learns of the execution of Bushy, Green, and the Earl of Wiltshire, and that the Duke of York has joined Bolingbroke.
What happens
Richard learns of the execution of Bushy, Green, and the Earl of Wiltshire, and that the Duke of York has joined Bolingbroke. He despairs, meditates on the mortality of kings, and resolves to go to Flint Castle. On the Welsh coast, he salutes his kingdom, but Salisbury reports that the Welsh army has dispersed believing Richard dead. Scroop confirms York's defection, and Richard, overwhelmed, dismisses his followers.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Divine Right
Richard asserts his divine anointing ('Not all the water in the rough rude sea / Can wash the balm off from an anointed king') and struggles with the loss of his royal identity.
Grief and Mortality
Richard's speech on the deaths of kings ('Let's talk of graves, of worms and epitaphs') dwells on the inevitability of death and the fragility of power.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Richard laments the betrayal of his favorites and the defection of York, calling them 'vipers' and 'Judases.'
Characters to notice
- King Richard II
Learns of his favorites' deaths and York's defection; delivers a philosophical speech on the mortality of kings; resolves to go to Flint Castle.
- Sir Stephen Scroop
Brings news of the executions of Bushy, Green, and Wiltshire, and later reports York's alliance with Bolingbroke.
- Duke of Aumerle
Asks about his father York's forces and tries to comfort Richard.
- Bishop of Carlisle
Advises Richard not to despair and to take action; later reassures him of divine support.
- Earl of Salisbury
Reports that the Welsh army has dispersed, believing Richard dead.
Key passages
“Let's talk of graves, of worms and epitaphs; Make dust our paper and with rainy eyes Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth.”
Let us speak of death and burial, using dust as paper and tears as ink to write our grief upon the ground.
Richard's despairing turn to thoughts of mortality after learning of his losses.
“Not all the water in the rough rude sea Can wash the balm off from an anointed king; The breath of worldly men cannot depose The deputy elected by the Lord.”
No amount of water can wash away the holy oil from a king; mere human words cannot remove a ruler chosen by God.
Richard's assertion of the divine right of kings, even in the face of rebellion.