# Scene III explained — Richard III

> Chapter companion for Richard III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Tyrrel reports to King Richard that the princes have been murdered in the Tower. Richard, now free of his rivals, learns that Buckingham has rebelled and that Ely has fled to join Richmond. He resolves to act swiftly against the threats.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conscience and Guilt

Tyrrel describes how the hardened murderers Dighton and Forrest wept with remorse after killing the princes, highlighting the inescapable guilt that follows even the most ruthless acts.

### Tyranny and Legitimacy

Richard's order to murder the princes and his subsequent consolidation of power illustrate the tyrannical means by which he secures his illegitimate throne.

## Character check-ins

### Sir James Tyrrel

Reports the murder of the princes to Richard, describing the killers' remorse.

### King Richard III

Receives news of the princes' death and later learns of Buckingham's rebellion and Ely's flight to Richmond.

### Sir William Catesby

Brings Richard the bad news of Ely's defection and Buckingham's uprising.

## Key lines

> The tyrannous and bloody deed is done, The most arch of piteous massacre That ever yet this land was guilty of.

The cruel and bloody act is finished—the most pitiful slaughter this country has ever known.

_Tyrrel opens with a lament for the murder of the princes._

> Their lips were four red roses on a stalk, Which in their summer beauty kiss'd each other.

Their lips were like four red roses on a single stem, kissing each other in their youthful beauty.

_Forrest's description of the sleeping princes, emphasizing their innocence and vulnerability._

> Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary: Then fiery expedition be my wing, Jove’s Mercury, and herald for a king!

Procrastination leads to weakness and slow poverty; so let swift action be my wings, like Mercury, the herald of the gods, for a king!

_Richard resolves to act quickly against the rebellion, rejecting hesitation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/richard_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/richard_iii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/richard_iii_se/chapters