Cate. First, mighty liege, tell me your highness’ pleasure, 448
What from your Grace I shall deliver to him.
K. Rich. O, true, good Catesby! bid him levy straight
The greatest strength and power that he can make,
And meet me suddenly at Salisbury. 452
Cate. I go. Exit.
Rat. What, may it please you, shall I do at Salisbury?
K. Rich. Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go?
Rat. Your highness told me I should post before. 456
K. Rich. My mind is chang'd.
Enter Lord Stanley.
Stanley, what news with you?
Stan. None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing;
Nor none so bad but well may be reported.
K. Rich. Hoyday, a riddle! neither good nor bad! 460
What need'st thou run so many miles about,
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way?
Once more, what news?
Stan. Richmond is on the seas.
K. Rich. There let him sink, and be the seas on him! 464
White-liver'd runagate! what doth he there?
Stan. I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess.
K. Rich. Well, as you guess?
Stan. Stirr'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton, 468
He makes for England, here to claim the crown.
452 suddenly: immediately
460 Hoyday: exclamation of surprise
465 White-liver'd runagate: cowardly roamer
