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Richard the Third of Oxford (1443–1513) fled to France before the battle of Tewkesbury was fought. Cf., however, 3 Henry VI, V.v.2.

Castaways. Persons lost or abandoned by Providence. Cf. 1 Corinthians|I Corinthians]], ix, 17: 'I myself should be a castaway.'

For 'pitied me' the Quarto reads 'hugd me in his arme.'

Edward. The Duchess and her grandchildren speak of Clarence's death (February, 1478) as recent. Queen Elizabeth next enters distracted with grief for the loss of King Edward (April 9, 1483).

The precise meaning of this passage has been disputed. The general sense is as follows: Elizabeth says that so great have been her griefs that her eyes may be compared to the sea, governed by the influence of the moon, which receives back from the rivers the moisture which it gives forth.

The mother of these griefs. I.e. by her years and position, the chief mourner of all.

broken rancour. The structure of this passage is confused, but the general meaning clear. It may be paraphrased as follows: 'Your late quarrels, which, swollen high, had broken out in rancor, are now knit and joined together, and this healing of your quarrels must be preserved and cherished.'

little train. ' the duke of Glocester, vnderstandirg that the lords, which at that time were about the king, intended to bring him vp to his coronation accompanied with such power of their freends, that it should be hard for him to bring his purpose to passe, without the gathering and great assemblie of people and in maner of open warre, whereof the end (he wist) was doubtfull; and in which, the king being on their side, his part should haue the face and name of a rebellion: he secretlie therfore by diuers means caused the queene to be persuaded and brought in