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162 iii. 731, and More, 74/27. There is no historical authority for Richard's refusal of an audience on the ground of preoccupation with 'holy Exercise.'

maid's part. I.e. with reference to the proverbial saying 'A Woman's nay doth stand for naught.' See Two Gentlemen of Verona, I. ii. 53, 54: 'Since maids, in modesty, say "No" to that Which they would have the profferer construe "Ay.

Richard's reply is mainly Shakespeare's invention save for lines 148–150 and line 171, which are based on Holinshed, iii. 731; More, 75/20.

And much I need to help you, were there need. 'I want much of the ability requisite to give you help, if help were needed' (Johnson); 'And much I ought to help you if you need help' (The Cowden-Clarkes). Dr. Johnson's paraphrase seems the more satisfactory.

happy stars. A reference to the pseudo-science of astrology, meaning 'favorable conjunction of planets in his horoscope.'

a witness. [The Duchess of York] openlie obiected against his mariage, (as it were in discharge of hir conscience,) that the king was sure to dame Elizabeth Lucie and hir husband before God.' Holinshed, iii. 727. More, 61/31. For the rest of this scene, see Holinshed, iii. 731, More, 77/11.

pitch. A technical term from falconry meaning the highest point in the flight of a falcon.

bigamy. A statute in 4 Edw. I defined one aspect of bigamy as the marrying of a widow. Note that in the play Richard himself is guilty of 'bigamy,' if this definition be followed.

crowned. The coronation was held in Westminster Abbey on July 6, 1483.

Richmond. Dorset went with Queen Elizabeth into sanctuary at Westminster (Polydore