Page:Richard III (1927) Yale.djvu/85

Richard the Third, III. iv 

Hast. Now noble peers, the cause why we are met

Is to determine of the coronation:

In God's name, speak, when is the royal day?

Buck. Is all things ready for the royal time?

Der. It is; and wants but nomination.

Ely. To-morrow then I judge a happy day.

Buck. Who knows the Lord Protector's mind herein?

Who is most inward with the noble duke?

Ely. Your Grace, we think, should soonest know his mind.

Buck. We know each other's faces; for our hearts,

He knows no more of mine than I of yours;

Nor I of his, my lord, than you of mine.

Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.

Hast. I thank his Grace, I know he loves me well;

But, for his purpose in the coronation,

I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd

His gracious pleasure any way therein:

But you, my honourable lords, may name the time;

And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice,

Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle part.

Ely. In happy time, here comes the duke himself.

Rich. My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow.

I have been long a sleeper; but, I trust,

My absence doth neglect no great design,

 Scene Four S. d. Derby: i.e. Stanley

5 nomination: appointing

6 happy: suitable

8 inward: familiar, intimate

9 should soonest: is most likely to

21 In happy time: opportunely

