Page:William Hazlitt - Characters of Shakespear's Plays (1817).djvu/263

Rh The first is the scene where Richard enters abruptly to the queen and her friends to defend himself:—

Nothing can be more characteristic than the turbulent pretensions to meekness and simplicity in this address. Again, the versatility and adroitness of Richard is admirably described in the following ironical conversation with Brakenbury:—

"Brakenbury. I beseech your graces both to pardon me. His majesty hath straitly given in charge, That no man shall have private conference, Of what degree soever, with your brother. Gloucester. E'en so, and please your worship, Brakenbury,