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until now she had comfort in two of her sons, “two mirrors” of their father’s “princely semblance.” Now, however, she claims that she only has “but one false glass,” Richard. Clarence’s children declare that they cannot share in their aunt’s grief, as she “wept not” for their father, another example of events of the past reinforcing divisions in the present. Both of the women and the children then exclaim in grief over their losses. In contrast to these personal emotions, Rivers and Dorset focus on the political circumstances, urging Elizabeth to send for the young Prince Edward and “Let him be crowned.”
    Lines 101–153: Richard arrives, offering comfort to the queen and asking his mother’s blessing, although his brief aside reminds us of the disparity between his words and true feelings/intentions. Buckingham smoothly suggests that Prince Edward be brought to London, accompanied “with some little train” in case “the new-healed wound of malice should break out.” Rivers and Hastings agree andRichard asks his mother and Elizabeth to go and give their “censures in the business.” He remains behind with Buckingham and they plot to “part the queen’s proud kindred from the prince.”
ACT 2 SCENE 3
    In a contrast to the court-based action so far, and demonstrating the important link between king and kingdom, three citizens discuss the current circumstances. While one remains optimistic, the others express their fears about a “land that’s governed by a child.” They show distrust of Richard and worry what the struggles between Richard and the queen’s relatives will do to the kingdom.
ACT 2 SCENE 4
    The archbishop, the queen, the duchess, and young York wait for the prince’s arrival. The intimate and domestic discussion between mother and grandmother concerning the comparative heights of Edward and York contrasts with the political arguments that have dominated so far. York reports that his “uncle Gloucester” said that “Small herbs have grace, great weeds do grow apace,” an image that evokes the destructive nature of Richard’s speedy rise to power. The family exchange is gently humorous, although once again the duchess expresses doubt over Richard’s character, until a messenger brings the news that Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan have been imprisoned on the command of Richard and Buckingham. Elizabeth sees that Richard has begun the “ruin” of her family, comparing him to a hunting “tiger,” and foresees “as in a map, the end of all.” She decides to take York into sanctuary, and the duchess offers to go with them. The archbishop gives them the king’s seal of authority that he carries and takes them to safety.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
    Lines 1–94: Prince Edward enters London, accompanied by Richard, Buckingham, and the Lord Cardinal. Edward asks why none of his “uncles” on his mother’s side are there to greet him and askswhere his mother and brother are. As he does so, Hastings arrives with the news that the queen and York have “taken sanctuary” and that Elizabeth prevented York from coming to greet his brother. Buckingham, annoyed, sends the Lord Cardinal to “persuade” Elizabeth to send York to Prince Edward, and orders Hastings that if she will not give in to “pluck him perforce” from his mother’s arms. When the Cardinal objects, Buckingham cleverly argues that York is too young to “have the wit” to claim sanctuary and therefore to take him is to “break no privilege nor charter.” It is interesting that here, as in the rest of this scene, it is Buckingham, not Richard, who is making decisions and giving orders, demonstrating his increasing power. The Cardinal and Hastings depart and the prince asks where he is to stay until his coronation. Richard suggests the royal residence at the Tower, but Edward is not keen. We see that Edward has a similar control over language to Richard’s and that he is not fooled by his uncle’s clever