Richard’s Proposal

In 2012 archaeologists found the final, sad resting place of the English King Richard III beneath a parking lot that was once a forgotten church.  Much maligned by Shakespeare as a twisted, deformed, power-hungry megalomaniac, he also gave Richard III one of the most romantic proposals in literature.

GLOUCESTER

Vouchsafe to wear this ring.

LADY ANNE

To take is not to give.

GLOUCESTER

Look, how this ring encompasseth thy finger.
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart;
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine.
And if thy poor devoted suppliant may
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand,
Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever.

I’ve always loved Richard III for those lines. How could any woman not see beyond the gossip and the physical disability to the heart of the man beneath when he displays it so openly?

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Aidee Ladnier

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