Is the news good or bad that you enter without knocking?
RATCLIFFE
Bad news, my lord. Morton is fled to Richmond,
And Buckingham, backed with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.
RATCLIFFE
Bad news, my lord. The Bishop of Ely has fled to Richmond, and Buckingham, backed by a hardy Welsh army, is on the march. His army is growing.
RICHARD
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near
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Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength.
Come, I have learned that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay;
Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary;
Then fiery expedition be my wing,
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Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king.
Go, muster men. My counsel is my shield.
We must be brief when traitors brave the field.
RICHARD
Ely joining Richmond troubles me more than Buckingham and his quickly assembled army. Come, I've heard that frightened analysis only serves to delay action, and delay can lead to ruin. So my method is going to be to move as quickly as fire. Come, let's gather an army. The best strategy is to head right to the battlefield. When traitors challenge us to fight, it's best to act fast.
