BUCKINGHAM
My lord, your promise for the earldom–
RICHARD
Richmond! When last I was at Exeter,
The mayor in courtesy showed me the castle,
And called it Rougemont, at which name I started,
Because a bard of Ireland told me once
I should not live long after I saw Richmond.
BUCKINGHAM
My lord–
RICHARD
Ay, what's a clock?
BUCKINGHAM
I am thus bold to put your Grace in mind
Of what you promised me.
RICHARD
Well, but what's a clock?
BUCKINGHAM
Upon the stroke of ten.
RICHARD
Well, let it strike.
BUCKINGHAM
Why let it strike?
RICHARD
Because that like a Jack thou keep'st the stroke
Betwixt thy begging and my meditation.
I am not in the giving vein to-day.
BUCKINGHAM
Why then resolve me whether you will or no.
RICHARD
Thou troublest me, I am not in the vein.

This passage from Richard III illustrates Richard's capricious and ruthless nature. Buckingham, once a valuable ally, is dismissed by Richard with cold indifference. Richard's evasive responses and sudden digression about a bard's prophecy serve to belittle Buckingham's request for the earldom he was promised. By ignoring Buckingham's appeals and fixating on seemingly trivial matters like the time, Richard reveals his lack of genuine concern for loyalty or promises. His repeated remark, "I am not in the giving vein to-day," underscores his arbitrary exercise of power and foreshadows Buckingham's downfall. Richard's tyranny manifests in his whimsical refusal to reward Buckingham, highlighting the precariousness of serving such a capricious leader. This moment encapsulates the volatility of Richard's favor and serves as a precursor to the betrayal that ultimately leads to the unraveling of his alliances.