"I Have Set My Life Upon A Cast"
Last Updated on August 7, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 138
Context: Richard III, a deformed hunch-back, has usurped the throne of England by hypocrisy, dissemblance, and murder. The Earl of Richmond, later King Henry VII, leads a revolt against the villainous king, in which the opposing armies meet at Bosworth Field. In desperation Richard vainly seeks a replacement for his slain horse. In a final speech, directed to a supporter, before his death at the hand of Richmond, Richard refuses to withdraw from the fray, saying that the die that determines his fate has already been cast, and he will await his fortune:
Download Richard III Study Guide
RICHARD
Slave, I have set my life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the die.
I think there be six Richmonds in the field;
Five have I slain to-day instead of him.
A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!
[Exeunt.]
Unlock This Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now.
- 30,000+ book summaries
- 20% study tools discount
- Ad-free content
- PDF downloads
- 300,000+ answers
- 5-star customer support
Already a member? Log in here.
