RICHARD
The son of Clarence have I pent up close,
His daughter meanly have I matched in marriage,
The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom,
And Anne my wife hath bid this world good night.
. . .

This passage from Richard III encapsulates the calculated ruthlessness of King Richard as he consolidates his power. The phrase "sleep in Abraham's bosom" is a biblical metaphor for resting in peace after death. Here, Richard uses it cynically to describe the murder of his young nephews, Edward and Richard. This not only highlights his cold-blooded nature but also his manipulation of religious imagery to mask his heinous deeds. By listing his actions—imprisoning Clarence's son, arranging an advantageous yet politically motivated marriage for Clarence's daughter, and mourning his wife's demise—Richard reveals his strategic mind, devoid of empathy. The juxtaposition of a biblical allusion with his merciless acts conveys the profound moral corruption at the heart of his character, underscoring the play’s exploration of power, ambition, and the moral decay that accompanies unchecked tyranny.