2-934-363 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Richard II, from Twelve Characters from Shakespeare, May 20, 1775 (originally published), published 1809. 'For within the hollow crown, That rounds the mortal temples of a King, Keeps Death his court; & there the antick sits, Scoffing his State and grinning at his pomp; Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To monarchize, be fear'd, and kill with looks; Infusing him with self and vain conceit, As if this flesh which walls about our life Were brass impregnable; and, humour'd thus, Comes at last, & with a little pin Bores thro' his castle wall, and farewell, King!'. (Richard II, Act 3, Scene 2).