Richard II

The Vigorous Falcon BOLINGBROKE . O, let no noble eye profane a tear For me, if I be gored with Mowbray's spear! As confident as a falcon's flight Against a bird, do I with Mowbray fight… (To John of Gaunt) O thou, the earthly author of my blood, Whose youthful spirit in me regenerate Doth with a two-fold vigour lift me up To reach at victory above my head, Add proof unto mine armour with thy …showed first 75 words of 1245 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1245 total…man he had become through confidence, values, and example. I believe this passage confirms his character and ideas already acquired, but not yet convincingly expressed. Bolingbroke's words rung a tune in Richard's ear that I believed ironically presented what he himself in fact lacked to be, England's perseverant, just, and people's king. This passage explains the determination, confidence, and origins of Bolingbroke's character as a worthy king even before his banishment and crowning. Bibliography None