A horse, a horse

Posted by Bruce Kahl on June 20, 2001

In Reply to: A horse, a horse posted by Tiko on June 20, 2001

: What was the significance and who said "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse...."
: I think it's Shakespeare but I can't remember-- (High School was too long ago).
: Thanks

"A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!"

--From King Richard III - 1592 - Act V. - Scene 4. - Rows: 7

King Richard has been tortured by dreams of conscience in his tent on the battlefield. He goes off to fight but his horse is killed, and now Richard fights on the ground. Rhetorically offering his kingdom for a horse, he continues to battle but it is hopeless. This scene reflects the pathetic and doomed figure that Richard has become. He knows that he has been beaten, and that fate has turned against him. He gained the crown in a ruthless, brutal manner; and now in order to save his life, he offers to give the crown away. Staggering off, he enters his last combat where he will be slain by Richmond, who becomes the new God-fearing, compassionate King of England.