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 …

…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