The Life and Death of Richard the Third — Act 3, Scene 6: The same.

A Scrivener enters carrying the indictment against Lord Hastings and explains that it has been copied out neatly so it can be read publicly at Paul’s. He points out how carefully the accusation has been prepared, noting that he spent eleven hours writing it after Catesby delivered the text the night before. He contrasts this with the fact that Hastings was still free and unsuspected only five hours earlier. The Scrivener bitterly observes that the document is an obvious piece of manipulation, but that people pretend not to see what is plainly happening. He ends by condemning the corruption of the world and exits.

This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings;

Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd,

That it may be this day read over in Paul's.

And mark how well the sequel hangs together:

Eleven hours I spent to write it over,

For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me;

The precedent was full as long a-doing:

And yet within these five hours lived Lord Hastings,

Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty

Here's a good world the while! Why who's so gross,

That seeth not this palpable device?

Yet who's so blind, but says he sees it not?

Bad is the world; and all will come to nought,

When such bad dealings must be seen in thought.