The Life and Death of Richard the Third — Act 5, Scene 1: Salisbury. An open place.

Buckingham is brought in under guard to be executed and asks the sheriff whether Richard will speak with him, but the sheriff says no. Left to face death, Buckingham addresses the spirits of those he helped destroy, including Hastings, Clarence, Rivers, Grey, Vaughan, and the others killed by corruption and false justice. He notes that it is All Souls’ Day and says the date feels like his own day of judgment. Buckingham reflects that he once made a mock prayer and now receives real punishment, believing Margaret’s curse has come true. He accepts his fate and tells the guards to lead him to the block.