Mojo, The Bard, & Me

 

A grandam’s name is little less in love

Than is the doting title of mother;

They are as children but one step below,

Even of your mettle, of your very blood;

Of all one pain, save for a night of groans

Endured of her for whom you bid like sorrow.

Your children were vexation to your youth,

But mine shall be a comfort to your age.

 

-Richard

Richard III                      Act IV Scene iv, Line 303

 

Richard is talking to Elizabeth about how he wants to marry her daughter (also named Elizabeth) and give Elizabeth grandchildren. He’s telling her how fabulous it will be for her to have grandchildren. Sounds kind of nice, eh? Except I didn’t give you the beginning part. In that part Richard and Elizabeth are talking about all the people Richard has killed on his way to becoming King; people that include Elizabeth’s sons (the other Elizabeth’s brothers) uncles, you name it.

Here are the lines that precede today’s Totally Random lines, spoken by Richard

       

        Look, what is done cannot be now amended:

        Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes,

        Which after hours give leisure to repent.

        If I did take the kingdom from your sons,

        To make amends, I’ll give it to your daughter.

        If I have kill’d the issue of your womb,

        To quicken your increase, I will beget

        Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter

        A grandam’s name…..

 

So, yeah, he’s quite the charmer.

I was thinking of giving you a pic of one of my grandparents or grandkids, but I thought something more reminiscent of Richard might be better. This guy here looks like he'd turn on you in a New York (or in our case simply York) Minute.