On seeing “Richard II Landing at Milford Haven”

“Richard  Landing at Milford Haven (After Shakespeare)” is a painting by Richard Hamilton, displayed at the John Soanes Museum in London. In 1399, Richard II landed at Milford Haven from Ireland, shortly before his surrender to Henry of Lancaster, afterwards Henry IV.

 

Your faith’s misplaced. I here disown

those expectations you have grown

that tried to make me more than man.

I cannot be but what I am.

I bear your crown. I am alone.

 

Yet we keep going – how, we do not know

 

We slip of half-formed men confront our woe:

Six thousand thousand lifetime’s loss portrayed.

Yet we keep going – how, we do not know.

 

Warm truths you sent to cheer? These, we forego:

Our countless hours loom silent as the day.

We slip of half-formed men confront our woe.