Well-known quotes from Richard III in the order in which they appear in the play.

Antony Sher as Richard III, wearing a black cape, black gloves and leaning on black canes
Anthony Sher as Richard III

Now is the winter of our discontent 
Made glorious summer by this sun of York. 
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 1)

Grim-visaged War hath smoothed his wrinkled front. 
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 1)

This weak piping time of peace. 
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 1)

And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, 
To entertain these fair well-spoken days, 
I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days.
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 1)

Was ever woman in this humour wooed? 
Was ever woman in this humour won? 
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 2)

Since every Jack became a gentleman 
There's many a gentle person made a Jack. 
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 3)

And thus I clothe my naked villany 
With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ; 
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. 
(Richard, Act 1 Scene 3)

So wise so young, they say, do never live long. 
(Richard, Act 3 Scene 1)

Talk'st thou to me of 'ifs'? Thou art a traitor: 
Off with his head! 
(Richard, Act 3 Scene 4)

I am not in the giving vein to-day. 
(Richard, Act 4 Scene 2)

Thou cam'st on earth to make the earth my hell. 
(Richard, Act 4 Scene 4)

Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end. 
(Duchess of York, Act 4 Scene 4)

An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told. 
(Richard, Act 4 Scene 4)

Harp not on that string. 
(Richard, Act 4 Scene 4)

True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings; 
Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings. 
(Richmond, Act 5 Scene 2)

 Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
(Richard, Act 5 Scene 3)

The king's name is a tower of strength. 
(Richard, Act 5 Scene 3)

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, 
And every tongue brings in a several tale, 
And every tale condemns me for a villain. 
(Richard, Act 5 Scene 3)

A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! 
(Richard, Act 5 Scene 4)