Bolingbroke and Mowbray are ready to fight, but wait on Richard's arrival. When he has arrived, they are asked to state their reasons for being there that day. Mowbray answers he is there to prove his loyalty to his king, and to prove Bolingbroke is a traitor. Bolingbroke answers he is present to prove Mowbray is a traitor and a danger to the king. Both are prepared to die, and say farewell to the king. Bolingbroke also takes leave of his friends and father.
As the charge is sounded and the men are about to fight, Richard throws down his staff, which is a signal to stop the fight. Richard states that the kingdom should not be stained by "civil wounds," by which he means fighting between fellow countrymen. As a resolution.....
