Richard is elated by these events and plans to lead his own army against the remaining rebels. On Bosworth field is Richard and his remaining loyal allies in one tent and Richmond and his rebels in another tent. Lord Stanley goes to Richmond’s tent, promising that he will try to sabotage Richard’s battle plans by delaying the arrival of forces under his command. Between the two tents a succession of ghosts appear – Prince Edward, son to Henry VI; Henry VI; Clarence; Rivers; Grey; Vaugham; Lord Hastings; two young Princes; Lady Anne and Buckingham. Each of whom accuses the sleeping Richard of the foul deeds committed against them and curses him and then blesses the sleeping Richmond. Richard awakes and acknowledges his guilt; Richmond awakes ready for the battle.
Richard orders the execution of Stanley’s son, but delays action until the battle of Bosworth Field has been won.
When Richard’s horse has been slain Richard cries out: “A horse! a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” (page 199)
In the plays final scene, Richard and Richmond come together in hand-to-hand combat and Richard is slain. Stanley arrives and learns that no harm has come to his son. The crown of England is offered to Richmond. He, in turn, says that he will now marry the daughter of Queen Elizabeth, uniting the families of York and Lancaster, and thereby bringing England’s civil wars to an end: “Now civil wounds are stopped, peace lives again; That she may long live here, God say amen!” (page 200).