Quote by William Shakespeare
Northumberland, thou ladder wherewithal the mounting Bolingbroke ascends my throne.
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Summary
This quote from Shakespeare's play Richard II is spoken by King Richard II, expressing his resentment towards the Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy (aka Bolingbroke). Richard compares Northumberland to a ladder, suggesting that he has paved the way for Bolingbroke's rise to power and ultimately dethroning Richard himself. The metaphor underscores Richard's bitterness towards Northumberland, as his actions have facilitated a challenge to his authority and potentially the downfall of his reign.