Richard the Redeless

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Richard the Redeless (Richard without counsel) is a anonymous English poem from the 1400s that criticizes King Richard II and his court after Richard was deposed by Henry IV in 1399. The poem says Richard was poorly advised, his kingdom mismanaged, and his loyal subjects ill-served, and it offers retrospective advice that could help future rulers. It also pokes fun at court manners and fashions.

For a long time people connected Richard the Redeless with another poem, Mum and the Sothsegger. In the 16th century John Bale even called them parts of one work. In the 20th century some scholars again suggested they were one composition, but most now treat them as separate, though related. James Dean notes that they have much in common: both try to advise a king, include satirical critique, and imitate Piers Plowman, with both showing knowledge of law and the courts. Yet they differ a lot: Richard the Redeless focuses on Richard II and his later reign, while Mum ignores Richard and concentrates on problems during Henry IV’s rule. Richard the Redeless includes specific names and events from Richard II’s time, whereas Mum does not. It’s possible they are connected, but it isn’t certain.