And was embarked to cross to Burgundy,
And in my company my brother Gloucester,
. . .
Methought that Gloucester stumbled, and in falling
Struck me—that thought to stay him—overboard
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
In this quote, Clarence is seen giving an almost prophetic-like description of his dream in which he broke out of the tower and fled to France with Richard, only to be cast overboard and drowned. I believe the quote is meant to symbolize Clarence's fast-approaching death as two elements from the dream are realized in the play's near future: Clarence's death by drowning (in a barrel of wine) and ultimately, his death was a result of Richard's work. Aside from foreshadowing, I believe this quote also serves to show Clarence's trust in Richard, as he never accepted the fact that Richard was out to kill him. I believe Shakespeare's intent here was to have someone close to Richard killed off, in order to demonstrate the extent of his evil nature
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