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<title>King Lear: Entire Play
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<H3>Act I</h3>
<h3>Scene I. King Lear's palace.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KENT, GLOUCESTER, and EDMUND</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.1>I thought the king had more affected the Duke of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.2>Albany than Cornwall.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.3>It did always seem so to us: but now, in the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.4>division of the kingdom, it appears not which of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.5>the dukes he values most; for equalities are so</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.6>weighed, that curiosity in neither can make choice</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.7>of either's moiety.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.8>Is not this your son, my lord?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.9>His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.10>so often blushed to acknowledge him, that now I am</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.11>brazed to it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.12>I cannot conceive you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.13>Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.14>she grew round-wombed, and had, indeed, sir, a son</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.15>for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.16>Do you smell a fault?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.17>I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.18>being so proper.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.19>But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.20>elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.21>though this knave came something saucily into the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.22>world before he was sent for, yet was his mother</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.23>fair; there was good sport at his making, and the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.24>whoreson must be acknowledged. Do you know this</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.25>noble gentleman, Edmund?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.26>No, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.27>My lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.28>honourable friend.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.29>My services to your lordship.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.30>I must love you, and sue to know you better.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.31>Sir, I shall study deserving.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.32>He hath been out nine years, and away he shall</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.33>again. The king is coming.</A><br>
<p><i>Sennet. Enter KING LEAR, CORNWALL, ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, CORDELIA, and Attendants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.34>Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.35>I shall, my liege.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt GLOUCESTER and EDMUND</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.36>Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.37>Give me the map there. Know that we have divided</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.38>In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.39>To shake all cares and business from our age;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.40>Conferring them on younger strengths, while we</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.41>Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.42>And you, our no less loving son of Albany,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.43>We have this hour a constant will to publish</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.44>Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.45>May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.46>Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.47>Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.48>And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,--</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.49>Since now we will divest us both of rule,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.50>Interest of territory, cares of state,--</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.51>Which of you shall we say doth love us most?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.52>That we our largest bounty may extend</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.53>Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.54>Our eldest-born, speak first.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.55>Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.56>Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.57>Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.58>No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.59>As much as child e'er loved, or father found;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.60>A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.61>Beyond all manner of so much I love you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.62>[Aside] What shall Cordelia do?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.63>Love, and be silent.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.64>Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.65>With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.66>With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.67>We make thee lady: to thine and Albany's issue</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.68>Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.69>Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.70>Sir, I am made</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.71>Of the self-same metal that my sister is,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.72>And prize me at her worth. In my true heart</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.73>I find she names my very deed of love;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.74>Only she comes too short: that I profess</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.75>Myself an enemy to all other joys,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.76>Which the most precious square of sense possesses;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.77>And find I am alone felicitate</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.78>In your dear highness' love.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.79>[Aside] Then poor Cordelia!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.80>And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love's</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.81>More richer than my tongue.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.82>To thee and thine hereditary ever</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.83>Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.84>No less in space, validity, and pleasure,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.85>Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.86>Although the last, not least; to whose young love</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.87>The vines of France and milk of Burgundy</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.88>Strive to be interess'd; what can you say to draw</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.89>A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.90>Nothing, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.91>Nothing!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.92>Nothing.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.93>Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.94>Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.95>My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.96>According to my bond; nor more nor less.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.97>How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.98>Lest it may mar your fortunes.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.99>Good my lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.100>You have begot me, bred me, loved me: I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.101>Return those duties back as are right fit,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.102>Obey you, love you, and most honour you.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.103>Why have my sisters husbands, if they say</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.104>They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.105>That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.106>Half my love with him, half my care and duty:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.107>Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.108>To love my father all.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.109>But goes thy heart with this?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.110>Ay, good my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.111>So young, and so untender?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.112>So young, my lord, and true.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.113>Let it be so; thy truth, then, be thy dower:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.114>For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.115>The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.116>By all the operation of the orbs</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.117>From whom we do exist, and cease to be;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.118>Here I disclaim all my paternal care,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.119>Propinquity and property of blood,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.120>And as a stranger to my heart and me</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.121>Hold thee, from this, for ever. The barbarous Scythian,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.122>Or he that makes his generation messes</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.123>To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.124>Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and relieved,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.125>As thou my sometime daughter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.126>Good my liege,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.127>Peace, Kent!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.128>Come not between the dragon and his wrath.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.129>I loved her most, and thought to set my rest</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.130>On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.131>So be my grave my peace, as here I give</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.132>Her father's heart from her! Call France; who stirs?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.133>Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.134>With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.135>Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.136>I do invest you jointly with my power,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.137>Pre-eminence, and all the large effects</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.138>That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.139>With reservation of an hundred knights,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.140>By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.141>Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.142>The name, and all the additions to a king;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.143>The sway, revenue, execution of the rest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.144>Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.145>This coronet part betwixt you.</A><br>
<p><i>Giving the crown</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.146>Royal Lear,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.147>Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.148>Loved as my father, as my master follow'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.149>As my great patron thought on in my prayers,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.150>The bow is bent and drawn, make from the shaft.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.151>Let it fall rather, though the fork invade</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.152>The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.153>When Lear is mad. What wilt thou do, old man?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.154>Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.155>When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.156>When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.157>And, in thy best consideration, cheque</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.158>This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgment,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.159>Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.160>Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.161>Reverbs no hollowness.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.162>Kent, on thy life, no more.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.163>My life I never held but as a pawn</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.164>To wage against thy enemies; nor fear to lose it,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.165>Thy safety being the motive.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.166>Out of my sight!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.167>See better, Lear; and let me still remain</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.168>The true blank of thine eye.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.169>Now, by Apollo,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.170> Now, by Apollo, king,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.171>Thou swear'st thy gods in vain.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.172>O, vassal! miscreant!</A><br>
<p><i>Laying his hand on his sword</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>ALBANY, CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.173>Dear sir, forbear.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.174>Do:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.175>Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.176>Upon thy foul disease. Revoke thy doom;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.177>Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.178>I'll tell thee thou dost evil.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.179>Hear me, recreant!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.180>On thine allegiance, hear me!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.181>Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.182>Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd pride</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.183>To come between our sentence and our power,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.184>Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.185>Our potency made good, take thy reward.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.186>Five days we do allot thee, for provision</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.187>To shield thee from diseases of the world;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.188>And on the sixth to turn thy hated back</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.189>Upon our kingdom: if, on the tenth day following,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.190>Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.191>The moment is thy death. Away! by Jupiter,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.192>This shall not be revoked.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.193>Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.194>Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.</A><br>
<p><i>To CORDELIA</i></p>
<A NAME=1.1.195>The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.196>That justly think'st, and hast most rightly said!</A><br>
<p><i>To REGAN and GONERIL</i></p>
<A NAME=1.1.197>And your large speeches may your deeds approve,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.198>That good effects may spring from words of love.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.199>Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.200>He'll shape his old course in a country new.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
<p><i>Flourish. Re-enter GLOUCESTER, with KING OF FRANCE, BURGUNDY, and Attendants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.201>Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.202>My lord of Burgundy.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.203>We first address towards you, who with this king</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.204>Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.205>Will you require in present dower with her,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.206>Or cease your quest of love?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>BURGUNDY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.207>Most royal majesty,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.208>I crave no more than what your highness offer'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.209>Nor will you tender less.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.210>Right noble Burgundy,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.211>When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.212>But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.213>If aught within that little seeming substance,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.214>Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.215>And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.216>She's there, and she is yours.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>BURGUNDY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.217>I know no answer.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.218>Will you, with those infirmities she owes,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.219>Unfriended, new-adopted to our hate,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.220>Dower'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.221>Take her, or leave her?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech59><b>BURGUNDY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.222>Pardon me, royal sir;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.223>Election makes not up on such conditions.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech60><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.224>Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.225>I tell you all her wealth.</A><br>
<p><i>To KING OF FRANCE</i></p>
<A NAME=1.1.226>For you, great king,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.227>I would not from your love make such a stray,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.228>To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.229>To avert your liking a more worthier way</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.230>Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.231>Almost to acknowledge hers.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech61><b>KING OF FRANCE</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.232>This is most strange,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.233>That she, that even but now was your best object,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.234>The argument of your praise, balm of your age,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.235>Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.236>Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.237>So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.238>Must be of such unnatural degree,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.239>That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.240>Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.241>Must be a faith that reason without miracle</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.242>Could never plant in me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech62><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.243>I yet beseech your majesty,--</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.244>If for I want that glib and oily art,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.245>To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.246>I'll do't before I speak,--that you make known</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.247>It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.248>No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.249>That hath deprived me of your grace and favour;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.250>But even for want of that for which I am richer,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.251>A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.252>As I am glad I have not, though not to have it</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.253>Hath lost me in your liking.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech63><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.254>Better thou</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.255>Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech64><b>KING OF FRANCE</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.256>Is it but this,--a tardiness in nature</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.257>Which often leaves the history unspoke</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.258>That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.259>What say you to the lady? Love's not love</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.260>When it is mingled with regards that stand</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.261>Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.262>She is herself a dowry.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech65><b>BURGUNDY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.263>Royal Lear,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.264>Give but that portion which yourself proposed,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.265>And here I take Cordelia by the hand,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.266>Duchess of Burgundy.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech66><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.267>Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech67><b>BURGUNDY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.268>I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.269>That you must lose a husband.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech68><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.270>Peace be with Burgundy!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.271>Since that respects of fortune are his love,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.272>I shall not be his wife.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech69><b>KING OF FRANCE</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.273>Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.274>Most choice, forsaken; and most loved, despised!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.275>Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.276>Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.277>Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.278>My love should kindle to inflamed respect.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.279>Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.280>Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.281>Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.282>Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.283>Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.284>Thou losest here, a better where to find.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech70><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.285>Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.286>Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.287>That face of hers again. Therefore be gone</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.288>Without our grace, our love, our benison.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.289>Come, noble Burgundy.</A><br>
<p><i>Flourish. Exeunt all but KING OF FRANCE, GONERIL, REGAN, and CORDELIA</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech71><b>KING OF FRANCE</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.290>Bid farewell to your sisters.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech72><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.291>The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.292>Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.293>And like a sister am most loath to call</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.294>Your faults as they are named. Use well our father:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.295>To your professed bosoms I commit him</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.296>But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.297>I would prefer him to a better place.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.298>So, farewell to you both.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech73><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.299>Prescribe not us our duties.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech74><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.300>Let your study</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.301>Be to content your lord, who hath received you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.302>At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.303>And well are worth the want that you have wanted.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech75><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.304>Time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.305>Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.306>Well may you prosper!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech76><b>KING OF FRANCE</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.307>Come, my fair Cordelia.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt KING OF FRANCE and CORDELIA</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech77><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.308>Sister, it is not a little I have to say of what</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.309>most nearly appertains to us both. I think our</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.310>father will hence to-night.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech78><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.311>That's most certain, and with you; next month with us.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech79><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.312>You see how full of changes his age is; the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.313>observation we have made of it hath not been</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.314>little: he always loved our sister most; and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.315>with what poor judgment he hath now cast her off</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.316>appears too grossly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech80><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.317>'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.318>but slenderly known himself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech81><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.319>The best and soundest of his time hath been but</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.320>rash; then must we look to receive from his age,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.321>not alone the imperfections of long-engraffed</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.322>condition, but therewithal the unruly waywardness</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.323>that infirm and choleric years bring with them.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech82><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.324>Such unconstant starts are we like to have from</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.325>him as this of Kent's banishment.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech83><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.326>There is further compliment of leavetaking</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.327>between France and him. Pray you, let's hit</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.328>together: if our father carry authority with</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.329>such dispositions as he bears, this last</A><br>
<A NAME=1.1.330>surrender of his will but offend us.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech84><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.331>We shall further think on't.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech85><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.1.332>We must do something, and i' the heat.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene II. The Earl of Gloucester's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter EDMUND, with a letter</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.1>Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.2>My services are bound. Wherefore should I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.3>Stand in the plague of custom, and permit</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.4>The curiosity of nations to deprive me,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.5>For that I am some twelve or fourteen moon-shines</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.6>Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.7>When my dimensions are as well compact,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.8>My mind as generous, and my shape as true,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.9>As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.10>With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.11>Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.12>More composition and fierce quality</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.13>Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.14>Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.15>Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well, then,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.16>Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.17>Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.18>As to the legitimate: fine word,--legitimate!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.19>Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.20>And my invention thrive, Edmund the base</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.21>Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.22>Now, gods, stand up for bastards!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GLOUCESTER</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.23>Kent banish'd thus! and France in choler parted!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.24>And the king gone to-night! subscribed his power!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.25>Confined to exhibition! All this done</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.26>Upon the gad! Edmund, how now! what news?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.27>So please your lordship, none.</A><br>
<p><i>Putting up the letter</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.28>Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.29>I know no news, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.30>What paper were you reading?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.31>Nothing, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.32>No? What needed, then, that terrible dispatch of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.33>it into your pocket? the quality of nothing hath</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.34>not such need to hide itself. Let's see: come,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.35>if it be nothing, I shall not need spectacles.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.36>I beseech you, sir, pardon me: it is a letter</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.37>from my brother, that I have not all o'er-read;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.38>and for so much as I have perused, I find it not</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.39>fit for your o'er-looking.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.40>Give me the letter, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.41>I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.42>contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.43>Let's see, let's see.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.44>I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.45>this but as an essay or taste of my virtue.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.46>[Reads] 'This policy and reverence of age makes</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.47>the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.48>our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.49>them. I begin to find an idle and fond bondage</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.50>in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways, not</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.51>as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come to</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.52>me, that of this I may speak more. If our father</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.53>would sleep till I waked him, you should half his</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.54>revenue for ever, and live the beloved of your</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.55>brother, EDGAR.'</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.56>Hum--conspiracy!--'Sleep till I waked him,--you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.57>should enjoy half his revenue,'--My son Edgar!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.58>Had he a hand to write this? a heart and brain</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.59>to breed it in?--When came this to you? who</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.60>brought it?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.61>It was not brought me, my lord; there's the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.62>cunning of it; I found it thrown in at the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.63>casement of my closet.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.64>You know the character to be your brother's?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.65>If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.66>it were his; but, in respect of that, I would</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.67>fain think it were not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.68>It is his.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.69>It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.70>not in the contents.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.71>Hath he never heretofore sounded you in this business?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.72>Never, my lord: but I have heard him oft</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.73>maintain it to be fit, that, sons at perfect age,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.74>and fathers declining, the father should be as</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.75>ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.76>O villain, villain! His very opinion in the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.77>letter! Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.78>brutish villain! worse than brutish! Go, sirrah,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.79>seek him; I'll apprehend him: abominable villain!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.80>Where is he?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.81>I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.82>you to suspend your indignation against my</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.83>brother till you can derive from him better</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.84>testimony of his intent, you shall run a certain</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.85>course; where, if you violently proceed against</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.86>him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.87>gap in your own honour, and shake in pieces the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.88>heart of his obedience. I dare pawn down my life</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.89>for him, that he hath wrote this to feel my</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.90>affection to your honour, and to no further</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.91>pretence of danger.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.92>Think you so?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.93>If your honour judge it meet, I will place you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.94>where you shall hear us confer of this, and by an</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.95>auricular assurance have your satisfaction; and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.96>that without any further delay than this very evening.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.97>He cannot be such a monster--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.98>Nor is not, sure.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.99>To his father, that so tenderly and entirely</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.100>loves him. Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.101>out: wind me into him, I pray you: frame the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.102>business after your own wisdom. I would unstate</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.103>myself, to be in a due resolution.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.104>I will seek him, sir, presently: convey the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.105>business as I shall find means and acquaint you withal.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.106>These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.107>no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.108>reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.109>scourged by the sequent effects: love cools,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.110>friendship falls off, brothers divide: in</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.111>cities, mutinies; in countries, discord; in</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.112>palaces, treason; and the bond cracked 'twixt son</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.113>and father. This villain of mine comes under the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.114>prediction; there's son against father: the king</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.115>falls from bias of nature; there's father against</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.116>child. We have seen the best of our time:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.117>machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.118>ruinous disorders, follow us disquietly to our</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.119>graves. Find out this villain, Edmund; it shall</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.120>lose thee nothing; do it carefully. And the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.121>noble and true-hearted Kent banished! his</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.122>offence, honesty! 'Tis strange.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.123>This is the excellent foppery of the world, that,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.124>when we are sick in fortune,--often the surfeit</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.125>of our own behavior,--we make guilty of our</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.126>disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars: as</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.127>if we were villains by necessity; fools by</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.128>heavenly compulsion; knaves, thieves, and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.129>treachers, by spherical predominance; drunkards,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.130>liars, and adulterers, by an enforced obedience of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.131>planetary influence; and all that we are evil in,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.132>by a divine thrusting on: an admirable evasion</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.133>of whoremaster man, to lay his goatish</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.134>disposition to the charge of a star! My</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.135>father compounded with my mother under the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.136>dragon's tail; and my nativity was under Ursa</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.137>major; so that it follows, I am rough and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.138>lecherous. Tut, I should have been that I am,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.139>had the maidenliest star in the firmament</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.140>twinkled on my bastardizing. Edgar--</A><br>
<p><i>Enter EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=1.2.141>And pat he comes like the catastrophe of the old</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.142>comedy: my cue is villanous melancholy, with a</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.143>sigh like Tom o' Bedlam. O, these eclipses do</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.144>portend these divisions! fa, sol, la, mi.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.145>How now, brother Edmund! what serious</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.146>contemplation are you in?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.147>I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.148>this other day, what should follow these eclipses.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.149>Do you busy yourself about that?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.150>I promise you, the effects he writes of succeed</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.151>unhappily; as of unnaturalness between the child</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.152>and the parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.153>ancient amities; divisions in state, menaces and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.154>maledictions against king and nobles; needless</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.155>diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.156>of cohorts, nuptial breaches, and I know not what.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.157>How long have you been a sectary astronomical?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.158>Come, come; when saw you my father last?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.159>Why, the night gone by.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.160>Spake you with him?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.161>Ay, two hours together.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.162>Parted you in good terms? Found you no</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.163>displeasure in him by word or countenance?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.164>None at all.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.165>Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.166>him: and at my entreaty forbear his presence</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.167>till some little time hath qualified the heat of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.168>his displeasure; which at this instant so rageth</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.169>in him, that with the mischief of your person it</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.170>would scarcely allay.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.171>Some villain hath done me wrong.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.172>That's my fear. I pray you, have a continent</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.173>forbearance till the spied of his rage goes</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.174>slower; and, as I say, retire with me to my</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.175>lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.176>hear my lord speak: pray ye, go; there's my key:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.177>if you do stir abroad, go armed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.178>Armed, brother!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.179>Brother, I advise you to the best; go armed: I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.180>am no honest man if there be any good meaning</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.181>towards you: I have told you what I have seen</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.182>and heard; but faintly, nothing like the image</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.183>and horror of it: pray you, away.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.184>Shall I hear from you anon?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.2.185>I do serve you in this business.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=1.2.186>A credulous father! and a brother noble,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.187>Whose nature is so far from doing harms,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.188>That he suspects none: on whose foolish honesty</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.189>My practises ride easy! I see the business.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.190>Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.2.191>All with me's meet that I can fashion fit.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene III. The Duke of Albany's palace.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter GONERIL, and OSWALD, her steward</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.1>Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.2>Yes, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.3>By day and night he wrongs me; every hour</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.4>He flashes into one gross crime or other,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.5>That sets us all at odds: I'll not endure it:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.6>His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.7>On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.8>I will not speak with him; say I am sick:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.9>If you come slack of former services,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.10>You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.11>He's coming, madam; I hear him.</A><br>
<p><i>Horns within</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.12>Put on what weary negligence you please,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.13>You and your fellows; I'll have it come to question:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.14>If he dislike it, let him to our sister,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.15>Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.16>Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.17>That still would manage those authorities</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.18>That he hath given away! Now, by my life,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.19>Old fools are babes again; and must be used</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.20>With cheques as flatteries,--when they are seen abused.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.21>Remember what I tell you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.22>Well, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.3.23>And let his knights have colder looks among you;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.24>What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.25>I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.26>That I may speak: I'll write straight to my sister,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.3.27>To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene IV. A hall in the same.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KENT, disguised</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.1>If but as well I other accents borrow,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.2>That can my speech defuse, my good intent</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.3>May carry through itself to that full issue</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.4>For which I razed my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.5>If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.6>So may it come, thy master, whom thou lovest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.7>Shall find thee full of labours.</A><br>
<p><i>Horns within. Enter KING LEAR, Knights, and Attendants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.8>Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit an Attendant</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.9>How now! what art thou?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.10>A man, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.11>What dost thou profess? what wouldst thou with us?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.12>I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.13>him truly that will put me in trust: to love him</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.14>that is honest; to converse with him that is wise,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.15>and says little; to fear judgment; to fight when I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.16>cannot choose; and to eat no fish.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.17>What art thou?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.18>A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.19>If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.20>king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.21>Service.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.22>Who wouldst thou serve?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.23>You.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.24>Dost thou know me, fellow?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.25>No, sir; but you have that in your countenance</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.26>which I would fain call master.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.27>What's that?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.28>Authority.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.29>What services canst thou do?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.30>I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.31>tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.32>bluntly: that which ordinary men are fit for, I am</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.33>qualified in; and the best of me is diligence.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.34>How old art thou?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.35>Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.36>so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.37>on my back forty eight.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.38>Follow me; thou shalt serve me: if I like thee no</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.39>worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.40>Dinner, ho, dinner! Where's my knave? my fool?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.41>Go you, and call my fool hither.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit an Attendant</i></p>
<p><i>Enter OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.42>You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.43>So please you,--</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.44>What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit a Knight</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.45>Where's my fool, ho? I think the world's asleep.</A><br>
<p><i>Re-enter Knight</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.46>How now! where's that mongrel?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>Knight</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.47>He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.48>Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>Knight</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.49>Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.50>not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.51>He would not!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>Knight</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.52>My lord, I know not what the matter is; but, to my</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.53>judgment, your highness is not entertained with that</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.54>ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.55>great abatement of kindness appears as well in the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.56>general dependants as in the duke himself also and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.57>your daughter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.58>Ha! sayest thou so?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>Knight</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.59>I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.60>for my duty cannot be silent when I think your</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.61>highness wronged.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.62>Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception: I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.63>have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.64>have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.65>than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.66>I will look further into't. But where's my fool? I</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.67>have not seen him this two days.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>Knight</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.68>Since my young lady's going into France, sir, the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.69>fool hath much pined away.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.70>No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you, and</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.71>tell my daughter I would speak with her.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit an Attendant</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.72>Go you, call hither my fool.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit an Attendant</i></p>
<p><i>Re-enter OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.73>O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.74>sir?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.75>My lady's father.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.76>'My lady's father'! my lord's knave: your</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.77>whoreson dog! you slave! you cur!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.78>I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.79>Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?</A><br>
<p><i>Striking him</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.80>I'll not be struck, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.81>Nor tripped neither, you base football player.</A><br>
<p><i>Tripping up his heels</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.82>I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I'll</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.83>love thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.84>Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.85>away, away! if you will measure your lubber's</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.86>length again, tarry: but away! go to; have you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.87>wisdom? so.</A><br>
<p><i>Pushes OSWALD out</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.88>Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there's</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.89>earnest of thy service.</A><br>
<p><i>Giving KENT money</i></p>
<p><i>Enter Fool</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.90>Let me hire him too: here's my coxcomb.</A><br>
<p><i>Offering KENT his cap</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.91>How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.92>Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.93>Why, fool?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.94>Why, for taking one's part that's out of favour:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.95>nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.96>thou'lt catch cold shortly: there, take my coxcomb:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.97>why, this fellow has banished two on's daughters,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.98>and did the third a blessing against his will; if</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.99>thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.100>How now, nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.101>Why, my boy?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.102>If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.103>myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.104>Take heed, sirrah; the whip.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.105>Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.106>out, when Lady the brach may stand by the fire and stink.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.107>A pestilent gall to me!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.108>Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.109>Do.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.110>Mark it, nuncle:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.111>Have more than thou showest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.112>Speak less than thou knowest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.113>Lend less than thou owest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.114>Ride more than thou goest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.115>Learn more than thou trowest,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.116>Set less than thou throwest;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.117>Leave thy drink and thy whore,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.118>And keep in-a-door,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.119>And thou shalt have more</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.120>Than two tens to a score.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.121>This is nothing, fool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.122>Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer; you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.123>gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.124>nothing, nuncle?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.125>Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of nothing.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.126>[To KENT] Prithee, tell him, so much the rent of</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.127>his land comes to: he will not believe a fool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech59><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.128>A bitter fool!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech60><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.129>Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.130>bitter fool and a sweet fool?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech61><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.131>No, lad; teach me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech62><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.132>That lord that counsell'd thee</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.133>To give away thy land,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.134>Come place him here by me,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.135>Do thou for him stand:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.136>The sweet and bitter fool</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.137>Will presently appear;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.138>The one in motley here,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.139>The other found out there.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech63><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.140>Dost thou call me fool, boy?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech64><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.141>All thy other titles thou hast given away; that</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.142>thou wast born with.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech65><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.143>This is not altogether fool, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech66><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.144>No, faith, lords and great men will not let me; if</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.145>I had a monopoly out, they would have part on't:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.146>and ladies too, they will not let me have all fool</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.147>to myself; they'll be snatching. Give me an egg,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.148>nuncle, and I'll give thee two crowns.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech67><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.149>What two crowns shall they be?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech68><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.150>Why, after I have cut the egg i' the middle, and eat</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.151>up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.152>clovest thy crown i' the middle, and gavest away</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.153>both parts, thou borest thy ass on thy back o'er</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.154>the dirt: thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.155>when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.156>like myself in this, let him be whipped that first</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.157>finds it so.</A><br>
<p><i>Singing</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.158>Fools had ne'er less wit in a year;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.159>For wise men are grown foppish,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.160>They know not how their wits to wear,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.161>Their manners are so apish.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech69><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.162>When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech70><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.163>I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.164>daughters thy mothers: for when thou gavest them</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.165>the rod, and put'st down thine own breeches,</A><br>
<p><i>Singing</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.166>Then they for sudden joy did weep,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.167>And I for sorrow sung,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.168>That such a king should play bo-peep,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.169>And go the fools among.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.170>Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.171>thy fool to lie: I would fain learn to lie.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech71><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.172>An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech72><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.173>I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.174>they'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.175>have me whipped for lying; and sometimes I am</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.176>whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be any</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.177>kind o' thing than a fool: and yet I would not be</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.178>thee, nuncle; thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.179>and left nothing i' the middle: here comes one o'</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.180>the parings.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GONERIL</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech73><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.181>How now, daughter! what makes that frontlet on?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.182>Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech74><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.183>Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.184>care for her frowning; now thou art an O without a</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.185>figure: I am better than thou art now; I am a fool,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.186>thou art nothing.</A><br>
<p><i>To GONERIL</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.187>Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue; so your face</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.188>bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.189>He that keeps nor crust nor crum,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.190>Weary of all, shall want some.</A><br>
<p><i>Pointing to KING LEAR</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.191>That's a shealed peascod.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech75><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.192>Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.193>But other of your insolent retinue</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.194>Do hourly carp and quarrel; breaking forth</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.195>In rank and not-to-be endured riots. Sir,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.196>I had thought, by making this well known unto you,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.197>To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.198>By what yourself too late have spoke and done.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.199>That you protect this course, and put it on</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.200>By your allowance; which if you should, the fault</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.201>Would not 'scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.202>Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.203>Might in their working do you that offence,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.204>Which else were shame, that then necessity</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.205>Will call discreet proceeding.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech76><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.206>For, you trow, nuncle,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.207>The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.208>That it's had it head bit off by it young.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.209>So, out went the candle, and we were left darkling.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech77><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.210>Are you our daughter?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech78><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.211>Come, sir,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.212>I would you would make use of that good wisdom,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.213>Whereof I know you are fraught; and put away</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.214>These dispositions, that of late transform you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.215>From what you rightly are.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech79><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.216>May not an ass know when the cart</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.217>draws the horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech80><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.218>Doth any here know me? This is not Lear:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.219>Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.220>Either his notion weakens, his discernings</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.221>Are lethargied--Ha! waking? 'tis not so.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.222>Who is it that can tell me who I am?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech81><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.223>Lear's shadow.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech82><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.224>I would learn that; for, by the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.225>marks of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.226>I should be false persuaded I had daughters.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech83><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.227>Which they will make an obedient father.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech84><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.228>Your name, fair gentlewoman?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech85><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.229>This admiration, sir, is much o' the savour</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.230>Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.231>To understand my purposes aright:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.232>As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.233>Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.234>Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd and bold,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.235>That this our court, infected with their manners,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.236>Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.237>Make it more like a tavern or a brothel</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.238>Than a graced palace. The shame itself doth speak</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.239>For instant remedy: be then desired</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.240>By her, that else will take the thing she begs,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.241>A little to disquantity your train;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.242>And the remainder, that shall still depend,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.243>To be such men as may besort your age,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.244>And know themselves and you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech86><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.245>Darkness and devils!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.246>Saddle my horses; call my train together:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.247>Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.248>Yet have I left a daughter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech87><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.249>You strike my people; and your disorder'd rabble</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.250>Make servants of their betters.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter ALBANY</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech88><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.251>Woe, that too late repents,--</A><br>
<p><i>To ALBANY</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.252>O, sir, are you come?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.253>Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my horses.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.254>Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.255>More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.256>Than the sea-monster!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech89><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.257>Pray, sir, be patient.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech90><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.258>[To GONERIL] Detested kite! thou liest.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.259>My train are men of choice and rarest parts,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.260>That all particulars of duty know,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.261>And in the most exact regard support</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.262>The worships of their name. O most small fault,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.263>How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.264>That, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.265>From the fix'd place; drew from heart all love,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.266>And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.267>Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in,</A><br>
<p><i>Striking his head</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.268>And thy dear judgment out! Go, go, my people.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech91><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.269>My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.270>Of what hath moved you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech92><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.271>It may be so, my lord.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.272>Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.273>Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.274>To make this creature fruitful!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.275>Into her womb convey sterility!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.276>Dry up in her the organs of increase;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.277>And from her derogate body never spring</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.278>A babe to honour her! If she must teem,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.279>Create her child of spleen; that it may live,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.280>And be a thwart disnatured torment to her!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.281>Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.282>With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.283>Turn all her mother's pains and benefits</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.284>To laughter and contempt; that she may feel</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.285>How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.286>To have a thankless child! Away, away!</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech93><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.287>Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech94><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.288>Never afflict yourself to know the cause;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.289>But let his disposition have that scope</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.290>That dotage gives it.</A><br>
<p><i>Re-enter KING LEAR</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech95><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.291>What, fifty of my followers at a clap!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.292>Within a fortnight!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech96><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.293>What's the matter, sir?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech97><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.294>I'll tell thee:</A><br>
<p><i>To GONERIL</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.295>Life and death! I am ashamed</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.296>That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.297>That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.298>Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.299>The untented woundings of a father's curse</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.300>Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.301>Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.302>And cast you, with the waters that you lose,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.303>To temper clay. Yea, it is come to this?</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.304>Let is be so: yet have I left a daughter,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.305>Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.306>When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.307>She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.308>That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.309>I have cast off for ever: thou shalt,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.310>I warrant thee.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt KING LEAR, KENT, and Attendants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech98><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.311>Do you mark that, my lord?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech99><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.312>I cannot be so partial, Goneril,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.313>To the great love I bear you,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech100><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.314>Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho!</A><br>
<p><i>To the Fool</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.315>You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech101><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.316>Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry and take the fool</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.317>with thee.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.318>A fox, when one has caught her,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.319>And such a daughter,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.320>Should sure to the slaughter,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.321>If my cap would buy a halter:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.322>So the fool follows after.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech102><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.323>This man hath had good counsel:--a hundred knights!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.324>'Tis politic and safe to let him keep</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.325>At point a hundred knights: yes, that, on every dream,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.326>Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.327>He may enguard his dotage with their powers,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.328>And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech103><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.329>Well, you may fear too far.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech104><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.330>Safer than trust too far:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.331>Let me still take away the harms I fear,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.332>Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.333>What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.334>If she sustain him and his hundred knights</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.335>When I have show'd the unfitness,--</A><br>
<p><i>Re-enter OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.336>How now, Oswald!</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.337>What, have you writ that letter to my sister?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech105><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.338>Yes, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech106><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.339>Take you some company, and away to horse:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.340>Inform her full of my particular fear;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.341>And thereto add such reasons of your own</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.342>As may compact it more. Get you gone;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.343>And hasten your return.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=1.4.344>No, no, my lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.345>This milky gentleness and course of yours</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.346>Though I condemn not, yet, under pardon,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.347>You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.348>Than praised for harmful mildness.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech107><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.349>How far your eyes may pierce I can not tell:</A><br>
<A NAME=1.4.350>Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech108><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.351>Nay, then--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech109><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.4.352>Well, well; the event.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene V. Court before the same.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KING LEAR, KENT, and Fool</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.1>Go you before to Gloucester with these letters.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.2>Acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.3>know than comes from her demand out of the letter.</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.4>If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.5>I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.6>your letter.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.7>If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.8>danger of kibes?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.9>Ay, boy.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.10>Then, I prithee, be merry; thy wit shall ne'er go</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.11>slip-shod.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.12>Ha, ha, ha!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.13>Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly;</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.14>for though she's as like this as a crab's like an</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.15>apple, yet I can tell what I can tell.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.16>Why, what canst thou tell, my boy?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.17>She will taste as like this as a crab does to a</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.18>crab. Thou canst tell why one's nose stands i'</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.19>the middle on's face?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.20>No.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.21>Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose; that</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.22>what a man cannot smell out, he may spy into.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.23>I did her wrong--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.24>Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.25>No.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.26>Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.27>Why?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.28>Why, to put his head in; not to give it away to his</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.29>daughters, and leave his horns without a case.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.30>I will forget my nature. So kind a father! Be my</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.31>horses ready?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.32>Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.33>seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.34>Because they are not eight?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.35>Yes, indeed: thou wouldst make a good fool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.36>To take 't again perforce! Monster ingratitude!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.37>If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.38>for being old before thy time.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.39>How's that?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.40>Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.41>been wise.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.42>O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.43>Keep me in temper: I would not be mad!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter Gentleman</i></p>
<A NAME=1.5.44>How now! are the horses ready?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.45>Ready, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.46>Come, boy.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=1.5.47>She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,</A><br>
<A NAME=1.5.48>Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<H3>Act II</h3>
<h3>Scene I. GLOUCESTER's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter EDMUND, and CURAN meets him</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.1>Save thee, Curan.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>CURAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.2>And you, sir. I have been with your father, and</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.3>given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.4>his duchess will be here with him this night.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.5>How comes that?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>CURAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.6>Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.7>I mean the whispered ones, for they are yet but</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.8>ear-kissing arguments?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.9>Not I pray you, what are they?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>CURAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.10>Have you heard of no likely wars toward, 'twixt the</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.11>Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.12>Not a word.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>CURAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.13>You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.14>The duke be here to-night? The better! best!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.15>This weaves itself perforce into my business.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.16>My father hath set guard to take my brother;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.17>And I have one thing, of a queasy question,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.18>Which I must act: briefness and fortune, work!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.19>Brother, a word; descend: brother, I say!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=2.1.20>My father watches: O sir, fly this place;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.21>Intelligence is given where you are hid;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.22>You have now the good advantage of the night:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.23>Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.24>He's coming hither: now, i' the night, i' the haste,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.25>And Regan with him: have you nothing said</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.26>Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.27>Advise yourself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.28> I am sure on't, not a word.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.29>I hear my father coming: pardon me:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.30>In cunning I must draw my sword upon you</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.31>Draw; seem to defend yourself; now quit you well.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.32>Yield: come before my father. Light, ho, here!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.33>Fly, brother. Torches, torches! So, farewell.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=2.1.34>Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion.</A><br>
<p><i>Wounds his arm</i></p>
<A NAME=2.1.35>Of my more fierce endeavour: I have seen drunkards</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.36>Do more than this in sport. Father, father!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.37>Stop, stop! No help?</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GLOUCESTER, and Servants with torches</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.38>Now, Edmund, where's the villain?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.39>Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.40>Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.41>To stand auspicious mistress,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.42>But where is he?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.43>Look, sir, I bleed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.44>Where is the villain, Edmund?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.45>Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.46>Pursue him, ho! Go after.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt some Servants</i></p>
<A NAME=2.1.47>By no means what?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.48>Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.49>But that I told him, the revenging gods</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.50>'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.51>Spoke, with how manifold and strong a bond</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.52>The child was bound to the father; sir, in fine,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.53>Seeing how loathly opposite I stood</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.54>To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.55>With his prepared sword, he charges home</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.56>My unprovided body, lanced mine arm:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.57>But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.58>Bold in the quarrel's right, roused to the encounter,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.59>Or whether gasted by the noise I made,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.60>Full suddenly he fled.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.61>Let him fly far:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.62>Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.63>And found--dispatch. The noble duke my master,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.64>My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.65>By his authority I will proclaim it,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.66>That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.67>Bringing the murderous coward to the stake;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.68>He that conceals him, death.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.69>When I dissuaded him from his intent,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.70>And found him pight to do it, with curst speech</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.71>I threaten'd to discover him: he replied,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.72>'Thou unpossessing bastard! dost thou think,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.73>If I would stand against thee, would the reposal</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.74>Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.75>Make thy words faith'd? No: what I should deny,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.76>As this I would: ay, though thou didst produce</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.77>My very character,--I'ld turn it all</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.78>To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practise:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.79>And thou must make a dullard of the world,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.80>If they not thought the profits of my death</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.81>Were very pregnant and potential spurs</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.82>To make thee seek it.'</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.83>Strong and fasten'd villain</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.84>Would he deny his letter? I never got him.</A><br>
<p><i>Tucket within</i></p>
<A NAME=2.1.85>Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.86>All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not 'scape;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.87>The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.88>I will send far and near, that all the kingdom</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.89>May have the due note of him; and of my land,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.90>Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.91>To make thee capable.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, and Attendants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.92>How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.93>Which I can call but now, I have heard strange news.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.94>If it be true, all vengeance comes too short</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.95>Which can pursue the offender. How dost, my lord?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.96>O, madam, my old heart is crack'd, it's crack'd!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.97>What, did my father's godson seek your life?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.98>He whom my father named? your Edgar?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.99>O, lady, lady, shame would have it hid!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.100>Was he not companion with the riotous knights</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.101>That tend upon my father?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.102>I know not, madam: 'tis too bad, too bad.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.103>Yes, madam, he was of that consort.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.104>No marvel, then, though he were ill affected:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.105>'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.106>To have the expense and waste of his revenues.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.107>I have this present evening from my sister</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.108>Been well inform'd of them; and with such cautions,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.109>That if they come to sojourn at my house,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.110>I'll not be there.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.111>Nor I, assure thee, Regan.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.112>Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.113>A child-like office.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.114>'Twas my duty, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.115>He did bewray his practise; and received</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.116>This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.117>Is he pursued?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.118> Ay, my good lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.119>If he be taken, he shall never more</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.120>Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.121>How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.122>Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.123>So much commend itself, you shall be ours:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.124>Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.125>You we first seize on.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.126>I shall serve you, sir,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.127>Truly, however else.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.128>For him I thank your grace.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.129>You know not why we came to visit you,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.130>Thus out of season, threading dark-eyed night:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.131>Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.132>Wherein we must have use of your advice:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.133>Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.134>Of differences, which I least thought it fit</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.135>To answer from our home; the several messengers</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.136>From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.137>Lay comforts to your bosom; and bestow</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.138>Your needful counsel to our business,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.139>Which craves the instant use.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.1.140>I serve you, madam:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.1.141>Your graces are right welcome.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene II. Before Gloucester's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KENT and OSWALD, severally</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.1>Good dawning to thee, friend: art of this house?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.2>Ay.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.3>Where may we set our horses?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.4>I' the mire.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.5>Prithee, if thou lovest me, tell me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.6>I love thee not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.7>Why, then, I care not for thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.8>If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold, I would make thee</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.9>care for me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.10>Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.11>Fellow, I know thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.12>What dost thou know me for?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.13>A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.14>base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.15>hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.16>lily-livered, action-taking knave, a whoreson,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.17>glass-gazing, super-serviceable finical rogue;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.18>one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.19>bawd, in way of good service, and art nothing but</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.20>the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pandar,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.21>and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch: one whom I</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.22>will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deniest</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.23>the least syllable of thy addition.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.24>Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.25>on one that is neither known of thee nor knows thee!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.26>What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny thou</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.27>knowest me! Is it two days ago since I tripped up</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.28>thy heels, and beat thee before the king? Draw, you</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.29>rogue: for, though it be night, yet the moon</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.30>shines; I'll make a sop o' the moonshine of you:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.31>draw, you whoreson cullionly barber-monger, draw.</A><br>
<p><i>Drawing his sword</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.32>Away! I have nothing to do with thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.33>Draw, you rascal: you come with letters against the</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.34>king; and take vanity the puppet's part against the</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.35>royalty of her father: draw, you rogue, or I'll so</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.36>carbonado your shanks: draw, you rascal; come your ways.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.37>Help, ho! murder! help!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.38>Strike, you slave; stand, rogue, stand; you neat</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.39>slave, strike.</A><br>
<p><i>Beating him</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.40>Help, ho! murder! murder!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter EDMUND, with his rapier drawn, CORNWALL, REGAN, GLOUCESTER, and Servants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.41>How now! What's the matter?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.42>With you, goodman boy, an you please: come, I'll</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.43>flesh ye; come on, young master.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.44>Weapons! arms! What 's the matter here?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.45>Keep peace, upon your lives:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.46>He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.47>The messengers from our sister and the king.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.48>What is your difference? speak.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.49>I am scarce in breath, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.50>No marvel, you have so bestirred your valour. You</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.51>cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee: a</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.52>tailor made thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.53>Thou art a strange fellow: a tailor make a man?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.54>Ay, a tailor, sir: a stone-cutter or painter could</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.55>not have made him so ill, though he had been but two</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.56>hours at the trade.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.57>Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.58>This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.59>at suit of his gray beard,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.60>Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! My</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.61>lord, if you will give me leave, I will tread this</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.62>unbolted villain into mortar, and daub the wall of</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.63>a jakes with him. Spare my gray beard, you wagtail?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.64>Peace, sirrah!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.65>You beastly knave, know you no reverence?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.66>Yes, sir; but anger hath a privilege.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.67>Why art thou angry?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.68>That such a slave as this should wear a sword,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.69>Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.70>Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.71>Which are too intrinse t' unloose; smooth every passion</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.72>That in the natures of their lords rebel;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.73>Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.74>Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.75>With every gale and vary of their masters,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.76>Knowing nought, like dogs, but following.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.77>A plague upon your epileptic visage!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.78>Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.79>Goose, if I had you upon Sarum plain,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.80>I'ld drive ye cackling home to Camelot.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.81>Why, art thou mad, old fellow?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.82>How fell you out? say that.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.83>No contraries hold more antipathy</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.84>Than I and such a knave.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.85>Why dost thou call him a knave? What's his offence?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.86>His countenance likes me not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.87>No more, perchance, does mine, nor his, nor hers.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.88>Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.89>I have seen better faces in my time</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.90>Than stands on any shoulder that I see</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.91>Before me at this instant.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.92>This is some fellow,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.93>Who, having been praised for bluntness, doth affect</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.94>A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.95>Quite from his nature: he cannot flatter, he,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.96>An honest mind and plain, he must speak truth!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.97>An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.98>These kind of knaves I know, which in this plainness</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.99>Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.100>Than twenty silly ducking observants</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.101>That stretch their duties nicely.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.102>Sir, in good sooth, in sincere verity,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.103>Under the allowance of your great aspect,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.104>Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.105>On flickering Phoebus' front,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.106>What mean'st by this?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.107>To go out of my dialect, which you</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.108>discommend so much. I know, sir, I am no</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.109>flatterer: he that beguiled you in a plain</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.110>accent was a plain knave; which for my part</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.111>I will not be, though I should win your displeasure</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.112>to entreat me to 't.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.113>What was the offence you gave him?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.114>I never gave him any:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.115>It pleased the king his master very late</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.116>To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.117>When he, conjunct and flattering his displeasure,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.118>Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.119>And put upon him such a deal of man,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.120>That worthied him, got praises of the king</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.121>For him attempting who was self-subdued;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.122>And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.123>Drew on me here again.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.124>None of these rogues and cowards</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.125>But Ajax is their fool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.126>Fetch forth the stocks!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.127>You stubborn ancient knave, you reverend braggart,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.128>We'll teach you--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.129> Sir, I am too old to learn:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.130>Call not your stocks for me: I serve the king;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.131>On whose employment I was sent to you:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.132>You shall do small respect, show too bold malice</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.133>Against the grace and person of my master,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.134>Stocking his messenger.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.135>Fetch forth the stocks! As I have life and honour,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.136>There shall he sit till noon.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.137>Till noon! till night, my lord; and all night too.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.138>Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.139>You should not use me so.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.140>Sir, being his knave, I will.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.141>This is a fellow of the self-same colour</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.142>Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks!</A><br>
<p><i>Stocks brought out</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.143>Let me beseech your grace not to do so:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.144>His fault is much, and the good king his master</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.145>Will cheque him for 't: your purposed low correction</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.146>Is such as basest and contemned'st wretches</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.147>For pilferings and most common trespasses</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.148>Are punish'd with: the king must take it ill,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.149>That he's so slightly valued in his messenger,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.150>Should have him thus restrain'd.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech59><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.151>I'll answer that.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech60><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.152>My sister may receive it much more worse,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.153>To have her gentleman abused, assaulted,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.154>For following her affairs. Put in his legs.</A><br>
<p><i>KENT is put in the stocks</i></p>
<A NAME=2.2.155>Come, my good lord, away.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER and KENT</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech61><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.156>I am sorry for thee, friend; 'tis the duke's pleasure,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.157>Whose disposition, all the world well knows,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.158>Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd: I'll entreat for thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech62><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.159>Pray, do not, sir: I have watched and travell'd hard;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.160>Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.161>A good man's fortune may grow out at heels:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.162>Give you good morrow!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech63><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.163>The duke's to blame in this; 'twill be ill taken.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech64><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.2.164>Good king, that must approve the common saw,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.165>Thou out of heaven's benediction comest</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.166>To the warm sun!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.167>Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.168>That by thy comfortable beams I may</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.169>Peruse this letter! Nothing almost sees miracles</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.170>But misery: I know 'tis from Cordelia,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.171>Who hath most fortunately been inform'd</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.172>Of my obscured course; and shall find time</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.173>From this enormous state, seeking to give</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.174>Losses their remedies. All weary and o'erwatch'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.175>Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.176>This shameful lodging.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.2.177>Fortune, good night: smile once more: turn thy wheel!</A><br>
<p><i>Sleeps</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene III. A wood.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter EDGAR</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.3.1>I heard myself proclaim'd;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.2>And by the happy hollow of a tree</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.3>Escaped the hunt. No port is free; no place,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.4>That guard, and most unusual vigilance,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.5>Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may 'scape,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.6>I will preserve myself: and am bethought</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.7>To take the basest and most poorest shape</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.8>That ever penury, in contempt of man,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.9>Brought near to beast: my face I'll grime with filth;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.10>Blanket my loins: elf all my hair in knots;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.11>And with presented nakedness out-face</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.12>The winds and persecutions of the sky.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.13>The country gives me proof and precedent</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.14>Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.15>Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.16>Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.17>And with this horrible object, from low farms,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.18>Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes, and mills,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.19>Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.20>Enforce their charity. Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.3.21>That's something yet: Edgar I nothing am.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene IV. Before GLOUCESTER's castle. KENT in the stocks.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KING LEAR, Fool, and Gentleman</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.1>'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.2>And not send back my messenger.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.3>As I learn'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.4>The night before there was no purpose in them</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.5>Of this remove.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.6> Hail to thee, noble master!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.7>Ha!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.8>Makest thou this shame thy pastime?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.9>No, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.10>Ha, ha! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.11>by the heads, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.12>the loins, and men by the legs: when a man's</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.13>over-lusty at legs, then he wears wooden</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.14>nether-stocks.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.15>What's he that hath so much thy place mistook</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.16>To set thee here?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.17> It is both he and she;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.18>Your son and daughter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.19>No.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.20>Yes.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.21>No, I say.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.22>I say, yea.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.23>No, no, they would not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.24>Yes, they have.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.25>By Jupiter, I swear, no.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.26>By Juno, I swear, ay.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.27>They durst not do 't;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.28>They could not, would not do 't; 'tis worse than murder,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.29>To do upon respect such violent outrage:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.30>Resolve me, with all modest haste, which way</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.31>Thou mightst deserve, or they impose, this usage,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.32>Coming from us.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.33> My lord, when at their home</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.34>I did commend your highness' letters to them,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.35>Ere I was risen from the place that show'd</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.36>My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.37>Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting forth</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.38>From Goneril his mistress salutations;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.39>Deliver'd letters, spite of intermission,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.40>Which presently they read: on whose contents,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.41>They summon'd up their meiny, straight took horse;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.42>Commanded me to follow, and attend</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.43>The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.44>And meeting here the other messenger,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.45>Whose welcome, I perceived, had poison'd mine,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.46>Being the very fellow that of late</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.47>Display'd so saucily against your highness,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.48>Having more man than wit about me, drew:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.49>He raised the house with loud and coward cries.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.50>Your son and daughter found this trespass worth</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.51>The shame which here it suffers.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.52>Winter's not gone yet, if the wild-geese fly that way.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.53>Fathers that wear rags</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.54>Do make their children blind;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.55>But fathers that bear bags</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.56>Shall see their children kind.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.57>Fortune, that arrant whore,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.58>Ne'er turns the key to the poor.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.59>But, for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.60>for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.61>O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.62>Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.63>Thy element's below! Where is this daughter?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.64>With the earl, sir, here within.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.65>Follow me not;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.66>Stay here.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.67>Made you no more offence but what you speak of?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.68>None.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.69>How chance the king comes with so small a train?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.70>And thou hadst been set i' the stocks for that</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.71>question, thou hadst well deserved it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.72>Why, fool?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.73>We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.74>there's no labouring i' the winter. All that follow</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.75>their noses are led by their eyes but blind men; and</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.76>there's not a nose among twenty but can smell him</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.77>that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.78>runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.79>following it: but the great one that goes up the</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.80>hill, let him draw thee after. When a wise man</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.81>gives thee better counsel, give me mine again: I</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.82>would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.83>That sir which serves and seeks for gain,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.84>And follows but for form,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.85>Will pack when it begins to rain,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.86>And leave thee in the storm,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.87>But I will tarry; the fool will stay,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.88>And let the wise man fly:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.89>The knave turns fool that runs away;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.90>The fool no knave, perdy.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.91>Where learned you this, fool?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.92>Not i' the stocks, fool.</A><br>
<p><i>Re-enter KING LEAR with GLOUCESTER</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.93>Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.94>They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.95>The images of revolt and flying off.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.96>Fetch me a better answer.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.97>My dear lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.98>You know the fiery quality of the duke;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.99>How unremoveable and fix'd he is</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.100>In his own course.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.101>Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.102>Fiery? what quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.103>I'ld speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.104>Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.105>Inform'd them! Dost thou understand me, man?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.106>Ay, my good lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.107>The king would speak with Cornwall; the dear father</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.108>Would with his daughter speak, commands her service:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.109>Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.110>Fiery? the fiery duke? Tell the hot duke that--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.111>No, but not yet: may be he is not well:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.112>Infirmity doth still neglect all office</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.113>Whereto our health is bound; we are not ourselves</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.114>When nature, being oppress'd, commands the mind</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.115>To suffer with the body: I'll forbear;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.116>And am fall'n out with my more headier will,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.117>To take the indisposed and sickly fit</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.118>For the sound man. Death on my state! wherefore</A><br>
<p><i>Looking on KENT</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.119>Should he sit here? This act persuades me</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.120>That this remotion of the duke and her</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.121>Is practise only. Give me my servant forth.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.122>Go tell the duke and 's wife I'ld speak with them,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.123>Now, presently: bid them come forth and hear me,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.124>Or at their chamber-door I'll beat the drum</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.125>Till it cry sleep to death.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.126>I would have all well betwixt you.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.127>O me, my heart, my rising heart! but, down!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.128>Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.129>when she put 'em i' the paste alive; she knapped 'em</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.130>o' the coxcombs with a stick, and cried 'Down,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.131>wantons, down!' 'Twas her brother that, in pure</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.132>kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, GLOUCESTER, and Servants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.133>Good morrow to you both.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.134>Hail to your grace!</A><br>
<p><i>KENT is set at liberty</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.135>I am glad to see your highness.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.136>Regan, I think you are; I know what reason</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.137>I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.138>I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.139>Sepulchring an adultress.</A><br>
<p><i>To KENT</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.140>O, are you free?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.141>Some other time for that. Beloved Regan,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.142>Thy sister's naught: O Regan, she hath tied</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.143>Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture, here:</A><br>
<p><i>Points to his heart</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.144>I can scarce speak to thee; thou'lt not believe</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.145>With how depraved a quality--O Regan!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.146>I pray you, sir, take patience: I have hope.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.147>You less know how to value her desert</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.148>Than she to scant her duty.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.149>Say, how is that?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.150>I cannot think my sister in the least</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.151>Would fail her obligation: if, sir, perchance</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.152>She have restrain'd the riots of your followers,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.153>'Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.154>As clears her from all blame.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.155>My curses on her!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.156> O, sir, you are old.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.157>Nature in you stands on the very verge</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.158>Of her confine: you should be ruled and led</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.159>By some discretion, that discerns your state</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.160>Better than you yourself. Therefore, I pray you,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.161>That to our sister you do make return;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.162>Say you have wrong'd her, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.163>Ask her forgiveness?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.164>Do you but mark how this becomes the house:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.165>'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;</A><br>
<p><i>Kneeling</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.166>Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.167>That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.'</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.168>Good sir, no more; these are unsightly tricks:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.169>Return you to my sister.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.170>[Rising] Never, Regan:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.171>She hath abated me of half my train;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.172>Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.173>Most serpent-like, upon the very heart:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.174>All the stored vengeances of heaven fall</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.175>On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.176>You taking airs, with lameness!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.177>Fie, sir, fie!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.178>You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.179>Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.180>You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.181>To fall and blast her pride!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.182>O the blest gods! so will you wish on me,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.183>When the rash mood is on.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.184>No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.185>Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.186>Thee o'er to harshness: her eyes are fierce; but thine</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.187>Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.188>To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.189>To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.190>And in conclusion to oppose the bolt</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.191>Against my coming in: thou better know'st</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.192>The offices of nature, bond of childhood,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.193>Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.194>Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.195>Wherein I thee endow'd.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.196>Good sir, to the purpose.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.197>Who put my man i' the stocks?</A><br>
<p><i>Tucket within</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.198>What trumpet's that?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech59><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.199>I know't, my sister's: this approves her letter,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.200>That she would soon be here.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.201>Is your lady come?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech60><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.202>This is a slave, whose easy-borrow'd pride</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.203>Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.204>Out, varlet, from my sight!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech61><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.205>What means your grace?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech62><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.206>Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.207>Thou didst not know on't. Who comes here? O heavens,</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GONERIL</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.208>If you do love old men, if your sweet sway</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.209>Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.210>Make it your cause; send down, and take my part!</A><br>
<p><i>To GONERIL</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.211>Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.212>O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech63><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.213>Why not by the hand, sir? How have I offended?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.214>All's not offence that indiscretion finds</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.215>And dotage terms so.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech64><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.216>O sides, you are too tough;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.217>Will you yet hold? How came my man i' the stocks?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech65><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.218>I set him there, sir: but his own disorders</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.219>Deserved much less advancement.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech66><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.220>You! did you?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech67><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.221>I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.222>If, till the expiration of your month,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.223>You will return and sojourn with my sister,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.224>Dismissing half your train, come then to me:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.225>I am now from home, and out of that provision</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.226>Which shall be needful for your entertainment.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech68><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.227>Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.228>No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.229>To wage against the enmity o' the air;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.230>To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.231>Necessity's sharp pinch! Return with her?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.232>Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.233>Our youngest born, I could as well be brought</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.234>To knee his throne, and, squire-like; pension beg</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.235>To keep base life afoot. Return with her?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.236>Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.237>To this detested groom.</A><br>
<p><i>Pointing at OSWALD</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech69><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.238>At your choice, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech70><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.239>I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.240>I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.241>We'll no more meet, no more see one another:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.242>But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.243>Or rather a disease that's in my flesh,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.244>Which I must needs call mine: thou art a boil,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.245>A plague-sore, an embossed carbuncle,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.246>In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.247>Let shame come when it will, I do not call it:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.248>I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.249>Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.250>Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.251>I can be patient; I can stay with Regan,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.252>I and my hundred knights.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech71><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.253>Not altogether so:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.254>I look'd not for you yet, nor am provided</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.255>For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.256>For those that mingle reason with your passion</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.257>Must be content to think you old, and so--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.258>But she knows what she does.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech72><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.259>Is this well spoken?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech73><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.260>I dare avouch it, sir: what, fifty followers?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.261>Is it not well? What should you need of more?</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.262>Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.263>Speak 'gainst so great a number? How, in one house,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.264>Should many people, under two commands,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.265>Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech74><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.266>Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.267>From those that she calls servants or from mine?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech75><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.268>Why not, my lord? If then they chanced to slack you,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.269>We could control them. If you will come to me,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.270>For now I spy a danger,--I entreat you</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.271>To bring but five and twenty: to no more</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.272>Will I give place or notice.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech76><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.273>I gave you all--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech77><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.274> And in good time you gave it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech78><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.275>Made you my guardians, my depositaries;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.276>But kept a reservation to be follow'd</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.277>With such a number. What, must I come to you</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.278>With five and twenty, Regan? said you so?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech79><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.279>And speak't again, my lord; no more with me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech80><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.280>Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.281>When others are more wicked: not being the worst</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.282>Stands in some rank of praise.</A><br>
<p><i>To GONERIL</i></p>
<A NAME=2.4.283>I'll go with thee:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.284>Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.285>And thou art twice her love.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech81><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.286>Hear me, my lord;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.287>What need you five and twenty, ten, or five,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.288>To follow in a house where twice so many</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.289>Have a command to tend you?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech82><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.290>What need one?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech83><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.291>O, reason not the need: our basest beggars</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.292>Are in the poorest thing superfluous:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.293>Allow not nature more than nature needs,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.294>Man's life's as cheap as beast's: thou art a lady;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.295>If only to go warm were gorgeous,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.296>Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.297>Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.298>You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.299>You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.300>As full of grief as age; wretched in both!</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.301>If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.302>Against their father, fool me not so much</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.303>To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.304>And let not women's weapons, water-drops,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.305>Stain my man's cheeks! No, you unnatural hags,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.306>I will have such revenges on you both,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.307>That all the world shall--I will do such things,--</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.308>What they are, yet I know not: but they shall be</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.309>The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.310>No, I'll not weep:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.311>I have full cause of weeping; but this heart</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.312>Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.313>Or ere I'll weep. O fool, I shall go mad!</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt KING LEAR, GLOUCESTER, KENT, and Fool</i></p>
<p><i>Storm and tempest</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech84><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.314>Let us withdraw; 'twill be a storm.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech85><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.315>This house is little: the old man and his people</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.316>Cannot be well bestow'd.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech86><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.317>'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.318>And must needs taste his folly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech87><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.319>For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.320>But not one follower.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech88><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.321>So am I purposed.</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.322>Where is my lord of Gloucester?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech89><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.323>Follow'd the old man forth: he is return'd.</A><br>
<p><i>Re-enter GLOUCESTER</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech90><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.324>The king is in high rage.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech91><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.325>Whither is he going?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech92><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.326>He calls to horse; but will I know not whither.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech93><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.327>'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech94><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.328>My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech95><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.329>Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak winds</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.330>Do sorely ruffle; for many miles a bout</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.331>There's scarce a bush.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech96><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.332>O, sir, to wilful men,</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.333>The injuries that they themselves procure</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.334>Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.335>He is attended with a desperate train;</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.336>And what they may incense him to, being apt</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.337>To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech97><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=2.4.338>Shut up your doors, my lord; 'tis a wild night:</A><br>
<A NAME=2.4.339>My Regan counsels well; come out o' the storm.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<H3>Act III</h3>
<h3>Scene I. A heath.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Storm still. Enter KENT and a Gentleman, meeting</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.1>Who's there, besides foul weather?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.2>One minded like the weather, most unquietly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.3>I know you. Where's the king?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.4>Contending with the fretful element:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.5>Bids the winds blow the earth into the sea,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.6>Or swell the curled water 'bove the main,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.7>That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.8>Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.9>Catch in their fury, and make nothing of;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.10>Strives in his little world of man to out-scorn</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.11>The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.12>This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.13>The lion and the belly-pinched wolf</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.14>Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.15>And bids what will take all.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.16>But who is with him?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.17>None but the fool; who labours to out-jest</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.18>His heart-struck injuries.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.19>Sir, I do know you;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.20>And dare, upon the warrant of my note,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.21>Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.22>Although as yet the face of it be cover'd</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.23>With mutual cunning, 'twixt Albany and Cornwall;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.24>Who have--as who have not, that their great stars</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.25>Throned and set high?--servants, who seem no less,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.26>Which are to France the spies and speculations</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.27>Intelligent of our state; what hath been seen,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.28>Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.29>Or the hard rein which both of them have borne</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.30>Against the old kind king; or something deeper,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.31>Whereof perchance these are but furnishings;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.32>But, true it is, from France there comes a power</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.33>Into this scatter'd kingdom; who already,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.34>Wise in our negligence, have secret feet</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.35>In some of our best ports, and are at point</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.36>To show their open banner. Now to you:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.37>If on my credit you dare build so far</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.38>To make your speed to Dover, you shall find</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.39>Some that will thank you, making just report</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.40>Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.41>The king hath cause to plain.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.42>I am a gentleman of blood and breeding;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.43>And, from some knowledge and assurance, offer</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.44>This office to you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.45>I will talk further with you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.46>No, do not.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.47>For confirmation that I am much more</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.48>Than my out-wall, open this purse, and take</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.49>What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia,--</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.50>As fear not but you shall,--show her this ring;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.51>And she will tell you who your fellow is</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.52>That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.53>I will go seek the king.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.54>Give me your hand: have you no more to say?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.1.55>Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.56>That, when we have found the king,--in which your pain</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.57>That way, I'll this,--he that first lights on him</A><br>
<A NAME=3.1.58>Holla the other.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt severally</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene II. Another part of the heath. Storm still.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KING LEAR and Fool</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.1>Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.2>You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.3>Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.4>You sulphurous and thought-executing fires,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.5>Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.6>Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.7>Smite flat the thick rotundity o' the world!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.8>Crack nature's moulds, an germens spill at once,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.9>That make ingrateful man!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.10>O nuncle, court holy-water in a dry</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.11>house is better than this rain-water out o' door.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.12>Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters' blessing:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.13>here's a night pities neither wise man nor fool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.14>Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.15>Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my daughters:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.16>I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.17>I never gave you kingdom, call'd you children,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.18>You owe me no subscription: then let fall</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.19>Your horrible pleasure: here I stand, your slave,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.20>A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.21>But yet I call you servile ministers,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.22>That have with two pernicious daughters join'd</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.23>Your high engender'd battles 'gainst a head</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.24>So old and white as this. O! O! 'tis foul!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.25>He that has a house to put's head in has a good</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.26>head-piece.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.27>The cod-piece that will house</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.28>Before the head has any,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.29>The head and he shall louse;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.30>So beggars marry many.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.31>The man that makes his toe</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.32>What he his heart should make</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.33>Shall of a corn cry woe,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.34>And turn his sleep to wake.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.35>For there was never yet fair woman but she made</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.36>mouths in a glass.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.37>No, I will be the pattern of all patience;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.38>I will say nothing.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter KENT</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.39>Who's there?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.40>Marry, here's grace and a cod-piece; that's a wise</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.41>man and a fool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.42>Alas, sir, are you here? things that love night</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.43>Love not such nights as these; the wrathful skies</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.44>Gallow the very wanderers of the dark,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.45>And make them keep their caves: since I was man,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.46>Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.47>Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.48>Remember to have heard: man's nature cannot carry</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.49>The affliction nor the fear.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.50>Let the great gods,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.51>That keep this dreadful pother o'er our heads,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.52>Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.53>That hast within thee undivulged crimes,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.54>Unwhipp'd of justice: hide thee, thou bloody hand;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.55>Thou perjured, and thou simular man of virtue</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.56>That art incestuous: caitiff, to pieces shake,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.57>That under covert and convenient seeming</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.58>Hast practised on man's life: close pent-up guilts,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.59>Rive your concealing continents, and cry</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.60>These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.61>More sinn'd against than sinning.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.62>Alack, bare-headed!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.63>Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.64>Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.65>Repose you there; while I to this hard house--</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.66>More harder than the stones whereof 'tis raised;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.67>Which even but now, demanding after you,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.68>Denied me to come in--return, and force</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.69>Their scanted courtesy.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.70>My wits begin to turn.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.71>Come on, my boy: how dost, my boy? art cold?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.72>I am cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.73>The art of our necessities is strange,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.74>That can make vile things precious. Come,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.75>your hovel.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.76>Poor fool and knave, I have one part in my heart</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.77>That's sorry yet for thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.78>[Singing]</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.79>He that has and a little tiny wit--</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.80>With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,--</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.81>Must make content with his fortunes fit,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.82>For the rain it raineth every day.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.83>True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt KING LEAR and KENT</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.2.84>This is a brave night to cool a courtezan.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.85>I'll speak a prophecy ere I go:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.86>When priests are more in word than matter;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.87>When brewers mar their malt with water;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.88>When nobles are their tailors' tutors;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.89>No heretics burn'd, but wenches' suitors;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.90>When every case in law is right;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.91>No squire in debt, nor no poor knight;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.92>When slanders do not live in tongues;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.93>Nor cutpurses come not to throngs;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.94>When usurers tell their gold i' the field;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.95>And bawds and whores do churches build;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.96>Then shall the realm of Albion</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.97>Come to great confusion:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.98>Then comes the time, who lives to see't,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.99>That going shall be used with feet.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.2.100>This prophecy Merlin shall make; for I live before his time.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene III. Gloucester's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter GLOUCESTER and EDMUND</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.3.1>Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.2>dealing. When I desire their leave that I might</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.3>pity him, they took from me the use of mine own</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.4>house; charged me, on pain of their perpetual</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.5>displeasure, neither to speak of him, entreat for</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.6>him, nor any way sustain him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.3.7>Most savage and unnatural!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.3.8>Go to; say you nothing. There's a division betwixt</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.9>the dukes; and a worse matter than that: I have</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.10>received a letter this night; 'tis dangerous to be</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.11>spoken; I have locked the letter in my closet:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.12>these injuries the king now bears will be revenged</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.13>home; there's part of a power already footed: we</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.14>must incline to the king. I will seek him, and</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.15>privily relieve him: go you and maintain talk with</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.16>the duke, that my charity be not of him perceived:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.17>if he ask for me. I am ill, and gone to bed.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.18>Though I die for it, as no less is threatened me,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.19>the king my old master must be relieved. There is</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.20>some strange thing toward, Edmund; pray you, be careful.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.3.21>This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the duke</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.22>Instantly know; and of that letter too:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.23>This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.24>That which my father loses; no less than all:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.3.25>The younger rises when the old doth fall.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene IV. The heath. Before a hovel.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KING LEAR, KENT, and Fool</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.1>Here is the place, my lord; good my lord, enter:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.2>The tyranny of the open night's too rough</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.3>For nature to endure.</A><br>
<p><i>Storm still</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.4>Let me alone.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.5>Good my lord, enter here.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.6>Wilt break my heart?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.7>I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.8>Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.9>Invades us to the skin: so 'tis to thee;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.10>But where the greater malady is fix'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.11>The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'ldst shun a bear;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.12>But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.13>Thou'ldst meet the bear i' the mouth. When the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.14>mind's free,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.15>The body's delicate: the tempest in my mind</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.16>Doth from my senses take all feeling else</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.17>Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.18>Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.19>For lifting food to't? But I will punish home:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.20>No, I will weep no more. In such a night</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.21>To shut me out! Pour on; I will endure.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.22>In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.23>Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all,--</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.24>O, that way madness lies; let me shun that;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.25>No more of that.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.26> Good my lord, enter here.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.27>Prithee, go in thyself: seek thine own ease:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.28>This tempest will not give me leave to ponder</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.29>On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in.</A><br>
<p><i>To the Fool</i></p>
<A NAME=3.4.30>In, boy; go first. You houseless poverty,--</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.31>Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep.</A><br>
<p><i>Fool goes in</i></p>
<A NAME=3.4.32>Poor naked wretches, whereso'er you are,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.33>That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.34>How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.35>Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.36>From seasons such as these? O, I have ta'en</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.37>Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.38>Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.39>That thou mayst shake the superflux to them,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.40>And show the heavens more just.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.41>[Within] Fathom and half, fathom and half! Poor Tom!</A><br>
<p><i>The Fool runs out from the hovel</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.42>Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.43>Help me, help me!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.44>Give me thy hand. Who's there?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.45>A spirit, a spirit: he says his name's poor Tom.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.46>What art thou that dost grumble there i' the straw?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.47>Come forth.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter EDGAR disguised as a mad man</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.48>Away! the foul fiend follows me!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.49>Through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.50>Hum! go to thy cold bed, and warm thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.51>Hast thou given all to thy two daughters?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.52>And art thou come to this?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.53>Who gives any thing to poor Tom? whom the foul</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.54>fiend hath led through fire and through flame, and</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.55>through ford and whirlipool e'er bog and quagmire;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.56>that hath laid knives under his pillow, and halters</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.57>in his pew; set ratsbane by his porridge; made film</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.58>proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting-horse over</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.59>four-inched bridges, to course his own shadow for a</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.60>traitor. Bless thy five wits! Tom's a-cold,--O, do</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.61>de, do de, do de. Bless thee from whirlwinds,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.62>star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.63>charity, whom the foul fiend vexes: there could I</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.64>have him now,--and there,--and there again, and there.</A><br>
<p><i>Storm still</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.65>What, have his daughters brought him to this pass?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.66>Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give them all?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.67>Nay, he reserved a blanket, else we had been all shamed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.68>Now, all the plagues that in the pendulous air</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.69>Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.70>He hath no daughters, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.71>Death, traitor! nothing could have subdued nature</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.72>To such a lowness but his unkind daughters.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.73>Is it the fashion, that discarded fathers</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.74>Should have thus little mercy on their flesh?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.75>Judicious punishment! 'twas this flesh begot</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.76>Those pelican daughters.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.77>Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.78>Halloo, halloo, loo, loo!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.79>This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.80>Take heed o' the foul fiend: obey thy parents;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.81>keep thy word justly; swear not; commit not with</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.82>man's sworn spouse; set not thy sweet heart on proud</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.83>array. Tom's a-cold.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.84>What hast thou been?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.85>A serving-man, proud in heart and mind; that curled</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.86>my hair; wore gloves in my cap; served the lust of</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.87>my mistress' heart, and did the act of darkness with</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.88>her; swore as many oaths as I spake words, and</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.89>broke them in the sweet face of heaven: one that</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.90>slept in the contriving of lust, and waked to do it:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.91>wine loved I deeply, dice dearly: and in woman</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.92>out-paramoured the Turk: false of heart, light of</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.93>ear, bloody of hand; hog in sloth, fox in stealth,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.94>wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.95>Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.96>silks betray thy poor heart to woman: keep thy foot</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.97>out of brothels, thy hand out of plackets, thy pen</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.98>from lenders' books, and defy the foul fiend.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.99>Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.100>Says suum, mun, ha, no, nonny.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.101>Dolphin my boy, my boy, sessa! let him trot by.</A><br>
<p><i>Storm still</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.102>Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.103>with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.104>Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.105>owest the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.106>no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! here's three on</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.107>'s are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.108>unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor bare,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.109>forked animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.110>come unbutton here.</A><br>
<p><i>Tearing off his clothes</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.111>Prithee, nuncle, be contented; 'tis a naughty night</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.112>to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.113>like an old lecher's heart; a small spark, all the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.114>rest on's body cold. Look, here comes a walking fire.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GLOUCESTER, with a torch</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.115>This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet: he begins</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.116>at curfew, and walks till the first cock; he gives</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.117>the web and the pin, squints the eye, and makes the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.118>hare-lip; mildews the white wheat, and hurts the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.119>poor creature of earth.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.120>S. Withold footed thrice the old;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.121>He met the night-mare, and her nine-fold;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.122>Bid her alight,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.123>And her troth plight,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.124>And, aroint thee, witch, aroint thee!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.125>How fares your grace?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.126>What's he?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.127>Who's there? What is't you seek?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.128>What are you there? Your names?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.129>Poor Tom; that eats the swimming frog, the toad,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.130>the tadpole, the wall-newt and the water; that in</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.131>the fury of his heart, when the foul fiend rages,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.132>eats cow-dung for sallets; swallows the old rat and</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.133>the ditch-dog; drinks the green mantle of the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.134>standing pool; who is whipped from tithing to</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.135>tithing, and stock- punished, and imprisoned; who</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.136>hath had three suits to his back, six shirts to his</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.137>body, horse to ride, and weapon to wear;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.138>But mice and rats, and such small deer,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.139>Have been Tom's food for seven long year.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.140>Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin; peace, thou fiend!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.141>What, hath your grace no better company?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.142>The prince of darkness is a gentleman:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.143>Modo he's call'd, and Mahu.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.144>Our flesh and blood is grown so vile, my lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.145>That it doth hate what gets it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.146>Poor Tom's a-cold.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.147>Go in with me: my duty cannot suffer</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.148>To obey in all your daughters' hard commands:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.149>Though their injunction be to bar my doors,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.150>And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.151>Yet have I ventured to come seek you out,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.152>And bring you where both fire and food is ready.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.153>First let me talk with this philosopher.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.154>What is the cause of thunder?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.155>Good my lord, take his offer; go into the house.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.156>I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.157>What is your study?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.158>How to prevent the fiend, and to kill vermin.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.159>Let me ask you one word in private.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.160>Importune him once more to go, my lord;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.161>His wits begin to unsettle.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.162>Canst thou blame him?</A><br>
<p><i>Storm still</i></p>
<A NAME=3.4.163>His daughters seek his death: ah, that good Kent!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.164>He said it would be thus, poor banish'd man!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.165>Thou say'st the king grows mad; I'll tell thee, friend,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.166>I am almost mad myself: I had a son,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.167>Now outlaw'd from my blood; he sought my life,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.168>But lately, very late: I loved him, friend;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.169>No father his son dearer: truth to tell thee,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.170>The grief hath crazed my wits. What a night's this!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.171>I do beseech your grace,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.172>O, cry your mercy, sir.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.173>Noble philosopher, your company.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.174>Tom's a-cold.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.175>In, fellow, there, into the hovel: keep thee warm.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.176>Come let's in all.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.177> This way, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.178>With him;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.179>I will keep still with my philosopher.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.180>Good my lord, soothe him; let him take the fellow.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.181>Take him you on.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.182>Sirrah, come on; go along with us.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.183>Come, good Athenian.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.184>No words, no words: hush.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.4.185> Child Rowland to the dark tower came,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.186>His word was still,--Fie, foh, and fum,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.4.187>I smell the blood of a British man.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene V. Gloucester's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter CORNWALL and EDMUND</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.1>I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.2>How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.3>gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.4>of.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.5>I now perceive, it was not altogether your</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.6>brother's evil disposition made him seek his death;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.7>but a provoking merit, set a-work by a reprovable</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.8>badness in himself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.9>How malicious is my fortune, that I must repent to</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.10>be just! This is the letter he spoke of, which</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.11>approves him an intelligent party to the advantages</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.12>of France: O heavens! that this treason were not,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.13>or not I the detector!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.14>o with me to the duchess.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.15>If the matter of this paper be certain, you have</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.16>mighty business in hand.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.17>True or false, it hath made thee earl of</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.18>Gloucester. Seek out where thy father is, that he</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.19>may be ready for our apprehension.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.20>[Aside] If I find him comforting the king, it will</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.21>stuff his suspicion more fully.--I will persevere in</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.22>my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.23>between that and my blood.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.5.24>I will lay trust upon thee; and thou shalt find a</A><br>
<A NAME=3.5.25>dearer father in my love.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene VI. A chamber in a farmhouse adjoining the castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter GLOUCESTER, KING LEAR, KENT, Fool, and EDGAR</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.1>Here is better than the open air; take it</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.2>thankfully. I will piece out the comfort with what</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.3>addition I can: I will not be long from you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.4>All the power of his wits have given way to his</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.5>impatience: the gods reward your kindness!</A><br>
<p><i>Exit GLOUCESTER</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.6>Frateretto calls me; and tells me</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.7>Nero is an angler in the lake of darkness.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.8>Pray, innocent, and beware the foul fiend.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.9>Prithee, nuncle, tell me whether a madman be a</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.10>gentleman or a yeoman?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.11>A king, a king!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.12>No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.13>for he's a mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.14>before him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.15>To have a thousand with red burning spits</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.16>Come hissing in upon 'em,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.17>The foul fiend bites my back.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.18>He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.19>horse's health, a boy's love, or a whore's oath.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.20>It shall be done; I will arraign them straight.</A><br>
<p><i>To EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.21>Come, sit thou here, most learned justicer;</A><br>
<p><i>To the Fool</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.22>Thou, sapient sir, sit here. Now, you she foxes!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.23> Look, where he stands and glares!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.24>Wantest thou eyes at trial, madam?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.25>Come o'er the bourn, Bessy, to me,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.26> Her boat hath a leak,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.27>And she must not speak</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.28>Why she dares not come over to thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.29>The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.30>nightingale. Hopdance cries in Tom's belly for two</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.31>white herring. Croak not, black angel; I have no</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.32>food for thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.33>How do you, sir? Stand you not so amazed:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.34>Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.35>I'll see their trial first. Bring in the evidence.</A><br>
<p><i>To EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.36>Thou robed man of justice, take thy place;</A><br>
<p><i>To the Fool</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.37>And thou, his yoke-fellow of equity,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.38>Bench by his side:</A><br>
<p><i>To KENT</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.39>you are o' the commission,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.40>Sit you too.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.41>Let us deal justly.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.42>Sleepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.43>Thy sheep be in the corn;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.44>And for one blast of thy minikin mouth,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.45>Thy sheep shall take no harm.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.46>Pur! the cat is gray.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.47>Arraign her first; 'tis Goneril. I here take my</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.48>oath before this honourable assembly, she kicked the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.49>poor king her father.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.50>Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.51>She cannot deny it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.52>Cry you mercy, I took you for a joint-stool.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.53>And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.54>What store her heart is made on. Stop her there!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.55>Arms, arms, sword, fire! Corruption in the place!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.56>False justicer, why hast thou let her 'scape?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.57>Bless thy five wits!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.58>O pity! Sir, where is the patience now,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.59>That thou so oft have boasted to retain?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.60>[Aside] My tears begin to take his part so much,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.61>They'll mar my counterfeiting.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.62>The little dogs and all, Tray, Blanch, and</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.63>Sweet-heart, see, they bark at me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.64>Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you curs!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.65>Be thy mouth or black or white,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.66>Tooth that poisons if it bite;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.67>Mastiff, grey-hound, mongrel grim,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.68>Hound or spaniel, brach or lym,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.69>Or bobtail tike or trundle-tail,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.70>Tom will make them weep and wail:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.71>For, with throwing thus my head,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.72>Dogs leap the hatch, and all are fled.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.73>Do de, de, de. Sessa! Come, march to wakes and</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.74>fairs and market-towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.75>Then let them anatomize Regan; see what breeds</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.76>about her heart. Is there any cause in nature that</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.77>makes these hard hearts?</A><br>
<p><i>To EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.78>You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred; only I</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.79>do not like the fashion of your garments: you will</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.80>say they are Persian attire: but let them be changed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.81>Now, good my lord, lie here and rest awhile.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.82>Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.83>so, so, so. We'll go to supper i' he morning. So, so, so.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>Fool</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.84>And I'll go to bed at noon.</A><br>
<p><i>Re-enter GLOUCESTER</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.85>Come hither, friend: where is the king my master?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.86>Here, sir; but trouble him not, his wits are gone.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.87>Good friend, I prithee, take him in thy arms;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.88>I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.89>There is a litter ready; lay him in 't,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.90>And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.91>Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.92>If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.93>With thine, and all that offer to defend him,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.94>Stand in assured loss: take up, take up;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.95>And follow me, that will to some provision</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.96>Give thee quick conduct.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.97>Oppressed nature sleeps:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.98>This rest might yet have balm'd thy broken senses,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.99>Which, if convenience will not allow,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.100>Stand in hard cure.</A><br>
<p><i>To the Fool</i></p>
<A NAME=3.6.101>Come, help to bear thy master;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.102>Thou must not stay behind.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.103>Come, come, away.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt all but EDGAR</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.6.104>When we our betters see bearing our woes,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.105>We scarcely think our miseries our foes.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.106>Who alone suffers suffers most i' the mind,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.107>Leaving free things and happy shows behind:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.108>But then the mind much sufferance doth o'er skip,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.109>When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.110>How light and portable my pain seems now,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.111>When that which makes me bend makes the king bow,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.112>He childed as I father'd! Tom, away!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.113>Mark the high noises; and thyself bewray,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.114>When false opinion, whose wrong thought defiles thee,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.115>In thy just proof, repeals and reconciles thee.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.116>What will hap more to-night, safe 'scape the king!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.6.117>Lurk, lurk.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene VII. Gloucester's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, GONERIL, EDMUND, and Servants</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.1>Post speedily to my lord your husband; show him</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.2>this letter: the army of France is landed. Seek</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.3>out the villain Gloucester.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt some of the Servants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.4>Hang him instantly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.5>Pluck out his eyes.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.6>Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.7>sister company: the revenges we are bound to take</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.8>upon your traitorous father are not fit for your</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.9>beholding. Advise the duke, where you are going, to</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.10>a most festinate preparation: we are bound to the</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.11>like. Our posts shall be swift and intelligent</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.12>betwixt us. Farewell, dear sister: farewell, my</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.13>lord of Gloucester.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=3.7.14>How now! where's the king?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.15>My lord of Gloucester hath convey'd him hence:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.16>Some five or six and thirty of his knights,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.17>Hot questrists after him, met him at gate;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.18>Who, with some other of the lords dependants,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.19>Are gone with him towards Dover; where they boast</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.20>To have well-armed friends.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.21>Get horses for your mistress.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.22>Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.23>Edmund, farewell.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt GONERIL, EDMUND, and OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=3.7.24>Go seek the traitor Gloucester,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.25>Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt other Servants</i></p>
<A NAME=3.7.26>Though well we may not pass upon his life</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.27>Without the form of justice, yet our power</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.28>Shall do a courtesy to our wrath, which men</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.29>May blame, but not control. Who's there? the traitor?</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GLOUCESTER, brought in by two or three</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.30>Ingrateful fox! 'tis he.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.31>Bind fast his corky arms.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.32>What mean your graces? Good my friends, consider</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.33>You are my guests: do me no foul play, friends.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.34>Bind him, I say.</A><br>
<p><i>Servants bind him</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.35> Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.36>Unmerciful lady as you are, I'm none.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.37>To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shalt find--</A><br>
<p><i>REGAN plucks his beard</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.38>By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.39>To pluck me by the beard.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.40>So white, and such a traitor!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.41>Naughty lady,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.42>These hairs, which thou dost ravish from my chin,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.43>Will quicken, and accuse thee: I am your host:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.44>With robbers' hands my hospitable favours</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.45>You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.46>Come, sir, what letters had you late from France?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.47>Be simple answerer, for we know the truth.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.48>And what confederacy have you with the traitors</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.49>Late footed in the kingdom?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.50>To whose hands have you sent the lunatic king? Speak.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.51>I have a letter guessingly set down,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.52>Which came from one that's of a neutral heart,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.53>And not from one opposed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.54>Cunning.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.55>And false.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.56>Where hast thou sent the king?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.57>To Dover.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.58>Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charged at peril--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.59>Wherefore to Dover? Let him first answer that.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.60>I am tied to the stake, and I must stand the course.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.61>Wherefore to Dover, sir?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.62>Because I would not see thy cruel nails</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.63>Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.64>In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.65>The sea, with such a storm as his bare head</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.66>In hell-black night endured, would have buoy'd up,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.67>And quench'd the stelled fires:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.68>Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.69>If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that stern time,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.70>Thou shouldst have said 'Good porter, turn the key,'</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.71>All cruels else subscribed: but I shall see</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.72>The winged vengeance overtake such children.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.73>See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.74>Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.75>He that will think to live till he be old,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.76>Give me some help! O cruel! O you gods!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.77>One side will mock another; the other too.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.78>If you see vengeance,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>First Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.79>Hold your hand, my lord:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.80>I have served you ever since I was a child;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.81>But better service have I never done you</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.82>Than now to bid you hold.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.83>How now, you dog!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>First Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.84>If you did wear a beard upon your chin,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.85>I'd shake it on this quarrel. What do you mean?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.86>My villain!</A><br>
<p><i>They draw and fight</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>First Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.87>Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.88>Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus!</A><br>
<p><i>Takes a sword, and runs at him behind</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>First Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.89>O, I am slain! My lord, you have one eye left</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.90>To see some mischief on him. O!</A><br>
<p><i>Dies</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.91>Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.92>Where is thy lustre now?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.93>All dark and comfortless. Where's my son Edmund?</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.94>Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.95>To quit this horrid act.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.96>Out, treacherous villain!</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.97>Thou call'st on him that hates thee: it was he</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.98>That made the overture of thy treasons to us;</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.99>Who is too good to pity thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.100>O my follies! then Edgar was abused.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.101>Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.102>Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.103>His way to Dover.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit one with GLOUCESTER</i></p>
<A NAME=3.7.104>How is't, my lord? how look you?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>CORNWALL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.105>I have received a hurt: follow me, lady.</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.106>Turn out that eyeless villain; throw this slave</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.107>Upon the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace:</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.108>Untimely comes this hurt: give me your arm.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit CORNWALL, led by REGAN</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>Second Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.109>I'll never care what wickedness I do,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.110>If this man come to good.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>Third Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.111>If she live long,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.112>And in the end meet the old course of death,</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.113>Women will all turn monsters.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>Second Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.114>Let's follow the old earl, and get the Bedlam</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.115>To lead him where he would: his roguish madness</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.116>Allows itself to any thing.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>Third Servant</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=3.7.117>Go thou: I'll fetch some flax and whites of eggs</A><br>
<A NAME=3.7.118>To apply to his bleeding face. Now, heaven help him!</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt severally</i></p>
</blockquote>
<H3>Act IV</h3>
<h3>Scene I. The heath.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter EDGAR</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.1>Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.2>Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.3>The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.4>Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.5>The lamentable change is from the best;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.6>The worst returns to laughter. Welcome, then,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.7>Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.8>The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.9>Owes nothing to thy blasts. But who comes here?</A><br>
<p><i>Enter GLOUCESTER, led by an Old Man</i></p>
<A NAME=4.1.10>My father, poorly led? World, world, O world!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.11>But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.12>Lie would not yield to age.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.13>O, my good lord, I have been your tenant, and</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.14>your father's tenant, these fourscore years.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.15>Away, get thee away; good friend, be gone:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.16>Thy comforts can do me no good at all;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.17>Thee they may hurt.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.18>Alack, sir, you cannot see your way.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.19>I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.20>I stumbled when I saw: full oft 'tis seen,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.21>Our means secure us, and our mere defects</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.22>Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.23>The food of thy abused father's wrath!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.24>Might I but live to see thee in my touch,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.25>I'ld say I had eyes again!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.26>How now! Who's there?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.27>[Aside] O gods! Who is't can say 'I am at</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.28>the worst'?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.29>I am worse than e'er I was.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.30>'Tis poor mad Tom.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.31>[Aside] And worse I may be yet: the worst is not</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.32>So long as we can say 'This is the worst.'</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.33>Fellow, where goest?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.34>Is it a beggar-man?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.35>Madman and beggar too.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.36>He has some reason, else he could not beg.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.37>I' the last night's storm I such a fellow saw;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.38>Which made me think a man a worm: my son</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.39>Came then into my mind; and yet my mind</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.40>Was then scarce friends with him: I have heard</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.41>more since.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.42>As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.43>They kill us for their sport.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.44>[Aside] How should this be?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.45>Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.46>Angering itself and others.--Bless thee, master!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.47>Is that the naked fellow?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.48>Ay, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.49>Then, prithee, get thee gone: if, for my sake,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.50>Thou wilt o'ertake us, hence a mile or twain,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.51>I' the way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.52>And bring some covering for this naked soul,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.53>Who I'll entreat to lead me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.54>Alack, sir, he is mad.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.55>'Tis the times' plague, when madmen lead the blind.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.56>Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.57>Above the rest, be gone.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>Old Man</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.58>I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.59>Come on't what will.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.60>Sirrah, naked fellow,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.61>Poor Tom's a-cold.</A><br>
<p><i>Aside</i></p>
<A NAME=4.1.62>I cannot daub it further.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.63>Come hither, fellow.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.64>[Aside] And yet I must.--Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.65>Know'st thou the way to Dover?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.66>Both stile and gate, horse-way and foot-path. Poor</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.67>Tom hath been scared out of his good wits: bless</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.68>thee, good man's son, from the foul fiend! five</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.69>fiends have been in poor Tom at once; of lust, as</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.70>Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.71>stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.72>mopping and mowing, who since possesses chambermaids</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.73>and waiting-women. So, bless thee, master!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.74>Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.75>Have humbled to all strokes: that I am wretched</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.76>Makes thee the happier: heavens, deal so still!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.77>Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.78>That slaves your ordinance, that will not see</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.79>Because he doth not feel, feel your power quickly;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.80>So distribution should undo excess,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.81>And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.82>Ay, master.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.83>There is a cliff, whose high and bending head</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.84>Looks fearfully in the confined deep:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.85>Bring me but to the very brim of it,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.86>And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.87>With something rich about me: from that place</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.88>I shall no leading need.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.1.89>Give me thy arm:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.1.90>Poor Tom shall lead thee.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene II. Before ALBANY's palace.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter GONERIL and EDMUND</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.1>Welcome, my lord: I marvel our mild husband</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.2>Not met us on the way.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter OSWALD</i></p>
<A NAME=4.2.3>Now, where's your master'?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.4>Madam, within; but never man so changed.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.5>I told him of the army that was landed;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.6>He smiled at it: I told him you were coming:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.7>His answer was 'The worse:' of Gloucester's treachery,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.8>And of the loyal service of his son,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.9>When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.10>And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.11>What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.12>What like, offensive.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.13>[To EDMUND] Then shall you go no further.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.14>It is the cowish terror of his spirit,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.15>That dares not undertake: he'll not feel wrongs</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.16>Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.17>May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.18>Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.19>I must change arms at home, and give the distaff</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.20>Into my husband's hands. This trusty servant</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.21>Shall pass between us: ere long you are like to hear,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.22>If you dare venture in your own behalf,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.23>A mistress's command. Wear this; spare speech;</A><br>
<p><i>Giving a favour</i></p>
<A NAME=4.2.24>Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.25>Would stretch thy spirits up into the air:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.26>Conceive, and fare thee well.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.27>Yours in the ranks of death.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.28>My most dear Gloucester!</A><br>
<p><i>Exit EDMUND</i></p>
<A NAME=4.2.29>O, the difference of man and man!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.30>To thee a woman's services are due:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.31>My fool usurps my body.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.32>Madam, here comes my lord.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
<p><i>Enter ALBANY</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.33>I have been worth the whistle.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.34>O Goneril!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.35>You are not worth the dust which the rude wind</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.36>Blows in your face. I fear your disposition:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.37>That nature, which contemns its origin,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.38>Cannot be border'd certain in itself;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.39>She that herself will sliver and disbranch</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.40>From her material sap, perforce must wither</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.41>And come to deadly use.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.42>No more; the text is foolish.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.43>Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.44>Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.45>Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.46>A father, and a gracious aged man,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.47>Whose reverence even the head-lugg'd bear would lick,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.48>Most barbarous, most degenerate! have you madded.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.49>Could my good brother suffer you to do it?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.50>A man, a prince, by him so benefited!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.51>If that the heavens do not their visible spirits</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.52>Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.53>It will come,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.54>Humanity must perforce prey on itself,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.55>Like monsters of the deep.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.56>Milk-liver'd man!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.57>That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.58>Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.59>Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know'st</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.60>Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.61>Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.62>France spreads his banners in our noiseless land;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.63>With plumed helm thy slayer begins threats;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.64>Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit'st still, and criest</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.65>'Alack, why does he so?'</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.66>See thyself, devil!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.67>Proper deformity seems not in the fiend</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.68>So horrid as in woman.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.69>O vain fool!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.70>Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.71>Be-monster not thy feature. Were't my fitness</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.72>To let these hands obey my blood,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.73>They are apt enough to dislocate and tear</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.74>Thy flesh and bones: howe'er thou art a fiend,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.75>A woman's shape doth shield thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.76>Marry, your manhood now--</A><br>
<p><i>Enter a Messenger</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.77>What news?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.78>O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.79>Slain by his servant, going to put out</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.80>The other eye of Gloucester.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.81>Gloucester's eye!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.82>A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.83>Opposed against the act, bending his sword</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.84>To his great master; who, thereat enraged,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.85>Flew on him, and amongst them fell'd him dead;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.86>But not without that harmful stroke, which since</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.87>Hath pluck'd him after.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.88>This shows you are above,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.89>You justicers, that these our nether crimes</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.90>So speedily can venge! But, O poor Gloucester!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.91>Lost he his other eye?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.92>Both, both, my lord.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.93>This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.94>'Tis from your sister.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.95>[Aside] One way I like this well;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.96>But being widow, and my Gloucester with her,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.97>May all the building in my fancy pluck</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.98>Upon my hateful life: another way,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.99>The news is not so tart.--I'll read, and answer.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.100>Where was his son when they did take his eyes?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.101>Come with my lady hither.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.102>He is not here.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.103>No, my good lord; I met him back again.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.104>Knows he the wickedness?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.105>Ay, my good lord; 'twas he inform'd against him;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.106>And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.107>Might have the freer course.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.2.108>Gloucester, I live</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.109>To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the king,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.110>And to revenge thine eyes. Come hither, friend:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.2.111>Tell me what more thou know'st.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene III. The French camp near Dover.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter KENT and a Gentleman</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.1>Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.2>know you the reason?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.3>Something he left imperfect in the</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.4>state, which since his coming forth is thought</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.5>of; which imports to the kingdom so much</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.6>fear and danger, that his personal return was</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.7>most required and necessary.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.8>Who hath he left behind him general?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.9>The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.10>Did your letters pierce the queen to any</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.11>demonstration of grief?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.12>Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.13>And now and then an ample tear trill'd down</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.14>Her delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queen</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.15>Over her passion; who, most rebel-like,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.16>Sought to be king o'er her.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.17>O, then it moved her.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.18>Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.19>Who should express her goodliest. You have seen</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.20>Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.21>Were like a better way: those happy smilets,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.22>That play'd on her ripe lip, seem'd not to know</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.23>What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.24>As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.25>Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.26>If all could so become it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.27>Made she no verbal question?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.28>'Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of 'father'</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.29>Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.30>Cried 'Sisters! sisters! Shame of ladies! sisters!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.31>Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the night?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.32>Let pity not be believed!' There she shook</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.33>The holy water from her heavenly eyes,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.34>And clamour moisten'd: then away she started</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.35>To deal with grief alone.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.36>It is the stars,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.37>The stars above us, govern our conditions;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.38>Else one self mate and mate could not beget</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.39>Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.40>No.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.41>Was this before the king return'd?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.42>No, since.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.43>Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.44>Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.45>What we are come about, and by no means</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.46>Will yield to see his daughter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.47>Why, good sir?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.48>A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.49>That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.50>To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.51>To his dog-hearted daughters, these things sting</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.52>His mind so venomously, that burning shame</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.53>Detains him from Cordelia.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.54>Alack, poor gentleman!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.55>Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.56>'Tis so, they are afoot.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.3.57>Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.58>And leave you to attend him: some dear cause</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.59>Will in concealment wrap me up awhile;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.60>When I am known aright, you shall not grieve</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.61>Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you, go</A><br>
<A NAME=4.3.62>Along with me.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene IV. The same. A tent.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter, with drum and colours, CORDELIA, Doctor, and Soldiers</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.4.1>Alack, 'tis he: why, he was met even now</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.2>As mad as the vex'd sea; singing aloud;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.3>Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.4>With bur-docks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.5>Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.6>In our sustaining corn. A century send forth;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.7>Search every acre in the high-grown field,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.8>And bring him to our eye.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit an Officer</i></p>
<A NAME=4.4.9>What can man's wisdom</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.10>In the restoring his bereaved sense?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.11>He that helps him take all my outward worth.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.4.12>There is means, madam:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.13>Our foster-nurse of nature is repose,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.14>The which he lacks; that to provoke in him,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.15>Are many simples operative, whose power</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.16>Will close the eye of anguish.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.4.17>All blest secrets,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.18>All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.19>Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.20>In the good man's distress! Seek, seek for him;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.21>Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.22>That wants the means to lead it.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter a Messenger</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>Messenger</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.4.23>News, madam;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.24>The British powers are marching hitherward.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.4.25>'Tis known before; our preparation stands</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.26>In expectation of them. O dear father,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.27>It is thy business that I go about;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.28>Therefore great France</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.29>My mourning and important tears hath pitied.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.30>No blown ambition doth our arms incite,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.31>But love, dear love, and our aged father's right:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.4.32>Soon may I hear and see him!</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene V. Gloucester's castle.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter REGAN and OSWALD</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.1>But are my brother's powers set forth?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.2>Ay, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.3>Himself in person there?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.4>Madam, with much ado:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.5>Your sister is the better soldier.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.6>Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.7>No, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.8>What might import my sister's letter to him?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.9>I know not, lady.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.10>'Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.11>It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.12>To let him live: where he arrives he moves</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.13>All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.14>In pity of his misery, to dispatch</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.15>His nighted life: moreover, to descry</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.16>The strength o' the enemy.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.17>I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.18>Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.19>The ways are dangerous.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.20>I may not, madam:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.21>My lady charged my duty in this business.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.22>Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.23>Transport her purposes by word? Belike,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.24>Something--I know not what: I'll love thee much,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.25>Let me unseal the letter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.26>Madam, I had rather--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.27>I know your lady does not love her husband;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.28>I am sure of that: and at her late being here</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.29>She gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.30>To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.31>I, madam?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.32>I speak in understanding; you are; I know't:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.33>Therefore I do advise you, take this note:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.34>My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.35>And more convenient is he for my hand</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.36>Than for your lady's: you may gather more.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.37>If you do find him, pray you, give him this;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.38>And when your mistress hears thus much from you,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.39>I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.40>So, fare you well.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.41>If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.42>Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.43>Would I could meet him, madam! I should show</A><br>
<A NAME=4.5.44>What party I do follow.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.5.45>Fare thee well.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene VI. Fields near Dover.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter GLOUCESTER, and EDGAR dressed like a peasant</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.1>When shall we come to the top of that same hill?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.2>You do climb up it now: look, how we labour.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.3>Methinks the ground is even.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.4>Horrible steep.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.5>Hark, do you hear the sea?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.6>No, truly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.7>Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.8>By your eyes' anguish.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.9>So may it be, indeed:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.10>Methinks thy voice is alter'd; and thou speak'st</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.11>In better phrase and matter than thou didst.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.12>You're much deceived: in nothing am I changed</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.13>But in my garments.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.14>Methinks you're better spoken.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.15>Come on, sir; here's the place: stand still. How fearful</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.16>And dizzy 'tis, to cast one's eyes so low!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.17>The crows and choughs that wing the midway air</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.18>Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.19>Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.20>Methinks he seems no bigger than his head:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.21>The fishermen, that walk upon the beach,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.22>Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.23>Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.24>Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.25>That on the unnumber'd idle pebbles chafes,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.26>Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.27>Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.28>Topple down headlong.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.29>Set me where you stand.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.30>Give me your hand: you are now within a foot</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.31>Of the extreme verge: for all beneath the moon</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.32>Would I not leap upright.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.33>Let go my hand.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.34>Here, friend, 's another purse; in it a jewel</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.35>Well worth a poor man's taking: fairies and gods</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.36>Prosper it with thee! Go thou farther off;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.37>Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.38>Now fare you well, good sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.39>With all my heart.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.40>Why I do trifle thus with his despair</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.41>Is done to cure it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.42>[Kneeling] O you mighty gods!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.43>This world I do renounce, and, in your sights,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.44>Shake patiently my great affliction off:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.45>If I could bear it longer, and not fall</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.46>To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.47>My snuff and loathed part of nature should</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.48>Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.49>Now, fellow, fare thee well.</A><br>
<p><i>He falls forward</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.50>Gone, sir: farewell.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.51>And yet I know not how conceit may rob</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.52>The treasury of life, when life itself</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.53>Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.54>By this, had thought been past. Alive or dead?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.55>Ho, you sir! friend! Hear you, sir! speak!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.56>Thus might he pass indeed: yet he revives.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.57>What are you, sir?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.58> Away, and let me die.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.59>Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.60>So many fathom down precipitating,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.61>Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.62>Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.63>Ten masts at each make not the altitude</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.64>Which thou hast perpendicularly fell:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.65>Thy life's a miracle. Speak yet again.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.66>But have I fall'n, or no?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.67>From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.68>Look up a-height; the shrill-gorged lark so far</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.69>Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.70>Alack, I have no eyes.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.71>Is wretchedness deprived that benefit,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.72>To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.73>When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.74>And frustrate his proud will.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.75>Give me your arm:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.76>Up: so. How is 't? Feel you your legs? You stand.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.77>Too well, too well.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.78>This is above all strangeness.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.79>Upon the crown o' the cliff, what thing was that</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.80>Which parted from you?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.81>A poor unfortunate beggar.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.82>As I stood here below, methought his eyes</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.83>Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.84>Horns whelk'd and waved like the enridged sea:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.85>It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.86>Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.87>Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.88>I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.89>Affliction till it do cry out itself</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.90>'Enough, enough,' and die. That thing you speak of,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.91>I took it for a man; often 'twould say</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.92>'The fiend, the fiend:' he led me to that place.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.93>Bear free and patient thoughts. But who comes here?</A><br>
<p><i>Enter KING LEAR, fantastically dressed with wild flowers</i></p>
<A NAME=4.6.94>The safer sense will ne'er accommodate</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.95>His master thus.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.96>No, they cannot touch me for coining; I am the</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.97>king himself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.98>O thou side-piercing sight!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.99>Nature's above art in that respect. There's your</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.100>press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.101>crow-keeper: draw me a clothier's yard. Look,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.102>look, a mouse! Peace, peace; this piece of toasted</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.103>cheese will do 't. There's my gauntlet; I'll prove</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.104>it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.105>flown, bird! i' the clout, i' the clout: hewgh!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.106>Give the word.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.107>Sweet marjoram.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.108>Pass.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.109>I know that voice.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.110>Ha! Goneril, with a white beard! They flattered</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.111>me like a dog; and told me I had white hairs in my</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.112>beard ere the black ones were there. To say 'ay'</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.113>and 'no' to every thing that I said!--'Ay' and 'no'</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.114>too was no good divinity. When the rain came to</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.115>wet me once, and the wind to make me chatter; when</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.116>the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.117>found 'em, there I smelt 'em out. Go to, they are</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.118>not men o' their words: they told me I was every</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.119>thing; 'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.120>The trick of that voice I do well remember:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.121>Is 't not the king?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.122>Ay, every inch a king:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.123>When I do stare, see how the subject quakes.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.124>I pardon that man's life. What was thy cause? Adultery?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.125>Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.126>The wren goes to 't, and the small gilded fly</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.127>Does lecher in my sight.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.128>Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.129>Was kinder to his father than my daughters</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.130>Got 'tween the lawful sheets.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.131>To 't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.132>Behold yond simpering dame,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.133>Whose face between her forks presages snow;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.134>That minces virtue, and does shake the head</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.135>To hear of pleasure's name;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.136>The fitchew, nor the soiled horse, goes to 't</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.137>With a more riotous appetite.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.138>Down from the waist they are Centaurs,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.139>Though women all above:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.140>But to the girdle do the gods inherit,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.141>Beneath is all the fiends';</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.142>There's hell, there's darkness, there's the</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.143>sulphurous pit,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.144>Burning, scalding, stench, consumption; fie,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.145>fie, fie! pah, pah! Give me an ounce of civet,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.146>good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.147>there's money for thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.148>O, let me kiss that hand!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.149>Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.150>O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.151>Shall so wear out to nought. Dost thou know me?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.152>I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.153>at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid! I'll not</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.154>love. Read thou this challenge; mark but the</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.155>penning of it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.156>Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.157>I would not take this from report; it is,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.158>And my heart breaks at it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.159>Read.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.160>What, with the case of eyes?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.161>O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.162>head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.163>a heavy case, your purse in a light; yet you see how</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.164>this world goes.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.165>I see it feelingly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.166>What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.167>with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.168>justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark, in</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.169>thine ear: change places; and, handy-dandy, which</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.170>is the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.171>a farmer's dog bark at a beggar?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.172>Ay, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.173>And the creature run from the cur? There thou</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.174>mightst behold the great image of authority: a</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.175>dog's obeyed in office.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.176>Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.177>Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.178>Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.179>For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.180>Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.181>Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.182>And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.183>Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.184>None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.185>Take that of me, my friend, who have the power</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.186>To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.187>And like a scurvy politician, seem</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.188>To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.189>Pull off my boots: harder, harder: so.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.190>O, matter and impertinency mix'd! Reason in madness!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.191>If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.192>I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.193>Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.194>Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.195>We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee: mark.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.196>Alack, alack the day!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.197>When we are born, we cry that we are come</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.198>To this great stage of fools: this a good block;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.199>It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.200>A troop of horse with felt: I'll put 't in proof;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.201>And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.202>Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.203>O, here he is: lay hand upon him. Sir,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.204>Your most dear daughter--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.205>No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.206>The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.207>You shall have ransom. Let me have surgeons;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.208>I am cut to the brains.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech59><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.209>You shall have any thing.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech60><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.210>No seconds? all myself?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.211>Why, this would make a man a man of salt,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.212>To use his eyes for garden water-pots,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.213>Ay, and laying autumn's dust.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech61><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.214>Good sir,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech62><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.215>I will die bravely, like a bridegroom. What!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.216>I will be jovial: come, come; I am a king,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.217>My masters, know you that.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech63><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.218>You are a royal one, and we obey you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech64><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.219>Then there's life in't. Nay, if you get it, you</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.220>shall get it with running. Sa, sa, sa, sa.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit running; Attendants follow</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech65><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.221>A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.222>Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.223>Who redeems nature from the general curse</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.224>Which twain have brought her to.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech66><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.225>Hail, gentle sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech67><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.226> Sir, speed you: what's your will?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech68><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.227>Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech69><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.228>Most sure and vulgar: every one hears that,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.229>Which can distinguish sound.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech70><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.230>But, by your favour,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.231>How near's the other army?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech71><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.232>Near and on speedy foot; the main descry</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.233>Stands on the hourly thought.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech72><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.234>I thank you, sir: that's all.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech73><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.235>Though that the queen on special cause is here,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.236>Her army is moved on.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech74><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.237>I thank you, sir.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit Gentleman</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech75><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.238>You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.239>Let not my worser spirit tempt me again</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.240>To die before you please!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech76><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.241>Well pray you, father.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech77><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.242>Now, good sir, what are you?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech78><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.243>A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.244>Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.245>Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.246>I'll lead you to some biding.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech79><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.247>Hearty thanks:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.248>The bounty and the benison of heaven</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.249>To boot, and boot!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter OSWALD</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech80><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.250>A proclaim'd prize! Most happy!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.251>That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.252>To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.253>Briefly thyself remember: the sword is out</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.254>That must destroy thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech81><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.255>Now let thy friendly hand</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.256>Put strength enough to't.</A><br>
<p><i>EDGAR interposes</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech82><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.257>Wherefore, bold peasant,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.258>Darest thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.259>Lest that the infection of his fortune take</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.260>Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech83><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.261>Ch'ill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech84><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.262>Let go, slave, or thou diest!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech85><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.263>Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.264>pass. An chud ha' bin zwaggered out of my life,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.265>'twould not ha' bin zo long as 'tis by a vortnight.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.266>Nay, come not near th' old man; keep out, che vor</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.267>ye, or ise try whether your costard or my ballow be</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.268>the harder: ch'ill be plain with you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech86><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.269>Out, dunghill!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech87><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.270>Ch'ill pick your teeth, zir: come; no matter vor</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.271>your foins.</A><br>
<p><i>They fight, and EDGAR knocks him down</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech88><b>OSWALD</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.272>Slave, thou hast slain me: villain, take my purse:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.273>If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.274>And give the letters which thou find'st about me</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.275>To Edmund earl of Gloucester; seek him out</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.276>Upon the British party: O, untimely death!</A><br>
<p><i>Dies</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech89><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.277>I know thee well: a serviceable villain;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.278>As duteous to the vices of thy mistress</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.279>As badness would desire.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech90><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.280>What, is he dead?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech91><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.281>Sit you down, father; rest you</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.282>Let's see these pockets: the letters that he speaks of</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.283>May be my friends. He's dead; I am only sorry</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.284>He had no other death's-man. Let us see:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.285>Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.286>To know our enemies' minds, we'ld rip their hearts;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.287>Their papers, is more lawful.</A><br>
<p><i>Reads</i></p>
<A NAME=4.6.288>'Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.289>many opportunities to cut him off: if your will</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.290>want not, time and place will be fruitfully offered.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.291>There is nothing done, if he return the conqueror:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.292>then am I the prisoner, and his bed my goal; from</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.293>the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.294>the place for your labour.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.295>'Your--wife, so I would say--</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.296>'Affectionate servant,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.297>'GONERIL.'</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.298>O undistinguish'd space of woman's will!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.299>A plot upon her virtuous husband's life;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.300>And the exchange my brother! Here, in the sands,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.301>Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.302>Of murderous lechers: and in the mature time</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.303>With this ungracious paper strike the sight</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.304>Of the death practised duke: for him 'tis well</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.305>That of thy death and business I can tell.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech92><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.306>The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.307>That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.308>Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.309>So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.310>And woes by wrong imaginations lose</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.311>The knowledge of themselves.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech93><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.6.312>Give me your hand:</A><br>
<p><i>Drum afar off</i></p>
<A NAME=4.6.313>Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.6.314>Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene VII. A tent in the French camp. LEAR on a bed asleep,</h3>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.1>soft music playing; Gentleman, and others attending.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter CORDELIA, KENT, and Doctor</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.2>O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.3>To match thy goodness? My life will be too short,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.4>And every measure fail me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.5>To be acknowledged, madam, is o'erpaid.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.6>All my reports go with the modest truth;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.7>Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.8>Be better suited:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.9>These weeds are memories of those worser hours:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.10>I prithee, put them off.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.11>Pardon me, dear madam;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.12>Yet to be known shortens my made intent:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.13>My boon I make it, that you know me not</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.14>Till time and I think meet.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.15>Then be't so, my good lord.</A><br>
<p><i>To the Doctor</i></p>
<A NAME=4.7.16>How does the king?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.17>Madam, sleeps still.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.18>O you kind gods,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.19>Cure this great breach in his abused nature!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.20>The untuned and jarring senses, O, wind up</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.21>Of this child-changed father!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.22>So please your majesty</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.23>That we may wake the king: he hath slept long.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.24>Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.25>I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.26>Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his sleep</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.27>We put fresh garments on him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.28>Be by, good madam, when we do awake him;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.29>I doubt not of his temperance.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.30>Very well.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.31>Please you, draw near. Louder the music there!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.32>O my dear father! Restoration hang</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.33>Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.34>Repair those violent harms that my two sisters</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.35>Have in thy reverence made!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.36>Kind and dear princess!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.37>Had you not been their father, these white flakes</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.38>Had challenged pity of them. Was this a face</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.39>To be opposed against the warring winds?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.40>To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.41>In the most terrible and nimble stroke</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.42>Of quick, cross lightning? to watch--poor perdu!--</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.43>With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.44>Though he had bit me, should have stood that night</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.45>Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.46>To hovel thee with swine, and rogues forlorn,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.47>In short and musty straw? Alack, alack!</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.48>'Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.49>Had not concluded all. He wakes; speak to him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.50>Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.51>How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.52>You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.53>Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.54>Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.55>Do scald like moulten lead.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.56>Sir, do you know me?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.57>You are a spirit, I know: when did you die?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.58>Still, still, far wide!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.59>He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.60>Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight?</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.61>I am mightily abused. I should e'en die with pity,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.62>To see another thus. I know not what to say.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.63>I will not swear these are my hands: let's see;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.64>I feel this pin prick. Would I were assured</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.65>Of my condition!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.66> O, look upon me, sir,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.67>And hold your hands in benediction o'er me:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.68>No, sir, you must not kneel.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.69>Pray, do not mock me:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.70>I am a very foolish fond old man,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.71>Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.72>And, to deal plainly,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.73>I fear I am not in my perfect mind.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.74>Methinks I should know you, and know this man;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.75>Yet I am doubtful for I am mainly ignorant</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.76>What place this is; and all the skill I have</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.77>Remembers not these garments; nor I know not</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.78>Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.79>For, as I am a man, I think this lady</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.80>To be my child Cordelia.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.81>And so I am, I am.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.82>Be your tears wet? yes, 'faith. I pray, weep not:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.83>If you have poison for me, I will drink it.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.84>I know you do not love me; for your sisters</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.85>Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.86>You have some cause, they have not.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.87>No cause, no cause.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.88>Am I in France?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.89> In your own kingdom, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.90>Do not abuse me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>Doctor</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.91>Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.92>You see, is kill'd in him: and yet it is danger</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.93>To make him even o'er the time he has lost.</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.94>Desire him to go in; trouble him no more</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.95>Till further settling.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.96>Will't please your highness walk?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.97>You must bear with me:</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.98>Pray you now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt all but KENT and Gentleman</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.99>Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.100>Most certain, sir.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.101>Who is conductor of his people?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.102>As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.103>They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the Earl</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.104>of Kent in Germany.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.105>Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.106>powers of the kingdom approach apace.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.107>The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.108>well, sir.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=4.7.109>My point and period will be throughly wrought,</A><br>
<A NAME=4.7.110>Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<H3>Act V</h3>
<h3>Scene I. The British camp, near Dover.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter, with drum and colours, EDMUND, REGAN, Gentlemen, and Soldiers.</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.1>Know of the duke if his last purpose hold,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.2>Or whether since he is advised by aught</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.3>To change the course: he's full of alteration</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.4>And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.</A><br>
<p><i>To a Gentleman, who goes out</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.5>Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.6>'Tis to be doubted, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.7>Now, sweet lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.8>You know the goodness I intend upon you:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.9>Tell me--but truly--but then speak the truth,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.10>Do you not love my sister?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.11>In honour'd love.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.12>But have you never found my brother's way</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.13>To the forfended place?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.14>That thought abuses you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.15>I am doubtful that you have been conjunct</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.16>And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.17>No, by mine honour, madam.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.18>I never shall endure her: dear my lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.19>Be not familiar with her.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.20>Fear me not:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.21>She and the duke her husband!</A><br>
<p><i>Enter, with drum and colours, ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.22>[Aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.23>Should loosen him and me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.24>Our very loving sister, well be-met.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.25>Sir, this I hear; the king is come to his daughter,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.26>With others whom the rigor of our state</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.27>Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.28>I never yet was valiant: for this business,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.29>It toucheth us, as France invades our land,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.30>Not bolds the king, with others, whom, I fear,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.31>Most just and heavy causes make oppose.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.32>Sir, you speak nobly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.33>Why is this reason'd?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.34>Combine together 'gainst the enemy;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.35>For these domestic and particular broils</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.36>Are not the question here.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.37>Let's then determine</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.38>With the ancient of war on our proceedings.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.39>I shall attend you presently at your tent.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.40>Sister, you'll go with us?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.41>No.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.42>'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.43>[Aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.--I will go.</A><br>
<p><i>As they are going out, enter EDGAR disguised</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.44>If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.45>Hear me one word.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.46> I'll overtake you. Speak.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt all but ALBANY and EDGAR</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.47>Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.48>If you have victory, let the trumpet sound</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.49>For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.50>I can produce a champion that will prove</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.51>What is avouched there. If you miscarry,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.52>Your business of the world hath so an end,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.53>And machination ceases. Fortune love you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.54>Stay till I have read the letter.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.55>I was forbid it.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.56>When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.57>And I'll appear again.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.58>Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit EDGAR</i></p>
<p><i>Re-enter EDMUND</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.59>The enemy's in view; draw up your powers.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.60>Here is the guess of their true strength and forces</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.61>By diligent discovery; but your haste</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.62>Is now urged on you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.63>We will greet the time.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.1.64>To both these sisters have I sworn my love;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.65>Each jealous of the other, as the stung</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.66>Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.67>Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.68>If both remain alive: to take the widow</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.69>Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.70>And hardly shall I carry out my side,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.71>Her husband being alive. Now then we'll use</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.72>His countenance for the battle; which being done,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.73>Let her who would be rid of him devise</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.74>His speedy taking off. As for the mercy</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.75>Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.76>The battle done, and they within our power,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.77>Shall never see his pardon; for my state</A><br>
<A NAME=5.1.78>Stands on me to defend, not to debate.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene II. A field between the two camps.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, KING LEAR, CORDELIA, and Soldiers, over the stage; and exeunt. Enter EDGAR and GLOUCESTER</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.2.1>Here, father, take the shadow of this tree</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.2>For your good host; pray that the right may thrive:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.3>If ever I return to you again,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.4>I'll bring you comfort.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.2.5>Grace go with you, sir!</A><br>
<p><i>Exit EDGAR</i></p>
<p><i>Alarum and retreat within. Re-enter EDGAR</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.2.6>Away, old man; give me thy hand; away!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.7>King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.8>Give me thy hand; come on.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.2.9>No farther, sir; a man may rot even here.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.2.10>What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.11>Their going hence, even as their coming hither;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.2.12>Ripeness is all: come on.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>GLOUCESTER</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.2.13>And that's true too.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Scene III. The British camp near Dover.</h3>
<blockquote>
<i>Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, EDMUND, KING LEAR and CORDELIA, prisoners; Captain, Soldiers,
& c</i>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech1><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.1>Some officers take them away: good guard,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.2>Until their greater pleasures first be known</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.3>That are to censure them.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech2><b>CORDELIA</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.4>We are not the first</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.5>Who, with best meaning, have incurr'd the worst.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.6>For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.7>Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.8>Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech3><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.9>No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.10>We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.11>When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.12>And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.13>And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.14>At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.15>Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.16>Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.17>And take upon's the mystery of things,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.18>As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.19>In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.20>That ebb and flow by the moon.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech4><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.21>Take them away.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech5><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.22>Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.23>The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.24>He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.25>And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.26>The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.27>Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starve</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.28>first. Come.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt KING LEAR and CORDELIA, guarded</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech6><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.29>Come hither, captain; hark.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.30>Take thou this note;</A><br>
<p><i>Giving a paper</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.31>go follow them to prison:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.32>One step I have advanced thee; if thou dost</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.33>As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.34>To noble fortunes: know thou this, that men</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.35>Are as the time is: to be tender-minded</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.36>Does not become a sword: thy great employment</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.37>Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do 't,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.38>Or thrive by other means.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech7><b>Captain</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.39>I'll do 't, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech8><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.40>About it; and write happy when thou hast done.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.41>Mark, I say, instantly; and carry it so</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.42>As I have set it down.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech9><b>Captain</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.43>I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.44>If it be man's work, I'll do 't.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
<p><i>Flourish. Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, another Captain, and Soldiers</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech10><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.45>Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.46>And fortune led you well: you have the captives</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.47>That were the opposites of this day's strife:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.48>We do require them of you, so to use them</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.49>As we shall find their merits and our safety</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.50>May equally determine.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech11><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.51>Sir, I thought it fit</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.52>To send the old and miserable king</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.53>To some retention and appointed guard;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.54>Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.55>To pluck the common bosom on his side,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.56>An turn our impress'd lances in our eyes</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.57>Which do command them. With him I sent the queen;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.58>My reason all the same; and they are ready</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.59>To-morrow, or at further space, to appear</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.60>Where you shall hold your session. At this time</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.61>We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.62>And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.63>By those that feel their sharpness:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.64>The question of Cordelia and her father</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.65>Requires a fitter place.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech12><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.66>Sir, by your patience,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.67>I hold you but a subject of this war,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.68>Not as a brother.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech13><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.69> That's as we list to grace him.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.70>Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.71>Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.72>Bore the commission of my place and person;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.73>The which immediacy may well stand up,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.74>And call itself your brother.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech14><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.75>Not so hot:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.76>In his own grace he doth exalt himself,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.77>More than in your addition.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech15><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.78>In my rights,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.79>By me invested, he compeers the best.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech16><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.80>That were the most, if he should husband you.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech17><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.81>Jesters do oft prove prophets.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech18><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.82>Holla, holla!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.83>That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech19><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.84>Lady, I am not well; else I should answer</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.85>From a full-flowing stomach. General,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.86>Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.87>Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.88>Witness the world, that I create thee here</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.89>My lord and master.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech20><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.90>Mean you to enjoy him?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech21><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.91>The let-alone lies not in your good will.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech22><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.92>Nor in thine, lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech23><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.93>Half-blooded fellow, yes.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech24><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.94>[To EDMUND] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech25><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.95>Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.96>On capital treason; and, in thine attaint,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.97>This gilded serpent</A><br>
<p><i>Pointing to Goneril</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.98>For your claim, fair sister,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.99>I bar it in the interest of my wife:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.100>'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.101>And I, her husband, contradict your bans.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.102>If you will marry, make your loves to me,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.103>My lady is bespoke.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech26><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.104>An interlude!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech27><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.105>Thou art arm'd, Gloucester: let the trumpet sound:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.106>If none appear to prove upon thy head</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.107>Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.108>There is my pledge;</A><br>
<p><i>Throwing down a glove</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.109>I'll prove it on thy heart,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.110>Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.111>Than I have here proclaim'd thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech28><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.112>Sick, O, sick!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech29><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.113>[Aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech30><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.114>There's my exchange:</A><br>
<p><i>Throwing down a glove</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.115>what in the world he is</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.116>That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.117>Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.118>On him, on you, who not? I will maintain</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.119>My truth and honour firmly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech31><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.120>A herald, ho!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech32><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.121> A herald, ho, a herald!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech33><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.122>Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.123>All levied in my name, have in my name</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.124>Took their discharge.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech34><b>REGAN</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.125>My sickness grows upon me.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech35><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.126>She is not well; convey her to my tent.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit Regan, led</i></p>
<p><i>Enter a Herald</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.127>Come hither, herald,--Let the trumpet sound,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.128>And read out this.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech36><b>Captain</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.129>Sound, trumpet!</A><br>
<p><i>A trumpet sounds</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech37><b>Herald</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.130>[Reads] 'If any man of quality or degree within</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.131>the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.132>supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.133>traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.134>trumpet: he is bold in his defence.'</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech38><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.135>Sound!</A><br>
<p><i>First trumpet</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech39><b>Herald</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.136>Again!</A><br>
<p><i>Second trumpet</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech40><b>Herald</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.137>Again!</A><br>
<p><i>Third trumpet</i></p>
<p><i>Trumpet answers within</i></p>
<p><i>Enter EDGAR, at the third sound, armed, with a trumpet before him</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech41><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.138>Ask him his purposes, why he appears</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.139>Upon this call o' the trumpet.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech42><b>Herald</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.140>What are you?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.141>Your name, your quality? and why you answer</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.142>This present summons?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech43><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.143>Know, my name is lost;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.144>By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.145>Yet am I noble as the adversary</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.146>I come to cope.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech44><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.147> Which is that adversary?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech45><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.148>What's he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech46><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.149>Himself: what say'st thou to him?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech47><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.150>Draw thy sword,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.151>That, if my speech offend a noble heart,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.152>Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.153>Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.154>My oath, and my profession: I protest,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.155>Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.156>Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.157>Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.158>False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.159>Conspirant 'gainst this high-illustrious prince;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.160>And, from the extremest upward of thy head</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.161>To the descent and dust below thy foot,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.162>A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'No,'</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.163>This sword, this arm, and my best spirits, are bent</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.164>To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.165>Thou liest.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech48><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.166>In wisdom I should ask thy name;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.167>But, since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.168>And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.169>What safe and nicely I might well delay</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.170>By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.171>Back do I toss these treasons to thy head;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.172>With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.173>Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.174>This sword of mine shall give them instant way,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.175>Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!</A><br>
<p><i>Alarums. They fight. EDMUND falls</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech49><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.176>Save him, save him!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech50><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.177>This is practise, Gloucester:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.178>By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.179>An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.180>But cozen'd and beguiled.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech51><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.181>Shut your mouth, dame,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.182>Or with this paper shall I stop it: Hold, sir:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.183>Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.184>No tearing, lady: I perceive you know it.</A><br>
<p><i>Gives the letter to EDMUND</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech52><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.185>Say, if I do, the laws are mine, not thine:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.186>Who can arraign me for't.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech53><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.187>Most monstrous! oh!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.188>Know'st thou this paper?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech54><b>GONERIL</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.189>Ask me not what I know.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech55><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.190>Go after her: she's desperate; govern her.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech56><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.191>What you have charged me with, that have I done;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.192>And more, much more; the time will bring it out:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.193>'Tis past, and so am I. But what art thou</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.194>That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.195>I do forgive thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech57><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.196> Let's exchange charity.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.197>I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.198>If more, the more thou hast wrong'd me.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.199>My name is Edgar, and thy father's son.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.200>The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.201>Make instruments to plague us:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.202>The dark and vicious place where thee he got</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.203>Cost him his eyes.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech58><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.204> Thou hast spoken right, 'tis true;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.205>The wheel is come full circle: I am here.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech59><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.206>Methought thy very gait did prophesy</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.207>A royal nobleness: I must embrace thee:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.208>Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.209>Did hate thee or thy father!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech60><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.210>Worthy prince, I know't.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech61><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.211>Where have you hid yourself?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.212>How have you known the miseries of your father?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech62><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.213>By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.214>And when 'tis told, O, that my heart would burst!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.215>The bloody proclamation to escape,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.216>That follow'd me so near,--O, our lives' sweetness!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.217>That we the pain of death would hourly die</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.218>Rather than die at once!--taught me to shift</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.219>Into a madman's rags; to assume a semblance</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.220>That very dogs disdain'd: and in this habit</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.221>Met I my father with his bleeding rings,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.222>Their precious stones new lost: became his guide,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.223>Led him, begg'd for him, saved him from despair;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.224>Never,--O fault!--reveal'd myself unto him,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.225>Until some half-hour past, when I was arm'd:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.226>Not sure, though hoping, of this good success,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.227>I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.228>Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.229>Alack, too weak the conflict to support!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.230>'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.231>Burst smilingly.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech63><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.232>This speech of yours hath moved me,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.233>And shall perchance do good: but speak you on;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.234>You look as you had something more to say.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech64><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.235>If there be more, more woeful, hold it in;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.236>For I am almost ready to dissolve,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.237>Hearing of this.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech65><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.238> This would have seem'd a period</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.239>To such as love not sorrow; but another,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.240>To amplify too much, would make much more,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.241>And top extremity.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.242>Whilst I was big in clamour came there in a man,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.243>Who, having seen me in my worst estate,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.244>Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.245>Who 'twas that so endured, with his strong arms</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.246>He fastened on my neck, and bellow'd out</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.247>As he'ld burst heaven; threw him on my father;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.248>Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.249>That ever ear received: which in recounting</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.250>His grief grew puissant and the strings of life</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.251>Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.252>And there I left him tranced.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech66><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.253>But who was this?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech67><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.254>Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.255>Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.256>Improper for a slave.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter a Gentleman, with a bloody knife</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech68><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.257>Help, help, O, help!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech69><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.258>What kind of help?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech70><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.259>Speak, man.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech71><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.260>What means that bloody knife?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech72><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.261>'Tis hot, it smokes;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.262>It came even from the heart of--O, she's dead!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech73><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.263>Who dead? speak, man.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech74><b>Gentleman</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.264>Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.265>By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech75><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.266>I was contracted to them both: all three</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.267>Now marry in an instant.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech76><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.268>Here comes Kent.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech77><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.269>Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.270>This judgment of the heavens, that makes us tremble,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.271>Touches us not with pity.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit Gentleman</i></p>
<p><i>Enter KENT</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.272>O, is this he?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.273>The time will not allow the compliment</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.274>Which very manners urges.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech78><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.275>I am come</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.276>To bid my king and master aye good night:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.277>Is he not here?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech79><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.278> Great thing of us forgot!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.279>Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.280>See'st thou this object, Kent?</A><br>
<p><i>The bodies of GONERIL and REGAN are brought in</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech80><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.281>Alack, why thus?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech81><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.282> Yet Edmund was beloved:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.283>The one the other poison'd for my sake,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.284>And after slew herself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech82><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.285>Even so. Cover their faces.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech83><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.286>I pant for life: some good I mean to do,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.287>Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.288>Be brief in it, to the castle; for my writ</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.289>Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.290>Nay, send in time.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech84><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.291> Run, run, O, run!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech85><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.292>To who, my lord? Who hath the office? send</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.293>Thy token of reprieve.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech86><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.294>Well thought on: take my sword,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.295>Give it the captain.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech87><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.296>Haste thee, for thy life.</A><br>
<p><i>Exit EDGAR</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech88><b>EDMUND</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.297>He hath commission from thy wife and me</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.298>To hang Cordelia in the prison, and</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.299>To lay the blame upon her own despair,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.300>That she fordid herself.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech89><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.301>The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.</A><br>
<p><i>EDMUND is borne off</i></p>
<p><i>Re-enter KING LEAR, with CORDELIA dead in his arms; EDGAR, Captain, and others following</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech90><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.302>Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.303>Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.304>That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.305>I know when one is dead, and when one lives;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.306>She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.307>If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.308>Why, then she lives.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech91><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.309>Is this the promised end</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech92><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.310>Or image of that horror?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech93><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.311>Fall, and cease!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech94><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.312>This feather stirs; she lives! if it be so,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.313>It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.314>That ever I have felt.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech95><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.315>[Kneeling] O my good master!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech96><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.316>Prithee, away.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech97><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.317>'Tis noble Kent, your friend.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech98><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.318>A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.319>I might have saved her; now she's gone for ever!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.320>Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.321>What is't thou say'st? Her voice was ever soft,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.322>Gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.323>I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech99><b>Captain</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.324>'Tis true, my lords, he did.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech100><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.325>Did I not, fellow?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.326>I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.327>I would have made them skip: I am old now,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.328>And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.329>Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech101><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.330>If fortune brag of two she loved and hated,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.331>One of them we behold.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech102><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.332>This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech103><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.333>The same,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.334>Your servant Kent: Where is your servant Caius?</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech104><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.335>He's a good fellow, I can tell you that;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.336>He'll strike, and quickly too: he's dead and rotten.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech105><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.337>No, my good lord; I am the very man,--</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech106><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.338>I'll see that straight.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech107><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.339>That, from your first of difference and decay,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.340>Have follow'd your sad steps.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech108><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.341>You are welcome hither.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech109><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.342>Nor no man else: all's cheerless, dark, and deadly.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.343>Your eldest daughters have fordone them selves,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.344>And desperately are dead.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech110><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.345>Ay, so I think.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech111><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.346>He knows not what he says: and vain it is</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.347>That we present us to him.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech112><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.348>Very bootless.</A><br>
<p><i>Enter a Captain</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech113><b>Captain</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.349>Edmund is dead, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech114><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.350>That's but a trifle here.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.351>You lords and noble friends, know our intent.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.352>What comfort to this great decay may come</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.353>Shall be applied: for us we will resign,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.354>During the life of this old majesty,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.355>To him our absolute power:</A><br>
<p><i>To EDGAR and KENT</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.356>you, to your rights:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.357>With boot, and such addition as your honours</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.358>Have more than merited. All friends shall taste</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.359>The wages of their virtue, and all foes</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.360>The cup of their deservings. O, see, see!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech115><b>KING LEAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.361>And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.362>Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.363>And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.364>Never, never, never, never, never!</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.365>Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.366>Do you see this? Look on her, look, her lips,</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.367>Look there, look there!</A><br>
<p><i>Dies</i></p>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech116><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.368>He faints! My lord, my lord!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech117><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.369>Break, heart; I prithee, break!</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech118><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.370>Look up, my lord.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech119><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.371>Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him much</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.372>That would upon the rack of this tough world</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.373>Stretch him out longer.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech120><b>EDGAR</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.374>He is gone, indeed.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech121><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.375>The wonder is, he hath endured so long:</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.376>He but usurp'd his life.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech122><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.377>Bear them from hence. Our present business</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.378>Is general woe.</A><br>
<p><i>To KENT and EDGAR</i></p>
<A NAME=5.3.379>Friends of my soul, you twain</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.380>Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech123><b>KENT</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.381>I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.382>My master calls me, I must not say no.</A><br>
</blockquote>
<A NAME=speech124><b>ALBANY</b></a>
<blockquote>
<A NAME=5.3.383>The weight of this sad time we must obey;</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.384>Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.385>The oldest hath borne most: we that are young</A><br>
<A NAME=5.3.386>Shall never see so much, nor live so long.</A><br>
<p><i>Exeunt, with a dead march</i></p>
</blockquote>
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