Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: The History of King Leir (Modern)
  • Editor: Andrew Griffin

  • Copyright Queen's Men Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Anonymous
    Editor: Andrew Griffin
    Peer Reviewed

    The History of King Leir (Modern)

    924.1[Scene 11] [Video Sc.11]
    925Enter Ragan alone
    Ragan
    How may I bless the hour of my nativity
    Which bodeth unto me such happy stars!
    How may I thank kind Fortune that vouchsafes
    To all my actions such desired event!
    930I rule the king of Cambria as I please;
    The states are all obedient to my will
    And look whate'er I say, it shall be so;
    Not anyone that dareth answer no.
    My eldest sister lives in royal state
    935And wanteth nothing fitting her degree;
    Yet hath she such a cooling card withal
    As that her honey savoreth much of gall.
    My father with her is quartermaster still,
    And many times restrains her of her will,
    940But, if he were with me, and served me so,
    I'd send him packing somewhere else to go:
    I'd entertain him with such slender cost
    That he should quickly wish to change his host.
    Exit.