Not Peer Reviewed
- Edition: King Lear
King Lear (Modern, Folio)
- Introduction
- Texts of this edition
- Contextual materials
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- Holinshed on King Lear
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- The History of King Leir
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- Albion's England (Selection)
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- Hardyng's Chronicle (Selection)
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- Kings of Britain
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- Chronicles of England
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- Faerie Queene
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- The Mirror for Magistrates
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- The Arcadia
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- A Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures
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- Aristotle on tragedy
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- The Book of Job (Selections)
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- The Monk's Tale (Selections)
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- The Defense of Poetry
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- The First Blast of the Trumpet
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- Basilicon Doron
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- On Bastards
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- On Aging
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- King Lear (Adapted by Nahum Tate)
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- Facsimiles
It did always seem so to us, but 7now in the division of the kingdom it 8appears not which of the dukes he values 9most, for qualities are so weighed that curiosity in 10neither can make choice of either's moiety.
Is not this your son, my lord?
His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge. I have 13so often blushed to acknowledge him that now I am 14brazed to't.
I cannot conceive you.
Sir, this young fellow's mother could, 17whereupon she grew round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a 18son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. 19Do you smell a fault?
I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it 21being so proper.
But I have a son, sir, by order of law, some 23year elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my 24account, though this knave came something saucily to the 25world before he was sent for. Yet was his mother fair, 26there was good sport at his making, and the whoreson must 27be acknowledged.--Do you know this noble 28gentleman, Edmund?
No, my lord.
My Lord of Kent. 31Remember him hereafter as my honorable friend.
My services to your lordship.
I must love you, and sue to know you better.
Sir, I shall study deserving.
He hath been out nine years, and away he shall 36again. The King is coming.
Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.
I shall, my lord.
1.1.20.1Exit [Gloucester].
Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.
Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter;
[Aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love and be silent.
Of all these bounds even from this line to this,
I am made of that self-mettle as my sister,
82Cordelia
[Aside] Then poor Cordelia--
To thee and thine hereditary ever
Nothing my lord.
Nothing?
Nothing.
Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little,
102Cordelia
Good my lord,
But goes thy heart with this?
112Cordelia
Ay, my good lord.
So young and so untender?
So young, my lord, and true.
Let it be so. Thy truth then be thy dower;
128Kent
Good my liege--
Peace, Kent!
1.1.109.1[Exit an attendant.]
Cornwall and Albany,
148Kent
Royal Lear,
The bow is bent and drawn. Make from the shaft.
Let it fall rather, 136though the fork invade
165Lear
Kent, on thy life no more.
My life I never held but as pawn
169Lear
Out of my sight!
See better Lear, and let me still remain
172Lear
Now by Apollo--
Now, by Apollo, King, 174thou swear'st thy gods in vain.
[Threatening Kent] O vassal! Miscreant!
176Albany, [Cornwall or Cordelia]
Dear sir, forbear!
Kill thy physician, 157and thy fee bestow
Hear me, recreant, on thine allegiance hear me.
Fare thee well, King, sith thus thou wilt appear,
1.1.168.1Exit.
Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.
My lord of Burgundy,
Most royal majesty,
Right noble Burgundy,
220Burgundy
I know no answer.
Will you with those infirmities she owes,
225Burgundy
Pardon me royal sir,
Then leave her sir, for by the power that made me
This is most strange,
I yet beseech your majesty,
256Lear
Better thou hadst
Is it but this? A tardiness in nature
Royal King,
Nothing. I have sworn. I am firm.
[To Cordelia] I am sorry then you have so lost a father
Peace be with Burgundy;
Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor,
Thou hast her, France. Let her be thine, 259for we
1.1.249.1Flourish. Exeunt [Lear, Burgundy, and others].
Bid farewell to your sisters.
The jewels of our father, 265with washed eyes
Prescribe not us our duty.
Let your study
Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides;
309France
Come my fair Cordelia.
1.1.265.1Exeunt France and Cordelia.
Sister, it is not little I have to say 311282of what most nearly appertains to us both. 312283I think our father will hence tonight, next month with us.
That's most certain, and with you.
You see how full of changes his age is. The 315observation we have made of it hath been little. He always 316loved our sister most, and with what poor judgment he 317hath now cast her off appears too grossly.
'Tis the infirmity of his age. Yet he hath ever but 319slenderly known himself.
The best and soundest of his time hath been but 321rash. Then must we look from his age to receive not 322alone the imperfections of long-engrafted condition, but 323therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and 324choleric years bring with them.
Such unconstant starts are we like to have from 326him as this of Kent's banishment.
There is further compliment of leave-taking 328between France and him. Pray you let us sit together. If our 329father carry authority with such disposition as he bears, 330this last surrender of his will but offend us.
We shall further think of it.
We must do something, and i'th'heat.
Thou, Nature, art my goddess. To thy law
Kent banished thus? and France in choler parted?
[Pockets the letter.] So please your lordship, none.
Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?
I know no news, my lord.
What paper were you reading?
Nothing, my lord.
No? what needed then that terrible dispatch of 368it into your pocket? The quality of nothing hath not 369such need to hide itself. Let's see. Come, if it be 370nothing I shall not need spectacles.
I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter 372from my brother that I have not all o'er-read; and for so 373much as I have perused, I find it not fit for your 374o'er-looking.
Give me the letter, sir.
I shall offend either to detain or give it. 377The contents, as in part I understand them, 378are to blame.
Let's see, let's see!
I hope for my brother's justification, he wrote 381this but as an assay, or taste of my virtue.
[He gives Gloucester the letter.]
Reads.
1.2.40This policy and reverence of age makes the 383world bitter to the best of our times, keeps our fortunes from 384us, till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle 385and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny, who sways 386not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come to me, that of 387this I may speak more . If our father would sleep till I waked 388him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live the 389beloved of your brother,
1.2.41Edgar.
1.2.42390Hum, conspiracy! "Sleep till I wake him," "You should 391enjoy half his revenue"? My son Edgar? Had he a 392hand to write this? A heart and brain to breed it in? 393When came you to this? Who brought it?
It was not brought me, my lord, there's the 395cunning of it. I found it thrown in at the casement of 396my closet.
You know the character to be your brother's?
If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear 399it were his; but in respect of that I would fain think it 400were not.
It is his?
It is his hand, my lord, but I hope his heart is 403not in the contents.
Has he never before sounded you in this business?
Never, my lord, but I have heard him oft 406maintain it to be fit that sons at perfect age, and fathers 407declined, the father should be as ward to the son, and 408the son manage his revenue.
O villain, villain! His very opinion in the 410letter. Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish 411villain, worse than brutish. Go sirrah, seek him. I'll 412apprehend him, abominable villain. Where is he?
I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to 414suspend your indignation against my brother till you can 415derive from him better testimony of his intent, you should 416run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed 417against him mistaking his purpose, it would make a great 418gap in your own honor and shake in pieces the heart of 419his obedience. I dare pawn down my life for him that 420he hath writ this to feel my affection to your honor, and 421to no other pretense of danger.
Think you so?
If your honor judge it meet, I will place you 424where you shall hear us confer of this, and by an 425auricular assurance have your satisfaction--and that without 426any further delay than this very evening.
3He cannot be such a monster. 4Edmund, seek 428him out. Wind me into him, I pray you. Frame the 429business after your own wisdom. I would unstate 430myself to be in a due resolution.4.1
I will seek him sir, presently; convey the 432business as I shall find means, and acquaint you withal.
These late eclipses in the sun and moon 434portend no good to us. Though the wisdom of nature can 435reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged 436by the sequent effects. Love cools, friendship falls off, 437brothers divide. In cities, mutinies; in countries, 438discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond cracked 'twixt 439son and father.13 This villain of mine comes under the 440prediction--there's son against father. The King falls from 441bias of nature--there's father against child. We have 442seen the best of our time. Machinations, hollowness, 443treachery, and all ruinous disorders follow us disquietly 444to our graves. 14Find out this villain, Edmund. It shall lose 445thee nothing. Do it carefully. And the noble and 446true-hearted Kent banished; his offence, honesty. 'Tis strange.
1.2.56.1Exit
This is the excellent foppery of the world, that 448when we are sick in fortune--often the surfeits of our own 449behavior--we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the 450moon, and stars, as if we were villains on necessity, 451fools by heavenly compulsion, knaves, thieves, and 452treachers by spherical predominance; drunkards, 453liars, and adulterers by an enforced obedience of planetary 454influence; and all that we are evil in by a divine 455thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whoremaster man, 456to lay his goatish disposition on the charge of a star. 457"My father compounded with my mother under the 458dragon's tail, and my nativity was under Ursa Major, so 459that it follows I am rough and lecherous." I should 460have been that I am had the maidenliest star in the 461firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.
1.2.58463Pat he comes, like the catastrophe of the old comedy. 464My cue is villanous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom 465o'Bedlam. --Oh, these eclipses do portend these 466divisions. Fa, sol, la, me.
How now, brother Edmund. What serious 468contemplation are you in?
I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this 470other day, what should follow these eclipses.
Do you busy yourself with that?
The night gone by.
Spake you with him?
Ay, two hours together.
Parted you in good terms? Found you no 479displeasure in him, by word, nor countenance?
None at all.
Bethink yourself wherein you may have 482offended him, and at my entreaty forbear his presence until 483some little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, 484which at this instant so rageth in him that with the 485mischief of your person it would scarcely allay.
Some villain hath done me wrong.
That's my fear. I pray you, have a continent 488forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower, and, as 489I say, retire with me to my lodging, from whence I will 490fitly bring you to hear my lord speak. Pray ye go. 491There's my key. If you do stir abroad, go armed.
Armed, brother?
Brother, I advise you to the best. I am no honest 494man if there be any good meaning toward you. I have told 495you what I have seen and heard but faintly, nothing 496like the image and horror of it. Pray you, away!
Shall I hear from you anon?
1.2.74.1Exit [Edgar].
[Calling after him] I do serve you in this business.
Did my father strike my gentleman for 508chiding of his fool?
Ay, madam.
By day and night he wrongs me. Every hour
1.3.10.1[Hunting horns within]
He's coming madam. I hear him.
Put on what weary negligence you please,
524Oswald
Well, madam.
10.3And let his knights have colder looks among 526you. What grows of it no matter. Advise your fellows 527so. 11I'll write straight to my sister to hold my course. 528Prepare for dinner.
If but as will I other accents borrow
Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it 540ready.
1.4.9.1[Exit an attendant.]
1.4.10[To Kent] How now, what art thou?
A man, sir.
What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou 543with us?
I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve 545him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is 546honest, to converse with him that is wise and says little, to 547fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to 548eat no fish.
What art thou?
A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as 551the King.
If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a 553king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?
Service.
Who wouldst thou serve?
You.
Dost thou know me, fellow?
No sir, but you have that in your countenance 559which I would fain call master.
What's that?
Authority.
What services canst thou do?
I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a 564curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message 565bluntly. That which ordinary men are fit for I am 566qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.
How old art thou?
Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, 569nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years on 570my back forty-eight.
Follow me. Thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no 572worse after dinner I will not part from thee yet. Dinner, 573ho! Dinner! Where's my knave, my fool? Go you and call 574my fool hither.
1.4.28.1[Exit an attendant.]
575Enter [Oswald, the] steward.
1.4.29You--you, sirrah--where's my daughter?
So please you--
1.4.30.1Exit [Oswald].
What says the fellow there? Call the 578clotpoll back.
[Exit a Knight.]
Where's my fool? Ho! I think the world's 579asleep.
[Enter Knight.]
1.4.32How now? Where's that mongrel?
He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
Why came not the slave back to me when I 582called him?
Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he 584would not.
He would not?
My lord, I know not what the matter is, 587but to my judgment your highness is not entertained 588with that ceremonious affection as you were wont. 589There's a great abatement of kindness appears as well in 590the general dependents as in the duke himself also, and 591your daughter.
Ha? Sayest thou so?
I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be 594mistaken, for my duty cannot be silent when I think 595your highness wronged.
Thou but rememberest me of mine own 597conception. I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, 598which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous 599curiosity than as a very pretense and purpose of unkindness. 600I will look further into 't. But where's my fool? I 601have not seen him this two days.
Since my young lady's going into France, 603sir, the fool hath much pined away.
No more of that, I have noted it well. Go you 605and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
1.4.40.1[Exit a servant.]
1.4.43.1[Exit another servant.]
608Enter [Oswald, the] steward.
609Oswald
My lady's father.
"My lady's father"? My lord's knave, you 611whoreson dog, you slave, you cur.
I am none of these, my lord. 613I beseech your pardon.
[Striking him] Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
I'll not be strucken my lord.
[Tripping him] Nor tripped neither, you base football player.
I thank thee, fellow. 618Thou servest me, and I'll love thee.
[To Oswald] Come sir, arise. Away! I'll teach you differences. 620Away, away! If you will measure your lubber's length 621again, tarry, but away! Go to, have you wisdom? So.
1.4.51.1[Exit Oswald.]
Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee. [Giving money] There's 623earnest of thy service.
Let me hire him too. [To Kent, holding out his cap] Here's my coxcomb.
How now, my pretty knave, how dost thou?
[To Kent] Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Why, my boy?
Why? For taking one's part that's out of favor. 630Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits thou'lt catch 631cold shortly. There, take my coxcomb. Why this fellow 632has banished two on's daughters, and did the third a 633blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must 634needs wear my coxcomb. [To Lear] How now, nuncle? Would 635I had two coxcombs and two daughters.
Why, my boy?
If I gave them all my living, I'd keep my 638coxcombs myself. There's mine; beg another of thy 639daughters.
Take heed, sirrah--the whip.
Truth's a dog must to kennel. He must be 642whipped out, when the Lady Brach may stand by th'fire 643and stink.
A pestilent gall to me.
Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.
Do.
Mark it, nuncle.
This is nothing, fool.
Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer; 660you gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of 661nothing nuncle?
Why no, boy. 663Nothing can be made out of nothing.
[To Kent] Prithee tell him, so much the rent of his land 665comes to. He will not believe a fool.
A bitter fool.
[To Lear] Dost thou know the difference, my boy, 668between a bitter fool and a sweet one?
No, lad, teach me.
What two crowns shall they be?
Why, after I have cut the egg i'th'middle and 674eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When 675thou clovest thy crowns i'th'middle and gavest away 676both parts, thou borest thine ass on thy back o'er the 677dirt. Thou had'st little wit in thy bald crown when thou 678gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in 679this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
1.4.85.1[Sings.]
When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
I have used it, nuncle, e'er since thou mad'st 686thy daughters thy mothers; for when thou gav'st them 687the rod, and puttest down thine own breeches,
1.4.91.1[Sings.]
1.4.96692Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach 693thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.
An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped.
I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. 696They'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me 697whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding 698my peace. I had rather be any kind o'thing than a fool; 699and yet I would not be thee nuncle. Thou hast pared thy 700wit o'both sides, and left nothing i'th'middle. Here 701comes one o'the parings.
How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet 704on? You are too much of late i'th'frown.
Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no 706need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an "O" 707without a figure. I am better than thou art now--I am a fool, 708thou art nothing. [To Goneril] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue; so 709your face bids me though you say nothing.
1.4.100.1[Sings.]
1.4.102He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,
1.4.104[Pointing to Lear.] That's a shelled peascod.
Not only, sir, this, your all-licensed fool,
For you know nuncle,
So out went the candle, and we were left 729darkling.
Are you our daughter?
I would you would make use of your good wisdom,
May not an ass know when the cart draws 736the horse?--
Does any here know me? 739This is not Lear.
Lear's shadow.
745Lear
Your name, fair gentlewoman?
This admiration, sir, is much o'th'savor
762Lear
Darkness and devils!
1.4.151.1[Exit one or more.]
You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
Woe that too late repents.
[Exit servant.]
774Albany
Pray, sir, be patient.
[To Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest.
1.4.169.1[Striking his head]
O Lear, Lear, Lear!
[Exeunt some.]
My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant
788Lear
It may be so, my lord.
1.4.188.1Exeunt [Lear, Kent, Fool, and servants].
Now, gods that we adore, 805whereof comes this?
Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
What? Fifty of my followers at a clap
812Albany
What's the matter, sir?
I'll tell thee--814life and death, I am ashamed
1.4.209.1Exit [Lear].
830Goneril
Do you mark that?
I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
Pray you content. What, Oswald, ho!
Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, 836tarry. Take the fool with thee.
1.4.219.1Exit [Fool].
This man hath had good counsel. 843A hundred knights?
Well, you may fear too far.
850Goneril
Safer than trust too far.
857How now Oswald?
Ay, madam.
Take you some company and away to horse.
1.4.238.1[Exit Oswald.]
No, no, my lord,
How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Nay then--
Well, well, th'event.
[To Kent] Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. 876Acquaint my daughter no further with anything you 877know than comes from her demand out of the letter. 878If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore 879you.
I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered 881your letter.
1.5.2.1Exit.
If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in 883danger of kibes?
Ay, boy.
Then I prithee be merry. Thy wit shall not go 886slipshod.
Ha ha ha.
Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly, 889for though she's as like this as a crab's like an 890apple, yet I can tell what I can tell.
What can'st tell, boy?
She will taste as like this as a crab does to a 893crab. Thou canst tell why one's nose stands i'th'middle 894on's face?
No.
Why to keep one's eyes of either side 's nose, 897that what a man cannot smell out he may spy into.
I did her wrong.
Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?
No.
Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has 902a house.
Why?
Why to put 's head in, not to give it away to his 905daughters and leave his horns without a case.
I will forget my nature. So kind a father. Be 907my horses ready?
Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why 909the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason.
Because they are not eight?
Yes indeed. Thou wouldst make a good fool.
To tak't again perforce. Monster ingratitude!
If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'd have thee 914beaten for being old before thy time.
How's that?
Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst 917been wise.
O let me not be mad; not mad, sweet heaven. 919Keep me in temper. I would not be mad.
1.5.30.1[Enter a Gentleman.]
Ready, my lord.
Come, boy.
She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,
Save thee Curan.
And you, sir. I have been 930with your father, and given him notice 931that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his Duchess 932will be here with him this night.
How comes that?
Nay I know not. You have heard of the news abroad, 935I mean the whispered ones, for they are yet but 936ear-kissing arguments.
Not I. Pray you what are they?
Have you heard of no likely wars toward, 939twixt the Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?
Not a word.
You may do then in time. 942Fare you well, sir.
2.1.12.1Exit [Curan].
The Duke be here tonight? The better--best.
2.1.19.1[Edgar descends.]
O sir, fly this place!
958Edgar
I am sure on't. Not a word.
I hear my father coming. Pardon me--
971Gloucester
Now Edmund, where's the villain?
Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,
But where is he?
Look sir, I bleed.
Where is the villain, Edmund?
Fled this way, sir, when by no means he could--
Pursue him, ho! Go after.
2.1.43.1[Exit attendant(s).]
[To the Bastard] By no means what?
Persuade me to the murder of your lordship.
993Gloucester
Let him fly far.
When I dissuaded him from his intent
1015Gloucester
Oh, strange and fastened villain!
How now, my noble friend. Since I came hither,
If it be true, all vengeance comes too short
O madam, my old heart is cracked, it's cracked.
What, did my father's godson seek your life?
O lady, lady, shame would have it hid.
Was he not companion with the riotous knights
I know not, madam. 'Tis too bad, too bad.
Yes, madam, he was of that consort.
No marvel, then, though he were ill affected,
1044Cornwall
Nor I, assure thee Regan;
1047Bastard
It was my duty, sir.
He did bewray his practice, and received
Is he pursued?
Ay, my good lord.
If he be taken, he shall never more
I shall serve you, sir, truly, however else.
For him I thank your grace.
You know not why we came to visit you?
Thus out of season, threading dark-eyed night?
I serve you, madam. 1073Your graces are right welcome.
Good dawning to thee friend. Art of this house?
Ay.
Where may we set our horses?
I'th'mire.
Prithee, if thou lov'st me, tell me.
I love thee not.
Why then, I care not for thee.
If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold I would make 1084thee care for me.
Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
Fellow, I know thee.
What dost thou know me for?
A knave, a rascal, an eater of broken meats; a 1089base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-1090pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-livered, 1091action-taking, whoreson, glass-gazing, super-serviceable, 1092finical rogue; one-trunk-inheriting slave. One that 1093wouldst be a bawd in way of good service, and art 1094nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, 1095pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch--1096one whom I will beat into clamorous whining if thou 1097deny'st the least syllable of thy addition.
Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus 1099to rail on one that is neither known of thee, nor 1100knows thee?
What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny 1102thou knowest me! Is it two days since I tripped up thy 1103heels and beat thee before the king? [Drawing his sword] Draw, you rogue, 1104for though it be night yet the moon shines. I'll make a 1105sop o'th'moonshine of you, you whoreson cullionly 1106barber-monger. Draw!
Away, I have nothing to do with thee.
Draw, you rascal. You come with letters 1109against the king, and take Vanity the puppet's part 1110against the royalty of her father. Draw, you rogue, or 1111I'll so carbonado your shanks! Draw, you rascal. Come 1112your ways.
Help, ho! Murder! Help!
Strike, you slave. Stand, rogue. Stand, you neat 1115slave--strike!
Help, ho, murder, murder!
How now, what's the matter? [Drawing his sword] Part.
[To the Bastard] With you, goodman boy, if you please. Come, 1120I'll flesh ye. Come on, young master.
2.2.21.1[They exchange blows.]
Weapons? Arms? What's the matter here?
[Drawing his sword] Keep peace upon your lives. He dies that strikes 1123again. What is the matter?
The messengers from our sister, and the king.
What is your difference? Speak.
I am scarce in breath, my lord.
No marvel. You have so bestirred your valor, 1128you cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee. A tailor 1129made thee.
Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man?
A tailor, sir. A stone-cutter or a painter could 1132not have made him so ill though they had been but two 1133years o'th'trade.
Speak yet. How grew your quarrel?
This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared 1136at suit of his gray beard--
Thou whoreson zed, thou unnecessary letter!--1138My lord, if you will give me leave, I will tread this 1139unbolted villain into mortar, and daub the wall of a 1140jakes with him. [To Oswald] Spare my gray beard, you wagtail?
Peace, sirrah!
Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege.
Why art thou angry?
That such a slave as this should wear a sword,
What, art thou mad, old fellow?
How fell you out, say that.
No contraries hold more antipathy,
1162Cornwall
Why dost thou call him knave?
1164Kent
His countenance likes me not.
No more perchance does mine, nor his, nor hers.
Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain.
This is some fellow,
Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,
1184Cornwall
What mean'st by this?
To go out of my dialect, which you 1186discommend so much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer. He that 1187beguiled you in a plain accent was a plain knave, which 1188for my part I will not be, though I should win your 1189displeasure to entreat me to't.
[To Oswald] What was th'offence you gave him?
I never gave him any.
None of these rogues and cowards
1203Cornwall
Fetch forth the stocks.
Sir, I am too old to learn.
Fetch forth the stocks!
Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too.
Why, madam, if I were your father's dog
1217Regan
Sir, being his knave, I will.
2.2.97.1Stocks brought out.
This is a fellow of the self same color
Let me beseech your grace not to do so.
1224Cornwall
I'll answer that.
My sister may receive it much more worse
Come my lord, away.
2.2.106.1Exeunt [all but Gloucester and Kent].
I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the Duke's pleasure,
Pray do not, sir. I have watched and traveled hard.
1235Gloucester
The Duke's to blame in this,
2.2.114.1Exit.
Good king, that must approve the common saw,
2.2.128.1[He sleeps.]
I heard myself proclaimed,
2.2.149.1Exit.
'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
1276Gentleman
As I learned,
1279Kent
[From the stocks] Hail to thee, noble master.
Ha? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?
1281Kent
No, my lord.
Ha, ha! He wears cruel garters. 1093Horses are 1283tied by the heads, dogs and bears 1094by the neck, 1284monkeys by the loins, and men 1095by the legs. When a man's 1285over-lusty at legs, 1096then he wears wooden netherstocks.
[To Kent] What's he 1287that hath so much thy place mistook
It is both he and she, 1290your son and daughter.
No.
Yes.
No I say.
I say yea.
By Jupiter, I swear no.
By Juno, I swear ay.
They durst not do't.
1303Kent
My lord, when at their home
Winter's not gone yet if the wild geese fly that way.
2.2.1961326But for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy 1327daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
Oh, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
With the earl, sir, here within.
[To the Fool and Gentleman] Follow me not, stay here.
2.2.201.1Exit [Lear].
Made you no more offence 1334but what you speak of?
None.
An thou hadst been set i'th'stocks for that 1338question, thou'dst well deserved it.
Why, Fool?
We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach 1341thee there's no laboring i'th'winter. All that follow their 1342noses are led by their eyes but blind men, and there's 1343not a nose among twenty but can smell him that's 1344stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a 1345hill, lest it break thy neck with following. But the 1346great one that goes upward, let him draw thee after. 1347When a wise man gives thee better counsel give me mine 1348again. I would have none but knaves follow it, since a 1349fool gives it.
2.2.207.1[Sings.]
Where learned you this, Fool?
1360Fool
Not i'th'stocks, fool.
Deny to speak with me? 1362They are sick, they are weary,
1366Gloucester
My dear lord,
1370Lear
Vengeance, plague, death, confusion!
Well, my good lord, I have informed them so.
Informed them? Dost thou understand me, man?
Ay, my good lord.
The king would speak with Cornwall. 1377The dear father
2.2.240.1[Notices Kent.]
1177Death on my state! Wherefore
I would have all well betwixt you.
2.2.248.1Exit [Gloucester].
Oh me, my heart, my rising heart! But down.
Cry to it nuncle, as the cockney did to the 1399eels when she put 'em i'th'paste alive. She knapped 'em 1400o'th'coxcombs with a stick and cried "Down, wantons, 1401down!" 'Twas her brother that in pure kindness to his 1402horse buttered his hay.
Good morrow to you both.
1405Cornwall
Hail to your grace.
2.2.251.1Kent here set at liberty.
I am glad to see your highness.
Regan, I think you are. I know what reason
I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
1419Lear
Say? How is that?
I cannot think my sister in the least
My curses on her.
1426Regan
O sir, you are old,
1433Lear
Ask her forgiveness?
Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.
1440Lear
[Rising] Never, Regan.
1447Cornwall
Fie sir, fie.
You nimble lightnings dart your blinding flames
O the blest gods!
No Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
1466Regan
Good sir, to th'purpose.
2.2.120.1Tucket within.
Who put my man i'th'stocks?
1469Cornwall
What trumpet's that?
I know't my sister's. This approves her letter
This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride
1475Cornwall
What means your grace?
Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Why not by th'hand sir? How have I offended?
1488Lear
O sides, you are too tough.
I set him there, sir, but his own disorders
1493Lear
You? Did you?
I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
Return to her? And fifty men dismissed?
2.2.341.1[Indicating Oswald]
1511Goneril
At your choice, sir.
I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
Not altogether so.
1532Lear
Is this well spoken?
I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?
Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
Why not, my lord? 1542If then they chanced to slack ye,
I gave you all.
1548Regan
And in good time you gave it.
Made you my guardians, my depositories,
And speak't again, my lord, no more with me.
Those wicked creatures yet do look well favored
1559Goneril
Hear me, my lord.
1563Regan
What need one?
Oh, reason not the need! Our basest beggars
2.2.411.1Exeunt [Lear, Gloucester, Kent and Fool].
Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.
This house is little. The old man and 's people
'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest,
For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,
1594Goneril
So am I purposed.
Followed the old man forth--he is returned.
The king is in high rage.
1599Cornwall
Whither is he going?
He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.
My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds
1606Regan
O sir, to willful men
Shut up your doors, my lord, 'tis a wild night.
Who's there besides foul weather?
One minded like the weather, most unquietly.
I know you. Where's the King?
Contending with the fretful elements;
1623Kent
But who is with him?
None but the Fool, who labors to out-jest
1626Kent
Sir, I do know you,
I will talk further with you.
1640Kent
No, do not.
1648Gentleman
Give me your hand.
Few words but to effect more than all yet,
Blow winds and crack your cheeks. Rage, blow
O nuncle, court holy-water in a dry house is 16661444better than this rainwater out o'door. 1445Good nuncle, 1667in; ask thy daughters' blessing. 1446Here's a night pities 1668neither wise men, nor fools.
Rumble thy bellyful. Spit fire, spout rain.
He that has a house to put's head in, has a good 1681headpiece.
3.2.22.1[Sings]
3.2.24 Before the head has any,
3.2.26 So beggars marry many.
3.2.28 What he his heart should make,
3.2.30 And turn his sleep to wake.
No, I will be the pattern of all patience;
3.2.34.1[He sits.]
Who's there?
Marry here's grace, and a codpiece, that's a 1693wise man and a fool.
Alas, sir, are you here? 1470Things that love night
1702Lear
Let the great gods
Alack, bare-headed?
1722Lear
My wits begin to turn.
3.2.69.1[Sings.]
3.2.70He that has and a little tiny wit,
True, boy. [To Kent] Come bring us to this hovel.
This is a brave night to cool a courtesan. 1735I'll speak a prophecy ere I go.
3.2.87Come to great confusion.
Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this 1508unnatural 1754dealing. When I desired their leave 1509that I might pity him, 1755they took from me 1510the use of mine own house, charged 1756me on pain 1511of perpetual displeasure neither to speak 1757of him, 1512entreat for him, or any way sustain him.
Most savage and unnatural.
Go to, say you nothing. There is division 1760between the Dukes, 1515and a worse matter than that. I have 1761received 1516a letter this night--'tis dangerous to be spoken. 17621517I have locked the letter in my closet. These injuries 1518the 1763King now bears will be revenged home; 1519there is part of 1764a power already footed. 1520We must incline to the King. I 1765will look [for] him, and 1521privily relieve him. Go you and 1766maintain talk 1522with the Duke that my charity be not of 1767him 1523perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill, and gone 1524to 1768bed. If I die for it, as no less is threatened me, 1525the King 1769my old master must be relieved. There is 1526strange things 1770toward. Edmund, pray you be careful.
3.3.3.1Exit.
This courtesy forbid thee shall the Duke
Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter.
3.4.3.1Storm still
1781Lear
Let me alone.
Good my lord, enter here.
1783Lear
Wilt break my heart?
I had rather break mine own. 1785Good my lord, enter.
Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm
Good my lord, enter here.
Prithee go in thyself, seek thine own ease.
3.4.27.1Exit [the Fool].
30I'll pray, and then I'll sleep.
Fathom and half, fathom and half! Poor Tom.
Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help 1821me, help me!
Give me thy hand. Who's there?
A spirit, a spirit. He says his name's Poor 1824Tom.
What art thou that dost grumble there i'th'1826straw? Come forth.
3.4.41.1[Edgar comes forward.]
Away, the foul fiend follows me. Through the 1828sharp hawthorn blow the winds. Humh, go to thy 1829bed and warm thee.
Did'st thou give all to thy daughters? And art 1831thou come to this?
Who gives anything to poor Tom, whom 1833the foul fiend hath led though fire and through flame, 1834through ford and whirlpool, o'er bog and 1835quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters 1836in his pew, set ratsbane by his porridge; made him 1837proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting-horse over four-1838inched bridges; to course his own shadow for a traitor. 1839Bless thy five wits. Tom's a'cold. O do, de, do, de, do de. 1840Bless thee from whirlwinds, star-blasting, and 1841taking. Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend 1842vexes. There could I have him now, and there, and there 1843again, and there.
3.4.44.1Storm still
Have his daughters brought him to this pass? 1845Couldst thou save nothing? Wouldst thou give 'em all?
Nay, he reserved a blanket, else we had been all 1847shamed.
Now all the plagues that in the pendulous air
He hath no daughters, sir.
Death, traitor! Nothing could have subdued nature
Pillicock sat on Pillicock hill. Alow, alow, loo, loo.
This cold night will turn us all to fools and 1859madmen.
Take heed o'th'foul fiend, obey thy 1861parents, keep thy word's justice, swear not, commit not 1862with man's sworn spouse, set not thy sweetheart on 1863proud array. Tom's a-cold.
What hast thou been?
A servingman, proud in heart and mind, that 1866curled my hair, wore gloves in my cap, served the lust 1867of my mistress' heart and did the act of darkness with 1868her; swore as many oaths as I spake words, and broke 1869them in the sweet face of heaven. One that slept in the 1870contriving of lust and waked to do it. Wine loved I 1871dearly, dice dearly, and in woman out-paramoured 1872the Turk; false of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; 1873hog in sloth, fox in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog 1874in madness, lion in prey. Let not the creaking of shoes 1875nor the rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to wo1876man. Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of 1877plackets, thy pen from lenders' books, and defy the 1878foul fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the 1879cold wind. Says suum, mun, nonny, dolphin my boy, 1880boy sesey. Let him trot by.
3.4.60.1Storm still
Thou wert better in a grave than to answer 1882with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies. Is 1883man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou owest 1884the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no 1885wool, the cat no perfume. Ha? Here's three on's are 1886sophisticated; thou art the thing itself. 1887Unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked 1888animal as thou art. Off, off you lendings. [Attempts to take off his clothes] Come, un1889button here.
Prithee nuncle be contented. 'Tis a naughty 1892night to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field 1893were like an old letcher's heart, a small spark, all the rest 1894on's body cold. Look, here comes a walking fire.
This is the foul Flibbertigibet. He begins at 1896curfew and walks at first cock. He gives the web 1897and the pin, squints the eye, and makes the harelip; 1898mildews the white wheat and hurts the poor 1899creature of earth.
3.4.63.1[Sings.]
3.4.67 And her troth plight,
How fares your grace?
What's he?
Who's there? What is't you seek?
What are you there? Your names?
Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the 1909toad, the tadpole, the wall-newt, and the water; that 1910in the fury of his heart, when the foul fiend rages, eats 1911cow dung for salads, swallows the old rat and the 1912ditch dog; drinks the green mantle of the standing 1913pool; who is whipped from tithing to tithing, and 1914stocked, punished, and imprisoned; who hath three suits 1915to his back, six shirts to his body.
What, hath your grace no better company?
The Prince of Darkness is a gentleman. Modo, 1922he's called, and Mahu.
Our flesh and blood, my lord, is grown so
Poor Tom's a-cold.
[To Lear] Go in with me. My duty cannot suffer
First let me talk with this philosopher.
Good my lord, take his offer. 1935Go into th'house.
I'll talk a word with this same learnèd Theban.
How to prevent the fiend, and to kill vermin.
Let me ask you one word in private.
[To Gloucester] Importune him once more to go, my lord.
1942Gloucester
Canst thou blame him?
3.4.97.1Storm still
1952Lear
Oh, cry you mercy, sir.
Tom's a-cold.
In fellow. There, into th'hovel; keep thee warm.
Come, let's in all.
1957Kent
This way, my lord.
1958Lear
With him.
[To Gloucester] Good my lord, soothe him. 1961Let him take the fellow.
Take him you on.
Sirrah, come on. Go along with us.
Come, good Athenian.
1965Gloucester
No words, no words, hush.
Childe Rowland to the dark tower came,
I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.
How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature 1973thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to 1974think of.
I now perceive it was not altogether your 1976brother's evil disposition made him seek his death, but 1977a provoking merit set a-work by a reprovable badness 1978in himself.
How malicious is my fortune that I must 1980repent to be just! This is the letter which he spoke of, 1981which approves him an intelligent party to the 1982advantages of France. O heavens, that this treason were not, 1983or not I the detector!
Go with me to the duchess.
If the matter of this paper be certain, you have 1986mighty business in hand.
True or false, it hath made thee Earl of 1988Gloucester. Seek out where thy father is, that he may be 1989ready for our apprehension.
[Aside] If I find him comforting the King, it will stuff 1991his suspicion more fully. [Aloud] I will persevere in my course of 1992loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and 1993my blood.
I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find 1995a dear father in my love.
Here is better than the open air. Take it 1999thankfully. I will piece out the comfort with what addition I 2000can. I will not be long from you.
All the power of his wits have given way to his 2002impatience. The gods reward your kindness.
3.6.2.1Exit [Gloucester].
2003Enter Lear, Edgar [as Poor Tom], and Fool.
Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an 2005angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware 2006the foul fiend.
Prithee nuncle, tell me whether a madman be 2008a gentleman or a yeoman.
A king, a king.
No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to 2011his son, for he's a mad yeoman that sees his son a 2012gentleman before him.
To have a thousand with red burning spits
2015Edgar
Bless thy five wits.
Oh, pity! Sir, where is the patience now
[Aside] My tears begin to take his part so much
The little dogs and all,
Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you 2023curs!
3.6.16Be thy mouth or black or white,
3.6.242031Do, de, de, de: sese. Come, march to wakes and fairs 2032and market towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.
Then let them anatomize Regan; see what 2034breeds about her heart. Is there any cause in nature that 2035make these hard hearts? [To Edgar] You sir, I entertain for one of 2036my hundred, only I do not like the fashion of your gar2037ments. You will say they are Persian, but let them be 2038changed.
Now, good my lord, lie here, and rest awhile.
Make no noise, make no noise, draw the 2042curtains, so, so. We'll go to supper i'th'morning.
3.6.30.1[He sleeps.]
Enter Gloucester(?).
Come hither, friend. 2045Where is the King, my master?
Here, sir, but trouble him not. His wits are gone.
Good friend, I prithee take him in thy arms.
3.6.40.1Exeunt
[To Goneril] Post speedily to my lord your husband. Show 2061him this letter. The army of France is landed. [To a servant] Seek out 2062the traitor Gloucester.
3.7.1.1[Exit servant.]
Hang him instantly.
Pluck out his eyes.
Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep 2066you our sister company. The revenges we are bound to 2067take upon your traitorous father are not fit for your 2068beholding. Advise the Duke where you are going, to a 2069most festinate preparation. We are bound to the like. Our 2070posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us. 2071Farewell dear sister. Farewell my lord of Gloucester.
3.7.4.1[The Bastard and Goneril start to leave.]
My lord of Gloucester hath conveyed him hence.
2080Cornwall
[To Oswald] Get horses for your mistress.
3.7.11.1[Exit Oswald]
Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.
3.7.12.1Exeunt [Goneril and the Bastard].
Edmund farewell. [To servants] Go seek the traitor Gloucester.
3.7.30.1[Exeunt servants.]
Ingrateful fox, 'tis he.
[To servants] Bind fast his corky arms.
What means your graces?
Bind him, I say.
3.7.22.1[They bind him.]
Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!
Unmerciful lady as you are, I'm none.
To this chair bind him. 2099Villain, thou shalt find--
3.7.25.1[Regan plucks hairs from Gloucester's beard.]
By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done,
So white and such a traitor?
2103Gloucester
Naughty lady.
Come, sir. 2109What letters had you late from France?
Be simple-answered, for we know the truth.
And what confederacy have you with
To whose hands 2114you have sent the lunatic King.
3.7.38Speak.
I have a letter guessingly set down
Cunning.
2119Regan
And false.
2120Cornwall
Where hast thou sent the King?
To Dover.
Wherefore to Dover? 2123Wast thou not charged at peril--
Wherefore to Dover? Let him answer that.
I am tied to th'stake, 2126and I must stand the course.
Wherefore to Dover?
Because I would not see thy cruel nails
See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.
He that will think to live till he be old
3.7.62.1[Cornwall puts out one of Gloucester's eyes.]
Oh, cruel! O you Gods!
One side will mock another. Th'other too.
If you see vengeance--
21451 Servant
Hold your hand, my lord.
2149Regan
How now, you dog!
If you did wear a beard upon your chin
My villein!
Nay then, come on and take the chance of anger.
3.7.70.1[They draw and fight. Cornwall is wounded.]
[To another servant] Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus?
Oh, I am slain. My lord, you have one eye left
3.7.74.1[He dies.]
Lest it see more, prevent it. Out vile jelly.
3.7.75.1[Puts out Gloucester's other eye.]
All dark and comfortless. 2161Where's my son, Edmund?
Out, treacherous villain.
Oh my follies! Then Edgar was abused.
Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell
3.7.87.1Exeunt [servant] with Gloucester.
I have received a hurt. Follow me, lady.
Yet better thus, and known to be contemned,
4.1.13.1[Edgar stands aside.]
O my good lord, I have been your tenant,
Away, get thee away. Good friend, be gone.
2198Old Man
You cannot see your way.
I have no way and therefore want no eyes;
2206Old Man
How now, who's there?
[Aside] O gods! Who is't can say "I am at the worst"?
2209Old Man
'Tis poor mad Tom.
[Aside] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not
[To Edgar] Fellow, where goest?
2213Gloucester
Is it a beggar man?
Madman, and beggar too.
He has some reason, else he could not beg.
2223Edgar
[Aside] How should this be?
Is that the naked fellow?
2227Old Man
Ay, my lord.
Get thee away. If for my sake
Alack sir, he is mad.
'Tis the time's plague 2235when madmen lead the blind.
I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have,
4.1.52.1Exit.
Sirrah, naked fellow.
Poor Tom's a cold. [Aside] I cannot daub it further.
Come hither, fellow.
Know'st thou the way to Dover?
35.1Both stile, and gate, horse-way, and footpath, 2247poor Tom hath been scared out of his good wits. Bless 2248thee, good man's son, from the foul fiend.
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues
Ay, master.
There is a cliff, whose high and bending head
2264Edgar
Give me thy arm.
Welcome, my lord. I marvel our mild husband
Madam, within, but never man so changed.
2279Goneril
[To the Bastard] Then shall you go no further.
4.2.20.1[Gives him a favor of some kind.]
4.2.22.1[She kisses him.]
This kiss, if it durst speak,
Yours in the ranks of death.
4.2.25.1Exit.
2294Goneril
My most dear Gloucester.
Madam, here comes my lord.
4.2.29.1[Exit Oswald.]
I have been worth the whistle.
2301Albany
O Goneril,
2304Goneril
Milk-livered man,
2308Albany
See thyself, devil.
2311Goneril
O vain fool.
O my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead,
2316Albany
Gloucester's eyes?
A servant that he bred, thrilled with remorse,
This shows you are above
2327Messenger
Both, both, my lord.
2330Goneril
[Aside] One way I like this well;
4.2.55.1[Exit Goneril.]
Where was his son 2336when they did take his eyes?
Come with my lady hither.
2338Albany
He is not here?
No, my good lord, I met him back again.
Knows he the wickedness?
Ay, my good lord, 'twas he informed against him,
2344Albany
Gloucester, I live
Alack, 'tis he. Why, he was met even now,
4.3.8.1[Exit soldier(s).]
What can man's wisdom
2361Gentleman
There is means madam.
2366Cordelia
All blest secrets,
2373Messenger
News, madam.
'Tis known before. Our preparation stands
But are my brother's powers set forth?
Ay, madam.
Himself in person there?
Madam, with much ado.
2388Your sister is the better soldier.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
No, madam.
What might import my sister's letter to him?
I know not, lady.
Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us;
2403Oswald
I may not, madam.
Why should she write to Edmund? 2406Might not you
2409Oswald
Madam, I had rather--
I know your lady does not love her husband--
I, madam?
I speak in understanding. Y'are, I know't.
Would I could meet, madam, I should show
2428Regan
Fare thee well.
When shall I come to th'top of that same hill?
You do climb up it now. Look how we labor.
Methinks the ground is even.
2434Edgar
Horrible steep.
No, truly.
Why, then your other senses grow imperfect
2439Gloucester
So may it be, indeed.
Y'are much deceived. In nothing am I changed
2444Gloucester
Methinks y'are better spoken.
2460Gloucester
Set me where you stand.
Give me your hand.
Let go my hand.
[Pretending to leave] Now fare ye well, good sir.
2470Gloucester
With all my heart.
[Aside] Why I do trifle thus with his despair
2473Gloucester
O you mighty gods--
4.5.36.1[He kneels.]
4.5.43.1[He falls forward.]
2481Edgar
Gone, sir; farewell.
2489Gloucester
Away, and let me die.
Hadst thou been aught 2491but gossamer, feathers, air,
But have I fallen or no?
From the dread summit of this chalky bourn,
Alack, I have no eyes.
2507Edgar
Give me your arm.
Too well, too well.
2510Edgar
This is above all strangeness.
2513Gloucester
A poor unfortunate beggar.
As I stood here below, methought his eyes
I do remember now. Henceforth I'll bear
Bear free and patient thoughts.
2527But who comes here?
No, they cannot touch me for crying. I am the 2531King himself.
Oh, thou side-piercing sight!
Nature's above art in that respect. There's your 2534press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a 2535crow-keeper. Draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a 2536mouse! Peace, peace. This piece of toasted cheese will 2537do't. There's my gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant. 2538Bring up the brown bills. Oh, well flown, bird; i'th' 2539clout, i'th'clout. Hewgh. Give the word.
Sweet marjoram.
Pass.
I know that voice.
Ha! Goneril with a white beard? They flattered 2544me like a dog and told me I had the white hairs in 2545my beard ere the black ones were there. To say "ay" and 2546"no" to everything that I said "Ay" and "no" to was no good 2547divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and the 2548wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not 2549peace at my bidding--there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em 2550out. Go to, they are not men o'their words; they told 2551me I was everything. 'Tis a lie. I am not ague-proof.
The trick of that voice I do well remember.
Ay, every inch a king.
There's hell, there's 2570darkness, 18there is the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench, 2571consumption. Fie, fie, fie, pah, pah. 19Give me an ounce 2572of civet; good apothecary, 20sweeten my imagination. 2573There's money for thee.
Oh, let me kiss that hand.
Let me wipe it first. 2576It smells of mortality.
O ruined piece of nature! This great world
I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou 2581squinny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid, I'll not 2582love. Read thou this challenge; mark but the penning 2583of it.
Were all thy letters suns I could not see.
[Aside] I would not take this from report. 2586It is,
4.5.118And my heart breaks at it.
Read.
What? With the case of eyes?
Oh ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your 2590head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a 2591heavy case, your purse in a light, yet you see how this world 2592goes.
I see it feelingly.
What, art mad? A man may see how this world 2595goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears. See how 2596yond justice rails upon yond simple thief? Hark in 2597thine ear. Change places, and handy-dandy, which is 2598the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen a 2599farmer's dog bark at a beggar?
Ay, sir.
And the creature run from the cur? There thou 2602mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's 2603obeyed in office.
4.5.130The usurer hangs the cozener.
[Aside] Oh, matter and impertinency mixed;
If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.
Alack, alack the day.
When we are born, we cry that we are come
Oh, here he is. Lay hand upon him. Sir,
No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even
2637Gentleman
You shall have anything.
No seconds? All myself?
What? I will be jovial.
You are a royal one, and we obey you.
Then there's life in't. Come, an you get it,
A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,
2650Edgar
Hail, gentle sir.
Sir, speed you. What's your will?
Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?
Most sure and vulgar.
But, by your favor, 2656how near's the other army?
Near and on speedy foot. The main descry
I thank you, sir. That's all.
Though that the queen on special cause is here
2662Edgar
I thank you, sir.
4.5.184.1Exit [Gentleman].
You ever gentle gods take my breath from me.
2666Edgar
Well pray you, father.
Now, good sir, what are you?
A most poor man made tame to fortune's blows,
2672Gloucester
Hearty thanks.
2676Oswald
A proclaimed prize! Most happy.
2681Gloucester
Now let thy friendly hand
4.5.200.1[Edgar steps between them.]
2683Oswald
Wherefore, bold peasant
Chill not let go zir, 2688without vurther 'casion.
Let go, slave, or thou diest.
Good gentleman, go your gait and let poor 2691volk pass. An 'chud ha' bin zwaggered out of my life, 2692'twould not ha' bin zo long as 'tis, by a vortnight. Nay, 2693come not near th'old man. Keep out, che vor ye, or I'se 2694try whether your costard or my ballow be the harder. 2695Chill be plain with you.
Out, dunghill!
4.5.240.1[They fight.]
Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come, no matter vor 2698your foins.
4.5.210.1[Edgar knocks him down.]
Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse.
4.5.212.1[He dies.]
I know thee well. A serviceable villain,
2707Gloucester
What, is he dead?
Sit you down, father; rest you.--
4.5.216.1[Gloucester sits.]
2715Reads the letter.
4.5.2232716"Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have many 2717opportunities to cut him off. If your will want not, time and 2718place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done if he 2719return the conqueror, then am I the prisoner and his bed my 2720jail, from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me and 2721supply the place for your labor. 2722Your--wife, so I would say--2723affectionate servant47.1.
The King is mad. 2733How stiff is my vile sense
2740Edgar
Give me your hand.
O thou good Kent, 2746how shall I live and work
To be acknowledged, madam, is o'er-paid.
Be better suited.
Pardon, dear madam;
Then be't so, my good lord. [To the Gentleman] 2761How does the King?
Madam, sleeps still.
O you kind gods,
2767Gentleman
So please your majesty
Be governed by your knowledge and proceed
Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep
O my dear father, restoration hang
2780Kent
Kind and dear princess.
Had you not been their father, these white flakes
Madam do you. 'Tis fittest.
How does my royal lord? 2793How fares your majesty?
You do me wrong to take me out o'th'grave.
2798Cordelia
Sir, do you know me?
You are a spirit, I know. Where did you die?
Still, still, far wide.
He's scarce awake. 2802Let him alone a while.
Where have I been? 2804Where am I? Fair daylight?
2810Cordelia
[Kneeling] O look upon me, sir,
4.6.54.1[Lear attempts to kneel.]
2813Lear
Pray do not mock me.
2826Cordelia
And so I am, I am.
Be your tears wet? 2828Yes, faith. I pray weep not.
2833Cordelia
No cause, no cause.
Am I in France?
2835Kent
In your own kingdom, sir.
Do not abuse me.
Be comforted, good madam. The great rage
Will't please your highness walk?
2841Lear
You must bear with me.
[To an officer] Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
5.1.4.1[Exit officer.]
Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
'Tis to be doubted, madam.
2853Regan
Now, sweet lord,
2857Bastard
In honored love.
But have you never found my brother's way
2860Bastard
No, by mine honor, madam.
I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,
2863Bastard
Fear not.--
5.1.14She and the Duke her husband.
Our very loving sister, well be-met.
2869Regan
Why is this reasoned?
Combine together 'gainst the enemy,
Let's then determine with th'ensign of war
2875Regan
Sister, you'll go with us?
No.
'Tis most convenient. Pray go with us.
[Aside] Oh ho, I know the riddle.--I will go.
If ere your grace had speech with man so poor,
[To those leaving] I'll overtake you. [To Edgar] Speak.
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
Stay till I have read the letter.
2892Edgar
I was forbid it.
Why fare thee well, I will o'erlook thy paper.
5.1.40.1Exit [Edgar].
2896Enter Edmund [the Bastard].
The enemy's in view. Draw up your powers.
2901Albany
We will greet the time.
5.1.44.1Exit.
To both these sisters have I sworn my love,
5.2.0.22918Alarum within. Enter with drum and colors, Lear, 2919Cordelia, and soldiers; [they pass] over the stage, and exeunt.
Here, father, take the shadow of this tree
Grace go with you, sir.
5.2.4.1Exit [Edgar].
Away, old man, give me thy hand, away!
No further, sir, a man may rot even here.
What, in ill thoughts again? 2933Men must endure
2936Gloucester
And that's true too.
5.3.0.22938Enter, in conquest with drum and colors, Edmund [the Bastard]; Lear, 2939and Cordelia, as prisoners; soldiers, Captain.
Some officers take them away. Good guard,
2943Cordelia
We are not the first
No, no, no, no. Come, let's away to prison.
2960Bastard
[To soldiers] Take them away.
Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
5.3.21.1[Embracing Cordelia]
2963Have I caught thee?
5.3.26Come.
5.3.26.1Exeunt [Lear and Cordelia, guarded].
Come hither captain, hark. [Handing him a paper]
2978Captain
I'll do't, my lord.
About it, and write "happy" when th'hast done.
[To the Bastard] Sir, you have showed today your valiant strain
2989Bastard
Sir, I thought it fit
Sir, by your patience,
3001Regan
That's as we list to grace him.
3007Goneril
Not so hot.
3010Regan
In my rights,
That were the most, if he should husband you.
Jesters do oft prove prophets.
3014Goneril
Hola, hola!
Lady, I am not well, else I should answer
3022Goneril
Mean you to enjoy him?
The let-alone lies not in your good will.
Nor in thine, lord.
3025Albany
Half-blooded fellow, yes.
[To Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.
Stay yet, hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee
3035Goneril
An interlude!
Thou art armed, Gloucester. 3037Let the trumpet sound.
5.3.86.1[Throwing down a glove]
Sick, oh sick.
3044Goneril
[Aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine.
[Throwing down a glove] There's my exchange. What in the world he is
3051Albany
A herald, ho!
3055Regan
My sickness grows upon me.
She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
5.3.99.1[Exit Regan, supported.]
Again!
5.3.103.1Second trumpet
Again!
5.3.104.1Third trumpet
Ask him his purposes; why he appears
What are you?
Know my name is lost,
3077Albany
Which is that adversary?
What's he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
Himself. What sayest thou to him?
3080Edgar
Draw thy sword
5.3.115.1[Draws his sword.]
3097Bastard
In wisdom I should ask thy name,
5.3.138.1Alarums. Fights. [The Bastard is wounded.]
[To Edgar] Save him, save him.
This is practice, Gloucester.
Shut your mouth, dame,
Say if I do, the laws are mine not thine.
5.3.147.1Exit [Goneril].
3118Albany
Most monstrous!
5.3.148[To Edmund] Oh, know'st thou this paper?
3119Bastard
Ask me not what I know.
[To an attendant] Go after her. She's desperate--govern her.
5.3.149.1[Exit an attendant.]
What you have charged me with, 3122that have I done,
3127Edgar
Let's exchange charity.
Th'hast spoken right, 'tis true.
[To Edgar] Methought thy very gait did prophesy
3141Edgar
Worthy prince, I know't.
Where have you hid yourself?
By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale,
3163Bastard
This speech of yours hath moved me,
If there be more, more woeful, hold it in,
Help, help, oh help!
What kind of help?
Speak, man.
What means this bloody knife?
3174Gentleman
'Tis hot, it smokes.
Who dead? Speak, man.
Your lady, sir, your lady; and her sister
I was contracted to them both. All three
3181Edgar
Here comes Kent.
Produce the bodies, be they alive or dead.
I am come
3192Albany
Great thing of us forgot.
3195Kent
Alack, why thus?
Yet Edmund was beloved.
Even so. Cover their faces.
I pant for life. Some good I mean to do
3205Albany
Run, run, Oh, run!
To who my lord? Who has the office?
Well thought on. Take my sword. 3209Give it the captain.
Haste thee for thy life.
5.3.224.1[Exit a Gentleman.]
He hath commission from thy wife and me
The gods defend her. Bear him hence awhile.
5.3.250.1[The Bastard is carried off.]
Howl, howl, howl. Oh, you are men of stones.
3224Kent
Is this the promised end?
Or image of that horror?
3226Albany
Fall and cease.
This feather stirs--she lives. If it be so,
3230Kent
O my good master.
Prithee, away.
3232Edgar
'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
A plague upon you murderers, traitors all.
'Tis true, my lords, he did.
3240Lear
Did I not, fellow?
If fortune brag of two she loved and hated,
This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?
The same; your servant Kent. 3249Where is your servant Caius?
He's a good fellow, I can tell you that.
No, my good lord, I am the very man--
I'll see that straight.
That from your first of difference and decay
3256Lear
You are welcome hither.
Nor no man else. 3258All's cheerless, dark, and deadly.
3261Lear
Ay, so I think.
He knows not what he says, and vain is it
3265Edgar
Very bootless.
Edmund is dead, my lord.
3267Albany
That's but a trifle here.
And my poor fool is hanged. No, no, no life?
5.3.284.1He dies.
3284Edgar
He faints. My lord, my lord!
Break heart, I prithee break.
3286Edgar
Look up, my lord.
Vex not his ghost. O let him pass. He hates him
3290Edgar
He is gone indeed.
The wonder is he hath endured so long;
Bear them from hence. Our present business
I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
The weight of this sad time we must obey,