1.1.24I thought the King had more affected the 5Duke of Albany than Cornwall.

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.

Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.

1.1.2042Give me the map there. Know that we have divided

1.1.2143In three our kingdom, and 'tis our fast intent

1.1.2244To shake all cares and business from our age,

1.1.2345Conferring them on younger strengths2, while we2.1

1.1.2446Unburdened crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,

1.1.2547And you, our no less loving son of Albany,

1.1.2648We have this hour a constant will to publish

1.1.2749Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife

1.1.2850May be prevented now. 3The princes France and Burgundy,

1.1.2951Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,

1.1.3052Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,

1.1.3153And here are to be answered. Tell me, my daughters--

1.1.3254Since now we will divest us both of rule,

1.1.3355Interest of territory, cares of state--

1.1.3456Which of you shall we say doth love us most,

1.1.3557That we our largest bounty may extend

1.1.3658Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,

1.1.3759Our eldest born, speak first.

Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter;

1.1.3961Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty,

1.1.4062Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,

1.1.4163No less than life; with grace, health, beauty, honor,

1.1.4264As much as child e'er loved or father found;

1.1.4365A love that makes breath poor and speech unable.

1.1.4466Beyond all manner of so much I love you.

[Aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love and be silent.

Of all these bounds even from this line to this,

1.1.4769With shadowy forests and 6with champaigns riched6.1

1.1.4870With plenteous rivers and 7wide-skirted meads,7.1

1.1.4971We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issues

1.1.5072Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,

1.1.5173Our dearest Regan, wife of Cornwall?

I am made of that self-mettle as my sister,

1.1.5375And prize me at her worth. In my true heart

1.1.5476I find she names my very deed of love--

1.1.5577Only she comes too short--that I profess

1.1.5678Myself an enemy to all other joys

1.1.5779Which the most precious square of sense professes,

1.1.5880And find I am alone felicitate

1.1.5981In your dear highness' love.

In your dear highness' love. [Aside] Then poor Cordelia--

1.1.6083And yet not so, since I am sure my love's

1.1.6184More ponderous than my tongue.

To thee and thine hereditary ever

1.1.6386Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,

1.1.6487No less in space, validity, and pleasure

1.1.6588Than that conferred on Goneril. Now our joy,

1.1.6689Although our last and least, to 8whose young love8.1

1.1.6790The vines of France and milk of Burgundy

1.1.6891Strive to be interessed,9 what can you say to draw

1.1.6992A third, more opulent than your sisters'? Speak.

Nothing my lord.

Nothing?

Nothing.

Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.

Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave

1.1.7598My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty

1.1.7699According to my bond, no more nor less.

How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little,

1.1.78101Lest you may mar your fortunes.

Lest you may mar your fortunes. Good my lord,

1.1.79103You have begot me, bred me, loved me.

1.1.80104I return those duties back as are right fit;

1.1.81105Obey you, love you, and most honor you.

1.1.82106Why have my sisters husbands if they say

1.1.83107They love you all? Haply when I shall wed,

1.1.84108That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry

1.1.85109Half my love with him, half my care and duty.

1.1.86110Sure I shall never marry like my sisters0.1.

But goes thy heart with this?

But goes thy heart with this? 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;

1.1.91116For by the sacred radiance of the sun,

1.1.92117The mysteries of Hecate and the night,

1.1.93118By all the operation of the orbs

1.1.94119From whom we do exist and cease to be,

1.1.95120Here I disclaim all my paternal care,

1.1.96121Propinquity and property of blood,

1.1.97122And as a stranger to my heart and me

1.1.98123Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,

1.1.99124Or he that makes his generation messes

1.1.100125To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom

1.1.101126Be as well neighbored, pitied, and relieved

1.1.102127As thou my sometime daughter.

As thou my sometime daughter. Good my liege--

Peace, Kent!

1.1.104130Come not between the dragon and his wrath.

1.1.105131I loved her most, and thought to set my rest

1.1.106132On her kind nursery. [To Cordelia] Hence and avoid my sight--

1.1.107133So be my grave my peace, as here I give

1.1.108134Her father's heart from her. Call France. Who stirs?

1.1.109135Call Burgundy.

Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,

1.1.110136With my two daughters' dowers digest the third.

1.1.111137Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.

1.1.112138I do invest you jointly with my power,

1.1.113139Preeminence, and all the large effects

1.1.114140That troop with majesty. Ourself by monthly course,

1.1.115141With reservation of an hundred knights

1.1.116142By you to be sustained, shall our abode

1.1.117143Make with you by due turn; only we shall retain

1.1.118144The name and all th'addition to a king. The sway,

1.1.119145Revenue, execution of the rest,

1.1.120146Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,

1.1.121147This coronet part between you.

This coronet part between you. Royal Lear,

1.1.122149Whom I have ever honored as my king,

1.1.123150Loved as my father, as my master followed,

1.1.124151As my great patron thought on in my prayers--

The bow is bent and drawn. Make from the shaft.

Let it fall rather, 136though the fork invade

1.1.127154The region of my heart. 137Be Kent unmannerly

1.1.128155When Lear is mad. 138What wouldst thou do, old man?

1.1.129156Think'st thou that duty 139shall have dread to speak

1.1.130157When power to flattery bows? 158140To plainness honor's bound

1.1.131159When majesty falls to folly. 141Reserve thy state,

1.1.132160And in thy best consideration 142check

1.1.133161This hideous rashness. Answer my life 143my judgment;

1.1.134162Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;

1.1.135163144Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sounds

1.1.136164Reverb no hollowness.

Reverb no hollowness. Kent, on thy life no more.

My life I never held but as pawn

1.1.138167To wage against thine enemies, ne'er feared to lose it,

1.1.139168Thy safety being motive.

Thy safety being motive. Out of my sight!

See better Lear, and let me still remain

1.1.141171The true blank of thine eye.

The true blank of thine eye. Now by Apollo--

Now, by Apollo, King, 174thou swear'st thy gods in vain.

[Threatening Kent] O vassal! Miscreant!

[Threatening Kent] O vassal! Miscreant! Dear sir, forbear!

Kill thy physician, 157and thy fee bestow

1.1.145178Upon the foul disease. 158Revoke thy gift,

1.1.146179Or whilst I can vent clamor 159from my throat

1.1.147180I'll tell thee thou dost evil.

Hear me, recreant, on thine allegiance hear me.

1.1.149182That thou hast sought to make us break our vows,

1.1.150183Which we durst never yet, and with strained pride

1.1.151184To come betwixt our sentences and our power,

1.1.152185Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,

1.1.153186Our potency made good, take thy reward.

1.1.154187Five days we do allot thee for provision

1.1.155188To shield thee from disasters of the world,

1.1.156189And on the sixth to turn thy hated back

1.1.157190Upon our kingdom. If on the next day following

1.1.158191Thy banished trunk be found in our dominions,

1.1.159192The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,

1.1.160193This shall not be revoked.

Fare thee well, King, sith thus thou wilt appear,

1.1.162195Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.

1.1.163196[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,

1.1.164197That justly think'st, and hast most rightly said.

1.1.165198[To Goneril and Regan] And your large speeches may your deeds approve,

1.1.166199That good effects may spring from words of love.

1.1.167200Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;

1.1.168201He'll shape his old course in a country new.

Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.

My lord of Burgundy,

1.1.171206We first address toward you, 184who with this king

1.1.172207Hath rivaled for our daughter. 185What in the least

1.1.173208Will you require in present 186dower with her,

1.1.174209Or cease your quest of love?

Or cease your quest of love? Most royal majesty,

1.1.175211I crave no more than hath 188your highness offered,

1.1.176212Nor will you tender less.

Nor will you tender less. Right noble Burgundy,

1.1.177214When she was dear to us 190we did hold her so,

1.1.178215But now her price is fallen. 191Sir, there she stands.

1.1.179216If aught within that little-192seeming substance,

1.1.180217Or all of it with our displeasure pieced

1.1.181218193And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,

1.1.182219She's there, and she is yours.

She's there, and she is yours. I know no answer.

Will you with those infirmities she owes,

1.1.184222Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,

1.1.185223Dowered with our curse and strangered with our oath,

1.1.186224Take her or leave her?

Take her or leave her? Pardon me royal sir,

1.1.187226Election makes not up in such conditions.

Then leave her sir, for by the power that made me

1.1.189228I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,

1.1.190229I would not from your love make such a stray

1.1.191230To match you where I hate. Therefore, beseech you

1.1.192231T'avert your liking a more worthier way

1.1.193232Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed

1.1.194233Almost t'acknowledge hers.

Almost t'acknowledge hers. This is most strange,

1.1.195235That she whom even but now 210was your object,

1.1.196236The argument of your praise, 211balm of your age,

1.1.197237The best, the dearest, 212should in this trice of time

1.1.198238Commit a thing 213so monstrous to dismantle

1.1.199239So many folds of favor. 214Sure her offence

1.1.200240Must be of such unnatural degree

1.1.201241215That monsters it, or your fore-vouched affection

1.1.202242Fall into taint; which to believe of her

1.1.203243Must be a faith that reason without miracle

1.1.204244Should never plant in me.

I yet beseech your majesty,

1.1.206246If for I want that glib and oily art,

1.1.207247To speak and purpose not--since what I will intend

1.1.208248I'll do't before I speak--that you make known

1.1.209249It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,

1.1.210250No unchaste action or dishonored step

1.1.211251That hath deprived me of your grace and favor,

1.1.212252But even for want of that for which I am richer--

1.1.213253A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue

1.1.214254That I am glad I have not, though not to have it

1.1.215255Hath lost me in your liking.

Hath lost me in your liking. Better thou hadst

1.1.216257Not been born than not t'have pleased me better.

Is it but this? A tardiness in nature

1.1.218259Which often leaves the history unspoke

1.1.219260That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,

1.1.220261What say you to the lady? Love's not love

1.1.221262When it is mingled with regards that stands

1.1.222263Aloof from th'entire point. Will you have her?

1.1.223264She is herself a dowry.

She is herself a dowry. Royal King,

1.1.224266Give but that portion 239which yourself proposed,

1.1.225267And here I take Cordelia 240by the hand,

1.1.226268Duchess of Burgundy.

Nothing. I have sworn. I am firm.

[To Cordelia] I am sorry then you have so lost a father

1.1.229271That you must lose a husband.

Peace be with Burgundy;

1.1.231273Since that respect 245and fortunes are his love,

1.1.232274I shall not be his wife.

Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor,

1.1.234276Most choice, forsaken, and most loved, despised,

1.1.235277Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon.

1.1.236278Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.

1.1.237279Gods, gods! 'Tis strange, that from their cold'st neglect

1.1.238280My love should kindle to inflamed respect.

1.1.239281Thy dowerless daughter, King, thrown to my chance,

1.1.240282Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France.

1.1.241283Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy,

1.1.242284Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.

1.1.243285Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind.

1.1.244286Thou losest here a better where to find.

Thou hast her, France. Let her be thine, 259for we

1.1.246288Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see

1.1.247289260That face of hers again. Therefore be gone,

1.1.248290Without our grace, our love, our benison.

1.1.249291Come, noble Burgundy.

Bid farewell to your sisters.

The jewels of our father, 265with washed eyes

1.1.252294Cordelia leaves you. I know you what you are,

1.1.253295266And like a sister am most loath to call

1.1.254296Your faults as they are named. Love well our father.

1.1.255297To your professèd bosoms I commit him;

1.1.256298But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,

1.1.257299I would prefer him to a better place.

1.1.258300So farewell to you both.

Prescribe not us our duty.

Prescribe not us our duty. Let your study

1.1.260303Be to content your lord, 274who hath received you

1.1.261304At fortune's alms. 275You have obedience scanted,

1.1.262305276And well are worth the want that you have wanted.

Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides;

1.1.264307Who covers faults at last with shame derides.

1.1.265308Well may you prosper.

Well may you prosper. Come my fair 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

1.2.2336My services are bound. Wherefore should I

1.2.3337Stand in the plague of custom and permit

1.2.4338The curiosity of nations to deprive me,

1.2.5339For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines

1.2.6340Lag of a brother? Why "bastard"? Wherefore "base,"

1.2.7341When my dimensions are as well compact,

1.2.8342My mind as generous, and my shape as true

1.2.9343As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us

1.2.10344With "base"? With baseness? Bastardy? "Base, base"?

1.2.11345Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take

1.2.12346More composition and fierce quality

1.2.13347Than doth within a dull, stale, tired bed

1.2.14348Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops

1.2.15349Got 'tween asleep and wake. Well then,

1.2.16350Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land.

1.2.17351Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund

1.2.18352As to th'legitimate. Fine word, "legitimate."

1.2.19353Well, my "legitimate," if this letter speed

1.2.20354And my invention thrive, Edmund the base

1.2.21355Shall to th'legitimate. I grow, I prosper.

1.2.22356Now, gods, stand up for bastards!

Kent banished thus? and France in choler parted?

1.2.25359And the King gone tonight, prescribed his power,

1.2.26360Confined to exhibition? All this done

1.2.27361Upon the gad?--Edmund, how now? What news?

[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.

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.

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?

17.1I promise you, the effects he writes of 17succeed 473unhappily18.

1.2.63474When saw you my father last?

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?

[Calling after him] I do serve you in this business.

1.2.76499A credulous father and a brother noble,

1.2.77500Whose nature is so far from doing harms

1.2.78501That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty

1.2.79502My practices ride easy. I see the business.

1.2.80503Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit.

1.2.81504All with me's meet that I can fashion fit.

Did my father strike my gentleman for 508chiding of his fool?

Ay, madam.

By day and night he wrongs me. Every hour

1.3.4511He flashes into one gross crime or other

1.3.5512That sets us all at odds. I'll not endure it.

1.3.6513His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us

1.3.7514On every trifle. When he returns from hunting

1.3.8515I will not speak with him. Say I am sick.

1.3.9516If you come slack of former services

1.3.10517You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.

He's coming madam. I hear him.

Put on what weary negligence you please,

1.3.13520You and your fellows. I'd have it come to question.

1.3.14521If he distaste it, let him to my sister,

1.3.15522Whose mind and mine I know in that are one10.1.

1.3.16523Remember what I have said.

Remember what I have said. 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

1.4.2532That can my speech diffuse, my good intent

1.4.3533May carry through itself to that full issue

1.4.4534For which I razed my likeness. Now, banished Kent,

1.4.5535If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemned,

1.4.6536So may it come thy master, whom thou lovest,

1.4.7537Shall find thee full of labors.

Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it 540ready.

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.

1.4.29You--you, sirrah--where's my daughter?

So please you--

What says the fellow there? Call the 578clotpoll back.

Where's my fool? Ho! I think the world's 579asleep.

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.

1.4.43Go you, 606call hither my fool.

1.4.44O you, sir, you. Come you hither 607sir. Who am I, sir?

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.

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.

15Nuncle, give me an egg, and I'll give thee 671two crowns.

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.

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,

1.4.96692Prithee, 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.

1.4.104[Pointing to Lear.] That's a shelled peascod.

Not only, sir, this, your all-licensed fool,

1.4.106713But other of your insolent retinue

1.4.107714Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth

1.4.108715In rank and not-to-be-endurèd riots. Sir,

1.4.109716I had thought by making this well known unto you

1.4.110717To have found a safe redress, but now grow fearful

1.4.111718By what yourself too late have spoke and done

1.4.112719That you protect this course, and put it on

1.4.113720By your allowance; which if you should, the fault

1.4.114721Would not scape censure, nor the redresses sleep;

1.4.115722Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,

1.4.116723Might in their working do you that offence,

1.4.117724Which else were shame, that then necessity

1.4.118725Will call discreet proceeding.

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,

1.4.124732Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away

1.4.125733These dispositions which of late transport you

1.4.126734From what you rightly are.

May not an ass know when the cart draws 736the horse?--

1.4.128737Whoop, Jug, I love thee!

Does any here know me? 739This is not Lear.

1.4.1304740Does Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?

1.4.131741Either his notion weakens, his discernings

1.4.132742Are lethargied. Ha! Waking? 'Tis not so.

1.4.133743Who is it that can tell me who I am?

Lear's shadow.

Lear's shadow. Your name, fair gentlewoman?

This admiration, sir, is much o'th'savor

1.4.136747Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you

1.4.137748To understand my purposes aright.

1.4.138749As you are old and reverend, should be wise.

1.4.139750Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires,

1.4.140751Men so disordered, so debauched and bold,

1.4.141752That this our court, infected with their manners,

1.4.142753Shows like a riotous inn. Epicurism and lust

1.4.143754Makes it more like a tavern or a brothel

1.4.144755Than a graced palace. The shame itself doth speak

1.4.145756For instant remedy. Be then desired

1.4.146757By her, that else will take the thing she begs,

1.4.147758A little to disquantity your train,

1.4.148759And the remainders that shall still depend

1.4.149760To be such men as may besort your age,

1.4.150761Which know themselves, and you.

Which know themselves, and you. Darkness and devils!

1.4.151763Saddle my horses. Call my train together.

1.4.152764Degenerate bastard, I'll not trouble thee.

1.4.153765Yet have I left a daughter.

You strike my people, and your disordered rabble

1.4.155767Make servants of their betters.

Woe that too late repents.

1.4.157770[To Albany] Is it your will? Speak, sir. [To a servant] Prepare my horses.

1.4.158771Ingratitude! Thou marble-hearted fiend,

1.4.159772More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child

1.4.160773Than the sea-monster.

Than the sea-monster. Pray, sir, be patient.

[To Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest.

1.4.162776My train are men of choice and rarest parts,

1.4.163777That all particulars of duty know,

1.4.164778And in the most exact regard support

1.4.165779The worships of their name. Oh, most small fault,

1.4.166780How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show,

1.4.167781Which like an engine, wrenched my frame of nature

1.4.168782From the fixèd place; drew from my heart all love

1.4.169783And added to the gall.

And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!

1.4.170784Beat at this gate that let thy folly in

1.4.171785And thy dear judgment out. Go, go, my people.

My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant

1.4.173787Of what hath moved you.

Of what hath moved you. It may be so, my lord.

1.4.174789Hear Nature, hear dear goddess, hear.

1.4.175790Suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend

1.4.176791To make this creature fruitful.

1.4.177792Into her womb convey sterility,

1.4.178793Dry up in her the organs of increase,

1.4.179794And from her derogate body never spring

1.4.180795A babe to honor her. If she must teem,

1.4.181796Create her child of spleen, that it may live

1.4.182797And be a thwart, disnatured torment to her.

1.4.183798Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth,

1.4.184799With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks,

1.4.185800Turn all her mother's pains and benefits

1.4.186801To laughter and contempt, that she may feel

1.4.187802How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is

1.4.188803To have a thankless child. Away, away.

Now, gods that we adore, 805whereof comes this?

Never afflict yourself to know more of it,

1.4.191807But let his disposition have that scope

1.4.192808As dotage gives it.

What? Fifty of my followers at a clap

1.4.194811Within a fortnight?

Within a fortnight? What's the matter, sir?

I'll tell thee--814life and death, I am ashamed

1.4.196815That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;

1.4.197816That these hot tears which break from me perforce

1.4.198817Should make thee worth them. 818Blasts and fogs upon thee!

1.4.199819Th'untented woundings of a father's curse

1.4.200820Pierce every sense about thee. Old fond eyes,

1.4.201821Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out

1.4.202822And cast you with the waters that you loose

1.4.203823To temper clay. Ha? Let it be so.

1.4.204824I have another daughter,

1.4.205825Who I am sure is kind and comfortable.

1.4.206826When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails

1.4.207827She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find

1.4.208828That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think

1.4.209829I have cast off for ever.

I have cast off for ever. Do you mark that?

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,

1.4.211832To the great love I bear you--

Pray you content. What, Oswald, ho!

1.4.213834[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master!

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, 836tarry. Take the fool with thee.

This man hath had good counsel. 843A hundred knights?

1.4.221844'Tis politic and safe to let him keep

1.4.222845At point a hundred knights? Yes, that on every dream,

1.4.223846Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,

1.4.224847He may enguard his dotage with their powers

1.4.225848And hold our lives in mercy.--Oswald, I say!

Well, you may fear too far.

Well, you may fear too far. Safer than trust too far.

1.4.227851Let me still take away the harms I fear,

1.4.228852Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.

1.4.229853What he hath uttered I have writ my sister.

1.4.230854If she sustain him and his hundred knights

1.4.231855When I have showed th'unfitness--

When I have showed th'unfitness-- 857How now Oswald?

1.4.232858What, have you writ that letter to my sister?

Ay, madam.

Take you some company and away to horse.

1.4.235861Inform her full of my particular fear,

1.4.236862And thereto add such reasons of your own

1.4.237863As may compact it more. Get you gone,

1.4.238864And hasten your return.

And hasten your return. No, no, my lord,

1.4.239865This milky gentleness and course of yours,

1.4.240866Though I condemn not, yet, under pardon,

1.4.241867You are much more at task for want of wisdom

1.4.242868Than praised for harmful mildness.

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.

1.4.244870Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

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.

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.

1.5.27How now, are 920the horses ready?

Ready, my lord.

Come, boy.

She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,

1.5.31924Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.

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.

The Duke be here tonight? The better--best.

2.1.14944This weaves itself perforce into my business,

2.1.15945My father hath set guard to take my brother,

2.1.16946And I have one thing of a queasy question

2.1.17947Which I must act. Briefness, and fortune work.

2.1.18949Brother, a word. Descend. Brother, I say,

2.1.19950My father watches.

My father watches. O sir, fly this place!

2.1.20951Intelligence is given where you are hid.

2.1.21952You have now the good advantage of the night.

2.1.22953Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall?

2.1.23954He's coming hither, now i'th'night, i'th'haste,

2.1.24955And Regan with him. Have you nothing said

2.1.25956Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?

2.1.26957Advise yourself.

Advise yourself. I am sure on't. Not a word.

I hear my father coming. Pardon me--

2.1.28960In cunning, I must draw my sword upon you.

2.1.29961Draw! Seem to defend yourself. 962Now quit you well.

2.1.30963[Shouting] Yield! Come before my father. Light, ho, here!

2.1.31964[To Edgar] Fly, brother.--[Shouting] Torches, torches! [To Edgar] So farewell.

2.1.32966[Wounding his arm] Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion

2.1.33967Of my more fierce endeavor. I have seen drunkards

2.1.34968Do more than this in sport. [Shouting] Father, father!

2.1.35969Stop, stop! No help?

Stop, stop! No help? Now Edmund, where's the villain?

Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,

2.1.37973Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon

2.1.38974To stand auspicious mistress.

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.

Pursue him, ho! Go after. [To the Bastard] By no means what?

Persuade me to the murder of your lordship.

2.1.45981But that I told him the revenging gods

2.1.46982'Gainst parricides did all the thunder bend;

2.1.47983Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond

2.1.48984The child was bound to'th'father. Sir, in fine,

2.1.49985Seeing how loathly opposite I stood

2.1.50986To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion

2.1.51987With his preparèd sword he charges home

2.1.52988My unprovided body, latched mine arm.

2.1.53989And when he saw my best alarumed spirits,

2.1.54990Bold in the quarrel's right, roused to th'encounter--

2.1.55991Or whether gasted by the noise I made--

2.1.56992Full suddenly he fled.

Full suddenly he fled. Let him fly far.

2.1.57994Not in this land shall he remain uncaught--

2.1.58995And found, dispatch! The noble Duke my master,

2.1.59996My worthy arch and patron, comes tonight.

2.1.60997By his authority I will proclaim it.

2.1.61998That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks,

2.1.62999Bringing the murderous coward to the stake.

2.1.631000He that conceals him, death.

When I dissuaded him from his intent

2.1.651002And found him pitched to do it, with curst speech

2.1.661003I threatened to discover him. He replied,

2.1.671004"Thou unpossessing bastard, dost thou think,

2.1.681005If I would stand against thee, would the reposal

2.1.691006Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee

2.1.701007Make thy words faithed? No. What should I deny,

2.1.711008As this I would, though thou didst produce

2.1.721009My very character, I'd turn it all

2.1.731010To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice.

2.1.741011And thou must make a dullard of the world,

2.1.751012If they not thought the profits of my death

2.1.761013Were very pregnant and potential spirits

2.1.771014To make thee seek it."

To make thee seek it." Oh, strange and fastened villain!

2.1.781016Would he deny his letter, said he?

2.1.791017Hark, the Duke's trumpets. I know not why he comes.

2.1.801018All ports I'll bar. The villain shall not scape;

2.1.811019The Duke must grant me that. Besides, his picture

2.1.821020I will send far and near that all the kingdom

2.1.831021May have due note of him. And of my land,

2.1.841022Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means

2.1.851023To make thee capable.

How now, my noble friend. Since I came hither,

2.1.871026Which I can call but now, I have heard strangeness.

If it be true, all vengeance comes too short

2.1.891028Which can pursue th'offender. How dost, my lord?

O madam, my old heart is cracked, it's cracked.

What, did my father's godson seek your life?

2.1.921031He whom my father named, your Edgar?

O lady, lady, shame would have it hid.

Was he not companion with the riotous knights

2.1.951034That tended upon my father?

I know not, madam. 'Tis too bad, too bad.

Yes, madam, he was of that consort.

No marvel, then, though he were ill affected,

2.1.991038'Tis they have put him on the old man's death

2.1.1001039To have th'expense and waste of his revenues.

2.1.1011040I have this present evening from my sister

2.1.1021041Been well informed of them, and with such cautions,

2.1.1031042That if they come to sojourn at my house

2.1.1041043I'll not be there.

I'll not be there. Nor I, assure thee Regan;

2.1.1051045Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father

2.1.1061046A child-like office.

A child-like office. It was my duty, sir.

He did bewray his practice, and received

2.1.1081049This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.

Is he pursued?

Ay, my good lord.

If he be taken, he shall never more

2.1.1121053Be feared of doing harm. Make your own purpose

2.1.1131054How, in my strength, you please. For you, Edmund,

2.1.1141055Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant

2.1.1151056So much commend itself, you shall be ours.

2.1.1161057Natures of such deep trust we shall much need.

2.1.1171058You we first seize on.

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?

2.1.1221063Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some prize,

2.1.1231064Wherein we must have use of your advice.

2.1.1241065Our father, he hath writ--so hath our sister--

2.1.1251066Of differences which I best thought it fit

2.1.1261067To answer from our home. The several messengers

2.1.1271068From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,

2.1.1281069Lay comforts to your bosom, and bestow

2.1.1291070Your needful counsel to our businesses,

2.1.1301071Which craves the instant use.

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.

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!

2.2.341142You beastly knave, know you no reverence?

Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege.

Why art thou angry?

That such a slave as this should wear a sword,

2.2.381146Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,

2.2.391147Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain,

2.2.401148Which are too intrinse t'unloose; smooth every passion

2.2.411149That in the natures of their lords rebel,

2.2.421150Being oil to fire, snow to the colder moods,

2.2.431151Revenge, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks

2.2.441152With every gall and vary of their masters,

2.2.451153Knowing naught, like dogs, but following.

2.2.461154[To Oswald] A plague upon your epileptic visage!

2.2.471155Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?

2.2.481156Goose, if I had you upon Sarum Plain,

2.2.491157I'd drive ye cackling home to Camelot.

What, art thou mad, old fellow?

How fell you out, say that.

No contraries hold more antipathy,

2.2.531161Than I and such a knave.

Than I and such a knave. Why dost thou call him knave?

2.2.541163What is his fault?

What is his fault? His countenance likes me not.

No more perchance does mine, nor his, nor hers.

Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain.

2.2.571167I have seen better faces in my time

2.2.581168Than stands on any shoulder that I see

2.2.591169Before me at this instant.

Before me at this instant. This is some fellow,

2.2.601171Who, having been praised 985for bluntness, doth affect

2.2.611172A saucy roughness, 986and constrains the garb

2.2.621173Quite from his nature. 987He cannot flatter, he.

2.2.631174An honest mind and plain, 988he must speak truth,

2.2.641175An they will take it, so; 989if not, he's plain.

2.2.651176These kind of knaves I know, 990which in this "plainness"

2.2.661177Harbor more craft 991and more corrupter ends

2.2.671178Than twenty silly-ducking 992observants

2.2.681179That stretch their duties nicely.

Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,

2.2.701181Under th'allowance of your great aspect,

2.2.711182Whose influence like the wreath of radiant fire

2.2.721183On flickering Phoebus' front--

On flickering Phoebus' front-- 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.

2.2.761192It pleased the king his master very late

2.2.771193To strike at me, upon his misconstruction,

2.2.781194When he, compact and flattering his displeasure,

2.2.791195Tripped me behind; being down, insulted, railed,

2.2.801196And put upon him such a deal of man

2.2.811197That worthied him, got praises of the king

2.2.821198For him attempting who was self-subdued;

2.2.831199And in the fleshment of this dread exploit

2.2.841200Drew on me here again.

None of these rogues and cowards

2.2.861202But Ajax is their fool.

But Ajax is their fool. Fetch forth the stocks.

2.2.871204You stubborn ancient knave, you reverend braggart,

2.2.881205We'll teach you.

We'll teach you. Sir, I am too old to learn.

2.2.891207Call not your stocks for me. 1017I serve the king,

2.2.901208On whose employment I was sent to you.

2.2.9112091018You shall do small respects, show too bold malice

2.2.921210Against the grace and person of my master,

2.2.931211Stocking his messenger.

Stocking his messenger. Fetch forth the stocks!

2.2.941213As I have life and honor, 1022there shall he sit till noon.

Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too.

Why, madam, if I were your father's dog

2.2.971216You should not use me so.

You should not use me so. Sir, being his knave, I will.

This is a fellow of the self same color

2.2.991219Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks.

Let me beseech your grace not to do so.

2.2.1011221The King his master needs must take it ill

2.2.1021222That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,

2.2.1031223Should have him thus restrained.

Should have him thus restrained. I'll answer that.

My sister may receive it much more worse

2.2.1051226To have her gentleman abused, assaulted26.

Come my lord, away.

I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the Duke's pleasure,

2.2.1081229Whose disposition all the world well knows

2.2.1091230Will not be rubbed nor stopped. I'll entreat for thee.

Pray do not, sir. I have watched and traveled hard.

2.2.1111232Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.

2.2.1121233A good man's fortune may grow out at heels.

2.2.1131234Give you good morrow.

Give you good morrow. The Duke's to blame in this,

2.2.1141236'Twill be ill taken.

Good king, that must approve the common saw,

2.2.1161238Thou out of heaven's benediction com'st

2.2.1171239To the warm sun.

2.2.1181240Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,

2.2.1191241That by thy comfortable beams I may

2.2.1201242Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles

2.2.1211243But misery. I know 'tis from Cordelia,

2.2.1221244Who hath most fortunately been informed

2.2.1231245Of my obscurèd course, and shall find time

2.2.1241246From this enormous state, seeking to give

2.2.1251247Losses their remedies. All weary and o'erwatched,

2.2.1261248Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold

2.2.1271249This shameful lodging. Fortune, goodnight.

2.2.1281250Smile once more; turn thy wheel.

I heard myself proclaimed,

2.2.1301253And by the happy hollow of a tree

2.2.1311254Escaped the hunt. No port is free, no place

2.2.1321255That guard and most unusual vigilance

2.2.1331256Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may scape

2.2.1341257I will preserve myself, and am bethought

2.2.1351258To take the basest and most poorest shape

2.2.1361259That ever penury in contempt of man

2.2.1371260Brought near to beast. My face I'll grime with filth,

2.2.1381261Blanket my loins, elf all my hairs in knots,

2.2.1391262And with presented nakedness outface

2.2.1401263The winds and persecutions of the sky.

2.2.1411264The country gives me proof and precedent

2.2.1421265Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,

2.2.1431266Strike in their numbed and mortified arms

2.2.1441267Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary,

2.2.1451268And with this horrible object, from low farms,

2.2.1461269Poor pelting villages, sheepcotes and mills,

2.2.1471270Sometimes with lunatic bans, sometimes with prayers,

2.2.1481271Enforce their charity. "Poor Turlygod, poor Tom."

2.2.1491272That's something yet. Edgar I nothing am.

'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,

2.2.1511275And not send back my messengers.

And not send back my messengers. As I learned,

2.2.1521277The night before there was no purpose in them

2.2.1531278Of this remove.

Of this remove. [From the stocks] Hail to thee, noble master.

Ha? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?

Ha? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime? 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

2.2.1571288To set thee here?

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.

2.2.1661298They could not, would not do't. 'Tis worse than murder

2.2.1671299To do upon respect such violent outrage.

2.2.1681300Resolve me with all modest haste which way

2.2.1691301Thou might'st deserve, or they impose this usage,

2.2.1701302Coming from us.

Coming from us. My lord, when at their home

2.2.1711304I did commend your highness' letters to them,

2.2.1721305Ere I was risen from the place that showed

2.2.1731306My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,

2.2.1741307Stewed in his haste, half breathless, panting forth

2.2.1751308From Goneril his mistress, salutations;

2.2.1761309Delivered letters, spite of intermission,

2.2.1771310Which presently they read; on those contents

2.2.1781311They summoned up their meiney, straight took horse,

2.2.1791312Commanded me to follow and attend

2.2.1801313The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks,

2.2.1811314And meeting here the other messenger,

2.2.1821315Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine,

2.2.1831316Being the very fellow which of late

2.2.1841317Displayed so saucily against your highness,

2.2.1851318Having more man than wit about me, drew.

2.2.1861319He raised the house with loud and coward cries.

2.2.1871320Your son and daughter found this trespass worth

2.2.1881321The shame which here it suffers.

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!

2.2.1981329Hysterica passio, down thou climbing sorrow,

2.2.1991330Thy element's below. Where is this daughter?

With the earl, sir, here within.

[To the Fool and Gentleman] Follow me not, stay here.

Made you no more offence 1334but what you speak of?

None.

2.2.2041336How chance the king comes with so small a number?

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.

Where learned you this, Fool?

Where learned you this, Fool? Not i'th'stocks, fool.

Deny to speak with me? 1362They are sick, they are weary,

2.2.21813631159They have traveled all the night? Mere fetches,

2.2.21913641160The images of revolt and flying off.

2.2.2201365Fetch me a better answer.

Fetch me a better answer. My dear lord,

2.2.2211367You know the fiery quality of the Duke,

2.2.2221368How unremoveable and fixed he is

2.2.2231369In his own course.

In his own course. Vengeance, plague, death, confusion!

2.2.2241371Fiery? What quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,

2.2.2251372I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.

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

2.2.2301378Would with his daughter speak, commands--tends--service.

2.2.2311379Are they informed of this? My breath and blood--

2.2.2321380Fiery? The fiery Duke? Tell the hot Duke that--

2.2.2331381No, but not yet. Maybe he is not well.

2.2.23413821172Infirmity doth still neglect all office

2.2.2351383Whereto our health 1173is bound. We are not ourselves,

2.2.2361384When nature, being oppressed, 1174commands the mind

2.2.2371385To suffer with the body. I'll forbear,

2.2.23813861175And am fallen out with my more headier will

2.2.23913871176To take the indisposed and sickly fit

2.2.2401388For the sound man.

For the sound man. 1177Death on my state! Wherefore

2.2.2411389Should he sit here? 1178This act persuades me

2.2.2421390That this remotion of the Duke and her

2.2.24313911179Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.

2.2.2441392Go tell the Duke and 's wife I'd speak with them

2.2.2451393Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,

2.2.2461394Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum

2.2.2471395Till it cry sleep to death.

I would have all well betwixt you.

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.

Good morrow to you both. Hail to your grace.

I am glad to see your highness.

Regan, I think you are. I know what reason

2.2.2541408I have to think so. If thou shouldst not be glad,

2.2.2551409I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb,

2.2.2561410Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent] Oh, are you free?

2.2.2571411Some other time for that.--Belovèd Regan,

2.2.2581412Thy sister's naught. O Regan, she hath tied

2.2.2591413Sharp-toothed unkindness like a vulture here.

2.2.2601414I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe

2.2.2611415With how depraved a quality, O Regan--

I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope

2.2.2631417You less know how to value her desert

2.2.2641418Than she to scant her duty.

Than she to scant her duty. Say? How is that?

I cannot think my sister in the least

2.2.2661421Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance

2.2.2671422She have restrained the riots of your followers,

2.2.2681423'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end

2.2.2691424As clears her from all blame.

My curses on her.

My curses on her. O sir, you are old,

2.2.2711427Nature in you stands on the very verge

2.2.2721428Of his confine. You should be ruled and led

2.2.2731429By some discretion that discerns your state

2.2.2741430Better than you yourself. Therefore, I pray you,

2.2.2751431That to our sister you do make return.

2.2.2761432Say you have wronged her.

Say you have wronged her. Ask her forgiveness?

2.2.2771434Do you but mark how this becomes the house?

2.2.2781435[Kneeling] "Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.

2.2.2791436Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg

2.2.2801437That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food."

Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.

2.2.2821439Return you to my sister.

Return you to my sister. [Rising] Never, Regan.

2.2.2831441She hath abated me of half my train,

2.2.2841442Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue

2.2.2851443Most serpent-like upon the very heart.

2.2.2861444All the stored vengeances of heaven fall

2.2.2871445On her ungrateful top! Strike her young bones,

2.2.2881446You taking airs, with lameness--

You taking airs, with lameness-- Fie sir, fie.

You nimble lightnings dart your blinding flames

2.2.2901449Into her scornful eyes. Infect her beauty,

2.2.2911450You fen-sucked fogs, drawn by the powerful sun,

2.2.2921451To fall and blister.

To fall and blister. O the blest gods!

2.2.2931453So will you wish on me 1232when the rash mood is on.

No Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.

2.2.2951455Thy tender-hafted nature shall not give

2.2.2961456Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce, but thine

2.2.2971457Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee

2.2.2981458To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,

2.2.2991459To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,

2.2.3001460And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt

2.2.3011461Against my coming in. Thou better know'st

2.2.3021462The offices of nature, bond of childhood,

2.2.3031463Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude.

2.2.3041464Thy half o'th'kingdom hast thou not forgot

2.2.3051465Wherein I thee endowed.

Wherein I thee endowed. Good sir, to th'purpose.

Who put my man i'th'stocks?

Who put my man i'th'stocks? What trumpet's that?

I know't my sister's. This approves her letter

2.2.3081471That she would soon be here. [To Oswald] Is your lady come?

This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride

2.2.3101473Dwells in the sickly grace of her he follows.

2.2.3111474[Striking him] Out, varlet, from my sight.

[Striking him] Out, varlet, from my sight. What means your grace?

Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope

2.2.3131478Thou didst not know on't.

2.2.3141479[Seeing Goneril.] Who comes here? O heavens!

2.2.31514801256If you do love old men, if your sweet sway

2.2.3161481Allow 1257obedience, if you your selves are old,

2.2.3171482Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part.

2.2.3181483[To Goneril] Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?--

2.2.3191484O Regan, will you take her by the hand?

Why not by th'hand sir? How have I offended?

2.2.3211486All's not offence that indiscretion finds

2.2.3221487And dotage terms so.

And dotage terms so. O sides, you are too tough.

2.2.3231489Will you yet hold? 1490How came my man i'th'stocks?

I set him there, sir, but his own disorders

2.2.3251492Deserved much less advancement.

Deserved much less advancement. You? Did you?

I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.

2.2.3271495If, till the expiration of your month

2.2.3281496You will return and sojourn with my sister,

2.2.3291497Dismissing half your train, come then to me.

2.2.3301498I am now from home, and out of that provision

2.2.3311499Which shall be needful for your entertainment.

Return to her? And fifty men dismissed?

2.2.3331501No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose

2.2.3341502To wage against the enmity o'th'air,

2.2.3351503To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,

2.2.3361504Necessity's sharp pinch. Return with her?

2.2.33715051280Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless 1281took

2.2.3381506Our youngest born, I could as well be brought

2.2.33915071282To knee his throne, and squire-like pension beg

2.2.3401508To keep base life afoot. Return with her?

2.2.3411509Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter

2.2.3421510To this detested groom.

To this detested groom. At your choice, sir.

I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.

2.2.3441513I will not trouble thee my child. Farewell.

2.2.3451514We'll no more meet, no more see one another.

2.2.3461515But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter--

2.2.3471516Or rather a disease that's in my flesh

2.2.3481517Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,

2.2.3491518A plague sore, or embossèd carbuncle

2.2.3501519In my corrupted blood--but I'll not chide thee.

2.2.3511520Let shame come when it will, I do not call it.

2.2.3521521I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,

2.2.3531522Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.

2.2.3541523Mend when thou canst. Be better at thy leisure.

2.2.3551524I can be patient. I can stay with Regan,

2.2.35615251300I and my hundred knights.

I and my hundred knights. Not altogether so.

2.2.3571527I looked not for you yet, 1302nor am provided

2.2.3581528For your fit welcome. 1303Give ear, sir, to my sister,

2.2.3591529For those 1304that mingle reason with your passion

2.2.36015301305Must be content to think you old, and so--

2.2.3611531But she knows what she does.

But she knows what she does. Is this well spoken?

I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?

2.2.3631534Is it not well? What should you need of more?

2.2.3641535Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger

2.2.3651536Speak 'gainst so great a number. How in one house

2.2.3661537Should many people under two commands

2.2.3671538Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.

Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance

2.2.3691540From those that she calls servants; or from mine?

Why not, my lord? 1542If then they chanced to slack ye,

2.2.37215431317We could control them. If you will come to me,

2.2.3731544For now I spy a danger, I entreat you

2.2.3741545To bring but five and twenty. To no more

2.2.3751546Will I give place or notice.

I gave you all.

I gave you all. And in good time you gave it.

Made you my guardians, my depositories,

2.2.3781550But kept a reservation to be followed

2.2.3791551With such a number. What, must I come to you

2.2.3801552With five and twenty? Regan, said you so?

And speak't again, my lord, no more with me.

Those wicked creatures yet do look well favored

2.2.3831555When others are more wicked. Not being the worst

2.2.3841556Stands in some rank of praise. [To Goneril] I'll go with thee.

2.2.3851557Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,

2.2.3861558And thou art twice her love.

And thou art twice her love. Hear me, my lord.

2.2.3871560What need you five and twenty? Ten? Or five,

2.2.3881561To follow in a house where twice so many

2.2.3891562Have a command to tend you.

Have a command to tend you. What need one?

Oh, reason not the need! Our basest beggars

2.2.3911565Are in the poorest thing superfluous.

2.2.3921566Allow not nature more than nature needs,

2.2.3931567Man's life is cheap as beast's. Thou art a lady;

2.2.3941568If only to go warm were gorgeous,

2.2.3951569Why nature needs not what thou gorgeous wearest,

2.2.3961570Which scarcely keeps thee warm; but for true need--

2.2.3971571You heavens, give me that patience; patience I need.

2.2.3981572You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,

2.2.3991573As full of grief as age, wretched in both.

2.2.4001574If it be you that stirs these daughters' hearts

2.2.4011575Against their father, fool me not so much

2.2.4021576To bear it tamely. Touch me with noble anger,

2.2.4031577And let not women's weapons, water drops,

2.2.4041578Stain my man's cheeks. No, you unnatural hags,

2.2.4051579I will have such revenges on you both

2.2.4061580That all the world shall--I will do such things--

2.2.4071581What they are yet I know not, but they shall be

2.2.4081582The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep.

2.2.4091583No, I'll not weep. I have full cause of weeping,

2.2.4101585But this heart shall break into a hundred thousand flaws

2.2.4111586Or ere I'll weep. O Fool, I shall go mad.

Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.

This house is little. The old man and 's people

2.2.4141589Cannot be well bestowed.

'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest,

2.2.4161591And must needs taste his folly.

For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,

2.2.4181593But not one follower.

But not one follower. So am I purposed.

2.2.4191595Where is my Lord of Gloucester?

Followed the old man forth--he is returned.

The king is in high rage.

The king is in high rage. 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

2.2.4261604Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about

2.2.4271605There's scarce a bush.

There's scarce a bush. O sir, to willful men

2.2.4281607The injuries that they themselves procure,

2.2.4291608Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.

2.2.4301609He is attended with a desperate train,

2.2.4311610And what they may incense him to, being apt

2.2.4321611To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.

Shut up your doors, my lord, 'tis a wild night.

2.2.4341613My Regan counsels well. Come out o'th'storm.

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;

3.1.51620Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,

3.1.61621Or swell the curlèd waters 'bove the main

3.1.7162229That things might change or cease.29.1

That things might change or cease. But who is with him?

None but the Fool, who labors to out-jest

3.1.91625His heart-struck injuries.

His heart-struck injuries. Sir, I do know you,

3.1.101627And dare upon the warrant of my note

3.1.111628Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,

3.1.121629Although as yet the face of it is covered

3.1.131630With mutual cunning, twixt Albany and Cornwall,

3.1.141631Who have--as who have not that their great stars

3.1.151632Throned and set high?--servants who seem no less,

3.1.161633Which are to France the spies and speculations

3.1.171634Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen,

3.1.181635Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes,

3.1.191636Or the hard rein which both of them hath born

3.1.201637Against the old kind King, or something deeper,

3.1.211638Whereof, perchance, these are but furnishings.

I will talk further with you.

I will talk further with you. No, do not.

3.1.231641For confirmation that I am much more

3.1.241642Than my out-wall, open this purse and take

3.1.251643What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia,

3.1.261644As fear not but you shall, show her this ring,

3.1.271645And she will tell you who that fellow is

3.1.281646That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm.

3.1.291647I will go seek the King.

I will go seek the King. Give me your hand.

3.1.301649Have you no more to say?

Few words but to effect more than all yet,

3.1.321651That when we have found the King--in which your pain

3.1.331652That way, I'll this--he that first lights on him

3.1.341653Holla the other.

Blow winds and crack your cheeks. Rage, blow

3.2.21657You cataracts, and hurricanoes spout,

3.2.31658Till you have drenched 1436our steeples, drowned the cocks.

3.2.41659You sulfurous and 1437thought-executing fires,

3.2.51660Vaunt-couriers of 1438oak-cleaving thunderbolts,

3.2.61661Singe my white head, 1439and thou all-shaking thunder,

3.2.71662Strike flat 1440the thick rotundity o'th'world,

3.2.81663Crack nature's 1441molds; all germens spill at once

3.2.91664That makes ingrateful man.

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.

3.2.121670Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters.

3.2.131671I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness.

3.2.141672I never gave you kingdom, called you children.

3.2.151673You owe me no subscription. Then let fall

3.2.161674Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave,

3.2.171675A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man.

3.2.181676But yet I call you servile ministers,

3.2.191677That will with two pernicious daughters join

3.2.201678Your high-engendered battles 'gainst a head

3.2.211679So old and white as this. Oh ho, 'tis foul.

He that has a house to put's head in, has a good 1681headpiece.

3.2.311686For there was never yet fair woman but she made 1687mouths in a glass.

No, I will be the pattern of all patience;

3.2.341690I will say nothing.

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

3.2.381695Love not such nights as these. 1471The wrathful skies

3.2.391696Gallow the very wanderers of the 1472dark

3.2.401697And make them keep their caves. 1473Since I was man

3.2.411698Such sheets of fire, 1474such bursts of horrid thunder,

3.2.421699Such groans of 1475roaring wind and rain I never

3.2.431700Remember 1476to have heard. Man's nature cannot carry

3.2.4417011477Th'affliction, nor the fear.

Th'affliction, nor the fear. Let the great gods

3.2.451703That keep this dreadful pudder o'er our heads

3.2.461704Find out their enemies now. Tremble thou wretch

3.2.471705That hast within thee undivulgèd crimes

3.2.481706Unwhipped of justice. Hide thee, thou bloody hand,

3.2.491707Thou perjured, and thou simular of virtue

3.2.501708That art incestuous; caitiff, to pieces shake,

3.2.511709That under covert and convenient seeming

3.2.521710Has practised on man's life; 1486close pent-up guilts,

3.2.531711Rive your concealing continents 1487and cry

3.2.541712These dreadful summoners grace. 1488I am a man

3.2.551713More sinned against than sinning.

More sinned against than sinning. Alack, bare-headed?

3.2.561715Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel.

3.2.571716Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest.

3.2.581717Repose you there while I to this hard house--

3.2.591718More harder than the stones whereof 'tis raised--

3.2.601719Which even but now, demanding after you,

3.2.611720Denied me to come in, return and force

3.2.621721Their scanted courtesy.

Their scanted courtesy. My wits begin to turn.

3.2.631723[To the Fool] Come on my boy. How dost my boy? Art cold?

3.2.641724I am cold myself. [To Kent] Where is this straw, my fellow?

3.2.6517251498The art of our necessities is strange,

3.2.661726And can 1499make vile things precious. Come, your hovel.

3.2.671727Poor 1500fool and knave, I have one part in my heart

3.2.6817281501That's sorry yet for thee.

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.

3.2.901749This prophecy Merlin shall make, for I live before his time.

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.

This courtesy forbid thee shall the Duke

3.3.51772Instantly know, and of that letter too.

3.3.61773This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me

3.3.71774That which my father loses--no less than all.

3.3.81775The younger rises when the old doth fall.

Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter.

3.4.21779The tyranny of the open night's too rough

3.4.31780For nature to endure.

For nature to endure. Let me alone.

Good my lord, enter here.

Good my lord, enter here. Wilt break my heart?

I had rather break mine own. 1785Good my lord, enter.

Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm

3.4.71787Invades us to the skin. So 'tis to thee;

3.4.81788But where the greater malady is fixed

3.4.91789The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'dst shun a bear,

3.4.101790But if thy flight lay toward the roaring sea

3.4.111791Thou'dst meet the bear i'th'mouth. When the mind's free

3.4.121792The body's delicate. The tempest in my mind

3.4.131793Doth from my senses take all feeling else

3.4.141794Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude!

3.4.151795Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand

3.4.1617961547For lifting food to't? But I will punish home.

3.4.1717971548No, I will weep no more. 32.2In such a night32.3

3.4.181798To shut me out? Pour on. I will endure.

3.4.191799In such a night as this? 1549O Regan, Goneril,

3.4.201800Your old kind father, 1550whose frank heart gave all!--

3.4.211801Oh, that way madness lies; 1551let me shun that;

3.4.221802No more of that.

No more of that. Good my lord, enter here.

Prithee go in thyself, seek thine own ease.

3.4.241805This tempest will not give me leave to ponder

3.4.251806On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in.

3.4.261807[To the Fool] In boy, go first. You houseless poverty--

3.4.271808Nay get thee in.

Nay get thee in. 30I'll pray, and then I'll sleep.

3.4.281809Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are

3.4.291810That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,

3.4.301811How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,

3.4.311812Your looped and windowed raggedness, defend you

3.4.321813From seasons such as these? Oh, I have ta'en

3.4.331814Too little care of this. Take physic, pomp.

3.4.341815Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel

3.4.351816That thou mayst shake the superflux to them

3.4.361817And show the heavens more just.

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.

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.

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

3.4.481849Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters.

He hath no daughters, sir.

Death, traitor! Nothing could have subdued nature

3.4.511852To such a lowness but his unkind daughters.

3.4.521853Is it the fashion that discarded fathers

3.4.531854Should have thus little mercy on their flesh?

3.4.541855Judicious punishment. 'Twas this flesh begot

3.4.551856Those pelican daughters.

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.

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.

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.

3.4.771919Beware my follower. Peace, Smolking, peace thou fiend!

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

3.4.811924Vile that it doth hate what gets it.

Poor Tom's a-cold.

[To Lear] Go in with me. My duty cannot suffer

3.4.841927T'obey in all your daughters' hard commands.

3.4.851928Though their injunction be to bar my doors

3.4.861929And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,

3.4.871930Yet have I ventured to come seek you out

3.4.881931And bring you where both fire and food is ready.

First let me talk with this philosopher.

3.4.901933What is the cause of thunder?

Good my lord, take his offer. 1935Go into th'house.

I'll talk a word with this same learnèd Theban.

3.4.931937What is your study?

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.

3.4.971941His wits begin t'unsettle.

His wits begin t'unsettle. Canst thou blame him?

3.4.981943His daughters seek his death. Ah, that good Kent,

3.4.991944He said it would be thus, poor banished man.

3.4.1001945Thou say'st the King grows mad. I'll tell thee, friend,

3.4.1011946I am almost mad myself. I had a son

3.4.1021947Now outlawed from my blood. He sought my life

3.4.1031948But lately; very late. I loved him, friend,

3.4.1041949No father his son dearer. True to tell thee

3.4.1051950The grief hath crazed my wits. What a night's this?

3.4.1061951[To Lear] I do beseech your grace--

[To Lear] I do beseech your grace-- Oh, cry you mercy, sir.

3.4.1071953Noble philosopher, your company.

Tom's a-cold.

In fellow. There, into th'hovel; keep thee warm.

Come, let's in all.

Come, let's in all. This way, my lord.

Come, let's in all. This way, my lord. With him.

3.4.1111959I will keep still with my philosopher.

[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.

Come, good Athenian. No words, no words, hush.

Childe Rowland to the dark tower came,

3.4.1171967His word was still "Fie, foh, and fum,

3.4.1181968I smell the blood of a British man."

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.

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

3.6.82014Come hissing in upon 'em.

Come hissing in upon 'em. Bless thy five wits.

Oh, pity! Sir, where is the patience now

3.6.102017That you so oft have boasted to retain?

[Aside] My tears begin to take his part so much

3.6.122019They mar my counterfeiting.

The little dogs and all,

3.6.142021Trey, Blanch, and Sweetheart--see, they bark at me.

Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you 2023curs!

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.

33.5And I'll go to bed at noon.33.6

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.

3.6.322048I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him.

3.6.332049There is a litter ready. Lay him in't,

3.6.342050And drive toward Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet

3.6.352051Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master.

3.6.362052If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life,

3.6.372053With thine and all that offer to defend him,

3.6.382054Stand in assurèd loss. Take up, take up,

3.6.392055And follow me, that will to some provision

3.6.402056Give thee quick conduct. 33.6Come, come, away.

[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.

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.

3.7.52073How now, where's the King?

My lord of Gloucester hath conveyed him hence.

3.7.72075Some five or six and thirty of his knights,

3.7.82076Hot questrists after him, met him at gate,

3.7.92077Who, with some other of the lord's dependants,

3.7.102078Are gone with him toward Dover, where they boast

3.7.112079To have well-armed friends.

To have well-armed friends. [To Oswald] Get horses for your mistress.

Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.

Edmund farewell. [To servants] Go seek the traitor Gloucester.

3.7.142083Pinion him like a thief. Bring him before us.

3.7.152084Though well we may not pass upon his life

3.7.162085Without the form of justice, yet our power

3.7.1720861831Shall do a court'sy to our wrath, which men

3.7.182087May blame, 1832but not control.

3.7.192089Who's there? The traitor?

Who's there? The traitor? Ingrateful fox, 'tis he.

[To servants] Bind fast his corky arms.

[To servants] Bind fast his corky arms. What means your graces?

3.7.212093Good my friends, consider, 1837you are my guests.

3.7.222094Do me no foul play, friends.

Do me no foul play, friends. Bind him, I say.

Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!

Unmerciful lady as you are, I'm none.

To this chair bind him. 2099Villain, thou shalt find--

By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done,

3.7.272101To pluck me by the beard.

So white and such a traitor?

So white and such a traitor? Naughty lady.

3.7.292104These hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin

3.7.302105Will quicken and accuse thee. I am your host.

3.7.312106With robbers' hands my hospitable favors

3.7.322107You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?

Come, sir. 2109What letters had you late from France?

Be simple-answered, for we know the truth.

And what confederacy have you with

3.7.36The 2112traitors late footed in the kingdom?

To whose hands 2114you have sent the lunatic King.

3.7.38Speak.

I have a letter guessingly set down

3.7.402116Which came from one that's of a neutral heart,

3.7.412117And not from one opposed.

Cunning.

Cunning. And false.

Cunning. And false. 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

3.7.492129Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister

3.7.502130In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs.

3.7.512131The sea, with such a storm as his bare head

3.7.522132In hell-black night endured, would have buoyed up

3.7.5321331867And quenched the stellèd fires.

3.7.542134Yet, poor old heart, 1868he helped the heavens to rain.

3.7.5521351869If wolves had at thy gate howled that stern time,

3.7.562136Thou shouldst have said, "Good porter, turn the key."

3.7.572137All cruels else subscribe. But I shall see

3.7.582138The wingèd vengeance overtake such children.

See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.

3.7.602140Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot.

He that will think to live till he be old

3.7.622142Give me some help.

Give me some help. Oh, cruel! O you Gods!

One side will mock another. Th'other too.

If you see vengeance--

If you see vengeance-- Hold your hand, my lord.

3.7.652146I have served you ever since I was a child,

3.7.662147But better service have I never done you

3.7.672148Than now to bid you hold.

Than now to bid you hold. How now, you dog!

If you did wear a beard upon your chin

3.7.692151I'd shake it on this quarrel. [To Cornwall] What do you mean?

My villein!

Nay then, come on and take the chance of anger.

[To another servant] Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus?

Oh, I am slain. My lord, you have one eye left

3.7.742157To see some mischief on him--oh!

Lest it see more, prevent it. Out vile jelly.

3.7.762159Where is thy luster now?

All dark and comfortless. 2161Where's my son, Edmund?

3.7.782162Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature

3.7.792163To quite this horrid act.

Out, treacherous villain.

3.7.812165Thou call'st on him that hates thee. It was he

3.7.822166That made the overture of thy treasons

3.7.83To us, 2167who is too good to pity thee.

Oh my follies! Then Edgar was abused.

3.7.852169Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him.

Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell

3.7.872171His way to Dover.

3.7.882172How is't my lord? How look you?

I have received a hurt. Follow me, lady.

3.7.9021741903[To servants] Turn out that eyeless villain. Throw this slave

3.7.912175Upon 1904the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace.

3.7.922176Untimely 1905comes this hurt. Give me your arm.

Yet better thus, and known to be contemned,

4.1.22180Than still contemned and flattered. To be worst,

4.1.32181The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune

4.1.42182Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear.

4.1.52183The lamentable change is from the best;

4.1.62184The worst returns to laughter.36 Welcome, then,36.1

4.1.72185Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace.

4.1.82186The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst

4.1.92187Owes nothing to thy blasts.

Owes nothing to thy blasts. 4.1.102189But who comes here?

4.1.11My father, poorly led? 2190World, world, O world!

4.1.122191But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,

4.1.132192Life would not yield to age.

O my good lord, I have been your tenant,

4.1.152194And your father's tenant, these fourscore years--

Away, get thee away. Good friend, be gone.

4.1.172196Thy comforts can do me no good at all,

4.1.182197Thee they may hurt.

Thee they may hurt. You cannot see your way.

I have no way and therefore want no eyes;

4.1.202200I stumbled when I saw. Full oft 'tis seen

4.1.212201Our means secure us, and our mere defects

4.1.222202Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar,

4.1.232203The food of thy abusèd father's wrath,

4.1.242204Might I but live to see thee in my touch

4.1.252205I'd say I had eyes again.

I'd say I had eyes again. How now, who's there?

[Aside] O gods! Who is't can say "I am at the worst"?

4.1.272208I am worse then ere I was.

I am worse then ere I was. 'Tis poor mad Tom.

[Aside] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not

4.1.292211So long as we can say, "This is the worst."

[To Edgar] Fellow, where goest?

[To Edgar] Fellow, where goest? Is it a beggar man?

Madman, and beggar too.

He has some reason, else he could not beg.

4.1.332216I'th'last night's storm I such a fellow saw,

4.1.342217Which made me think a man a worm. My son

4.1.352218Came then into my mind, and yet my mind

4.1.3622191951Was then scarce friends with him. 2220I have heard more since.

4.1.3722211952As flies to wanton boys are we to th'gods;

4.1.382222They kill us for their sport.

They kill us for their sport. [Aside] How should this be?

4.1.392224Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,

4.1.402225Angering itself and others. [Aloud] Bless thee master.

Is that the naked fellow?

Is that the naked fellow? Ay, my lord.

Get thee away. If for my sake

4.1.432229Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain

4.1.442230I'th'way toward Dover, do it for ancient love,

4.1.452231And bring some covering for this naked soul,

4.1.462232Which I'll entreat to lead me.

Alack sir, he is mad.

'Tis the time's plague 2235when madmen lead the blind.

4.1.4922361965Do as I bid thee--or rather, do thy pleasure.

4.1.502237Above the rest, be gone.

I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have,

4.1.522239Come on't what will.

Sirrah, naked fellow.

Poor Tom's a cold. [Aside] I cannot daub it further.

Come hither, fellow.

37[Aside] And yet I must. [Aloud] 2244Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.

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.