Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: King Lear (Modern, Folio)
  • Editor: Michael Best
  • Textual editors: James D. Mardock, Eric Rasmussen
  • Coordinating editor: Michael Best
  • Research assistants: Quinn MacDonald, Michelle Spelay
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-463-9

    Copyright Michael Best. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Michael Best
    Not Peer Reviewed

    King Lear (Modern, Folio)

    Enter Goneril and [Oswald, the] steward.
    Goneril
    Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?
    Oswald
    Ay, madam.
    510Goneril
    By day and night he wrongs me. Every hour
    He flashes into one gross crime or other
    That sets us all at odds. I'll not endure it.
    His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us
    On every trifle. When he returns from hunting
    515I will not speak with him. Say I am sick.
    If you come slack of former services
    You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.
    [Hunting horns within]
    Oswald
    He's coming madam. I hear him.
    Goneril
    Put on what weary negligence you please,
    520You and your fellows. I'd have it come to question.
    If he distaste it, let him to my sister,
    Whose mind and mine I know in that are one.
    Remember what I have said.
    Oswald
    Well, madam.
    525Goneril
    And let his knights have colder looks among you. What grows of it no matter. Advise your fellows so. I'll write straight to my sister to hold my course. Prepare for dinner.
    Exeunt [separately].