King Lear (Modern, Folio)

Introduction
2. Textual Introduction
Texts of this edition
1. King Lear (Folio, 1623)
3. Modern
5. Extended modern
7. Old-spelling transcription
8. King Lear (Quarto 1, 1608)
10. Modern
12. Extended modern
14. Old-spelling transcription
15. King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)
17. Old-spelling transcription
Contextual materials
1. Sources for the Lear story
3. Holinshed on King Lear
5. The History of King Leir
7. Albion's England (Selection)
9. Hardyng's Chronicle (Selection)
11. Kings of Britain
13. Chronicles of England
15. Faerie Queene
17. The Mirror for Magistrates
18. Sources for the Gloucester plot
20. The Arcadia
22. A Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures
23. Literary, political, and social contexts
25. Aristotle on tragedy
27. The Book of Job (Selections)
29. The Monk's Tale (Selections)
31. The Defense of Poetry
33. The First Blast of the Trumpet
35. Basilicon Doron
37. On Bastards
39. On Aging
40. King Lear's afterlife
42. King Lear (Adapted by Nahum Tate)
Facsimiles
[Scene 7 in Quarto]
 2.2.0.110742.2
 2.2.0.2107523.2Enter Kent, and [Oswald, the] steward separately.
 2.2.11076Oswald
 Good dawning to thee friend. Art of this house?
 2.2.21077Kent
 Ay.
 2.2.31078Oswald
 Where may we set our horses?
 2.2.41079Kent
 I'th'mire.
 2.2.51080Oswald
 Prithee, if thou lov'st me, tell me.
 2.2.61081Kent
 I love thee not.
 2.2.71082Oswald
 Why then, I care not for thee.
 2.2.81083Kent
 If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold I would make 1084thee care for me.
 2.2.91085Oswald
 Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
 2.2.101086Kent
 Fellow, I know thee.
 2.2.111087Oswald
 What dost thou know me for?
 2.2.121088Kent
 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.
 2.2.131098Oswald
 Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus 1099to rail on one that is neither known of thee, nor 1100knows thee?
 2.2.141101Kent
 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!
 2.2.151107Oswald
 Away, I have nothing to do with thee.
 2.2.161108Kent
 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.
 2.2.171113Oswald
 Help, ho! Murder! Help!
 2.2.181114Kent
 Strike, you slave. Stand, rogue. Stand, you neat 1115slave--strike!
 2.2.191116Oswald
 Help, ho, murder, murder!
 2.2.19.11117Enter Bastard, Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, [and] servants.
 2.2.201118Bastard
 How now, what's the matter? [Drawing his sword] Part.
 2.2.211119Kent
 [To the Bastard] With you, goodman boy, if you please. Come, 1120I'll flesh ye. Come on, young master.
 2.2.21.1[They exchange blows.]
 2.2.221121Gloucester
 Weapons? Arms? What's the matter here?
 2.2.231122Cornwall
 [Drawing his sword] Keep peace upon your lives. He dies that strikes 1123again. What is the matter?
 2.2.241124Regan
 The messengers from our sister, and the king.
 2.2.251125Cornwall
 What is your difference? Speak.
 2.2.261126Oswald
 I am scarce in breath, my lord.
 2.2.271127Kent
 No marvel. You have so bestirred your valor, 1128you cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee. A tailor 1129made thee.
 2.2.281130Cornwall
 Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man?
 2.2.291131Kent
 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.
 2.2.301134Cornwall
 Speak yet. How grew your quarrel?
 2.2.311135Oswald
 This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared 1136at suit of his gray beard--
 2.2.321137Kent
 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?
 2.2.331141Cornwall
 Peace, sirrah!
 2.2.341142You beastly knave, know you no reverence?
 2.2.351143Kent
 Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege.
 2.2.361144Cornwall
 Why art thou angry?
 2.2.371145Kent
 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.
 2.2.501158Cornwall
 What, art thou mad, old fellow?
 2.2.511159Gloucester
 How fell you out, say that.
 2.2.521160Kent
 No contraries hold more antipathy,
 2.2.531161Than I and such a knave.
 1162Cornwall
 Than I and such a knave.  Why dost thou call him knave?
 2.2.541163What is his fault?
 1164Kent
 What is his fault?  His countenance likes me not.
 2.2.551165Cornwall
 No more perchance does mine, nor his, nor hers.
 2.2.561166Kent
 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.
 1170984Cornwall
 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.
 2.2.691180Kent
 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--
 1184Cornwall
 On flickering Phoebus' front--  What mean'st by this?
 2.2.731185Kent
 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.
 2.2.741190Cornwall
 [To Oswald] What was th'offence you gave him?
 2.2.751191Oswald
 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.
 2.2.851201Kent
 None of these rogues and cowards
 2.2.861202But Ajax is their fool.
 1203Cornwall
 But Ajax is their fool.  Fetch forth the stocks.
 2.2.871204You stubborn ancient knave, you reverend braggart,
 2.2.881205We'll teach you.
 12061016Kent
 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.
 12121021Cornwall
 Stocking his messenger.  Fetch forth the stocks!
 2.2.941213As I have life and honor, 1022there shall he sit till noon.
 2.2.9512141023Regan
 Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too.
 2.2.961215Kent
 Why, madam, if I were your father's dog
 2.2.971216You should not use me so.
 1217Regan
 You should not use me so.  Sir, being his knave, I will.
 2.2.97.1Stocks brought out.
 2.2.981218Cornwall
 This is a fellow of the self same color
 2.2.991219Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks.
 2.2.1001220Gloucester
 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.
 1224Cornwall
 Should have him thus restrained.  I'll answer that.
 2.2.1041225Regan
 My sister may receive it much more worse
 2.2.1051226To have her gentleman abused, assaulted26.
 2.2.60.126.1[Attendants put Kent in the stocks.]26.2
 2.2.1061227Cornwall
 Come my lord, away.
 2.2.106.1Exeunt [all but Gloucester and Kent].
 2.2.1071228Gloucester
 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.
 2.2.1101231Kent
 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.
 1235Gloucester
 Give you good morrow.  The Duke's to blame in this,
 2.2.1141236'Twill be ill taken.
 2.2.114.1Exit.
 2.2.1151237Kent
 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.
 2.2.128.1[He sleeps.]
 2.2.150.11251Enter Edgar.
 2.2.1291252Edgar
 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.
 2.2.149.1Exit.
 2.2.149.21273Enter Lear, Fool, and [a] gentleman.
 2.2.1501274Lear
 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
 2.2.1511275And not send back my messengers.
 1276Gentleman
 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.
 1279Kent
 Of this remove.  [From the stocks] Hail to thee, noble master.
 2.2.1541280Lear
 Ha? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?
 1281Kent
 Ha? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?  No, my lord.
 2.2.15512821092Fool
 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.
 2.2.156128656Lear
 [To Kent] What's he 1287that hath so much thy place mistook
 2.2.1571288To set thee here?
 2.2.158128957Kent
 It is both he and she, 1290your son and daughter.
 2.2.1591291Lear
 No.
 2.2.1601292Kent
 Yes.
 2.2.1611293Lear
 No I say.
 2.2.1621294Kent
 I say yea.
 2.2.1631295Lear
 By Jupiter, I swear no.
 2.2.1641296Kent
 By Juno, I swear ay.
 2.2.1651297Lear
 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.
 1303Kent
 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.
 2.2.1891322Fool
 Winter's not gone yet if the wild geese fly that way.
 2.2.1901323Fathers that wear rags
 2.2.191 Do make their children blind,
 2.2.1921324But fathers that bear bags
 2.2.193 Shall see their children kind.
 2.2.1941325Fortune, that arrant whore,
 2.2.1951325.1 Ne'er turns the key to th'poor.
 2.2.1961326But for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy 1327daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
 2.2.1971328Lear
 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?
 2.2.2001331Kent
 With the earl, sir, here within.
 2.2.2011332Lear
 [To the Fool and Gentleman] Follow me not, stay here.
 2.2.201.1Exit [Lear].
 2.2.2021333Gentleman
 Made you no more offence 1334but what you speak of?
 2.2.2031335Kent
 None.
 2.2.2041336How chance the king comes with so small a number?
 2.2.2051337Fool
 An thou hadst been set i'th'stocks for that 1338question, thou'dst well deserved it.
 2.2.2061339Kent
 Why, Fool?
 2.2.2071340Fool
 We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach 1341thee there's no laboring i'th'winter. All that follow their 1342noses are led by their eyes but blind men, and there's 1343not a nose among twenty but can smell him that's 1344stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a 1345hill, lest it break thy neck with following. But the 1346great one that goes upward, let him draw thee after. 1347When a wise man gives thee better counsel give me mine 1348again. I would have none but knaves follow it, since a 1349fool gives it.
 2.2.207.1[Sings.]
 2.2.2081350That sir which serves and seeks for gain
 2.2.2091351 And follows but for form,
 2.2.2101352Will pack when it begins to rain,
 2.2.2111353 And leave thee in the storm.
 2.2.2121354But I will tarry, the fool will stay,
 2.2.2131355 And let the wise man fly.
 2.2.2141356The knave turns fool that runs away,
 2.2.2151357 The fool no knave perdy.
 2.2.215.11358Enter Lear and Gloucester.
 2.2.2161359Kent
 Where learned you this, Fool?
 1360Fool
 Where learned you this, Fool?  Not i'th'stocks, fool.
 2.2.21713611158Lear
 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.
 1366Gloucester
 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.
 1370Lear
 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.
 2.2.2261373Gloucester
 Well, my good lord, I have informed them so.
 2.2.2271374Lear
 Informed them? Dost thou understand me, man?
 2.2.2281375Gloucester
 Ay, my good lord.
 2.2.2291376Lear
 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.
 2.2.240.1[Notices Kent.]
 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.
 2.2.2481396Gloucester
 I would have all well betwixt you.
 2.2.248.1Exit [Gloucester].
 2.2.2491397Lear
 Oh me, my heart, my rising heart! But down.
 2.2.2501398Fool
 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.
 2.2.250.11403Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, [and] servants.
 2.2.2511404Lear
 Good morrow to you both.
 1405Cornwall
 Good morrow to you both.  Hail to your grace.
 2.2.251.1Kent here set at liberty.
 2.2.2521406Regan
 I am glad to see your highness.
 2.2.2531407Lear
 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--
 2.2.2621416Regan
 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.
 1419Lear
 Than she to scant her duty.  Say? How is that?
 2.2.2651420Regan
 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.
 2.2.2701425Lear
 My curses on her.
 1426Regan
 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.
 1433Lear
 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."
 2.2.2811438Regan
 Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.
 2.2.2821439Return you to my sister.
 1440Lear
 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--
 1447Cornwall
 You taking airs, with lameness--  Fie sir, fie.
 2.2.2891448Lear
 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.
 14521231Regan
 To fall and blister.  O the blest gods!
 2.2.2931453So will you wish on me 1232when the rash mood is on.
 2.2.29414541233Lear
 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.
 1466Regan
 Wherein I thee endowed.  Good sir, to th'purpose.
 2.2.120.1Tucket within.
 2.2.3061467Lear
 Who put my man i'th'stocks?
 2.2.306.11468Enter [Oswald, the] steward.
 1469Cornwall
 Who put my man i'th'stocks?  What trumpet's that?
 2.2.3071470Regan
 I know't my sister's. This approves her letter
 2.2.3081471That she would soon be here. [To Oswald] Is your lady come?
 2.2.3091472Lear
 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.
 1475Cornwall
 [Striking him] Out, varlet, from my sight.  What means your grace?
 2.2.311.11476Enter Goneril.
 2.2.3121477Lear
 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?
 2.2.3201485Goneril
 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.
 1488Lear
 And dotage terms so.  O sides, you are too tough.
 2.2.3231489Will you yet hold? 1490How came my man i'th'stocks?
 2.2.3241491Cornwall
 I set him there, sir, but his own disorders
 2.2.3251492Deserved much less advancement.
 1493Lear
 Deserved much less advancement.  You? Did you?
 2.2.3261494Regan
 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.
 2.2.3321500Lear
 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
 2.2.341.1[Indicating Oswald]
 2.2.3421510To this detested groom.
 1511Goneril
 To this detested groom.  At your choice, sir.
 2.2.3431512Lear
 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.
 15261301Regan
 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.
 1532Lear
 But she knows what she does.  Is this well spoken?
 2.2.3621533Regan
 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.
 2.2.3681539Goneril
 Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
 2.2.3691540From those that she calls servants; or from mine?
 2.2.37015411316Regan
 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.
 2.2.3761547Lear
 I gave you all.
 1548Regan
 I gave you all.  And in good time you gave it.
 2.2.3771549Lear
 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?
 2.2.3811553Regan
 And speak't again, my lord, no more with me.
 2.2.3821554Lear
 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.
 1559Goneril
 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.
 1563Regan
 Have a command to tend you.  What need one?
 2.2.3901564Lear
 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,
 2.2.409.11584Storm and tempest
 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.
 2.2.411.1Exeunt [Lear, Gloucester, Kent and Fool].
 2.2.4121587Cornwall
 Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.
 2.2.4131588Regan
 This house is little. The old man and 's people
 2.2.4141589Cannot be well bestowed.
 2.2.4151590Goneril
 'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest,
 2.2.4161591And must needs taste his folly.
 2.2.4171592Regan
 For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,
 2.2.4181593But not one follower.
 1594Goneril
 But not one follower.  So am I purposed.
 2.2.4191595Where is my Lord of Gloucester?
 2.2.419.11596Enter Gloucester.
 2.2.4201597Cornwall
 Followed the old man forth--he is returned.
 2.2.4211598Gloucester
 The king is in high rage.
 1599Cornwall
 The king is in high rage.  Whither is he going?
 2.2.4221600Gloucester
 He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
 2.2.4231601Cornwall
 'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.
 2.2.4241602Goneril
 My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
 2.2.4251603Gloucester
 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.
 1606Regan
 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.
 2.2.4331612Cornwall
 Shut up your doors, my lord, 'tis a wild night.
 2.2.4341613My Regan counsels well. Come out o'th'storm.
 2.2.434.128Exeunt.28.1
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King Lear (Modern, Folio)
