Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: King Lear (Modern, Extended Folio)
  • Editor: Michael Best
  • Textual editors: James D. Mardock, Eric Rasmussen
  • Coordinating editor: Michael Best
  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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, Extended Folio)

    3.5
    1970Enter Cornwall and Edmund [the Bastard].
    Cornwall
    I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.
    Bastard
    How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think of.
    1975Cornwall
    I now perceive it was not altogether your brother's evil disposition made him seek his death, but a provoking merit set a-work by a reprovable badness in himself.
    Bastard
    How malicious is my fortune that I must 1980repent to be just! This is the letter which he spoke of, which approves him an intelligent party to the advantages of France. O heavens, that this treason were not, or not I the detector!
    Cornwall
    Go with me to the duchess.
    1985Bastard
    If the matter of this paper be certain, you have mighty business in hand.
    Cornwall
    True or false, it hath made thee Earl of Gloucester. Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our apprehension.
    1990Bastard
    [Aside] If I find him comforting the King, it will stuff his suspicion more fully. [Aloud] I will persevere in my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my blood.
    Cornwall
    I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find 1995a dear father in my love.
    Exeunt.