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  • Title: King Lear (Quarto 1, 1608)
  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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 (Quarto 1, 1608)

    The Historie of King Lear.
    Or well, or ill, as this dayes battels fought. Exit.
    2845Enter Edmund, Regan, and their powers.
    Bast. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
    Or whether since he is aduis'd by ought
    To change the course, he's full of abdication
    2850And selfe reprouing, bring his constant pleasure.
    Reg. Our sisters man is certainly miscaried,
    Bast. Tis to be doubted Madam,
    Reg. Now sweet Lord,
    You know the goodnes I intend vpon you,
    2855Tell me but truly, but then speak the truth,
    Doe you not loue my sister? Bast. I, honor'd loue.
    Reg. But haue you neuer found my brothers way,
    To the forfended place? Bast. That thought abuses you.
    2859.1Reg. I am doubtfull that you haue beene coniunct and bo-
    som'd with hir, as far as we call hirs.
    2860Bast. No by mine honour Madam.
    Reg. I neuer shall indure hir, deere my Lord bee not familiar(with her.
    Bast. Feare me not, shee and the Duke her husband.
    Enter Albany and Gonorill with troupes.
    2864.1Gono. I had rather loose the battaile, then that sister should
    loosen him nd mee.
    2865Alb. Our very louing sister well be-met
    For this I heare the King is come to his daughter
    With others, whome the rigour of our state
    Forst to crie out, where I could not be honest
    2868.1I neuer yet was valiant, for this busines
    It touches vs, as France inuades our land
    Not bolds the King, with others whome I feare,
    Most iust and heauy causes make oppose.
    Bast. Sir you speake nobly. Reg. Why is this reason'd?
    2870Gono. Combine togither gainst the enemy,
    For these domestique dore particulars
    Are not to question here.
    Alb. Let vs then determine with the auntient of warre on our
    proceedings. Bast. I shall attend you presently at your tent.
    2875Reg. Sister you'l goe with vs? Gon. No.
    Reg. Tis most conuenient, pray you goe with vs.
    Gon.
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