Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

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    Not Peer Reviewed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

    [Scene 23]
    Alarum. Enter the powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her father [Lear] in her hand. [They pass over the stage and exeunt.]
    2920Enter Edgar [in disguise] and Gloucester.
    Here, father, take the shadow of this bush
    For your good host. Pray that the right may thrive.
    If ever I return to you again I'll bring you comfort.
    Exit [Edgar].
    2925Gloucester
    Grace go with you, sir.
    Alarum and retreat [within].
    [Re-enter Edgar.]
    Away, old man, give me thy hand, away!
    King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en.
    2930Give me thy hand. Come on.
    Gloucester
    No farther sir, a man may rot even here.
    What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure
    Their going hence, even as their coming hither.
    2935Ripeness is all. Come on.