43I thought the King had more affected the 5Duke of 4Albany than Cornwall.

It did always seem so to us, but 7now in the 6division of the kingdoms it 8appears not which of 7the dukes he values 9most, for equalities are so weighed that 8curiosity in 10neither can make choice of either's moiety.

Is not this your son, my lord?

His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge. I have 13so 11often blushed to acknowledge him that now I am 14brazed to it.

I cannot conceive you.

Sir, this young fellow's mother could, 17whereupon she 14grew round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a 18son for her cradle 15ere she had a husband for her bed. 19Do you smell a fault?

I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it 21being so 17proper.

But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some 23year 19elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my 24account. Though this 20knave came something saucily into the 25world before he was 21sent for, yet was his mother fair, 26there was good sport at his 22making, and the whoreson must 27be acknowledged.--Do you know 23this noble 28gentleman, Edmund?

No, my lord.

My lord of Kent. 31Remember him hereafter as my 26honorable friend.

My services to your lordship.

I must love you, and sue to know you better.

Sir, I shall study deserving.

He hath been out nine years, and away he shall 3631again. The King is coming.

Attend my lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.

I shall, my liege.

Meantime we will express our darker purposes.

4238The map there. Know we have divided

4339In three our kingdom; and 'tis our first intent

4440To shake all cares and business of our state,

4541Confirming them on younger years2, while we

50May be prevented now.

42The two great princes France and Burgundy,

5143Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,

5244Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,

5345And here are to be answered. Tell me, my daughters--

5646Which of you shall we say doth love us most,

5747That we our largest bounty may extend

5848Where merit doth most challenge it.

5949Goneril, our eldest born, speak first.

Sir, I do love you more than words can wield the matter;

6151Dearer than eyesight, space or liberty,

6252Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,

6353No less than life; with grace, health, beauty, honor,

6454As much a child e'er loved or father found;

6555A love that makes breath poor and speech unable.

6656Beyond all manner of so much I love you.

[Aside] What shall Cordelia do? Love and be silent.

Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,

6959With shady forests and 6with champaigns riched

70With plenteous rivers and 5wide-skirted meads,

7160We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue

7261Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,

7362Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.

Sir, I am made of the self same mettle

That my sister is,

7564And prize me at her worth. In my true heart

7665I find she names my very deed of love,

77Only she came short, 66that I profess

78Myself an enemy to all other joys

7967Which the most precious square of sense possesses,

8068And find I am alone felicitate

81In your dear highness' love.

In your dear highness' love. [Aside] Then poor Cordelia--

83And yet not so, since I am sure 70my love's

84More richer than my tongue.

To thee and thine hereditary ever

8672Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,

8773No less in space, validity, and pleasure,

8874Than that confirmed on Goneril. But now our joy,

8975Although the last, not least in our dear love,

To 8whose young love

91Strive to be interessed,

76What can you say to win 92a third, more opulent

77Than your sisters'?

Nothing my lord.

How? Nothing can come of nothing. Speak again.

Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave

98My heart into my 81mouth. I love your majesty

99According to my bond, nor more nor 82less.

Go to, go to. Mend your speech a little

10184Lest it may mar your fortunes.

Lest it may mar your fortunes. Good my lord,

10386You have begot me, bred me, loved me.

10487I return those duties back as are right fit;

10588Obey you, love you, and most honor you.

10689Why have my sisters husbands if they say

107They love you all?

90Haply when I shall wed, 108that lord whose hand

91Must take my plight shall carry 109half my love with him,

92Half my care and duty. 110Sure I shall never

93Marry like my sisters, to 4.1love my father all.4.2

But goes this with thy heart?

But goes this with thy heart? Ay, good my lord.

So young and so untender.

So young, my lord, and true.

Well, let it be so. Thy truth then be thy dower;

11699For by the sacred radiance of the sun,

117100The mysteries of Hecate and the night,

118101By all the operation of the orbs

119102From whom we do exist and cease to be,

120103Here I disclaim all my paternal care,

121104Propinquity and property of blood,

122105And as a stranger to my heart and me

123106Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,

124107Or he that makes his generation 108messes

125To gorge his appetite

109Shall 126be as well neighbored, pitied, and relieved

127110As thou my sometime daughter.

As thou my sometime daughter. Good my liege--

Peace, Kent! 130Come not between the dragon and his wrath.

131113I loved her most, and thought to set my rest

132114On her kind nursery. [To Cordelia] Hence and avoid my sight!--

133115So be my grave my peace, as here I give

134116Her father's heart from her. Call France. Who stirs?

135117Call Burgundy.

Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,

136118With my two daughters' dowers digest this third.

137119Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.

138120I do invest you jointly in my power,

139121Preeminence, and all the large effects

140122That troop with majesty. Ourself by monthly course,

141123With reservation of a hundred knights

142124By you to be sustained, shall our abode

143125Make with you by due turns; only we still retain

144126The name and all the additions to a king.

127The sway, 145revenue, execution of the rest,

146128Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,

147129This coronet part betwixt you.

This coronet part betwixt you. Royal Lear,

149131Whom I have ever honored as my king,

150132Loved as my father, as my master followed,

151133As my great patron thought on in my prayers--

The bow is bent and drawn. Make from the shaft.

Let it fall rather, 136though the fork invade

154The region of my heart. 137Be Kent unmannerly

155When Lear is mad. 138What wilt thou do old man?

156Think'st thou that duty 139shall have dread to speak

157When power to flattery bows? 158140To plainness honor's bound

159When majesty stoops to folly. 141Reverse thy doom,

160And in thy best consideration 142check

161This hideous rashness. Answer my life 143my judgment;

162Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;

163144Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound

164145Reverbs no hollowness.

Reverbs no hollowness. Kent, on thy life no more.

My life I never held but as a pawn

167148To wage against thy enemies, nor fear to lose it

168149Thy safety being the motive.

Thy safety being the motive. Out of my sight!

See better, Lear, and let me still remain

171152The true blank of thine eye.

The true blank of thine eye. Now by Apollo--

Now, by Apollo, King, 174thou swear'st thy gods in vain.

[Threatening Kent] Vassal, recreant!

Do. Kill thy physician,

157And the fee bestow 178upon the foul disease.

158Revoke thy doom, 179or whilst I can vent clamor

159From my throat 180I'll tell thee thou dost evil.

Hear me. On thy allegiance hear me.

182161Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,

183162Which we durst never yet, and with strayed pride

184163To come between our sentence and our power,

185164Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,

186165Our potency made good, take thy reward.

187166Four days we do allot thee for provision

188167To shield thee from dis-eases of the world,

189168And on the fifth to turn thy hated back

190169Upon our kingdom. If on the next day following

191170Thy banished trunk be found in our dominions,

192171The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,

193172This shall not be revoked.

Why fare thee well, King, since thus thou wilt appear,

195174Friendship lives hence, and banishment is here.

196175[To Cordelia] The gods to their protection take thee, maid,

197176That rightly thinks and hast most justly said.

198177[To Goneril and Regan] And your large speeches may your deeds approve,

199178That good effects may spring from words of love.

200179Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;

201180He'll shape his old course in a country new.

Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.

My lord of Burgundy, 206we first address towards you,

184Who with a king 207hath rivaled for our daughter.

185What in the least 208will you require in present

186Dower with her, 209or cease your quest of love?

Royal majesty, 211I crave no more than what

188Your highness offered; 212nor will you tender less.

Right noble Burgundy, 214when she was dear to us

190We did hold her so,

215But now her price is fallen. 191Sir, there she stands.

216If aught within that little-192seeming substance,

217Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced

218193And nothing else, may fitly like your grace,

219194She's there, and she is yours.

She's there, and she is yours. I know no answer.

Sir, will you with those infirmities she owes,

222197Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,

223198Covered with our curse and strangered with our oath,

224199Take her or leave her?

Take her or leave her? Pardon me, royal sir,

226Election makes not up 201on such conditions.

Then leave her, sir, for by the power that made me

228203I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,

229204I would not from your love make such a stray

230205To match you where I hate. Therefore, beseech you

231206To avert your liking a more worthier way

232207Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed

233208Almost to acknowledge hers.

Almost to acknowledge hers. This is most strange,

235That she, that even but now 210was your best object,

236The argument of your praise, 211balm of your age,

237Most best, most dearest, 212should in this trice of time

238Commit a thing 213so monstrous to dismantle

239So many folds of favor. 214Sure her offence

240Must be of such unnatural degree

241215That monsters it, or your fore-vouched affections

242216Fallen into taint; which to believe of her

243217Must be a faith that reason without miracle

244218Could never plant in me.

I yet beseech your majesty,

246220If for I want that glib and oily art,

247221To speak and purpose not--since what I well intend

248222I'll do't before I speak--that you may know

249223It is no vicious blot, murder or foulness,

250224No unclean action or dishonored step

251225That hath deprived me of your grace and favor,

252226But even for want of that for which I am rich--

253227A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue,

254228As I am glad I have not--though not to have it,

255229Hath lost me in your liking.

Hath lost me in your liking. Go to, go to. Better thou hadst

257Not been born, 231than not to have pleased me better.

Is it no more but this? A tardiness in nature

259233That often leaves the history unspoke

260That it intends to do? 234My lord of Burgundy,

261What say you to the lady? 235Love is not love

262When it is mingled with respects that stands

263236Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?

264237She is herself a dowry.

She is herself a dowry. Royal Lear,

266Give but that portion 239which yourself proposed,

267And here I take Cordelia 240by the hand,

268Duchess of Burgundy.

Duchess of Burgundy. Nothing. I have sworn.

[To Cordelia] I am sorry then you have so lost a father

271243That you must lose a husband.

Peace be with Burgundy; 273since that respects

245Of fortune are his love, 274I shall not be his wife.

Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor,

276247Most choice, forsaken, and most loved, despised,

277248Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon.

278249Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.

279250Gods, gods! 'Tis strange, that from their coldest neglect

280251My love should kindle to inflamed respect.

281252Thy dowerless daughter, King, thrown to thy chance,

282253Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France.

283254Not all the dukes in waterish Burgundy,

284255Shall buy this unprized precious maid of me.

285256Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind.

286257Thou losest here, a better where to find.

Thou hast her, France. Let her be thine,

259For we 288have no such daughter, nor shall ever see

289260That face of hers again. Therefore be gone,

290261Without our grace, our love, our benison.

291Come, noble Burgundy.

Bid farewell to your sisters.

The jewels of our father, 265with washed eyes

294Cordelia leaves you. I know you what you are,

295266And like a sister am most loath to call

296Your faults 267as they are named. Use well our father.

297268To your professèd bosoms I commit him;

298269But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,

299270I would prefer him to a better place.

300271So farewell to you both.

Prescribe not us our duties.

Prescribe not us our duties. Let your study

303Be to content your lord, 274who hath received you

304At fortune's alms. 275You have obedience scanted,

305276And well are worth the want that you have wanted.

Time shall unfold what pleated cunning hides,

307278Who covers faults, at last shame them derides.

308279Well may you prosper.

Well may you prosper. Come, fair Cordelia.

Sister, it is not a little I have to say 311282of what most nearly appertains to us both. 312283I think our father will hence tonight.

That's most certain, and with you; next month with us.

You see how full of changes his age is. The 315observation we 286have made of it hath not been little. He always 316loved our sister 287most, and with what poor judgment he 317hath now cast her 288off appears too gross.

'Tis the infirmity of his age. Yet he hath ever but 319290slenderly known himself.

The best and soundest of his time hath been but 321rash. 292Then must we look to receive from his age not 322alone the 293imperfection of long-engrafted condition, but 323therewithal unruly 294waywardness that infirm and 324choleric years bring with them.

Such unconstant starts are we like to have from 326him as 296this of Kent's banishment.

There is further compliment of leave taking 328between 298France and him. Pray let's hit together. If our 329father carry 299authority with such dispositions as he bears, 330this last surrender of his 300will but offend us.

We shall further think on't.

We must do something, and i'th'heat.

Thou, Nature, art my goddess. To thy law

336My services 305are bound. Wherefore should I

337Stand in the plague of custom 306and permit

338The curiosity of nations to deprive me,

339For that I am 307some twelve or fourteen moonshines

340Lag of a brother? Why "bastard"? 308Wherefore "base,"

341When my dimensions are as well compact,

342My 309mind as generous, and my shape as true

343As honest madam's issue?

310Why brand they us 344with "base," "base bastardy,"

345Who, in the lusty 311stealth of nature, take

346More composition and fierce quality

347Than 312doth within a stale, dull-eyed bed

348Go to the creating of a whole 313tribe of fops

349Got 'tween asleep and wake. Well, then,

350Legitimate 314Edgar, I must have your land.

351Our father's love is to the bastard 315Edmund

352As to the legitimate.

353Well, my legitimate, if this letter 316speed

354And my invention thrive, Edmund the base

355Shall to th'317legitimate. I grow, I prosper.

356Now, gods, stand up for bastards!

Kent banished thus, and France in choler parted?

359And 320the king gone tonight, subscribed his power,

360Confined to 321exhibition? All this done

361Upon the gad?--Edmund, how now? 322What news?

[Pockets the letter.] So please your lordship, none.

Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?

I know no news, my lord.

What paper were you reading?

Nothing, my lord.

No? What needs then that terrible dispatch of 368it into 329your pocket? The quality of nothing hath not 369such need to hide 330itself. Let's see. Come, if it be 370nothing I shall not need 331spectacles.

I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter 372from my brother 333that I have not all o'er-read. For so 373much as I have perused, I find it 334not fit for your 374liking.

Give me the letter, sir.

I shall offend either to detain or give it. 377The contents, 337as in part I understand them, 378are to blame.

Let's see, let's see!

I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote 381this but 340as an assay or taste of my virtue.

390349Hum, conspiracy! "Slept till I waked him," "You should 391enjoy half 350his revenue"? My son Edgar? Had he a 392hand to write this? A 351heart and brain to breed it in? 393When came this to you? Who 352brought it?

It was not brought me, my lord, there's the 395cunning of 354it. I found it thrown in at the casement of 396my closet.

You know the character to be your brother's?

If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear 399it were 357his; but in respect of that I would fain think it 400were not.

It is his?

It is his hand, my lord, but I hope his heart is 403not in 360the contents.

Hath he never heretofore sounded you in this business?

Never, my lord, but I have often heard him 406maintain 363it to be fit that sons at perfect age, and fathers 407declining, his father 364should be as ward to the son, and 408the son manage the 365revenue.

O villain, villain! His very opinion in the 410letter. 367Abhorred villain. Unnatural, detested, brutish 411villain, worse than 368brutish. Go sir, seek him. Ay, 412apprehend him, abominable villain. 369Where is he?

I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to 414371suspend your indignation against my brother till you can 415derive 372from him better testimony of this intent, you should 416run a 373certain course; where, if you violently proceed 417against him 374mistaking his purpose, it would make a great 418gap in your own 375honor and shake in pieces the heart of 419his obedience. I dare pawn 376down my life for him, 420he hath wrote this to feel my affection 377to your honor, and 421to no further pretense of danger.

Think you so?

If your honor judge it meet, I will place you 424where 380you shall hear us confer of this, and by an 425auricular assurance 381have your satisfaction--and that without 426any further delay than 382this very evening.

He cannot be such a monster.

Nor is not, sure.

6To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him. 427.3386Heaven and earth! 7Edmund, seek 428him out. Wind me into him. I 387pray you, frame your 429business after your own wisdom. I would 388unstate 430myself to be in a due resolution.

I shall seek him sir, presently, convey the 432business as I 390shall see means, and acquaint you withal.

11These late eclipses in the sun and moon 434portend 392no good to us. Though the wisdom of nature can 435reason thus 393and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged 436by the sequent effects. 394Love cools, friendship falls off, 437brothers divide. In cities 395mutinies, in countries 438discords, palaces treason; the bond cracked 396between 439son and father. 13 This villain of mine comes under the 440prediction--there's son against father. The King falls from 441bias of nature--there's father against child. We have 442seen the best of our time. Machinations, hollowness, 443treachery, and all ruinous disorders follow us disquietly 444to our graves. 12Find out this villain, Edmund. It shall 397lose 445thee nothing. Do it carefully. And the noble and 446398true-hearted Kent banished, his offence honesty. Strange, strange!

This is the excellent foppery of the world, that 448when 400we are sick in fortune--often the surfeit of our own 449behavior--401we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the 450moon, and the 402stars, as if we were villains by necessity, 451fools by 403heavenly compulsion, knaves, thieves, and 452treacherers by spiritual 404predominance; drunkards, 453liars, and adulterers by an enforced 405obedience of planetary 454influence; and all that we are evil in 406by a divine 455thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whoremaster 407man, 456to lay his goatish disposition to the charge of stars. 457"My 408father compounded with my mother under the 458dragon's tail, 409and my nativity was under Ursa Major, so 459that it follows I am 410rough and lecherous." Fut! I should 460have been that I am had the 411maidenliest star of the 461firmament twinkled on my bastardy. Edgar--

463--and out he comes like the catastrophe of the old 414comedy. 464Mine is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like them of 465415Bedlam. --Oh, these eclipses do portend these 466divisions.

How now, 467brother Edmund. What serious 468417contemplation are you in?

I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this 470other 419day, what should follow these eclipses.

Do you busy yourself about that?

I promise you the effects he writ of 18succeed 473unhappily19, 473.1422as of unnaturalness between the child and the parent, death, 423dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities, divisions in state, 473.2424menaces and maledictions against king and nobles, needless 473.3425diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation of cohorts, nuptial 473.4426breaches, and I know not what.

How long have you been a sectary astronomical?

20Come, come, 474when saw you my father last?

Why, 475the night gone by.

Spake you with him?

Two hours together.

Parted you in good terms? Found you no 479displeasure 433in him by word or countenance?

None at all.

Bethink yourself wherein you may have 482offended 436him, and at my entreaty forbear his presence till 483some little 437time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, 484which at this 438instant so rageth in him that with the 485mischief of your person it 439would scarce allay.

Some villain hath done me wrong.

That's my fear, brother. I advise you to the best. 491Go 442armed. 493I am no honest 494man if there be any good meaning 443towards you. I have told 495you what I have seen and heard but 444faintly, nothing 496like the image and horror of it. Pray you, away!

Shall I hear from you anon?

I do serve you in this business.

499447A credulous father and a brother noble,

500448Whose nature is so far from doing harms

501449That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty

502450My practices ride easy. I see the business.

503451Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit.

504452All with me's meet that I can fashion fit.

Did my father strike my gentleman for 508chiding of his 455fool?

Yes, madam.

Yes, madam. By day and night he wrongs me. 458Every hour

511He flashes into one gross crime or other

512459That sets us all at odds. I'll not endure it.

513460His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us

514461On every trifle. When he returns from hunting

515462I will not speak with him. Say I am sick.

516463If you come slack of former services

517464You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.

He's coming madam. I hear him.

Put on what weary negligence you please,

520You and your 467fellow servants. I'd have it come in question.

521If he dislike it, let 468him to our sister,

522Whose mind and mine I know in that are one12.1,

522.1469Not to be overruled. Idle old man

That still would manage those 522.2470authorities

That he hath given away. Now, by my life,

Old fools 522.3471are babes again, and must be used

With checks as flatteries when 522.4472they are seen abused.

523Remember what I tell you.

Remember what I tell you. Very well, madam.

And let his knights have colder looks among 526you. What 475grows of it, no matter. Advise your fellows so. 12I would breed 526.1476from hence occasions, and I shall, that I may speak. 13527I'll write 477straight to my sister to hold my very course. Go 528prepare for 478dinner.

If but as well I other accents borrow

532That can my speech 481diffuse, my good intent

533May carry through itself to that full 482issue

534For which I razed my likeness. Now, banished Kent,

535If thou canst 483serve where thou dost stand condemned,

536Thy master whom thou 484lovest 537shall find thee

Full of labor.

Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.

[To Kent] 540How 487now, what art thou?

A man, sir.

What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou 543with us?

I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve 545him 491truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is 546honest, to 492converse with him that is wise and says little, to 547fear judgment, 493to fight when I cannot choose, and to 548eat no fish.

What art thou?

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as 551the King.

If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a 553king, th'art 497poor enough. What wouldst thou?

Service.

Who wouldst thou serve?

You.

Dost thou know me, fellow?

No sir, but you have that in your countenance 559which 501I would fain call master.

What's that?

Authority.

What services canst do?

I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a 564curious 505tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message 565bluntly. That 506which ordinary men are fit for I am 566qualified in, and the best 507of me is diligence.

How old art thou?

Not so young to love a woman for singing, 569nor so old to 510dote on her for anything. I have years on 570my back forty-511eight.

Follow me. Thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no 572513worse after dinner I will not part from thee yet. Dinner, 573ho! 514Dinner! Where's my knave, my fool? Go you and call 574my fool 515hither.

You, sirrah, where's my daughter?

So please you--

What says the fellow there? Call the 578clotpoll back.

519Where's my fool? Ho! I think the world's 579asleep.

How now? 520Where's that mongrel?

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.

Why came not the slave back to me when I 582called 523him?

Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner 584he 525would not.

'A would not?

My lord, I know not what the matter is, 587but to my 527judgment your highness is not entertained 588with that ceremonious 528affection as you were wont. 589There's a great abatement appears as 529well in 590the general dependents as in the duke himself also, 530and 591your daughter.

Ha? Sayest thou so?

I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be 594mistaken, 532for my duty cannot be silent when I think 595your highness 533wronged.

Thou but rememberest me of mine own 597conception. I 535have perceived a most faint neglect of late, 598which I have rather 536blamed as mine own jealous 599curiosity than as a very pretense and 537purport of unkindness. 600I will look further into't. But where's 538this fool? I 601have not seen him this two days.

Since my young lady's going into France, 603sir, the fool 540hath much pined away.

No more of that, I have noted it. Go you 605and tell my 542daughter I would speak with her.

Go you, 606call hither my fool.

543O you, sir, you, sir, come you hither. 607Who am I, sir?

My lady's father.

"My lady's father"? My lord's knave, you 611whoreson dog, 546you slave, you cur.

I am none of this, my lord, 613I beseech you, pardon me.

[Striking him] Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?

I'll not be struck, my lord.

[Tripping him] Nor tripped neither, you base football player.

I thank thee, fellow. 618Thou servest me, and I'll love thee.

[To Oswald] Come sir, I'll teach you differences. 620Away, away! If 553you will measure your lubber's length 621again, tarry; but away, 554you have wisdom.

Now friendly knave, I thank thee. [Giving money] There's 623earnest of 556thy service.

Let me hire him too. [To Kent, holding out his cap] Here's my coxcomb.

How now, my pretty knave, how dost thou?

[To Kent] Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.

Why, Fool?

Why, for taking one's part, that's out of favor. 630Nay, an 562thou canst not smile as the wind sits thou'lt catch 631cold shortly. 563There, take my coxcomb. Why, this fellow 632hath banished two 564on's daughters, and done the third a 633blessing against his will. If 565thou follow him, thou must 634needs wear my coxcomb. [To Lear] How 566now, nuncle? Would 635I had two coxcombs and two daughters.

Why, my boy?

If I gave them any living, I'd keep my 638coxcombs 569myself. There's mine; beg another of thy 639daughters.

Take heed, sirrah--the whip.

Truth is a dog that must to kennel. He must be 642whipped 572out, when Lady the brach may stand by the fire 643and stink.

A pestilent gall to me.

Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.

Do.

Mark it, nuncle.

This is nothing, fool.

Then, like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer, 660you gave 582me nothing for't. Can you make no use of 661nothing, nuncle?

Why, no, boy. 663Nothing can be made out of nothing.

[To Kent] Prithee tell him, so much the rent of his land 665comes to. 585He will not believe a fool.

A bitter fool.

[To Lear] Dost know the difference, my boy, 668between a bitter 588fool and a sweet fool?

No, lad, teach me.

Dost thou call me fool, boy?

All thy other titles thou hast given away. That thou 669.07596wast born with.

This is not altogether fool, my Lord.

15.1No, faith, lords and great men will not let me. If I had 669.10599a monopoly on't, they would have part on't. And ladies too; they 669.11600will not let me have all the fool to myself, they'll be snatching. 670601Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give thee 671two crowns.

What two crowns shall they be?

Why, after I have cut the egg in the middle and 674eat 604up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When 675thou clovest 605thy crown i'th'middle and gavest away 676both parts, thou borest 606thy ass o'th'back o'er the 677dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald 607crown when thou 678gav'st thy golden one away. If I speak like 608myself in 679this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.

When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?

I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou mad'st 686thy 615daughters thy mother; for when thou gav'st them 687the rod, and puttest 616down thine own breeches,

692Prithee, nuncle, keep a 619schoolmaster that can teach 693thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.

An you lie, we'll have you whipped.

I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. 696They'll 622have me whipped for speaking true, thou wilt have me 697whipped for 623lying, and sometime I am whipped for holding 698my peace. I had 624rather be any kind of thing than a fool; 699and yet I would not be 625thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared thy 700wit o'both sides, and left nothing 626in the middle. Here 701comes one of the parings.

How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet 704on? 629Methinks you are too much o'late i'th'frown.

Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no 706need 631to care for her frown. Now thou art an "O" 707without a figure. I am 632better than thou art now--I am a fool, 708thou art nothing. [To Goneril] Yes, 633forsooth, I will hold my tongue; so 709your face bids me though 634you say nothing.

[Pointing to Lear.] That's a shelled peascod.

Not only, sir, this, your all-licensed fool,

713But other of 638your insolent retinue

714Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking 639forth

715In rank and not-to-be-endurèd riots. Sir,

716I had thought by 640making this well known unto you

717To have found a safe redress, 641but now grow fearful,

718By what yourself too late have spoke 642and done,

719That you protect this course, and put it on

720By your 643allowance; which, if you should, the fault

721Would not scape censure, 644nor the redress sleep;

722Which in the tender of a wholesome 645weal,

723Might in their working do you that offence,

724That else 646were shame, that then necessity

725Must call discreet proceedings.

For you trow, nuncle,

So out went 649the candle, and we were left 729darkling.

Are you our daughter?

Come, sir.

I would you would make use of that good 652wisdom

732Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away

733These 653dispositions that of late transform you

734From what you rightly 654are.

May not an ass know when the cart draws 736the horse?--

737656Whoop, Jug, I love thee!

Doth any here know me? 739Why, this is not Lear.

740Doth 658Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?

741Either his 659notion, weakness, or his discernings

742Are lethargied. Sleeping or 660waking? Ha!

Sure 'tis not so.

743Who is it that can tell me who I am?

744Lear's 661shadow? 21I would learn that, for by the marks

16Of sovereignty, 744.1662knowledge, and reason,

16.1I should be false persuaded I had 744.2663daughters.16.2

Which they will make an obedient father.

Your name, fair gentlewoman?

Your name, fair gentlewoman? Come, sir,

This admiration is much of the savor

747Of other 667your new pranks. I do beseech you

748Understand my purposes 668aright.

749As you are old and reverend, should be wise.

750Here do you 669keep a hundred knights and squires,

751Men so disordered, so debauched 670and bold,

752That this our court, infected with their manners,

753Shows 671like a riotous inn. Epicurism

754And lust make more like a tavern 672or brothel

755Than a great palace. The shame itself doth speak

756673For instant remedy. Be thou desired,

757By her that else will take the 674thing she begs,

758A little to disquantity your train;

759And the 675remainder that shall still depend

760To be such men as may besort 676your age,

761That know themselves and you.

That know themselves and you. Darkness and devils!

763Saddle my horses. Call my train 678together.

76412.1Degenerate bastard, I'll not trouble thee.

765Yet have I left 679a daughter.

You strike my people, and your disordered rabble

767Make 681servants of their betters.

We that too late repent us-- [To Albany] Oh, sir, are you come?

770Is it your 683will that we-- [To a servant] Prepare my horses!

771Ingratitude! Thou 684marble-hearted fiend,

772More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child

773Than 685the sea-monster.

19775[To Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest.

776My train are men of 686choice and rarest parts

777That all particulars of duty know,

778And 687in the most exact regard support

779The worships of their name. Oh, 688most small fault,

780How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show,

781That, 689like an engine, wrenched my frame of nature

782From the fixèd place, 690drew from my heart all love

783And added to the gall.

And added to the gall. 14.1O Lear, Lear!

784691Beat at this gate that let thy folly in

785And thy dear judgment 692out. Go, go, my people.

21My lord, I am guiltless as I am ignorant

It may be so, my lord. 789Hark, Nature, hear.

Dear 695goddess,

790Suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend

791To make this 696creature fruitful.

792Into her womb convey sterility,

793Dry up in her 697the organs of increase,

794And from her derogate body never spring

795698A babe to honor her. If she must teem,

796Create her child of 699spleen, that it may live

797And be a thwart, disnatured torment to 700her.

798Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth,

799With cadent 701tears fret channels in her cheeks,

800Turn all her mother's pains 702and benefits

801To laughter and contempt, that she may feel--

That 703she may feel

802How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is

803To have a 704thankless child. Go, go, my people!

Now, gods that we adore, 805whereof comes this?

Never afflict yourself to know the cause,

807But let his 707disposition have that scope

808That dotage gives it.

What? Fifty of my followers at a clap

811Within a fortnight?

Within a fortnight? What is the matter, sir?

I'll tell thee--814life and death! I am ashamed

815That thou hast 711power to shake my manhood thus,

816That these hot tears that 712break from me perforce

817Should make--the worst 818blasts and fogs 713upon thee;

819Untented woundings of a father's curse

820Pierce every 714sense about thee. Old fond eyes,

821Beweep this cause again, I'll 715pluck you out,

822And cast you with the waters that you make

823To 716temper clay. Yea, is't come to this?

824Yet have I left a daughter,

825Who 717I am sure is kind and comfortable.

826When she shall hear this of 718thee, with her nails

827She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt 719find

828That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think

829I have cast 720off for ever--thou shalt, I warrant thee.

Do you mark that, my lord?

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,

832To the great love I 723bear you--

To the great love I bear you-- Come, sir, no more.

834[To the Fool] You, more knave than fool, after 725your master!

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, 836tarry and take the fool 727with thee.

What, have you writ this letter to my sister?

Yes, madam.

Take you some company and away to horse.

861Inform 734her full of my particular fears,

862And thereto add such reasons of 735your own

863As may compact it more. Get you gone,

864And hasten your 736return.

And hasten your return. 28.1Now, my lord,

865This milky gentleness and course of yours,

866737Though I dislike not, yet, under pardon,

867Y'are much more attasked for 738want of wisdom

868Than praised for harmful mildness.

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.

870Striving 740to better aught, we mar what's well.

Nay then--

Well, well, the event.

[To Kent] Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. 876Acquaint 744my daughter no further with anything you 877know than comes 745from her demand out of the letter. 878If your diligence be not 746speedy I shall be there before 879you.

I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered 881your 748letter.

If a man's brains were in his heels, were't not in 883750danger of kibes?

Ay, boy.

Then I prithee be merry. Thy wit shall ne'er go 886slipshod.

Ha ha ha.

Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly, 889for 754though she's as like this as a crab is like an 890apple, yet I con what 755I can tell.

Why, what canst thou tell, my boy?

She'll taste as like this as a crab doth to a 893crab. Thou 758canst not tell why one's nose stands in the middle 894of his face?

No.

Why, to keep his eyes on either side 's nose, 897that what 761a man cannot smell out 'a may spy into.

I did her wrong.

Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?

No.

Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has 902a house.

Why?

Why, to put his head in, not to give it away to his 905767daughter, and leave his horns without a case.

I will forget my nature. So kind a father. Be 907my horses 769ready?

Thy asses are gone about them. The reason why 909the 771seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason.

Because they are not eight?

Yes. Thou wouldst make a good fool.

To tak't again perforce. Monster ingratitude!

If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'd have thee 914beaten for 776being old before thy time.

How's that?

Thou shouldst not have been old before thou hadst 917779been wise.

O let me not be mad, sweet heaven! I would not be mad. 919781Keep me in temper. I would not be mad.

Are 920the horses ready?

Ready, my lord.

Come, boy.

She that is maid now, and laughs at my departure,

924784Shall not be a maid long, except things be cut shorter.

Save thee, Curan.

And you, sir. I have been 930with your father, and given 788him notice 931that the Duke of Cornwall and his Duchess 932will be 789here with him tonight.

How comes that?

Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news 935abroad, 792I mean the whispered ones, for there are yet but 936ear-bussing 793arguments.

Not I. Pray you what are they?

Have you heard of no likely wars towards, 939twixt 796the two Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?

Not a word.

You may, then, in time. 942Fare you well, sir.

The Duke be here tonight! The better--best.

944This weaves 800itself perforce into my business.

945My father hath set guard to take 801my brother,

946And I have one thing of a queasy question

947Which 802must ask briefness and fortune's help.

949Brother, a word. Descend. 803Brother, I say.

950My father watches. Oh, fly this place!

951Intelligence 804is given where you are hid.

952You have now the good advantage 805of the night.

953Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall 806aught?

954He's coming hither now in the night, i'th'haste,

955And 807Regan with him. Have you nothing said

956Upon his party against the 808Duke of Albany?

957Advise your--

Advise your-- I am sure on't. Not a word.

I hear my father coming. Pardon me.

960In cunning I must 811draw my sword upon you.

961Seem to defend yourself. 962Now quit 812you well.--[Shouting]

963Yield! Come before my father. Light here, here.--[To Edgar]

964Fly, 813brother, fly.--[Shouting] Torches, torches! [To Edgar] So farewell.

966[Wounding his arm] Some blood drawn 814on me would beget opinion

967Of my more fierce endeavor. I 815have seen drunkards

968Do more than this in sport. [Shouting] Father, father!

969816Stop, stop! No help?

Now Edmund, where is the villain?

Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,

973819Warbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon

974To stand's 820auspicious mistress.

To stand's auspicious mistress. But where is he?

Look sir, I bleed.

Look sir, I bleed. Where is the villain, Edmund?

Fled this way, sir, when by no means he could--

Pursue him, go after.

Pursue him, go after. [To the Bastard] By no means what?

Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;

981But that 826I told him the revengive gods

982'Gainst parricides did all their 827thunders bend;

983Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond

984828The child was bound to the father. Sir, in fine,

985Seeing how 829loathly opposite I stood

986To his unnatural purpose, with fell motion

987830With his preparèd sword he charges home

988My unprovided 831body, lanced mine arm.

989But when he saw my best alarumed spirits,

990832Bold in the quarrel's right, roused to the encounter--

991Or whether 833gasted by the noise I made--

992But suddenly he fled.

But suddenly he fled. Let him fly far.

994Not in this land shall he remain 835uncaught--

995And found, dispatch! The noble Duke my master,

996My 836worthy arch and patron, comes tonight.

997By his authority I will 837proclaim it.

998That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks,

999838Bringing the murderous caitiff to the stake.

1000He that conceals 839him, death.

When I dissuaded him from his intent

1002And found him 841pitched to do it, with curst speech

1003I threatened to discover him. He 842replied,

1004"Thou unpossessing bastard, dost thou think,

1005If I would 843stand against thee, could the reposure

1006Of any trust, virtue, or 844worth in thee

1007Make thy words faithed? No. What I should deny,

1008845As this I would, ay, though thou didst produce

1009My very character, 846I'd turn it all

1010To thy suggestion, plot, and damned pretense.

1011847And thou must make a dullard of the world

1012If they not thought 848the profits of my death

1013Were very pregnant and potential 849spurs

1014To make thee seek it."

To make thee seek it." Strong and fastened villain.

1016Would he deny his letter? 85122I never got him.22.1

1017Hark, the Duke's trumpets. I know not why he 852comes.

1018All ports I'll bar. The villain shall not scape;

1019The Duke 853must grant me that. Besides, his picture

1020I will send far and 854near that all the kingdom

1021May have note of him. And of my 855land,

1022Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means

1023To make thee 856capable.

How now, my noble friend. Since I came hither,

1026Which 859I can call but now, I have heard strange news.

If it be true, all vengeance comes too short

1028Which can 861pursue the offender. How dost, my lord?

Madam, my old heart is cracked, is cracked.

What, did my father's godson seek your life?

1031He whom 864my father named, your Edgar?

Ay, lady, lady, shame would have it hid.

Was he not companion with the riotous knights

1034That 867tend upon my father?

I know not, madam. 'Tis too bad, too bad.

Yes, madam, he was.

No marvel, then, though he were ill affected.

1038871'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,

1039872To have the spoil and waste of his revenues.

1040873I have this present evening from my sister

1041874Been well informed of them, and with such cautions

1042875That if they come to sojourn at my house

1043I'll not be there.

I'll not be there. Nor I, assure thee Regan.

Edmund, 1045I heard that you 877have shown your father

1046A child-like office.

A child-like office. 'Twas my duty, sir.

He did betray his practice, and received

1049880This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.

Is he pursued?

Ay, my good lord.

If he be taken, he shall never more

1053Be feared of doing 883harm. Make your own purpose

1054How, in my strength, you please. 884For you, Edmund,

1055Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant

1056885So much commend itself, you shall be ours.

1057Natures of such 886deep trust we shall much need.

1058You we first seize on.

You we first seize on. I shall serve you truly,

However else.

However else. For him I thank your grace.

You know not why we came to visit you?

This out-of-season, threatening, dark-eyed night?

1063891Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,

1064892Wherein we must have use of your advice.

1065893Our father, he hath writ--so hath our sister--

1066894Of differences which I least thought it fit

1067895To answer from our home. The several messengers

1068896From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,

1069897Lay comforts to your bosom, and bestow

1070Your needful counsel 898to our business,

1071Which craves the instant use.

Which craves the instant use. I serve you, madam.

1073Your graces are right welcome.

Good even to thee friend. Art of the house?

Ay.

Where may we set our horses?

I'th'mire.

Prithee, if thou love me, tell me.

I love thee not.

Why then, I care not for thee.

If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold I would make 1084thee 906care for me.

Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.

Fellow, I know thee.

What dost thou know me for?

A knave, a rascal, an eater of broken meats; a 1089base, 911proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-1090pound, filthy, 912worsted-stocking knave; a lily-livered, 1091action-taking knave; a 913whoreson glass-gazing super-1092finical rogue, one-trunk-914inheriting slave. One that 1093wouldst be a bawd in way of good service, 915and art 1094nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, 916coward, 1095pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch--1096whom 917I will beat into clamorous whining if thou 1097deny the least 918syllable of the addition.

What a monstrous fellow art thou, thus 1099to rail on one 920that's neither known of thee, nor 1100knows thee.

What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny 1102thou 922knowest me! Is it two days ago since I beat thee, and tripped up 923thy 1103heels before the king? [Drawing his sword.] Draw, you rogue, 1104for though it be 924night the moon shines. I'll make a 1105sop of the moonshine o'you. 925Draw, you whoreson cullionly 1106barber-monger, draw!

Away, I have nothing to do with thee.

Draw, you rascal. You bring letters 1109against the king, 928and take Vanity the puppet's part 1110against the royalty of her 929father. Draw, you rogue, or 1111I'll so carbonado your shanks! Draw, 930you rascal. Come 1112your ways.

Help, ho! Murder! Help!

Strike you slave. Stand, rogue. Stand, you neat 1115slave--933strike!

Help, ho, murder, help!

How now, what's the matter?

[To the Bastard] With you, goodman boy, an you please. Come, 1120I'll 938flesh you. Come on, young master.

Weapons? Arms? What's the matter here?

[Drawing his sword] Keep peace upon your lives. He dies that strikes 1123941again. What's the matter?

The messengers from our sister, and the king.

What's your difference? Speak.

I am scarce in breath, my lord.

No marvel. You have so bestirred your valor, 1128you 946cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee. A tailor 1129made thee.

Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man?

Ay, a tailor, sir. A stone-cutter, or a painter could 1132not 949have made him so ill, though he had been but two 1133hours at 950the trade.

Speak yet. How grew your quarrel?

This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared 1136at suit 953of his gray beard--

Thou whoreson zed, thou unnecessary letter!--1138My 955lord, if you'll give me leave, I will tread this 1139unbolted villain 956into mortar, and daub the walls of a 1140jakes with him. [To Oswald] Spare 957my gray beard, you wagtail?

Peace sir.

1142You beastly knave, have you no reverence?

Yes, sir, but anger has a privilege.

Why art thou angry?

That such a slave as this should wear a sword,

1146962That wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,

1147963Like rats, oft bite those cords in twain,

1148964Which are too entrenched to unloose; smooth every passion

1149965That in the natures of their lords rebel,

1150966Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods,

1151967Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks

1152968With every gale and vary of their masters,

1153969Knowing naught, like dogs, but following.

1154[To Oswald] A plague upon your epileptic 970visage!

1155Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?

1156971Goose, an I had you upon Sarum Plain,

1157972I'd send you cackling home to Camelot.

What, art thou mad, old fellow?

How fell you out? Say that.

No contraries hold more antipathy,

1161976Than I and such a knave.

Than I and such a knave. Why dost thou call him knave?

1163What's his offence?

What's his offence? His countenance likes me not.

No more perchance does mine, or his, or hers.

Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain.

1167981I have seen better faces in my time

1168982Than stands on any shoulder that I see

1169983Before me at this instant.

This is a fellow 1171who, having been praised

985For bluntness, doth affect 1172a saucy roughness,

986And constrains the garb 1173quite from his nature.

987He cannot flatter, he--1174he must be plain,

988He must speak truth. 1175An they will tak't, so;

989If not, he's plain. 1176These kind of knaves I know

990Which in this "plainness" 1177harbor more craft

991And more corrupter ends 1178than twenty silly-ducking

992Observants 1179that stretch their duties nicely.

Sir, in good sooth, or in sincere verity,

1181994Under the allowance of your grand aspect,

1182995Whose influence like the wreath of radiant fire

1183996In flickering Phoebus' front--

In flickering Phoebus' front-- What mean'st thou by this?

To go out of my dialogue, which you 1186discommend so 999much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer. He that 1187beguiled you in a plain 1000accent was a plain knave, which for my part 1188I will not be, 1001though I should win your 1189displeasure to entreat me to't.

[To Oswald] What's the offence you gave him?

I never gave him any.

1192It pleased the king his master 1004very late

1193To strike at me, upon his misconstruction,

11941005When he, conjunct, and flattering his displeasure,

11951006Tripped me behind; being down, insulted, railed,

11961007And put upon him such a deal of man that

11971008That worthied him, got praises of the king,

11981009For him attempting who was self-subdued;

11991010And in the fleshment of this dread exploit

12001011Drew on me here again.

None of these rogues and cowards

1202But Ajax is their fool.

But Ajax is their fool. Bring forth the stocks, ho!

12041014You stubborn, ancient knave, you reverend braggart,

12051015We'll teach you.

We'll teach you. I am too old to learn.

1207Call not your stocks for me. 1017I serve the king,

1208On whose employments I was sent to you.

12091018You should do small respect, show too bold malice

12101019Against the grace and person of my master,

12111020Stocking his messenger.

Fetch forth the stocks! 1213As I have life and honor,

1022There shall he sit till noon.

Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too.

Why, madam, if I were your father's dog

1216You could 1025not use me so.

You could not use me so. Sir, being his knave, I will.

This is a fellow of the self same nature

12191028Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks.

Let me beseech your grace not to do so.

1220.11030His fault is much, and the good king his master

1220.21031Will check him for't. Your purposed, low correction

1220.31032Is such as basest and 'temnedst wretches

For pilferings 1220.41033and most common trespasses

24Are punished with. 2512211034The king must take it ill

1222That he's so slightly valued 1035in his messenger,

1223Should have him thus restrained.

Should have him thus restrained. I'll answer that.

My sister may receive it much more worse

12261038To have her gentlemen abused, assaulted

1226.11039For following her affairs. Put in his legs.27

12271040Come, my good lord, away.

I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the Duke's pleasure,

12291042Whose disposition all the world well knows

12301043Will not be rubbed nor stopped. I'll entreat for thee.

Pray you, do not, sir. I have watched and traveled hard.

12321045Some time I shall sleep on't, the rest I'll whistle.

12331046A good man's fortune may grow out at heels.

12341047Give you good morrow.

The Duke's to blame in this. 1236'Twill be ill took.

Good king, that must approve the common saw,

12381050Thou out of heaven's benediction comest

12391051To the warm sun.

12401052Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,

12411053That by thy comfortable beams I may

12421054Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles

12431055But misery. I know 'tis from Cordelia,

12441056Who hath most fortunately been informed

12451057Of my obscurèd course, and shall find time

12461058From this enormous state, seeking to give

12471059Losses their remedies. All weary and overwatched,

12481060Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold

12491061This shameful lodging. Fortune, goodnight.

12501062Smile; once more turn thy wheel.

I hear myself proclaimed,

12531065And by the happy hollow of a tree

12541066Escaped the hunt. No port is free, no place

12551067That guard and most unusual vigilance

12561068Does not attend my taking. While I may scape,

12571069I will preserve myself, and am bethought

12581070To take the basest and most poorest shape

12591071That ever penury in contempt of man

12601072Brought near to beast. My face I'll grime with filth,

12611073Blanket my loins, elf all my hair with knots,

12621074And with presented nakedness outface

12631075The wind and persecution of the sky.

12641076The country gives me proof and precedent

12651077Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,

12661078Strike in their numbed and mortified bare arms

12671079Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary,

12681080And with this horrible object, from low service,

12691081Poor pelting villages, sheepcotes, and mills,

12701082Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,

12711083Enforce their charity. "Poor Turlygod, poor Tom."

12721084That's something yet. Edgar I nothing am.

'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,

12751087And not send back my messenger.

As I learned, 1277the night before there was

1089No purpose 1278of his remove.

[From the stocks] Hail to thee, noble master.

How? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?

Ha ha! Look, he wears cruel garters. 1093Horses are 1283tied by the heels, 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.

[To Kent] What's he 1287that hath so much thy place mistook

1288To set 1098thee here?

It is both he and she, 1290your son and daughter.

No.

Yes.

No, I say

I say yea.

No, no, they would not.

Yes they have.

By Jupiter I swear no, 1297they durst not do't,

12981104They would not, could not do't. 'Tis worse than murder

12991105To do upon respect such violent outrage.

13001106Resolve me with all modest haste which way

13011107Thou may'st deserve, or they purpose this usage,

13021108Coming from us.

Coming from us. My lord, when at their home

13041110I did commend your highness' letters to them,

13051111Ere I was risen from the place that showed

13061112My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,

13071113Stewed in his haste, half breathless, panting forth

13081114From Goneril his mistress, salutations;

13091115Delivered letters, spite of intermission,

13101116Which presently they read; on whose contents

13111117They summoned up their men, straight took horse,

13121118Commanded me to follow and attend

1313the leisure 1119Of their answer; gave me cold looks.

13141120And, meeting here the other messenger,

13151121Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine,

13161122Being the very fellow that of late

13171123Displayed so saucily against your highness,

13181124Having more man than wit about me, drew.

13191125He raised the house with loud and coward cries.

13201126Your son and daughter found this trespass worth

13211127This shame which here it suffers.

Oh, how this mother swells up toward my heart.

13291129Hysterica passio, down thou climbing sorrow,

13301130Thy element's below. Where is this daughter?

With the earl, sir, within.

With the earl, sir, within. [To the Fool and Knight] Follow me not, stay there.

Made you no more offence 1334than what you speak of?

No. 1336How chance the king comes with so small a train?

An thou hadst been set in the stocks for that 13381136question, thou hadst well deserved it.

Why, Fool?

We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach 1341thee there's 1139no laboring in the winter. All that follow their 1342noses are led by 1140their eyes but blind men, and there's 1343not a nose among a hundred but 1141can smell him that's 1344stinking. Let go thy hold when a great 1142wheel runs down a 1345hill, lest it break thy neck with 1143following it. But the 1346great one that goes up the hill, let him draw thee 1144after. 1347When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine 13481145again. I would have none but knaves follow it, since a 1349fool 1146gives it.

Where learned you this, Fool?

Not in the stocks.

Deny to speak with me? 1362Th'are sick, th'are weary,

13631159They traveled hard tonight? Mere insolence.

13641160Ay, the images of revolt and flying off.

13651161Fetch me a better answer.

Fetch me a better answer. My dear lord,

1367You know the fiery quality of the 1163Duke,

1368How unremoveable and fixed he is

1369In his own course.

Vengeance, death, plague, confusion!

1371What fiery quality? 1165Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,

1372I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall, and 1166his wife.

Ay, my good lord.

The king would speak with Cornwall. 1377The dear father

13781169Would with his daughter speak, commands her service--

13801170Fiery Duke? Tell the hot Duke that Lear--

13811171No, but not yet. Maybe he is not well.

13821172Infirmity doth still neglect all office

1383Whereto our health 1173is bound. We are not ourselves

1384When nature, being oppressed, 1174commands the mind

1385To suffer with the body. I'll forbear,

13861175And am fallen out with my more headier will

13871176To take the indisposed and sickly fit

1388For the sound man.

For the sound man. 1177Death on my state! Wherefore

1389Should he sit here? 1178This act persuades me

1390That this remotion of the Duke and her

13911179Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.

13921180Tell the Duke and 's wife I'll speak with them

13931181Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,

13941182Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum

13951183Till it cry sleep to death.

I would have all well betwixt you.

Oh, my heart, my heart.

Cry to it nuncle, as the cockney did to the 1399eels when 1187she put 'em i'th'paste alive. She rapped 'em 1400o'th'coxcombs with a stick 1188and cried, "Down, wantons, 1401down!" 'Twas her brother that in pure 1189kindness to his 1402horse buttered his hay.

Good morrow to you both.

Good morrow to you both. Hail to your grace.

I am glad to see your highness.

Regan, I think you are. I know what reason

14081195I have to think so. If thou shouldst not be glad,

14091196I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb,

14101197Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent] Yea, are you free?

14111198Some other time for that.--Belovèd Regan,

14121199Thy sister is naught. O Regan, she hath tied

14131200Sharp-toothed unkindness, like a vulture, here.

14141201I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe

14151202Of how depraved a quality, O Regan--

I pray, sir, take patience. I have hope

14171204You less know how to value her desert

14181205Than she to slack her duty.

My curses on her.

My curses on her. O sir, you are old,

14271208Nature on you stands on the very verge

1428Of her confine. 1209You should be ruled and led

1429By some discretion 1210that discerns your state

1430Better than you yourself. 1211Therefore, I pray

1431That to our sister you do make return.

14321212Say you have wronged her, sir.

Say you have wronged her, sir. Ask her forgiveness?

14341214Do you mark how this becomes the house?

14351215[Kneeling] "Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.

14361216Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg

14371217That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food."

Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.

14391219Return you to my sister.

Return you to my sister. [Rising] No, Regan.

14411221She hath abated me of half my train,

14421222Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue

14431223Most serpent-like upon the very heart.

14441224All the stored vengeances of heaven fall

1445On her ungrateful top! 1225Strike her young bones,

1446You taking airs, with lameness--

You taking airs, with lameness-- Fie, fie, sir.

You nimble lightnings dart your blinding flames

14491228Into her scornful eyes. Infect her beauty,

14501229You fen-sucked fogs, drawn by the powerful sun,

14511230To fall and blast her pride.

O the blest gods! 1453So will you wish on me

1232When the rash mood--

No Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.

14551234Thy tender-hested nature shall not give

1456Thee o'er 1235to harshness. Her eyes are fierce, but thine

1457Do comfort and not burn. 1236'Tis not in thee

1458To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,

14591237To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,

14601238And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt

14611239Against my coming in. Thou better knowest

14621240The offices of nature, bond of childhood,

14631241Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude.

14641242Thy half of the kingdom hast thou not forgot

14651243Wherein I thee endowed.

Wherein I thee endowed. Good sir, to th'purpose.

Who put my man i'th'stocks?

Who put my man i'th'stocks? What trumpet's that?

I know't my sister's. This approves her letters

14711248That she would soon be here. [To Oswald] Is your lady come?

This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride

14731250Dwells in the fickle grace of her 'a follows.

14741251[Striking him] Out, varlet, from my sight.

[Striking him] Out, varlet, from my sight. What means your grace?

Who struck my servant? Regan I have good hope

14781254Thou didst not know on't.

Thou didst not know on't. Who comes here? O heavens!

14801256If you do love old men, if your sweet sway 1481allow

1257Obedience, if your selves are old, 1482make it your cause.

1258Send down and take my part.

14831259[To Goneril] Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?--

14841260O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?

Why not by the hand, sir? How have I offended?

14861262All's not offence that indiscretion finds

14871263And dotage terms so.

And dotage terms so. O sides, you are too tough.

14891265Will you yet hold? 1490How came my man i'th'stocks?

I set him there, sir, but his own disorders

14921267Deserved much less advancement.

Deserved much less advancement. You? Did you?

I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.

14951270If till the expiration of your month

14961271You will return and sojourn with my sister,

14971272Dismissing half your train, come then to me.

14981273I am now from home, and out of that provision

14991274Which shall be needful for your entertainment.

Return to her, and fifty men dismissed?

15011276No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose

15021277To wage against the enmity of the air,

15031278To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,

15041279Necessity's sharp pinch. Return with her?

15051280Why, the hot blood in France, that dowerless

1281Took 1506our youngest born, I could as well be brought

15071282To knee his throne, and squire-like pension beg

15081283To keep base life afoot. Return with her?

15091284Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter

15101285To this detested groom.

To this detested groom. At your choice, sir.

Now, I prithee daughter, do not make me mad.

15131288I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell.

15141289We'll no more meet, no more see one another.

15151290But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter--

15161291Or rather a disease that lies within my flesh,

15171292Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,

15181293A plague sore, an embossèd carbuncle

1519In my 1294corrupted blood--but I'll not chide thee.

15201295Let shame come when it will, I do not call it.

15211296I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,

15221297Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.

15231298Mend when thou canst. Be better at thy leisure.

15241299I can be patient. I can stay with Regan,

15251300I and my hundred knights.

Not altogether so, sir. 1527I look not for you yet,

1302Nor am provided 1528for your fit welcome.

1303Give ear, sir, to my sister, 1529for those

1304That mingle reason with your passion

15301305Must be content to think you are old, and so--

15311306But she knows what she does.

But she knows what she does. Is this well spoken, now?

I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?

15341309Is it not well? What should you need of more?

15351310Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger

15361311Speaks 'gainst so great a number. How, in a house,

15371312Should many people under two commands

15381313Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.

Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance

15401315From those that she calls servants; or from mine?

Why not, my lord? 1542If then they chanced to slack you,

15431317We could control them. If you will come to me,

15441318For now I spy a danger, I entreat you

15451319To bring but five and twenty. To no more

15461320Will I give place or notice.

Will I give place or notice. I gave you all.

And in good time you gave it.

Made you my guardians, my depositories,

15501324But kept a reservation to be followed

15511325With such a number. What, must I come to you

15521326With five and twenty? Regan, said you so?

And speak't again, my lord, no more with me.

Those wicked creatures yet do seem well favored

15551329When others are more wicked. Not being the worst

15561330Stands in some rank of praise. [To Goneril] I'll go with thee.

15571331Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,

15581332And thou art twice her love.

And thou art twice her love. Hear me, my lord.

15601334What need you five and twenty? Ten? Or five,

15611335To follow in a house where twice so many

15621336Have a command to tend you.

Have a command to tend you. What needs one?

Oh, reason not the need! Our basest beggars

15651339Are in the poorest thing superfluous.

15661340Allow not nature more than nature needs,

15671341Man's life is cheap as beast's. Thou art a lady;

15681342If only to go warm were gorgeous,

15691343Why nature needs not what thou gorgeous wearest,

15701344Which scarcely keeps thee warm; but for true need--

15711345You heavens, give me that patience; patience I need.

15721346You see me here, you gods, a poor old fellow,

15731347As full of grief as age, wretched in both.

15741348If it be you that stirs these daughters' hearts

15751349Against their father, fool me not too much

15761350To bear it lamely. Touch me with noble anger.

15771351Oh, let not women's weapons, water drops,

15781352Stain my man's cheeks. No, you unnatural hags,

15791353I will have such revenges on you both

15801354That all the world shall--I will do such things--

15811355What they are yet I know not, but they shall be

15821356The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep.

15831357No, I'll not weep. I have full cause of weeping,

15851358But this heart shall break in a hundred thousand flaws

15861359Or ere I'll weep. O Fool, I shall go mad.

Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.

This house is little. The old man and his people

15891363Cannot be well bestowed.

'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest,

15911365And must needs taste his folly.

For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,

15931367But not one follower.

So am I purposed. 1595Where is my Lord of Gloucester?

Followed the old man forth--he is returned.

The king is in high rage 1600and will I know not whither.

'Tis good to give him way; he leads himself.

My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.

Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak winds

16041374Do sorely rustle. For many miles about

1605There's not a bush.

There's not a bush. O sir, to willful men

16071376The injuries that they themselves procure

16081377Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.

16091378He is attended with a desperate train,

16101379And what they may incense him to, being apt

16111380To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.

Shut up your doors, my lord, 'tis a wild night.

16131382My Regan counsels well. Come out o'th'storm.

What's here beside foul weather?

One minded like the weather, most unquietly.

I know you. Where's the King?

Contending with the fretful element;

16201388Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,

16211389Or swell the curlèd waters 'bove the main

16221390That things might change or cease.30 Tears his white hair,30.1

1622.11391Which the impetuous blasts with eyeless rage

1622.21392Catch in their fury and make nothing of;

1622.31393Strives in his little world of man to outscorn

1622.41394The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.

1622.51395This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,

1622.61396The lion, and the belly-pinched wolf

1622.71397Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,

1622.81398And bids what will take all.

And bids what will take all. But who is with him?

None but the Fool, who labors to out-jest

16251401His heart-struck injuries.

His heart-struck injuries. Sir, I do know you,

16271403And dare upon the warrant of my art

16281404Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,

16291405Although as yet the face of it be covered

16301406With mutual cunning, twixt Albany and Cornwall.

1638.11407But true it is. From France there comes a power

1638.21408Into this scattered kingdom, who already

Wise in our negligence,

1638.31409Have secret feet in some of our best ports,

1638.41410And are at point to show their open banner.

1638.51411Now to you, if on my credit you dare build so far

1638.61412To make your speed to Dover, you shall find

1638.71413Some that will thank you, making just report

1638.81414Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow

1638.91415The king hath cause to plain,

1638.101416I am a gentleman of blood and breeding,

1638.111417And from some knowledge and assurance,

1638.121418Offer this office to you.

I will talk further with you.

I will talk further with you. No, do not.

16411421For confirmation that I am much more

16421422Than my out-wall, open this purse and take

16431423What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia,

16441424As fear not but you shall, show her this ring,

16451425And she will tell you who your fellow is

16461426That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm.

16471427I will go seek the King.

Give me your hand. 1649Have you no more to say?

Few words but to effect more than all yet,

16511430That when we have found the King--16521431I'll this way, you that--

He that first lights 1432on him 1653holla the other.

Blow wind and crack your cheeks. Rage, blow.

16571435You cataracts, and hurricanoes spout

1658'Til you have drenched 1436the steeples, drowned the cocks.

1659You sulfurous and 1437thought-executing fires,

1660Vaunt-couriers to 1438oak-cleaving thunderbolts,

1661Singe my white head, 1439and thou, all-shaking thunder,

1662Smite flat 1440the thick rotundity of the world,

1663Crack nature's 1441mold; all germens spill at once

1664That make 1442ingrateful man.

O nuncle, court holy-water in a dry house 16661444is better than this rainwater out o'door. 1445Good nuncle 1667in, and ask thy daughters' blessing. 1446Here's a night pities 1668neither wise man nor fool.

Rumble thy bellyful. Spit fire, spout rain.

16701448Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my daughters.

16711449I task not you, you elements, with unkindness.

16721450I never gave you kingdom, called you children.

16731451You owe me no subscription. Why, then, let fall

1674Your horrible pleasure. 1452Here I stand your slave,

1675A poor, infirm, weak, and 1453despised old man.

1676But yet I call you servile 1454ministers,

1677That have with two pernicious daughters joined

16781455Your high-engendered battle 'gainst a head

1679So old and white 1456as this. Oh, 'tis foul.

He that has a house to put his head in, has a good 16811458headpiece.

1686For 1462there was never yet fair woman but she made 1687mouths in a 1463glass.

No, I will be the pattern of all patience.

16901465I will say nothing.

Who's there?

Marry here's grace, and a codpiece, that's a 1693wise man and 1468a fool.

Alas, sir, sit you here? 1470Things that love night

1695Love not such nights as these. 1471The wrathful skies

1696Gallow the very wanderers of the 1472dark,

1697And makes them keep their caves. 1473Since I was man,

1698Such sheets of fire, 1474such bursts of horrid thunder,

1699Such groans of 1475roaring wind and rain, I ne'er

1700Remember 1476to have heard. Man's nature cannot carry

17011477The affliction, nor the force.

The affliction, nor the force. Let the great gods

1703That keep this dreadful 1479pother o'er our heads

1704Find out their enemies now. 1480Tremble thou wretch,

1705That hast within thee 1481undivulgèd crimes,

1706Unwhipped of justice. 1482Hide thee, thou bloody hand,

1707Thou perjured, and 1483thou simular man of virtue

1708That art incestuous; 1484caitiff, in pieces

Shake, 1709that under covert 1485and convenient

Seeming 1710hast practised on man's life;

1486Close pent-up guilts, 1711rive your concealèd centers,

1487And cry 1712these dreadful summoners grace.

1488I am a man 1713more sinned against than sinning.

Alack, bare-headed?

1715Gracious my lord, hard by here is 1490a hovel.

1716Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest.

17171491Repose you there whilst I to this hard house--

1718More hard than is 1492the stone whereof 'tis raised--

1719Which even but now, demanding 1493after you,

1720Denied me to come in, return and force

1721Their scanted 1494courtesy.

Their scanted courtesy. My wit begins to turn.

17231496[To the Fool] Come on, my boy. How dost, my boy? Art cold?

17241497I am cold myself. [To Kent] Where is this straw, my fellow?

17251498The art of our necessities is strange 1726that can

1499Make vile things precious. Come, your hovel.1727Poor

1500Fool and knave, I have one part of my heart

17281501That sorrows yet for thee.

True, my good boy. [To Kent] Come bring us to this hovel.

Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this 1508unnatural 1754dealing. When I desired their leave 1509that I might pity him, 1755they took from me 1510the use of mine own house, charg'd 1756me, on pain 1511of their displeasure, neither to speak 1757of him, 1512entreat for him, nor any way sustain him.

Most savage and unnatural.

Go to, say you nothing. There's a division 1760betwixt the Dukes; 1515and a worse matter than that, I have 1761received 1516a letter this night--'tis dangerous to be spoken. 17621517I have locked the letter in my closet. These injuries 1518the 1763King now bears will be revenged home; 1519there's part of 1764a power already landed. 1520We must incline to the King. I 1765will seek him, and 1521privily relieve him. Go you and 1766maintain talk 1522with the Duke that my charity be not of 1767him 1523perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill, and gone 1524to 1768bed. Though I die for't, as no less is threatened me, 1525the King 1769my old master must be relieved. There is 1526some strange thing 1770toward. Edmund, pray you be careful.

This courtesy forbid thee shall the Duke

1772Instantly know, 1528and of that letter too.

1773This seems a fair deserving, 1529and must draw me

1774That which my father loses--no less 1530than all.

1775The younger rises when the old do fall.

Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter.

1779The 1533tyranny of the open night's too rough

1780For nature to endure.

For nature to endure. Let me alone.

Good my lord, enter.

Good my lord, enter. Wilt break my heart?

I had rather break mine own. 1785Good my lord, enter.

Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm

17871538Invades us to the skin. So 'tis to thee;

17881539But where the greater malady is fixed

17891540The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'dst shun a bear,

17901541But if thy flight lay toward the roaring sea

17911542Thou'dst meet the bear i'th'mouth. When the mind's free,

17921543The body's delicate. This tempest in my mind

17931544Doth from my senses take all feeling else

17941545Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude!

17951546Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand

17961547For lifting food to't? But I will punish sure.

17971548No, I will weep no more. 32.2In such a night

1798To shut me out? Pour on. I will endure.

1799In such a night as this? 1549O Regan, Goneril,

O Regan, Goneril, 1800your old kind father

1550Whose frank heart gave you all!--1801Oh, that way madness lies;

1551Let me shun that; 1802no more of that.

Good my lord, enter.

Prithee go in thyself, seek thy own ease.

18051554This tempest will not give me leave to ponder

18061555On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in.

18091556Poor naked wretches wheresoe'er you are

18101557That bide the pelting of this pitiless night,

18111558How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,

18121559Your looped and windowed raggedness, defend you

18131560From seasons such as these? Oh, I have ta'en

18141561Too little care of this. Take physic, pomp.

18151562Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,

18161563That thou mayst shake the superflux to them

18171564And show the heavens more just.

Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help 1821me, help 1566me!

Give me thy hand. Who's there?

A spirit. He says his name's Poor 1824Tom.

What art thou that dost grumble there in the 1826straw? 1570Come forth.

Away, the foul fiend follows me. Through the 1828sharp 1572hawthorn blows the cold wind. Go to thy cold 1829bed and warm 1573thee.

Hast thou given all to thy two daughters, and art 1831thou 1575come to this?

Who gives anything to poor Tom, whom 1833the foul 1577fiend hath led through fire, and 1834through ford and 1578whirlpool, o'er bog and 1835quagmire; that has laid knives 1579under his pillow and halters 1836in his pew, set ratsbane by his pottage; 1580made him 1837proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting-horse over 1581four-1838inched bridges; to course his own shadow for a traitor. 18391582Bless thy five wits. Tom's a-cold. 1840Bless thee from whirlwinds, 1583star-blasting, and 1841taking. Do poor Tom some charity, whom 1584the foul fiend 1842vexes. There could I have him now, and there, 1585and there 1843again.

What? His daughters brought him to this pass?

18451587Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give them all?

Nay, he reserved a blanket, else we had been all 1847shamed.

Now all the plagues that in the pendulous air

18491590Hang fated o'er men's faults fall on thy daughters.

He hath no daughters, sir.

Death, traitor! Nothing could have subdued nature

18521593To such a lowness but his unkind daughters.

18531594Is it the fashion that discarded fathers

18541595Should have thus little mercy on their flesh?

18551596Judicious punishment: 'twas this flesh

1597Begot 1856those pelican daughters.

Pillicock sat on Pillicock's hill, a lo, lo, lo.

This cold night will turn us all to fools and 1859madmen.

Take heed o'th'foul fiend, obey thy 1861parents, keep thy 1601words justly, swear not, commit not 1862with man's sworn spouse, 1602set not thy sweet heart on 1863proud array. Tom's a-cold.

What hast thou been?

A servingman, proud in heart and mind, that 1866curled my 1605hair, wore gloves in my cap, served the lust 1867of my mistress's heart 1606and did the act of darkness with 1868her; swore as many oaths as I 1607spake words, and broke 1869them in the sweet face of heaven. One 1608that slept in the 1870contriving of lust and waked to do it. Wine 1609loved I 1871deeply, dice dearly, and in woman out-paramoured 1872the 1610Turk; false of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; 1873hog in sloth, 1611fox in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog 1874in madness, lion 1612in prey. Let not the creaking of shoes 1875nor the rustlings of silks 1613betray thy poor heart to wo1876men. Keep thy foot out of 1614brothel, thy hand out of 1877placket, thy pen from lender's book, 1615and defy the 1878foul fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the 18791616cold wind, heigh no nonny. Dolphin, my boy, 1880my boy. Cease! 1617Let him trot by.

Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer 18821619with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies. Is 1883man no 1620more but this? Consider him well. Thou owest 1884the worm no silk, 1621the beast no hide, the sheep no 1885wool, the cat no perfume. Here's 1622three on's are 1886sophisticated; thou art the thing itself. 16231887Unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor bare forked 1888animal 1624as thou art. Off, off, you lendings. [Attempts to take off his clothes] Come, 1889unbutton--

Prithee, nuncle, be content. This is a naughty 1892night to 1626swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field 1893were like an old letcher's 1627heart, a small spark, all the rest 1894in's body cold. Look, here comes 1628a walking fire.

This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibet. He begins at 18961630curfew and walks till the first cock. He gives the web 1897and the pin, 1631squinies the eye, and makes the harelip; 1898mildews the white 1632wheat and hurts the poor 1899creature of earth.

How fares your grace?

What's he?

Who's there? What is't you seek?

What are you there? Your names?

Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the 1909toad, the 1640tadpole, the wall-newt, and the water; that 1910in the fury of his 1641heart, when the foul fiend rages, eats 1911cow dung for salads, 1642swallows the old rat and the 1912ditch dog; drinks the green 1643mantle of the standing 1913pool; who is whipped from tithing to tithing, 1644and 1914stock-punished and imprisoned; who hath had three suits 1915to 1645his back, six shirts to his body.

19191649Beware my follower. Peace, Smolking, peace thou fiend!

What, hath your grace no better company?

The Prince of Darkness is a gentleman. Modo, 1922he's called, 1652and Mahu--

Our flesh and blood is grown so 1924vile, my lord,

That it 1654doth hate what gets it.

Poor Tom's a-cold.

[To Lear] Go in with me. My duty cannot suffer

1927To obey in all your 1657daughters' hard commands.

1928Though their injunction be to bar 1658my doors

1929And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,

1930Yet 1659have I ventured to come seek you out

1931And bring you where 1660both food and fire is ready.

First let me talk with this philosopher.

19331662What is the cause of thunder?

My good lord, take his offer. 1935Go into the house.

I'll talk a word with this most learnèd Theban.

1937What is 1665your study?

How to prevent the fiend, and to kill vermin.

Let me ask you one word in private.

[To Gloucester] Importune him [once more] to go, my lord. 1941His wits

Begin to unsettle.

Begin to unsettle. Canst thou blame him?

19431670His daughters seek his death. Oh, that good Kent,

19441671He said it would be thus, poor banished man.

19451672Thou say'st the King grows mad. I'll tell thee, friend,

19461673I am almost mad myself. I had a son

19471674Now outlawed from my blood. 'A sought my life

19481675But lately, very late. I loved him, friend,

19491676No father his son dearer. True to tell thee,

19501677The grief hath crazed my wits.

1678What a night's this?1951 [To Lear] I do beseech your grace--

Oh, cry you mercy. 1953Noble philosopher, your company.

Tom's a-cold.

In fellow. There, in th'hovel, keep thee warm.

Come, let's in all.

Come, let's in all. This way, my lord.

Come, let's in all. This way, my lord. With him.

1959I will keep still with my philosopher.

[To Gloucester] Good my lord, soothe him. 1961Let him take the fellow.

Take him you on.

Sirrah, come on. Go along with us.

Come, good Athenian.

No words, no words, hush.

Childe Rowland to the dark town come,

19671691His word was still "Fie, fo, and fum,

19681692I smell the blood of a British man."

I will have my revenge ere I depart the house.

How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature 1973thus gives 1696way to loyalty, something fears me to 1974think of.

I now perceive it was not altogether your 1976brother's 1698evil disposition made him seek his death, but 1977a provoking merit 1699set a-work by a reprovable badness 1978in himself.

How malicious is my fortune that I must 1980repent to be 1701just! This is the letter he spoke of, 1981which approves him an 1702intelligent party to the 1982advantages of France. O heavens, that his 1703treason were not, 1983or not I the detector!

Go with me to the duchess.

If the matter of this paper be certain, you have 1986mighty 1706business in hand.

True or false, it hath made thee Earl of 1988Gloucester. Seek 1708out where thy father is, that he may be 1989ready for our 1709apprehension.

[Aside] If I find him comforting the King, it will stuff 1991his 1711suspicion more fully. [Aloud] I will persevere in my course of 1992loyalty, 1712though the conflict be sore between that and 1993my blood.

I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find 1995a dearer 1714father in my love.

Here is better than the open air. Take it 1999thankfully. I 1717will piece out the comfort with what addition I 2000can. I will not be 1718long from you.

All the power of his wits have given way to 2002impatience. 1720The gods discern your kindness.

Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an 2005angler in the 1722lake of darkness. Pray, innocent. Beware 2006the foul fiend.

Prithee nuncle, tell me whether a madman be 2008a 1724gentleman or a yeoman.

33.3A king, a king.

2013To have a thousand with red burning 1726spits 2014come hissing in upon them.

The foul fiend bites my back.

He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, 2014.3a 1729horse's health, a boy's love, or a whore's oath.

It shall be done. I will arraign them straight.

2014.51731[To Edgar] Come sit thou here most learned justice.

2014.61732[To the Fool] Thou, sapient sir, sit here. No, you she foxes--

Look where he stands and glares. Want'st thou eyes at 2014.81734troll-madam?

The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a nightingale. 2014.121738Hoppedance cries in Tom's belly for two white herring. 2014.131739Croak not, black angel, I have no food for thee.

How do you sir? Stand you not so amazed. Will you 2014.151741lie down and rest upon the cushions?

I'll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence. [To Edgar] Thou 2014.171743robed man of justice, take thy place; [To the Fool] and thou, his yokefellow of 2014.181744equity, bench by his side. [To Kent] You are o'th'commission, sit you too.

Let us deal justly.

Purr, the cat is gray.

Arraign her first. 'Tis Goneril. I here take my oath before 2014.231749this honorable assembly she kicked the poor king her father.

Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?

She cannot deny it.

Cry you mercy, I took you for a join-stool.

And here's another whose warped looks proclaim,

2014.281754What store her heart is made on. Stop her there!

2014.291755Arms, arms, sword, fire, corruption in the place!

2014.301756False justicer, why hast thou let her 'scape?

Bless thy five wits.

Oh, pity! Sir, where is the patience now,

20171759That you so oft have boasted to retain?

[Aside] My tears begin to take his part so much

20191761They'll mar my counterfeiting.

The little dogs and all,

20211763Trey, Blanch, and Sweetheart--see they bark at me.

Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you 2023curs!

2031Loudla doodla, come march to wakes and fairs and 20321770market towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.

Then let them anatomize Regan, see what 2034breeds about her 1772heart. Is there any cause in nature that 2035makes this hardness? 1773[To Edgar] You, sir, I entertain you for one of 2036my hundred, 1774only I do not like the fashion of your 2037garments. You'll say 1775they are Persian attire, but let them be 2038changed.

Now, good my lord, lie here awhile.

Make no noise, make no noise, draw the 2042curtains, so, so, so. 1778We'll go to supper i'th'morning, so, so, so.

33.5And I'll go to bed at noon.

Come hither, friend. 2045Where is the King, my master?

Here, sir, but trouble him not. His wits are gone.

Good friend, I prithee take him in thy arms.

20481782I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him.

20491783There is a litter ready. Lay him in't,

2050And drive towards Dover, friend, 1784where thou shalt meet

2051Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master.

20521785If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life,

2053With thine 1786and all that offer to defend him,

2054Stand in assurèd loss. 1787Take up the King

2055And follow me, that will to some provision

20561788Give thee quick conduct.

Give thee quick conduct. Oppressèd nature sleeps.

2056.21790This rest might yet have balmed thy broken sinews,

2056.31791Which, if convenience will not allow,

Stand in hard cure. 2056.41792[To the Fool] Come, help to bear thy master.

Thou must not stay behind.

Thou must not stay behind. Come, come away.

When we our betters see bearing our woes

We scarcely 2056.71795think our miseries our foes.

2056.81796Who alone suffers, suffers most i'th'mind,

2056.91797Leaving free things and happy shows behind,

2056.101798But then the mind much sufferance doth o'erskip,

2056.111799When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship.

2056.121800How light and portable my pain seems now,

2056.131801When that which makes me bend, makes the king bow;

2056.141802He childed as I fathered. Tom, away.

2056.151803Mark the high noises, and thyself bewray,

2056.161804When false opinion, whose wrong thoughts defile thee,

2056.171805In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee.

2056.181806What will hap more tonight, safe 'scape the king.

2056.191807Lurk, lurk.

[To Goneril] Post speedily to my lord your husband. Show 2061him this letter. 1810The army of France is landed. [To a servant] Seek out the 2062villain Gloucester.

Hang him instantly.

Pluck out his eyes.

Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep 2066you our sister company. 1814The revenge we are bound to 2067take upon your traitorous father 1815are not fit for your 2068beholding. Advise the Duke where you are going, 1816to a 2069most festinate preparation. We are bound to the like. 1817Our 2070post shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us. 18182071Farewell dear sister. Farewell my lord of Gloucester.

20731819How now, where's the King?

My lord of Gloucester hath conveyed him hence.

20751821Some five or six and thirty of his knights,

2076Hot questrists after 1822him, met him at gate,

2077Who with some other of the lord's 1823dependants

2078Are gone with him towards Dover, where they boast

2079To 1824have well-armed friends.

[To Oswald] Get horses for your mistress.

Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.

Edmund farewell.

Edmund farewell. Exeunt Goneril and [the] Bastard..

Edmund farewell. Exeunt Goneril and [the] Bastard.. [To servants] Go seek the traitor Gloucester.

20831828Pinion him like a thief. Bring him before us.

20841829Though we may not pass upon his life

20851830Without the form of justice, yet our power

20861831Shall do a court'sy to our wrath, which men 2087may blame

1832But not control. 2089Who's there? The traitor?

Ingrateful fox, 'tis he.

[To servants] Bind fast his corky arms.

What means your graces? 2093Good my friends, consider,

1837You are my guests. 2094Do me no foul play, friends.

Bind him, I say.

Bind him, I say. Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!

Unmerciful lady as you are, I am true.

To this chair bind him. 2099Villain, thou shalt find--

By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done,

2101To pluck me 1843by the beard.

So white and such a traitor?

So white and such a traitor? Naughty lady.

2104These hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin

21051845Will quicken and accuse thee. I am your host.

21061846With robbers' hands my hospitable favors

21071847You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?

Come, sir. 2109What letters had you late from France?

Be simple, answerer, for we know the truth.

And what confederacy have you with

The 2112traitors late 1851footed in the kingdom?

To whose hands 2114you have sent the lunatic King.

Speak.

I have a letter guessingly set down

21161854Which came from one that's of a neutral heart,

21171855And not from one opposed.

And not from one opposed. Cunning.

And not from one opposed. Cunning. And false.

Where hast thou sent the King?

To Dover.

Wherefore to Dover? 2123Wast thou not charged at peril--

Wherefore to Dover? Let him first answer that.

I am tied to th'stake, 2126and I must stand the course.

Wherefore to Dover, sir?

Because I would not see thy cruel nails

21291863Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister

21301864In his anointed flesh rash boarish fangs.

21311865The sea, with such a storm on his bowed head

21321866In hell-black night endured, would have buoyed up

21331867And quenched the stellèd fires, 2134yet, poor old heart,

1868He helped the heavens to rage.

21351869If wolves had at thy gate howled that dern time

21361870Thou shouldst have said, "Good porter, turn the key."

21371871All cruels else subscribe. But I shall see

21381872The wingèd vengeance overtake such children.

See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.

21401874Upon those eyes of thine I'll set my foot.

He that will think to live till he be old

21421876Give me some help.

Give me some help. Oh, cruel! O ye gods!

One side will mock another. T'other too.

If you see vengeance--

If you see vengeance-- Hold your hand, my lord.

21461880I have served you ever since I was a child,

21471881But better service have I never done you

2148Than now to bid you hold.

Than now to bid you hold. How now, you dog!

If you did wear a beard upon your chin

2151I'd shake it 1884on this quarrel. [To Cornwall] What do you mean?

My villein!

Why then, come on, and take the chance of anger.

[To another servant] Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus?

Oh, I am slain, my lord. Yet have you one eye left

2157To 1890see some mischief on him--oh!

Lest it see more, prevent it. Out vile jelly.

21591892Where is thy luster now?

All dark and comfortless. 2161Where's my son, Edmund?

21621894Edmund, unbridle all the sparks of nature

2163To quite this horrid act.

To quite this horrid act. Out, villain,

2165Thou call'st on him that hates thee. It was he

21661896That made the overture of thy treasons

To us, 2167who is too good to 1897pity thee.

Oh my follies! Then Edgar was abused.

21691899Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him.

Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell

2171His way to 1901Dover.

His way to Dover. 2172How is't my lord? How look you?

I have received a hurt. Follow me, lady.

21741903[To a servant] Turn out that eyeless villain. Throw this slave

2175Upon 1904the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace.

2176Untimely 1905comes this hurt. Give me your arm.