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  • Title: King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)
  • Editor: Pervez Rizvi
  • Coordinating editor: Michael Best
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-463-9

    Copyright Michael Best. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Pervez Rizvi
    Not Peer Reviewed

    King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)

    The History of King Lear.
    And ile repaire the misery thou dost beare,
    With something rich about me,
    From that place shall I no leading need.
    Edg. Giue me thy arme, poore Tom shall lead thee.

    Enter Gonorill and Bastard.

    Gon. Welcome my Lord, I maruaile our milde husband
    Not met vs on the way: now, where's your Master?

    2269.1Enter Steward.
    2270Stew. Madame within, but neuer man so chang'd; I tolde him
    of the Army that was landed, he smiled at it, I told him you were
    coming, his answer was, the worse; of Glosters treachery, and of
    2275the loyall seruice of his sonne, when I enformd him, then he cald
    me sot, and told me I had turnd the wrong side out, what hee
    should most desire, seemes pleasant to him, what like offensiue.
    Gon. Then shall you go no further.
    2280It is the cowish curre of his spirit
    That dares not vndertake, heel not feele wrongs
    Which tye him to an answer, our wishes on the way
    May proue effects, backe Edmund to my brother,
    Hasten his musters, and conduct his powers,
    2285I must change armes at home, and giue the distaffe
    Into my husbands hands; this trusty seruant
    Shall passe betweene vs, ere long you are like to heare
    If you dare venter in your owne behalfe
    A mistresses coward, weare this spare speech,
    2290Decline your head: this kisse if it durst speake,
    Would strech thy spirits vp into the ayre;
    Conceiue, and faryewell.
    Bast. Yours in the rankes of death.
    Gon. My most deare Gloster, to thee womans seruices are due,
    My foote vsurpes my head.
    Stew. Madame, heere comes my Lord.
    2298.1Exit Steward.

    Gon.
    H2