Internet Shakespeare Editions

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Not Peer Reviewed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