Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Pervez Rizvi
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)

The History of King Lear.
With better phrase and matter then thou didst.
Edg. Y'are much deceiued, in nothing am I changd,
But in my garments.
Glo. Me thinkes y'are better spoken.
2445Edg. Come on sir, here's the place, stand still, how fearfull
And dizy tis to cast ones eye so low:
The Crowes and Choughes that wing the midway ayre
Shew scarse so grosse as beetles, halfe way downe
2450Hangs one that gathers Sampire, dreadfull trade,
Me thinkes he seemes no bigger then his head:
The fishermen that walke vpon the beake
Appeare like Mice; and yon tall Anchoring barke
Diminisht to her cocke; her cocke aboue
2455Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge,
That on the vnnumbred idle peebles chafe,
Cannot be heard: it is so hie Ile looke no more
Least my braine turne, and the deficient sight
Topple downe headlong.
2460Glo. Set me where you stand.
Edg. Giue me your hand: you are now within a foot
Of the extreme verge; for all beneath the Moone
Would I not leape vpright.
Glo. Let go my hand:
2465Heere friend's another purse, in it a Iewell
Well worth a poore mans taking. Fairies and Gods
Prosper it with thee: go thou farther off,
Bid me farewell, and let me heare thee going.
Edg. Now fare you well good sir.
2470Glo. With all my heart.
Edg. Why I do trifle thus with his dispaire, tis done to cure it.
Glo. O you mighty Gods, He kneels
This world I do renounce, and in your sights
2475Shake patiently my great affliction off,
If I could beare it longer, and not fall
To quarrell with your great opposelesse wils,
My snuffe and loathed part of nature should
Burne it selfe out: if Edgar liue, O blesse,
Now