Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Pervez Rizvi
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)

The History of King Lear.
Kent in Germany.
Kent. Report is changeable, tis time to looke about,
The powers of the kingdome approch apace.
2843.10Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody, fare you well sir.
Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought,
Or well, or ill, as this dayes battels fought.

2845Enter Edmund, Regan, and their powers.
Bast. Know of the Duke if his last purpose holde,
Or whether since he is aduisd by ought
To change the course , he is full of alteration
2850And selfe-reprouing, bring his constant pleasure.
Reg. Our sisters man is certainly miscarried.
Bast. Tis to be doubted Madam.
Reg. Now sweet Lord,
You know the goodnesse I intend vpon you:
2855Tell me truly, but then speake the truth,
Do you not loue my sister?
Bast. I honor'd loue.
Reg. But haue you neuer found my brothers way,
To the forefended place?
2859.1Bast. That thought abuses you.
Reg. I am doubtfull that you haue beene coniunct
And bosom'd with her, as farre as we call hers.
2860Bast. No by mine honor Madam.
Reg. I neuer shall endure her,
Deere my Lord be not familiar with her.
Bast. Feare me not, she and the Duke her husband.

Enter Albany and Gonorill with troopes.
2864.1Gon. I had rather loose the battell
Then that sister should loosen him and me.
2865Alb. Our very louing sister well be-met,
For this I heare the King is come to his daughter
With others, whom the rigour of our State
Forc'd to cry out. 2868.1Where I could not be honest
I neuer yet was valiant: for this businesse
It