Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Pervez Rizvi
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)

The History of King Lear.
Alb. We will greet the time.
Bast. To both these sisters haue I sworne my loue,
Each iealous of the other, as the sting are of the Adder,
Which of them shall I take, both one
2905Or neither; neither can be enioy'd
If both remaine aliue: to take the Widdow,
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Gonorill,
And hardly shall I carry out my side
Her husband being aliue. Now then wee'l vse
2910His countenance for the battell, which being done
Let her that would be rid of him deuise
His speedy taking off: as for his mercie
Which he extends to Lear and to Cordelia,
The battell done, and they within our power,
2915Shall neuer see his pardon: for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. Exit

Alarum. Enter the powers of France ouer the stage, Cordelia
2918.1with her Father in her hand.

2920Enter Edgar and Gloster.
Edg. Heere Father, take the shadow of this bush
For your good hoast: pray that the right may thriue.
If euer I returne to you againe,
Ile bring you comfort. Exit
2925Glo. Grace go with you sir.
Alarum and retreat. Enter Edgar.
Edg. Away olde man, giue me thy hand, away,
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter tane:
2930Giue me thy hand, come on.
Glo. No farther sir, a man may rot euen heere.
Edg. What in ill thoughts agen? Men must endure,
Their going hence, euen as their comming hither,
2935Ripenesse is all come on. Exit.
Enter Edmund, with Lear and Cordelia prisoners.
2940Bast. Some officers take them away, good guard,
Vntill their greater pleasures best be knowne
That