Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Pervez Rizvi
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Quarto 2, 1619)

The History of King Lear.
With the hell hatedly ore-turn'd thy heart,
Which for they yet glance by, and scarsely bruise,
3105This sword of mine shall giue them instant way,
Where they shall rest for euer, Trumpets speake.
Alb. Saue him, saue him.
Gon. This is meere practice Gloster, by the law of Armes
Thou art not bound to offer an vnknowne opposite,
3110Thou art not vanquisht, but cousned and beguild.
Alb. Stop your mouth Dame, or with this paper shall I stop
it: thou worse then any thing, reade thine owne euill. Nay, no
3115tearing Lady, I perceiue you know't.
Gon. Say if do, the lawes are mine not thine, who shal araign
me for it.
Alb. Monster, knowst thou this paper?
Gon. Aske me not what I know. Exit Gonorill.
3120Alb. Go after her, she's desperate, gouerne her.
Bast. What you haue charg'd me with, that haue I done,
And more, much more, the time will bring it out.
Tis past, and so am I: but what art thou that hast this fortune on
3125me? If thou beest noble, I do forgiue thee.
Edg. Let's exchange charity,
I am no lesse in blood then thou art Edmund,
If more, the more thou hast wrongd me.
3130My name is Edgar, and thy fathers sonne,
The Gods are iust, and of our pleasant vertues
Make instruments to scourge vs: the darke and vitious place
Where he thee got, cost him his eyes.
3135Bast. Thou hast spoken truth,
The wheele is come full circkled, I am heere.
Alb. Me thought thy very gate did prophesie
A royall noblenesse, I must embrace thee,
Let sorow split my heart if I did euer hate thee or thy father.
Edg. Worthy Prince I know it.
Alb. Where haue you hid your selfe?
How haue you knowne the miseries of your father?
Edg. By nursing them my Lord,
3145List a breefe tale, and when tis told,
O
L2