10.1To My Esteemed Friend Thomas Boteler, Esq;

20.2Sir,

30.3You have a natural right to this piece, since, by your advice, I attempted the revival of it with alterations. Nothing but the power of your persuasion, and my zeal for all the remains of Shakespeare, could have wrought me to so bold an undertaking. I found that the new-modeling of this story would force me sometimes on the difficult task of making the chiefest persons speak something like their character, on matter whereof I had no ground in my author. Lear's real, and Edgar's pretended madness have so much of extravagant Nature (I know not how else to express it) as could never have started but from our Shakespeare's creating fancy. The images and language are so odd and surprising, and yet so agreeable and proper, that whilst we grant that none but Shakespeare could have formed such conceptions, yet we are satisfied that they were the only things in the world that ought to be said on those occasions. I found the whole to answer your account of it, a heap of jewels, unstrung and unpolished; yet so dazzling in their disorder, that I soon perceived I had seized a treasure. 'Twas my good fortune to light on one expedient to rectify what was wanting in the regularity and probability of the tale, which was to run through the whole a love betwixt Edgar and Cordelia, that never changed word with each other in the original. This renders Cordelia's indifference and her father's passion in the first scene probable. It likewise gives countenance to Edgar's disguise, making that a generous design that was before a poor shift to save his life. The distress of the story is evidently heightened by it; and it particularly gave occasion of a new scene or two, of more success (perhaps) than merit. This method necessarily threw me on making the tale conclude in a success to the innocent distressed persons: otherwise I must have encumbered the stage with dead bodies, which conduct makes many tragedies conclude with unseasonable jests. Yet was I racked with no small fears for so bold a change, till I found it well-received by my audience; and if this will not satisfy the reader, I can produce an authority that questionless will. "Neither is it of so trivial an undertaking to make a tragedy end happily, for 'tis more difficult to save than 'tis to kill: the dagger and cup of poison are always in readiness; but to bring the action to the last extremity, and then by probable means to recover all, will require the art and judgment of a writer, and cost him many a pang in the performance."

40.4I have one thing more to apologize for, which is that I have used less quaintness of expression even in the newest parts of this play. I confess 'twas design in me, partly to comply with my author's style to make the scenes of a piece, and partly to give it some resemblance of the time and persons here represented. This, sir, I submit wholly to you, who are both a judge and master of style. Nature had exempted you before you went abroad from the morose saturnine humor of our country, and you brought home the refinedness of travel without the affectation. Many faults I see in the following pages, and question not but you will discover more; yet I will presume so far on your friendship, as to make the whole a present to you, and subscribe my self

50.5Your obliged friend and humble servant,

60.6N. Tate.

94Since by mistakes your best delights are made,

105(For ev'n your wives can please in masquerade)

116'Twere worth our while t'have drawn you in this day

127By a new name to our old honest play.

138But he that did this evening's treat prepare

149Bluntly resolved before-hand to declare

1510Your entertainment should be most old fare.

1611Yet hopes, since in rich Shakespeare's soil it grew,

1712'Twill relish yet with those whose tastes are true,

1813And his ambition is to please a few.

1914If then this heap of flowers shall chance to wear

2015Fresh beauty in the order they now bear,

2116Ev'n this Shakespeare's praise. Each rustic knows

2217'Mongst plenteous flowers a garland to compose,

2318Which strung by his course hand may fairer show,

2419But 'twas a power divine first made 'em grow.

2520Why should these scenes lie hid, in which we find

2621What may at once divert and teach the mind?

2722Morals were always proper for the stage,

2823But are even necessary in this age.

2924Poets must take the churches teaching trade,

3025Since priests their province of intrigue invade.

3126But we the worst in this exchange have got,

3227In vain our poets preach, whilst church-men plot.

KING LEAR. A TRAGEDY.

Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law

1.1.230My services are bound. Why am I then

1.1.331Depriv'd of a son's right because I came not

1.1.432In the dull road that custom has prescribed?

1.1.533Why bastard, wherefore base, when I can boast

1.1.634A mind as generous and a shape as true

1.1.735As honest madam's issue? Why are we

1.1.836Held base, who in the lusty stealth of nature

1.1.937Take fiercer qualities than what compound

1.1.1038The scanted births of the stale marriage-bed?

1.1.1139Well then, legitimate Edgar, to thy right

1.1.1240Of law I will oppose a bastard's cunning.

1.1.1341Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund

1.1.1442As to legitimate Edgar. With success

1.1.1543I've practiced yet on both their easy natures.

1.1.1644Here comes the old man chafed with the information

1.1.1745Which last I forged against my brother Edgar:

1.1.1846A tale so plausible, so boldly uttered

1.1.1947And heightened by such lucky accidents

1.1.2048That now the slightest circumstance confirms him,

1.1.2149And base-born Edmund spite of law inherits.

Nay, good my lord, your charity

1.1.2352O'reshoots itself to plead in his behalf.

1.1.2453You are yourself a father, and may feel

1.1.2554The sting of disobedience from a son

1.1.2655First-born and best beloved. Oh, villain Edgar!

Be not too rash, all may be forgery,

1.1.2857And time yet clear the duty of your son.

Plead with the seas, and reason down the winds,

1.1.3059Yet shalt thou never convince me. I have seen

1.1.3160His foul designs through all a father's fondness.

1.1.3261But be this light and thou my witnesses

1.1.3362That I discard him here from my possessions,

1.1.3463Divorce him from my heart, my blood and name.

It works as I could wish. I'll show myself.

Ha Edmund! Welcome, boy. O Kent, see here

1.1.3766Inverted nature, Gloster's shame and glory.

1.1.3867This by-born, the wild sally of my youth,

1.1.3968Pursues me with all filial offices,

1.1.4069Whilst Edgar, begged of heaven and born in honor,

1.1.4170Draws plagues on my white head that urge me still

1.1.4271To curse in age the pleasure of my youth.

1.1.4372Nay weep not, Edmund, for thy brother's crimes.

1.1.4473O generous boy, thou shar'st but half his blood,

1.1.4574Yet lov'st beyond the kindness of a brother.

1.1.4675But I'll reward thy virtue. Follow me.

1.1.4776My Lord, you wait the king who comes resolved

1.1.4877To quit the toils of empire, and divide

1.1.4978His realms amongst his daughters. Heaven succeed it,

1.1.5079But much I fear the change.

I grieve to see him

1.1.5281With such wild starts of passion hourly seized,

1.1.5382As renders majesty beneath itself.

Alas! 'Tis the infirmity of his age.

1.1.5584Yet has his temper ever been unfixed,

1.1.5685Choleric and sudden. Hark, they approach.

Cordelia, royal fair, turn yet once more,

1.1.5889And ere successful Burgundy receive

1.1.5990The treasure of thy beauties from the king,

1.1.6091Ere happy Burgundy forever fold thee,

1.1.6192Cast back one pitying look on wretched Edgar.

Alas, what would the wretched Edgar with

1.1.6394The more unfortunate Cordelia

1.1.6495Who in obedience to a father's will

1.1.6596Flies from her Edgar's arms to Burgundy's?

Attend my lords of Albany and Cornwall

1.1.6798With princely Burgundy.

We do, my liege.

Give me the map. Know, lords, we have divided

1.1.70101In three our kingdom, having now resolved

1.1.71102To disengage from our long toil of state,

1.1.72103Conferring all upon your younger years.

1.1.73104You, Burgundy, Cornwall and Albany,

1.1.74105Long in our court have made your amorous sojourn

1.1.75106And now are to be answered. Tell me, my daughters,

1.1.76107Which of you loves us most, that we may place

1.1.77108Our largest bounty with the largest merit.

1.1.78109Gonerill, our eldest-born, speak first.

Sir, I do love you more than words can utter,

1.1.80111Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;

1.1.81112Nor liberty, nor sight, health, fame, or beauty

1.1.82113Are half so dear; my life for you were vile;

1.1.83114As much as child can love the best of fathers.

Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,

1.1.85116With shady forests and wide-skirted meads,

1.1.86117We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue

1.1.87118Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter?

My sister, sir, in part expressed my love,

1.1.89120For such as hers, is mine, though more extended.

1.1.90121Sense has no other joy that I can relish;

1.1.91122I have my all in my dear liege's love!

Therefore to thee and thine hereditary

1.1.93124Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom.

Now comes my trial. How am I distressed,

1.1.95127That must with cold speech tempt the choleric king

1.1.96128Rather to leave me dowerless, than condemn me

1.1.97129To loathed embraces!

Speak now our last, not least in our dear love--

1.1.99131So ends my task of state--Cordelia speak.

1.1.100132What canst thou say to win a richer third

1.1.101133Than what thy sisters gained?

Now must my love in words fall short of theirs

1.1.103135As much as it exceeds in truth. Nothing, my lord.

Nothing can come of nothing; speak again.

Unhappy am I that I can't dissemble,

1.1.106138Sir, as I ought, I love your majesty;

1.1.107139No more nor less.

Take heed, Cordelia,

1.1.109141Thy fortunes are at stake. Think better on it

1.1.110142And mend thy speech a little.

O my liege,

1.1.112144You gave me being, bred me, dearly love me,

1.1.113145And I return my duty as I ought:

1.1.114146Obey you, love you, and most honor you!

1.1.115147Why have my sisters husbands, if they love you all?

1.1.116148Haply when I shall wed, the lord whose hand

1.1.117149Shall take my plight will carry half my love;

1.1.118150For I shall never marry, like my sisters,

1.1.119151To love my father all.

And goes thy heart with this?

1.1.121153'Tis said that I am choleric. Judge me, gods,

1.1.122154Is there not cause? Now, minion, I perceive

1.1.123155The truth of what has been suggested to us,

1.1.124156Thy fondness for the rebel son of Gloster,

1.1.125157False to his father, as thou art to my hopes.

1.1.126158And, oh take heed, rash girl, lest we comply

1.1.127159With thy fond wishes, which thou wilt too late

1.1.128160Repent, for know our nature cannot brook

1.1.129161A child so young and so ungentle.

So young, my lord, and true.

Thy truth then be thy dower,

1.1.132164For by the sacred sun and solemn night

1.1.133165I here disclaim all my paternal care,

1.1.134166And from this minute hold thee as a stranger

1.1.135167Both to my blood and favor.

This is frenzy.

1.1.137169Consider, good my liege --

Peace, Kent.

1.1.139171Come not between a dragon and his rage.

1.1.140172I loved her most, and in her tender trust

1.1.141173Designed to have bestowed my age at ease!

1.1.142174So be my grave my peace as here I give

1.1.143175My heart from her, and with it all my wealth.

1.1.144176My lords of Cornwall and of Albany,

1.1.145177I do invest you jointly with full right

1.1.146178In this fair third, Cordelia's forfeit dower.

1.1.147179Mark me, my lords, observe our last resolve:

1.1.148180Our self attended with an hundred knights,

1.1.149181Will make abode with you in monthly course.

1.1.150182The name alone of King remain with me,

1.1.151183Yours be the execution and revenues.

1.1.152184This is our final will, and to confirm it

1.1.153185This coronet part between you.

Royal Lear,

1.1.155187Whom I have ever honored as my king,

1.1.156188Loved as my father, as my master followed,

1.1.157189And as my patron thought on in my prayers --

Away, the bow is bent, make from the shaft.

No, let it fall and drench within my heart.

1.1.160192Be Kent unmannerly when Lear is mad.

1.1.161193Thy youngest daughter --

On thy life, no more.

What wilt thou do, old man?

Out of my sight!

See better first.

Now by the gods --

Now by the gods, rash king, thou swear'st in vain.

Ha, traitor --

Do, kill thy physician, Lear.

1.1.170202Strike through my throat, yet with my latest breath

1.1.171203I'll thunder in thine ear my just complaint,

1.1.172204And tell thee to thy face that thou dost ill.

Hear me, rash man, on thy allegiance hear me.

1.1.174206Since thou hast striven to make us break our vow

1.1.175207And pressed between our sentence and our power,

1.1.176208Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,

1.1.177209We banish thee forever from our sight

1.1.178210And kingdom. If when three days are expired

1.1.179211Thy hated trunk be found in our dominions,

1.1.180212That moment is thy death. Away.

Why fare thee well, king. Since thou art resolved,

1.1.182214I take thee at thy word, and will not stay

1.1.183215To see thy fall. The gods protect the maid

1.1.184216That truly thinks and has most justly said.

1.1.185217Thus to new climates my old truth I bear.

1.1.186218Friendship lives hence, and banishment is here.

Now Burgundy, you see her price is fallen,

1.1.188221Yet if the fondness of your passion still

1.1.189222Affects her as she stands, dowerless and lost

1.1.190223In our esteem, she's yours; take her or leave her.

Pardon me, royal Lear, I but demand

1.1.192225The dower yourself proposed, and here I take

1.1.193226Cordelia by the hand, Duchess of Burgundy.

Then leave her, sir, for by a father's rage

1.1.195228I tell you all her wealth. Away.

Then sir be pleased to charge the breach

1.1.197230Of our alliance on your own will

1.1.198231Not my inconstancy.

Has heaven then weighed the merit of my love,

1.1.200234Or is it the raving of my sickly thought?

1.1.201235Could Burgundy forgo so rich a prize

1.1.202236And leave her to despairing Edgar's arms?

1.1.203237Have I thy hand, Cordelia, do I clasp it,

1.1.204238The hand that was this minute to have joined

1.1.205239My hated rival's? Do I kneel before thee

1.1.206240And offer at thy feet my panting heart?

1.1.207241Smile, princess, and convince me, for as yet

1.1.208242I doubt, and dare not trust the dazzling joy.

Some comfort yet that 'twas no vicious blot

1.1.210244That has deprived me of a father's grace,

1.1.211245But merely want of that that makes me rich

1.1.212246In wanting it, a smooth professing tongue.

1.1.213247O sisters, I am loath to call your fault

1.1.214248As it deserves; but use our father well,

1.1.215249And wronged Cordelia never shall repine.

O heavenly maid that art thyself thy dower,

1.1.217251Richer in virtue than the stars in light,

1.1.218252If Edgar's humble fortunes may be graced

1.1.219253With thy acceptance, at thy feet he lays them.

1.1.220254Ha, my Cordelia! Dost thou turn away?

1.1.221255What have I done to offend thee?

Talked of love.

Then I've offended oft. Cordelia too

1.1.224258Has oft permitted me so to offend.

When, Edgar, I permitted your addresses,

1.1.226260I was the darling daughter of a king.

1.1.227261Nor can I now forget my royal birth,

1.1.228262And live dependent on my lover's fortune.

1.1.229263I cannot to so low a fate submit.

1.1.230264And therefore study to forget your passion,

1.1.231265And trouble me upon this theme no more.

Thus majesty takes most state in distress!

1.1.233267How are we tossed on fortune's fickle flood!

1.1.234268The wave that with surprising kindness brought

1.1.235269The dear wreck to my arms, has snatched it back,

1.1.236270And left me mourning on the barren shore.

This baseness of the ignoble Burgundy

1.1.238273Draws just suspicion on the race of men.

1.1.239274His love was interest, so may Edgar's be,

1.1.240275And he but with more compliment dissemble.

1.1.241276If so, I shall oblige him by denying.

1.1.242277But if his love be fixed, such constant flame

1.1.243278As warms our breasts: if such I find his passion,

1.1.244279My heart as grateful to his truth shall be,

1.1.245280And cold Cordelia prove as kind as he.

Brother, I've found you in a lucky minute.

1.1.247284Fly and be safe, some villain has incensed

1.1.248285Our father against your life.

Distressed Cordelia! But, oh! More cruel!

Hear me sir, your life, your life's in danger.

A resolve so sudden

1.1.252289And of such black importance!

'Twas not sudden,

1.1.254291Some villain has of long time laid the train.

And yet perhaps 'twas but pretended coldness,

1.1.256293To try how far my passion would pursue.

He hears me not. Wake, wake sir.

Say ye, brother? --

1.1.259296No tears, good Edmund. If thou bring'st me tidings

1.1.260297To strike me dead, for charity delay not.

1.1.261298That present will befit so kind a hand.

Your danger, sir, comes on so fast

1.1.263300That I want time to inform you; but retire

1.1.264301Whilst I take care to turn the pressing stream.

1.1.265302O gods! For heaven's sake, sir.

Pardon me, sir, a serious thought

1.1.267304Had seized me, but I think you talked of danger

1.1.268305And wished me to retire. Must all our vows

1.1.269306End thus! —- Friend, I obey you -— Oh, Cordelia!

Ha! ha! Fond man, such credulous honesty

1.1.271309Lessens the glory of my artifice.

1.1.272310His nature is so far from doing wrongs

1.1.273311That he suspects none. If this letter speed

1.1.274312And pass for Edgar's, as himself would own

1.1.275313The counterfeit but for the foul contents,

1.1.276314Then my designs are perfect--Here comes Gloster.

Stay Edmund, turn, what paper were you reading?

A trifle, sir.

What needed then that terrible dispatch of it

1.1.280319Into your pocket? Come, produce it sir.

A letter from my brother, sir, I had

1.1.282321Just broke the seal but knew not the contents.

1.1.283322Yet fearing they might prove to blame

1.1.284323Endeavored to conceal it from your sight.

'Tis Edgar's character.

1.1.291332"Slept till I waked him, you should enjoy

1.1.292333Half his possessions" -- Edgar to write this

1.1.293334Against his indulgent father! Death and hell!

1.1.294335Fly, Edmund, seek him out, wind me into him

1.1.295336That I may bite the traitor's heart, and fold

1.1.296337His bleeding entrails on my vengeful arm.

Perhaps 'twas writ, my lord, to prove my virtue.

These late eclipses of the sun and moon

1.1.299340Can bode no less: love cools, and friendship fails,

1.1.300341In cities mutiny, in countries discord,

1.1.301342The bond of nature cracked 'twixt son and father.

1.1.302343Find out the villain, do it carefully

1.1.303344And it shall lose thee nothing.

So, now my project's firm, but to make sure

1.1.305347I'll throw in one proof more and that a bold one:

1.1.306348I'll place old Gloster where he shall overhear us

1.1.307349Confer of this design, whilst to his thinking,

1.1.308350Deluded Edgar shall accuse himself.

1.1.309351Be honesty my interest and I can

1.1.310352Be honest too, and what saint so divine

1.1.311353That will successful villainy decline!

Now banished Kent, if thou canst pay thy duty

1.1.313357In this disguise where thou dost stand condemned,

1.1.314358Thy master Lear shall find thee full of labors.

In there, and tell our daughter we are here.

1.1.316361Now, what art thou?

A man, sir.

What dost thou profess, or wouldst with us?

I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve him truly that

1.1.320365puts me in trust, to love him that's honest, to converse with him

1.1.321366that's wise and speaks little, to fight when I can't choose; and

1.1.322367to eat no fish.

I say, what art thou?

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.

Then art thou poor indeed. What canst thou do?

I can keep honest counsel, mar a curious tale in the telling,

1.1.327372deliver a plain message bluntly. That which ordinary men are fit

1.1.328373for I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.

Follow me, thou shalt serve me.

1.1.330376Now sir?

Sir --

What says the fellow? Call the clatpole back.

My Lord, I know not, but methinks Your Highness is entertained

1.1.334381with slender ceremony.

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.

Why came not the slave back when I called him?

My lord, he answered me in the surliest manner,

1.1.338385That he would not.

I hope our daughter did not so instruct him.

1.1.340388Now, who am I sir?

My lady's father.

My lord's knave --

I'll not be struck, my lord.

Nor tripped neither, thou vile civet-box.

By day and night, this is insufferable.

1.1.346397I will not bear it.

Now, daughter, why that frontlet on?

1.1.348399Speak, does that frown become our presence?

Sir, this licentious insolence of your servants

1.1.350401Is most unseemly. Hourly they break out

1.1.351402In quarrels bred by their unbounded riots.

1.1.352403I had fair hope by making this known to you

1.1.353404To have had a quick redress, but find too late

1.1.354405That you protect and countenance their outrage.

1.1.355406And therefore, sir, I take this freedom, which

1.1.356407Necessity makes discreet.

Are you our daughter?

Come, sir, let me entreat you to make use

1.1.359410Of your discretion, and put off betimes

1.1.360411This disposition that of late transforms you

1.1.361412From what you rightly are.

Does any here know me? Why, this is not Lear.

1.1.363414Does Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?

1.1.364415Who is it that can tell me who I am?

Come, sir, this admiration's much of the savor

1.1.366417Of other your new humors. I beseech you

1.1.367418To understand my purposes aright.

1.1.368419As you are old, you should be staid and wise.

1.1.369420Here do you keep an hundred knights and squires,

1.1.370421Men so debauched and bold that this our palace

1.1.371422Shows like a riotous inn, a tavern, brothel.

1.1.372423Be then advised by her that else will take

1.1.373424The thing she begs, to lessen your attendance.

1.1.374425Take half away, and see that the remainder

1.1.375426Be such as may befit your age, and know

1.1.376427Themselves and you.

Darkness and devils!

1.1.378429Saddle my horses, call my train together.

1.1.379430Degenerate viper, I'll not stay with thee;

1.1.380431I yet have left a daughter -- Serpent, monster.

1.1.381432Lessen my train, and call 'em riotous?

1.1.382433All men approved of choice and rarest parts,

1.1.383434That each particular of duty know --

1.1.384435How small, Cordelia, was thy fault? Oh, Lear,

1.1.385436Beat at this gate that let thy folly in,

1.1.386437And thy dear judgment out. Go, go, my people.

1.1.387439Ingrateful Duke, was this your will?

What, sir?

Death! Fifty of my followers at a clap!

The matter, madam?

Never afflict yourself to know the cause,

1.1.392444But give his dotage way.

Blasts upon thee,

1.1.394446The untented woundings of a father's curse

1.1.395447Pierce every sense about thee. Old fond eyes

1.1.396448Lament this cause again, I'll pluck ye out

1.1.397449And cast ye with the waters that ye lose

1.1.398450To temper clay -- No, gorgon, thou shalt find

1.1.399451That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think

1.1.400452I have cast off forever.

Mark ye that.

Hear, Nature,

1.1.403455Dear goddess, hear. And if thou dost intend

1.1.404456To make that creature fruitful, change thy purpose.

1.1.405457Pronounce upon her womb the barren curse,

1.1.406458That from her blasted body never spring

1.1.407459A babe to honor her. But if she must bring forth,

1.1.408460Defeat her joy with some distorted birth

1.1.409461Or monstrous form, the prodigy o'th'time,

1.1.410462And so perverse of spirit, that it may live

1.1.411463Her torment as 'twas born, to fret her cheeks

1.1.412464With constant tears, and wrinkle her young brow.

1.1.413465Turn all her mother's pains to shame and scorn,

1.1.414466That she may curse her crime too late, and feel

1.1.415467How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is

1.1.416468To have a thankless child! Away, away.

Presuming thus upon his numerous train

1.1.418471He thinks to play the tyrant here, and hold

1.1.419472Our lives at will.

Well, you may bear too far.

The duke comes here tonight, I'll take advantage

2.1.2478Of his arrival to complete my project.

2.1.3479Brother, a word. Come forth; 'tis I, your friend,

2.1.4481My father watches for you, fly this place.

2.1.5482Intelligence is given where you are hid.

2.1.6483Take the advantage of the night. Bethink ye,

2.1.7484Have you not spoke against the Duke of Cornwall

2.1.8485Something might show you a favorer of

2.1.9486Duke Albany's party?

Nothing, why ask you?

Because he's coming here tonight in haste

2.1.12489And Regan with him -- Hark! The guards, away.

Let 'em come on, I'll stay and clear myself.

Your innocence at leisure may be heard,

2.1.15492But Gloster's storming rage as yet is deaf,

2.1.16493And you may perish ere allowed the hearing.

2.1.17495Gloster comes yonder. Now to my feigned scuffle

2.1.18496--

2.1.19497Yield, come before my father! Lights here, lights!

2.1.20498Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion

2.1.21500Of our more fierce encounter -- I have seen

2.1.22501Drunkards do more than this in sport.

Now, Edmund, where's the traitor?

That name, sir,

2.1.25505Strikes horror through me, but my brother, sir,

2.1.26506Stood here in the dark.

Thou bleed'st. Pursue the villain

2.1.28508And bring him piecemeal to me.

Sir, he's fled.

Let him fly far, this kingdom shall not hide him.

2.1.31511The noble duke, my patron, comes tonight.

2.1.32512By his authority I will proclaim

2.1.33513Rewards for him that brings him to the stake,

2.1.34514And death for the concealer.

2.1.35515Then of my lands, loyal and natural boy,

2.1.36516I'll work the means to make thee capable.

Good morrow friend, belong'st thou to this house?

Ask them will answer thee.

Where may we set our horses?

In the mire.

I am in haste, prithee an thou lov'st me, tell me.

I love thee not.

Why then I care not for thee.

An I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I'd make thee care for

2.1.45527me.

What dost thou mean? I know thee not.

But, minion, I know thee.

What dost thou know me for?

For a base, proud, beggarly, white-livered, glass-gazing,

2.1.50532superserviceable finical rogue; one that would be a pimp in way

2.1.51533of good service, and art nothing but a composition of knave,

2.1.52534beggar, coward, pander --.

What a monstrous fellow art thou to rail at one that is neither

2.1.54536known of thee nor knows thee?

Impudent slave, not know me, who but two days since tripped up thy

2.1.56538heels before the king! Draw, miscreant, or I'll make the moon

2.1.57539shine through thee.

What means the fellow? Why prithee, prithee; I tell thee

2.1.59541I have nothing to do with thee.

I know your rogueship's office. You come with letters against the

2.1.61543king, taking my young Lady Vanity's part against her royal

2.1.62544father. Draw rascal.

Murder, murder, help ho!

Dost thou scream, peacock? Strike, puppet. Stand, dapper slave.

Help here! Murder, help.

All welcome to your graces, you do me honor.

Gloster, we've heard with sorrow that your life

2.1.68552Has been attempted by your impious son,

2.1.69553But Edmund here has paid you strictest duty.

He did betray his practice, and received

2.1.71555The hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.

Is he pursued?

He is, my lord.

Use our authority to apprehend

2.1.75559The traitor and do justice on his head.

2.1.76560For you, Edmund, that have so signalized

2.1.77561Your virtue, you from henceforth shall be ours.

2.1.78562Natures of such firm trust we much shall need.

2.1.79563A charming youth and worth my further thought.

Lay comforts, noble Gloster, to your breast,

2.1.81566As we to ours. This night be spent in revels.

2.1.82567We choose you, Gloster, for our host tonight,

2.1.83568A troublesome expression of our love.

2.1.84569On, to the sports before us -- Who are these?

Now, what's the matter?

Keep peace upon your lives, he dies that strikes.

2.1.87573Whence and what are ye?

Sir, they are messengers, the one from your sister

2.1.89575The other from the king.

Your difference? Speak.

I'm scarce in breath, my lord.

No marvel, you have so bestirred your valor.

2.1.93579Nature disclaims the dastard, a tailor made him.

Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?

Sir this old ruffian here, whose life I spared

2.1.96582In pity to his beard --

Thou essence bottle!

2.1.98584In pity to my beard? Your leave, my lord,

2.1.99585And I will tread the muss-cat into mortar.

Know'st thou our presence?

Yes, sir, but anger has a privilege.

Why art thou angry?

That such a slave as this should wear a sword

2.1.104590And have no courage, office and no honesty.

2.1.105591Not frost and fire hold more antipathy

2.1.106592Than I and such a knave.

Why dost thou call him knave?

His countenance likes me not.

No more perhaps does mine, nor his or hers.

Plain-dealing is my trade, and to be plain, sir,

2.1.111597I have seen better faces in my time

2.1.112598Than stands on any shoulders now before me.

This is some fellow that having once been praised

2.1.114600For bluntness, since affects a saucy rudeness.

2.1.115601But I have known one of these surly knaves

2.1.116602That in his plainness harbored more design

2.1.117603Than twenty cringing complementing minions.

What's the offence you gave him?

Never any, sir.

2.1.120606It pleased the king his master lately

2.1.121607To strike me on a slender misconstruction;

2.1.122608Whilst watching his advantage, this old lurcher

2.1.123609Tripped me behind, for which the king extolled him;

2.1.124610And, flushed with the honor of this bold exploit,

2.1.125611Drew on me here again.

Bring forth the stocks. We'll teach you.

Sir, I'm too old to learn.

2.1.128614Call not the stocks for me, I serve the king,

2.1.129615On whose employment I was sent to you.

2.1.130616You'll show too small respect, and too bold malice

2.1.131617Against the person of my royal master,

2.1.132618Stocking his messenger.

Bring forth the stocks, as I have life and honor,

2.1.134620There shall he sit till noon.

Till noon, my lord? Till night, and all night too.

Why, madam, if I were your father's dog

2.1.137623You would not use me so.

Sir, being his knave, I will.

Let me beseech your graces to forbear him.

2.1.140626His fault is much, and the good king his master

2.1.141627Will check him for it, but needs must take it ill

2.1.142628To be thus slighted in his messenger.

We'll answer that;

2.1.144630Our sister may receive it worse to have

2.1.145631Her gentleman assaulted. To our business lead.

I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the duke's pleasure

2.1.147634Whose disposition will not be controlled.

2.1.148635But I'll entreat for thee.

Pray do not, sir.

2.1.150637I have watched and traveled hard.

2.1.151638Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.

2.1.152639Farewell t'ye, sir.

2.1.153641All weary and o'er-watched,

2.1.154642I feel the drowsy guest steal on me. Take

2.1.155643Advantage, heavy eyes, of this kind slumber,

2.1.156644Not to behold this vile and shameful lodging.

I heard myself proclaimed,

2.1.158648And by the friendly hollow of a tree

2.1.159649Escaped the hunt. No port is free, no place

2.1.160650Where guards and most unusual vigilance

2.1.161651Do not attend to take me. How easy now

2.1.162652'Twere to defeat the malice of my trail,

2.1.163653And leave my griefs on my sword's reeking point.

2.1.164654But love detains me from death's peaceful cell,

2.1.165655Still whispering me Cordelia's in distress.

2.1.166656Unkind as she is I cannot see her wretched,

2.1.167657But must be near to wait upon her fortune.

2.1.168658Who knows but the white minute yet may come

2.1.169659When Edgar may do service to Cordelia.

2.1.170660That charming hope still ties me to the oar

2.1.171661Of painful life, and makes me, too, submit

2.1.172662To the humblest shifts to keep that life afoot.

2.1.173663My face I will besmear and knit my locks.

2.1.174664The country gives me proof and precedent

2.1.175665Of bedlam beggars, who with roaring voices

2.1.176666Strike in their numbed and mortified bare arms

2.1.177667Pins, iron spikes, thorns, sprigs of rosemary;

2.1.178668And thus from sheep-cotes, villages and mills,

2.1.179669Sometimes with prayers, sometimes with lunatic bans

2.1.180670Enforce their charity. Poor Tyrligod, poor Tom!

2.1.181671That's something yet; Edgar I am no more.

'Tis strange that they should so depart from home

2.1.184676And not send back our messenger.

Hail, noble master.

How? Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?

2.1.187679What's he that has so much mistook thy place

2.1.188680To set thee here?

It is both he and she, sir, your son and daughter.

No.

Yes.

No, I say.

I say, yea.

By Jupiter, I swear no.

By Juno I swear, I swear aye.

They durst not do it,

2.1.197689They could not, would not do it; 'tis worse then murder

2.1.198690To do upon respect such violent outrage.

2.1.199691Resolve me with all modest haste which way

2.1.200692Thou mayst deserve, or they impose this usage?

My Lord, when at their home

2.1.202694I did commend Your Highness' letters to them,

2.1.203695Ere I was risen, arrived another post

2.1.204696Steered in his haste, breathless and panting forth

2.1.205697From Gonerill, his mistress, salutations.

2.1.206698Whose message being delivered, they took horse,

2.1.207699Commanding me to follow and attend

2.1.208700The leisure of their answer, which I did.

2.1.209701But meeting that other messenger

2.1.210702Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine,

2.1.211703Being the very fellow that of late

2.1.212704Had shown such rudeness to Your Highness, I

2.1.213705Having more man than wit about me, drew,

2.1.214706On which he raised the house with coward cries.

2.1.215707This was the trespass which your son and daughter

2.1.216708Thought worth the shame you see it suffer here.

Oh! How this spleen swells upward to my heart

2.1.218710And heaves for passage. Down thou climbing rage,

2.1.219711Thy element's below. Where is this daughter?

Within, sir, at a masque.

Now Gloster? -- Ha!

2.1.222715Deny to speak with me? They're sick, they're weary,

2.1.223716They have traveled hard tonight -- mere fetches!

2.1.224717Bring me a better answer.

My dear lord,

2.1.226719You know the fiery quality of the duke --

Vengeance! Death, plague, confusion!

2.1.228721Fiery? What quality? Why Gloster, Gloster,

2.1.229722I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.

I have informed them so.

Inform'd them! Dost thou understand me, man?

2.1.232725I tell thee, Gloster --

Ay, my good lord.

The king would speak with Cornwall, the dear father

2.1.235728Would with his daughter speak, commands her service.

2.1.236729Are they informed of this? My breath and blood!

2.1.237730Fiery! The fiery duke! Tell the hot duke --

2.1.238731No, but not yet, maybe he is not well:

2.1.239732Infirmity does still neglect all office.

2.1.240733I beg his pardon, and I'll chide my rashness

2.1.241734That took the indisposed and sickly fit

2.1.242735For the sound man. But wherefore sits he there?

2.1.243736Death on my state, this act convinces me

2.1.244737That this retiredness of the duke and her

2.1.245738Is plain contempt. Give me my servant forth,

2.1.246739Go tell the duke and his wife I'd speak with them.

2.1.247740Now, instantly, bid them come forth and hear me,

2.1.248741Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum

2.1.249742Till it cry sleep to death --

2.1.250744Oh! Are ye come?

Health to the king.

I am glad to see Your Highness.

Regan, I think you are, I know what cause

2.1.254748I have to think so; shouldst thou not be glad

2.1.255749I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb.

2.1.256750Beloved Regan, thou wilt shake to hear

2.1.257751What I shall utter: thou couldst never have thought it.

2.1.258752Thy sister's naught, O Regan. She has tied

2.1.259753Ingratitude, like a keen vulture, here.

2.1.260755I scarce can speak to thee.

I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope

2.1.262757That you know less to value her desert,

2.1.263758Then she to slack her duty.

Ha! How's that?

I cannot think my sister in the least

2.1.266761Would fail in her respects, but if perchance

2.1.267762She has restrained the riots of your followers

2.1.268763'Tis on such grounds and to such wholesome ends

2.1.269764As clears her from all blame.

My curses on her.

O sir, you are old

2.1.272767And should content you to be ruled and led

2.1.273768By some discretion that discerns your state

2.1.274769Better than you yourself. Therefore, sir,

2.1.275770Return to our sister, and say you have wronged her.

Ha! Ask her forgiveness?

2.1.277772No, no, 'twas my mistake; thou didst not mean so.

2.1.278773Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;

2.1.279774Age is unnecessary. But thou art good,

2.1.280775And wilt dispense with my infirmity.

Good sir, no more of these unsightly passions,

2.1.282777Return back to our sister.

Never, Regan.

2.1.284779She has abated me of half of my train,

2.1.285780Looked black upon me, stabbed me with her tongue.

2.1.286781All the stored vengeances of heaven fall

2.1.287782On her ingrateful head! Strike her young bones,

2.1.288783Ye taking airs, with lameness.

O the blest gods! Thus will you wish on me

2.1.290785When the rash mood --

No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse,

2.1.292787Thy tender nature cannot give thee over

2.1.293788To such impiety. Thou better know'st

2.1.294789The offices of nature, bond of childhood,

2.1.295790And dues of gratitude. Thou bear'st in mind

2.1.296791The half of the kingdom which our love conferred

2.1.297792On thee and thine.

Good sir, to the purpose.

Who put my man in the stocks?

What trumpet's that?

I know it, my sister's, this confirms her letters.

2.1.302797Sir, is your lady come?

More torture still?

2.1.304800This is a slave whose easy-borrowed pride

2.1.305801Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows;

2.1.306802A fashion-fop that spends the day in dressing,

2.1.307803And all to bear his lady's flattering message;

2.1.308804That can deliver with a grace her lie,

2.1.309805And with as bold a face bring back a greater.

2.1.310806Out, varlet, from my sight.

What means your grace?

Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have hope

2.1.313809Thou didst not know it.

2.1.314811Who comes here? Oh heavens!

2.1.315812If you do love old men, if your sweet sway

2.1.316813Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,

2.1.317814Make it your cause, send down and take my part.

2.1.318815Why, gorgon, dost thou come to haunt me here?

2.1.319816Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?

2.1.320817Darkness upon my eyes, they play me false.

2.1.321818O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?

Why not by the hand, sir, how have I offended?

2.1.323820All's not offence that indiscretion finds,

2.1.324821And dotage terms so.

Heart thou art too tough.

I pray you, sir, being old, confess you are so.

2.1.327824If till the expiration of your month

2.1.328825You will return and sojourn with our sister,

2.1.329826Dismissing half your train, come then to me.

2.1.330827I am now from home, and out of that provision

2.1.331828That shall be needful for your entertainment.

Return with her and fifty knights dismissed?

2.1.333830No, rather I'll forswear all roofs, and choose

2.1.334831To be companion to the midnight wolf,

2.1.335832My naked head exposed to the merciless air,

2.1.336833Then have my smallest wants supplied by her.

At your choice, sir.

Now I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.

2.1.339836I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell.

2.1.340837We'll meet no more, no more see one another.

2.1.341838Let shame come when it will, I do not call it.

2.1.342839I do not bid the thunder-bearer strike,

2.1.343840Nor tell tales of thee to avenging heaven.

2.1.344841Mend when thou canst, be better at thy leisure,

2.1.345842I can be patient, I can stay with Regan,

2.1.346843I, and my hundred knights.

Your pardon, sir.

2.1.348845I looked not for you yet, nor am provided

2.1.349846For your fit welcome.

Is this well spoken now?

My sister treats you fair; what, fifty followers!

2.1.352849Is it not well? What should you need of more?

Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance

2.1.354851From those whom she calls servants, or from mine?

Why not, my lord? If then they chance to slack you

2.1.356853We could control them. If you come to me,

2.1.357854For now I see the danger, I entreat you

2.1.358855To bring but five and twenty; to no more

2.1.359856Will I give place.

Hold now my temper, stand this bolt unmoved

2.1.361858And I am thunder-proof.

2.1.362859The wicked when compared with the more wicked

2.1.363860Seem beautiful, and not to be the worst

2.1.364861Stands in some rank of praise. Now, Gonerill,

2.1.365862Thou art innocent again, I'll go with thee.

2.1.366863Thy fifty yet does double five and twenty,

2.1.367864And thou art twice her love.

Hear me, my lord,

2.1.369866What need you five and twenty, ten, or five,

2.1.370867To follow in a house where twice so many

2.1.371868Have a command to attend you?

What need one?

Blood, fire! Hear -- leprosies and bluest plagues!

2.1.374871Room, room for hell to belch her horrors up

2.1.375872And drench the Circes in a stream of fire!

2.1.376873Hark how the infernals echo to my rage

2.1.377874Their whips and snakes --

How lewd a thing is passion!

So old and stomachful.

Heavens, drop your patience down.

2.1.381879You see me here, ye gods, a poor old man

2.1.382880As full of griefs as age, wretched in both --

2.1.383881I'll bear no more! No, you unnatural hags,

2.1.384882I will have such revenges on you both,

2.1.385883That all the world shall -- I will do such things

2.1.386884What they are yet I know not, but they shall be

2.1.387885The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep.

2.1.388887This heart shall break into a thousand pieces

2.1.389888Before I'll weep -- O gods! I shall go mad.

'Tis a wild night, come out of the storm.

Blow, winds, and burst your cheeks. Rage louder yet!

3.1.2895Fantastic lightning singe, singe my white head.

3.1.3896Spout cataracts, and hurricanos fall

3.1.4897Till you have drowned the towns and palaces

3.1.5898Of proud, ingrateful man.

Not all my best entreaties can persuade him

3.1.7900Into some needful shelter, or to 'bide

3.1.8901This poor slight covering on his aged head,

3.1.9902Exposed to this wild war of earth and heaven.

Rumble thy fill. Fight whirlwind, rain and fire!

3.1.11904Not fire, wind, rain or thunder are my daughters.

3.1.12905I tax not you, ye elements, with unkindness.

3.1.13906I never gave you kingdoms, called you children,

3.1.14907You owe me no obedience. Then let fall

3.1.15908Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave,

3.1.16909A poor, infirm, weak and despised old man.

3.1.17910Yet I will call you servile ministers,

3.1.18911That have with two pernicious daughters joined

3.1.19912Their high-engendered battle against a head

3.1.20913So old and white as mine. Oh! Oh! 'Tis foul.

Hard by, sir, is a hovel that will lend

3.1.22915Some shelter from this tempest.

I will forget my nature. What? So kind a father.

3.1.24917Ay, there's the point.

Consider, good my liege, things that love night

3.1.26919Love not such nights as this. These wrathful skies

3.1.27920Frighten the very wanderers of the dark,

3.1.28921And make them keep their caves. Such drenching rain,

3.1.29922Such sheets of fire, such claps of horrid thunder,

3.1.30923Such groans of roaring winds have never been known.

Let the great gods

3.1.32925That keep this dreadful pudder over our heads

3.1.33926Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch,

3.1.34927That hast within thee undiscovered crimes.

3.1.35928Hide, thou bloody hand,

3.1.36929Thou perjured villain, holy, holy hypocrite,

3.1.37930That drinks the widow's tears, sigh now and cry

3.1.38931These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man

3.1.39932More sinned against than sinning.

Good sir, to the hovel.

My wit begins to burn.

3.1.42935Come on, my boy, how dost my boy? Art cold?

3.1.43936I'm cold myself. Show me this straw, my fellow.

3.1.44937The art of our necessity is strange,

3.1.45938And can make vile things precious. My poor knave,

3.1.46939Cold as I am at heart, I've one place there

3.1.47941That's sorry yet for thee.

The storm is in our louder revelings drowned.

3.1.49945Thus would I reign could I but mount a throne.

3.1.50946The riots of these proud imperial sisters

3.1.51947Already have imposed the galling yoke

3.1.52948Of taxes and hard impositions on

3.1.53949The drudging peasants' neck, who bellow out

3.1.54950Their loud complaints in vain. Triumphant queens!

3.1.55951With what assurance do they tread the crowd.

3.1.56952Oh for a taste of such majestic beauty,

3.1.57953Which none but my hot veins are fit to engage!

3.1.58954Nor are my wishes desperate, for even now

3.1.59955During the banquet I observed their glances

3.1.60956Shot thick at me; and as they left the room

3.1.61957Each cast by stealth a kind inviting smile,

3.1.62958The happy earnest -- ha!

3.1.66964Enough! Blind and ingrateful should I be

3.1.67965Not to obey the summons of this oracle.

3.1.68966Now for a second letter.

3.1.72971Excellent sybil! Oh, my glowing blood!

3.1.73972I am already sick of expectation,

3.1.74973And pant for the possession -- here Gloster comes

3.1.75974With business on his brow. Be hushed my joys.

I come to seek thee, Edmund, to impart a business of

3.1.77976Importance. I know thy loyal heart is touched to see the cruelty

3.1.78977of these ingrateful daughters against our royal master.

Most savage and unnatural.

This change in the state sits uneasy. The commons repine aloud

3.1.81980at their female tyrants. Already they cry out for the

3.1.82981reinstallment of their good old king, whose injuries I fear will

3.1.83982inflame them into mutiny.

'Tis to be hoped, not feared.

Thou hast it, boy, 'tis to be hoped indeed.

3.1.86985On me they cast their eyes, and hourly court me

3.1.87986To lead them on, and whilst this head is mine

3.1.88987I am theirs. A little covert craft, my boy,

3.1.89988And then for open action. 'Twill be employment

3.1.90989Worthy such honest daring souls as thine.

3.1.91990Thou, Edmund, art my trusty emissary.

3.1.92991Haste on the spur at the first break of day

3.1.93992With these dispatches to the Duke of Cambrai.

3.1.94994You know what mortal feuds have always flamed

3.1.95995Between this Duke of Cornwall's family and his.

3.1.96996Full twenty thousand mountaineers

3.1.97997The inveterate prince will send to our assistance.

3.1.98998Dispatch. Commend us to His Grace, and prosper.

Yes, credulous old man,

3.1.1001001I will commend you to His Grace,

3.1.1011002His Grace the Duke of Cornwall -- instantly

3.1.1021003To show him these contents in thy own character

3.1.1031004And sealed with thy own signet. Then forthwith

3.1.1041005The choleric duke gives sentence on thy life,

3.1.1051006And to my hand thy vast revenues fall

3.1.1061007To glut my pleasure that till now has starved.

Turn, Gloster, turn, by all the sacred powers

3.1.1081010I do conjure you give my griefs a hearing.

3.1.1091011You must, you shall, nay I am sure you will,

3.1.1101012For you were always styled the just and good.

What wouldst thou, princess? Rise and speak thy griefs.

Nay, you shall promise to redress them too,

3.1.1131015Or here I'll kneel forever. I entreat

3.1.1141016Thy succor for a father and a king,

3.1.1151017An injured father and an injured king.

Oh, charming sorrow! How her tears adorn her

3.1.1171019Like dew on flowers. But she is virtuous,

3.1.1181020And I must quench this hopeless fire in the kindling.

Consider, princess,

3.1.1201022For whom thou begg'st, 'tis for the king that wronged thee.

Oh, name not that. He did not, could not wrong me.

3.1.1221024Nay muse not, Gloster, for it is too likely

3.1.1231025This injured king ere this is past your aid,

3.1.1241026And gone distracted with his savage wrongs.

I'll gaze no more -- and yet my eyes are charmed.

Or what if it be worse? Can there be worse?

3.1.1271029As 'tis too probable this furious night

3.1.1281030Has pierced his tender body, the bleak winds

3.1.1291031And cold rain chilled, or lightning struck him dead.

3.1.1301032If it be so, your promise is discharged,

3.1.1311033And I have only one poor boon to beg,

3.1.1321034That you'd convey me to his breathless trunk,

3.1.1331035With my torn robes to wrap his hoary head,

3.1.1341036With my torn hair to bind his hands and feet,

3.1.1351037Then with a shower of tears

3.1.1361038To wash his clay-smeared cheeks, and die beside him.

Rise, fair Cordelia, thou hast piety

3.1.1381040Enough to atone for both thy sisters' crimes.

3.1.1391041I have already plotted to restore

3.1.1401042My injured master, and thy virtue tells me

3.1.1411043We shall succeed, and suddenly.

Dispatch, Arante,

3.1.1431046Provide me a disguise. We'll instantly

3.1.1441047Go seek the king, and bring him some relief.

How, madam? Are you ignorant

3.1.1461049Of what your impious sisters have decreed?

3.1.1471050Immediate death for any that relieve him.

I cannot dread the furies in this case.

In such a night as this? Consider, madam,

3.1.1501053For many miles about there's scarce a bush

3.1.1511054To shelter in.

Therefore no shelter for the king,

3.1.1531056And more our charity to find him out.

3.1.1541057What have not women dared for vicious love?

3.1.1551058And we'll be shining proofs that they can dare

3.1.1561059For piety as much. Blow winds, and lightnings fall.

3.1.1571060Bold in my virgin innocence, I'll fly

3.1.1581061My royal father to relieve, or die.

"Provide me a disguise, we'll instantly

3.1.1601064Go seek the king" -- Ha! Ha! A lucky change.

3.1.1611065That virtue which I feared would be my hindrance

3.1.1621066Has proved the bond to my design.

3.1.1631067I'll bribe two ruffians that shall at a distance follow,

3.1.1641068And seize them in some desert place, and there

3.1.1651069Whilst one retains her the other shall return

3.1.1661070To inform me where she's lodged. I'll be disguised too.

3.1.1671071Whilst they are poaching for me I'll to the duke

3.1.1681072With these dispatches. Then to the field

3.1.1691073Where like the vigorous Jove I will enjoy

3.1.1701074This Semele in a storm. 'Twill deaf her cries

3.1.1711075Like drums in battle, lest her groans should pierce

3.1.1721076My pitying ear, and make the amorous fight less fierce.

Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter.

3.1.1741080The tyranny of this open night's too rough

3.1.1751081For nature to endure.

Let me alone.

Good my lord, enter.

Wilt break my heart?

Beseech you, sir.

Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm

3.1.1811087Invades us to the skin; so 'tis to thee.

3.1.1821088But where the greater malady is fixed

3.1.1831089The lesser is scarce felt. The tempest in my mind

3.1.1841090Does from my senses take all feeling else

3.1.1851091Save what beats there: filial ingratitude!

3.1.1861092Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand

3.1.1871093For lifting food to it? But I'll punish home.

3.1.1881094No, I will weep no more. In such a night

3.1.1891095To shut me out -- Pour on, I will endure

3.1.1901096In such a night as this. O Regan, Gonerill,

3.1.1911097Your old kind father whose frank heart gave all--

3.1.1921098Oh that way madness lies, let me shun that,

3.1.1931099No more of that.

See, my lord, here's the entrance.

Well, I'll go in

3.1.1961102And pass it all. I'll pray and then I'll sleep.

3.1.1971103Poor naked wretches wheresoe'er you are,

3.1.1981104That abide the pelting of this pitiless storm,

3.1.1991105How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides

3.1.2001106Sustain this shock, your raggedness defend you

3.1.2011107From seasons such as these?

3.1.2021108Oh, I have taken too little care of this.

3.1.2031109Take physic, pomp.

3.1.2041110Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,

3.1.2051111That thou mayst cast the superflux to them,

3.1.2061112And show the heavens more just.

3.1.2071114Five fathom and a half, poor Tom!

What art thou that dost grumble there in the straw?

3.1.2091116Come forth.

Away! The foul fiend follows me -- through the sharp

3.1.2111118Hawthorn blows the cold wind -- Mum! Go to thy bed and warm

3.1.2121119Thee. -- Ha! What do I see? By all my griefs, the poor old

3.1.2131120king beheaded,

3.1.2141122And drenched in this foul storm. Professing siren,

3.1.2151123Are all your protestations come to this?

Tell me, fellow, didst thou give all to thy daughters?

Who gives anything to Poor Tom, whom the foul fiend has

3.1.2181126led through fire and through flame, through bushes and bogs,

3.1.2191127that has laid knives under his pillow, and halters in his pew,

3.1.2201128that has made him proud of heart to ride on a bay-trotting horse

3.1.2211129over four inched bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor?

3.1.2221130-- Bless thy five wits, Tom's a-cold.

3.1.2231131Shivers. Bless thee from whirlwinds,

3.1.2241132Star-blasting and taking. Do poor Tom some charity, whom

3.1.2251133the foul fiend vexes. -- Sa, sa, there I could have him now,

3.1.2261134and there, and there again.

Have his daughters brought him to this pass?

3.1.2281136Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give them all?

He has no daughters, sir.

Death, traitor, nothing could have subdued nature

3.1.2311139To such a lowness but his unkind daughters.

Pillicock sat upon Pillicock Hill; Hallo, hallo, hallo.

Is it the fashion that discarded fathers

3.1.2341142Should have such little mercy on their flesh?

3.1.2351143Judicious punishment, 'twas this flesh begot

3.1.2361144Those pelican daughters.

Take heed of the foul fiend, obey thy parents, keep thy word

3.1.2381146justly, swear not, commit not with man's sworn spouse, set not

3.1.2391147thy sweetheart on proud array. Tom's a-cold.

What hast thou been?

A servingman, proud of heart, that curled my hair, used perfume

3.1.2421150and washes; that served the lust of my mistress's heart, and did

3.1.2431151the act of darkness with her. Swore as many oaths as I spoke

3.1.2441152words, and broke them all in the sweet face of heaven. Let not the

3.1.2451153paint, nor the patch, nor the rushing of silks betray thy poor

3.1.2461154heart to woman. Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of

3.1.2471155plackets, thy pen from creditors' books, and defy the foul fiend

3.1.2481156-- still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind --

3.1.2491157Sess, suum, mun, nonny, dolphin my boy -- hist! The boy,

3.1.2501158sesey! Soft, let him trot by.

Death! Thou wert better in thy grave, than thus to answer with

3.1.2521160thy uncovered body this extremity of the sky. And yet consider

3.1.2531161him well, and man's no more than this. Thou art indebted to the

3.1.2541162worm for no silk, to the beast for no hide, to the cat for no

3.1.2551163perfume -- Ha! Here's two of us are sophisticated; thou art

3.1.2561164the thing itself. Unaccommodated man is no more than such a poor

3.1.2571165bare, forked animal as thou art.

3.1.2581166Off, off, ye vain disguises, empty lendings.

3.1.2591167I'll be my original self. Quick, quick, uncase me.

Defend his wits, good heaven!

One point I had forgot; what's your name?

Poor Tom that eats the swimming frog, the walnut, and

3.1.2631171the water-nut; that in the fury of his heart, when the foul fiend

3.1.2641172rages, eats cow-dung for salads, swallows the old rat and the

3.1.2651173ditch-dog, that drinks the green mantle of the standing pool;

3.1.2661174that's whipped from tithing to tithing; that has three suits to his

3.1.2671175back, six shirts to his body,

3.1.2711179Beware, my follower. Peace, Smulkin, peace, thou foul fiend.

One word more, but be sure true counsel. Tell me, is a madman a

3.1.2731181gentleman or a yeoman?

I feared it would come to this, his wits are gone.

Fraterreto calls me, and tells me Nero is an

3.1.2761184angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware the

3.1.2771185foul fiend.

Right, ha! Ha! Was it not pleasant to have a thousand with red

3.1.2791187hot spits come hizzing in upon them?

My tears begin to take his part so much

3.1.2811189They mar my counterfeiting.

The little dogs and all, Trey, Blanch and Sweetheart, see they

3.1.2831191bark at me.

Tom will throw his head at 'em. Avaunt, ye curs.

3.1.2931201Ud, de, de, de. Se, se, se. Come march to wakes and fairs and

3.1.2941202market towns -- Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.

You sir, I entertain you for one of my hundred, only I do not

3.1.2961204like the fashion of your garments. You'll say they're

3.1.2971205Persian, but no matter, let them be changed.

This is the foul Flibbertigibbet. He begins at curfew and

3.1.2991208walks at first cock; he gives the web and the pin, knits the

3.1.3001209elflock, squints the eye, and makes the harelip, mildews the

3.1.3011210white wheat, and hurts the poor creature of the earth.

What, has your grace no better company?

The prince of darkness is a gentleman; Modo he is called,

3.1.3091218and Mahu.

Go with me, sir, hard by I have a tenant.

3.1.3111220My duty cannot suffer me to obey in all your daughters' hard

3.1.3121221commands, who have enjoined me to make fast my doors, and let

3.1.3131222this tyrannous night take hold upon you. Yet have I ventured to

3.1.3141223come seek you out, and bring you where both fire and food is

3.1.3151224ready.

Good my lord, take his offer.

First let me talk with this philosopher.

3.1.3181227Say, Stagirite, what is the cause of thunder?

Beseech you, sir, go with me.

I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban.

3.1.3211230What is your study?

How to prevent the fiend, and to kill vermin.

Let me ask you a word in private.

His wits are quite unsettled. Good sir, let's force him hence.

Canst blame him? His daughters seek his death. This bedlam but

3.1.3261235disturbs him the more. Fellow, be gone.

Child Rowland to the dark tower came,

3.1.3281237His word was still "Fie, fo and fum,

3.1.3291238I smell the blood of a British man." -- Oh torture!

Now, I prithee, friend, let's take him in our arms, and carry him

3.1.3311241where he shall meet both welcome and protection. Good sir, along

3.1.3321242with us.

You say right, let them anatomize Regan, see what breeds

3.1.3341244about her heart. Is there any cause in nature for these hard

3.1.3351245hearts?

Beseech your grace.

Hist! -- Make no noise, make no noise -- So so; we'll

3.1.3381248to supper in the morning.

Dear madam, rest ye here, our search is vain.

3.1.3401252Look here's a shed. Beseech ye, enter here.

Prithee go in thyself, seek thy own ease.

3.1.3421254Where the mind's free, the body's delicate.

3.1.3431255This tempest but diverts me from the thought

3.1.3441256Of what would hurt me more.

We have dogged them far enough, this place is private.

3.1.3461259I'll keep them prisoners here within this hovel,

3.1.3471260Whilst you return and bring Lord Edmund hither.

3.1.3481261But help me first to house them.

Nothing but this dear devil

3.1.3501264Should have drawn me through all this tempest.

3.1.3511265But to our work.

3.1.3521267Soft, madam, we are friends. Dispatch, I say!

Help, murder, help! Gods! Some kind thunderbolt

3.1.3541269To strike me dead.

What cry was that? Ha, women seized by ruffians?

3.1.3561272Is this a place and time for villainy?

3.1.3571273Avaunt, ye bloodhounds.

The devil, the devil!

O speak, what are ye that appear to be

3.1.3601278Of the tender sex, and yet unguarded wander

3.1.3611279Through the dead mazes of this dreadful night,

3.1.3621280Where (though at full) the clouded moon scarce darts

3.1.3631281Imperfect glimmerings?

First say what art thou.

3.1.3651283Our guardian angel, that wert pleased to assume

3.1.3661284That horrid shape to fright the ravishers?

3.1.3671285We'll kneel to thee.

O my tumultuous blood!

3.1.3691287By all my trembling veins, Cordelia's voice!

3.1.3701288'Tis she herself! My senses sure conform

3.1.3711289To my wild garb, and I am mad indeed.

Whatever thou art, befriend a wretched virgin,

3.1.3731291And if thou canst, direct our weary search.

Who relieves Poor Tom, that sleeps on the nettle, with the

3.1.3751293hedge-pig for his pillow?

Alack, madam, a poor wandering lunatic.

And yet his language seemed but now well-tempered.

3.1.3841302Speak, friend, to one more wretched than thyself,

3.1.3851303And if thou hast one interval of sense,

3.1.3861304Inform us if thou canst, where we may find

3.1.3871305A poor old man, who through this heath has strayed

3.1.3881306The tedious night. Speak, saw'st thou such a one?

The king, her father, whom she's come to seek

3.1.3901309Through all the terrors of this night. O gods!

3.1.3911310That such amazing piety, such tenderness

3.1.3921311Should yet to me be cruel --

3.1.3931312Yes, fair one, such a one was lately here,

3.1.3941313And is conveyed by some that came to seek him

3.1.3951314To a neighboring cottage; but distinctly where,

3.1.3961315I know not.

Blessings on them.

3.1.3981317Let's find him out, Arante, for thou seest

3.1.3991318We are in heaven's protection.

O Cordelia!

Ha! -- Thou know'st my name.

As you did once know Edgar's.

Edgar!

The poor remains of Edgar, what your scorn

3.1.4051325Has left him.

Do we wake, Arante?

My father seeks my life, which I preserved

3.1.4081328In hopes of some blest minute to oblige

3.1.4091329Distressed Cordelia, and the gods have given it.

3.1.4101330That thought alone prevailed with me to take

3.1.4111331This frantic dress, to make the earth my bed,

3.1.4121332With these bare limbs all change of seasons 'bide,

3.1.4131333Noon's scorching heat, and midnight's piercing cold,

3.1.4141334To feed on offals, and to drink with herds,

3.1.4151335To combat with the winds, and be the sport

3.1.4161336Of clowns, or what's more wretched yet, their pity.

Was ever tale so full of misery!

But such a fall as this I grant was due

3.1.4191339To my aspiring love, for 'twas presumptuous,

3.1.4201340Though not presumptuously pursued;

3.1.4211341For well you know I wore my flames concealed,

3.1.4221342And silent as the lamps that burn in tombs,

3.1.4231343'Till you perceived my grief, with modest grace

3.1.4241344Drew forth the secret, and then sealed my pardon.

You had your pardon, nor can you challenge more.

What do I challenge more?

3.1.4271347Such vanity agrees not with these rags.

3.1.4281348When in my prosperous state rich Gloster's heir,

3.1.4291349You silenced my pretences, and enjoined me

3.1.4301350To trouble you upon that theme no more,

3.1.4311351Then what reception must love's language find

3.1.4321352From these bare limbs and beggar's humble weeds?

Such as the voice of pardon to a wretch condemned;

3.1.4341354Such as the shouts

3.1.4351355Of succoring forces to a town besieged.

Ah! What new method now of cruelty?

Come to my arms, thou dearest, best of men,

3.1.4381358And take the kindest vows that ever were spoke

3.1.4391359By a protesting maid.

Is it possible?

By the dear vital stream that bathes my heart,

3.1.4421362These hallowed rags of thine, and naked virtue,

3.1.4431363These abject tassels, these fantastic shreds,

3.1.4441364(Ridiculous even to the meanest clown)

3.1.4451365To me are dearer than the richest pomp

3.1.4461366Of purple monarchs.

Generous charming maid,

3.1.4481368The gods alone that made, can rate thy worth!

3.1.4491369This most amazing excellence shall be

3.1.4501370Fame's triumph in succeeding ages, when

3.1.4511371Thy bright example shall adorn the scene,

3.1.4521372And teach the world perfection.

Cold and weary,

3.1.4541374We'll rest a while, Arante, on that straw,

3.1.4551375Then forward to find out the poor old king.

Look, I have flint and steel, the implements

3.1.4571377Of wandering lunatics. I'll strike a light,

3.1.4581378And make a fire beneath this shed, to dry

3.1.4591379Thy storm-drenched garments, ere thou lie to rest thee.

3.1.4601380Then fierce and wakeful as the Hesperian dragon,

3.1.4611381I'll watch beside thee to protect thy sleep.

3.1.4621382Meanwhile, the stars shall dart their kindest beams,

3.1.4631383And angels visit my Cordelia's dreams.

I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.

3.2.21388Regan, see here, a plot upon our state.

3.2.31389'Tis Gloster's character, that has betrayed

3.2.41390His double trust of subject and of host.

Then double be our vengeance. This confirms

3.2.61392The intelligence that we now received,

3.2.71393That he has been this night to seek the king.

3.2.81394But who, sir, was the kind discoverer?

Our eagle, quick to spy, and fierce to seize,

3.2.101396Our trusty Edmund.

'Twas a noble service.

3.2.121398Oh, Cornwall, take him to thy deepest trust,

3.2.131399And wear him as a jewel at thy heart.

Think, sir, how hard a fortune I sustain,

3.2.151401That makes me thus repent of serving you!

3.2.161403O that this treason had not been, or I

3.2.171404Not the discoverer.

Edmund, thou shalt find

3.2.191406A father in our love, and from this minute

3.2.201407We call thee Earl of Gloster. But there yet

3.2.211408Remains another justice to be done,

3.2.221409And that's to punish this discarded traitor.

3.2.231410But lest thy tender nature should relent

3.2.241411At his just sufferings, nor brook the sight,

3.2.251412We wish thee to withdraw.

The grotto, sir, within the lower grove,

3.2.271415Has privacy to suit a mourner's thought.

And there I may expect a comforter,

3.2.291417Ha, madam?

What may happen, sir, I know not.

3.2.311419But 'twas a friend's advice.

Bring in the traitor.

3.2.331423Bind fast his arms.

What mean your graces?

3.2.351425You are my guests, pray do me no foul play.

Bind him, I say. Hard, harder yet.

Now, traitor, thou shalt find --

Speak, rebel, where hast thou sent the king?

3.2.391429Whom spite of our decree thou saw'st last night.

I'm tied to the stake, and I must stand the course.

Say where and why thou hast concealed him.

Because I would not see thy cruel hands

3.2.431433Tear out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister

3.2.441434Carve his anointed flesh. But I shall see

3.2.451435The swift-winged vengeance overtake such children.

See't shalt thou never. Slaves, perform your work.

3.2.471437Out with those treacherous eyes. Dispatch, I say,

3.2.481438If thou seest vengeance --

He that will think to live 'till he be old,

3.2.501440Give me some help – Oh, cruel! Oh! Ye gods.

Hold, hold, my lord, I bar your cruelty.

3.2.521443I cannot love your safety and give way

3.2.531444To such a barbarous practice.

Ha, my villain.

I have been your servant from my infancy,

3.2.561447But better service have I never done you

3.2.571448Then with this boldness --

Take thy death, slave.

Nay, then revenge whilst yet my blood is warm.

Help here -- are you not hurt, my lord?

Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature

3.2.621454To quit this horrid act.

Out, treacherous villain,

3.2.641456Thou call'st on him that hates thee. It was he

3.2.651457That broached thy treason, showed us thy dispatches.

3.2.661458There -- read, and save the Cambrian prince a

3.2.671459labor.

3.2.681460If thy eyes fail thee call for spectacles.

O my folly!

3.2.701462Than Edgar was abused. Kind gods forgive me that.

How is it, my lord?

Turn out that eyeless villain, let him smell

3.2.731465His way to Cambrai. Throw this slave upon a dunghill.

3.2.741466Regan,

3.2.751467I bleed apace, give me your arm.

All dark and comfortless!

3.2.771470Where are those various objects that but now

3.2.781471Employed my busy eyes? Where those eyes?

3.2.791472Dead are their piercing rays that lately shot

3.2.801473Over flowery vales to distant sunny hills,

3.2.811474And drew with joy the vast horizon in.

3.2.821475These groping hands are now my only guides,

3.2.831476And feeling all my sight.

3.2.841477O misery! What words can sound my grief?

3.2.851478Shut from the living whilst among the living.

3.2.861479Dark as the grave amidst the bustling world.

3.2.871480At once from business and from pleasure barred.

3.2.881481No more to view the beauty of the spring,

3.2.891482Nor see the face of kindred, or of friend.

3.2.901483Yet still one way the extremest fate affords,

3.2.911484And even the blind can find the way to death.

3.2.921485Must I then tamely die, and unrevenged?

3.2.931486So Lear may fall. No, with these bleeding rings

3.2.941487I will present me to the pitying crowd,

3.2.951488And with the rhetoric of these dropping veins

3.2.961489Enflame them to revenge their king and me.

3.2.971490Then when the glorious mischief is on wing,

3.2.981491This lumber from some precipice I'll throw,

3.2.991492And dash it on the ragged flint below.

3.2.1001493Whence my freed soul to her bright sphere shall fly,

3.2.1011494Through boundless orbs, eternal regions spy,

3.2.1021495And like the sun, be all one glorious eye.

Why were those beauties made another's right

4.1.31501Which none can prize like me? Charming queen,

4.1.41502Take all my blooming youth, forever fold me

4.1.51503In those soft arms, lull me in endless sleep

4.1.61504That I may dream of pleasures too transporting

4.1.71505For life to bear.

Live, live, my Gloster,

4.1.91507And feel no death but that of swooning joy.

4.1.101508I yield thee blisses on no harder terms

4.1.111509Than that thou continue to be happy.

This jealousy is yet more kind. Is it possible

4.1.131511That I should wander from a paradise

4.1.141512To feed on sickly weeds? Such sweets live here

4.1.151513That constancy will be no virtue in me.

4.1.161514And yet must I forthwith go meet her sister,

4.1.171516To whom I must protest as much.

4.1.181517Suppose it be the same; why, best of all,

4.1.191518And I have then my lesson ready conned.

Wear this remembrance of me. I dare now

4.1.211521Absent myself no longer from the duke

4.1.221522Whose wound grows dangerous -- I hope mortal.

And let this happy image of your Gloster,

4.1.241525Lodge in that breast where all his treasure lies.

To this brave youth a woman's blooming beauties

4.1.261528Are due; my fool usurps my bed. What's here?

4.1.271529Confusion on my eyes.

4.1.301534Vexatious accident! Yet fortunate, too.

4.1.311535My jealousy's confirmed, and I am taught

4.1.321536To cast for my defense --

4.1.331538Now, what mean those shouts? And what thy hasty entrance?

A most surprising and a sudden change.

4.1.351540The peasants are all up in mutiny,

4.1.361541And only want a chief to lead them on

4.1.371542To storm your palace.

On what provocation?

At last day's public festival, to which

4.1.401545The yeomen from all quarters had repaired,

4.1.411546Old Gloster, whom you late deprived of sight,

4.1.421547(His veins yet streaming fresh) presents himself,

4.1.431548Proclaims your cruelty and their oppression,

4.1.441549With the king's injuries. Which so enraged them,

4.1.451550That now that mutiny which long had crept,

4.1.461551Takes wing and threatens your best powers.

White-livered slave!

4.1.481553Our forces raised and led by valiant Edmund

4.1.491554Shall drive this monster of rebellion back

4.1.501555To her dark cell. Young Gloster's arm allays

4.1.511556The storm his father's feeble breath did raise.

The lowest and most abject thing of fortune

4.2.21561Stands still in hope, and is secure from fear.

4.2.31562The lamentable change is from the best;

4.2.41563The worst returns to better. Who comes here?

4.2.51565My father poorly led? Deprived of sight?

4.2.61566The precious stones torn from their bleeding rings!

4.2.71567Something I heard of this inhuman deed

4.2.81568But disbelieved it, as an act too horrid

4.2.91569For the hot hell of a cursed woman's fury.

4.2.101570When will the measure of my woes be full?

Revenge, thou art afoot, success attend thee.

4.2.121572Well have I sold my eyes, if the event

4.2.131573Prove happy for the injured king.

O, my good lord, I have been your tenant and your father's

4.2.151575Tenant these fourscore years.

Away, get thee away, good friend, be gone.

4.2.171577Thy comforts can do me no good at all,

4.2.181578Thee they may hurt.

You cannot see your way.

I have no way, and therefore want no eyes.

4.2.211581I stumbled when I saw. O dear son Edgar,

4.2.221582The food of thy abused father's wrath,

4.2.231583Might I but live to see thee in my touch

4.2.241584I'd say I had eyes again.

Alas, he's sensible that I was wronged,

4.2.261586And should I own myself, his tender heart

4.2.271587Would break betwixt the extremes of grief and joy.

How now, who's there?

A charity for poor Tom. Play fair, and defy the foul

4.2.301590fiend.

4.2.311591O gods! And must I still pursue this trade,

4.2.321593Trifling beneath such loads of misery?

'Tis poor mad Tom.

In the late storm I such a fellow saw,

4.2.351596Which made me think a man a worm.

4.2.361597Where is the lunatic?

Here, my lord.

Get thee now away. If for my sake

4.2.391600Thou wilt overtake us hence a mile or two

4.2.401601In the way toward Dover, do it for ancient love,

4.2.411602And bring some covering for this naked wretch

4.2.421603Whom I'll entreat to lead me.

Alack, my lord, he's mad.

'Tis the time's plague when madmen lead the blind.

4.2.451606Do as I bid thee.

I'll bring him the best apparel that I have

4.2.471608Come on it what will.

Sirrah, naked fellow.

Poor Tom's a cold -- I cannot fool it longer,

4.2.501612And yet I must -- bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.

4.2.511613Believe it Poor Tom even weeps his blind to see them.

Know'st thou the way to Dover?

Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom has

4.2.541616been scared out of his good wits. Bless every true man's son from

4.2.551617the foul fiend.

Here, take this purse; that I am wretched

4.2.571619Makes thee the happier, heaven deal so still.

4.2.581620Thus let the griping usurer's hoard be scattered,

4.2.591621So distribution shall undo excess,

4.2.601622And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?

Ay, master.

There is a cliff, whose high and bending head

4.2.631625Looks dreadfully down on the roaring deep.

4.2.641626Bring me but to the very brink of it,

4.2.651627And I'll repair the poverty thou bear'st

4.2.661628With something rich about me. From that place

4.2.671629I shall no leading need.

Give me thy arm. Poor Tom shall guide thee.

Soft, for I hear the tread of passengers.

Ah me! Your fear's too true, it was the king.

4.2.711634I spoke but now with some that met him

4.2.721635As mad as the vexed sea, singing aloud,

4.2.731636Crowned with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,

4.2.741637With berries, burdocks, violets, daisies, poppies,

4.2.751638And all the idle flowers that grow

4.2.761639In our sustaining corn. Conduct me to him

4.2.771640To prove my last endeavors to restore him,

4.2.781641And heaven so prosper thee.

I will, good lady.

4.2.801643Ha, Gloster here! -- Turn, poor dark man, and

4.2.811644hear

4.2.821645A friend's condolement, who at sight of thine

4.2.831646Forgets his own distress, thy old true Kent.

How, Kent? From whence returned?

I have not since my banishment been absent,

4.2.861649But in disguise followed the abandoned king.

4.2.871650'Twas me thou saw'st with him in the late storm.

Let me embrace thee. Had I eyes I now

4.2.891652Should weep for joy, but let this trickling blood

4.2.901653Suffice instead of tears.

O misery!

4.2.921655To whom shall I complain, or in what language?

4.2.931656Forgive, O wretched man, the piety

4.2.941657That brought thee to this pass, 'twas I that caused it.

4.2.951658I cast me at thy feet, and beg of thee

4.2.961659To crush these weeping eyes to equal darkness,

4.2.971660If that will give thee any recompense.

Was ever season so distressed as this?

I think Cordelia's voice! Easy, pious princess,

4.2.1001664And take a dark man's blessing.

Oh, my Edgar,

4.2.1021666My virtue's now grown guilty, works the bane

4.2.1031667Of those that do befriend me. Heaven forsakes me,

4.2.1041668And when you look that way, it is but just

4.2.1051669That you should hate me too.

O waive this cutting speech, and spare to wound

4.2.1071671A heart that's on the rack.

No longer cloud thee, Kent, in that disguise.

4.2.1091673There's business for thee and of noblest weight.

4.2.1101674Our injured country is at length in arms,

4.2.1111675Urged by the king's inhuman wrongs and mine,

4.2.1121676And only want a chief to lead them on.

4.2.1131677That task be thine.

Brave Britons, then there's life in it yet.

Then have we one cast for our fortune yet.

4.2.1161681Come, princess, I'll bestow you with the king,

4.2.1171682Then on the spur to head these forces.

4.2.1181683Farewell, good Gloster, to our conduct trust.

And be your cause as prosperous as 'tis just.

It was great ignorance, Gloster's eyes being out,

4.3.21688To let him live. Where he arrives, he moves

4.3.31689All hearts against us. Edmund I think is gone,

4.3.41690In pity to his misery, to dispatch him.

No, madam, he's returned on speedy summons

4.3.61692Back to your sister.

Ha! I like not that.

4.3.81694Such speed must have the wings of love. Where's Albany?

Madam, within, but never man so changed.

4.3.101696I told him of the uproar of the peasants,

4.3.111697He smiled at it. When I informed him

4.3.121698Of Gloster's treason --

Trouble him no further,

4.3.141700It is his coward spirit. Back to our sister,

4.3.151701Hasten her musters, and let her know

4.3.161702I have given the distaff into my husband's hands.

4.3.171703That done, with special care deliver these dispatches

4.3.181704In private to young Gloster.

O madam, most unseasonable news.

4.3.201707The Duke of Cornwall's dead of his late wound,

4.3.211708Whose loss your sister has in part supplied,

4.3.221709Making brave Edmund general of her forces.

One way I like this well;

4.3.241711But being widow and my Gloster with her

4.3.251712May blast the promised harvest of our love.

4.3.261713A word more, sir: add speed to your journey,

4.3.271714And if you chance to meet with that blind traitor,

4.3.281715Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.

When shall we come to the top of that same hill?

We climb it now, mark how we labor.

Methinks the ground is even.

Horrible steep. Hark, do you hear the sea?

No, truly.

Why then your other senses grow imperfect

4.4.71724By your eyes' anguish.

So may it be indeed.

4.4.91726Methinks thy voice is altered, and thou speak'st

4.4.101727In better phrase and matter than thou didst.

You are much deceived. In nothing am I altered

4.4.121729But in my garments.

Methinks you are better spoken.

Come on, sir, here's the place. How fearful

4.4.151732And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low.

4.4.161733The crows and choughs that wing the midway air

4.4.171734Show scarce so big as beetles. Halfway down

4.4.181735Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade!

4.4.191736The fishermen that walk upon the beach

4.4.201737Appear like mice, and yon tall anchoring bark

4.4.221739Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge

4.4.231740Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more

4.4.241741Lest my brain turn, and the disorder make me

4.4.251742Tumble down headlong.

Set me where you stand.

You are now within a foot of the extreme verge.

4.4.281745For all beneath the moon I would not now

4.4.291746Leap forward.

Let go my hand.

4.4.311748Here, friend, is another purse, in it a jewel

4.4.321749Well worth a poor man's taking; get thee further,

4.4.331750Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.

Fare you well, sir. -- That I do trifle thus

4.4.351752With this his despair is with design to cure it.

Thus, mighty gods, this world I do renounce,

4.4.371754And in your sight shake my afflictions off.

4.4.381755If I could bear them longer and not fall

4.4.391756To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,

4.4.401757My snuff and feebler part of nature should

4.4.411758Burn itself out. If Edgar live, oh bless him.

4.4.421759Now, fellow, fare thee well.

Gone, sir! Farewell.

4.4.441761And yet I know not how conceit may rob

4.4.451762The treasury of life. Had he been where he thought,

4.4.461763By this had thought been past -- Alive, or dead?

4.4.471764Hoa sir, friend; hear you, sir, speak --

4.4.481765Thus might he pass indeed -- yet he revives.

4.4.491766What are you, sir?

Away, and let me die.

Hadst thou been ought but gossamer, feathers, air,

4.4.521769Falling so many fathom down

4.4.531770Thou hadst shivered like an egg. But thou dost breathe,

4.4.541771Hast heavy substance, bleed'st not, speak'st, art sound.

4.4.551772Thy life's a miracle.

But have I fallen or no?

From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.

4.4.581775Look up a-height, the shrill-tuned lark so high

4.4.591776Cannot be seen or heard; do but look up.

Alack, I have no eyes.

4.4.611778Is wretchedness deprived that benefit

4.4.621779To end itself by death?

Give me your arm.

4.4.641781Up, so, how is it? Feel you your legs? You stand.

Too well, too well.

Upon the crown of the cliff, what thing was that

4.4.671784Which parted from you?

A poor, unfortunate beggar.

As I stood here below, methought his eyes

4.4.701787Were two full moons, wide nostrils breathing fire.

4.4.711788It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father,

4.4.721789Think that the all-powerful gods, who make them honors

4.4.731790Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.

'Tis wonderful. Henceforth I'll bear affliction

4.4.751792Till it expire. The goblin which you speak of,

4.4.761793I took it for a man. Oft-times it would say,

4.4.771794"The fiend, the fiend." He led me to that place.

Bear free and patient thoughts -- but who comes here?

No, no, they cannot touch me for coining. I am the king himself.

Oh, piercing sight.

Nature's above art in that respect. There's your press-money.

4.4.821800That fellow handles his bow like a cow-keeper -- draw me a

4.4.831801clothier's yard. A mouse, a mouse! Peace hoa. There's my

4.4.841802gauntlet, I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O

4.4.851803well flown, bird. In the white, in the white -- Hewgh! Give

4.4.861804the word.

Sweet marjoram.

Pass.

I know that voice.

Ha! Gonerill with a white beard! They flattered me like a

4.4.911809dog, and told me I had white hairs on my chin before the black

4.4.921810ones were there. To say "Aye" and "No" to everything that I said "Aye"

4.4.931811and "No" to was no good divinity. When the rain came once to wet

4.4.941812me, and the winds to make me chatter; when the thunder would not

4.4.951813peace at my bidding, there I found them, there I smelt them out. Go

4.4.961814too, they are not men of their words. They told me I was a king;

4.4.971815'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof.

That voice I well remember, is it not the king's?

Aye, every inch a king. When I do stare,

4.4.1001818See how the subject quakes.

4.4.1011819I pardon that man's life. What was the cause?

4.4.1021820Adultery? Thou shalt not die. Die for adultery!

4.4.1031821The wren goes to it, and the small gilded fly

4.4.1041822Engenders in my sight. Let copulation thrive,

4.4.1051823For Gloster's bastard son was kinder to his father

4.4.1061824Than were my daughters got in the lawful bed.

4.4.1071825To it, luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers.

Not all my sorrows past so deep have touched me,

4.4.1091827As these sad accents. Sight were now a torment --

Behold that simpering lady, she that starts

4.4.1111829At pleasure's name, and thinks her ear profaned

4.4.1121830With the least wanton word. Would you believe it?

4.4.1131831The fitcher nor the pampered steed goes to it

4.4.1141832With such a riotous appetite. Down from the waist they are

4.4.1151833centaurs, though women all above. But to the girdle do the gods

4.4.1161834inherit, beneath is all the fiends: there's hell, there's

4.4.1171835darkness, the sulphurous unfathomed -- fie! Fie! Pah!

4.4.1181836-- an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my

4.4.1191837imagination -- there's money for thee.

Let me kiss that hand.

Let me wipe it first, it smells of mortality.

Speak, sir. Do you know me?

I remember thy eyes well enough. Nay, do thy worst, blind

4.4.1241842Cupid, I'll not love. Read me this challenge, mark

4.4.1251843but the penning of it.

Were all the letters suns, I could not see.

I would not take this from report. Wretched Cordelia,

4.4.1281846What will thy virtue do when thou shalt find

4.4.1291847This fresh affliction added to the tale

4.4.1301848Of thy unparalleled griefs?

Read.

What, with this case of eyes?

Oh ho! Are you there with me? No eyes in your head, and no money

4.4.1341852in your purse? Yet you see how this world goes.

I see it feelingly.

What? Art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes.

4.4.1371855Look with thy ears, see how yon justice rails on that simple

4.4.1381856thief. Shake them together, and the first that drops, be it thief

4.4.1391857or justice, is a villain. Thou hast seen a farmer's dog

4.4.1401858bark at a beggar?

Aye, sir.

And the man ran from the cur. There thou might'st behold the

4.4.1431861great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office. Thou, rascal

4.4.1441862beadle, hold thy bloody hand; why dost thou lash that strumpet?

4.4.1451863Thou hotly lust'st to enjoy her in that kind for which thou

4.4.1461864whip'st her. Do, do, the judge that sentenced her has been

4.4.1471865beforehand with thee.

How stiff is my vile sense that yields not yet?

I tell thee the usurer hangs the cozener. Through tattered robes

4.4.1501868small vices do appear, robes and fur gowns hide all. Place sins

4.4.1511869with gold -- why there it is for thee, my friend, make much of it.

4.4.1521870It has the power to seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes,

4.4.1531871and like a scurvy politician, seem to see the things thou dost

4.4.1541872not. Pull, pull off my boots, hard, harder, so, so.

O matter and impertinency mixed,

4.4.1561874Reason in madness.

If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.

4.4.1581876I know thee well enough, thy name is Gloster.

4.4.1591877Thou must be patient, we came crying hither --

4.4.1601878Thou know'st, the first time that we taste the air

4.4.1611879We wail and cry -- I'll preach to thee, mark.

Break, laboring heart.

When we are born, we cry that we are come

4.4.1641882To this great stage of fools.

Oh, here he is, lay hand upon him. Sir,

4.4.1661885Your dearest daughter sends --

No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even the natural fool of

4.4.1681887Fortune. Use me well, you shall have ransom. Let me have

4.4.1691888surgeons, oh I am cut to the brains.

You shall have anything.

No seconds? All myself? I will die bravely like a smug

4.4.1721891bridegroom, flushed and pampered as a priest's whore. I am a king,

4.4.1731892my masters, know ye that?

You are a royal one, and we obey you.

It were an excellent stratagem to shoe a troop of horse with

4.4.1761895felt. I'll put in proof -- no noise, no noise -- now

4.4.1771896will we steal upon these sons-in-law, and then -- kill,

4.4.1781897kill, kill, kill!

A sight most moving in the meanest wretch,

4.4.1801900Past speaking in a king. Now, good sir, what are you?

A most poor man made tame to fortune's strokes,

4.4.1821902And prone to pity by experienced sorrows. Give me your hand.

You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me,

4.4.1841904And let not my ill genius tempt me more

4.4.1851905To die before you please.

A proclaimed prize! Oh, most happily met.

4.4.1871908That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh

4.4.1881909To raise my fortunes. Thou old, unhappy traitor,

4.4.1891910The sword is out that must destroy thee.

Now let thy friendly hand put strength enough to it.

Wherefore, bold peasant,

4.4.1921913Dar'st thou support a published traitor? Hence,

4.4.1931914Lest I destroy thee too. Let go his arm.

'Chill not let go, zir, without 'vurther 'casion.

Let go, slave, or thou diest.

Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk pass. And 'chu'd

4.4.1971918ha' bin zwaggered out of my life, it would not a bin zo long as

4.4.1981919'tis by a vortnight. Nay, an' thou com'st near th' old

4.4.1991920man, I'ce try whether your costard or my ballow be th' harder.

Out, dunghill.

'Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come, no matter vor your voines.

Slave, thou hast slain me. Oh, untimely death.

I know thee well; a serviceable villain,

4.4.2041925As duteous to the vices of thy mistress

4.4.2051926As lust could wish.

What, is he dead?

Sit you, sir, and rest you.

4.4.2081929This is a letter carrier, and may have

4.4.2091930Some papers of intelligence that may stand

4.4.2101931Our party in good stead to know. What's here?

4.4.2171940A plot upon her husband's life,

4.4.2181941And the exchange my brother. Here in the sands

4.4.2191942I'll rake thee up, thou messenger of lust,

4.4.2201943Grieved only that thou hadst no other deathsman.

4.4.2211944In time and place convenient, I'll produce

4.4.2221945These letters to the sight of the injured duke

4.4.2231946As best shall serve our purpose. Come, your hand.

4.4.2241947Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum.

4.4.2251948Come, sir, I will bestow you with a friend.

His sleep is sound, and may have good effect

4.4.2271952To cure his jarring senses, and repair

4.4.2281953This breach of nature.

We have employed the utmost power of art,

4.4.2301955And this deep rest will perfect our design.

O Regan, Gonerill, inhuman sisters,

4.4.2321957Had he not been your father, these white hairs

4.4.2331958Had challenged sure some pity. Was this a face

4.4.2341959To be exposed against the jarring winds?

4.4.2351960My enemy's dog, though he had bit me, should

4.4.2361961Have stood that night against my fire. He wakes, speak to

4.4.2371962him.

Madam, do you, 'tis fittest.

How does my royal lord? How fares Your Majesty?

You do me wrong to take me out of the grave.

4.4.2411966Ha! Is this too a world of cruelty?

4.4.2421967I know my privilege; think not that I will

4.4.2431968Be used still like a wretched mortal. No, no,

4.4.2441969No more of that.

Speak to me, sir, who am I?

You are a soul in bliss, but I am bound

4.4.2471972Upon a wheel of fire, which my own tears

4.4.2481973Do scald like molten lead.

Sir, do you know me?

You are a spirit, I know. Where did you die?

Still, still, far wide.

Madam, he's scarce awake. He'll soon grow more composed.

Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight!

4.4.2541979I am mightily abused. I should even die with pity

4.4.2551980To see another thus. I will not swear

4.4.2561981These are my hands.

Oh, look upon me, sir,

4.4.2581983And hold your hands in blessing over me. Nay,

4.4.2591984You must not kneel.

Pray do not mock me.

4.4.2611986I am a very foolish, fond old man,

4.4.2621987Fourscore and upward, and to deal plainly with you,

4.4.2631988I fear I am not in my perfect mind.

Nay, then farewell to patience. Witness for me

4.4.2651990Ye mighty powers, I never complained till now!

Methinks I should know you, and know this man,

4.4.2671992Yet I am doubtful, for I am mainly ignorant

4.4.2681993What place this is, and all the skill I have

4.4.2691994Remembers not these garments, nor do I know

4.4.2701995Where I did sleep last night. Pray do not mock me

4.4.2711996--

4.4.2721997For, as I am a man, I think that lady

4.4.2731998To be my child Cordelia.

Oh, my dear, dear father!

Be your tears wet? Yes faith. Pray do not weep.

4.4.2762001I know I have given thee cause, and am so humbled

4.4.2772002With crosses since, that I could ask

4.4.2782003Forgiveness of thee were it possible

4.4.2792004That thou couldst grant it; but I'm well assured

4.4.2802005Thou canst not. Therefore I do stand thy justice.

4.4.2812006If thou hast poison for me, I will drink it,

4.4.2822007Bless thee and die.

Oh pity, sir, a bleeding heart, and cease

4.4.2842009This killing language.

Tell me, friends, where am I?

In your own kingdom, sir.

Do not abuse me.

Be comforted, good madam, for the violence

4.4.2892014Of his distemper's past. We'll lead him in

4.4.2902015Nor trouble him, till he is better settled.

4.4.2912016Wilt please you, sir, walk into freer air?

You must bear with me, I am old and foolish.

The gods restore you. Hark, I hear afar

4.4.2942020The beaten drum; old Kent's a man of his word.

4.4.2952021Oh for an arm

4.4.2962022Like the fierce thunderer's, when the earth-born sons

4.4.2972023Stormed heaven, to fight this injured father's battle.

4.4.2982024That I could shift my sex, and dye me deep

4.4.2992025In his opposer's blood. But as I may

4.4.3002026With women's weapons, piety and prayers,

4.4.3012027I'll aid his cause. You never-erring gods

4.4.3022028Fight on his side, and thunder on his foes

4.4.3032029Such tempest as his poor aged head sustained.

4.4.3042030Your image suffers when a monarch bleeds.

4.4.3052031'Tis your own cause; for that your succors bring.

4.4.3062032Revenge yourselves, and right an injured king.

Our sister's powers already are arrived,

5.1.22036And she herself has promised to prevent

5.1.32037The night with her approach. Have you provided

5.1.42038The banquet I bespoke for her reception

5.1.52039At my tent?

So, please your grace, we have.

But thou, my poisoner, must prepare the bowl

5.1.82042That crowns this banquet. When our mirth is high,

5.1.92043The trumpets sounding and the flutes replying,

5.1.102044Then is the time to give this fatal draught

5.1.112045To this imperious sister. If then our arms succeed,

5.1.122046Edmund, more dear than victory, is mine.

5.1.132047But if defeat or death itself attend me,

5.1.142048'Twill charm my ghost to think I've left behind me

5.1.152050No happy rival. Hark, she comes.

To both these sisters have I sworn my love,

5.1.172054Each jealous of the other as the stung

5.1.182055Are of the adder. Neither can be held

5.1.192056If both remain alive. Where shall I fix?

5.1.202057Cornwall is dead, and Regan's empty bed

5.1.212058Seems cast by fortune for me, but already

5.1.222059I have enjoyed her, and bright Gonerill

5.1.232060With equal charms brings dear variety,

5.1.242061And yet untasted beauty. I will use

5.1.252062Her husband's countenance for the battle, then

5.1.262063Usurp at once his bed and throne.

5.1.272065My trusty scouts, you are well returned. Have ye descried

5.1.282066The strength and posture of the enemy?

We have, and were surprised to find

5.1.302068The banished Kent returned, and at their head;

5.1.312069Your brother Edgar on the rear; old Gloster

5.1.322070(a moving spectacle) led through their ranks,

5.1.332071Whose powerful tongue and more prevailing wrongs

5.1.342072Have so enraged their rustic spirits that with

5.1.352073The approaching dawn we must expect their battle.

You bring a welcome hearing. Each to his charge.

5.1.372075Line well your ranks and stand on your award.

5.1.382076Tonight repose you, and in the morn we'll give

5.1.392077The sun a sight that shall be worth his rising.

Here, sir, take you the shadow of this tree

5.2.22082For your good host. Pray that the right may thrive.

5.2.32083If ever I return to you again

5.2.42084I'll bring you comfort.

Thanks, friendly sir.

5.2.62087The fortune your good cause deserves betide you.

5.2.72089The fight grows hot. The whole war's now at work,

5.2.82090And the gored battle bleeds in every vein,

5.2.92091Whilst drums and trumpets drown loud slaughter's roar.

5.2.102092Where's Gloster now that used to head the fray,

5.2.112093And scour the ranks where deadliest danger lay?

5.2.122094Here like a shepherd in a lonely shade,

5.2.132095Idle, unarmed, and listening to the fight.

5.2.142096Yet the disabled courser, maimed and blind,

5.2.152097When to his stall he hears the rattling war,

5.2.162098Foaming with rage tears up the battered ground

5.2.172099And tugs for liberty.

5.2.182100No more of shelter, thou blind worm, but forth

5.2.192101To the open field. The war may come this way

5.2.202102And crush thee into rest. Here lay thee down

5.2.212103And tear the earth, that work befits a mole.

5.2.222104O dark despair! When, Edgar, wilt thou come

5.2.232105To pardon and dismiss me to the grave!

5.2.242107Hark! A retreat. The king has lost or won.

Away, old man, give me your hand, away!

5.2.262110King Lear has lost, he and his daughter taken,

5.2.272111And this, ye gods, is all that I can save

5.2.282112Of this most precious wreck! Give me your hand.

No farther, sir, a man may rot even here.

What? In ill thoughts again? Men must endure

5.2.312115Their going hence even as their coming hither.

And that's true, too.

It is enough to have conquered, cruelty

5.2.342120Should never survive the fight. Captain of the guards,

5.2.352121Treat well your royal prisoners till you have

5.2.362122Our further orders, as you hold our pleasure.

Hark, sir, not as you hold our husband's pleasure

5.2.382125But as you hold your life, dispatch your prisoners.

5.2.392126Our empire can have no sure settlement

5.2.402127But in their death; the earth that covers them

5.2.412128Binds fast our throne. Let me hear they are dead.

I shall obey your orders.

Sir, I approve it safest to pronounce

5.2.442131Sentence of death upon this wretched king,

5.2.452132Whose age has charms in it, his title more,

5.2.462133To draw the commons once more to his side.

5.2.472134'Twere best prevent --

Sir, by your favor,

5.2.492136I hold you but a subject of this war,

5.2.502137Not as a brother.

That's as we list to grace him.

5.2.522139Have you forgot that he did lead our powers?

5.2.532140Bore the commission of our place and person?

5.2.542141And that authority may well stand up

5.2.552142And call itself your brother.

Not so hot.

5.2.572144In his own merits he exalts himself

5.2.582145More than in your addition.

What art thou?

Pardon me, sir, that I presume to stop

5.2.612149A prince and conqueror, yet ere you triumph,

5.2.622150Give ear to what a stranger can deliver

5.2.632151Of what concerns you more than triumph can.

5.2.642152I do impeach your general there of treason,

5.2.652153Lord Edmund, that usurps the name of Gloster,

5.2.662154Of foulest practice against your life and honor.

5.2.672155This charge is true, and wretched though I seem

5.2.682156I can produce a champion that will prove

5.2.692157In single combat what I do avouch,

5.2.702158If Edmund dares but trust his cause and sword.

What will not Edmund dare! My lord, I beg

5.2.722160The favor that you'd instantly appoint

5.2.732161The place where I may meet this challenger,

5.2.742162Whom I will sacrifice to my wronged fame.

5.2.752163Remember, sir, that injured honor's nice

5.2.762164And cannot brook delay.

Anon, before our tent, in the army's view,

5.2.782166There let the herald cry.

I thank your highness in my champion's name.

5.2.802168He'll wait your trumpet's call.

Lead.

Oh, Kent, Cordelia!

5.2.832173You are the only pair that I ere wronged,

5.2.842174And the just gods have made you witnesses

5.2.852175Of my disgrace, the very shame of fortune,

5.2.862176To see me chained and shackled at these years!

5.2.872177Yet were you but spectators of my woes,

5.2.882178Not fellow sufferers, all were well!

This language, sir, adds yet to our affliction.

Thou, Kent, didst head the troops that fought my

5.2.912181battle,

5.2.922182Exposed thy life and fortunes for a master

5.2.932183That had (as I remember) banished thee.

Pardon me, sir, that once I broke your orders.

5.2.952185Banished by you, I kept me here disguised

5.2.962186To watch your fortunes, and protect your person.

5.2.972187You know you entertained a rough blunt fellow,

5.2.982188One Cajus, and you thought he did you service.

My trusty Cajus, I have lost him too!

5.2.1002191'Twas a rough honesty.