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  • Title: King Lear (Adapted by Nahum Tate) (Modern)
  • Author: Nahum Tate
  • Editor: Lynne Bradley

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: Nahum Tate
    Editor: Lynne Bradley
    Not Peer Reviewed

    King Lear (Adapted by Nahum Tate) (Modern)

    [4.4]
    Field. [Enter] Gloster and Edgar.
    Gloster
    When shall we come to the top of that same hill?
    Edgar
    We climb it now, mark how we labor.
    1720Gloster
    Methinks the ground is even.
    Edgar
    Horrible steep. Hark, do you hear the sea?
    Gloster
    No, truly.
    Edgar
    Why then your other senses grow imperfect
    By your eyes' anguish.
    1725Gloster
    So may it be indeed.
    Methinks thy voice is altered, and thou speak'st
    In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
    You are much deceived. In nothing am I altered
    But in my garments.
    1730Gloster
    Methinks you are better spoken.
    Come on, sir, here's the place. How fearful
    And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low.
    The crows and choughs that wing the midway air
    Show scarce so big as beetles. Halfway down
    1735Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade!
    The fishermen that walk upon the beach
    Appear like mice, and yon tall anchoring bark
    Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge
    1740Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more
    Lest my brain turn, and the disorder make me
    Tumble down headlong.
    Gloster
    Set me where you stand.
    You are now within a foot of the extreme verge.
    1745For all beneath the moon I would not now
    Leap forward.
    Gloster
    Let go my hand.
    Here, friend, is another purse, in it a jewel
    Well worth a poor man's taking; get thee further,
    1750Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
    Fare you well, sir. -- That I do trifle thus
    With this his despair is with design to cure it.
    Gloster
    Thus, mighty gods, this world I do renounce,
    And in your sight shake my afflictions off.
    1755If I could bear them longer and not fall
    To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,
    My snuff and feebler part of nature should
    Burn itself out. If Edgar live, oh bless him.
    Now, fellow, fare thee well.
    Gone, sir! Farewell.
    And yet I know not how conceit may rob
    The treasury of life. Had he been where he thought,
    By this had thought been past -- Alive, or dead?
    Hoa sir, friend; hear you, sir, speak --
    1765Thus might he pass indeed -- yet he revives.
    What are you, sir?
    Gloster
    Away, and let me die.
    Hadst thou been ought but gossamer, feathers, air,
    Falling so many fathom down
    1770Thou hadst shivered like an egg. But thou dost breathe,
    Hast heavy substance, bleed'st not, speak'st, art sound.
    Thy life's a miracle.
    Gloster
    But have I fallen or no?
    From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.
    1775Look up a-height, the shrill-tuned lark so high
    Cannot be seen or heard; do but look up.
    Gloster
    Alack, I have no eyes.
    Is wretchedness deprived that benefit
    To end itself by death?
    Give me your arm.
    Up, so, how is it? Feel you your legs? You stand.
    Gloster
    Too well, too well.
    Upon the crown of the cliff, what thing was that
    Which parted from you?
    1785Gloster
    A poor, unfortunate beggar.
    As I stood here below, methought his eyes
    Were two full moons, wide nostrils breathing fire.
    It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father,
    Think that the all-powerful gods, who make them honors
    1790Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.
    Gloster
    'Tis wonderful. Henceforth I'll bear affliction
    Till it expire. The goblin which you speak of,
    I took it for a man. Oft-times it would say,
    "The fiend, the fiend." He led me to that place.
    Bear free and patient thoughts -- but who comes here?
    Enter Lear, a coronet of flowers on his head. Wreaths and garlands about him.
    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.
    1800That fellow handles his bow like a cow-keeper -- draw me a
    clothier's yard. A mouse, a mouse! Peace hoa. There's my
    gauntlet, I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O
    well flown, bird. In the white, in the white -- Hewgh! Give
    the word.
    Sweet marjoram.
    Pass.
    Gloster
    I know that voice.
    Ha! Gonerill with a white beard! They flattered me like a
    dog, and told me I had white hairs on my chin before the black
    1810ones were there. To say "Aye" and "No" to everything that I said "Aye"
    and "No" to was no good divinity. When the rain came once to wet
    me, and the winds to make me chatter; when the thunder would not
    peace at my bidding, there I found them, there I smelt them out. Go
    too, they are not men of their words. They told me I was a king;
    1815'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof.
    Gloster
    That voice I well remember, is it not the king's?
    Aye, every inch a king. When I do stare,
    See how the subject quakes.
    I pardon that man's life. What was the cause?
    1820Adultery? Thou shalt not die. Die for adultery!
    The wren goes to it, and the small gilded fly
    Engenders in my sight. Let copulation thrive,
    For Gloster's bastard son was kinder to his father
    Than were my daughters got in the lawful bed.
    1825To it, luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers.
    Gloster
    Not all my sorrows past so deep have touched me,
    As these sad accents. Sight were now a torment --
    Behold that simpering lady, she that starts
    At pleasure's name, and thinks her ear profaned
    1830With the least wanton word. Would you believe it?
    The fitcher nor the pampered steed goes to it
    With such a riotous appetite. Down from the waist they are
    centaurs, though women all above. But to the girdle do the gods
    inherit, beneath is all the fiends: there's hell, there's
    1835darkness, the sulphurous unfathomed -- fie! Fie! Pah!
    -- an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my
    imagination -- there's money for thee.
    Gloster
    Let me kiss that hand.
    Let me wipe it first, it smells of mortality.
    1840Gloster
    Speak, sir. Do you know me?
    I remember thy eyes well enough. Nay, do thy worst, blind
    Cupid, I'll not love. Read me this challenge, mark
    but the penning of it.
    Gloster
    Were all the letters suns, I could not see.
    I would not take this from report. Wretched Cordelia,
    What will thy virtue do when thou shalt find
    This fresh affliction added to the tale
    Of thy unparalleled griefs?
    Read.
    1850Gloster
    What, with this case of eyes?
    Oh ho! Are you there with me? No eyes in your head, and no money
    in your purse? Yet you see how this world goes.
    Gloster
    I see it feelingly.
    What? Art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes.
    1855Look with thy ears, see how yon justice rails on that simple
    thief. Shake them together, and the first that drops, be it thief
    or justice, is a villain. Thou hast seen a farmer's dog
    bark at a beggar?
    Gloster
    Aye, sir.
    And the man ran from the cur. There thou might'st behold the
    great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office. Thou, rascal
    beadle, hold thy bloody hand; why dost thou lash that strumpet?
    Thou hotly lust'st to enjoy her in that kind for which thou
    whip'st her. Do, do, the judge that sentenced her has been
    1865beforehand with thee.
    Gloster
    How stiff is my vile sense that yields not yet?
    I tell thee the usurer hangs the cozener. Through tattered robes
    small vices do appear, robes and fur gowns hide all. Place sins
    with gold -- why there it is for thee, my friend, make much of it.
    1870It has the power to seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes,
    and like a scurvy politician, seem to see the things thou dost
    not. Pull, pull off my boots, hard, harder, so, so.
    Gloster
    O matter and impertinency mixed,
    Reason in madness.
    If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.
    I know thee well enough, thy name is Gloster.
    Thou must be patient, we came crying hither --
    Thou know'st, the first time that we taste the air
    We wail and cry -- I'll preach to thee, mark.
    Break, laboring heart.
    When we are born, we cry that we are come
    To this great stage of fools.
    Enter two or three Gentlemen.
    Gentleman
    Oh, here he is, lay hand upon him. Sir,
    1885Your dearest daughter sends --
    No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even the natural fool of
    Fortune. Use me well, you shall have ransom. Let me have
    surgeons, oh I am cut to the brains.
    Gentleman
    You shall have anything.
    No seconds? All myself? I will die bravely like a smug
    bridegroom, flushed and pampered as a priest's whore. I am a king,
    my masters, know ye that?
    Gentleman
    You are a royal one, and we obey you.
    It were an excellent stratagem to shoe a troop of horse with
    1895felt. I'll put in proof -- no noise, no noise -- now
    will we steal upon these sons-in-law, and then -- kill,
    kill, kill, kill!
    Exit running.
    Gloster
    A sight most moving in the meanest wretch,
    1900Past speaking in a king. Now, good sir, what are you?
    A most poor man made tame to fortune's strokes,
    And prone to pity by experienced sorrows. Give me your hand.
    Gloster
    You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me,
    And let not my ill genius tempt me more
    1905To die before you please.
    Enter Gonerill's Gentleman.
    Gentleman
    A proclaimed prize! Oh, most happily met.
    That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh
    To raise my fortunes. Thou old, unhappy traitor,
    1910The sword is out that must destroy thee.
    Gloster
    Now let thy friendly hand put strength enough to it.
    Gentleman
    Wherefore, bold peasant,
    Dar'st thou support a published traitor? Hence,
    Lest I destroy thee too. Let go his arm.
    'Chill not let go, zir, without 'vurther 'casion.
    Gentleman
    Let go, slave, or thou diest.
    Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk pass. And 'chu'd
    ha' bin zwaggered out of my life, it would not a bin zo long as
    'tis by a vortnight. Nay, an' thou com'st near th' old
    1920man, I'ce try whether your costard or my ballow be th' harder.
    Gentleman
    Out, dunghill.
    'Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come, no matter vor your voines.
    Gentleman
    Slave, thou hast slain me. Oh, untimely death.
    I know thee well; a serviceable villain,
    1925As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
    As lust could wish.
    Gloster
    What, is he dead?
    Sit you, sir, and rest you.
    This is a letter carrier, and may have
    1930Some papers of intelligence that may stand
    Our party in good stead to know. What's here?
    Takes a letter out of his pocket, opens and
    "To Edmund, Earl of Gloster.
    1935Let our mutual loves be remembered. You have many opportunities
    to cut him off. If he return the conqueror then I am still a
    prisoner, and his bed my jail, from the loathed warmth of which
    deliver me, and supply the place for your labor.
    Gonerill."
    1940A plot upon her husband's life,
    And the exchange my brother. Here in the sands
    I'll rake thee up, thou messenger of lust,
    Grieved only that thou hadst no other deathsman.
    In time and place convenient, I'll produce
    1945These letters to the sight of the injured duke
    As best shall serve our purpose. Come, your hand.
    Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum.
    Come, sir, I will bestow you with a friend.
    1950A chamber. Lear asleep on a couch. Cordelia, [Physician] and attendants standing by him.
    Cordelia
    His sleep is sound, and may have good effect
    To cure his jarring senses, and repair
    This breach of nature.
    Physician
    We have employed the utmost power of art,
    1955And this deep rest will perfect our design.
    Cordelia
    O Regan, Gonerill, inhuman sisters,
    Had he not been your father, these white hairs
    Had challenged sure some pity. Was this a face
    To be exposed against the jarring winds?
    1960My enemy's dog, though he had bit me, should
    Have stood that night against my fire. He wakes, speak to
    Gentleman
    Madam, do you, 'tis fittest.
    Cordelia
    How does my royal lord? How fares Your Majesty?
    You do me wrong to take me out of the grave.
    Ha! Is this too a world of cruelty?
    I know my privilege; think not that I will
    Be used still like a wretched mortal. No, no,
    No more of that.
    1970Cordelia
    Speak to me, sir, who am I?
    You are a soul in bliss, but I am bound
    Upon a wheel of fire, which my own tears
    Do scald like molten lead.
    Cordelia
    Sir, do you know me?
    You are a spirit, I know. Where did you die?
    Cordelia
    Still, still, far wide.
    Physician
    Madam, he's scarce awake. He'll soon grow more composed.
    Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight!
    I am mightily abused. I should even die with pity
    1980To see another thus. I will not swear
    These are my hands.
    Cordelia
    Oh, look upon me, sir,
    And hold your hands in blessing over me. Nay,
    You must not kneel.
    Pray do not mock me.
    I am a very foolish, fond old man,
    Fourscore and upward, and to deal plainly with you,
    I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
    Cordelia
    Nay, then farewell to patience. Witness for me
    1990Ye mighty powers, I never complained till now!
    Methinks I should know you, and know this man,
    Yet I am doubtful, for I am mainly ignorant
    What place this is, and all the skill I have
    Remembers not these garments, nor do I know
    1995Where I did sleep last night. Pray do not mock me
    For, as I am a man, I think that lady
    To be my child Cordelia.
    Cordelia
    Oh, my dear, dear father!
    Be your tears wet? Yes faith. Pray do not weep.
    I know I have given thee cause, and am so humbled
    With crosses since, that I could ask
    Forgiveness of thee were it possible
    That thou couldst grant it; but I'm well assured
    2005Thou canst not. Therefore I do stand thy justice.
    If thou hast poison for me, I will drink it,
    Bless thee and die.
    Cordelia
    Oh pity, sir, a bleeding heart, and cease
    This killing language.
    Tell me, friends, where am I?
    Gentleman
    In your own kingdom, sir.
    Do not abuse me.
    Gentleman
    Be comforted, good madam, for the violence
    Of his distemper's past. We'll lead him in
    2015Nor trouble him, till he is better settled.
    Wilt please you, sir, walk into freer air?
    You must bear with me, I am old and foolish.
    They lead him off.
    Cordelia
    The gods restore you. Hark, I hear afar
    2020The beaten drum; old Kent's a man of his word.
    Oh for an arm
    Like the fierce thunderer's, when the earth-born sons
    Stormed heaven, to fight this injured father's battle.
    That I could shift my sex, and dye me deep
    2025In his opposer's blood. But as I may
    With women's weapons, piety and prayers,
    I'll aid his cause. You never-erring gods
    Fight on his side, and thunder on his foes
    Such tempest as his poor aged head sustained.
    2030Your image suffers when a monarch bleeds.
    'Tis your own cause; for that your succors bring.
    Revenge yourselves, and right an injured king.