1-22 I prithee . . . to rid me of this woe. [[ Resource not found ]] Matthew Krist (Gonorill) ,in keeping with the conception of her character as a form of "vice," played this speech with brazen outrage that her "doting father" (TLN 777) was interfering with her freedom to buy new gowns (TLN 782) and throw lavish feasts (TLN 786). Read more about the Queen's Men moral drama and access video of the SQM production. PC. 2 our As with Leir in the opening line of the play (TLN 3), Gonorill -- as monarch -- speaks in the first person plural. 3 quips and peremptory taunts critical comments and demanding or insisting verbal attacks. 5 I him keep of alms "I maintain his lifestyle by my charity"; below Gonorill further claims that this "expense" is "vain", or unnecessarily extravagant. 8 To check and snap me up to correct and verbally reprimand for perceived ill-behavior. 11 old doting, doltish, withered wit [[ Resource not found ]]Matthew Krist (Gonorill) used the alliteration here to increase the vehemence of her vicious attack on her father. Read more about the performance of Scene 9 and access video of the SQM production. PC. 11 doltish, foolish [due to old age]. 12 senseless check correction or chastisement for no reason. 13 banquet an "extra" meal, usually consisting of sweets, fruit and wine, served to extend a main meal, but usually in a room separate from the main meal. 14 To grace myself to add dignity or honor to herself. 15 captious eager to point out the faults of others. 18 vain expense unnecessarily extravagant allowance. 21-22 I prithee . . . rid me of this woe. Gonorill's indirect request here parallels the famous ambiguity in Shakespeare's Richard II where Bolingbroke refuses to ask for Richard's execution but implies that Richard's death would be a great benefit. See Richard II, where Exton asks a servant, "Didst thou not mark the king, what words he spake, / 'Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear?' / Was it not so?" (F: 2654-6). As many scholars have pointed out vis-à-vis Richard II, Henry II is said to have had Thomas á Becket executed using a similar tactic. [[ Resource not found ]] Matthew Krist (Gonorill) gave this line a seductive quality as she asked Skalliger for guidance knowing all the while she had already taken decisive action. Read more about the performance of this scene and access video of the SQM production. PC. 30 For why because. 34 already [[ Resource not found ]] Gonorill reveals here that she has already taken action against her father. David Kynaston, performing Skalliger, played surprise at this moment. Read more about the performing Skalliger and access video of the SQM production. PC. 38 viperous literally, snakelike, but figuratively treacherous or duplicitous. 42-43 us the world [[ Resource not found ]]Kynaston gave the moment a reflective quality that highlighted the moral commentary on flattery that was central to the purpose of this scene in the SQM production. Read more about the performing Skalliger and access video of the SQM production. PC. 43.1 Exit. [[ Resource not found ]] Having played a prominent role to this point, Skalliger here exits from the scene, never to be seen again. Read more about performing Skalliger and access video of the SQM production. PC.
The History of King Leir (Modern)
Scene 9
772.1[Scene 9] [Video Sc.9]
Enter Gonorill and Skalliger
Gonorill
I prithee, Skalliger, tell me what thou think'st:
775Could any woman of our dignity
Endure such quips and peremptory taunts
As I do daily from my doting father?
Doth't not suffice that I him keep of alms
Who is not able for to keep himself,
780But, as if he were our better, he should think
To check and snap me up at every word?
I cannot make me a new-fashioned gown,
And set it forth with more than common cost,
But his old doting, doltish, withered wit
785Is sure to give a senseless check for it.
I cannot make a banquet extraordinary
To grace myself and spread my name abroad
But he, old fool, is captious by and by,
And saith the cost would well suffice for twice.
790Judge then, I pray, what reason is't that I
Should stand alone charged with his vain expense
And that my sister Ragan should go free,
To whom he gave as much as unto me?
I prithee, Skalliger, tell me, if thou know,
795By any means to rid me of this woe.
Skalliger
Your many favors still bestowed on me
Bind me in duty to advise your grace
How you may soonest remedy this ill.
The large allowance which he hath from you
800Is that which makes him so forget himself;
Therefore, abridge it half and you shall see
That, having less, he will more thankful be,
For why abundance maketh us forget
The fountains whence the benefits do spring.
805Gonorill
Well, Skalliger, for thy kind advice herein,
I will not be ungrateful if I live.
I have restrainèd half his portion already
And I will presently restrain the other,
That, having no means to relieve himself,
810He may go seek elsewhere for better help.
Exit [Gonorill].
Skalliger
Go, viperous woman, shame to all thy sex,
The heavens no doubt will punish thee for this.
And me, a villain that, to curry favor,
Have given the daughter counsel 'gainst the father.
815But us the world doth this experience give:
That he that cannot flatter cannot live.
Exit.

The History of King Leir (Modern)