ACT I

Scene I

King Lear’s Palace

[Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund]

[Kent and Gloucester converse. Edmund stands back]

Kent

I thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than Cornwall

Cornwall

It did always seem so to us; but now, in the division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the Dukes he values most, for equalities are so weigh’d that curiosity in neither can make choice of either’s moiety

Kent

Is not this your son, my lord?

Gloucester

His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge. I have so often blush’d to acknowledge him that now I am braz’d to’t

Kent

I cannot conceive you

Gloucester

Sir, this young fellow’s mother could; whereupon she grew round-womb’d, and had indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a fault?

Kent

I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so proper

Gloucester

But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account. Though this knave came something saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was his mother fair, there was good sport at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.-Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund?

Edmund

[comes forward] No, my lord

Gloucester

My Lord of Kent. Remember him hereafter as my honourable friend

Edmund

My services to your lordship

Kent

I must love you, and sue to know you better

Edmund

Sir, I shall study deserving

Gloucester

He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again

Sound a sennet

The King is coming

[Enter one bearing a coronet; then Lear; then the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall; next, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, with Followers]

Lear

Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester

Gloucester

I shall, my liege

[Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund]

Lear

Meantime we shall express our darker purpose

Give me the map there. Know we have divided

In three our kingdom; and ‘tis our fast intent

To shake all cares and business from our age,

Conferring them on younger strengths while we

Unburthen’d crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,

And you, our no less loving son of Albany,

We have this hour a constant will to publish

Our daughters’ several dowers, that future strife

May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,

Great rivals in our youngest daughter’s love,

Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,

And here are to be answer’d. Tell me, my daughters

(Since now we will divest us both of rule,

Interest of territory, cares of state),

Which of you shall we say doth love us most?

That we our largest bounty may extend

Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,

Our eldest-born, speak first

Goneril

Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;

Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty;

Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;

No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;

As much as child e’er lov’d, or father found;

A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable

Beyond all manner of so much I love you

Cordelia

[aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent

Lear

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

With shadowy forests and with champains rich’d,

With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,

We make thee lady. To thine and Albany’s issue

Be this perpetual. -What says our second daughter,

Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak

Regan

Sir, I am made

Of the selfsame metal that my sister is,

And prize me at her worth. In my true heart

I find she names my very deed of love;

Only she comes too short, that I profess

Myself an enemy to all other joys

Which the most precious square of sense possesses,

And find I am alone felicitate

In your dear Highness’ love

Cordelia

[aside] Then poor Cordelia!

And yet not so; since I am sure my love’s

More richer than my tongue

Lear

To thee and thine hereditary ever

Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,

No less in space, validity, and pleasure

Than that conferr’d on Goneril. --Now, our joy,

Although the last, not least; to whose young love

The vines of France and milk of Burgundy

Strive to be interest; what can you say to draw

A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak

Cordelia

Nothing, my lord

Lear

Nothing?

Cordelia

Nothing

Lear

Nothing can come of nothing. Speak again

Cordelia

Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave

My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty

According to my bond; no more nor less

Lear

How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little,

Lest it may mar your fortunes

Cordelia

Good my lord,

You have begot me, bred me, lov’d me; I

Return those duties back as are right fit,

Obey you, love you, and most honour you

Why have my sisters husbands, if they say

They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,

That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry

Half my love with him, half my care and duty

Sure I shall never marry like my sisters,

To love my father all

Lear

But goes thy heart with this?

Cordelia

Ay, good my lord

Lear

So young, and so untender?

Cordelia

So young, my lord, and true

Lear

Let it be so! thy truth then be thy dower!

For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,

The mysteries of Hecate and the night;

By all the operation of the orbs

From whom we do exist and cease to be;

Here I disclaim all my paternal care,

Propinquity and property of blood,

And as a stranger to my heart and me

Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,

Or he that makes his generation messes

To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom

Be as well neighbour’d, pitied, and reliev’d,

As thou my sometime daughter

Kent

Good my liege-

Lear

Peace, Kent!

Come not between the dragon and his wrath

I lov’d her most, and thought to set my rest

On her kind nursery.-Hence and avoid my sight!-

So be my grave my peace as here I give

Her father’s heart from her! Call France! Who stirs?

Call Burgundy! Cornwall and Albany,

With my two daughters’ dowers digest this third;

Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her

I do invest you jointly in my power,

Preeminence, and all the large effects

That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,

With reservation of an hundred knights,

By you to be sustain’d, shall our abode

Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain

The name, and all th’ additions to a king. The sway,

Revenue, execution of the rest,

Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,

This coronet part betwixt you

Kent

Royal Lear,

Whom I have ever honour’d as my king,

Lov’d as my father, as my master follow’d,

As my great patron thought on in my prayers-

Lear

The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft

Kent

Let it fall rather, though the fork invade

The region of my heart! Be Kent unmannerly

When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?

Think’st thou that duty shall have dread to speak

When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour’s bound

When majesty falls to folly. Reverse thy doom;

And in thy best consideration check

This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judgment,

Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least,

Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound

Reverbs no hollowness

Lear

Kent, on thy life, no more!

Kent

My life I never held but as a pawn

To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it,

Thy safety being the motive

Lear

Out of my sight!

Kent

See better, Lear, and let me still remain

The true blank of thine eye

Lear

Now by Apollo-

Kent

Now by Apollo, King,

Thou swear’st thy gods in vain

Lear

O vassal! miscreant!

[Lays his hand on his sword]

Albany., Cornwall. Dear sir, forbear!

Kent

Do!

Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow

Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy gift,

Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,

I’ll tell thee thou dost evil

Lear

Hear me, recreant!

On thine allegiance, hear me!

Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow-

Which we durst never yet-and with strain’d pride

To come between our sentence and our power,-

Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,-

Our potency made good, take thy reward

Five days we do allot thee for provision

To shield thee from diseases of the world,

And on the sixth to turn thy hated back

Upon our kingdom. If, on the tenth day following,

Thy banish’d trunk be found in our dominions,

The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,

This shall not be revok’d

Kent

Fare thee well, King. Since thus thou wilt appear,

Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here

[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,

That justly think’st and hast most rightly said!

[To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds

approve,

That good effects may spring from words of love

Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;

He’ll shape his old course in a country new

[Exit]

[Flourish]

[Enter Gloucester, with France and Burgundy; Attendants]

Gloucester

Here’s France and Burgundy, my noble lord

Lear

My Lord of Burgundy,

We first address toward you, who with this king

Hath rivall’d for our daughter. What in the least

Will you require in present dower with her,

Or cease your quest of love?

Burgundy

Most royal Majesty,

I crave no more than hath your Highness offer’d,

Nor will you tender less

Lear

Right noble Burgundy,

When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;

But now her price is fall’n. Sir, there she stands

If aught within that little seeming substance,

Or all of it, with our displeasure piec’d,

And nothing more, may fitly like your Grace,

She’s there, and she is yours

Burgundy

I know no answer

Lear

Will you, with those infirmities she owes,

Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,

Dow’r’d with our curse, and stranger’d with our oath,

Take her, or leave her?

Burgundy

Pardon me, royal sir

Election makes not up on such conditions

Lear

Then leave her, sir; for, by the pow’r that made me,

I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great King,

I would not from your love make such a stray

To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you

T’ avert your liking a more worthier way

Than on a wretch whom nature is asham’d

Almost t’ acknowledge hers

France

This is most strange,

That she that even but now was your best object,

The argument of your praise, balm of your age,

Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time

Commit a thing so monstrous to dismantle

So many folds of favour. Sure her offence

Must be of such unnatural degree

That monsters it, or your fore-vouch’d affection

Fall’n into taint; which to believe of her

Must be a faith that reason without miracle

Should never plant in me

Cordelia

I yet beseech your Majesty,

If for I want that glib and oily art

To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,

I’ll do’t before I speak-that you make known

It is no vicious blot, murther, or foulness,

No unchaste action or dishonoured step,

That hath depriv’d me of your grace and favour;

But even for want of that for which I am richer-

A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue

As I am glad I have not, though not to have it

Hath lost me in your liking

Lear

Better thou

Hadst not been born than not t’ have pleas’d me better

France

Is it but this-a tardiness in nature

Which often leaves the history unspoke

That it intends to do? My Lord of Burgundy,

What say you to the lady? Love’s not love

When it is mingled with regards that stands

Aloof from th’ entire point. Will you have her?

She is herself a dowry

Burgundy

Royal Lear,

Give but that portion which yourself propos’d,

And here I take Cordelia by the hand,

Duchess of Burgundy

Lear

Nothing! I have sworn; I am firm

Burgundy

I am sorry then you have so lost a father

That you must lose a husband

Cordelia

Peace be with Burgundy!

Since that respects of fortune are his love,

I shall not be his wife

France

Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;

Most choice, forsaken; and most lov’d, despis’d!

Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon

Be it lawful I take up what’s cast away

Gods, gods! ‘tis strange that from their cold’st neglect

My love should kindle to inflam’d respect

Thy dow’rless daughter, King, thrown to my chance,

Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France

Not all the dukes in wat’rish Burgundy

Can buy this unpriz’d precious maid of me

Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind

Thou losest here, a better where to find

Lear

Thou hast her, France; let her be thine; for we

Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see

That face of hers again. Therefore be gone

Without our grace, our love, our benison

Come, noble Burgundy

[Flourish Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, Cornwall, Albany, Gloucester, and Attendants]

France

Bid farewell to your sisters

Cordelia

The jewels of our father, with wash’d eyes

Cordelia leaves you. I know you what you are;

And, like a sister, am most loath to call

Your faults as they are nam’d. Use well our father

To your professed bosoms I commit him;

But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,

I would prefer him to a better place!

So farewell to you both

Goneril

Prescribe not us our duties

Regan

Let your study

Be to content your lord, who hath receiv’d you

At fortune’s alms. You have obedience scanted,

And well are worth the want that you have wanted

Cordelia

Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides

Who cover faults, at last shame them derides

Well may you prosper!

France

Come, my fair Cordelia

[Exeunt France and Cordelia]

Goneril

Sister, it is not little I have to say of what most nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence to-night

Regan

That’s most certain, and with you; next month with us

Goneril

You see how full of changes his age is. The observation we have made of it hath not been little. He always lov’d our sister most, and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her off appears too grossly

Regan

‘Tis the infirmity of his age; yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself

Goneril

The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must we look to receive from his age, not alone the imperfections of long-ingraffed condition, but therewithal the unruly waywardnes that infirm and choleric years bring with them

Regan

Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of Kent’s banishment

Goneril

There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and him. Pray you let’s hit together. If our father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his will but offend us

Regan

We shall further think on’t

Goneril

We must do something, and i’ th’ heat

[Exeunt]

Scene II

The Earl of Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Edmund the Bastard solus, with a letter]

Edmund

Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law

My services are bound. Wherefore should I

Stand in the plague of custom, and permit

The curiosity of nations to deprive me,

For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines

Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?

When my dimensions are as well compact,

My mind as generous, and my shape as true,

As honest madam’s issue? Why brand they us

With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?

Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take

More composition and fierce quality

Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,

Go to th’ creating a whole tribe of fops

Got ‘tween asleep and wake? Well then,

Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land

Our father’s love is to the bastard Edmund

As to th’ legitimate. Fine word-’legitimate’!

Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,

And my invention thrive, Edmund the base

Shall top th’ legitimate. I grow; I prosper

Now, gods, stand up for bastards!

[Enter Gloucester]

Gloucester

Kent banish’d thus? and France in choler parted?

And the King gone to-night? subscrib’d his pow’r?

Confin’d to exhibition? All this done

Upon the gad? Edmund, how now? What news?

Edmund

So please your lordship, none

[Puts up the letter]

Gloucester

Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?

Edmund

I know no news, my lord

Gloucester

What paper were you reading?

Edmund

Nothing, my lord

Gloucester

No? What needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your pocket? The quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself. Let’s see. Come, if it be nothing, I shall not need spectacles

Edmund

I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter from my brother that I have not all o’er-read; and for so much as I have perus’d, I find it not fit for your o’erlooking

Gloucester

Give me the letter, sir

Edmund

I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame

Gloucester

Let’s see, let’s see!

Edmund

I hope, for my brother’s justification, he wrote this but as an essay or taste of my virtue

Gloucester

[reads] ‘This policy and reverence of age makes the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny, who sways, not as it hath power, but as it is suffer’d. Come to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I wak’d him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live the beloved of your brother, ‘EDGAR.’ Hum! Conspiracy? ‘Sleep till I wak’d him, you should enjoy half his revenue.’ My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? Who brought it?

Edmund

It was not brought me, my lord: there’s the cunning of it. I found it thrown in at the casement of my closet

Gloucester

You know the character to be your brother’s?

Edmund

If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear it were his; but in respect of that, I would fain think it were not

Gloucester

It is his

Edmund

It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the contents

Gloucester

Hath he never before sounded you in this business?

Edmund

Never, my lord. But I have heard him oft maintain it to be fit that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining, the father should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue

Gloucester

O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him. I’ll apprehend him. Abominable villain! Where is he?

Edmund

I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him better testimony of his intent, you should run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great gap in your own honour and shake in pieces the heart of his obedience. I dare pawn down my life for him that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your honour, and to no other pretence of danger

Gloucester

Think you so?

Edmund

If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall hear us confer of this and by an auricular assurance have your satisfaction, and that without any further delay than this very evening

Gloucester

He cannot be such a monster

Edmund

Nor is not, sure

Gloucester

To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him

Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, I pray you; frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate myself to be in a due resolution

Edmund

I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I shall find means, and acquaint you withal

Gloucester

These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us. Though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourg’d by the sequent effects. Love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide. In cities, mutinies; in countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond crack’d

‘twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the prediction; there’s son against father: the King falls from bias of nature; there’s father against child. We have seen the best of our time. Machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves. Find out this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully. And the noble and true-hearted Kent banish’d! his offence, honesty! ‘Tis strange. [Exit]

Edmund

This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are sick in fortune, often the surfeit of our own behaviour, we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars; as if we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion; knaves, thieves, and treachers by spherical pre-dominance; drunkards, liars, and adulterers by an enforc’d obedience of planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whore-master man, to lay his goatish disposition to the charge of a star! My father compounded with my mother under the Dragon’s Tail, and my nativity was under Ursa Major, so that it follows I am rough and lecherous. Fut! I should have been that I am, had the maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing

Edgar-

[Enter Edgar] and pat! he comes, like the catastrophe of the old comedy. My cue is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o’ Bedlam

O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! Fa, sol, la, mi

Edgar

How now, brother Edmund? What serious contemplation are you in?

Edmund

I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day, what should follow these eclipses

Edgar

Do you busy yourself with that?

Edmund

I promise you, the effects he writes of succeed unhappily: as of unnaturalness between the child and the parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities; divisions in state, menaces and maledictions against king and nobles; needless diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation of cohorts, nuptial breaches, and I know not what

Edgar

How long have you been a sectary astronomical?

Edmund

Come, come! When saw you my father last?

Edgar

The night gone by

Edmund

Spake you with him?

Edgar

Ay, two hours together

Edmund

Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him by word or countenance

Edgar

None at all

Edmund

Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him; and at my entreaty forbear his presence until some little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, which at this instant so rageth in him that with the mischief of your person it would scarcely allay

Edgar

Some Villain hath done me wrong

Edmund

That’s my fear. I pray you have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me to my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my lord speak. Pray ye, go! There’s my key. If you do stir abroad, go arm’d

Edgar

Arm’d, brother?

Edmund

Brother, I advise you to the best. Go arm’d. I am no honest man if there be any good meaning toward you. I have told you what I have seen and heard; but faintly, nothing like the image and horror of it. Pray you, away!

Edgar

Shall I hear from you anon?

Edmund

I do serve you in this business

[Exit Edgar]

A credulous father! and a brother noble,

Whose nature is so far from doing harms

That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty

My practices ride easy! I see the business

Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit;

All with me’s meet that I can fashion fit

[Exit]

Scene III

The Duke of Albany’s Palace

[Enter Goneril and her Steward Oswald]

Goneril

Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?

Oswald

Ay, madam

Goneril

By day and night, he wrongs me! Every hour

He flashes into one gross crime or other

That sets us all at odds. I’ll not endure it

His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us

On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,

I will not speak with him. Say I am sick

If you come slack of former services,

You shall do well; the fault of it I’ll answer

[Horns within]

Oswald

He’s coming, madam; I hear him

Goneril

Put on what weary negligence you please,

You and your fellows. I’d have it come to question

If he distaste it, let him to our sister,

Whose mind and mine I know in that are one,

Not to be overrul’d. Idle old man,

That still would manage those authorities

That he hath given away! Now, by my life,

Old fools are babes again, and must be us’d

With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abus’d

Remember what I have said

Oswald

Very well, madam

Goneril

And let his knights have colder looks among you

What grows of it, no matter. Advise your fellows so

I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,

That I may speak. I’ll write straight to my sister

To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner

[Exeunt]

Scene IV

The Duke of Albany’s Palace

[Enter Kent, disguised]

Kent

If but as well I other accents borrow,

That can my speech defuse, my good intent

May carry through itself to that full issue

For which I raz’d my likeness. Now, banish’d Kent,

If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn’d,

So may it come, thy master, whom thou lov’st,

Shall find thee full of labours

[Horns within Enter Lear, Knights, and Attendants]

Lear

Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready. [Exit an Attendant] How now? What art thou?

Kent

A man, sir

Lear

What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?

Kent

I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish

Lear

What art thou?

Kent

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the King

Lear

If thou best as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?

Kent

Service

Lear

Who wouldst thou serve?

Kent

You

Lear

Dost thou know me, fellow?

Kent

No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master

Lear

What’s that?

Kent

Authority

Lear

What services canst thou do?

Kent

I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious tale in telling it and deliver a plain message bluntly. That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence

Lear

How old art thou?

Kent

Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty-eight

Lear

Follow me; thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner, ho, dinner!

Where’s my knave? my fool? Go you and call my fool hither

[Exit an attendant]

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?

Oswald

So please you- [Exit]

Lear

What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back

[Exit a Knight] Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep

[Enter Knight]

How now? Where’s that mongrel?

Knight

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well

Lear

Why came not the slave back to me when I call’d him

Knight

Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not

Lear

He would not?

Knight

My lord, I know not what the matter is; but to my judgment your Highness is not entertain’d with that ceremonious affection as you were wont. There’s a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the Duke himself also and your daughter

Lear

Ha! say’st thou so?

Knight

I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think your Highness wrong’d

Lear

Thou but rememb’rest me of mine own conception. I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into’t.But where’s my fool? I have not seen him this two days

Knight

Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away

Lear

No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her. [Exit Knight] Go you, call hither my fool

[Exit an Attendant]

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

O, you, sir, you! Come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?

Oswald

My lady’s father

Lear

‘My lady’s father’? My lord’s knave! You whoreson dog! you slave! you cur!

Oswald

I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon

Lear

Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?

[Strikes him]

Oswald

I’ll not be strucken, my lord

Kent

Nor tripp’d neither, you base football player?

[Trips up his heels]

Lear

I thank thee, fellow. Thou serv’st me, and I’ll love thee

Kent

Come, sir, arise, away! I’ll teach you differences. Away, away! If you will measure your lubber’s length again, tarry; but away! Go to! Have you wisdom? So

[Pushes him out]

Lear

Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee. There’s earnest of thy service. [Gives money]

[Enter Fool]

Fool

Let me hire him too. Here’s my coxcomb

[Offers Kent his cap]

Lear

How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?

Fool

Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb

Kent

Why, fool?

Fool

Why? For taking one’s part that’s out of favour. Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou’lt catch cold shortly

There, take my coxcomb! Why, this fellow hath banish’d two son’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must needs wear my cox-comb.-How now, nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters!

Lear

Why, my boy?

Fool

If I gave them all my living, lid keep my coxcombs myself

There’s mine! beg another of thy daughters

Lear

Take heed, sirrah-the whip

Fool

Truth’s a dog must to kennel; he must be whipp’d out, when

Lady the brach may stand by th’ fire and stink

Lear

A pestilent gall to me!

Fool

Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech

Lear

Do

Fool

Mark it, nuncle

Have more than thou showest,

Speak less than thou knowest,

Lend less than thou owest,

Ride more than thou goest,

Learn more than thou trowest,

Set less than thou throwest;

Leave thy drink and thy whore,

And keep in-a-door,

And thou shalt have more

Than two tens to a score

Kent

This is nothing, fool

Fool

Then ‘tis like the breath of an unfeed lawyer-you gave me nothing for’t. Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?

Lear

Why, no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing

Fool

[to Kent] Prithee tell him, so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool

Lear

A bitter fool!

Fool

Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?

Lear

No, lad; teach me

Fool

That lord that counselled thee

To give away thy land,

Come place him here by me-

Do thou for him stand

The sweet and bitter fool

Will presently appear;

The one in motley here,

The other found out there

Lear

Dost thou call me fool, boy?

Fool

All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born with

Kent

This is not altogether fool, my lord

Fool

No, faith; lords and great men will not let me. If I had a monopoly out, they would have part on’t. And ladies too, they will not let me have all the fool to myself; they’ll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I’ll give thee two crowns

Lear

What two crowns shall they be?

Fool

Why, after I have cut the egg i’ th’ middle and eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i’ th’ middle and gav’st away both parts, thou bor’st thine ass on thy back o’er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gav’st thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipp’d that first finds it so

[Sings] Fools had Deer less grace in a year,

For wise men are grown foppish;

They know not how their wits to wear,

Their manners are so apish

Lear

When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?

Fool

I have us’d it, nuncle, ever since thou mad’st thy daughters thy mother; for when thou gav’st them the rod, and put’st down thine own breeches,

[Sings] Then they for sudden joy did weep,

And I for sorrow sung,

That such a king should play bo-peep

And go the fools among

Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie

Lear

An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipp’d

Fool

I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They’ll have me whipp’d for speaking true; thou’lt have me whipp’d for lying; and sometimes I am whipp’d for holding my peace. I had rather be any kind o’ thing than a fool! And yet I would not be thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o’ both sides and left nothing

i’ th’ middle. Here comes one o’ the parings

[Enter Goneril]

Lear

How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? Methinks you are too much o’ late i’ th’ frown

Fool

Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now: I am a fool, thou art nothing

[To Goneril] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum!

He that keeps nor crust nor crum,

Weary of all, shall want some.-

[Points at Lear] That’s a sheal’d peascod

Goneril

Not only, sir, this your all-licens’d fool,

But other of your insolent retinue

Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth

In rank and not-to-be-endured riots. Sir,

I had thought, by making this well known unto you,

To have found a safe redress, but now grow fearful,

By what yourself, too, late have spoke and done,

That you protect this course, and put it on

By your allowance; which if you should, the fault

Would not scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,

Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,

Might in their working do you that offence

Which else were shame, that then necessity

Must call discreet proceeding

Fool

For you know, nuncle,

The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long

That it had it head bit off by it young

So out went the candle, and we were left darkling

Lear

Are you our daughter?

Goneril

Come, sir,

I would you would make use of that good wisdom

Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away

These dispositions that of late transform you

From what you rightly are

Fool

May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?

Whoop, Jug, I love thee!

Lear

Doth any here know me? This is not Lear

Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?

Either his notion weakens, his discernings

Are lethargied-Ha! waking? ‘Tis not so!

Who is it that can tell me who I am?

Fool

Lear’s shadow

Lear

I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,

Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded

I had daughters

Fool

Which they will make an obedient father

Lear

Your name, fair gentlewoman?

Goneril

This admiration, sir, is much o’ th’ savour

Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you

To understand my purposes aright

As you are old and reverend, you should be wise

Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;

Men so disorder’d, so debosh’d, and bold

That this our court, infected with their manners,

Shows like a riotous inn. Epicurism and lust

Make it more like a tavern or a brothel

Than a grac’d palace. The shame itself doth speak

For instant remedy. Be then desir’d

By her that else will take the thing she begs

A little to disquantity your train,

And the remainder that shall still depend

To be such men as may besort your age,

Which know themselves, and you

Lear

Darkness and devils!

Saddle my horses! Call my train together!

Degenerate bastard, I’ll not trouble thee;

Yet have I left a daughter

Goneril

You strike my people, and your disorder’d rabble

Make servants of their betters

[Enter Albany]

Lear

Woe that too late repents!-O, sir, are you come?

Is it your will? Speak, sir!-Prepare my horses

Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,

More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child

Than the sea-monster!

Albany

Pray, sir, be patient

Lear

[to Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest!

My train are men of choice and rarest parts,

That all particulars of duty know

And in the most exact regard support

The worships of their name.-O most small fault,

How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!

Which, like an engine, wrench’d my frame of nature

From the fix’d place; drew from my heart all love

And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!

Beat at this gate that let thy folly in [Strikes his head]

And thy dear judgment out! Go, go, my people

Albany

My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant

Of what hath mov’d you

Lear

It may be so, my lord

Hear, Nature, hear! dear goddess, hear!

Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend

To make this creature fruitful

Into her womb convey sterility;

Dry up in her the organs of increase;

And from her derogate body never spring

A babe to honour her! If she must teem,

Create her child of spleen, that it may live

And be a thwart disnatur’d torment to her

Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth,

With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks,

Turn all her mother’s pains and benefits

To laughter and contempt, that she may feel

How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is

To have a thankless child! Away, away! [Exit]

Albany

Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?

Goneril

Never afflict yourself to know the cause;

But let his disposition have that scope

That dotage gives it

[Enter Lear]

Lear

What, fifty of my followers at a clap?

Within a fortnight?

Albany

What’s the matter, sir?

Lear

I’ll tell thee. [To Goneril] Life and death! I am asham’d

That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;

That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,

Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!

Th’ untented woundings of a father’s curse

Pierce every sense about thee!-Old fond eyes,

Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out,

And cast you, with the waters that you lose,

To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?

Let it be so. Yet have I left a daughter,

Who I am sure is kind and comfortable

When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails

She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find

That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think

I have cast off for ever; thou shalt, I warrant thee

[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants]

Goneril

Do you mark that, my lord?

Albany

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,

To the great love I bear you -

Goneril

Pray you, content.-What, Oswald, ho!

[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master!

Fool

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry! Take the fool with thee

A fox when one has caught her,

And such a daughter,

Should sure to the slaughter,

If my cap would buy a halter

So the fool follows after. [Exit]

Goneril

This man hath had good counsel! A hundred knights?

‘Tis politic and safe to let him keep

At point a hundred knights; yes, that on every dream,

Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,

He may enguard his dotage with their pow’rs

And hold our lives in mercy.-Oswald, I say!

Albany

Well, you may fear too far

Goneril

Safer than trust too far

Let me still take away the harms I fear,

Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart

What he hath utter’d I have writ my sister

If she sustain him and his hundred knights,

When I have show’d th’ unfitness-

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

How now, Oswald?

What, have you writ that letter to my sister?

Oswald

Yes, madam

Goneril

Take you some company, and away to horse!

Inform her full of my particular fear,

And thereto add such reasons of your own

As may compact it more. Get you gone,

And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald] No, no, my lord!

This milky gentleness and course of yours,

Though I condemn it not, yet, under pardon,

You are much more at task for want of wisdom

Than prais’d for harmful mildness

Albany

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell

Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well

Goneril

Nay then-

Albany

Well, well; th’ event

[Exeunt]

Scene V

Court before the Duke of Albany’s Palace

[Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool]

Lear

Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. Acquaint my daughter no further with anything you know than comes from her demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore you

Kent

I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter

[Exit]

Fool

If a man’s brains were in’s heels, were’t not in danger of kibes?

Lear

Ay, boy

Fool

Then I prithee be merry. Thy wit shall ne’er go slip-shod

Lear

Ha, ha, ha!

Fool

Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though she’s as like this as a crab’s like an apple, yet I can tell what I can tell

Lear

What canst tell, boy?

Fool

She’ll taste as like this as a crab does to a crab. Thou canst tell why one’s nose stands i’ th’ middle son’s face?

Lear

No

Fool

Why, to keep one’s eyes of either side’s nose, that what a man cannot smell out, ‘a may spy into

Lear

I did her wrong

Fool

Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?

Lear

No

Fool

Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house

Lear

Why?

Fool

Why, to put’s head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case

Lear

I will forget my nature. So kind a father!-Be my horses ready?

Fool

Thy asses are gone about ‘em. The reason why the seven stars are no moe than seven is a pretty reason

Lear

Because they are not eight?

Fool

Yes indeed. Thou wouldst make a good fool

Lear

To tak’t again perforce! Monster ingratitude!

Fool

If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I’ld have thee beaten for being old before thy time

Lear

How’s that?

Fool

Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise

Lear

O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!

Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!

[Enter a Gentleman]

How now? Are the horses ready?

Gentleman

Ready, my lord

Lear

Come, boy

Fool

She that’s a maid now, and laughs at my departure,

Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter

[Exeunt]

ACT II

Scene I

A court within the Castle of the Earl of Gloucester

[Enter Edmund the Bastard and Curan, meeting]

Edmund

Save thee, Curan

Cur

And you, sir. I have been with your father, and given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his Duchess will be here with him this night

Edmund

How comes that?

Cur

Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad -I mean the whisper’d ones, for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments?

Edmund

Not I. Pray you, what are they?

Cur

Have you heard of no likely wars toward ‘twixt the two Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?

Edmund

Not a word

Cur

You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir. [Exit]

Edmund

The Duke be here to-night? The better! best!

This weaves itself perforce into my business

My father hath set guard to take my brother;

And I have one thing, of a queasy question,

Which I must act. Briefness and fortune, work!

Brother, a word! Descend! Brother, I say!

[Enter Edgar]

My father watches. O sir, fly this place!

Intelligence is given where you are hid

You have now the good advantage of the night

Have you not spoken ‘gainst the Duke of Cornwall?

He’s coming hither; now, i’ th’ night, i’ th’ haste,

And Regan with him. -Have you nothing said

Upon his party ‘gainst the Duke of Albany

Advise yourself

Edgar

I am sure on’t, not a word

Edmund

I hear my father coming. Pardon me!

In cunning I must draw my sword upon you

Draw, seem to defend yourself; now quit you well.-

Yield! Come before my father. Light, ho, here!

Fly, brother.-Torches, torches!-So farewell

[Exit Edgar]

Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion

Of my more fierce endeavour. [Stabs his arm] I have seen

drunkards

Do more than this in sport.-Father, father!-

Stop, stop! No help?

[Enter Gloucester, and Servants with torches]

Gloucester

Now, Edmund, where’s the villain?

Edmund

Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,

Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon

To stand’s auspicious mistress

Gloucester

But where is he?

Edmund

Look, sir, I bleed

Gloucester

Where is the villain, Edmund?

Edmund

Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could-

Gloucester

Pursue him, ho! Go after. [Exeunt some Servants]

By no means what?

Edmund

Persuade me to the murther of your lordship;

But that I told him the revenging gods

‘Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;

Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond

The child was bound to th’ father-sir, in fine,

Seeing how loathly opposite I stood

To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion

With his prepared sword he charges home

My unprovided body, lanch’d mine arm;

But when he saw my best alarum’d spirits,

Bold in the quarrel’s right, rous’d to th’ encounter,

Or whether gasted by the noise I made,

Full suddenly he fled

Gloucester

Let him fly far

Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;

And found-dispatch. The noble Duke my master,

My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night

By his authority I will proclaim it

That he which find, him shall deserve our thanks,

Bringing the murderous caitiff to the stake;

He that conceals him, death

Edmund

When I dissuaded him from his intent

And found him pight to do it, with curst speech

I threaten’d to discover him. He replied,

‘Thou unpossessing bastard, dost thou think,

If I would stand against thee, would the reposal

Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee

Make thy words faith’d? No. What I should deny

(As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce

My very character), I’ld turn it all

To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice;

And thou must make a dullard of the world,

If they not thought the profits of my death

Were very pregnant and potential spurs

To make thee seek it.’ 

Gloucester

Strong and fast’ned villain!

Would he deny his letter? I never got him

[Tucket within]

Hark, the Duke’s trumpets! I know not why he comes

All ports I’ll bar; the villain shall not scape;

The Duke must grant me that. Besides, his picture

I will send far and near, that all the kingdom

May have due note of him, and of my land,

Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means

To make thee capable

[Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants]

Cornwall

How now, my noble friend? Since I came hither

(Which I can call but now) I have heard strange news

Regan

If it be true, all vengeance comes too short

Which can pursue th’ offender. How dost, my lord?

Gloucester

O madam, my old heart is crack’d, it’s crack’d!

Regan

What, did my father’s godson seek your life?

He whom my father nam’d? Your Edgar?

Gloucester

O lady, lady, shame would have it hid!

Regan

Was he not companion with the riotous knights

That tend upon my father?

Gloucester

I know not, madam. ‘Tis too bad, too bad!

Edmund

Yes, madam, he was of that consort

Regan

No marvel then though he were ill affected

‘Tis they have put him on the old man’s death,

To have th’ expense and waste of his revenues

I have this present evening from my sister

Been well inform’d of them, and with such cautions

That, if they come to sojourn at my house,

I’ll not be there

Cornwall

Nor I, assure thee, Regan

Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father

A childlike office

Edmund

‘Twas my duty, sir

Gloucester

He did bewray his practice, and receiv’d

This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him

Cornwall

Is he pursued?

Gloucester

Ay, my good lord

Cornwall

If he be taken, he shall never more

Be fear’d of doing harm. Make your own purpose,

How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund,

Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant

So much commend itself, you shall be ours

Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;

You we first seize on

Edmund

I shall serve you, sir,

Truly, however else

Gloucester

For him I thank your Grace

Cornwall

You know not why we came to visit you-

Regan

Thus out of season, threading dark-ey’d night

Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,

Wherein we must have use of your advice

Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,

Of differences, which I best thought it fit

To answer from our home. The several messengers

From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,

Lay comforts to your bosom, and bestow

Your needful counsel to our business,

Which craves the instant use

Gloucester

I serve you, madam

Your Graces are right welcome

[Exeunt. Flourish]

Scene II

Before Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Kent and Oswald the Steward, severally]

Oswald

Good dawning to thee, friend. Art of this house?

Kent

Ay

Oswald

Where may we set our horses?

Kent

I’ th’ mire

Oswald

Prithee, if thou lov’st me, tell me

Kent

I love thee not

Oswald

Why then, I care not for thee

Kent

If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I would make thee care for me

Oswald

Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not

Kent

Fellow, I know thee

Oswald

What dost thou know me for?

Kent

A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-liver’d, action-taking, whoreson, glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue; one-trunk- inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch; one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the least syllable of thy addition

Oswald

Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that’s neither known of thee nor knows thee!

Kent

What a brazen-fac’d varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me!

Is it two days ago since I beat thee and tripp’d up thy heels before the King? [Draws his sword] Draw, you rogue! for, though it be night, yet the moon shines. I’ll make a sop o’ th’ moonshine o’ you. Draw, you whoreson cullionly barbermonger! draw!

Oswald

Away! I have nothing to do with thee

Kent

Draw, you rascal! You come with letters against the King, and take Vanity the puppet’s part against the royalty of her father

Draw, you rogue, or I’ll so carbonado your shanks! Draw, you rascal! Come your ways!

Oswald

Help, ho! murther! help!

Kent

Strike, you slave! Stand, rogue! Stand, you neat slave!

Strike! [Beats him]

Oswald

Help, ho! murther! murther!

[Enter Edmund, with his rapier drawn, Gloucester, Cornwall, Regan, Servants]

Edmund

How now? What’s the matter? [Part them]

Kent

With you, goodman boy, an you please! Come, I’ll flesh ye!

Come on, young master!

Gloucester

Weapon? arms? What’s the matter here?

Cornwall

Keep peace, upon your lives!

He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?

Regan

The messengers from our sister and the King

Cornwall

What is your difference? Speak

Oswald

I am scarce in breath, my lord

Kent

No marvel, you have so bestirr’d your valour. You cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee; a tailor made thee

Cornwall

Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man?

Kent

Ay, a tailor, sir. A stonecutter or a painter could not have made him so ill, though be had been but two hours at the trade

Cornwall

Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?

Oswald

This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spar’d

At suit of his grey beard-

Kent

Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if you’ll give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar and daub the walls of a jakes with him. ‘Spare my grey beard,’ you wagtail?

Cornwall

Peace, sirrah!

You beastly knave, know you no reverence?

Kent

Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege

Cornwall

Why art thou angry?

Kent

That such a slave as this should wear a sword,

Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,

Like rats, oft bite the holy cords atwain

Which are too intrinse t’ unloose; smooth every passion

That in the natures of their lords rebel,

Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;

Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks

With every gale and vary of their masters,

Knowing naught (like dogs) but following

A plague upon your epileptic visage!

Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?

Goose, an I had you upon Sarum Plain,

I’ld drive ye cackling home to Camelot

Cornwall

What, art thou mad, old fellow?

Gloucester

How fell you out? Say that

Kent

No contraries hold more antipathy

Than I and such a knave

Cornwall

Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?

Kent

His countenance likes me not

Cornwall

No more perchance does mine, or his, or hers

Kent

Sir, ‘tis my occupation to be plain

I have seen better faces in my time

Than stands on any shoulder that I see

Before me at this instant

Cornwall

This is some fellow

Who, having been prais’d for bluntness, doth affect

A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb

Quite from his nature. He cannot flatter, he!

An honest mind and plain-he must speak truth!

An they will take it, so; if not, he’s plain

These kind of knaves I know which in this plainness

Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends

Than twenty silly-ducking observants

That stretch their duties nicely

Kent

Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,

Under th’ allowance of your great aspect,

Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire

On flickering Phoebus’ front-

Cornwall

What mean’st by this?

Kent

To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer. He that beguil’d you in a plain accent was a plain knave, which, for my part, I will not be, though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to’t

Cornwall

What was th’ offence you gave him?

Oswald

I never gave him any

It pleas’d the King his master very late

To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;

When he, conjunct, and flattering his displeasure,

Tripp’d me behind; being down, insulted, rail’d

And put upon him such a deal of man

That worthied him, got praises of the King

For him attempting who was self-subdu’d;

And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,

Drew on me here again

Kent

None of these rogues and cowards

But Ajax is their fool

Cornwall

Fetch forth the stocks!

You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart,

We’ll teach you-

Kent

Sir, I am too old to learn

Call not your stocks for me. I serve the King;

On whose employment I was sent to you

You shall do small respect, show too bold malice

Against the grace and person of my master,

Stocking his messenger

Cornwall

Fetch forth the stocks! As I have life and honour,

There shall he sit till noon

Regan

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

Kent

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

You should not use me so

Regan

Sir, being his knave, I will

Cornwall

This is a fellow of the selfsame colour

Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks!

[Stocks brought out]

Gloucester

Let me beseech your Grace not to do so

His fault is much, and the good King his master

Will check him for’t. Your purpos’d low correction

Is such as basest and contemn’dest wretches

For pilf’rings and most common trespasses

Are punish’d with. The King must take it ill

That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,

Should have him thus restrain’d

Cornwall

I’ll answer that

Regan

My sister may receive it much more worse,

To have her gentleman abus’d, assaulted,

For following her affairs. Put in his legs.-

[Kent is put in the stocks]

Come, my good lord, away

[Exeunt all but Gloucester and Kent]

Gloucester

I am sorry for thee, friend. ‘Tis the Duke’s pleasure,

Whose disposition, all the world well knows,

Will not be rubb’d nor stopp’d. I’ll entreat for thee

Kent

Pray do not, sir. I have watch’d and travell’d hard

Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I’ll whistle

A good man’s fortune may grow out at heels

Give you good morrow!

Gloucester

The Duke’s to blame in this; ‘twill be ill taken. [Exit]

Kent

Good King, that must approve the common saw,

Thou out of heaven’s benediction com’st

To the warm sun!

Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,

That by thy comfortable beams I may

Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles

But misery. I know ‘tis from Cordelia,

Who hath most fortunately been inform’d

Of my obscured course-and [reads] ‘shall find time

From this enormous state, seeking to give

Losses their remedies’-All weary and o’erwatch’d,

Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold

This shameful lodging

Fortune, good night; smile once more, turn thy wheel. [Sleeps]

Scene III

The open country

[Enter Edgar]

Edgar

I heard myself proclaim’d,

And by the happy hollow of a tree

Escap’d the hunt. No port is free, no place

That guard and most unusual vigilance

Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may scape,

I will preserve myself; and am bethought

To take the basest and most poorest shape

That ever penury, in contempt of man,

Brought near to beast. My face I’ll grime with filth,

Blanket my loins, elf all my hair in knots,

And with presented nakedness outface

The winds and persecutions of the sky

The country gives me proof and precedent

Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,

Strike in their numb’d and mortified bare arms

Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;

And with this horrible object, from low farms,

Poor pelting villages, sheepcotes, and mills,

Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,

Enforce their charity. ‘Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!’ 

That’s something yet! Edgar I nothing am. [Exit]

Scene IV

Before Gloucester’s Castle; Kent in the stocks

[Enter Lear, Fool, and Gentleman]

Lear

‘Tis strange that they should so depart from home,

And not send back my messenger

Gentleman

As I learn’d,

The night before there was no purpose in them

Of this remove

Kent

Hail to thee, noble master!

Lear

Ha!

Mak’st thou this shame thy pastime?

Kent

No, my lord

Fool

Ha, ha! look! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the head, dogs and bears by th’ neck, monkeys by th’ loins, and men by th’ legs. When a man’s over-lusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks

Lear

What’s he that hath so much thy place mistook

To set thee here?

Kent

It is both he and she-

Your son and daughter

Lear

No

Kent

Yes

Lear

No, I say

Kent

I say yea

Lear

No, no, they would not!

Kent

Yes, they have

Lear

By Jupiter, I swear no!

Kent

By Juno, I swear ay!

Lear

They durst not do’t;

They would not, could not do’t. ‘Tis worse than murther

To do upon respect such violent outrage

Resolve me with all modest haste which way

Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,

Coming from us

Kent

My lord, when at their home

I did commend your Highness’ letters to them,

Ere I was risen from the place that show’d

My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,

Stew’d in his haste, half breathless, panting forth

From Goneril his mistress salutations;

Deliver’d letters, spite of intermission,

Which presently they read; on whose contents,

They summon’d up their meiny, straight took horse,

Commanded me to follow and attend

The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks,

And meeting here the other messenger,

Whose welcome I perceiv’d had poison’d mine-

Being the very fellow which of late

Display’d so saucily against your Highness-

Having more man than wit about me, drew

He rais’d the house with loud and coward cries

Your son and daughter found this trespass worth

The shame which here it suffers

Fool

Winter’s not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way

Fathers that wear rags

Do make their children blind;

But fathers that bear bags

Shall see their children kind

Fortune, that arrant whore,

Ne’er turns the key to th’ poor

But for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year

Lear

O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!

Hysterica passio! Down, thou climbing sorrow!

Thy element’s below! Where is this daughter?

Kent

With the Earl, sir, here within

Lear

Follow me not;

Stay here

[Exit]

Gentleman

Made you no more offence but what you speak of?

Kent

None

How chance the King comes with so small a number?

Fool

An thou hadst been set i’ th’ stocks for that question, thou’dst well deserv’d it

Kent

Why, fool?

Fool

We’ll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there’s no labouring i’ th’ winter. All that follow their noses are led by their eyes but blind men, and there’s not a nose among twenty but can smell him that’s stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following it; but the great one that goes upward, let him draw thee after

When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again. I would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it

That sir which serves and seeks for gain,

And follows but for form,

Will pack when it begins to rain

And leave thee in the storm

But I will tarry; the fool will stay,

And let the wise man fly

The knave turns fool that runs away;

The fool no knave, perdy

Kent

Where learn’d you this, fool?

Fool

Not i’ th’ stocks, fool

[Enter Lear and Gloucester]

Lear

Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary?

They have travell’d all the night? Mere fetches-

The images of revolt and flying off!

Fetch me a better answer

Gloucester

My dear lord,

You know the fiery quality of the Duke,

How unremovable and fix’d he is

In his own course

Lear

Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!

Fiery? What quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,

I’ld speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife

Gloucester

Well, my good lord, I have inform’d them so

Lear

Inform’d them? Dost thou understand me, man?

Gloucester

Ay, my good lord

Lear

The King would speak with Cornwall; the dear father

Would with his daughter speak, commands her service

Are they inform’d of this? My breath and blood!

Fiery? the fiery Duke? Tell the hot Duke that-

No, but not yet! May be he is not well

Infirmity doth still neglect all office

Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves

When nature, being oppress’d, commands the mind

To suffer with the body. I’ll forbear;

And am fallen out with my more headier will,

To take the indispos’d and sickly fit

For the sound man.-Death on my state! Wherefore

Should be sit here? This act persuades me

That this remotion of the Duke and her

Is practice only. Give me my servant forth

Go tell the Duke and’s wife I’ld speak with them-

Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,

Or at their chamber door I’ll beat the drum

Till it cry sleep to death

Gloucester

I would have all well betwixt you. [Exit]

Lear

O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down!

Fool

Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she put ‘em i’ th’ paste alive. She knapp’d em o’ th’ coxcombs with

a stick and cried ‘Down, wantons, down!’ ‘Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay

[Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, Servants]

Lear

Good morrow to you both

Cornwall

Hail to your Grace!

[Kent here set at liberty]

Regan

I am glad to see your Highness

Lear

Regan, I think you are; I know what reason

I have to think so. If thou shouldst not be glad,

I would divorce me from thy mother’s tomb,

Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent] O, are you free?

Some other time for that. -Beloved Regan,

Thy sister’s naught. O Regan, she hath tied

Sharp-tooth’d unkindness, like a vulture, here!

[Lays his hand on his heart]

I can scarce speak to thee. Thou’lt not believe

With how deprav’d a quality-O Regan!

Regan

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

You less know how to value her desert

Than she to scant her duty

Lear

Say, how is that?

Regan

I cannot think my sister in the least

Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance

She have restrain’d the riots of your followers,

‘Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end,

As clears her from all blame

Lear

My curses on her!

Regan

O, sir, you are old!

Nature in you stands on the very verge

Of her confine. You should be rul’d, and led

By some discretion that discerns your State

Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you

That to our sister you do make return;

Say you have wrong’d her, sir

Lear

Ask her forgiveness?

Do you but mark how this becomes the house:

‘Dear daughter, I confess that I am old. [Kneels]

Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg

That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.’ 

Regan

Good sir, no more! These are unsightly tricks

Return you to my sister

Lear

[rises] Never, Regan!

She hath abated me of half my train;

Look’d black upon me; struck me with her tongue,

Most serpent-like, upon the very heart

All the stor’d vengeances of heaven fall

On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,

You taking airs, with lameness!

Cornwall

Fie, sir, fie!

Lear

You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames

Into her scornful eves! Infect her beauty,

You fen-suck’d fogs, drawn by the pow’rful sun,

To fall and blast her pride!

Regan

O the blest gods! so will you wish on me

When the rash mood is on

Lear

No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse

Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give

Thee o’er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce; but thine

Do comfort, and not burn. ‘Tis not in thee

To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,

To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,

And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt

Against my coming in. Thou better know’st

The offices of nature, bond of childhood,

Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude

Thy half o’ th’ kingdom hast thou not forgot,

Wherein I thee endow’d

Regan

Good sir, to th’ purpose

[Tucket within]

Lear

Who put my man i’ th’ stocks?

Cornwall

What trumpet’s that?

Regan

I know’t--my sister’s. This approves her letter,

That she would soon be here

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

Is your lady come?

Lear

This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride

Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows

Out, varlet, from my sight!

Cornwall

What means your Grace?

[Enter Goneril]

Lear

Who stock’d my servant? Regan, I have good hope

Thou didst not know on’t.-Who comes here? O heavens!

If you do love old men, if your sweet sway

Allow obedience-if yourselves are old,

Make it your cause! Send down, and take my part!

[To Goneril] Art not asham’d to look upon this beard? -

O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?

Goneril

Why not by th’ hand, sir? How have I offended?

All’s not offence that indiscretion finds

And dotage terms so

Lear

O sides, you are too tough!

Will you yet hold? How came my man i’ th’ stocks?

Cornwall

I set him there, sir; but his own disorders

Deserv’d much less advancement

Lear

You? Did you?

Regan

I pray you, father, being weak, seem so

If, till the expiration of your month,

You will return and sojourn with my sister,

Dismissing half your train, come then to me

I am now from home, and out of that provision

Which shall be needful for your entertainment

Lear

Return to her, and fifty men dismiss’d?

No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose

To wage against the enmity o’ th’ air,

To be a comrade with the wolf and owl-

Necessity’s sharp pinch! Return with her?

Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took

Our youngest born, I could as well be brought

To knee his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg

To keep base life afoot. Return with her?

Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter

To this detested groom. [Points at Oswald]

Goneril

At your choice, sir

Lear

I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad

I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell

We’ll no more meet, no more see one another

But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;

Or rather a disease that’s in my flesh,

Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,

A plague sore, an embossed carbuncle

In my corrupted blood. But I’ll not chide thee

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

I do not bid the Thunder-bearer shoot

Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove

Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure;

I can be patient, I can stay with Regan,

I and my hundred knights

Regan

Not altogether so

I look’d not for you yet, nor am provided

For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister;

For those that mingle reason with your passion

Must be content to think you old, and so-

But she knows what she does

Lear

Is this well spoken?

Regan

I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?

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

Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger

Speak ‘gainst so great a number? How in one house

Should many people, under two commands,

Hold amity? ‘Tis hard; almost impossible

Goneril

Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance

From those that she calls servants, or from mine?

Regan

Why not, my lord? If then they chanc’d to slack ye,

We could control them. If you will come to me

(For now I spy a danger), I entreat you

To bring but five-and-twenty. To no more

Will I give place or notice

Lear

I gave you all-

Regan

And in good time you gave it!

Lear

Made you my guardians, my depositaries;

But kept a reservation to be followed

With such a number. What, must I come to you

With five-and-twenty, Regan? Said you so?

Regan

And speak’t again my lord. No more with me

Lear

‘Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour’d

When others are more wicked; not being the worst

Stands in some rank of praise. [To Goneril] I’ll go with thee

Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty,

And thou art twice her love

Goneril

Hear, me, my lord

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

To follow in a house where twice so many

Have a command to tend you?

Regan

What need one?

Lear

O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars

Are in the poorest thing superfluous

Allow not nature more than nature needs,

Man’s life is cheap as beast’s. Thou art a lady:

If only to go warm were gorgeous,

Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear’st

Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need-

You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!

You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,

As full of grief as age; wretched in both

If it he you that stirs these daughters’ hearts

Against their father, fool me not so much

To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger,

And let not women’s weapons, water drops,

Stain my man’s cheeks! No, you unnatural hags!

I will have such revenges on you both

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

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

The terrors of the earth! You think I’ll weep

No, I’ll not weep

I have full cause of weeping, but this heart

Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws

Or ere I’ll weep. O fool, I shall go mad!

[Exeunt Lear, Gloucester, Kent, and Fool. Storm and tempest]

Cornwall

Let us withdraw; ‘twill be a storm

Regan

This house is little; the old man and’s people

Cannot be well bestow’d

Goneril

‘Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest

And must needs taste his folly

Regan

For his particular, I’ll receive him gladly,

But not one follower

Goneril

So am I purpos’d

Where is my Lord of Gloucester?

Cornwall

Followed the old man forth

[Enter Gloucester]

He is return’d

Gloucester

The King is in high rage

Cornwall

Whither is he going?

Gloucester

He calls to horse, but will I know not whither

Cornwall

‘Tis best to give him way; he leads himself

Goneril

My lord, entreat him by no means to stay

Gloucester

Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak winds

Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about

There’s scarce a bush

Regan

O, sir, to wilful men

The injuries that they themselves procure

Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors

He is attended with a desperate train,

And what they may incense him to, being apt

To have his ear abus’d, wisdom bids fear

Cornwall

Shut up your doors, my lord: ‘tis a wild night

My Regan counsels well. Come out o’ th’ storm

[Exeunt]

ACT III

Scene I

A heath

[Storm still. Enter Kent and a Gentleman at several doors]

Kent

Who’s there, besides foul weather?

Gentleman

One minded like the weather

Kent

I know you. Where’s the King?

Gentleman

Contending with the fretful elements

Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,

Or swell the curled waters ‘bove the main,

That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,

Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage,

Catch in their fury and make nothing of;

Strives in his little world of man to outscorn

The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain

This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,

The lion and the belly-pinched wolf

Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,

And bids what will take all

Kent

But who is with him?

Gentleman

None but the fool, who labours to outjest

His heart-struck injuries

Kent

Sir, I do know you,

And dare upon the warrant of my note

Commend a dear thing to you. There is division

(Although as yet the face of it be cover’d

With mutual cunning) ‘twixt Albany and Cornwall;

Who have (as who have not, that their great stars

Thron’d and set high?) servants, who seem no less,

Which are to France the spies and speculations

Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen,

Either in snuffs and packings of the Dukes,

Or the hard rein which both of them have borne

Against the old kind King, or something deeper,

Whereof, perchance, these are but furnishings-

But, true it is, from France there comes a power

Into this scattered kingdom, who already,

Wise in our negligence, have secret feet

In some of our best ports and are at point

To show their open banner. Now to you:

If on my credit you dare build so far

To make your speed to Dover, you shall find

Some that will thank you, making just report

Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow

The King hath cause to plain

I am a gentleman of blood and breeding,

And from some knowledge and assurance offer

This office to you

Gentleman

I will talk further with you

Kent

No, do not

For confirmation that I am much more

Than my out-wall, open this purse and take

What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia

(As fear not but you shall), show her this ring,

And she will tell you who your fellow is

That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!

I will go seek the King

Gentleman

Give me your hand. Have you no more to say?

Kent

Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet:

That, when we have found the King (in which your pain

That way, I’ll this), he that first lights on him

Holla the other

[Exeunt severally]

Scene II

Another part of the heath

[Storm still. Enter Lear and Fool]

Lear

Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!

You cataracts and hurricanoes. spout

Till you have drench’d our steeples, drown’d the cocks!

You sulph’rous and thought-executing fires,

Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts,

Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,

Strike flat the thick rotundity o’ th’ world,

Crack Nature’s moulds, all germains spill at once,

That makes ingrateful man!

Fool

O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is better than this rain water out o’ door. Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters blessing! Here’s a night pities nether wise men nor fools

Lear

Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain!

Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters

I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness

I never gave you kingdom, call’d you children,

You owe me no subscription. Then let fall

Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave,

A poor, infirm, weak, and despis’d old man

But yet I call you servile ministers,

That will with two pernicious daughters join

Your high-engender’d battles ‘gainst a head

So old and white as this! O! O! ‘tis foul!

Fool

He that has a house to put ‘s head in has a good head-piece

The codpiece that will house

Before the head has any,

The head and he shall louse:

So beggars marry many

The man that makes his toe

What he his heart should make

Shall of a corn cry woe,

And turn his sleep to wake

For there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a glass

[Enter Kent]

Lear

No, I will be the pattern of all patience;

I will say nothing

Kent

Who’s there?

Fool

Marry, here’s grace and a codpiece; that’s a wise man and a fool

Kent

Alas, sir, are you here? Things that love night

Love not such nights as these. The wrathful skies

Gallow the very wanderers of the dark

And make them keep their caves. Since I was man,

Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder,

Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never

Remember to have heard. Man’s nature cannot carry

Th’ affliction nor the fear

Lear

Let the great gods,

That keep this dreadful pudder o’er our heads,

Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch,

That hast within thee undivulged crimes

Unwhipp’d of justice. Hide thee, thou bloody hand;

Thou perjur’d, and thou simular man of virtue

That art incestuous. Caitiff, in pieces shake

That under covert and convenient seeming

Hast practis’d on man’s life. Close pent-up guilts,

Rive your concealing continents, and cry

These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man

More sinn’d against than sinning

Kent

Alack, bareheaded?

Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel;

Some friendship will it lend you ‘gainst the tempest

Repose you there, whilst I to this hard house

(More harder than the stones whereof ‘tis rais’d,

Which even but now, demanding after you,

Denied me to come in) return, and force

Their scanted courtesy

Lear

My wits begin to turn

Come on, my boy. How dost, my boy? Art cold?

I am cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow?

The art of our necessities is strange,

That can make vile things precious. Come, your hovel

Poor fool and knave, I have one part in my heart

That’s sorry yet for thee

Fool

[sings]

He that has and a little tiny wit-

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain-

Must make content with his fortunes fit,

For the rain it raineth every day

Lear

True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel

[Exeunt Lear and Kent]

Fool

This is a brave night to cool a courtesan. I’ll speak a prophecy ere I go:

When priests are more in word than matter;

When brewers mar their malt with water;

When nobles are their tailors’ tutors,

No heretics burn’d, but wenches’ suitors;

When every case in law is right,

No squire in debt nor no poor knight;

When slanders do not live in tongues,

Nor cutpurses come not to throngs;

When usurers tell their gold i’ th’ field,

And bawds and whores do churches build:

Then shall the realm of Albion

Come to great confusion

Then comes the time, who lives to see’t,

That going shall be us’d with feet

This prophecy Merlin shall make, for I live before his time

[Exit]

Scene III

Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Gloucester and Edmund]

Gloucester

Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing! When

I desir’d their leave that I might pity him, they took from me the use of mine own house, charg’d me on pain of perpetual displeasure neither to speak of him, entreat for him, nor any way sustain him

Edmund

Most savage and unnatural!

Gloucester

Go to; say you nothing. There is division betwixt the Dukes, and a worse matter than that. I have received a letter this night-’tis dangerous to be spoken-I have lock’d the letter in my closet. These injuries the King now bears will be revenged home; there’s part of a power already footed; we must incline to the

King. I will seek him and privily relieve him. Go you and maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill and gone to bed. Though I die fort, as no less is threat’ned me, the King my old, master must be relieved. There is some strange thing toward, Edmund

Pray you be careful. [Exit]

Edmund

This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the Duke

Instantly know, and of that letter too

This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me

That which my father loses-no less than all

The younger rises when the old doth fall. [Exit]

Scene IV

The heath. Before a hovel

[Storm still. Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool]

Kent

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

The tyranny of the open night’s too rough

For nature to endure

Lear

Let me alone

Kent

Good my lord, enter here

Lear

Wilt break my heart?

Kent

I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter

Lear

Thou think’st ‘tis much that this contentious storm

Invades us to the skin. So ‘tis to thee;

But where the greater malady is fix’d,

The lesser is scarce felt. Thou’dst shun a bear;

But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea,

Thou’dst meet the bear i’ th’ mouth. When the mind’s free,

The body’s delicate. The tempest in my mind

Doth from my senses take all feeling else

Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude!

Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand

For lifting food to’t? But I will punish home!

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

‘To shut me out! Pour on; I will endure

In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril!

Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all!

O, that way madness lies; let me shun that!

No more of that

Kent

Good my lord, enter here

Lear

Prithee go in thyself; seek thine own case

This tempest will not give me leave to ponder

On things would hurt me more. But I’ll go in

[To the Fool] In, boy; go first.-You houseless poverty-

Nay, get thee in. I’ll pray, and then I’ll sleep

[Exit Fool]

Poor naked wretches, wheresoe’er you are,

That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,

How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,

Your loop’d and window’d raggedness, defend you

From seasons such as these? O, I have ta’en

Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp;

Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,

That thou mayst shake the superflux to them

And show the heavens more just

Edgar

[within] Fathom and half, fathom and half! Poor Tom!

[Enter Fool from the hovel]

Fool

Come not in here, nuncle, here’s a spirit. Help me, help me!

Kent

Give me thy hand. Who’s there?

Fool

A spirit, a spirit! He says his name’s poor Tom

Kent

What art thou that dost grumble there i’ th’ straw?

Come forth

[Enter Edgar disguised as a madman]

Edgar

Away! the foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind. Humh! go to thy cold bed, and warm thee

Lear

Hast thou given all to thy two daughters, and art thou come to this?

Edgar

Who gives anything to poor Tom? whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o’er bog and quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters in his pew, set ratsbane by his porridge, made him proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting horse over four-inch’d bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five wits! Tom’s acold. O, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes. There could I have him now-and there

-and there again-and there!

[Storm still]

Lear

What, have his daughters brought him to this pass?

Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give ‘em all?

Fool

Nay, he reserv’d a blanket, else we had been all sham’d

Lear

Now all the plagues that in the pendulous air

Hang fated o’er men’s faults light on thy daughters!

Kent

He hath no daughters, sir

Lear

Death, traitor! nothing could have subdu’d nature

To such a lowness but his unkind daughters

Is it the fashion that discarded fathers

Should have thus little mercy on their flesh?

Judicious punishment! ‘Twas this flesh begot

Those pelican daughters

Edgar

Pillicock sat on Pillicock’s Hill. ‘Allow, ‘allow, loo, loo!

Fool

This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen

Edgar

Take heed o’ th’ foul fiend; obey thy parents: keep thy word justly; swear not; commit not with man’s sworn spouse; set not thy sweet heart on proud array. Tom’s acold

Lear

What hast thou been?

Edgar

A servingman, proud in heart and mind; that curl’d my hair, wore gloves in my cap; serv’d the lust of my mistress’ heart and did the act of darkness with her; swore as many oaths as I spake words, and broke them in the sweet face of heaven; one that slept in the contriving of lust, and wak’d to do it. Wine lov’d

I deeply, dice dearly; and in woman out-paramour’d the Turk. False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; hog in sloth, fox in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey. Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to woman. Keep thy foot out of brothel, thy hand out of placket, thy pen from lender’s book, and defy the foul fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind; says suum, mun, hey, no, nonny. Dolphin my boy, my boy, sessa! let him trot by

[Storm still]

Lear

Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncover’d body this extremity of the skies. Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou ow’st the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! Here’s three on’s are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself; unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings! Collie, unbutton here

[Tears at his clothes]

Fool

Prithee, nuncle, be contented! ‘Tis a naughty night to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher’s heart-a small spark, all the rest on’s body cold. Look, here comes a walking fire

[Enter Gloucester with a torch]

Edgar

This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet. He begins at curfew, and walks till the first cock. He gives the web and the pin, squints the eye, and makes the harelip; mildews the white wheat, and hurts the poor creature of earth

Saint Withold footed thrice the ‘old;

He met the nightmare, and her nine fold;

Bid her alight

And her troth plight,

And aroint thee, witch, aroint thee!

Kent

How fares your Grace?

Lear

What’s he?

Kent

Who’s there? What is’t you seek?

Gloucester

What are you there? Your names?

Edgar

Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the toad, the todpole, the wall-newt and the water; that in the fury of his heart, when the foul fiend rages’ eats cow-dung for sallets, swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog, drinks the green mantle of the standing pool; who is whipp’d from tithing to tithing, and stock-punish’d and imprison’d; who hath had three suits to his back, six shirts to his body, horse to ride, and weapons to wear;

But mice and rats, and such small deer,

Have been Tom’s food for seven long year

Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin! peace, thou fiend!

Gloucester

What, hath your Grace no better company?

Edgar

The prince of darkness is a gentleman!

Modo he’s call’d, and Mahu

Gloucester

Our flesh and blood is grown so vile, my lord, iso

That it doth hate what gets it

Edgar

Poor Tom’s acold

Gloucester

Go in with me. My duty cannot suffer

T’ obey in all your daughters’ hard commands

Though their injunction be to bar my doors

And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,

Yet have I ventur’d to come seek you out

And bring you where both fire and food is ready

Lear

First let me talk with this philosopher

What is the cause of thunder?

Kent

Good my lord, take his offer; go into th’ house

Lear

I’ll talk a word with this same learned Theban

What is your study?

Edgar

How to prevent the fiend and to kill vermin

Lear

Let me ask you one word in private

Kent

Importune him once more to go, my lord

His wits begin t’ unsettle

Gloucester

Canst thou blame him?

[Storm still]

His daughters seek his death. Ah, that good Kent!

He said it would be thus-poor banish’d man!

Thou say’st the King grows mad: I’ll tell thee, friend,

I am almost mad myself. I had a son,

Now outlaw’d from my blood. He sought my life

But lately, very late. I lov’d him, friend-

No father his son dearer. True to tell thee,

The grief hath craz’d my wits. What a night’s this!

I do beseech your Grace-

Lear

O, cry you mercy, sir

Noble philosopher, your company

Edgar

Tom’s acold

Gloucester

In, fellow, there, into th’ hovel; keep thee warm

Lear

Come, let’s in all

Kent

This way, my lord

Lear

With him!

I will keep still with my philosopher

Kent

Good my lord, soothe him; let him take the fellow

Gloucester

Take him you on

Kent

Sirrah, come on; go along with us

Lear

Come, good Athenian

Gloucester

No words, no words! hush

Edgar

Child Rowland to the dark tower came;

His word was still

Fie, foh, and fum!

I smell the blood of a British man

[Exeunt]

Scene V

Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Cornwall and Edmund]

Cornwall

I will have my revenge ere I depart his house

Edmund

How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think of

Cornwall

I now perceive it was not altogether your brother’s evil disposition made him seek his death; but a provoking merit, set awork by a reproveable badness in himself

Edmund

How malicious is my fortune that I must repent to be just!

This is the letter he spoke of, which approves him an intelligent party to the advantages of France. O heavens! that this treason were not-or not I the detector!

Cornwall

Go with me to the Duchess

Edmund

If the matter of this paper be certain, you have mighty business in hand

Cornwall

True or false, it hath made thee Earl of Gloucester

Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our apprehension

Edmund

[aside] If I find him comforting the King, it will stuff his suspicion more fully.-I will persever in my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my blood

Cornwall

I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find a dearer father in my love

[Exeunt]

Scene VI

A farmhouse near Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Gloucester, Lear, Kent, Fool, and Edgar]

Gloucester

Here is better than the open air; take it thankfully. I will piece out the comfort with what addition I can. I will not be long from you

Kent

All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience

The gods reward your kindness!

[Exit Gloucester]

Edgar

Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware the foul fiend

Fool

Prithee, nuncle, tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a yeoman

Lear

A king, a king!

Fool

No, he’s a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son; for he’s a mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him

Lear

To have a thousand with red burning spits

Come hizzing in upon ‘em-

Edgar

The foul fiend bites my back

Fool

He’s mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse’s health, a boy’s love, or a whore’s oath

Lear

It shall be done; I will arraign them straight

[To Edgar] Come, sit thou here, most learned justicer

[To the Fool] Thou, sapient sir, sit here. Now, you she-foxes!

Edgar

Look, where he stands and glares! Want’st thou eyes at trial, madam?

Come o’er the bourn, Bessy, to me

Fool

Her boat hath a leak,

And she must not speak

Why she dares not come over to thee

Edgar

The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a nightingale

Hoppedance cries in Tom’s belly for two white herring. Croak not, black angel; I have no food for thee

Kent

How do you, sir? Stand you not so amaz’d

Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions?

Lear

I’ll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence

[To Edgar] Thou, robed man of justice, take thy place

[To the Fool] And thou, his yokefellow of equity,

Bench by his side. [To Kent] You are o’ th’ commission,

Sit you too

Edgar

Let us deal justly

Sleepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd?

Thy sheep be in the corn;

And for one blast of thy minikin mouth

Thy sheep shall take no harm

Purr! the cat is gray

Lear

Arraign her first. ‘Tis Goneril. I here take my oath before this honourable assembly, she kicked the poor King her father

Fool

Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?

Lear

She cannot deny it

Fool

Cry you mercy, I took you for a joint-stool

Lear

And here’s another, whose warp’d looks proclaim

What store her heart is made on. Stop her there!

Arms, arms! sword! fire! Corruption in the place!

False justicer, why hast thou let her scape?

Edgar

Bless thy five wits!

Kent

O pity! Sir, where is the patience now

That you so oft have boasted to retain?

Edgar

[aside] My tears begin to take his part so much

They’ll mar my counterfeiting

Lear

The little dogs and all,

Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me

Edgar

Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you curs!

Be thy mouth or black or white,

Tooth that poisons if it bite;

Mastiff, greyhound, mongrel grim,

Hound or spaniel, brach or lym,

Bobtail tyke or trundle-tall-

Tom will make them weep and wail;

For, with throwing thus my head,

Dogs leap the hatch, and all are fled

Do de, de, de. Sessa! Come, march to wakes and fairs and market towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry

Lear

Then let them anatomize Regan. See what breeds about her heart. Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts? [To Edgar] You, sir-I entertain you for one of my hundred; only I do not like the fashion of your garments. You’ll say they are Persian attire; but let them be chang’d

Kent

Now, good my lord, lie here and rest awhile

Lear

Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains

So, so, so. We’ll go to supper i’ th’ morning. So, so, so

Fool

And I’ll go to bed at noon

[Enter Gloucester]

Gloucester

Come hither, friend. Where is the King my master?

Kent

Here, sir; but trouble him not; his wits are gone

Gloucester

Good friend, I prithee take him in thy arms

I have o’erheard a plot of death upon him

There is a litter ready; lay him in’t

And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet

Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master

If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life,

With thine, and all that offer to defend him,

Stand in assured loss. Take up, take up!

And follow me, that will to some provision

Give thee quick conduct

Kent

Oppressed nature sleeps

This rest might yet have balm’d thy broken senses,

Which, if convenience will not allow,

Stand in hard cure. [To the Fool] Come, help to bear thy master

Thou must not stay behind

Gloucester

Come, come, away!

[Exeunt all but Edgar]

Edgar

When we our betters see bearing our woes,

We scarcely think our miseries our foes

Who alone suffers suffers most i’ th’ mind,

Leaving free things and happy shows behind;

But then the mind much sufferance doth o’erskip

When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship

How light and portable my pain seems now,

When that which makes me bend makes the King bow,

He childed as I fathered! Tom, away!

Mark the high noises, and thyself bewray

When false opinion, whose wrong thought defiles thee,

In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee

What will hap more to-night, safe scape the King!

Lurk, lurk. [Exit]

Scene VII

Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Cornwall, Regan, Goneril, Edmund the Bastard, and Servants]

Cornwall

[to Goneril] Post speedily to my lord your husband, show him this letter. The army of France is landed.-Seek out the traitor Gloucester

[Exeunt some of the Servants]

Regan

Hang him instantly

Goneril

Pluck out his eyes

Cornwall

Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our sister company. The revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous father are not fit for your beholding. Advise the Duke where you are going, to a most festinate preparation. We are bound to the like. Our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us

Farewell, dear sister; farewell, my Lord of Gloucester

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

How now? Where’s the King?

Oswald

My Lord of Gloucester hath convey’d him hence

Some five or six and thirty of his knights,

Hot questrists after him, met him at gate;

Who, with some other of the lord’s dependants,

Are gone with him towards Dover, where they boast

To have well-armed friends

Cornwall

Get horses for your mistress

Goneril

Farewell, sweet lord, and sister

Cornwall

Edmund, farewell

[Exeunt Goneril, Edmund, and Oswald]

Go seek the traitor Gloucester,

Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us

[Exeunt other Servants]

Though well we may not pass upon his life

Without the form of justice, yet our power

Shall do a court’sy to our wrath, which men

May blame, but not control

[Enter Gloucester, brought in by two or three]

Who’s there? the traitor?

Regan

Ingrateful fox! ‘tis he

Cornwall

Bind fast his corky arms

Gloucester

What mean, your Graces? Good my friends, consider

You are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends

Cornwall

Bind him, I say

[Servants bind him]

Regan

Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!

Gloucester

Unmerciful lady as you are, I am none

Cornwall

To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shalt find-

[Regan plucks his beard]

Gloucester

By the kind gods, ‘tis most ignobly done

To pluck me by the beard

Regan

So white, and such a traitor!

Gloucester

Naughty lady,

These hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin

Will quicken, and accuse thee. I am your host

With robber’s hands my hospitable favours

You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?

Cornwall

Come, sir, what letters had you late from France?

Regan

Be simple-answer’d, for we know the truth

Cornwall

And what confederacy have you with the traitors

Late footed in the kingdom?

Regan

To whose hands have you sent the lunatic King?

Speak

Gloucester

I have a letter guessingly set down,

Which came from one that’s of a neutral heart,

And not from one oppos’d

Cornwall

Cunning

Regan

And false

Cornwall

Where hast thou sent the King?

Gloucester

To Dover

Regan

Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charg’d at peril-

Cornwall

Wherefore to Dover? Let him first answer that

Gloucester

I am tied to th’ stake, and I must stand the course

Regan

Wherefore to Dover, sir?

Gloucester

Because I would not see thy cruel halls

Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister

In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs

The sea, with such a storm as his bare head

In hell-black night endur’d, would have buoy’d up

And quench’d the steeled fires

Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain

If wolves had at thy gate bowl’d that stern time,

Thou shouldst have said, ‘Good porter, turn the key.’ 

All cruels else subscrib’d. But I shall see

The winged vengeance overtake such children

Cornwall

See’t shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair

Upon these eyes of thine I’ll set my foot

Gloucester

He that will think to live till he be old,

Give me some help!-O cruel! O ye gods!

Regan

One side will mock another. Th’ other too!

Cornwall

If you see vengeance-

1. Serv

Hold your hand, my lord!

I have serv’d you ever since I was a child;

But better service have I never done you

Than now to bid you bold

Regan

How now, you dog?

1. Serv

If you did wear a beard upon your chin,

I’ld shake it on this quarrel

Regan

What do you mean?

Cornwall

My villain! [Draw and fight]

1. Serv

Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger

Regan

Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus?

[She takes a sword and runs at him behind]

1. Serv

O, I am slain! My lord, you have one eye left

To see some mischief on him. O! [He dies]

Cornwall

Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly!

Where is thy lustre now?

Gloucester

All dark and comfortless! Where’s my son Edmund?

Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature

To quit this horrid act

Regan

Out, treacherous villain!

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

That made the overture of thy treasons to us;

Who is too good to pity thee

Gloucester

O my follies! Then Edgar was abus’d

Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!

Regan

Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell

His way to Dover

[Exit one with Gloucester]

How is’t, my lord? How look you?

Cornwall

I have receiv’d a hurt. Follow me, lady

Turn out that eyeless villain. Throw this slave

Upon the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace

Untimely comes this hurt. Give me your arm

[Exit Cornwall, led by Regan]

2. Serv

I’ll never care what wickedness I do,

If this man come to good

3. Serv

If she live long,

And in the end meet the old course of death,

Women will all turn monsters

2. Serv

Let’s follow the old Earl, and get the bedlam

To lead him where he would. His roguish madness

Allows itself to anything

3. Serv

Go thou. I’ll fetch some flax and whites of eggs

To apply to his bleeding face. Now heaven help him!

[Exeunt]

ACT IV

Scene I

The heath

[Enter Edgar]

Edgar

Yet better thus, and known to be contemn’d,

Than still contemn’d and flatter’d. To be worst,

The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,

Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear

The lamentable change is from the best;

The worst returns to laughter. Welcome then,

Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace!

The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst

Owes nothing to thy blasts

[Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man]

But who comes here?

My father, poorly led? World, world, O world!

But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,

Life would not yield to age

Old Man. O my good lord,

I have been your tenant, and your father’s tenant,

These fourscore years

Gloucester

Away, get thee away! Good friend, be gone

Thy comforts can do me no good at all;

Thee they may hurt

Old Man. You cannot see your way

Gloucester

I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;

I stumbled when I saw. Full oft ‘tis seen

Our means secure us, and our mere defects

Prove our commodities. Ah dear son Edgar,

The food of thy abused father’s wrath!

Might I but live to see thee in my touch,

I’ld say I had eyes again!

Old Man. How now? Who’s there?

Edgar

[aside] O gods! Who is’t can say ‘I am at the worst’?

I am worse than e’er I was

Old Man. ‘Tis poor mad Tom

Edgar

[aside] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not

So long as we can say ‘This is the worst.’ 

Old Man. Fellow, where goest?

Gloucester

Is it a beggarman?

Old Man. Madman and beggar too

Gloucester

He has some reason, else he could not beg

I’ th’ last night’s storm I such a fellow saw,

Which made me think a man a worm. My son

Came then into my mind, and yet my mind

Was then scarce friends with him. I have heard more since

As flies to wanton boys are we to th’ gods

They kill us for their sport

Edgar

[aside] How should this be?

Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,

Ang’ring itself and others.-Bless thee, master!

Gloucester

Is that the naked fellow?

Old Man. Ay, my lord

Gloucester

Then prithee get thee gone. If for my sake

Thou wilt o’ertake us hence a mile or twain

I’ th’ way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;

And bring some covering for this naked soul,

Who I’ll entreat to lead me

Old Man. Alack, sir, he is mad!

Gloucester

‘Tis the time’s plague when madmen lead the blind

Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure

Above the rest, be gone

Old Man. I’ll bring him the best ‘parel that I have,

Come on’t what will. [Exit]

Gloucester

Sirrah naked fellow-

Edgar

Poor Tom’s acold. [aside] I cannot daub it further

Gloucester

Come hither, fellow

Edgar

[aside] And yet I must.-Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed

Gloucester

Know’st thou the way to Dover?

Edgar

Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom hath been scar’d out of his good wits. Bless thee, good man’s son, from the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once: of lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and mowing, who since possesses chambermaids and waiting women. So, bless thee, master!

Gloucester

Here, take this Purse, thou whom the heavens’ plagues

Have humbled to all strokes. That I am wretched

Makes thee the happier. Heavens, deal so still

Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man,

That slaves your ordinance, that will not see

Because he does not feel, feel your pow’r quickly;

So distribution should undo excess,

And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?

Edgar

Ay, master

Gloucester

There is a cliff, whose high and bending head

Looks fearfully in the confined deep

Bring me but to the very brim of it,

And I’ll repair the misery thou dost bear

With something rich about me. From that place

I shall no leading need

Edgar

Give me thy arm

Poor Tom shall lead thee

[Exeunt]

Scene II

Before the Duke of Albany’s Palace

[Enter Goneril and Edmund the Bastard]

Goneril

Welcome, my lord. I marvel our mild husband

Not met us on the way

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

Now, where’s your master?

Oswald

Madam, within, but never man so chang’d

I told him of the army that was landed:

He smil’d at it. I told him you were coming:

His answer was, ‘The worse.’ Of Gloucester’s treachery

And of the loyal service of his son

When I inform’d him, then be call’d me sot

And told me I had turn’d the wrong side out

What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;

What like, offensive

Goneril

[to Edmund] Then shall you go no further

It is the cowish terror of his spirit,

That dares not undertake. He’ll not feel wrongs

Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way

May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother

Hasten his musters and conduct his pow’rs

I must change arms at home and give the distaff

Into my husband’s hands. This trusty servant

Shall pass between us. Ere long you are like to hear

(If you dare venture in your own behalf)

A mistress’s command. Wear this. [Gives a favour]

Spare speech

Decline your head. This kiss, if it durst speak,

Would stretch thy spirits up into the air

Conceive, and fare thee well

Edmund

Yours in the ranks of death! [Exit]

Goneril

My most dear Gloucester!

O, the difference of man and man!

To thee a woman’s services are due;

My fool usurps my body

Oswald

Madam, here comes my lord. [Exit]

[Enter Albany]

Goneril

I have been worth the whistle

Albany

O Goneril,

You are not worth the dust which the rude wind

Blows in your face! I fear your disposition

That nature which contemns it origin

Cannot be bordered certain in itself

She that herself will sliver and disbranch

From her material sap, perforce must wither

And come to deadly use

Goneril

No more! The text is foolish

Albany

Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile;

Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?

Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform’d?

A father, and a gracious aged man,

Whose reverence even the head-lugg’d bear would lick,

Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you madded

Could my good brother stiffer you to do it?

A man, a prince, by him so benefited!

If that the heavens do not their visible spirits

Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,

It will come,

Humanity must perforce prey on itself,

Like monsters of the deep-

Goneril

Milk-liver’d man!

That bear’st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;

Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning

Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know’st

Fools do those villains pity who are punish’d

Ere they have done their mischief. Where’s thy drum?

France spreads his banners in our noiseless land,

With plumed helm thy state begins to threat,

Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit’st still, and criest

‘Alack, why does he so?’ 

Albany

See thyself, devil!

Proper deformity seems not in the fiend

So horrid as in woman

Goneril

O vain fool!

Albany

Thou changed and self-cover’d thing, for shame!

Bemonster not thy feature! Were’t my fitness

To let these hands obey my blood,

They are apt enough to dislocate and tear

Thy flesh and bones. Howe’er thou art a fiend,

A woman’s shape doth shield thee

Goneril

Marry, your manhood mew!

[Enter a Gentleman]

Albany

What news?

Gentleman

O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall is dead,

Slain by his servant, going to put out

The other eye of Gloucester

Albany

Gloucester’s eyes?

Gentleman

A servant that he bred, thrill’d with remorse,

Oppos’d against the act, bending his sword

To his great master; who, thereat enrag’d,

Flew on him, and amongst them fell’d him dead;

But not without that harmful stroke which since

Hath pluck’d him after

Albany

This shows you are above,

You justicers, that these our nether crimes

So speedily can venge! But O poor Gloucester!

Gentleman

Both, both, my lord

This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer

‘Tis from your sister

Goneril

[aside] One way I like this well;

But being widow, and my Gloucester; with her,

May all the building in my fancy pluck

Upon my hateful life. Another way

The news is not so tart.-I’ll read, and answer

[Exit]

Albany

Where was his son when they did take his eyes?

Gentleman

Come with my lady hither

Albany

He is not here

Gentleman

No, my good lord; I met him back again

Albany

Knows he the wickedness?

Gentleman

Ay, my good lord. ‘Twas he inform’d against him,

And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment

Might have the freer course

Albany

Gloucester, I live

To thank thee for the love thou show’dst the King,

And to revenge thine eyes. Come hither, friend

Tell me what more thou know’st

[Exeunt]

Scene III

The French camp near Dover

[Enter Kent and a Gentleman]

Kent

Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the reason?

Gentleman

Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming forth is thought of, which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger that his personal return was most required and necessary

Kent

Who hath he left behind him general?

Gentleman

The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far

Kent

Did your letters pierce the Queen to any demonstration of grief?

Gentleman

Ay, sir. She took them, read them in my presence,

And now and then an ample tear trill’d down

Her delicate cheek. It seem’d she was a queen

Over her passion, who, most rebel-like,

Sought to be king o’er her

Kent

O, then it mov’d her?

Gentleman

Not to a rage. Patience and sorrow strove

Who should express her goodliest. You have seen

Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears

Were like, a better way. Those happy smilets

That play’d on her ripe lip seem’d not to know

What guests were in her eyes, which parted thence

As pearls from diamonds dropp’d. In brief,

Sorrow would be a rarity most belov’d,

If all could so become it

Kent

Made she no verbal question?

Gentleman

Faith, once or twice she heav’d the name of father

Pantingly forth, as if it press’d her heart;

Cried ‘Sisters, sisters! Shame of ladies! Sisters!

Kent! father! sisters! What, i’ th’ storm? i’ th’ night?

Let pity not be believ’d!’ There she shook

The holy water from her heavenly eyes,

And clamour moisten’d. Then away she started

To deal with grief alone

Kent

It is the stars,

The stars above us, govern our conditions;

Else one self mate and mate could not beget

Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?

Gentleman

No

Kent

Was this before the King return’d?

Gentleman

No, since

Kent

Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear’s i’ th’ town;

Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers

What we are come about, and by no means

Will yield to see his daughter

Gentleman

Why, good sir?

Kent

A sovereign shame so elbows him; his own unkindness,

That stripp’d her from his benediction, turn’d her

To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights

To his dog-hearted daughters-these things sting

His mind so venomously that burning shame

Detains him from Cordelia

Gentleman

Alack, poor gentleman!

Kent

Of Albany’s and Cornwall’s powers you heard not?

Gentleman

‘Tis so; they are afoot

Kent

Well, sir, I’ll bring you to our master Lear

And leave you to attend him. Some dear cause

Will in concealment wrap me up awhile

When I am known aright, you shall not grieve

Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you go

Along with me. [Exeunt]

Scene IV

The French camp

[Enter, with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Doctor, and Soldiers]

Cordelia

Alack, ‘tis he! Why, he was met even now

As mad as the vex’d sea, singing aloud,

Crown’d with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,

With hardocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo flow’rs,

Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow

In our sustaining corn. A century send forth

Search every acre in the high-grown field

And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer]

What can man’s wisdom

In the restoring his bereaved sense?

He that helps him take all my outward worth

Doctor

There is means, madam

Our foster nurse of nature is repose,

The which he lacks. That to provoke in him

Are many simples operative, whose power

Will close the eye of anguish

Cordelia

All blest secrets,

All you unpublish’d virtues of the earth,

Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate

In the good man’s distress! Seek, seek for him!

Lest his ungovern’d rage dissolve the life

That wants the means to lead it

[Enter Messenger]

Mess

News, madam

The British pow’rs are marching hitherward

Cordelia

‘Tis known before. Our preparation stands

In expectation of them. O dear father,

It is thy business that I go about

Therefore great France

My mourning and important tears hath pitied

No blown ambition doth our arms incite,

But love, dear love, and our ag’d father’s right

Soon may I hear and see him!

[Exeunt]

Scene V

Gloucester’s Castle

[Enter Regan and Oswald the Steward]

Regan

But are my brother’s pow’rs set forth?

Oswald

Ay, madam

Regan

Himself in person there?

Oswald

Madam, with much ado

Your sister is the better soldier

Regan

Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?

Oswald

No, madam

Regan

What might import my sister’s letter to him?

Oswald

I know not, lady-

Regan

Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter

It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out,

To let him live. Where he arrives he moves

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

In pity of his misery, to dispatch

His nighted life; moreover, to descry

The strength o’ th’ enemy

Oswald

I must needs after him, madam, with my letter

Regan

Our troops set forth to-morrow. Stay with us

The ways are dangerous

Oswald

I may not, madam

My lady charg’d my duty in this business

Regan

Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you

Transport her purposes by word? Belike,

Something-I know not what-I’ll love thee much-

Let me unseal the letter

Oswald

Madam, I had rather-

Regan

I know your lady does not love her husband;

I am sure of that; and at her late being here

She gave strange eliads and most speaking looks

To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom

Oswald

I, madam?

Regan

I speak in understanding. Y’are! I know’t

Therefore I do advise you take this note

My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk’d,

And more convenient is he for my hand

Than for your lady’s. You may gather more

If you do find him, pray you give him this;

And when your mistress hears thus much from you,

I pray desire her call her wisdom to her

So farewell

If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,

Preferment falls on him that cuts him off

Oswald

Would I could meet him, madam! I should show

What party I do follow

Regan

Fare thee well. [Exeunt]

Scene VI

The country near Dover

[Enter Gloucester, and Edgar like a Peasant]

Gloucester

When shall I come to th’ top of that same hill?

Edgar

You do climb up it now. Look how we labour

Gloucester

Methinks the ground is even

Edgar

Horrible steep

Hark, do you hear the sea?

Gloucester

No, truly

Edgar

Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect

By your eyes’ anguish

Gloucester

So may it be indeed

Methinks thy voice is alter’d, and thou speak’st

In better phrase and matter than thou didst

Edgar

Y’are much deceiv’d. In nothing am I chang’d

But in my garments

Gloucester

Methinks y’are better spoken

Edgar

Come on, sir; here’s the place. Stand still. How fearful

And dizzy ‘tis to cast one’s eyes so low!

The crows and choughs that wing the midway air

Show scarce so gross as beetles. Halfway down

Hangs one that gathers sampire-dreadful trade!

Methinks he seems no bigger than his head

The fishermen that walk upon the beach

Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark,

Diminish’d to her cock; her cock, a buoy

Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge

That on th’ unnumb’red idle pebble chafes

Cannot be heard so high. I’ll look no more,

Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight

Topple down headlong

Gloucester

Set me where you stand

Edgar

Give me your hand. You are now within a foot

Of th’ extreme verge. For all beneath the moon

Would I not leap upright

Gloucester

Let go my hand

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

Well worth a poor man’s taking. Fairies and gods

Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;

Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going

Edgar

Now fare ye well, good sir

Gloucester

With all my heart

Edgar

[aside] Why I do trifle thus with his despair

Is done to cure it

Gloucester

O you mighty gods! He kneels

This world I do renounce, and, in your sights,

Shake patiently my great affliction off

If I could bear it longer and not fall

To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,

My snuff and loathed part of nature should

Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!

Now, fellow, fare thee well. [He falls [forward and swoons]

Edgar

Gone, sir, farewell.-

And yet I know not how conceit may rob

The treasury of life when life itself

Yields to the theft. Had he been where he thought,

By this had thought been past.-Alive or dead?

Ho you, sir! friend! Hear you, sir? Speak!-

Thus might he pass indeed. Yet he revives

What are you, sir?

Gloucester

Away, and let me die

Edgar

Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,

So many fadom down precipitating,

Thou’dst shiver’d like an egg; but thou dost breathe;

Hast heavy substance; bleed’st not; speak’st; art sound

Ten masts at each make not the altitude

Which thou hast perpendicularly fell

Thy life is a miracle. Speak yet again

Gloucester

But have I fall’n, or no?

Edgar

From the dread summit of this chalky bourn

Look up a-height. The shrill-gorg’d lark so far

Cannot be seen or heard. Do but look up

Gloucester

Alack, I have no eyes!

Is wretchedness depriv’d that benefit

To end itself by death? ‘Twas yet some comfort

When misery could beguile the tyrant’s rage

And frustrate his proud will

Edgar

Give me your arm

Up-so. How is’t? Feel you your legs? You stand

Gloucester

Too well, too well

Edgar

This is above all strangeness

Upon the crown o’ th’ cliff what thing was that

Which parted from you?

Gloucester

A poor unfortunate beggar

Edgar

As I stood here below, methought his eyes

Were two full moon,; he had a thousand noses,

Horns whelk’d and wav’d like the enridged sea

It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father,

Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours

Of men’s impossibility, have preserv’d thee

Gloucester

I do remember now. Henceforth I’ll bear

Affliction till it do cry out itself

‘Enough, enough,’ and die. That thing you speak of,

I took it for a man. Often ‘twould say

‘The fiend, the fiend’-he led me to that place

Edgar

Bear free and patient thoughts

[Enter Lear, mad, fantastically dressed with weeds]

But who comes here?

The safer sense will ne’er accommodate

His master thus

Lear

No, they cannot touch me for coming;

I am the King himself

Edgar

O thou side-piercing sight!

Lear

Nature is above art in that respect. There’s your press money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper. Draw me

a clothier’s yard. Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace; this piece of toasted cheese will do’t. There’s my gauntlet; I’ll prove it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! i’ th’ clout, i’ th’ clout! Hewgh! Give the word

Edgar

Sweet marjoram

Lear

Pass

Gloucester

I know that voice

Lear

Ha! Goneril with a white beard? They flatter’d me like a dog, and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were there. To say ‘ay’ and ‘no’ to everything I said! ‘Ay’ and

‘no’ too was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and the wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I found ‘em, there I smelt ‘em out. Go to, they are not men o’ their words! They told me I was everything. ‘Tis a lie-I am not ague-proof

Gloucester

The trick of that voice I do well remember

Is’t not the King?

Lear

Ay, every inch a king!

When I do stare, see how the subject quakes

I pardon that man’s life. What was thy cause?

Adultery?

Thou shalt not die. Die for adultery? No

The wren goes to’t, and the small gilded fly

Does lecher in my sight

Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester’s bastard son

Was kinder to his father than my daughters

Got ‘tween the lawful sheets

To’t, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers

Behold yond simp’ring dame,

Whose face between her forks presageth snow,

That minces virtue, and does shake the head

To hear of pleasure’s name

The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to’t

With a more 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 fiend’s

There’s hell, there’s darkness, there’s the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench, consumption. Fie, fie, fie! pah, pah!

Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination. There’s money for thee

Gloucester

O, let me kiss that hand!

Lear

Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality

Gloucester

O ruin’d piece of nature! This great world

Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me?

Lear

I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me?

No, do thy worst, blind Cupid! I’ll not love. Read thou this challenge; mark but the penning of it

Gloucester

Were all the letters suns, I could not see one

Edgar

[aside] I would not take this from report. It is,

And my heart breaks at it

Lear

Read

Gloucester

What, with the case of eyes?

Lear

O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light. Yet you see how this world goes

Gloucester

I see it feelingly

Lear

What, art mad? A man may see how the world goes with no eyes

Look with thine ears. See how yond justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark in thine ear. Change places and, handy-dandy, which is the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen a farmer’s dog bark at a beggar?

Gloucester

Ay, sir

Lear

And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog’s obeyed in office

Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand!

Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back

Thou hotly lusts to use her in that kind

For which thou whip’st her. The usurer hangs the cozener

Through tatter’d clothes small vices do appear;

Robes and furr’d gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold,

And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;

Arm it in rags, a pygmy’s straw does pierce it

None does offend, none-I say none! I’ll able ‘em

Take that of me, my friend, who have the power

To seal th’ accuser’s lips. Get thee glass eyes

And, like a scurvy politician, seem

To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now!

Pull off my boots. Harder, harder! So

Edgar

O, matter and impertinency mix’d!

Reason, in madness!

Lear

If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes

I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester

Thou must be patient. We came crying bother;

Thou know’st, the first time that we smell ‘the air

We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee. Mark

Gloucester

Alack, alack the day!

Lear

When we are born, we cry that we are come

To this great stage of fools. This’ a good block

It were a delicate stratagem to shoe

A troop of horse with felt. I’ll put’t in proof,

And when I have stol’n upon these sons-in-law,

Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!

[Enter a Gentleman with Attendants]

Gentleman

O, here he is! Lay hand upon him.-Sir,

Your most dear daughter-

Lear

No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even

The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;

You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon;

I am cut to th’ brains

Gentleman

You shall have anything

Lear

No seconds? All myself?

Why, this would make a man a man of salt,

To use his eyes for garden waterpots,

Ay, and laying autumn’s dust

Gentleman

Good sir-

Lear

I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What!

I will be jovial. Come, come, I am a king;

My masters, know you that?

Gentleman

You are a royal one, and we obey you

Lear

Then there’s life in’t. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa!

[Exit running. Attendants follow]

Gentleman

A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,

Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter

Who redeems nature from the general curse

Which twain have brought her to

Edgar

Hail, gentle sir

Gentleman

Sir, speed you. What’s your will?

Edgar

Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?

Gentleman

Most sure and vulgar. Every one hears that

Which can distinguish sound

Edgar

But, by your favour,

How near’s the other army?

Gentleman

Near and on speedy foot. The main descry

Stands on the hourly thought

Edgar

I thank you sir. That’s all

Gentleman

Though that the Queen on special cause is here,

Her army is mov’d on

Edgar

I thank you, sir

[Exit [Gentleman]

Gloucester

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

Let not my worser spirit tempt me again

To die before you please!

Edgar

Well pray you, father

Gloucester

Now, good sir, what are you?

Edgar

A most poor man, made tame to fortune’s blows,

Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,

Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand;

I’ll lead you to some biding

Gloucester

Hearty thanks

The bounty and the benison of heaven

To boot, and boot!

[Enter Oswald the Steward]

Oswald

A proclaim’d prize! Most happy!

That eyeless head of thine was first fram’d flesh

To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor,

Briefly thyself remember. The sword is out

That must destroy thee

Gloucester

Now let thy friendly hand

Put strength enough to’t

[Edgar interposes]

Oswald

Wherefore, bold peasant,

Dar’st thou support a publish’d traitor? Hence!

Lest that th’ infection of his fortune take

Like hold on thee. Let go his arm

Edgar

Chill not let go, zir, without vurther ‘cagion

Oswald

Let go, slave, or thou diest!

Edgar

Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor voke pass. An chud ha’ bin zwagger’d out of my life, ‘twould not ha’ bin zo long as

‘tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near th’ old man. Keep out, che vore ye, or Ise try whether your costard or my ballow be the harder. Chill be plain with you

Oswald

Out, dunghill!

[They fight]

Edgar

Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins

[Oswald falls]

Oswald

Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse

If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body,

And give the letters which thou find’st about me

To Edmund Earl of Gloucester. Seek him out

Upon the British party. O, untimely death! Death! He dies

Edgar

I know thee well. A serviceable villain,

As duteous to the vices of thy mistress

As badness would desire

Gloucester

What, is he dead?

Edgar

Sit you down, father; rest you

Let’s see his pockets; these letters that he speaks of

May be my friends. He’s dead. I am only sorry

He had no other deathsman. Let us see

Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not

To know our enemies’ minds, we’ld rip their hearts;

Their papers, is more lawful. [Reads the letter]

‘Let our reciprocal vows be rememb’red. You have many opportunities to cut him off. If your will want not, time and place be fruitfully offer’d. There is nothing done, if he return the conqueror. Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my jail; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labour

‘Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant,

‘Goneril.’ 

O indistinguish’d space of woman’s will!

A plot upon her virtuous husband’s life,

And the exchange my brother! Here in the sands

Thee I’ll rake up, the post unsanctified

Of murtherous lechers; and in the mature time

With this ungracious paper strike the sight

Of the death-practis’d Duke, For him ‘tis well

That of thy death and business I can tell

Gloucester

The King is mad. How stiff is my vile sense,

That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling

Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract

So should my thoughts be sever’d from my griefs,

And woes by wrong imaginations lose

The knowledge of themselves

[A drum afar off]

Edgar

Give me Your hand

Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum

Come, father, I’ll bestow you with a friend

[Exeunt]

Scene VII

A tent in the French camp

[Enter Cordelia, Kent, Doctor, and Gentleman]

Cordelia

O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work

To match thy goodness? My life will be too short

And every measure fall me

Kent

To be acknowledg’d, madam, is o’erpaid

All my reports go with the modest truth;

Nor more nor clipp’d, but so

Cordelia

Be better suited

These weeds are memories of those worser hours

I prithee put them off

Kent

Pardon, dear madam

Yet to be known shortens my made intent

My boon I make it that you know me not

Till time and I think meet

Cordelia

Then be’t so, my good lord. [To the Doctor] How, does the King?

Doctor

Madam, sleeps still

Cordelia

O you kind gods,

Cure this great breach in his abused nature!

Th’ untun’d and jarring senses, O, wind up

Of this child-changed father!

Doctor

So please your Majesty

That we may wake the King? He hath slept long

Cordelia

Be govern’d by your knowledge, and proceed

I’ th’ sway of your own will. Is he array’d?

[Enter Lear in a chair carried by Servants]

Gentleman

Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep

We put fresh garments on him

Doctor

Be by, good madam, when we do awake him

I doubt not of his temperance

Cordelia

Very well,

[Music]

Doctor

Please you draw near. Louder the music there!

Cordelia

O my dear father, restoration hang

Thy medicine on my lips, and let this kiss

Repair those violent harms that my two sisters

Have in thy reverence made!

Kent

Kind and dear princess!

Cordelia

Had you not been their father, these white flakes

Had challeng’d pity of them. Was this a face

To be oppos’d against the warring winds?

To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?

In the most terrible and nimble stroke

Of quick cross lightning? to watch-poor perdu!-

With this thin helm? Mine enemy’s dog,

Though he had bit me, should have stood that night

Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father,

To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn,

In short and musty straw? Alack, alack!

‘Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once

Had not concluded all.-He wakes. Speak to him

Doctor

Madam, do you; ‘tis fittest

Cordelia

How does my royal lord? How fares your Majesty?

Lear

You do me wrong to take me out o’ th’ grave

Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound

Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears

Do scald like molten lead

Cordelia

Sir, do you know me?

Lear

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

Cordelia

Still, still, far wide!

Doctor

He’s scarce awake. Let him alone awhile

Lear

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

I am mightily abus’d. I should e’en die with pity,

To see another thus. I know not what to say

I will not swear these are my hands. Let’s see

I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur’d

Of my condition!

Cordelia

O, look upon me, sir,

And hold your hands in benediction o’er me

No, sir, you must not kneel

Lear

Pray, do not mock me

I am a very foolish fond old man,

Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;

And, to deal plainly,

I fear I am not in my perfect mind

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 I know not

Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;

For (as I am a man) I think this lady

To be my child Cordelia

Cordelia

And so I am! I am!

Lear

Be your tears wet? Yes, faith. I pray weep not

If you have poison for me, I will drink it

I know you do not love me; for your sisters

Have, as I do remember, done me wrong

You have some cause, they have not

Cordelia

No cause, no cause

Lear

Am I in France?

Kent

In your own kingdom, sir

Lear

Do not abuse me

Doctor

Be comforted, good madam. The great rage

You see is kill’d in him; and yet it is danger

To make him even o’er the time he has lost

Desire him to go in. Trouble him no more

Till further settling

Cordelia

Will’t please your Highness walk?

Lear

You must bear with me

Pray you now, forget and forgive. I am old and foolish

[Exeunt. Manent Kent and Gentleman]

Gentleman

Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?

Kent

Most certain, sir

Gentleman

Who is conductor of his people?

Kent

As ‘tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester

Gentleman

They say Edgar, his banish’d son, is with the Earl of Kent in Germany

Kent

Report is changeable. ‘Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace

Gentleman

The arbitrement is like to be bloody

Fare you well, sir. [Exit]

Kent

My point and period will be throughly wrought,

Or well or ill, as this day’s battle’s fought. [Exit]

ACT V

Scene I

The British camp near Dover

[Enter, with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentleman, and Soldiers]

Edmund

Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,

Or whether since he is advis’d by aught

To change the course. He’s full of alteration

And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure

[Exit an Officer]

Regan

Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried

Edmund

Tis to be doubted, madam

Regan

Now, sweet lord,

You know the goodness I intend upon you

Tell me-but truly-but then speak the truth-

Do you not love my sister?

Edmund

In honour’d love

Regan

But have you never found my brother’s way

To the forfended place?

Edmund

That thought abuses you

Regan

I am doubtful that you have been conjunct

And bosom’d with her, as far as we call hers

Edmund

No, by mine honour, madam

Regan

I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,

Be not familiar with her

Edmund

Fear me not

She and the Duke her husband!

Enter, with Drum and Colours, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers

Goneril

[aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister

Should loosen him and me

Albany

Our very loving sister, well bemet

Sir, this I hear: the King is come to his daughter

With others whom the rigour of our state

Forc’d to cry out. Where I could not be honest,

I never yet was valiant. For this business,

It toucheth us as France invades our land,

Not bolds the King, with others whom, I fear,

Most just and heavy causes make oppose

Edmund

Sir, you speak nobly

Regan

Why is this reason’d?

Goneril

Combine together ‘gainst the enemy;

For these domestic and particular broils

Are not the question here

Albany

Let’s then determine

With th’ ancient of war on our proceeding

Edmund

I shall attend you presently at your tent

Regan

Sister, you’ll go with us?

Goneril

No

Regan

‘Tis most convenient. Pray you go with us

Goneril

[aside] O, ho, I know the riddle. -I will go

[As they are going out enter Edgar disguised]

Edgar

If e’er your Grace had speech with man so poor,

Hear me one word

Albany

I’ll overtake you.-Speak

[Exeunt all but Albany and Edgar]

Edgar

Before you fight the battle, ope this letter

If you have victory, let the trumpet sound

For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem,

I can produce a champion that will prove

What is avouched there. If you miscarry,

Your business of the world hath so an end,

And machination ceases. Fortune love you!

Albany

Stay till I have read the letter

Edgar

I was forbid it

When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,

And I’ll appear again

Albany

Why, fare thee well. I will o’erlook thy paper

[Exit Edgar]

[Enter Edmund]

Edmund

The enemy’s in view; draw up your powers

Here is the guess of their true strength and forces

By diligent discovery; but your haste

Is now urg’d on you

Albany

We will greet the time. [Exit]

Edmund

To both these sisters have I sworn my love;

Each jealous of the other, as the stung

Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?

Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy’d,

If both remain alive. To take the widow

Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;

And hardly shall I carry, out my side,

Her husband being alive. Now then, we’ll use

His countenance for the battle, which being done,

Let her who would be rid of him devise

His speedy taking off. As for the mercy

Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia-

The battle done, and they within our power,

Shall never see his pardon; for my state

Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit]

Scene II

A field between the two camps

[Alarum within]

[Enter, with Drum and Colours, the Powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her Father in her hand,and exeunt]

[Enter Edgar and Gloucester]

Edgar

Here, father, take the shadow of this tree

For your good host. Pray that the right may thrive

If ever I return to you again,

I’ll bring you comfort

Gloucester

Grace go with you, sir!

[Exit Edgar]

[Alarum and retreat within. Enter Edgar]

Edgar

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

King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta’en

Give me thy hand! come on!

Gloucester

No further, sir. A man may rot even here

Edgar

What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure

Their going hence, even as their coming hither;

Ripeness is all. Come on

Gloucester

And that’s true too. [Exeunt]

Scene III

The British camp, near Dover

[Enter, in conquest, with Drum and Colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia as prisoners; Soldiers, Captain]

Edmund

Some officers take them away. Good guard

Until their greater pleasures first be known

That are to censure them

Cordelia

We are not the first

Who with best meaning have incurr’d the worst

For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;

Myself could else outfrown false Fortune’s frown

Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?

Lear

No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison

We two alone will sing like birds i’ th’ cage

When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down

And ask of thee forgiveness. So we’ll live,

And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh

At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues

Talk of court news; and we’ll talk with them too-

Who loses and who wins; who’s in, who’s out-

And take upon ‘s the mystery of things,

As if we were God’s spies; and we’ll wear out,

In a wall’d prison, packs and sects of great ones

That ebb and flow by th’ moon

Edmund

Take them away

Lear

Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,

The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?

He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven

And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes

The goodyears shall devour ‘em, flesh and fell,

Ere they shall make us weep! We’ll see ‘em starv’d first

Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded]

Edmund

Come hither, Captain; hark

Take thou this note [gives a paper] Go follow them to prison

One step I have advanc’d thee. If thou dost

As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way

To noble fortunes. Know thou this, that men

Are as the time is. To be tender-minded

Does not become a sword. Thy great employment

Will not bear question. Either say thou’lt do’t,

Or thrive by other means

Captain

I’ll do’t, my lord

Edmund

About it! and write happy when th’ hast done

Mark-I say, instantly; and carry it so

As I have set it down

Captain

I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;

If it be man’s work, I’ll do’t. [Exit]

Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Soldiers

Albany

Sir, you have show’d to-day your valiant strain,

And fortune led you well. You have the captives

Who were the opposites of this day’s strife

We do require them of you, so to use them

As we shall find their merits and our safety

May equally determine

Edmund

Sir, I thought it fit

To send the old and miserable King

To some retention and a pointed guard;

Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,

To pluck the common bosom on his side

And turn our impress’d lances in our eyes

Which do command them. With him I sent the Queen,

My reason all the same; and they are ready

To-morrow, or at further space, t’ appear

Where you shall hold your session. At this time

We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;

And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs’d

By those that feel their sharpness

The question of Cordelia and her father

Requires a fitter place

Albany

Sir, by your patience,

I hold you but a subject of this war,

Not as a brother

Regan

That’s as we list to grace him

Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded

Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,

Bore the commission of my place and person,

The which immediacy may well stand up

And call itself your brother

Goneril

Not so hot!

In his own grace he doth exalt himself

More than in your addition

Regan

In my rights

By me invested, he compeers the best

Goneril

That were the most if he should husband you

Regan

Jesters do oft prove prophets

Goneril

Holla, holla!

That eye that told you so look’d but asquint

Regan

Lady, I am not well; else I should answer

From a full-flowing stomach. General,

Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;

Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine

Witness the world that I create thee here

My lord and master

Goneril

Mean you to enjoy him?

Albany

The let-alone lies not in your good will

Edmund

Nor in thine, lord

Albany

Half-blooded fellow, yes

Regan

[to Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine

Albany

Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee

On capital treason; and, in thine attaint,

This gilded serpent [points to Goneril]

For your claim, fair sister,

I bar it in the interest of my wife

‘Tis she is subcontracted to this lord,

And I, her husband, contradict your banes

If you will marry, make your loves to me;

My lady is bespoke

Goneril

An interlude!

Albany

Thou art arm’d, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound

If none appear to prove upon thy person

Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,

There’s my pledge [throws down a glove]

I’ll prove it on thy heart,

Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less

Than I have here proclaim’d thee

Regan

Sick, O, sick!

Goneril

[aside] If not, I’ll ne’er trust medicine

Edmund

There’s my exchange [throws down a glove]

What in the world he is

That names me traitor, villain-like he lies

Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,

On him, on you, who not? I will maintain

My truth and honour firmly

Albany

A herald, ho!

Edmund

A herald, ho, a herald!

Albany

Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,

All levied in my name, have in my name

Took their discharge

Regan

My sickness grows upon me

Albany

She is not well. Convey her to my tent

[Exit Regan, led]

[Enter a Herald]

Come hither, herald. Let the trumpet sound,

And read out this

Captain

Sound, trumpet! [A trumpet sounds]

Herald

[reads] ‘If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet. He is bold in his defence.’ 

Edmund

Sound! [First trumpet]

Herald

Again! [Second trumpet]

Herald

Again! [Third trumpet]

[Trumpet answers within]

[Enter Edgar, armed, at the third sound, a Trumpet before him]

Albany

Ask him his purposes, why he appears

Upon this call o’ th’ trumpet

Herald

What are you?

Your name, your quality? and why you answer

This present summons?

Edgar

Know my name is lost;

By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit

Yet am I noble as the adversary

I come to cope

Albany

Which is that adversary?

Edgar

What’s he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?

Edmund

Himself. What say’st thou to him?

Edgar

Draw thy sword,

That, if my speech offend a noble heart,

Thy arm may do thee justice. Here is mine

Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,

My oath, and my profession. I protest-

Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,

Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,

Thy valour and thy heart-thou art a traitor;

False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father;

Conspirant ‘gainst this high illustrious prince;

And from th’ extremest upward of thy head

To the descent and dust beneath thy foot,

A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou ‘no,’ 

This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent

To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,

Thou liest

Edmund

In wisdom I should ask thy name;

But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,

And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,

What safe and nicely I might well delay

By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn

Back do I toss those treasons to thy head;

With the hell-hated lie o’erwhelm thy heart;

Which-for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise-

This sword of mine shall give them instant way

Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!

[Alarums Fight Edmund falls]

Albany

Save him, save him!

Goneril

This is mere practice, Gloucester

By th’ law of arms thou wast not bound to answer

An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquish’d,

But cozen’d and beguil’d

Albany

Shut your mouth, dame,

Or with this paper shall I stop it. [Shows her her letter to Edmund]-[To Edmund] Hold, sir

[ToGoneril] Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil

No tearing, lady! I perceive you know it

Goneril

Say if I do-the laws are mine, not thine

Who can arraign me fort?

Albany

Most monstrous!

Know’st thou this paper?

Goneril

Ask me not what I know. [Exit]

Albany

Go after her. She’s desperate; govern her

[Exit an Officer]

Edmund

What, you have charg’d me with, that have I done,

And more, much more. The time will bring it out

‘Tis past, and so am I.-But what art thou

That hast this fortune on me? If thou’rt noble,

I do forgive thee

Edgar

Let’s exchange charity

I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;

If more, the more th’ hast wrong’d me

My name is Edgar and thy father’s son

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices

Make instruments to scourge us

The dark and vicious place where thee he got

Cost him his eyes

Edmund

Th’ hast spoken right; ‘tis true

The wheel is come full circle; I am here

Albany

Methought thy very gait did prophesy

A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee

Let sorrow split my heart if ever I

Did hate thee, or thy father!

Edgar

Worthy prince, I know’t

Albany

Where have you hid yourself?

How have you known the miseries of your father?

Edgar

By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale;

And when ‘tis told, O that my heart would burst!

The bloody proclamation to escape

That follow’d me so near (O, our lives’ sweetness!

That with the pain of death would hourly die

Rather than die at once!) taught me to shift

Into a madman’s rags, t’ assume a semblance

That very dogs disdain’d; and in this habit

Met I my father with his bleeding rings,

Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,

Led him, begg’d for him, sav’d him from despair;

Never (O fault!) reveal’d myself unto him

Until some half hour past, when I was arm’d,

Not sure, though hoping of this good success,

I ask’d his blessing, and from first to last

Told him my pilgrimage. But his flaw’d heart

(Alack, too weak the conflict to support!)

‘Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,

Burst smilingly

Edmund

This speech of yours hath mov’d me,

And shall perchance do good; but speak you on;

You look as you had something more to say

Albany

If there be more, more woful, hold it in;

For I am almost ready to dissolve,

Hearing of this

Edgar

This would have seem’d a period

‘To such as love not sorrow; but another,

To amplify too much, would make much more,

And top extremity

Whilst I was big in clamour, came there a man,

Who, having seen me in my worst estate,

Shunn’d my abhorr’d society; but then, finding

Who ‘twas that so endur’d, with his strong arms

He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out

As he’d burst heaven; threw him on my father;

Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him

That ever ear receiv’d; which in recounting

His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life

Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,

And there I left him tranc’d

Albany

But who was this?

Edgar

Kent, sir, the banish’d Kent; who in disguise

Followed his enemy king and did him service

Improper for a slave

[Enter a Gentleman with a bloody knife]

Gentleman

Help, help! O, help!

Edgar

What kind of help?

Albany

Speak, man

Edgar

What means that bloody knife?

Gentleman

‘Tis hot, it smokes

It came even from the heart of-O! she’s dead!

Albany

Who dead? Speak, man

Gentleman

Your lady, sir, your lady! and her sister

By her is poisoned; she hath confess’d it

Edmund

I was contracted to them both. All three

Now marry in an instant

[Enter Kent]

Edgar

Here comes Kent

Albany

Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead

[Exit Gentleman]

This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble

Touches us not with pity. O, is this he?

The time will not allow the compliment

That very manners urges

Kent

I am come

‘To bid my king and master aye good night

Is he not here?

Albany

Great thing of us forgot!

Speak, Edmund, where’s the King? and where’s Cordelia?

[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in]

Seest thou this object, Kent?

Kent

Alack, why thus?

Edmund

Yet Edmund was belov’d

The one the other poisoned for my sake,

And after slew herself

Albany

Even so. Cover their faces

Edmund

I pant for life. Some good I mean to do,

Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send

(Be brief in’t) to the castle; for my writ

Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia

Nay, send in time

Albany

Run, run, O, run!

Edgar

To who, my lord? Who has the office? Send

Thy token of reprieve

Edmund

Well thought on. Take my sword;

Give it the Captain

Albany

Haste thee for thy life. [Exit Edgar]

Edmund

He hath commission from thy wife and me

To hang Cordelia in the prison and

To lay the blame upon her own despair

That she fordid herself

Albany

The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile

[Edmund is borne off]

[Enter Lear, with Cordelia dead in his arms, Edgar, Captain, and others following]

Lear

Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stone

Had I your tongues and eyes, I’ld use them so

That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone for ever!

I know when one is dead, and when one lives

She’s dead as earth. Lend me a looking glass

If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,

Why, then she lives

Kent

Is this the promis’d end?

Edgar

Or image of that horror?

Albany

Fall and cease!

Lear

This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so,

It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows

That ever I have felt

Kent

O my good master!

Lear

Prithee away!

Edgar

‘Tis noble Kent, your friend

Lear

A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!

I might have sav’d her; now she’s gone for ever!

Cordelia, Cordelia I stay a little. Ha!

What is’t thou say’st, Her voice was ever soft,

Gentle, and low-an excellent thing in woman

I kill’d the slave that was a-hanging thee

Captain

‘Tis true, my lords, he did

Lear

Did I not, fellow?

I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion

I would have made them skip. I am old now,

And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?

Mine eyes are not o’ th’ best. I’ll tell you straight

Kent

If fortune brag of two she lov’d and hated,

One of them we behold

Lear

This’ a dull sight. Are you not Kent?

Kent

The same-

Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?

Lear

He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that

He’ll strike, and quickly too. He’s dead and rotten

Kent

No, my good lord; I am the very man-

Lear

I’ll see that straight

Kent

That from your first of difference and decay

Have followed your sad steps

Lear

You’re welcome hither

Kent

Nor no man else! All’s cheerless, dark, and deadly

Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,

And desperately are dead

Lear

Ay, so I think

Albany

He knows not what he says; and vain is it

That we present us to him

Edgar

Very bootless

[Enter a Captain]

Captain

Edmund is dead, my lord

Albany

That’s but a trifle here

You lords and noble friends, know our intent

What comfort to this great decay may come

Shall be applied. For us, we will resign,

During the life of this old Majesty,

To him our absolute power; [to Edgar and Kent] you to your rights;

With boot, and Such addition as your honours

Have more than merited.-All friends shall taste

The wages of their virtue, and all foes

The cup of their deservings.-O, see, see!

Lear

And my poor fool is hang’d! No, no, no life!

Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,

And thou no breath at all? Thou’lt come no more,

Never, never, never, never, never!

Pray you undo this button. Thank you, sir

Do you see this? Look on her! look! her lips!

Look there, look there! He dies

Edgar

He faints! My lord, my lord!

Kent

Break, heart; I prithee break!

Edgar

Look up, my lord

Kent

Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass! He hates him

That would upon the rack of this tough world

Stretch him out longer

Edgar

He is gone indeed

Kent

The wonder is, he hath endur’d so long

He but usurp’d his life

Albany

Bear them from hence. Our present business

Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar]

Friends of my soul, you twain

Rule in this realm, and the gor’d state sustain

Kent

I have a journey, sir, shortly to go

My master calls me; I must not say no

Albany

The weight of this sad time we must obey,

Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say

The oldest have borne most; we that are young

Shall never see so much, nor live so long

[Exeunt with a dead march]

-THE END-