Attendants. note
note
Lear.
Attend the lords note of France and Burgundy, Gloucester note.
Glou.
I shall, my liege note.
[Exeunt note Gloucester and Edmund.
Lear.
Meantime we shall note express our darker note purpose note.
Give me the map there. note Know note we have divided
In note three our note kingdom: and 'tis our fast note intent
To shake all cares and business from our age note,
Conferring note them on younger strengths, note while we
Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,
And you, our no less loving son note of Albany,
We have this hour a constant will to publish
Our daughters' note several dowers, that future strife
May be prevented now note. note The princes note, France and Burgundy,
Great rivals in our youngest note daughter's love,
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,
-- 252 --
And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my note daughters,
Since now we will divest us both of rule,
Interest of territory, cares note of state, note
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend
Where nature doth with merit challenge. note Goneril,
Our eldest-born, speak first.
Gon.
Sir, note I love note note you more note than words note can wield note the matter, note
Dearer than eye-sight, space and note liberty,
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour,
As much as note child e'er note loved or father found note;
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of note so much I love you.
Cor. [Aside note]
What shall Cordelia do? note Love, and be silent.
Lear.
Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,
With shadowy note forests and with champains note rich'd,
With plenteous rivers note and wide-skirted meads,
We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's note issue note
-- 253 --
Be this perpetual. What says note our second daughter,
Our dearest Regan, wife to note Cornwall? Speak. note
Reg.
I am note made of that self metal note as my sister note,
And prize me note at her worth. In my true heart note
I find she names my very deed of love;
Only she comes too short note: note that note I profess
Myself an enemy to all other joys note
Which the most precious square note of sense note possesses note,
And find I am alone note felicitate
In your dear highness' love. note
Cor.
[Aside note]
Then poor Cordelia note!
And yet not so, since I am sure my love's note
More ponderous note than my tongue note. note note
Lear.
To thee and thine hereditary ever
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,
No less in space, validity and pleasure,
-- 254 --
Than that conferr'd note on Goneril. Now note, our joy,
Although the last, not note least, to whose young love note
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy
Strive to be interess'd note, what can you say note to draw note
A third more opulent note than your sisters? Speak. note
Cor.
Nothing, my lord.
Lear.
Nothing!
Cor.
Nothing. note
Lear.
Nothing will come note of nothing: speak again.
Cor.
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave note
My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty
According to my bond; nor more note nor less. note
Lear.
How, how, Cordelia! note mend note your speech a little,
Lest it note may mar your fortunes.
Cor.
Good my lord,
You have begot note me, bred me, loved me: I
Return those duties back as are note right fit, note
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say
They love you all? note Haply note, when I shall wed,
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:
-- 255 --
Sure, I shall never note marry note like my sisters,
To love my father all. note note
Lear.
But goes thy heart with this? note
Cor.
Ay, good my note lord.
Lear.
So young, and so untender?
Cor.
So young, my lord, and true.
Lear.
Let note it be so; thy truth note then be thy dower:
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries note of Hecate note, and the night note;
By all the operation note 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 note for ever. note The barbarous note Scythian,
Or he that makes his generation messes
To gorge his appetite, note shall to my bosom
Be note as well neighbour'd, pitied and relieved,
As thou my sometime daughter.
Kent.
Good my liege,— note
Lear.
Peace, Kent!
Come not between note the dragon and his wrath. note
I loved her most, and thought to set my rest
-- 256 --
note
On her kind nursery. Hence, and note avoid my sight!
So be my grave my peace, as here I give
Her father's heart from her! Call France. Who stirs?
note
Call Burgundy. note Cornwall and Albany,
With my two daughters' dowers note digest this note third:
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly with note my power,
Pre-eminence note and all the large effects
That troop with majesty. Ourself note, by monthly course,
With reservation of an hundred knights
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns note. Only we still note retain
The name and all note the additions note to a king; note
The sway, revenue, execution of the rest note, note
Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,
note note
This coronet part betwixt note you.
Kent.
Royal Lear,
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king note,
Loved as my father, as my master follow'd note,
-- 257 --
As my great note patron thought on in my prayers,— note
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 note. What wouldst note thou do, old man?
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak,
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's note bound, note
When majesty stoops to folly note. note Reverse thy doom note,
And in thy best consideration note check
This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgement note,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound
Reverbs note no hollowness note.
Lear.
Kent, note on thy life note, no more.
Kent.
My life I never held but as a note pawn
To wage against thy note enemies note, nor note fear to lose it,
Thy safety being the motive note.
Lear.
Out of my sight!
Kent.
See better, Lear, and let me still remain
The true blank of thine eye.
-- 258 --
Lear.
Now, by Apollo,— note
Kent.
Now, by Apollo, king,
Thou swear'st note thy gods in vain. note
Lear.
O, vassal! miscreant! note
[Laying note his hand on his sword.
Alb. Corn.
Dear sir, forbear. note
Kent.
Do note;
Kill thy physician, and the fee note bestow
Upon the note foul disease. Revoke thy doom note;
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,
I'll tell thee thou dost evil. note
Lear.
Hear me, recreant note!
On thy note allegiance, hear me! note note
Since note thou hast sought to make us break our vow note,
Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd note pride
To come between note our sentence note and our power,
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,
Our potency made note note good, take thy reward.
Five note days we do allot thee, for provision
-- 259 --
To shield thee from diseases note of the world,
And on the sixth note to turn thy hated back
Upon our kingdom: if on note the tenth note day following
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,
The moment is thy death. Away! note By note Jupiter,
This shall not be revoked.
Kent.
Fare note thee well, king: sith thus note thou wilt appear,
Freedom note lives hence, and banishment is here.
[To Cordelia note]
The gods to their dear shelter note take thee, maid note,
That justly note think'st note and hast note most rightly note said!
[To Regan note and Goneril]
And your large speeches note 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 note in a country new.
[Exit.
-- 260 --
Flourish. note Re-enter note Gloucester, with France, Burgundy, and Attendants.
note
Glou. note
Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.
Lear.
My note lord note of Burgundy,
We first address towards note you, who with this note king
Hath note rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least note,
Will you require in present dower with her,
Or cease your quest of love? note
Bur.
Most note royal majesty,
I crave no more than what note your highness offer'd note,
Nor will you tender less. note note
Lear.
Right noble Burgundy,
When she was dear to us, we did hold note her so;
But now her price note is fall'n note. Sir, there she stands:
If aught within that little seeming note substance,
Or all of it, with our note displeasure pieced note, note
And nothing more note, may fitly like your grace,
She's there, and she is yours.
Bur.
I know no answer.
-- 261 --
Lear.
Will note you, with those infirmities she owes,
Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,
Dower'd note with our curse and stranger'd with our oath,
Take her, or leave her? note
Bur.
Pardon me note, royal sir;
Election makes not up on note note such conditions. note
Lear.
Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,
I tell you all her wealth. [To France note] For you, great king,
I would not from your love make such a stray,
To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you
To avert your liking a more worthier note way
Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed
Almost to acknowledge hers.
France.
This is most strange,
That she, that note even but now was your best note object,
The argument of your praise note, balm of your age,
Most best, most note dearest note, should in this trice of time
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle
So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence note
Must be of such unnatural degree note
That monsters it note, or note your note fore-vouch'd note affection note
-- 262 --
Fall'n note note into taint: which to believe of her,
Must be a faith that reason without miracle
Could note note never plant note in me.
Cor.
I yet beseech your majesty,— note
If for note note I want that glib and oily art,
To speak and purpose not, since what I well note intend,
I'll do't before I speak,—that you make known note
It is no vicious blot, murder, or note foulness,
No unchaste note action, or dishonour'd note step note,
That hath deprived me of your grace and note favour;
But even for want note of that for which I am note richer note,
A still-soliciting note eye, and such a tongue
As note I am glad I have not note, though not to have it
Hath lost me in your liking.
Lear.
Better note thou
Hadst not been born than not to have note pleased me better. note
-- 263 --
France.
Is it but this note, a tardiness in nature
Which note often leaves the history unspoke
That it intends to do note? My lord of Burgundy,
What say you to the lady? Love's note not love
When it is mingled with regards that stand note note
Aloof from the note entire point. Will note you have her?
She is herself a dowry note.
Bur.
Royal Lear note,
Give but that portion which yourself proposed,
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,
Duchess of Burgundy. note
Lear.
Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm. note
Bur.
I am note sorry then you have so lost a father
That you must lose a husband.
Cor.
Peace be with Burgundy note!
Since that respects of fortune note are his love,
I shall not be his wife. note
France.
Fairest Cordelia, that note art most rich being poor,
Most choice forsaken, and most loved despised,
Thee and thy virtues here I seize note upon:
Be it note lawful I take up what's cast away.
-- 264 --
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st note neglect
My love should kindle to inflamed respect.
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance note,
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:
Not all the dukes of note waterish Burgundy
Can note buy this unprized precious maid of me.
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind note:
Thou note 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 note
note
That face of hers again. Therefore be gone
Without our grace, our love note, our benison.
Come, noble Burgundy. note
[Flourish. note Exeunt note all but France, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.
note
France.
Bid farewell to your sisters. note
Cor.
The jewels note of our father, with wash'd eyes
Cordelia leaves you: I know you what note you are;
And, like a sister, am most loath to call
Your faults as they are named. Use note well our father: note
To your professed note bosoms I commit him:
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,
I would prefer note him to a better place.
So farewell to you both.
-- 265 --
Reg.
Prescribe not us our duties note.
Gon. note
Let your study
Be to content your lord, who hath received you
At note fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted, note
And well are worth the want that you have wanted note.
Cor.
Time shall unfold what plaited note cunning hides:
Who cover note faults, at note last shame them derides note.
Well may you prosper!
France.
Come, my note fair Cordelia.
[Exeunt note France and Cordelia.
note
Gon.
Sister, it is not a little I have note to say of what most note
nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence note
to-night. note
Reg.
That's most note certain, and with you; next month
with us.
Gon.
You see how full of changes his age is; the note observation
we have made of it hath not been note little: he always
-- 266 --
loved our sister most; and with what poor judgement he hath
now cast her off appears too note grossly note.
Reg.
'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but
slenderly known himself.
Gon.
The best and soundest of his time hath been but
rash; then must we look to receive note from his age, not alone
the imperfections note of long ingrafted note condition, but therewithal
the note unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric
years bring with them.
Reg.
Such unconstant starts note are we like to have from
him as this of Kent's banishment.
Gon.
There is note further compliment note of leave-taking between
France note and him. Pray you note, let's hit note together: if our
father carry authority with note such dispositions note as he bears,
this last surrender of his will but offend us.
Reg.
We shall further think on 't note.
Gon.
We must do something, and i' the heat.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
The Earl of Gloucester's castle. note
Enter Edmund, with a letter. note
Edm.
Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law
-- 267 --
My services are bound. Wherefore should I
Stand in note the plague note of custom, and permit
The curiosity note of nations to deprive me,
For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines
Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base? note
When my dimensions note 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? note
Who in the lusty stealth of nature take
More composition and fierce quality
Than doth, within a dull, stale note, tired note bed,
Go to the creating note a whole tribe of fops,
Got 'tween asleep note note and wake? Well then, note
Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:
Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund
As to the legitimate: fine word, ‘legitimate!’ note
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed
And my invention thrive, Edmund the base note
Shall top the note legitimate. note I grow; I prosper:
Now, gods, stand up for bastards!
-- 268 --
noteEnter Gloucester.
Glou.
Kent banish'd thus! and France in choler parted!
And the king gone to-night! subscribed note his power!
Confined to exhibition! All this done note
Upon the gad! note Edmund, how now! what news? note
Edm.
So please your lordship, none.
[Putting note up the letter.
Glou.
Why note so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?
Edm.
I know no news, my lord.
Glou.
What paper were you reading?
Edm.
Nothing, my lord.
Glou.
No? What needed note then that terrible note dispatch of
it into your pocket? the quality of nothing hath not such
need to hide note itself. Let's see: come, if it be nothing, I shall
not need spectacles.
Edm. note
I beseech you, sir, pardon me: it is a letter from
my brother, that I have not all o'er-read; and note for so much
as I have perused, I find it not fit for your o'er-looking note.
Glou.
Give me the letter, sir.
Edm.
I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The
contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame note. note
Glou.
Let's see, let's see.
Edm.
I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote
this but as an essay or taste note of my virtue.
-- 269 --
Glou. [Reads note]
‘This policy and reverence note of age note makes
the world bitter to the best note 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 note sways, not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come
to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would
sleep till I waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for
ever, and live the beloved of your brother,
Edgar.’
Hum! Conspiracy!—‘Sleep note till I waked note him, you should
enjoy half his revenue!’—My son Edgar! Had he a hand
to write this? a heart and brain note to breed it in? When
came this to you note? who brought it?
Edm.
It was not brought me, my lord; there's the cunning
of it; I found it thrown in at the casement of my closet.
Glou.
You know the character to be your brother's?
Edm.
If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear
it were his; but, in respect of note that, I would fain think it
were not. note
Glou.
It is his. note
Edm.
It is his hand, my lord; but note I hope his heart is
not in the contents.
Glou.
Hath note he never heretofore note sounded you in this
business?
Edm.
Never, my lord: but I have heard him oft note maintain
it to be fit, that, sons at note perfect note age, and fathers declining note,
-- 270 --
the father note should be as ward note to the son, and the
son manage his note revenue.
Glou.
O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter!
Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain!
worse than brutish! Go, sirrah note, seek him; ay, note apprehend
him: abominable villain! Where is he?
Edm.
I do not well know, my lord note. If it shall please
you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you
can derive from him better testimony of his note intent, you
should note run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed
against him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great
gap in your own note honour and shake in pieces the heart of
his obedience. I dare pawn down my life for him that note he
hath wrote note this to feel my affection to your honour and to
no further note pretence of danger.
Glou.
Think you so?
Edm.
If your honour judge it meet, I will place you
where you shall hear us confer of this and by an auricular note
assurance have your satisfaction, and that without any further
delay than this very evening.
Glou.
He cannot be such a monster— note
Edm.
Nor is not, sure.
Glou.
To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves
him. Heaven and earth! note Edmund, seek him out; wind me note
into him, I pray you: frame note the note business after your own
wisdom. I would unstate myself, to be in a due resolution.
-- 271 --
Edm.
I will note seek him, sir, presently, convey the business
as I shall find note means, and acquaint you withal.
Glou.
These late eclipses note in the sun and moon note portend
no good to us: though the wisdom of nature note note can reason it note
thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent note
effects: love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide:
in cities, mutinies; in countries, discord note; in palaces note,
treason note; and the bond note cracked 'twixt note 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. note Find out this
villain note, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully.
And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished! his offence,
honesty note! 'Tis strange. note
[Exit. note
note
Edm.
This is the excellent foppery of the world, that
when we are sick in fortune—often the surfeit note of our own
behaviour—we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the
moon and the stars note: as if we were villains by note necessity,
fools by heavenly compulsion, knaves, thieves and treachers note,
by spherical note predominance, drunkards, liars and adulterers,
-- 272 --
by an enforced obedience of planetary influence;
and all that we are evil in, by a divine thrusting on: an admirable
evasion of whoremaster man, to lay his goatish
disposition note to the charge note of a star note! 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 note. Tut note, I should have been that note I am, had the
maidenliest note star in note the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing note.
Edgar—
noteEnter Edgar.
And pat note he comes like the catastrophe of the old comedy:
my cue note is villanous melancholy, with a sigh note like Tom o' note
Bedlam. O, these eclipses do portend note these divisions! note fa,
notesol, la, mi. note
Edg.
How now, brother Edmund! what serious contemplation
are you in?
Edm.
I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read
this other day, what should follow these eclipses note.
Edg.
Do you busy yourself about note that?
Edm.
I promise you note, the effects he writ note of succeed
-- 273 --
unhappily; as of unnaturalness between the child and the
parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities note; divisions
in state, menaces and maledictions against king and
nobles; needless diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation
of cohorts note, nuptial breaches, and I know not what.
Edg.
How long have you been a sectary astronomical?
Edm.
Come, come; note when saw you my father last?
Edg.
Why, the note night gone by.
Edm.
Spake you with him?
Edg.
Ay, note two hours together.
Edm.
Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure
in him by word or note countenance?
Edg.
None at all.
Edm.
Bethink yourself wherein you may note have offended
him: and at my entreaty forbear his presence till note some
little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, which
at this instant so rageth in him that with note the mischief of
your person note it would scarcely note allay.
Edg.
Some villain hath done me wrong.
Edm.
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 note, go; there's my
key: if you do stir abroad, go armed.
Edg.
Armed, brother!
Edm.
Brother, note I advise you to the best: go armed note: I
am no honest man if there be any good meaning towards note
-- 274 --
you: I have told you what I have seen and heard; but
faintly, note nothing like the image and horror of it: pray you,
away.
Edg.
Shall I hear from you anon?
note
Edm.
I do note serve you in this business.
[Exit Edgar. note
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 note meet that I can fashion fit.
[Exit.
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
The note Duke of Albany's palace.
Enter Goneril and Oswald, her steward. note
Gon.
Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding
of his fool?
Osw. note
Yes note, madam.
Gon.
By day and night note he wrongs me; every hour
He flashes into one gross crime or other, note
That sets us all at odds: I'll not endure it:
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids note us
On every trifle. When note he returns from hunting,
I will not speak with him; say I am sick:
If you come slack of former services,
-- 275 --
You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.
Osw.
He's coming, madam; I hear him.
[Horns within. note
Gon.
Put on what weary note negligence you please,
You and your fellows note; I'ld have it come to note question:
If he distaste note it, let him to our note sister,
Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one, note
Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man,
That still would manage those authorities
That he hath given away! Now, by my life,
Old fools note are babes again, and must be used
With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abused note. note note
Remember what I tell you note.
Osw.
Very well note, madam.
Gon.
And let his knights have colder looks among you;
What grows of it, no matter; advise note your fellows so: note
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,
That I may speak: note I'll write straight to my sister,
To hold my very note course. Prepare note for dinner note. note
[Exeunt. note
-- 276 --
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
A hall in the same. note
Enter Kent, disguised. note
Kent.
If but as well note I other accents borrow,
That can my speech defuse note, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I razed note my likeness. Now note, banish'd Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,
So may it come, note thy master whom thou lovest
Shall find thee full note of labours note. note
Horns within. note Enter Lear, Knights, and Attendants. note
Lear.
Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.
[Exit an Attendant. note]
noteHow 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 note little; to fear
judgement; to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.
-- 277 --
Lear.
What art note thou?
Kent.
A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as
the king.
Lear.
If thou be note as poor for a subject as he is note for a
king, thou art note poor enough. What wouldst thou?
Kent.
Service.
Lear.
Who note 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 note that?
Kent.
Authority.
Lear.
What services note canst thou note do?
Kent.
I can keep honest counsel note, 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 note, to love a woman for singing note,
nor so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years on my
back forty eight.
Lear.
Follow me; thou note shalt serve me: if I like thee no
worse after dinner, I note will not part from thee yet. Dinner,
ho, dinner note! note Where's my knave? my fool? Go you, and
notecall my fool hither note.
[Exit note an Attendant.
-- 278 --
Enter Oswald. note
You, you, note sirrah, where's my daughter?
Osw. note
So please you,— note
[Exit. note
Lear.
What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll note
back. [Exit a Knight. note] Where's my fool, ho? note I think
the world's note asleep.
Re-enter Knight. note
How now! where's that mongrel?
Knight. note
He says, my lord, your daughter note is not well.
Lear.
Why came not the slave back to me when I
called him?
Knight. note
Sir, he answered me note in the roundest manner,
he would not.
Lear.
He note would not!
Knight. note
My lord, I know not what the matter is; but,
to my judgement, your highness is not entertained with that
ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a great
abatement of kindness note appears as well in the general dependants note
as in the duke himself also and your daughter.
Lear.
Ha! sayest thou so?
Knight. note
I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, if I be
-- 279 --
mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think
your highness wronged note.
Lear.
Thou but rememberest me of mine note own conception:
I have perceived a most faint note neglect of late; which I
have rather blamed as mine own note jealous curiosity than as
a very pretence and purpose note of unkindness: I will look
further into't note. But where's note my note fool? I have not seen him
this note two days.
Knight. note
Since my young lady's going into France, sir,
the fool hath much pined away.
note
Lear.
No more of that; I have noted it well note. Go you,
and tell my daughter I would speak with her. [Exit an Attendant. note]
noteGo you, call hither my fool.
[Exit note an Attendant.
Re-enter Oswald. note
O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir note: who am I, sir?
Osw.
My lady's father.
Lear.
My lady's father! my lord's knave: you whoreson
dog! you slave! you cur!
Osw.
I am none of these note, my lord; I beseech your
pardon note. note
Lear.
Do you bandy looks note with me, you rascal?
[Striking him. note
-- 280 --
note
Osw.
I'll not be struck note, my lord.
Kent.
Nor tripped neither, you base foot-ball player. note
[Tripping up his heels. note
Lear.
I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I'll
love thee. note
Kent.
Come, sir, arise, away note! I'll teach you differences:
away, away! If you will measure your lubber's length note again,
tarry note: but away! go to note; have you wisdom? so. note
[Pushes note Oswald out.
Lear.
Now, my note friendly knave, I thank thee: there's note
earnest of thy service.
[Giving note Kent money.
noteEnter Fool.
Fool.
Let me hire him too: here's my coxcomb.
[Offering note Kent his cap.
Lear.
How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?
Fool.
Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Kent.
Why, fool? note
Fool.
Why, for note taking one's note part that's note out of favour:
nay, an note thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt note catch
-- 281 --
cold shortly: there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath note
banished two on's note daughters, and done note the third a blessing
against his will; if thou follow him, thou must needs wear
my coxcomb. How now, nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs
and two note daughters!
Lear.
Why, my boy?
Fool.
If I gave note them all my note living, I'ld note keep my coxcombs note
myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.
Lear.
Take heed, sirrah; the whip.
Fool.
Truth's a note dog must to note kennel; he must be whipped
out, when Lady the brach note may stand by the fire and
stink.
Lear.
A pestilent gall note to me!
note
Fool.
Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.
Lear. note
Do.
Fool.
Mark it, nuncle note:
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 note,
-- 282 --
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score. note
Kent. note
This is nothing, fool.
Fool.
Then 'tis note like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer,
you gave note me nothing for't. Can you make no use of
nothing, nuncle note?
Lear.
Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of
nothing.
Fool. [To Kent note]
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 note, between
a bitter fool and a sweet fool note?
Lear.
No, lad; teach me. note
note
Fool.
That lord that counsell'd thee
To give away thy land,
Come place him here by me;
Do note thou note for him stand:
The sweet and bitter fool
Will presently appear;
The one in motley here,
The other found out there. note
Lear.
Dost thou call me fool, boy note?
Fool.
All thy other titles thou hast given away; that
thou was 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 note, they would have part on't: and
-- 283 --
ladies too, note they will note not let me have all the fool note to myself;
they'll be snatching. note Give me an egg, nuncle note, and I'll give
thee two crowns.
Lear.
What two crowns shall they be?
Fool.
Why, after I have cut the egg in the note middle and
eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou
clovest thy crown note i' the note middle and gavest away both parts,
thou borest note thine ass on thy note back o'er note the dirt: thou hadst
little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden
one note away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped
that first finds it so note.
[Singing note]
Fools had ne'er note less wit note in a year;
For wise men are grown foppish,
And note know not how note their wits to note wear,
Their manners are so apish.
Lear.
When note were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
Fool.
I have used it, nuncle, ever note since thou madest thy
daughters thy mother note: for when thou gavest them the rod
and puttest down thine own breeches,
[Singing note]
Then they note for sudden joy did weep,
And I for sorrow sung,
-- 284 --
That such a king should play bo-peep,
And go the fools note among. note
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy
fool to lie: I would fain learn to lie note.
Lear.
An note you lie, sirrah note, we'll have you whipped.
Fool.
I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are:
they'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt note have me
whipped for lying, and sometimes note I am whipped for holding
my peace. I had rather be any kind o' note thing than a fool:
and yet I would not be thee, nuncle; thou hast pared thy
wit o' both note sides and left nothing i' the note middle. Here note comes
one o' note the note parings.
noteEnter Goneril.
Lear.
How now, daughter note! what makes that frontlet on? note
Methinks note you are too much of late note i' the frown. note
Fool.
Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no
need to care for her frowning note; now thou note art an O without
a figure: I am better than thou art now; I am a fool, thou
art nothing. [To Gon. note] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my
tongue; so your face bids me, though you say nothing.
note
Mum, mum: note
He that keeps nor crust note nor crumb,
Weary of all, shall want some.
-- 285 --
[Pointing to Lear note]
That's note a shealed note peascod note.
Gon.
Not only, sir, this note your all-licensed fool,
But other note of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not to be endured riots. Sir, note note
I had note 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 note
By your allowance; which note if you should, the fault
Would note not 'scape censure, nor the redresses note sleep,
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,
Might in their working do you that offence
Which note else were shame, that then necessity
Will note call discreet proceeding note. note
Fool.
For, you know note, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,
That it had it head note bit off by it note young. note
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling.
Lear.
Are you our daughter?
Gon.
Come, sir, note
-- 286 --
I would you would make use of that note good wisdom
Whereof note I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform note you
From what you rightly are. note
Fool.
May not an ass know when the cart draws the
horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
Lear.
Doth note any here know me? This note is not Lear: note
Doth note Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens note, his discernings note
Are lethargied— noteHa! waking note? note 'tis not so.
Who is it that note can tell me who I am? note
Fool.
Lear's shadow. note
Lear.
I would learn that note; for, by the marks of sovereignty note
knowledge and reason, I should be false note persuaded
I note had daughters.
Fool.
Which they will note make an obedient father. note
Lear. note
Your name, fair gentlewoman?
-- 287 --
Gon.
This admiration, sir, note is much o' the note savour note
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you
To note understand my purposes aright: note
As you are old and reverend, you should note note be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred note knights and squires;
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd note and bold,
That this our court, infected with their manners,
Shows like a riotous inn note: epicurism and lust
Make it more note like a tavern or a brothel note
Than a graced note palace. The note shame itself doth speak
For instant remedy: be then note desired
By her that else will take the thing she begs
A little note to disquantity your train,
And the remainder note that shall still depend,
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which note 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. note
-- 288 --
Gon.
You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble
Make servants of their betters. note
Enter Albany. note
note
Lear.
Woe, that too late repents,— note[To Alb. note] O, sir, are you come? note
Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my note horses.
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child
Than the note sea-monster!
Alb.
Pray, sir note, be patient.
note
Lear. note [To Gon.]
Detested kite! thou liest.
My train are note men of choice and rarest parts,
That all particulars of duty know,
And in the most exact regard support
The worships note of their name note. O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!
That note, 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! note
Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in
[Striking his head. note
-- 289 --
And thy dear note judgement out! Go, go, my people. note
Alb.
My lord, I am guiltless, as I am note ignorant
Of what hath moved you. note
Lear.
It may be so, my lord.
Hear note, nature, hear; dear note note goddess, hear! note
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend
To make this creature fruitful: note
Into her womb convey sterility:
Dry up in her the organs of increase,
And from her derogate note 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 note disnatured note torment to her.
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;
With cadent note tears fret channels in her cheeks;
Turn all her mother's pains note and benefits
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel note
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child! Away, away! note
[Exit. note
Alb.
Now, gods that we adore, whereof note comes this? note
-- 290 --
Gon.
Never afflict yourself to know the cause note,
But let his disposition have that scope
That note dotage note gives it.
Re-enter Lear. note
Lear.
What, fifty of my followers at a clap!
Within a fortnight!
Alb.
What's note the matter, sir?
Lear.
I'll tell thee. [To Gon. note] Life and death! I am ashamed note
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;
That these hot tears, which note break from me perforce,
Should make thee worth them. Blasts note and fogs upon thee! note
The untented note woundings of a father's curse
Pierce note every sense note about thee! Old note fond eyes,
Beweep this cause note again, I'll pluck ye note out
And cast you note with the waters that you lose note,
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this? note
Let it be so: note yet have I note left a daughter,
-- 291 --
Who note, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay note thy wolvish note 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. note
[Exeunt note Lear, Kent, and Attendants.
note
Gon.
Do you mark that, my lord note?
Alb.
I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you,— note
Gon.
Pray you, content note. What, Oswald, ho!
[To the Fool note]
You, sir, more note knave than fool, after your master. note
Fool.
Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry; take note the fool
with thee. note
A fox note, when one has caught her,
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy note a halter:
So the fool follows after.
[Exit. note
Gon.
This man hath had good counsel: a hundred knights! note
'Tis note politic and safe to let him keep
-- 292 --
At point note a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,
He may enguard his dotage with their powers
And hold our lives in mercy note. Oswald, I say!
Alb.
Well, you may fear too far note.
Gon.
Safer than trust too far:
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken note: I know his heart.
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister:
If she note sustain him and his hundred knights,
When I have show'd the unfitness note,— note
Re-enter Oswald. note
How now, Oswald!
What note, have you writ that note letter to my sister?
Osw.
Yes note, madam.
Gon.
Take you some company, and note away to horse:
Inform her full of my particular fear note,
And thereto add such reasons of your own
As may compact it more. Get note you gone;
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald. note] No, no, my lord note,
This milky note gentleness and note course of yours
-- 293 --
Though I condemn not note, yet, under pardon note,
You are note much more attask'd for note want of wisdom
Than note praised note for harmful note mildness.
Alb.
How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell:
Striving to better, oft note we mar what's well. note
Gon.
Nay, then— note
Alb.
Well, well; the event. note
[Exeunt. note
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Court note before the same.
Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool. note
Lear. note
Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. note
Acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you know
than comes from her demand out of the letter. If your diligence
be not speedy, I shall be there afore note you.
Kent.
I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered
your letter.
[Exit.
-- 294 --
Fool.
If a man's brains note were note in's note heels, were't note not in
danger of kibes?
Lear.
Ay, boy.
Fool.
Then, I prithee note, be merry; thy wit shall ne'er note go
slip-shod.
Lear.
Ha, ha, ha!
Fool.
Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly;
for though she's note as like this as a crab's note like an apple, yet I
can tell what note I can tell.
Lear.
Why, what canst thou note tell, boy?
Fool.
She will note taste as like this as a crab does note to a
crab. Thou canst note tell why one's nose stands note i' the note middle
on's note face?
Lear.
No.
Fool.
Why, to keep one's note eyes of note either side's note nose,
that what a man cannot smell out he note may spy into.
Lear.
I did her wrong— note
Fool.
Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell? note
Lear.
No.
Fool.
Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a
house.
Lear.
Why?
Fool.
Why, to put 's note head in; not to give it away to his note
daughters note, and leave his horns without a case.
-- 295 --
Lear.
I will forget my nature.—So kind a father!—Be
my horses ready?
Fool.
Thy asses are gone about 'em note. The reason why
the seven stars are no more note than seven is a pretty reason.
Lear.
Because they are not eight? note
Fool.
Yes, indeed note: thou wouldst make a good fool.
Lear.
To take 't note again perforce! Monster note ingratitude!
Fool.
If thou wert note 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 note thou hadst
been wise.
Lear.
O, let me not be mad, not mad note, sweet heaven! note
Keep me in temper: I would not be mad note!
Enter Gentleman. note
How now! note are the horses ready?
Gent. note
Ready, my lord.
note
Lear.
Come, boy.
Fool.
She that's a note maid now and laughs at my departure
Shall not be a maid long, unless note things be cut shorter.
[Exeunt. note
-- 296 --
ACT II.
note
Scene I. [Footnote:
The Earl of Gloucester's castle. note
Enter Edmund and Curan, meeting. note
Edm. note
Save thee, Curan.
Cur.
And you note, sir. I have been with your father, and
given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan note his
duchess will be here with him this night note. note
Edm. note
How comes that?
Cur.
Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news
abroad, I mean the whispered ones, for they note are yet but
ear-kissing note arguments?
Edm.
Not I: pray note you, what are they?
Cur.
Have you heard of no likely wars toward note, 'twixt
the note Dukes of Cornwall and Albany? note
Edm.
Not a word. note
Cur.
You may do note then in time. Fare you well, sir. note
[Exit. note
-- 297 --
note
Edm.
The duke be here to-night? The better! best! note
This weaves itself perforce into my business.
My father hath set guard to take my brother;
And I have one thing, of a queasy note question,
Which I must act: briefness and fortune, work note!
Brother, a word; descend: brother, I say!
Enter Edgar. note
My father watches: O sir note, fly this place;
Intelligence is given where you are hid;
You have note now the good advantage of the night:
Have you not spoken 'gainst note the Duke of Cornwall? note
He's coming hither note, now, i' the night note, i' the haste note,
And Regan with him: have you nothing said
Upon his party 'gainst note note the Duke of Albany?
Advise yourself. note
Edg.
I am note sure on't, not a word.
Edm.
I hear my father coming: pardon me:
In cunning note I must draw my sword upon you:
Draw: note seem to defend yourself: now quit you well. note
Yield: come before my father. Light, ho, note here!
-- 298 --
Fly, brother note. Torches, torches note! So farewell.
[Exit Edgar. note
Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion
[Wounds his arm. note
Of my more fierce endeavour: I have note seen drunkards
Do more than this in sport. Father, father note!
Stop, stop! No help?
Enter Gloucester, and Servants with torches. note
note
Glou.
Now, Edmund, where's note the villain?
Edm.
Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,
Mumbling note of wicked charms, conjuring the moon
To stand 's note auspicious mistress. note
Glou.
But where is he?
Edm.
Look, sir, I bleed.
Glou.
Where is the villain, Edmund note?
Edm.
Fled this way, sir. When note by no means he could— note
Glou.
Pursue him, ho note!—Go after. [Exeunt some Servants. note] ‘By note no means’ what?
Edm.
Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;
But that I told him the revenging note gods
'Gainst parricides did all their thunders note bend,
-- 299 --
Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond
The child was bound to the father; sir, in fine note,
Seeing how loathly opposite I stood
To his unnatural purpose, in note fell motion
With his prepared sword he charges home
My unprovided body, lanced note mine note arm:
But when note he saw my best alarum'd note spirits
Bold in the quarrel's right note, roused to the encounter,
Or whether gasted note by the noise I made,
Full note suddenly he fled.
Glou.
Let him fly far:
Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;
And found—dispatch. note The noble duke my master,
My worthy note arch and patron note, comes to-night:
By his authority I will proclaim it,
That he which note finds him shall deserve our thanks,
Bringing the murderous caitiff note to the stake;
He that conceals him, death. note
Edm.
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, could the reposure note
-- 300 --
Of any trust, virtue, or worth, in thee
Make note thy words faith'd? No: what I should note deny—
As this I would; ay, though note thou didst produce
My very character—I'ld note turn it all
To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice note note:
And thou must note make a dullard of the world,
If they not thought the profits of my death
Were very note pregnant and potential spurs note
To make thee seek it.’
Glou.
Strong and fasten'd note villain!
Would he deny his letter? I never got him. note
[Tucket within. note
Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why note 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 note of him; and of my land,
Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means
To make thee capable.
Enter note Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.
note
Corn.
How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,
Which I can call but now, I have heard strange news note.
Reg.
If it be true, all vengeance comes too short
-- 301 --
Which can pursue the offender. How dost note, my lord?
Glou.
O, madam, note my old heart is crack'd, is note crack'd!
Reg.
What, did my father's godson seek your life?
He whom my father named? your Edgar? note
Glou.
O note, lady, lady, shame would have it note hid!
Reg.
Was he not note companion with the riotous knights
That tend upon note my father?
Glou.
I know not, madam: 'tis note too bad, too bad.
Edm.
Yes, madam note, he was of that consort note. note
Reg.
No marvel then, though he were ill affected:
'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,
To have the waste and spoil of his note 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. note
Corn.
Nor I, assure note thee, Regan.
Edmund, I hear note that you have shown your father
A child-like office. note
Edm.
'Twas note my duty, sir.
Glou.
He did bewray note his practice, and received
-- 302 --
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.
Corn.
Is he pursued?
Glou.
Ay, my good lord note.
Corn.
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 note you, Edmund note,
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant note
So much commend note itself, you shall be ours:
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need:
You we note first seize on. note
Edm.
I shall serve you, sir note,
Truly, however else. note
Glou.
For him note I thank your grace.
Corn.
You know not why we came note to visit you,— note
Reg.
Thus out of season, threading note dark-eyed night:
Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise note,
Wherein we must have use of your advice: note
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,
Of differences note, which I least note thought it fit
To answer from our home note; the several messengers
From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,
-- 303 --
Lay comforts to your bosom and bestow
Your needful counsel to our business note,
note
Which craves note the instant use. note
Glou.
I serve you, madam:
Your graces are right welcome. note
[Flourish. Exeunt. note
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
Before note Gloucester's castle.
Enter note Kent and Oswald, severally.
Osw. note
Good dawning note to thee, friend: art of this note house?
Kent.
Ay.
Osw.
Where may we set our horses?
Kent.
I' the note mire.
Osw.
Prithee note, if thou lovest note me, tell me.
Kent.
I love thee not.
Osw.
Why then I care not for thee.
Kent.
If I had thee in Lipsbury note pinfold, I would note make
thee care for me.
Osw.
Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
Kent.
Fellow, I know thee.
Osw.
What dost thou know me for?
-- 304 --
Kent.
A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a
base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited note, hundred-pound note,
filthy, worsted-stocking note knave; a lily-livered, action-taking
knave; a note whoreson, glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical note
rogue; one-trunk-inheriting note slave; one that wouldst be a
bawd in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition
of a knave, beggar, coward, pandar, and the son
and heir of a mongrel bitch: one note whom I will beat into
clamorous note whining, if thou deniest note the least syllable of thy note
addition.
Osw.
Why note, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to
rail on one note that is note neither known of thee nor knows thee!
Kent.
What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny
thou knowest me! Is it two days ago note since I tripped up
thy heels and beat thee note before the king? Draw, you rogue:
for, though it be night, yet note the moon shines; I'll make a
sop note o' the note moonshine of you note: draw note, you whoreson cullionly note
barber-monger, draw.
[Drawing his sword. note
Osw.
Away! I have nothing to do with thee.
Kent.
Draw, you rascal: you come with note letters against
the king, and take vanity the puppet's part against the
-- 305 --
royalty note of her father: draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado
your shanks: note draw, you rascal; come your ways.
Osw.
Help, ho! murder! help!
Kent.
Strike, you slave; stand, rogue; stand, you note neat
slave, strike.
[Beating him. note
Osw.
Help, ho! murder! murder! note
Enter note Edmund, with his rapier drawn, Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, and Servants.
note
Edm. note
How now! What's the matter?
[Parting them. note
Kent.
With you, goodman boy, an note you please: come,
note
I'll flesh note you note; come on, young master.
note
Glou.
Weapons! arms! note What's the matter here?
Corn.
Keep peace, upon your lives;
He dies that strikes again. What is note the matter? note
Reg.
The messengers note from our sister and the king. note
Corn.
What is note your difference? speak. note
Osw.
I am scarce in breath, my lord.
Kent.
No marvel, you have so bestirred your valour.
-- 306 --
You cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in note thee: a tailor made
thee.
Corn.
Thou art a strange fellow: a tailor make a man? note note
Kent.
Ay, note a tailor, sir: note a stone-cutter or a painter
could not have made him so ill, though he note had been but
two hours note at the note trade.
Corn.
Speak yet note, how grew your quarrel?
Osw.
This ancient ruffian note, sir, whose life I have spared note
at suit of his gray beard,— note
Kent.
Thou whoreson zed! note thou unnecessary letter!
My lord, if you will note give me leave, I will tread this unbolted
villain into mortar, and daub the walls note of a jakes note
with him. Spare my gray beard note, you wagtail?
Corn.
Peace, sirrah note!
You beastly knave, know you no reverence? note note
Kent.
Yes, sir; but anger hath note a privilege.
Corn.
Why art thou angry?
Kent.
That such a slave as this should wear a sword,
Who note wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these note,
Like rats, oft bite the holy note cords a-twain note
-- 307 --
Which are too intrinse note to unloose; note smooth note every passion
That in the natures note of their lords rebel note;
Bring note oil to fire note, snow to their note colder moods;
Renege note, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks
With every gale note and vary note of their masters,
Knowing note nought note, like dogs note, but following.
A plague upon your epileptic visage!
Smile you note my speeches, as I were a fool? note
Goose, if note I had you upon Sarum plain,
I'ld drive ye note cackling home to Camelot note.
Corn.
What, art thou mad, old fellow?
Glou.
How fell you out? note say that. note note
Kent.
No contraries hold more antipathy
Than I and such a knave.
note
Corn.
Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault note?
Kent.
His countenance likes me not.
Corn.
No more perchance does note mine, nor his, nor note hers.
-- 308 --
Kent.
Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain:
I have seen better faces in my time
Than note stands note on any shoulders that I see
Before me at this instant.
Corn.
This is some note fellow,
Who, having been praised for bluntness, doth affect
A saucy roughness note, and constrains the garb
Quite from his nature: he cannot note flatter, he,—
An honest mind and plain note,—he must speak truth!
An note they will take it, so note; if not, he's plain.
These kind of knaves I know, which in this plainness note
Harbour more craft and more note corrupter ends
Than twenty silly note ducking note observants
That stretch their duties nicely. note
Kent.
Sir, in good faith, in note sincere verity,
Under the allowance of your great note aspect,
Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire
On note flickering note Phœbus' front,— note
Corn.
What mean'st by note this?
Kent.
To go out of my dialect note, which you discommend
so much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer: he note that beguiled note
you in a plain accent was a plain knave; which, for my
-- 309 --
part, I will not be, though I should win your displeasure to
entreat note me to't note.
Corn.
What was note the offence you gave him?
Osw.
I never gave him any note:
It pleased the king his master very late note
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction note; note
When he, conjunct note, and flattering his displeasure,
Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd,
And put upon him such a deal of man,
That note worthied him, got praises of the king
For him attempting who was self-subdued;
And in the fleshment note of this dread note exploit
Drew on me here again note.
Kent.
None of these rogues and cowards
But Ajax note is their note fool note note.
Corn.
Fetch forth the stocks! note
You stubborn ancient note note knave, you reverend note braggart,
We'll teach you— note
Kent.
Sir, note I am too old to learn:
-- 310 --
Call not your stocks for me: I serve the king,
On whose employment note I was sent to you note:
You shall note do small respect note, show too bold malice
Against the grace and person of my master,
Stocking note his messenger.
Corn.
Fetch forth the stocks! note As I have life and honour note,
There shall he sit till noon. note
Reg.
Till noon! note till night, my lord, and all night too.
Kent.
Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,
You should note not use me so. note
Reg.
Sir, being his knave, I will.
Corn.
This is a fellow of the self-same colour note
Our sister speaks of note. Come note, bring away the stocks!
[Stocks brought out. note
Glou.
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 purposed low correction
Is such as basest note and contemned'st note wretches
For pilferings and most common trespasses
Are punish'd with: the king must take it ill,
That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,
Should note have him thus restrain'd. note
Corn.
I'll answer that.
Reg.
My sister may receive it much more note worse,
-- 311 --
To have her gentleman note abused, assaulted,
For following her affairs. Put in his legs. note note
[Kent note is put in the stocks.
Come note, my good lord note, away.
[Exeunt note all but Gloucester and Kent.
note
Glou.
I am note sorry for thee, friend; 'tis the duke's note pleasure,
Whose disposition, all the world well knows,
Will not be rubb'd note nor stopp'd: I'll entreat for thee.
Kent.
Pray note, do not, sir: I have note watch'd and travell'd note hard;
Some time note I shall sleep out note, the rest I'll whistle.
A good man's fortune may grow out at heels:
Give you good morrow!
Glou.
The duke's to blame note in this; 'twill be ill taken note. note note
[Exit. note
Kent.
Good king, that must approve the common saw,
Thou note out of heaven's benediction comest
To the warm sun!
note
Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,
That by thy comfortable beams I may
-- 312 --
Peruse this letter! Nothing almost sees miracles note
note
But misery: I know note 'tis from Cordelia,
Who hath most note fortunately been inform'd
Of my obscured course; and note shall find time
From note this enormous state, seeking note to give
Losses their remedies. note All weary and o'er-watch'd, note
Take note vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold
This shameful lodging.
Fortune, good night: smile once more; turn note thy wheel! note
[Sleeps. note
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
A wood. note
Enter Edgar. note
Edg.
I heard note myself proclaim'd;
And by the happy hollow of a tree
Escaped the hunt. No port is free; no place,
-- 313 --
That guard and most unusual note vigilance
Does note not attend my taking. Whiles note I may 'scape
I will preserve myself: and am bethought
To take the basest and most note poorest shape
That ever penury in contempt of man
Brought near to beast: my face I'll grime with filth,
Blanket my loins, elf note all my hair note in note knots,
And with presented nakedness out-face
The winds note and persecutions note of the sky.
The country gives me proof and precedent note
Of Bedlam beggars, who with roaring voices
Strike note in their numb'd and note mortified bare note arms
Pins note, wooden note pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;
And with this horrible object, from note low farms note,
Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes note and mills note,
Sometime note with lunatic bans, sometime note with prayers,
Enforce their note charity. Poor Turlygod note! poor Tom!
That's something yet: Edgar I nothing am.
[Exit.
-- 314 --
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
Before Gloucester's castle. note Kent note in the stocks.
Enter note Lear, Fool, and Gentleman.
Lear.
'Tis strange that they should so depart from home note,
And not send back my messenger note.
Gent.
As I learn'd,
The night before there was no purpose in them note
Of this note remove. note
Kent.
Hail to thee, noble master!
Lear.
Ha! note
Makest thou this note shame thy note pastime? note
Kent. note
No, my lord.
Fool.
Ha, ha! he note wears cruel note garters. Horses are tied note
by the heads note, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the
loins, and men by the legs: when a man's note over-lusty at
legs, then note he wears wooden note nether-stocks note. note
Lear.
What's he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here? note
-- 315 --
Kent.
It is both he and she;
Your son and daughter. note
Lear.
No.
Kent.
Yes.
Lear.
No, I say.
Kent.
I say, yea. note
Lear.
No, no, they would not.
Kent.
Yes, they have. note
Lear.
By Jupiter, I swear, no.
Kent.
By Juno, I swear, ay.
Lear. note
They durst not do't;
They could not, would note not do't note; 'tis worse than murder,
To do upon respect such violent outrage:
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
Thou mightst note deserve, or they impose note, 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 note
My duty kneeling, came there note a reeking post,
Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting note forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations note;
Deliver'd note letters, spite of intermission,
Which presently they read: on whose note contents
They summon'd up their meiny note, straight took horse;
Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks:
-- 316 --
And note meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome, I perceived, had poison'd mine—
Being the very fellow that note of late
Display'd so saucily against your highness—
Having more man than wit about me, drew note:
He raised the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame note which here it suffers.
Fool.
Winter's note not gone yet, if the wild note 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 the poor. note
But, for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy note
daughters note as thou canst tell in a year. note
Lear.
O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
Hysterica note passio, down, thou climbing sorrow,
Thy element's below! Where is this daughter?
Kent.
With the earl, sir, here note within.
Lear.
Follow me not; note stay here. note
[Exit. note
Gent.
Made you no more offence but note what you speak of? note
Kent.
None note.
-- 317 --
How chance the king comes with so small a train note? note
Fool.
An note thou hadst been set i' the note stocks for that
question, thou hadst note well deserved note it.
Kent.
Why, fool?
Fool.
We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee
there's no labouring i' the note winter. All that follow their
noses are led by their eyes but blind men; note and there's not
a nose among twenty note but can smell him that's stinking note. Let
go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it
break thy neck with following it note; but the great one that
goes up the hill note, let him note 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.
note
That sir note which note serves and seeks note for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins note to rain note,
And leave thee in the storm note.
But note I will tarry; the fool will stay,
And let the wise man note fly:
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool no knave, note perdy. note
Kent.
Where learned you this, fool?
Fool.
Not i' the note stocks, fool note.
-- 318 --
noteRe-enter note Lear, with Gloucester.
Lear.
Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are note weary? note note
They have travell'd note all the note night? Mere fetches;
The note images note of revolt and flying off.
Fetch note me a better answer.
Glou.
My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the duke;
How unremoveable and fix'd he is
In his own course.
Lear.
Vengeance! plague! death! note confusion!
Fiery? what quality? note Why, Gloucester, Gloucester note,
I'ld speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife. note
Glou.
Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so.
Lear.
Inform'd them! Dost thou understand me, man? note
Glou.
Ay, my good lord.
Lear.
The king would speak with Cornwall; the dear father note note
Would with his note daughter speak, commands her service note:
-- 319 --
Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood! note
‘Fiery’? ‘the fiery duke’? Tell the hot duke that— note note
No note, but not yet: may be he is not well:
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto note our health is bound; we are note not ourselves
When nature being oppress'd commands note the mind
To suffer with the body: I'll forbear; note
And am fall'n note out with my more headier note will,
To take the indisposed and sickly fit
For the sound man. [Looking on Kent note] Death on my state! wherefore note
Should he sit here? This act note persuades note me
That this remotion of the duke and her note
Is practice only. Give note me my servant forth.
Go tell note the duke and 's note wife I'ld note 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 note.
Glou.
I would note have all well betwixt you.
[Exit. note
Lear.
O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down! note
-- 320 --
Fool.
Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney note did to the eels
when she note put 'em i' the note paste note alive; she note knapped 'em o' the note
coxcombs with a stick, and cried ‘Down, wantons, down!’
'Twas her note brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered
his hay.
Re-enter note Gloucester, with Cornwall, Regan, and Servants.
note
Lear.
Good morrow to you both.
Corn.
Hail to your grace!
[Kent is set note at liberty.
Reg.
I am glad to see your highness.
Lear.
Regan, I think you note are; I know what reason
I have to think so: if thou shouldst not note be glad,
I would divorce note me from thy mother's note tomb note,
Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent note] O note, are you free?
Some other time for that. Beloved Regan,
Thy sister's note naught: O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, note like a vulture, here: note
[Points to his heart. note
-- 321 --
I can scarce speak to thee; thou'lt note not believe
With how depraved note a quality— noteO Regan!
Reg.
I pray you note, sir, take patience: I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant note her duty.
Lear.
Say, how is note that?
Reg.
I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation: if, sir, note 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. note
Lear.
My curses on her!
Reg.
O, sir, you are old;
Nature in you note stands on the very verge
Of her note confine: you should be ruled and led
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you note yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return; note
Say you have wrong'd her, sir. note
Lear.
Ask her note forgiveness?
Do you but note mark how this becomes the house: note note
[Kneeling note]
‘Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;
-- 322 --
Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg
That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed and food.’
Reg.
Good sir, no more; these are unsightly tricks:
Return you to my sister.
Lear.
[Rising note]
Never note, Regan:
She hath abated me of half my train;
Look'd black note upon me; struck note me with her tongue,
Most serpent-like, upon the very heart:
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful note top note! Strike her young bones,
You taking note airs, with lameness. note
Corn.
Fie, sir, fie note!
Lear. note
You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames
Into her scornful eyes. Infect her beauty,
You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun
To note fall note and blast her pride. note
Reg.
O the note blest gods! so will you wish on me,
When the rash mood is on. note
Lear.
No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse:
Thy note tender-hefted note nature shall not give
Thee note o'er note to harshness note: her note eyes are fierce, but thine
-- 323 --
Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train, note
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
And in conclusion to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in: thou better know'st note
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues note of gratitude;
Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou note not forgot,
Wherein I thee endow'd note.
Reg.
Good sir, to the note purpose.
Lear.
Who put my man i' the stocks?
[Tucket within. note
Corn.
What trumpet's that?
Reg.
I know't; my note sister's note: this approves her letter note,
That she would soon be here.
Enter Oswald. note
Is your lady come?
Lear.
This is a slave whose easy-borrow'd note pride
Dwells in the fickle note grace of her he note follows.
Out, varlet, from my sight!
Corn.
What means your grace?
note
Lear. note
Who stock'd note my servant? Regan, I have note good hope
-- 324 --
Thou didst not know on't note. Who note comes here?
Enter Goneril. note
O heavens note, note
If you do love old men, if your note sweet sway
Allow note obedience, if note yourselves are old,
Make it your cause; send down, and take my part! note
[To Gon. note]
Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?
O Regan, wilt thou note take her by the hand?
Gon.
Why not by the hand, sir? How have I offended?
All's not offence that indiscretion finds note
And dotage terms so.
Lear.
O sides, you are too tough;
Will you yet hold? note How came my man i' the stocks? note
Corn.
I set him there, sir note: but his own disorders
Deserved much less note advancement.
Lear.
You! did you?
Reg.
I pray you, father, being weak note, seem so note.
If, till the expiration of your month note,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me:
I am note 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
-- 325 --
To wage note against the enmity o' the note air,
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,— note note
Necessity's sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded note France, that dowerless took
Our youngest born, I could as well be brought note
To knee note his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg note
To keep base life afoot. Return with her?
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom.
[Pointing note at Oswald.
Gon.
At your choice, sir.
Lear.
I note 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 note my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine: thou art a boil note,
A plague-sore note, an note embossed carbuncle,
In my note corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee;
Let shame come when it will, I do not call it note:
I do not bid the thunder-bearer note shoot,
Nor tell tales note of thee to high-judging note Jove:
Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure:
I can be patient; I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
-- 326 --
Reg.
Not altogether so note:
I look'd note not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir note, to my sister;
For those that mingle reason with your note passion note
Must be content to think you old note, and so— note
But she knows what she does.
Lear.
Is this well spoken note?
Reg.
I dare avouch it, sir: what, fifty note followers?
Is it not well? What should you need of more?
Yea, or so many, sith that note both charge and danger
Speak note 'gainst so great a number? How in one house note
Should many people under two commands
Hold amity? 'Tis hard, almost note impossible.
Gon.
Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants or from mine?
Reg.
Why not, my lord? If then they chanced note to slack you note, note
We could control them. If you will note come to me,
For now I spy a danger, note I entreat you
To bring but note five and twenty: to no more
Will I give place or notice.
Lear.
I gave you all— note
Reg.
And in good time you gave it.
Lear.
Made you my guardians, my depositaries,
But kept note a reservation to be follow'd note
-- 327 --
With such a number. What note, must I come to you
With five and twenty, Regan? note said you so?
Reg.
And speak 't note again, my lord; no more with me.
Lear.
Those wicked creatures yet do look note well-favour'd,
When others are more wicked note; not being the note worst
Stands in some rank of praise. [To Gon. note] I'll go with thee:
Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,
And thou art note twice her love.
Gon.
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?
Reg.
What need note one?
Lear.
O, reason not the need note: our basest beggars
Are in the poorest thing superfluous:
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man's life 's as note cheap as beast's note: thou art a lady;
If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st note,
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But for true need,— note
You heavens, give me that patience, patience note I need!
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man note,
-- 328 --
As full of grief as age; wretched in both:
If it be you that stirs note these daughters' hearts
Against their father, fool me not so note much
To bear it tamely note; touch me with noble anger,
And let note not women's weapons, water-drops,
Stain my man's cheeks! No, you unnatural hags,
note
I will have such revenges on you both
That all the world shall— noteI will do such things,— note
What they are, yet I know not, but they shall be
The terrors of the earth. note You think I'll weep;
No, I'll not weep:
I have note full cause of weeping; but this note heart
Shall break into a hundred thousand note flaws note, note
Or ere note I'll note weep. O fool, I shall go mad!
[Exeunt note Lear, Gloucester, Kent, and Fool.
Corn. note
Let us withdraw; 'twill note be a storm.
note[Storm and tempest. note
-- 329 --
Reg.
This house is little note: the old man and his note people
Cannot be well bestow'd note.
Gon.
'Tis his own blame; hath note put himself from rest,
And note must needs taste his folly. note
Reg.
For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,
But not one follower.
Gon. note
So am I purposed note.
Where is my lord of Gloucester? note
Corn. note
Follow'd note the old man forth: he is return'd.
Re-enter note Gloucester.
Glou.
The king is in high rage.
Corn.
Whither note is he going?
Glou.
He calls to horse; but will I know not whither note. note
Corn. note
'Tis best note to give him way; he leads himself.
Gon.
My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
Glou.
Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak note winds
Do sorely ruffle note; for many miles about
There's note scarce note a bush. note
Reg.
O, sir, to wilful men
The injuries that they themselves procure
-- 330 --
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors:
He is attended with a desperate train;
And what they may incense him to note, being apt
To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.
Corn.
Shut up your doors, my lord; 'tis a wild note night:
My Regan note counsels well: come out o' the note storm.
[Exeunt. note
ACT III.
Scene I.
A heath. note
Storm still. note Enter Kent and a Gentleman, meeting. note
Kent.
Who's there note, besides note foul weather?
Gent.
One minded like the weather, most unquietly.
Kent.
I know you. Where's the king?
Gent.
Contending with the fretful elements note;
Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,
Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main note,
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 out-scorn note
-- 331 --
The to-and-fro-conflicting note wind and rain. note
This night, wherein note the cub-drawn bear would couch,
The lion and the belly-pinched note wolf
Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,
And bids what will take all. note
Kent.
But who is with him?
Gent.
None but the fool; who labours to out-jest
His heart-struck note injuries.
Kent.
Sir I do know you;
And dare, upon the warrant of my note note,
Commend note a dear thing to you. There is note division,
Although as yet the face of it be note cover'd
With mutual cunning note, 'twixt Albany and Cornwall;
Who have—as who have not, that note their great stars note
Throned note and set high?— noteservants, who seem no less,
Which are to France the spies and speculations note
Intelligent of our state; note what hath note been seen,
Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes,
Or the hard rein which both of them have note borne
Against the old kind king, or something deeper,
Whereof perchance these are but furnishings,— note note
But note true it is, from France there comes a power
Into this scatter'd note kingdom; who already,
-- 332 --
Wise in our negligence, have secret feet note
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 note
To make your speed to Dover, you shall find
Some that will thank you, making just report
Of how unnatural and bemadding note 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. note note note note
Gent.
I will note talk further note with you.
Kent.
No, do not.
For confirmation that I am note much more
Than my out-wall, open this purse and take
What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia,—
As fear note not but you shall,—show her this note ring,
And she will tell you who your note fellow is
That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!
I will go seek the king.
Gent.
Give me your hand:
Have you no more to say? note
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 note the other. note
[Exeunt severally. note
-- 333 --
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
Another part note of the heath. Storm still. note
Enter Lear and Fool.
Lear.
Blow, winds note, and crack note your cheeks! rage! blow! note
You note cataracts note and hurricanoes note, spout
Till you have drench'd our note steeples, drown'd note the cocks!
You sulphurous and thought-executing note fires,
Vaunt-couriers note to note oak-cleaving thunderbolts,
Singe note my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,
Smite note flat the thick rotundity o' the note world!
Crack note nature's moulds note, all germins note spill at once
That make note ingrateful note man! note
Fool.
O nuncle, court holy-water in a dry house is
better than this rain-water note out o' door note. Good nuncle, in,
-- 334 --
and note ask thy daughters' blessing: here's a night pities note neither
wise man nor fool note. note
Lear.
Rumble thy bellyful note! Spit, fire! spout, rain! note
Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my daughters:
I tax note not you, you elements, with unkindness;
I never gave you kingdom note, call'd you children,
You owe me no subscription note: then note let fall
Your horrible pleasure; here I stand, your slave note,
A poor, infirm, weak and despised old man:
But yet I call you servile ministers,
That have with two pernicious daughters join'd note
Your high-engender'd note battles note 'gainst a head
So old and white as this. O! O! note 'tis foul! note
Fool.
He that has a house to put's note head in has a good
head-piece.
The cod-piece that will house
Before the head has any,
The head and he shall louse;
So beggars marry many.
The man note that makes his toe
What he his heart note should make
Shall of note a corn cry woe,
And turn his sleep to wake. note
For there was never yet fair woman but note she made mouths
in a glass.
-- 335 --
note note
Lear.
No, I will be the pattern of all patience;
I will say nothing.
Enter Kent. note
Kent.
Who's there?
Fool.
Marry, here's grace and a cod-piece; that's a
wise man and a fool.
Kent.
Alas, sir, are you note here? things that love night
Love not such nights as these; the wrathful skies
Gallow the note very wanderers note of the dark,
And make note 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 note
Remember to have heard: man's nature cannot carry
The affliction nor the fear note.
Kent.
Let the great gods,
That keep this dreadful pother note 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 perjured note, and thou simular note man note of virtue
That art incestuous note: caitiff, to pieces shake note,
That under covert and convenient note seeming
-- 336 --
Hast note practised on man's life: close pent-up guilts,
Rive your concealing continents note and cry note
These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man
More sinn'd against than note sinning. note
Kent.
Alack, bare-headed!
Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel;
Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest:
Repose you there; while note I to this hard house—
More harder than the stones note whereof 'tis raised;
Which even but now, demanding after you note,
Denied me to come in—return, and force
Their scanted courtesy. note
Lear.
My wits begin note to turn.
Come on, my boy: how dost, my boy? art cold?
I am note cold myself. Where is this note straw, my fellow?
The art of our necessities is strange,
That note can make vile note things precious. Come, your hovel.
Poor fool note and knave, I have one part in note my heart note
That's sorry note yet for thee.
Fool. [Singing] note
He that has and note a little tiny note wit,—
With hey, ho, note the wind and the rain note,—
-- 337 --
Must make content with his fortunes fit,
For note the rain it raineth every day. note
Lear.
True, my good note boy. Come, bring us to this hovel. note
[Exeunt note Lear and Kent.
Fool.
This is note a brave night to cool a courtezan note. I'll
speak a prophecy ere note I go: note
When priests are more in word note 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 note poor knight;
When slanders do not live note in tongues,
Nor note cutpurses come not to throngs;
When usurers tell their gold i' the field,
And bawds and whores do churches build;
Then shall the realm of Albion
Come to great confusion: note
Then comes the time, who lives to see't,
That going shall be used with feet. note
This prophecy Merlin shall make; for I live note before his time.
[Exit. note
-- 338 --
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
Gloucester's castle. note
Enter note Gloucester and Edmund.
Glou.
Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural
dealing. When I desired their leave that I might pity him,
they took note from me the use of mine own house; charged
me, on pain of their perpetual note displeasure, neither to speak
of him, entreat for him, nor note any way sustain him.
Edm.
Most savage and note unnatural!
Glou.
Go to; say you nothing. There's a note division betwixt note
the dukes, and a worse matter than that: I have received
a letter this night; 'tis dangerous to be spoken; I
have locked the letter in my closet: these injuries the king
now bears will be revenged home; there is note part of a power
already footed note: we must incline to the king. I will seek note
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 note I die
for it note, as no less is threatened me, the king my old master
must be relieved. There is some strange thing note toward,
Edmund; pray you, be careful. note
[Exit.
Edm.
This courtesy, forbid thee, note shall the duke
-- 339 --
Instantly know, and of that letter too:
This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me note
That which my father loses note; no less than all:
The note younger rises when the old doth note fall. note
[Exit.
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
The heath note. Before a hovel.
Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.
Kent.
Here is the place, my lord; good my lord, enter:
The tyranny of the note open night's note too rough
For nature to endure. note
[Storm still. note
Lear.
Let me alone.
Kent.
Good my lord, enter here note. note
Lear.
Wilt note break my note heart?
Kent.
I had note rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter. note
Lear.
Thou think'st 'tis note much that this contentious note storm
Invades us to the skin: so 'tis note to thee;
But where the greater malady is fix'd
-- 340 --
The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'ldst note shun a bear,
But if thy note flight lay note toward the raging note sea
Thou'ldst note meet the bear i' the mouth. When the mind's note free
The body's note delicate: the note tempest in my mind note
Doth from my senses take all feeling else
Save what beats note there. Filial ingratitude! note
Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand note
For lifting food to't note? But I will punish home note.
No, I will weep no more. In such a night
To shut me out! Pour on; I will endure. note
In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril!
Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave you note all,— note
O, that way madness lies; let me shun that;
No more of that.
Kent.
Good my lord, enter here. note
Lear.
Prithee, go in thyself; seek thine own note ease:
This tempest will not give me leave to ponder
On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in.
[To the Fool] note
In, boy; go first. You houseless poverty,— note
Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep. note
[Fool goes in. note
Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are,
-- 341 --
That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm note,
How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,
Your loop'd note and window'd note 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
note
And show the heavens more just.
Edg. [Within] note
note
Fathom and half, fathom and half!
Poor Tom! note
[The Fool runs out from the hovel. note
Fool.
Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help
me, help me! note
Kent.
Give me thy hand. Who's there? note
Fool.
A spirit, a spirit: note he says his name's note poor Tom.
Kent.
What art thou that dost grumble there i' the note straw?
Come forth. note note
Enter Edgar disguised as a madman. note
Edg.
note
Away! the foul fiend follows me! ‘Through note the
sharp hawthorn note blows the cold wind note. note’ Hum! note go to thy
cold note bed and warm thee. note
-- 342 --
note
Lear.
Hast thou note given all to thy two note daughters? and
art thou come to this?
Edg.
Who gives any thing to poor Tom? whom the
foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame, note through
ford note and whirlpool note, o'er bog and quagmire; that hath note laid
knives under his pillow and halters in his pew note; set ratsbane note
by his porridge note; made him proud of heart, to ride on
a bay trotting-horse over four-inched note bridges, to course his
own shadow for a traitor. Bless note thy five wits! Tom's
a-cold. O, do de, do de, do de. note Bless note thee from whirlwinds,
star-blasting note, and taking! Do poor Tom some
charity, whom the foul fiend vexes. There could I have him
now, and there, and there note again note, and there.
[Storm still. note
Lear.
What, have his note daughters brought him to this pass note?
Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give them note all?
Fool.
Nay, he reserved a blanket, else we had been all
shamed note.
Lear.
Now, all the plagues that in the pendulous air
Hang fated o'er men's faults light note on thy daughters!
Kent.
He hath no daughters, sir.
Lear.
Death, traitor! nothing could have subdued nature
-- 343 --
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 note. note
Edg.
Pillicock sat on note Pillicock-hill note:
Halloo, halloo, loo, loo! note note
Fool.
This cold night will turn us all to fools and
madmen.
Edg.
Take heed o' the note foul fiend: obey thy parents;
keep thy word justly note; swear not; commit not with man's
sworn spouse; set not note thy sweet heart note on proud array.
Tom's a-cold.
Lear.
What hast thou been?
Edg.
A serving-man, proud in heart and mind; that
curled my hair; wore gloves note in my cap; served the lust of
my mistress' note 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 note
lust and waked to do it: wine loved I deeply note, dice dearly,
and in woman out-paramoured the Turk: false of heart,
light of ear, bloody of hand note; hog in sloth, fox in stealth,
wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey. Let not
the creaking of shoes nor the rustling note of silks note betray thy
-- 344 --
poor heart to woman note: keep thy foot out of brothels note, thy
hand out of plackets note, thy pen from lenders' books note, and defy
the foul fiend.
‘Still through the hawthorn note note blows the cold wind. note’
Says suum, mun, ha, no, nonny note.
Dolphin my boy, my boy note, sessa! let note him trot by note.
[Storm still. note
Lear.
Why, note thou wert note better in thy grave note than to answer
with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies.
Is man no more than note this? Consider note him well. Thou owest
the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the
cat no perfume. Ha! note here's note three on 's note are sophisticated note.
Thou art the thing itself: unaccommodated man is no more
but such a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art. Off, off,
you lendings note! come, unbutton here. note note
[Tearing note off his clothes.
Fool.
Prithee note, nuncle, be contented note; 'tis a naughty night
-- 345 --
to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field note were like an
old lecher's heart, a small spark, all note the rest on's note body cold.
Look, here comes a walking fire.
Enter Gloucester, with a torch. note
Edg.
This is the foul fiend note Flibbertigibbet note: he begins at
curfew and walks till the note first cock; he gives note the web and
the pin, squints note the eye and makes the hare-lip note; mildews
the white wheat and hurts the poor creature note of earth note.
Saint Withold note footed thrice the 'old note;
He met the night-mare note and her nine-fold note;
Bid her alight note,
And her troth plight note,
And aroint thee, witch, note aroint note thee! note note
-- 346 --
Kent.
How fares your grace?
note
Lear.
What's he?
Kent.
Who's note there? What is't you seek?
Glou.
What are you there? Your names?
Edg.
Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the toad,
the tadpole note, the wall-newt note and the water note; that in the fury note
of his heart, when the foul fiend rages, eats cow-dung for
sallets note; swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog; drinks the
green mantle of the standing pool; who is whipped from
tithing to tithing, and stock-punished note, and imprisoned;
who hath had note three suits to his back, six shirts to his body,
horse to ride and weapon to wear; note
But mice and rats and such small deer note
Have note been Tom's food for seven long year.
Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin note; peace, thou fiend!
Glou.
What, hath your grace no better company?
Edg.
The prince of darkness is a gentleman: Modo note
he's call'd, and Mahu note. note
Glou.
Our flesh and blood is grown so vile, my lord, note
That it doth hate what gets it note. note
Edg.
Poor note Tom's a-cold note.
-- 347 --
Glou.
Go in with me: my duty cannot suffer
To obey in all your daughters' hard commands:
Though note their injunction be to bar my doors
And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,
Yet have I ventured note to come seek you out
And bring you where both fire and food note is note ready. note
Lear.
First let me talk with this philosopher.
What is the cause of thunder?
Kent.
Good my note lord, take his offer; go into the house. note
Lear.
I'll talk note a word with this same note learned Theban.
What is your study? note
Edg.
How to prevent the fiend and to kill vermin.
Lear.
Let me note ask you one word in private note.
Kent.
Importune him once more note to go, my lord;
His wits begin to unsettle. note
Glou.
Canst thou blame him?
[Storm still. note
His daughters seek his death: ah note, that good Kent!
He said it would be thus, poor banish'd man!
Thou say'st note the king grows mad; I'll tell thee, friend,
I am note almost mad myself: I had a son,
Now outlaw'd note from my blood; he sought note my life,
But lately, very late: I loved him, friend,
note
No father his son dearer: truth note to tell thee,
The grief hath note crazed my wits. What a night's note this!
-- 348 --
I do beseech your grace,— note
Lear.
O, cry you mercy, sir.
Noble note philosopher, your company. note
Edg.
Tom's a-cold note.
Glou.
In, fellow, there, into the note hovel: keep thee warm.
Lear.
Come, let's in all.
Kent.
This way, my lord.
Lear.
With him;
I note will keep still with my philosopher. note
Kent.
Good my lord, soothe him; let him take the fellow. note
Glou.
Take him you on.
Kent.
Sirrah, come on; go along with us. note
Lear.
Come, good Athenian.
Glou.
No words, no words: note hush.
note
Edg.
Child Rowland to the dark tower note came note:
His word was still ‘Fie, foh, and fum,
I smell the blood of a British man.’
[Exeunt. note
-- 349 --
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Gloucester's castle. note
Enter Cornwall and Edmund. note
Corn.
I will have my note revenge ere I depart his note house.
Edm.
How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature
thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think of.
Corn.
I now perceive, it was not altogether your brother's
evil disposition made him seek his death, but a provoking
merit note, set a-work note by a reproveable badness in himself note.
Edm.
How malicious is my fortune, that I must repent
to be just! This is the letter note he spoke of, which approves
him an intelligent party to the advantages note of France. O
heavens! that this treason were not note, or not I the detector!
Corn.
Go with me to the duchess.
Edm.
If the matter of this paper be certain, you have
mighty business in hand.
Corn.
True or false, it hath made thee earl of Gloucester.
Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our
apprehension.
Edm. [Aside] note
If I find him comforting the king, it will
stuff his suspicion more fully.—I will persever note in my course
of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my
blood.
Corn.
I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find a
dearer note father in my love.
[Exeunt. note
-- 350 --
note
Scene VI. [Footnote:
A chamber in a farmhouse adjoining the castle. note
Enter Gloucester, Lear, Kent, Fool, and Edgar. note
Glou.
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 note given way to his note
noteimpatience: the gods reward note your kindness!
[Exit Gloucester. note
Edg.
Frateretto note calls me, and tells me Nero note is an
angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and note beware
the foul fiend.
Fool.
Prithee, nuncle, tell me whether a madman be note a
gentleman note 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 note yeoman that sees his son a gentleman
before him.
Lear. note
To have a thousand with red burning spits
Come hissing note in upon 'em,— note note
Edg.
The foul fiend bites my back.
-- 351 --
Fool.
He's mad that trusts note in the tameness of a wolf,
a horse's health note, a boy's love, or a whore's oath. note
Lear.
It shall be done; I will arraign them note straight.
[To Edgar] note
Come, sit thou here, most learned justicer note;
[To the Fool] note
Thou, sapient sir, sit here. Now, you note she foxes! note
Edg.
Look, where he note stands and glares! Wantest note
thou eyes note at trial, madam? note note
note
Come o'er the bourn note, Bessy, to me. note
note
Fool.
Her boat hath a leak,
And she must not speak note
Why she dares not come over to thee. note
Edg.
The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of
a nightingale. Hopdance cries in Tom's belly for two white
herring note. Croak not, black angel; I have no food for thee.
Kent.
How do you, sir? Stand you not so amazed:
Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions? note note
Lear.
I'll see their trial first. Bring note in the note evidence.
[To Edgar] note
Thou robed note man of justice take thy place;
-- 352 --
[To the Fool] note
And thou, his yoke-fellow of equity,
Bench by his side. [To Kent] note You are o' the note commission;
Sit you too.
Edg.
Let us deal justly.
note
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. note
Pur! the cat is gray.
Lear. note
Arraign her first; 'tis Goneril. I here take my
oath before this honourable assembly, she note kicked the poor
king her father. note note
Fool.
Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?
Lear.
She cannot note deny it.
Fool.
Cry you mercy, I took you for a joint-stool note.
Lear.
And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim
What store note her heart is made on note. Stop her there! note
Arms, arms, sword, fire! Corruption note in the place note!
False justicer, why hast thou let her 'scape? note
Edg.
Bless thy five wits!
Kent.
O pity! Sir, where is the patience now,
That you so oft have boasted to retain note?
Edg. [Aside] note
My tears begin to take his part so much,
They'll note mar my counterfeiting note.
Lear.
The little dogs and all,
Tray, Blanch, and Sweet-heart, see, they bark at me.
-- 353 --
Edg.
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 note or spaniel, brach or lym note,
Or bobtail tike note or trundle-tail note,
Tom will make them note weep and wail:
For, with throwing thus my head,
Dogs leap note the hatch, and all are fled. note
Do de, de, de. Sessa! note Come note, march to wakes and fairs
and market-towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry. note note
Lear.
Then let them anatomize note Regan; see what
breeds about her heart. Is note there any cause in nature that
makes note these hard hearts? note [To Edgar] note You, sir, I entertain
for note one of my hundred; only I do not like the fashion
of your garments. You will say note they are Persian attire note;
but let them be changed. note
-- 354 --
Kent.
note
Now, good my lord, lie here and rest note awhile.
note
Lear.
Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains:
so, so, so. note We'll go to supper i' the note morning. So,
so, so. note
Fool.
And I'll go to bed at noon. note
Re-enter note Gloucester.
Glou.
Come hither, friend: where is the king my master? note
Kent.
Here, sir; but trouble him not: his wits are gone.
Glou.
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 note,
And drive toward note Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet
Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master:
If thou shouldst note dally half an hour, his life,
With thine and all that offer to defend him,
Stand in assured loss. Take up, take up note,
And follow me, that will to some provision note
Give thee quick conduct.
Kent.
Oppressed note nature sleeps.
This rest might yet have balm'd note thy broken sinews note,
Which, if convenience note will not allow,
-- 355 --
Stand in hard cure. [To the Fool] note Come, help to bear thy master;
Thou must not stay behind. note
Glou. note
Come, come, note away.
[Exeunt all but Edgar. note
Edg.
When we our betters see bearing our woes,
We scarcely think our miseries our foes note.
Who alone suffers suffers most note i' the mind,
Leaving free things and happy shows behind:
But then the mind much sufferance doth note 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 father'd! note Tom, away!
note
Mark the high noises, and thyself bewray
When false opinion, whose wrong thought defiles note thee,
In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee.
What will hap note more to-night, note safe 'scape the king!
Lurk, lurk. note
[Exit. note
-- 356 --
note
Scene VII. [Footnote:
Gloucester's castle. note
Enter Cornwall, Regan note, Goneril, Edmund, and Servants. note
Corn.
Post speedily to my lord your husband; show
him this letter: the army of France is landed. Seek out the
traitor note Gloucester. note
[Exeunt note some of the Servants.
Reg.
Hang him instantly.
Gon.
Pluck out his eyes.
Corn.
Leave him to my displeasure note. Edmund, keep
you our sister company: the revenges note we are bound to take
upon your traitorous father are not fit for your beholding.
Advise note the duke, where note you are going, to a most festinate note
preparation: we are bound to the like. note Our posts note shall be
swift and intelligent note betwixt us. Farewell, dear sister:
farewell, my lord of Gloucester. note
Enter Oswald. note
How now! where's the king?
Osw.
My lord of Gloucester hath convey'd him hence:
-- 357 --
Some five or six and thirty of his knights,
Hot questrists note after him note, met him at gate;
Who, with some other of the lords note dependants,
Are gone with him toward note Dover; where they boast
To have well-armed friends. note
Corn.
Get horses for your mistress.
Gon.
Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.
Corn.
Edmund, farewell.
[Exeunt Goneril, Edmund, and Oswald. note
Go seek the traitor Gloucester.
Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us.
[Exeunt other Servants. note
Though well note we may not pass upon his life
Without the form of justice, yet our power
Shall do a courtesy note to our wrath, which men
note
May blame note but not control. Who's note there? the traitor?
Enter Gloucester, brought in by two or three. note
Reg.
Ingrateful fox! 'tis he.
Corn.
Bind fast his corky arms.
Glou.
What mean note your graces? Good my friends note, consider
You are my guests: do me no foul play, friends. note
Corn.
Bind him, I say.
[Servants bind him. note
-- 358 --
Reg.
Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!
Glou.
Unmerciful lady as you are, I'm none note.
Corn.
To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shalt find— note note
[Regan note plucks his beard.
Glou.
By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done
To pluck me by the beard. note
Reg.
So white, and such a traitor!
Glou.
Naughty lady,
These hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin note
Will quicken and accuse thee: I am note your host:
With robbers' note hands my hospitable favours note
You should not ruffle thus. What will you do? note
Corn.
Come, sir, note what letters had you late from France?
Reg.
Be simple answerer note, for we know the truth.
Corn.
And what confederacy have you with the traitors
Late note footed in the kingdom? note
Reg.
To whose hands have you sent note the lunatic king?
Speak. note
Glou.
I have note a letter guessingly set down,
Which came from one that's of a neutral heart
And not from one opposed.
Corn.
Cunning.
Reg.
And false.
Corn.
Where hast thou sent the king?
Glou.
To Dover note.
-- 359 --
Reg.
Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charged at peril— note note
Corn.
Wherefore to Dover? Let him first note answer that.
Glou.
I am tied to the stake, and I must stand the course. note
Reg.
Wherefore to Dover, sir note?
Glou.
Because I would not see thy cruel nails
Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister
In his anointed note flesh stick note boarish fangs.
The sea, with such a storm as his bare note head
In hell-black night note endured, would have buoy'd note up,
And quench'd the stelled note fires:
Yet, poor old heart, note he holp note the heavens to rain note.
If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that stern note time,
Thou shouldst have said, ‘Good note porter, turn the key,’
All cruels note else subscribed note: but I shall see
The winged vengeance overtake such children.
Corn.
See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.
note
Upon these note eyes of thine I'll set my foot.
-- 360 --
Glou.
He that will think to live till he be old, note
Give me some help! O cruel! O you note gods!
Reg.
One side will mock another; the other too note.
Corn.
If you see vengeance— note
First Serv. note
Hold your hand, my lord:
I have note served you note ever since I was a child;
But better service have I never done you
Than now to bid you hold. note
Reg.
How now, you dog!
First Serv.
If you did wear a beard upon your chin,
I'ld shake it on this note quarrel. What do you mean? note
Corn.
My villain!
[They draw note and fight.
First Serv.
Nay note, then, come on, and take the chance of anger.
Reg. note
Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus! note
[Takes note a sword and runs at him behind.
First Serv.
O, I am slain! My lord, you have note one eye left
To see some mischief on him note. O! note
[Dies. note
Corn.
Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile note jelly!
note
Where is thy lustre now?
-- 361 --
Glou.
All dark and comfortless. note Where's my son Edmund? note
Edmund, enkindle note all the sparks of nature,
To quit this horrid act. note
Reg.
Out, treacherous note villain!
Thou call'st on him that hates thee: it was he
That made the overture note of thy treasons to us;
Who is too good to pity thee. note
Glou.
O my follies! Then Edgar was abused. note
Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!
Reg.
Go thrust him out at gates note, and let him smell
His way to Dover. [Exit note one with Gloucester.] How is't, my lord? how look note you? note note
Corn.
I have received a hurt: follow me, lady.
Turn out that eyeless villain: throw this slave
Upon the dunghill note. Regan, I bleed apace:
Untimely comes this hurt: give me your arm. note
[Exit note Cornwall, led by Regan.
Sec. Serv. note
I'll never care what wickedness I do,
If this man come to good.
Third Serv. note
If she live long,
-- 362 --
And in the end meet the old course of death,
Women will all turn monsters. note
Sec. Serv. note
Let's follow the old earl, and get the Bedlam note
To lead him where he would: his roguish note madness
Allows itself to any thing.
Third Serv. note
Go thou: I'll fetch some flax and whites of eggs
To apply to his note bleeding face. Now, heaven help him! note note
[Exeunt severally. note
ACT IV.
Scene I.
The heath. note
Enter Edgar.
Edg.
Yet note better thus, and known note to be contemn'd,
Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst, note
The lowest and note most dejected note thing of fortune,
Stands still in esperance note, lives not in fear:
The lamentable change is from the best;
The worst returns to laughter. note Welcome then,
Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace!
-- 363 --
The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst
Owes nothing to thy note blasts. note But who comes here? note
Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man. note
My father, poorly led? note World, world, O world! note
But that thy strange mutations make us hate note thee,
Life would not note yield to age.
Old Man.
O, my note good lord, I have been your tenant,
and your father's tenant, these fourscore years. note
Glou.
Away, get thee away; good friend, be gone:
Thy comforts can do me no good at all;
Thee they may hurt.
Old Man.
Alack, sir, note you cannot see your way.
Glou.
I have no way and therefore want no eyes;
I stumbled when I saw: full oft 'tis seen,
Our means secure note us, and our mere defects
Prove our commodities. Ah note, dear son Edgar,
The food of thy abused father's wrath!
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
-- 364 --
I'ld say I had eyes again!
Old Man.
How now! Who's note there?
Edg. [Aside] note
O gods! Who is't can say ‘I am at the note worst’?
I am note worse than e'er note I was.
Old Man.
'Tis poor mad Tom.
Edg. [Aside] note
And worse I may be yet: the worst is not
So long note as we can say ‘This is the worst.’
Old Man.
Fellow, where goest?
Glou.
Is it a beggar-man?
Old Man.
Madman and beggar too.
Glou.
He note has some reason, else he could not beg.
I' the note 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 note heard more since. note
As flies to wanton note boys, are we to the gods;
They kill note us for their sport.
Edg. [Aside] note
How should this note be?
Bad is the trade that must play fool to note sorrow,
Angering itself note and others. Bless thee, master! note
Glou.
Is that the naked fellow?
Old Man.
Ay, my lord.
Glou.
Then, prithee, get thee gone note: if for my sake
-- 365 --
Thou wilt o'ertake us hence note a mile or twain
I' the way toward note Dover, do it for ancient love;
And bring some covering for this note naked soul,
Who note I'll entreat to lead me.
Old Man.
Alack, sir, he is mad.
Glou.
'Tis the times' note plague, when madmen lead the blind. note
Do as I bid thee note, or rather do thy pleasure;
Above the rest, be gone.
Old Man.
I'll bring him the best 'parel note that I have,
Come on't what will.
[Exit. note
Glou.
Sirrah, note naked fellow,— note
Edg.
Poor Tom's a-cold. [Aside] note I cannot daub it note further note.
Glou.
Come hither, fellow.
Edg. [Aside] note
And yet I must. note Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed. note
Glou.
Know'st thou the way to Dover?
Edg.
Both stile and gate, horse-way and foot-path. Poor
Tom hath been scared note out of his good wits. Bless thee, good
man's son, note from the foul fiend! note Five fiends have been in poor
Tom at once note; of lust, as Obidicut; note Hobbididence note, prince of
-- 366 --
dumbness note; Mahu, of stealing; Modo note, of murder; Flibbertigibbet note,
of mopping and mowing; note who since possesses
chambermaids and waiting-women. So, bless thee, master! note note
Glou.
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' note plagues note
Have humbled to all strokes: that I am wretched
Makes thee note the happier. Heavens, deal so still!
Let the superfluous and note lust-dieted note man,
That slaves note your ordinance, that will not see
Because he doth note not feel, feel your power quickly;
So distribution should undo note excess
And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?
Edg.
Ay, master.
Glou.
There is a cliff whose high and bending head
Looks fearfully note in note 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 note no leading note need. note
Edg.
Give me thy arm:
Poor Tom shall lead thee. note
[Exeunt. note
-- 367 --
Scene II.
Before note the Duke of Albany's palace.
Enter note Goneril and Edmund.
Gon.
Welcome, my lord: I marvel our mild husband
Not met us on the way.
Enter Oswald note.
Now, where's your master?
Osw.
Madam, within; but never man so changed.
I told him of the army that was landed;
He smiled 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 he call'd me sot
And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out:
What most he should dislike note seems pleasant to him;
What like, offensive. note
Gon. [To Edm.] note
Then shall you note go no further.
It is the cowish terror note 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 note, to note my brother;
-- 368 --
Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:
I must change arms note 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 note,
If you dare venture note in your own behalf,
A mistress's command note. Wear this; spare note speech;
[Giving a favour. note
Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak,
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air:
Conceive, and fare thee well note.
Edm.
Yours in the ranks of death.
Gon.
My most dear Gloucester!
[Exit Edmund. note
O, note the difference note of man and man! note note
To thee a note woman's services are due:
My fool usurps my body. note note
Osw.
Madam, here comes my lord.
[Exit. note
Enter Albany. note
Gon.
I have been worth the whistle note.
-- 369 --
Alb.
O Goneril!
You are not worth the dust which the rude note wind note
Blows in your face. I fear your disposition:
That nature which contemns its note origin
Cannot be border'd note certain in itself;
She that herself will sliver note and disbranch
From her material note sap, perforce must wither
And come to deadly use.
Gon.
No more; the text is note foolish.
Alb.
Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile:
Filths savour but themselves. What have you done? note
Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?
A father, and a gracious aged man,
Whose reverence even note the head-lugg'd bear note would lick, note
Most barbarous, most degenerate! have you madded.
Could my good brother suffer you to do it?
note
A man, a prince, by him so benefited note!
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits
Send quickly down to tame these vile note offences,
It will come, note note
Humanity note must perforce prey on itself,
-- 370 --
Like monsters of the deep. note note
Gon.
Milk-liver'd man!
That bear'st note a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;
Who hast not note in thy brows an eye discerning note
Thine honour note from thy suffering; that not know'st
Fools do note those note villains pity who are punish'd
Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum?
France spreads his banners in our noiseless note land,
With plumed note helm thy state begins to threat note,
Whiles note thou, a moral note fool, sit'st still and criest note
‘Alack, why does he so? note’
Alb.
See thyself, devil!
Proper deformity note seems note not in the fiend
So horrid as in woman. note
Gon.
O vain fool!
Alb.
Thou changed note and self-cover'd note thing, for shame,
Be-monster not thy feature. Were 't note my fitness
-- 371 --
To note let these hands note obey my blood note,
They are note apt enough to dislocate note and tear note
Thy flesh and bones: howe'er note thou art a fiend,
A woman's shape doth shield thee.
Gon.
Marry, your manhood mew. note note
Enter a Messenger. note
Alb.
What news? note
Mess. note
O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead,
Slain by his servant, going to put out
The other eye of Gloucester. note
Alb.
Gloucester's eyes!
Mess.
A servant that he bred, thrill'd note with remorse,
Opposed against the act, bending his sword
To note his great master; who thereat enraged note
Flew on him and amongst them fell'd him note dead,
But not note without that harmful stroke which since
Hath pluck'd him after. note
Alb.
This shows you are above,
You justicers note, that these our nether note crimes
-- 372 --
So speedily can venge. But, O poor Gloucester!
Lost he his other eye? note
Mess.
Both, both, my lord.
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer;
'Tis from your sister. note
Gon. [Aside] note
One way I like this well;
But being note widow, and my Gloucester with her,
May all the building in note my fancy pluck
Upon my hateful life: another way,
The news is not so tart. note I'll read, and answer.
[Exit. note
Alb.
Where was his son when they did take his eyes? note
Mess.
Come with my lady hither.
Alb.
He is note not here.
Mess.
No, my good lord; I met him back again.
Alb.
Knows he the wickedness?
Mess.
Ay, my good lord; 'twas he inform'd against him,
And quit the house on purpose note, that their note punishment
Might have the freer course.
Alb.
Gloucester, I live
To thank thee for the love thou show'dst note the king,
And to revenge thine note eyes. note Come hither, friend:
Tell me what more thou know'st note. note
[Exeunt. note
-- 373 --
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
The French note camp near Dover.
Enter Kent and a Gentleman.
Kent.
Why the King of France is so suddenly gone
back note know you the note reason? note
Gent.
Something he left imperfect in the state which
since his coming forth is thought of, which imports to note the
kingdom so much fear and danger that his personal note return
was most required and necessary. note
Kent.
Who note hath he left behind him general?
Gent.
The Marshal note of France, Monsieur La Far note.
Kent.
Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration
of grief? note
Gent.
Ay, sir; note she took them, read them note in my presence,
And now and then an ample tear trill'd down
Her delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queen
Over note her passion, who note most rebel-like
Sought to be king o'er her. note
Kent.
O, then it moved her.
-- 374 --
Gent.
Not to a rage note: patience and sorrow strove note
Who note should express her goodliest. You have seen
Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears
Were like note a better way: note note those happy note smilets note
That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd note not to know
What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence
As pearls from diamonds dropp'd note. In brief,
Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved,
If all could so become it. note
Kent.
Made she no verbal question note?
Gent.
Faith, note once or twice she heaved the name of ‘father’
Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;
Cried ‘Sisters! sisters! Shame of ladies! sisters!
note
Kent! father! sisters! note What note, i' the storm? i' the night note?
Let pity not be believed note!’ There note she shook
The holy water from her heavenly eyes,
And clamour moisten'd: note then away she started note
-- 375 --
To deal with grief alone.
Kent.
It is the stars, note
The stars above us, govern our conditions; note
Else one self mate note and mate note could not beget
Such different issues. You spoke not note with her since? note
Gent.
No.
Kent.
Was this before the king return'd?
Gent.
No, since.
Kent.
Well, sir, note the poor distressed Lear's i' the note town;
Who sometime note in his better tune note remembers
What we are come about, and by no means
Will yield to see his daughter note.
Gent.
Why, good sir?
Kent.
A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own note unkindness
That stripp'd her from his note benediction, turn'd her
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights
To his dog-hearted daughters: these things sting
His mind note so venomously that burning shame
Detains him from note Cordelia. note
Gent.
Alack, poor gentleman!
Kent.
Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not? note
-- 376 --
Gent.
'Tis so; note they are afoot note.
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 note with me. note
[Exeunt. note
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
The same. A tent. note
Enter note, with drum and colours, Cordelia, Doctor, and Soldiers.
Cor.
Alack, 'tis he: why, he was met even now
As mad as note the vex'd note sea; singing aloud;
Crown'd with rank fumiter note and furrow-weeds note,
With bur-docks note, hemlock, nettles note, cuckoo-flowers,
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow
In our sustaining corn note. A century note send note forth note;
Search every acre in the high-grown field,
-- 377 --
And bring him to our eye note. [Exit note an Officer.] What can man's note wisdom
In note the restoring his note bereaved sense? note
He that helps note him take all my outward worth note.
Doct. note
There is note means, madam:
Our foster-nurse of nature is repose,
The which he lacks: that note to provoke in him,
Are many simples operative, whose power
Will close the eye of anguish.
Cor.
All blest secrets,
All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth, note
Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate note
In the good man's distress note! Seek, seek for him;
Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life
That wants the means to lead it.
Enter a Messenger. note
Mess.
News, madam;
The British powers are marching hitherward. note
Cor.
'Tis known before; our preparation stands
In expectation of them. O dear father,
It is thy business that I go about;
Therefore great France note
My mourning and note important note tears hath pitied.
-- 378 --
No blown ambition doth our arms incite note,
But love, dear love, and our aged note father's right note:
Soon may I hear and see him! note
[Exeunt. note
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Gloucester's castle. note
Enter Regan and Oswald. note
Reg.
But are my brother's powers set forth?
Osw.
Ay, madam.
Reg.
Himself note in person there note?
Osw.
Madam, note with much ado:
Your sister is note the better soldier. note
Reg.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord note at home?
Osw.
No, madam.
Reg.
What might import my sister's letter note to him?
Osw.
I know not, lady.
Reg.
Faith, he is posted hence on serious note matter.
It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,
To let him live: where he arrives he moves
All hearts against us: Edmund note, I think, is gone,
In pity of his misery, to dispatch
-- 379 --
His nighted life; moreover, to descry
The strength o' the enemy note. note
Osw.
I must needs after him, madam note, with my letter note.
Reg.
Our troops set note forth to-morrow: stay with us;
The ways are dangerous.
Osw.
I may not, madam:
My lady charged my duty in this business. note
Reg.
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
Transport her purposes by word? Belike, note note
Something— noteI know not what: I'll love thee much,
Let me unseal the letter.
Osw.
Madam, I had note rather—
Reg.
I know your lady does not love her husband;
I am note sure of that: and at her late being here
She gave strange note œillades note and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know you are note of her bosom.
Osw.
I, madam? note
Reg.
I speak in understanding: you are; I know't note:
Therefore I do advise you, take this note: note
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd;
And more convenient is he for my hand
Than for your lady's note: you may gather more.
If you do find note him, pray you, give him this;
-- 380 --
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her.
So, fare you well note.
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
Osw.
Would I could meet him note, madam! I should note show
What party note I do follow.
Reg.
Fare thee well.
[Exeunt. note
note
Scene VI. [Footnote:
Fields note near Dover.
Enter note Gloucester, and Edgar dressed like a peasant.
Glou.
When shall we note come to the top of that same hill?
Edg.
You do climb up it note now: look, how we labour.
Glou.
Methinks the ground is even.
Edg.
Horrible note steep.
Hark, do you note hear the sea? note
Glou.
No, truly. note
Edg.
Why then your other senses grow imperfect
By your eyes' anguish.
Glou.
So may it be indeed:
Methinks thy voice is alter'd note, and thou speak'st note
-- 381 --
In note better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Edg.
You're note much deceived: in nothing am I changed
But in my garments.
Glou.
Methinks note you're note better spoken.
Edg.
Come on, sir; here's the place: stand still. How fearful note
And dizzy note 'tis to cast one's eyes so low!
The crows and choughs that wing the midway air
Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down
Hangs one that note gathers samphire note, dreadful trade!
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head:
The fishermen that walk note upon the beach note
Appear like mice; and yond note tall anchoring bark
Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy note
Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge
That on the unnumber'd idle pebbles chafes note
Cannot be heard so high. I'll note look no more,
Lest my brain turn and the deficient sight
Topple down headlong.
Glou.
Set me where you stand.
Edg.
Give me your hand: you are note now within a foot
Of the extreme verge: for all beneath note the moon
Would I not leap upright note. note
Glou.
Let go my hand.
-- 382 --
Here, friend, 's another purse; in it a jewel
Well worth a poor man's taking: fairies note and gods
Prosper it with thee! Go thou farther note off;
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edg.
note
Now fare you note well, good sir.
Glou.
With all my heart.
Edg.
Why I do trifle thus with his despair
Is note done to cure it. note
Glou. [Kneeling] note
O you might gods!
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 note and loathed part of nature should
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O bless him note!
Now, fellow, fare thee well.
[He note falls forward.
Edg.
Gone, sir: note farewell.
And yet I know not how conceit may note rob
The treasury note of life, when life itself
Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought,
By this had thought note been past. note Alive or dead?
Ho, you sir! friend note! Hear note you, sir! speak note! note
-- 383 --
Thus might he pass indeed: yet he revives. note
What are you, sir? note
Glou.
Away, and let me die.
Edg.
Hadst thou been aught but gossamer note, feathers, note air, note
So many fathom down precipitating,
Thou'dst note shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe;
Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; note speak'st note; art sound. note
Ten masts at each note make not the altitude
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell note:
Thy life's a miracle. Speak yet again.
Glou.
But have I fall'n, or no? note
Edg.
From the dread summit note of this chalky bourn. note
Look up a-height note; the shrill-gorged note lark so far
Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up. note
Glou.
Alack, I have no eyes.
Is wretchedness deprived that benefit,
To end itself by death? 'Twas note yet some comfort,
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage
And frustrate his proud will.
Edg.
Give me your arm: note
Up: so. How is't? Feel note you your legs? You stand.
Glou.
Too well, too well.
Edg.
This is above all strangeness.
-- 384 --
Upon the crown o' the note cliff, what note thing was that
Which parted from you?
Glou.
A poor unfortunate note beggar note.
Edg.
As I stood here below, methought note his eyes
Were two full moons; he had note a thousand noses,
Horns whelk'd note and waved like the enridged note sea:
It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest note gods, who make them note honours
Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.
Glou.
I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear
Affliction till it do cry out itself
‘Enough, enough,’ and die note. That note thing you speak of,
I took it for a man; often 'twould note say
‘The fiend, the fiend:’ he note led me to that place.
Edg.
Bear free note and patient thoughts. But who comes here? note
Enter Lear note, fantastically dressed with wild flowers.
note
The safer note sense will note ne'er accommodate
His master thus. note
-- 385 --
Lear.
No, they cannot touch me for coining note; I am the
king himself.
Edg.
O thou side-piercing note sight!
Lear.
Nature's note above art in that respect. There's your
press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper note:
draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a mouse!
Peace, peace; this piece of note toasted cheese will do 't note.
There 's my gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up
the brown bills. O, well flown, bird note! i' the clout, i' the
clout: note hewgh note! Give the word.
Edg.
Sweet marjoram.
Lear.
Pass.
Glou.
I know that voice.
Lear.
Ha! Goneril, with a white beard! They note flattered
me like a dog, and told me I had white note hairs in my
beard ere the black ones were there. To say ‘ay’ and ‘no’
to every thing that note I said! ‘Ay’ and ‘no’ too was note no good
divinity. When the rain came to wet me once and the wind note
to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at
my bidding; there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em note out. Go
to, they are not men note o' their note words: they told me I was
every thing; 'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof note.
Glou.
The trick of that voice I do well remember:
is't not the king? note
-- 386 --
Lear.
Ay, every note inch a king:
When I do stare, see how the subject quakes note.
I pardon that man's life. What was thy note cause? note
Adultery? note note
Thou shalt not die: die for note adultery! No:
The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly
Does note lecher in my sight.
Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son
Was kinder to his father than note my daughters
Got 'tween the lawful sheets. note
To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers. note
Behold yond note simpering dame,
Whose face between her forks presages note snow,
That minces note virtue and does note shake the head
To hear note of pleasure's name;
The note fitchew, nor the soiled note horse, goes to't
With a more riotous appetite.
Down from the waist note they are note Centaurs,
Though women all above:
But to the girdle do the gods inherit, note
-- 387 --
Beneath is all note the fiends' note;
There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous note pit, note
Burning note, scalding, stench, consumption note; fie, fie, fie! pah,
pah! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to
sweeten note my imagination: there's money for thee. note
Glou.
O, let me kiss that hand!
Lear.
Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality. note
Glou.
O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world
Shall note so wear out to nought note. Dost thou note know me? note
Lear.
I remember thine note eyes well enough. Dost thou
squiny note at me note? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love.
Read thou this note challenge; mark but note the penning on't note.
Glou.
Were all the letters note suns, I could not see one note.
Edg.
I would not take this from report: it is,
And my heart breaks at it. note
Lear.
Read.
Glou.
What, with the case note of eyes?
Lear.
O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your
-- 388 --
head, nor no note money in your purse? Your eyes are in a
heavy note case, your purse in a light note: yet you see how this
world goes. note
Glou.
I see it feelingly.
Lear.
What, art mad? A man may see how this note world
goes with no eyes. Look with thine note ears: see how yond
justice rails upon yond note simple thief. Hark, in thine note ear:
change places, and note, handy-dandy, which is the justice, which
is the thief note? Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a
beggar?
Glou.
Ay, note sir.
Lear.
And the creature run from the cur? There thou
mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed note
in office.
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand!
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine note own back;
Thou hotly lust'st note to use her in that kind
For which thou whip'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener note. note
Through note tatter'd note clothes note small note vices do appear;
Robes and furr'd gowns hide note all. Plate sin note with gold,
And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;
-- 389 --
Arm it in rags note, a note pigmy's straw does note pierce it.
None does offend, none, note I say, none; I'll able note 'em note:
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power
To seal the accuser's lips. note Get thee glass eyes,
And, like a scurvy politician, seem
To see the things thou dost not. note
Now, now, now, now note: pull off my boots: harder, harder note:
so. note
Edg.
O, matter and impertinency mix'd! note
Reason in madness! note
Lear.
If thou wilt weep my fortunes note, take my eyes.
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester:
Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:
Thou know'st note, the first time that we smell the air,
We wawl note and cry. I will preach to thee: mark. note
Glou.
Alack, alack the day!
Lear.
When we are born, we cry that we are come
To this great stage of fools. This 's a good block. note
It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe note
A troop of horse with felt note: I'll put 't note in proof; note
And when I have note stol'n note upon these sons-in-law note,
-- 390 --
Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!
Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants. note
Gent.
note
O, here he is: lay hand note upon him. Sir, note
Your most dear daughter— note
Lear.
No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even note
The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;
You shall have ransom note. Let me have a surgeon note;
I am cut to the note brains.
Gent.
You shall have any thing.
Lear.
No seconds? all myself?
Why, this would make a man a man note of salt,
To use his eyes for garden note water-pots,
Ay, and laying autumn's dust.
Gent.
Good sir,—
Lear.
I will die note bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What!
I will be jovial: come, come; I am a king,
My masters, know you that. note
Gent.
You are a royal one, and we obey you.
Lear.
Then there's life in 't. Nay, if note you get it, you
shall get it by note running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. note note
[Exit note running; Attendants follow.
-- 391 --
Gent.
A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,
Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one note daughter,
Who redeems nature from the general curse
Which twain have note brought her to. note
Edg.
Hail, gentle sir.
Gent.
Sir, speed you: what's your will?
Edg.
Do you hear aught, sir, note of a battle toward?
Gent.
Most sure and vulgar: every one note hears that note,
Which can distinguish sound note. note
Edg.
But, by your favour,
How near's note the other army? note
Gent.
Near and on speedy foot note; the main descry note
Stands note on the hourly thought note.
Edg.
I thank you, sir: that's all note.
Gent.
Though that the queen on special cause is here,
Her note army is moved on.
Edg.
I thank you, sir. note
[Exit Gent. note
Glou.
You ever-gentle note gods, take my breath from me;
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!
Edg.
Well pray note you, father.
Glou.
Now, good sir, what are you?
Edg.
A most poor man, made tame to note fortune's blows;
-- 392 --
Who, by the art of known note and feeling sorrows,
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,
I'll lead you to some biding.
Glou.
Hearty thanks:
The bounty note and the benison note of heaven
To boot note, and boot! note
Enter Oswald. note
Osw.
note
A proclaim'd prize! Most note happy! note
That eyeless head of thine was first note framed flesh
To raise my fortunes. Thou note old note unhappy traitor,
Briefly thyself remember: the sword is out
That must destroy thee.
Glou.
Now note let thy friendly hand
Put strength enough to't note.
[Edgar interposes. note
Osw.
Wherefore, bold peasant,
Darest note thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence!
Lest that note the infection of his fortune take
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm. note
Edg.
Chill not let go, zir note, without vurther note 'casion note. note
-- 393 --
Osw.
Let go, slave, or thou diest!
Edg.
Good gentleman, go your gait, and note let poor volk note
pass. An note chud ha' note been zwaggered note out of my life, 'twould note
not ha' been zo note long as 'tis note by a vortnight note. Nay, come not
near th' note old man; keep out, che vor ye note, or I 'se note try whether note
your costard note or my ballow note be the harder: chill note be plain
with you.
Osw.
Out, dunghill!
[They fight. note
Edg.
Chill pick your teeth, zir note: come; no matter vor note
your foins.
[Oswald falls. note
Osw.
Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse:
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body;
And give the letters note which thou find'st about me
To Edmund earl of Gloucester; seek him out
Upon note the British note party. O, untimely death! note
Death! note
[Dies. note
Edg.
I know thee well: a serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
-- 394 --
As badness would desire. note
Glou.
What, is he dead?
Edg.
note
Sit you down, father; rest you.
Let's note see these note pockets: the letters note that he speaks of
May note be my friends. He's dead; I am note only sorry note
He had no other deathsman. Let us see:
Leave note, gentle wax; and, manners, blame note us not: note
To note know our enemies' minds, we'ld note rip their hearts;
Their papers, is note more lawful.
[Reads] note
‘Let our note reciprocal vows be remembered. You
have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want
not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is
nothing done, if note he return the conqueror: then note am I
the prisoner, and his bed my gaol note; from the loathed
warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your note
labour. note
‘Your—wife, so I would say— noteaffectionate servant, note
‘Goneril.’
-- 395 --
O note undistinguish'd note space note of woman's will note note!
A plot upon her virtuous husband's life;
And the exchange my brother! Here, in the note sands,
Thee I'll rake up, the post note unsanctified
Of murderous lechers; and in the mature note time
With this ungracious paper strike the sight
Of the death-practised note duke: for him 'tis well
That of thy note death and business I can tell.
Glou.
The king is mad: how stiff is my vile note sense, note
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:
So should my thoughts be sever'd note from my griefs,
And woes by wrong imaginations note lose
The knowledge of themselves.
[Drum afar off. note
Edg.
Give me your hand:
Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum: note
Come, father note, I'll bestow you with a friend.
[Exeunt. note
-- 396 --
note
Scene VII. [Footnote:
A tent in the French camp. note Lear on a bed asleep, note soft music playing; note Gentleman note, and others attending.
Enter Cordelia, Kent, and Doctor. note
Cor.
O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work,
To match thy goodness? My life note will be too short,
And every measure fail me. note
Kent.
To be acknowledged, madam, is note o'erpaid.
All my reports go with the modest truth,
Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.
Cor.
Be better suited:
These weeds are memories of those worser hours:
I prithee, put them off. note
Kent.
Pardon me note, dear madam;
Yet to be known shortens my made note intent:
My boon I make it, that you know me not
Till time and I think meet.
Cor.
note
Then be't note so, my good lord. [To the Doctor] note How note does the king? note
-- 397 --
Doct. note
Madam, sleeps note still.
Cor.
O you kind note gods,
Cure this great breach in his abused nature note!
The untuned and jarring note senses, O, wind up
Of this child-changed note father!
Doct.
So please note your majesty
That note we may wake the king: note he hath slept long. note
Cor.
Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed
note note
I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd? note
Gent. note
Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his note sleep
We put fresh garments on him.
Doct. note
Be by, good madam note, when we do awake him;
I doubt not note of his temperance.
Cor.
Very well.
Doct.
Please you, draw near. Louder the music there! note
Cor.
O my dear father! Restoration note hang note
Thy note medicine on my lips, and let this kiss
Repair those violent harms that my two sisters
Have in thy reverence made! note
Kent.
Kind and dear note princess!
-- 398 --
Cor.
Had you note not been their father, these white flakes
Had challenged note pity of them. Was this a face note
To be opposed note against the warring note winds?
To stand against the deep dread-bolted note thunder?
In the most terrible and nimble stroke
Of quick, cross lightning? to note watch—poor perdu!— note
With this thin helm? note Mine note enemy's note dog note,
Though he had bit me, should have stood that night
Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father, note
To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn,
In short and musty straw? Alack, alack note!
'Tis wonder that thy note life and wits at once
Had not concluded all. He note wakes; speak to him.
Doct. note
Madam, do you; note 'tis fittest.
Cor.
How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty? note
Lear.
You do me wrong to take me out o' the note grave:
Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
-- 399 --
Do scald note like molten lead.
Cor.
Sir, do you know me? note
Lear.
You are note a spirit, I know: when note did you die?
Cor.
Still, still, far wide!
Doct.
He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile.
Lear.
Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight? note
I am note mightily note abused. I should e'en note die with pity,
To see another thus. I know not what to say note.
I will not swear these are my hands: let's see;
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assured
Of my condition note!
Cor.
O, look upon note me, sir,
And hold your hands note in benediction o'er me.
No, sir, note you must not kneel. note
Lear.
Pray, do not mock me note:
I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore note and upward, not an hour more nor less; note note
And, to deal plainly note,
I fear I am not in my perfect note mind.
Methinks I should know you and know this man;
Yet I am doubtful; for I am note mainly ignorant
-- 400 --
What place this is, and all the skill I have
Remembers not these garments, nor I note know not
Where I did lodge last night. Do not note laugh at me;
For, as I am a man, I think this lady
To be my child Cordelia.
Cor.
And so I am, I am note.
Lear.
Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray note, weep not: note
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 note wrong:
You have some cause, they have not note.
Cor.
No cause, no cause.
Lear.
Am I in France?
Kent.
In your own kingdom, sir.
Lear.
Do not abuse me. note
Doct.
Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,
You see, is kill'd in him note: and yet it is note danger
To make him even note o'er note the time he has lost. note
Desire him to go in; trouble note him no more
Till further settling. note
Cor.
Will't note please your note highness walk?
Lear.
You must bear with me. Pray you now, forget
and forgive: I am old and foolish. note
[Exeunt all but Kent and Gentleman. note
-- 401 --
Gent.
Holds it true, sir, that note the Duke of Cornwall
was so slain?
Kent.
Most certain, sir.
Gent.
Who is conductor of his people?
Kent.
As 'tis note said, the bastard son of Gloucester.
Gent.
They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the
Earl of Kent in Germany. note
Kent.
Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about;
the powers of the kingdom approach apace.
Gent.
The note arbitrement is like to be bloody note. Fare you
well, sir. note note
[Exit. note
Kent.
My point and period will be throughly wrought,
Or well or ill, as this day's battle's note fought. note
[Exit. note
ACT V.
Scene I.
The British note camp near Dover.
Enter note, with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentlemen, and Soldiers.
Edm.
Know of the duke if his last purpose hold,
Or whether since he is advised by aught
To change the course: he's full of alteration note
-- 402 --
And self-reproving note: bring note his constant pleasure.
[To note a Gentleman, who goes out.
Reg.
Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Edm.
'Tis to be doubted, madam.
Reg.
Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you:
Tell me, but truly, note but then speak the truth,
Do you not love my sister?
Edm.
In note honour'd love.
Reg.
But have you never found my brother's way
To the forfended place?
Edm.
That thought abuses you.
Reg.
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. note note
Edm.
No, by mine honour, madam note. note
Reg.
I never shall endure her: dear my lord,
Be not familiar with her. note
Edm.
Fear me note not.—
She and the duke her husband! note note
Enter, with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers. note
Gon. [Aside] note
I had note rather lose note the battle than that sister
-- 403 --
Should loosen note him and me. note
Alb.
Our very loving sister, well be-met note.
Sir, this I hear note; the king is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigour of our state
Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant: for note this business,
It toucheth us, as France invades our land,
Not bolds note the king, with others note, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Edm.
Sir, you speak nobly note. note note
Reg.
Why is this reason'd?
Gon.
Combine together 'gainst the enemy;
For these domestic and particular broils note
Are not the note question here.
Alb.
Let's note then determine
With the ancient note of war on our proceedings note. note
Edm.
I shall attend you presently at your tent. note
Reg.
Sister, you'll go with us?
Gon.
No.
Reg.
'Tis most convenient; pray you note, go with us.
-- 404 --
Gon. [Aside]
O, ho, I know the riddle. note—I will go.
As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised. note
Edg.
If e'er your grace had note speech with man note so poor,
Hear me one word.
Alb.
I'll overtake you. Speak.
[Exeunt note all but Albany and Edgar.
Edg.
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched note though note 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. note Fortune love note you!
Alb.
Stay till I have note read the letter.
Edg.
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again. note
Alb.
Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook note thy note paper.
[Exit Edgar. note
Re-enter note Edmund.
Edm.
The enemy's note in view: draw up your powers.
-- 405 --
note
Here note is the guess note of their true note strength and forces
note
By diligent discovery; but your haste
Is now urged on you. note
Alb.
We will greet the time.
[Exit. note
note
Edm.
To both these sisters note have I sworn my love;
Each jealous of the other, as the stung note
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?
Both? one? note or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd, note
If both remain alive: to take the widow
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
And hardly shall I carry out my side note,
Her husband being alive. Now then we'll use
His countenance for the battle; which being done,
Let her who note would be rid of him devise
His speedy taking off. As for the note mercy
Which he intends note to Lear and to Cordelia,
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never note see his pardon; for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.
[Exit.
-- 406 --
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
A field note between the two camps.
Alarum within. Enter note, with drum and colours, Lear, Cordelia, and Soldiers, over the stage; and exeunt.
Enter Edgar and Gloucester.
Edg.
Here, father, take the shadow of this tree note
For your good host; pray that the right may thrive:
If ever I return to you again,
I'll bring you comfort. note
Glou.
Grace go note with you, sir!
[Exit Edgar. note
Alarum note and retreat within. Re-enter note Edgar.
Edg.
Away, old man; give me thy hand; away!
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en:
Give me thy hand; come on.
Glou.
No farther note, sir; a man may rot even here.
Edg.
What, in ill thoughts again? Men note must endure note
Their going hence, even as their coming hither:
Ripeness is all: come note on.
Glou.
And that's true too. note
[Exeunt. note
-- 407 --
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
The British camp near note Dover.
Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia, as prisoners; Captain, Soldiers, &c. note
Edm.
Some officers take them away: good guard,
Until their greater pleasures first note be known
That are to censure them.
Cor.
We are note not the first
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.
For thee, oppressed king, am I note cast down; note
Myself could else out-frown note false fortune's frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
Lear.
No, no, no, no note! Come, let's away to prison:
We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:
When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,
And pray, and sing note, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk note of court news; and we'll talk with them too note,
Who loses note and who wins, who's in, who's note 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 note of great ones
That ebb and flow by the moon.
Edm.
Take them away.
Lear.
Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
-- 408 --
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? note
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven,
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes note;
The good-years note shall devour them, flesh note and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep: note we'll see 'em note starve note first. note
Come. note note
[Exeunt note Lear and Cordelia, guarded.
Edm.
note
Come hither note, captain; hark.
note
Take thou this note: go follow them to prison:
One note step I note have advanced 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 note
Does not become a sword: thy note great employment
Will not bear question; either say thou'lt note do 't,
Or thrive by other means. note
Capt.
I'll do 't, my lord.
Edm.
About it; and write happy when thou hast note done.
Mark; I note say, instantly, and carry it so
As I have set it down.
-- 409 --
Capt.
I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;
If it note be man's work, I'll note do 't note. note
[Exit. note
Flourish. note Enter note Albany, Goneril, Regan, another Captain, and Soldiers.
note
Alb.
Sir, you have shown note to-day your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well: you have the note captives
That note were the opposites of this day's strife:
We note do require them note of you, so to use them
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
Edm.
Sir, I thought it fit note
To send note the old and miserable king
To some retention note and appointed guard note;
Whose age has note charms in it, whose title more,
To pluck the common bosom note on note his side,
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen:
My reason all note the same; and they are ready
-- 410 --
To-morrow or at further note space to appear
Where you shall hold your note session. note At this time
We note sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed
By those that feel their sharpness note.
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place. note
Alb.
Sir, by your patience,
I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother. note
Reg.
That's as we list to grace him.
Methinks our pleasure might note have been demanded,
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person;
The which immediacy note may well stand up
And call itself your brother.
Gon.
Not so hot:
In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition note. note
Reg.
In my rights note,
By me invested, he compeers the best. note
Gon. note
That were the most, if he should husband you.
Reg.
Jesters do oft prove prophets.
Gon.
Holla, holla note!
-- 411 --
That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint note. note
Reg.
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 note thine: note
Witness the world, that I create thee here
My lord and master.
Gon.
Mean you to enjoy him note?
Alb.
The let-alone note lies not in your good will.
Edm.
Nor in thine, lord.
Alb.
Half-blooded fellow, yes.
Reg. note [To Edmund] note
Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine note.
Alb.
Stay yet; hear reason. note Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason; and in thine attaint note
This gilded serpent [pointing to Gon. note]. For your claim, fair sister note,
I bar note it in the interest of my wife;
'Tis she is sub-contracted to this note lord,
And I, her husband, contradict your bans note.
If you will marry, make your loves note to me;
My lady is bespoke.
Gon.
An interlude!
Alb. note
Thou art arm'd note, Gloucester: let the trumpet sound: note note
-- 412 --
If none appear to prove upon thy person note
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge [throwing note down a glove]: I'll prove it note on thy heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
Reg.
Sick, O, sick!
Gon. [Aside] note
If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine note. note
Edm. [Throwing note down a glove]
There's my exchange: what in the world he is note
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:
Call by thy note trumpet: he that dares approach,
On him, on you,—who note not?—I will maintain
My truth and honour firmly.
Alb.
A herald, ho!
Edm.
A herald, ho, a herald! note
Alb.
Trust to thy single virtue note; for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name
Took their discharge. note
Reg.
My note sickness grows upon me.
Alb.
She is not well; convey her to my tent.
[Exit Regan, led. note
Enter a Herald. note
Come hither, herald,—Let the trumpet note sound,—
And read out this. note
-- 413 --
Capt.
Sound, trumpet! note
[A trumpet sounds. note
Her. [Reads] note
‘If any man of quality or degree within
the lists note of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed
Earl of Gloucester, that he is note a manifold traitor, let him
appear by note the third sound of the trumpet: he is bold in
his defence.’
Edm.
Sound! note
[First trumpet. note
Her.
Again! note
[Second trumpet. note
Her.
Again! note
[Third trumpet. note
[Trumpet answers within. note
Enter Edgar, at the third sound, armed, with a trumpet before him. note
Alb.
Ask him his purposes, why he appears
Upon this call o' the trumpet.
Her.
What are you?
Your name, your quality note? and why you note answer
This present summons? note
Edg.
Know note, my name is lost;
By treason's tooth note bare-gnawn and canker-bit:
-- 414 --
Yet am I noble as note the adversary
I come to cope. note note
Alb.
Which is that adversary?
Edg.
What's he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
Edm.
Himself: what say'st thou to him?
Edg.
Draw thy sword,
That if my speech offend a noble heart,
Thy note arm note may do thee note justice: here is mine.
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours note,
My oath, and my profession: I protest,
Maugre thy strength, youth, place note and eminence,
Despite note thy victor sword note and fire-new fortune note,
Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods note, thy brother and thy father,
Conspirant note 'gainst this high illustrious note prince,
And from the extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below note thy foot note,
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou ‘No,’
This sword, this arm and my best spirits are note bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest. note
Edm.
In wisdom I should note ask thy name,
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike
-- 415 --
And that thy tongue note some say note of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay note note
By rule note of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head; note
With note the hell-hated lie note o'erwhelm note thy heart;
Which for they yet glance by and scarcely note bruise note,
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,
Where they shall note rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
[Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls. note
Alb. note
Save him, save him!
Gon.
This note is practice note, Gloucester:
By the law of arms note thou wast note not bound to answer note
An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd,
But cozen'd and beguiled. note
Alb.
Shut note your mouth, dame,
note
Or with this paper shall I stop note it. Hold, sir note;
Thou worse than any name note, read thine own evil.
note
No note tearing, lady; note I perceive you know it note. note
-- 416 --
Gon.
Say, if I do, the laws are mine, not thine:
Who can note arraign me for't note? note
Alb.
Most monstrous!
Know'st note thou this paper? note
Gon. note
Ask me not what I know note.
[Exit. note
Alb.
note
Go after her: she's desperate; govern her.
note
Edm.
What you have charged me with, that have I note done; note
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 note noble,
I do forgive thee. note
Edg.
Let's note exchange charity note.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;
If more, the more note thou hast note wrong'd note me.
My name is Edgar, and thy father's son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices note
Make instruments to plague us note:
The dark and vicious place where thee he note got
Cost him his eyes. note
-- 417 --
Edm.
Thou hast note spoken right note, 'tis true note;
The wheel is come full circle note; I am here. note
Alb.
note
Methought thy very gait note did prophesy
A royal nobleness: I must embrace thee:
Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I
Did note hate thee or thy father! note
Edg.
Worthy prince, I know't note.
Alb.
Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known note note the miseries of your father?
Edg.
By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale;
And when 'tis told, O, that my heart would burst!
The note bloody proclamation to escape
That follow'd note me so near,—O, our lives' sweetness!
That we the pain of death would note hourly die note
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift
Into a madman's rags, to assume a semblance
That note very dogs disdain'd: and in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings, note
Their note precious stones note new lost; became note his guide,
Led him, begg'd for him, saved him from despair;
Never—O fault!— notereveal'd myself unto him,
Until some half-hour past, when I was arm'd note;
Not sure, though hoping, of this good success,
-- 418 --
I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my note pilgrimage: but his note flaw'd note heart,—
Alack, too weak the conflict to support!—
'Twixt note two note extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly note.
Edm.
This speech of yours hath moved me,
And shall perchance do good: but speak you on;
You look as you had something more to say.
Alb.
If there be more, more note woful, hold it in;
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this note.
Edg.
This would have seem'd a period note
To such as love not sorrow; but another, note
To amplify too note much note, note would make note much more note,
And top extremity. note
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there in note a man,
Who, having seen me in my worst estate note,
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then note, finding
Who 'twas that note so endured, with his strong arms
He fasten'd note on my neck, and bellow'd note out
-- 419 --
As he'ld burst heaven; threw him note on my father;
Told the most note piteous tale of Lear and him
That ever ear received: which in recounting
His grief grew puissant note, and the strings of life
Began to crack: twice note then the trumpets note sounded,
And there I left him tranced.
Alb.
But who was this?
Edg.
Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise
Follow'd note his enemy king, and did him service
Improper for a slave. note
Enter note a Gentleman, with a bloody knife.
note
Gent. note
Help, help, O, help! note
Edg.
What kind of help?
Alb.
Speak, man.
Edg.
What means this bloody knife? note
Gent.
'Tis note hot, it smokes;
It came note even from the heart of—O, she's dead! note note
Alb.
Who dead? speak, man. note
Gent.
Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister
By her is poisoned note; she hath confess'd note it.
Edm.
I was contracted to them both: all three
-- 420 --
Now marry in an instant.
Edg.
Here comes Kent. note
Alb.
Produce the note bodies, be they alive note or dead. note
[Exit Gentleman. note
This judgement note of the heavens, that makes us tremble, note
Touches us note not with pity.
Enter Kent. note
O, is this he? note
note
The time will not allow the compliment
Which note very manners urges note. note
Kent.
I am note come
To bid my king and master aye good night: note
Is he not here?
Alb. note
Great thing note of us forgot! note
Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia?
note
See'st thou this object, Kent? note
[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in. note
Kent.
Alack, why thus?
Edm.
Yet Edmund was beloved:
-- 421 --
The one the other poison'd note for my sake,
And after note slew herself. note
Alb. note
Even so. Cover their faces.
Edm.
I pant for life: some good I mean to do,
Despite of mine note own nature. Quickly send,
Be brief in it, to the note castle; for my writ note
Is note on the life of Lear and on note Cordelia:
Nay, send in time. note
Alb. note
Run, run, O, run! note
Edg.
note
To who note, my lord? Who hath note the office? send
note
Thy token of reprieve.
Edm.
Well thought on: take my sword,
Give note it the captain. note
Alb. note note
Haste thee, for thy life.
[Exit Edgar. note
Edm.
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. note note
Alb. note
The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.
[Edmund is borne off. note
-- 422 --
Re-enter note Lear note, with Cordelia dead note in his arms; Edgar, Captain, and others following. note
note
Lear.
Howl, note howl, howl, howl! O, you note are men of stones note:
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so
That heaven's vault should crack. She's note 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 note stain the stone note,
Why, then she note lives. note
Kent.
Is this the promised end?
Edg.
Or image of that horror? note
Alb. note
Fall and cease. note note
Lear.
This feather stirs; she lives. If it be so,
It is a chance which note does redeem all sorrows
That ever I have felt. note
Kent. [Kneeling] note
O my note good master!
Lear.
Prithee, away.
Edg.
'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
Lear.
A plague upon you, note murderers, note traitors all!
-- 423 --
I might have saved her; now she's gone for ever!
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha! note
What is't thou say'st note? Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman note.
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee. note
Capt. note
'Tis true, my lords, he did.
Lear.
Did I not, fellow?
I have note seen the day, with my good note biting falchion note
I would have made them note skip: I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?
Mine eyes are not o' the note best: I'll tell you straight. note
Kent.
If fortune brag note of two she loved and note hated,
One of them we note behold.
Lear.
This is note a dull sight note. Are you not note Kent?
Kent.
The same,
Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius? note
Lear.
He's a note good fellow, I can tell you note that;
He'll note strike, and quickly too: he's dead and rotten.
Kent.
No, my good lord; I am the very man— note
Lear.
I'll see that straight.
Kent.
That from your first note of difference and decay
-- 424 --
Have note follow'd note your sad steps. note
Lear.
You are note welcome hither note.
Kent.
Nor note no man else: note all's note cheerless, dark and deadly note. note
Your eldest daughters have fordone note themselves,
And desperately are dead.
Lear.
Ay, so I think. note
Alb. note
He knows not what he says note, and vain is it note
That we present us to him.
Edg.
Very bootless.
Enter note a Captain.
Capt. note
Edmund is dead, my lord.
Alb.
That's but a trifle here note.
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great note 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] note you, to your note rights;
With boot, and such addition as your honours note
Have more than merited. note All friends shall taste
-- 425 --
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see! note note
Lear.
And my poor fool note is hang'd! No, no, no note life!
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have note life,
And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt note come no more,
Never note note, never, never, never, never!
Pray you note, undo this button: thank you, sir. note
Do you see this? Look on her, note look, her lips, note
Look there, look there! note
[Dies. note
Edg.
He faints, My lord, my lord! note
Kent. note
Break, heart; I prithee, break!
Edg.
Look up, note my lord.
Kent.
Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him note
That would upon the rack note of this tough note world
Stretch him out longer. note
Edg.
He note is gone indeed.
Kent.
The wonder is he hath endured so long:
He but usurp'd his life. note
Alb. note
Bear them from hence. Our present business
Is note general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] note Friends of my soul, you twain
-- 426 --
Rule in this realm note and the gored state note sustain.
Kent.
I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;
note
My master calls me, I note must not say no.
Alb. note
The weight of this sad time we must obey,
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath note borne most: we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live note so long. note
[Exeunt, with a dead march. note
