:

now:

me.

SCENE VI.
KING LEAR.

me chatter ; when the thunder would not peace at | None does offend, none, I say, none ; I'll able 'em ;
my bidding; there I found them, there I smelt Take that of me, my friend, who have the power
them out. Go to, they are not men o'their words : To seal the accuser's lips. : Get thee glass eyes;
they told me I was every thing ; 'tis a lie; I am not And, like a scurvy politician, seem
ague-proof.

To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now,
Glo. The trick of that voice I do well remember :
Is't not the king?

Pull off my boots : - harder, harder ; so.
Lear.
Ay, every inch a king :

Edg. O, matter and impertinency mix'd !
When I do stare, see, how the subject quakes. Reason in madness!
I pardon that man's life : What was thy cause? Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.
Adultery.

I know thee well enough ; thy name is Gloster : Thou shalt not die: Die for adultery! No: Thou must be patient; we came crying hither. The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air, Does lecher in my sight.

We wawl, and cry:- I will preach to thee; mark Let copulation thrive, for Gloster's bastard son Was kinder to his father, than my daughters

Glo. Alack, alack the day! Got 'tween the lawful sheets.

Lear. When we are born, we cry, that we are come To't, luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers.

To this great stage of fools ; —This a good Behold yon' simpering dame,

block ?
Whose face between her forks presageth snow; It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe
That minces virtue, and does shake the head A troop of horse with felt : I'll put it in proof;
To hear of pleasure's name;

And when I have stolen upon these sons-in-law,
The fitchew, nor the soiled horse, goes to't

Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.
With a more riotous appetite.
Down from the waist they are centaurs,

Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants.
Though women all above :

Gent. O, here he is ; lay hand upon him.

Sir, But to the girdle do the gods inherit,

Your most dear daughter Beneath is all the fiends'; there's hell, there's dark- Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even ness, there is the sulphurous pit, burning, scalding, The natural fool of fortune. Use me well ; stench, consumption ; — Fye, fye, fye! pah ; pah! You shall have ransome. Let me have a surgeon, Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to I am cut to the brains. sweeten my imagination : there's money for thee. Gent.

You shall have any thing. Glo. 0, let me kiss that hand !

Lear. No seconds ? all myself?
Lear. Let me wipe it first ; it smells of mortality. Why, this would make a man, a man of salt,

Glo. O ruin'd piece of nature ! This great world To use his eyes for garden water-pots,
Shall so wear out to nought.–Dost thou know me? Ay, and for laying autumn's dust.
Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost Gent.

Good sir, thou squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; Lear. I will die bravely, like a bridegroom ; I'll not love. — Read thou this challenge ; mark

What? but the penning of it.

I will be jovial ; come, come; I am a king, Glo. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one. My masters, know you that ?

Edg. I would not take this from report; - it is, Gent. You are a royal one, and we obey you. And my heart breaks at it.

Lear. Then there's life in it. Nay, an you get Lear. Read.

it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. Glo. What, with the case of eyes ?

(Exit running; Attendants follow. Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes Gent. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch; in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your Past speaking of in a king ! - Thou hast one eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light: Yet

daughter, you see how this world goes.

Who redeems nature from the general curse Glo. I see it feelingly.

Which twain have brought her to. Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how this Edg. Hail, gentle sir. world goes, with no eyes. Look with thine ears : Gent. Sir, speed you : What's your will? see how yon' justice rails upon yon' simple thief. Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward ? Hark, in thine ear: Change places ; and, handy- Gent. Most sure, and vulgar: every one hears that, dandy, which is the justice, which is the thief ? Which can distinguish sound. Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a beggar? Edg.

But, by your favour, Glo. Ay, sir.

How near's the other army? Lear. And the creature run from the cur?

Gent. Near, and on speedy foot; the main descry There thou might'st behold the great image of au- Stands on the hourly thought. thority : a dog's obeyed in office. –

Edg.

I thank you, sir : that's all. Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand :

Gent. Though that the queen on special cause is Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine'own back;

here, Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind

Her army is mov'd on. For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs the Edg.

I thank you, sir. (Exit Gent.

Glo. You ever gentle gods, take my breath from Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear ; Robes, and furr'd gowns, hide all. Plate sin with Let not my worser spirit tempt me again gold,

To die before you please! And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks : Edg.

Well pray you, father, Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw doth pierce it. Glo. Now, good sir, what are you?

cozener.

me;

volk pass.

Edg. A most poor man, made tame by fortune's Glo. The king is mad : How stift is my vile blows;

sense, Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows, That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand, Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract: I'll lead you to some biding.

So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs; Glo.

Hearty thanks :: And woes, by wrong imaginations lose The bounty and the benizon of heaven

The knowledge of themselves.
To boot, and boot !

Re-enter EDGAL
Enter Steward.

Edg.

Give me your hand : Stew. A proclaim'd prize! Most happy! Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum. That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. To raise my fortunes. — Thou old unhappy traitor,

(Eseunt. Briefly thyself remember : - The sword is out That must destroy thee.

SCENE VII. - A Tent in the Prench Casu. Glo.

Now let thy friendly hand LEAR on a Bed, asleep; Physician, Gentlemen, and Put strength enough to it. (EDGAR opposes. others, attending. Stew.

Wherefore, bold peasant, Dar’st thou support a publish'd traitor ? Hence;

Enter CORDELIA and KENT. Lest that the infection of his fortune take

Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live, and Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.

work, Edg. Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion. To match thy goodness? My life will be too short, Stew. Let go, slave, or thou diest.

And every measure fail me. Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is 'er-paid.

And ch'ud ha' been zwagger'd out of All my reports go with the modest truth; my life, 'twould not ha' been zo long as 'tis by a Nor more, nor clipp'd, but so. vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man; keep Cor.

Be better suited: out, che vor'ye, or ise try whether your costard or These weeds are memories of those worser hours; my bat be the harder : Ch’ill be plain with you. I pr’ythee, put them off. Stew. Out, dunghill !

Kent,

Pardon me, dear madam; Edg. Ch’ill pick your teeth, zir: Come; no matter Yet to be known, shortens my made intent : vor your foins.

My boon I make it, that you know me not, [They fight; and EDGAR knocks him down. Till time and I think meet. Stew. Slave, thou hast slain me : - Villain, take Cor. Then be it so, my good lord. - How does my purse;

the king ?

[To the Physician. If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body ;

Phys. Madam, sleeps still.
And give the letters, which thou find'st about me, Cor. O you kind gods,
To Edmund earl of Gloster ; seek him out Cure this great breach in his abused nature !
Upon the British party : -0, untimely death! The untun'd and jarring senses, 0, wind up

(Dies. Of this child-changed father ! Edg. I know thee well : A serviceable villain; Phys.

So please your majesty, As duteous to the vices of thy mistress,

That we may wake the king ? he hath slept long. As badness would desire.

Cor. Be govern’d by your knowledge, and preGlo. What, is he dead?

ceed Edg. Sit you down, father ; rest you.

I'the sway of your own will. Is he array'd ? Let's see his pockets : these letters that he speaks of, Gent. Ay, madam ; in the heaviness of his sleep, May be my friends. He is dead; I am only sorry We put fresh garments on him. He had no other death's-man. — Let us see:- Phys. Be by, good madam, when we do svake Leave, gentle wax: and, manners, blame us not : To know our enemies' minds, we'd rip their hearts; I doubt not of his temperance. Their papers, is more lawful.

Cor.

Very well. (Reads.] Let our reciprocal vows be remembered.

Phys. Please you, draw near. — Louder the

musick there. You have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully of Thy medicine on my lips ; and let this kiss

Cor. O my dear father! Restoration, hang fered. There is nothing done, if he return) the conqueror ; Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my Have in thy reverence made !

Repair those violent harms, that my two sisters gaol ; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me,

Kent.

Kind and dear princess! and supply the place for your labour.

Cor. Had you not been their father, these Your wife, (so I would say,) and your affectionate

Aakes servant,

GONIRIL.

Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face O undistinguish'd space of woman's will ! - To be expos'd against the warring winds? A plot upon her virtuous husband's life ;

To stand against the deep dread-holted thunder ? And the exchange, my brother!-Here, in the sands, In the most terrible and nimble stroke Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified

Of quick, cross-lightning? to watch (poor periu" Of murderous lechers : and, in the mature time, With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog, With this ungracious paper strike the sight Though he had bit me, should have stood that might Of the death-practis'd duke: For him 'tis well, Against my fire; And wast thou fain, pour faian, That of thy death and business I can tell.

To hovel thee with swine, and rogues fariam, [Exit Edgar, dragging out the body. In short and musty straw ? Alack, alack!

him ;

'Tis wonder, that thy life and wits at once

Lear. Be your tears wet? Yes, 'faith. I pray, Had not concluded all. - He wakes ; speak to him.

weep not: Phys. Madam, do you ; 'tis fittest.

If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
Cor. How does my royal lord ? How fares your I know, you do not love me; for your sisters
majesty ?

Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:
Lear. You do me wrong, to take me out o'the You have some cause, they have not.
grave :

Cor.

No cause, no cause. Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound

Lear. Am I in France ? Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears

Kent.

In your own kingdom, sir, Do scald like molten lead.

Lear. Do not abuse me.
Cor.

Sir, do you know me ? Phys. Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,
Lear. You are a spirit, I know ; 'When did you You see, is cur’d in him: and yet it is danger
die?

To make him even o'er the time he has lost.
Cor. Still, still, far wide!

Desire him to go in; trouble him no more,
Phys. He's scarce awake ; let him alone awhile. Till further settling.
Lear. Where have I been? Where am I?- Fair Cor. Will't please your highness walk ?
day-light?

Lear.

You must bear with me : I am mightily abus’d.--I should even die with pity, Pray now, forget and forgive: I am old, and foolish. To see another thus. — I know not what to say.

[Exeuni LEAR, CORDELIA, Physician, and I will not swear, these are my hands : - let's see ;

Attendants.
I feel this pin prick. 'Would I were assur'd Gent. Holds it true, sir,
Of my condition.

That the duke of Cornwall was so slain?
Cor.
O, look upon me, sir,

Kent.

Most certain, sir. And hold your hands in benediction o'er me:- Gent. Who is conductor of his people ? No, sir, you must not kneel.

Kent.

As 'uis said, Lear

Pray, do not mock me: The bastard son of Gloster. I am a very.foolish fond old man,

Gent.

They say, Edgar, Fourscore and upward ; and, to deal plainly, His banish'd son, is with the earl of Kent I fear, I am not in my perfect mind.

In Germany Methinks, I should know you, and know this man; Kent. Report is changeable. Yet I am doubtful: for I am mainly ignorant 'Tis time to look about; the powers o'the kingdong What place this is : and all the skill I have

Approach apace. Remembers not these garments ; nor I know not Gent. The arbitrement is like to be a bloody. Where I did lodge last night : Do not laugh at me; Fare you well, sir.

[Erit. For, as I am a man, I think this lady

Kent. My point and period will be throughly To be my child Cordelia.

wrought, Cor. And so I I

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

am,

am,

ACT V.

Edm.

Fear me not : SCENE I. - The Camp of the British Forces,

She, and the duke her husband, near Dover.

Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers. Enter, with drums and colours, EDMUND, REGAN,

Gon. I had rather lose the battle, than that sister
Officers, Soldiers, and others.
Should loosen him and me.

(Aside. Edm. Know of the duke, if his last purpose Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met. — hold;

Sir, this I hear, -The king is come to his daughter, Or, whether since he is advis'd by aught

With others, whom the rigour of our state To change the course : He's full of alteration, Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, And self-reproving :- bring his constant pleasure. I never yet was valiant : for this business,

[To an Officer, who goes out. It toucheth us as France invades our land, Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Not bolds the king ; with others, whom, I fear, Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam

Most just and heavy causes make oppose.

Now, sweet lord, Edm. Sir, you speak nobly. You know the goodness I intend upon you :

Reg.

Why is this reason'd? Tell me, — but truly, — but then speak the truth, Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy: Do you not love my sister ?

For these domestick and particular broils Edm.

In honour'd love. Are not to question here. Reg. But have you never found my brother's way Alb.

Let us then determine To the forefended place ?

With the ancient of war on our proceedings. Edm.

That thought abuses you. Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct Reg. Sister, you'll go with us ? And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.

Gon. No. Edm. No, by mine honour, madam.

Reg. 'Tis most convenient ; pray you, go with us, Reg. I never sball endure her: Dear my lord, Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: (Aside.] I will Be not familiar with her.

Reg.

a

As they are going out, enter Edgar, disguised. SCENE III. - The British Camp near Dover. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so

Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, EDMUND; poor,

LEAR and CORDELIA, as prisoners; Officers, Hear me one word. Alb. I'll overtake you.

Soldiers, doc.

Speak. [Ereunt EDMUND, REGAN, GONERIL, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants.

Until their greater pleasures first be known Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.

That are to censure them. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound

Cor.

We are not the first, For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,

Who, with best meaning, have incurr'd the worst. I can produce a champion, that will prove

For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down; What is avouched there: If you miscarry,

Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.Your business of the world hath so an end,

Shall we not see these daughters, and these sisters? And machination ceases. Fortune love you!

Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison: Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.

We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage: Edg.

I was forbid it. When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down, When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,

And ask of thee forgiveness : So we'll live, And I'll appear again.

[Erit.

And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues paper.

Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,

Who loses, and who wins; who's in, who's out;Re-enter EDMUND.

And take upon us the mystery of things,

As if we were God's spies : And we'll wear out, Edm. The enemy's in view, draw up your

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

That ebb and flow by the moon. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces

Edm.

: Take them away. By diligent discovery; but your haste Is now urg'd on you.

Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
Alb.
We will greet the time. (Erit.

The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught

thee? Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love; He that parts us, shall bring a brand from heavern Each jealous of the other, as the stung

And fire us hence, like foxes. Wipe thine eyes; Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take ? Both ? one? or neither ? Neither can be enjoy'd,

The goujeers shall devour them, flesh and fell, If both remain alive: To take the widow,

Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see them starti

first. Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril ;

Come. And hardly shall I carry out my side,

(Exeunt Lear and CORDILIA, Ewarded Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use

Edm. Come hither, captain ; hark. His countenance for the battle ; which being done,

Take thou this note ; (giving a paper.) g2, 'follos

them to prison; Let her, who would be rid of him, devise

One step I have advanc'd thee: if thou dost
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear, and to Cordelia, -

As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way

To noble fortunes: Know thou this, - that men The battle done, and they within our power,

Are as the time is : to be tender-minded
Shall never see his pardon : for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.

Does not become a sword :— Thy great employment (Ent.

Will not bear question ;-either say, thou’lt det

Or thrive by other means. SCENE II. A Field between the two Camps.

of:

I'll do's, my lord.' Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, LEAR,

Edm. About it; and write happy, when thou

hast done. CORDELIA, and their Forces; and ereunt.

Mark, - I say, instantly; and carry it so,
Enter EDGAR and GLOSTER.

As I have set it down.

off. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried osts; Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree

If it be man's work, I will do it. [Exit Oficer. For your good host ; pray that the right may thrive :

Flourish. Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, Recax, If ever I return to you again,

Officers, and Attendants. I'll bring you comfort.

Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant Glo. Grace go with you, sir !

strain, [Exit EDGAR. And fortune led you well: You have the captim

Who were the opposites of this day's strife :
Alarums; afterwards a Retreat. Re-enter EDGAR.

We do require them of you ; so to use them,
Edg. Away, old man, give me thy hand, away; As we shall find their merits and our safety
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en : May equally determine.
Give me thy hand, come on.

Edm.

Sir, I thought it it Glo. No further, sir ; a man may rot even here. To send the old and miserable king * Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must To some retention and appointed guard ; endure

Whose age has charms in it, whose title more Their going hence, even as their coming hither : To pluck the common bosom on lis side, Ripeness is all : Come on.

And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Glo.

And that's true too. Which do command them. With hi
(Eseunt.

queen ;

a

a

My reason all the same; and they are ready All levied in my naine, have in my name
To-morrow, or at further space, to appear - Took their discharge.
Where you shall hold your session. At this time, Rey

This sickness grows upon me. We 'sweat, and bleed; the friend hath lost his friend;

Enter a Herald. And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs'd

Alb. She is not well ; convey her to my tent. By those that feel their sharpness :

[Erit Regan, led. The question of Cordelia, and her father,

Come hither, herald, - Let the trumpet sound, Requires a fitter place.

And read out this. Alb.

Sir, by your patience, off. Sound, trumpet. [4 trumpet sounds. I hold you but a subject of this war,

Herald reads.
Not as a brother.
Reg.

That's as we list to grace him. If any man of quality, or degree, within the lists of Methinks, our pleasure might have been demanded, the army, will maintain

upon Edmund, supposed eart Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers;

of Gloster, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear Bore the commission of my place and person;

at the third suund of the trumpet: He is bold in his The which immediacy may well stand up,

defence. And call itself your brother.

Edm. Sound.

(1 Trumpet. Gon.

Not so hot:
Her. Again.

[2 Trumpet. In his own grace he doth exalt himself,

Her. Again.

(3 Trumpet. More than in your advancement.

[Trumpet answers within. Reg.

In my rights, By me invested, he compeers the best.

Enter Edgar, armed, preceded by a trumpet. Gon. That were the most, if he should husband Alb. Ask him his purposes, why he appears you.

Upon this call o' the trumpet. Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Her.

What are you? Gon.

Holla, holla! Your name, your quality ? and why you answer That eye, that told you so, look'd but a-squint. This present summons ? Reg. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer Edg.

Know, my name is lost; From a full-flowing stomach. - General,

By treason's tooth bare gnawn, and canker-bit : Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony; Yet am I noble, as the adversary Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine : I come to cope withal. : Witness the world, that I create thee here

Alb

Which is that adversary ? My lord and master.

Edg. What's he, that speaks for Edmund earl of Gon. Mean you to enjoy him?

Gloster? Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will. Edm. Himself ; – What say'st thou to him? Edm. Nor in thine, lord.

Edg.

Draw thy sword ; Alb.

Half-blooded fellow, yes. That, if my speech offend a noble heart, Reg. Let the drum strike, and prove my title Thy arm may do thee justice : here is mine. thine.

[To EDMUND. Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours, Alb. Stay yet ; hear reason :- Edmund, I arrest My oath, and my profession; I protest, thee

Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence, On capital treason ; and, in thy arrest,

Despite thy victor sword, and fire-new fortune, This gilded serpent : [Pointing to Gon.]— for your Thy valour, and thy heart, – thou art a traitor : claim, fair sister,

False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father ; I bar it in the interest of my wife ;

Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince; 'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord,

And, from the extremest upward of thy head, And I, her husband, contradict your bans.

To the descent and dust beneath thy feet, If you will marry, make your love to me,

A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou, No, My lady is bespoke.

This sword, this arm, and my best spirits, are bent Gon. An interlude!

To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak, Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloster :- Let the trumpet Thou liest. sound:

Edm. In wisdom, I should ask thy name ; If none appear to prove upon thy person,

But, since thy outside looks so fair and warlike, Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons, And that thy tongue some 'say of breeding breathes, There is my pledge ; (Throwing down a glove.] What safe and nicely I might well delay I'll prove it on thy heart,

By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn: Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less

Back do I toss these treasons to thy head; Than I have here proclaim'd thee.

With the hell hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart; Reg.

Sick, O, sick! Which, (for they yet glance by, and scarcely bruise,) Gon. If not, I'll ne'er trust poison. [Aside. This sword of mine shall give them instant way, Edn. There's my exchange: [Throwing down a Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak. glove.] what in the world he is

(Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls. That names me traitor, villain-like he lies :

Alb. O save him, save him! Call by thy trumpet : he that dares approach,

Gon.

• This is mere practice, Gloster : On him, on you, (who not ?) I will maintain By the law of arms, thou wast not bound to answer My truth and honour firmly.

An unknown opposite ; thou art not vanquish'd, Alb. A herald, ho?

But cozen'd and beguil'd.
Edm.
A herald, ho, a herald!

Alb.

Shut your mouth, dame, Alb. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers, Or with this paper shall I stop it: – Hold, sir : mer