ACT I.
Scene I. King Lear's palace.
Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund.[2424]
Kent. I thought the king had more affected the Duke[2425][2426]
of Albany than Cornwall.[2425][2426]
Glou. It did always seem so to us: but now, in the[2425][2426][2427]
division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the dukes[2425][2426][2428]
he values most; for equalities are so weighed that curiosity[2425][2426][2429] 5
in neither can make choice of either's moiety.[2425][2426]
Kent. Is not this your son, my lord?[2425]
Glou. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I[2425]
have so often blushed to acknowledge him that now I am[2425]
brazed to it.[2425][2430] 10
Kent. I cannot conceive you.[2425]
Glou. Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon[2425]
she grew round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a son for her[2425]
cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a[2425]
fault?[2425] 15
Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it[2425]
being so proper.[2425]
Glou. But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year[2425][2431]
elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though[2425][2432]
this knave came something saucily into the world before he[2425][2433] 20
was sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was good sport[2425]
at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.[2425][2434]
Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund?[2425][2435]
Glou. My lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my[2425][2437] 25
honourable friend.[2425][2437]
Edm. My services to your lordship.[2425]
Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you better.[2425]
Edm. Sir, I shall study deserving.[2425][2438]
Glou. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall[2425] 30
again. The king is coming.[2425][2439]
Sennet. Enter one bearing a coronet, King Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and Attendants.[2440]
Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.[2441]
Glou. I shall, my liege. [Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund.[2442]
Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.[2443]
Give me the map there. Know we have divided[2444] 35
In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent[2445]
To shake all cares and business from our age,[2446]
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we[2447][2448]
Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,[2448]
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,[2448][2449] 40
We have this hour a constant will to publish[2448]
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife[2448][2450]
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,[2448][2451]
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,[2452]
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, 45
And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,[2453]
Since now we will divest us both of rule,[2454]
Interest of territory, cares of state,[2454][2455]
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend 50
Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,[2456]
Our eldest-born, speak first.[2457]
Gon. Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter,[2457][2458]
Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty,[2459]
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, 55
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour,
As much as child e'er loved or father found;[2460]
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.[2461]
Cor. [Aside] What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be silent.[2462]60
Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,
With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,[2463][2464][2465]
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,[2464]
We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue[2466]
Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,[2467] 65
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.[2468]
Reg. I am made of that self metal as my sister,[2469]
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart[2470]
I find she names my very deed of love;[2471]
Only she comes too short: that I profess[2471][2472] 70
Myself an enemy to all other joys[2471]
Which the most precious square of sense possesses,[2473]
And find I am alone felicitate[2474][2475]
In your dear highness' love.[2474]
Cor. [Aside] Then poor Cordelia![2476][2477][2478]
And yet not so, since I am sure my love's[2479][2480] 75
More ponderous than my tongue.[2477][2480][2481]
Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,
No less in space, validity and pleasure,
Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy,[2482][2483][2484] 80
Although the last, not least, to whose young love[2483][2485]
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy[2483]
Strive to be interess'd, what can you say to draw[2483][2486]
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.[2483][2487]
Cor. Nothing, my lord. 85
Lear. Nothing![2488]
Cor. Nothing.[2488]
Lear. Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.[2489]
Cor. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave[2490][2491]
My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty[2490] 90
According to my bond; nor more nor less.[2490][2492]
Lear. How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,[2493]
Lest it may mar your fortunes.[2494]
Cor. Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, loved me: I[2495][2496]
Return those duties back as are right fit,[2496][2497] 95
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say[2498]
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,[2498][2499][2500]
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry[2500]
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:[2500] 100
Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,[2500][2501][2502]
To love my father all.[2502][2503]
Lear. But goes thy heart with this?
Cor. Ay, good my lord.[2504]
Lear. So young, and so untender?
Cor. So young, my lord, and true. 105
Lear. Let it be so; thy truth then be thy dower:[2505]
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;[2506]
By all the operation of the orbs[2507]
From whom we do exist and cease to be; 110
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,[2508]
Or he that makes his generation messes[2509] 115
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom[2509][2510]
Be as well neighbour'd, pitied and relieved,[2510]
As thou my sometime daughter.
Kent. Good my liege,—[2511]
Lear. Peace, Kent![2512]
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.[2512] 120
I loved her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight![2513]
So be my grave my peace, as here I give
Her father's heart from her! Call France. Who stirs?
Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,[2514] 125
With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:[2515]
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly with my power,[2516]
Pre-eminence and all the large effects[2517]
That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,[2518] 130
With reservation of an hundred knights
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain[2519]
The name and all the additions to a king;[2520][2521]
The sway, revenue, execution of the rest,[2520][2522] 135
Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,
This coronet part betwixt you.[2523]
Kent. Royal Lear,
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,[2524]
Loved as my father, as my master follow'd,[2525]
As my great patron thought on in my prayers,—[2526] 140
Lear. The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.
Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade[2527]
The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly,
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?[2528]
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak, 145
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound,[2529]
When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom,[2530]
And in thy best consideration check[2531]
This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgement,[2532]
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; 150
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound[2533]
Reverbs no hollowness.[2533]
Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more.[2534]
Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn[2535]
To wage against thy enemies, nor fear to lose it,[2536]
Thy safety being the motive.[2537]
Lear. Out of my sight! 155
Kent. See better, Lear, and let me still remain
The true blank of thine eye.
Lear. Now, by Apollo,—
Kent. Now, by Apollo, king,[2538][2539]
Thou swear'st thy gods in vain.[2538]
Lear. O, vassal! miscreant!
[Laying his hand on his sword.[2540]
Alb. } Dear sir, forbear.[2541] 160
Corn.}
Kent. Do;[2542]
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow[2543][2544]
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy doom;[2543][2545]
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,[2543]
I'll tell thee them dost evil.[2543]
Lear. Hear me, recreant![2546][2547] 165
On thy allegiance, hear me![2546][2548]
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,[2549]
Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd pride[2550]
To come between our sentence and our power,[2551]
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, 170
Our potency made good, take thy reward.[2552]
Five days we do allot thee, for provision[2553]
To shield thee from diseases of the world,[2554]
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back[2555]
Upon our kingdom: if on the tenth day following[2556] 175
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,
The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,[2557]
This shall not be revoked.
Kent. Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear,[2558]
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.[2559] 180
[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,[2560]
That justly think'st and hast most rightly said![2561]
[To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds approve,[2562]
That good effects may spring from words of love.
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu; 185
He'll shape his old course in a country new. [Exit.[2563]
Flourish. Re-enter Gloucester, with France, Burgundy, and Attendants.[2564]
Glou. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.[2565]
Lear. My lord of Burgundy,[2566][2567]
We first address towards you, who with this king[2566][2568]
Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least,[2566][2569] 190
Will you require in present dower with her,[2566]
Or cease your quest of love?[2566][2570]
Bur. Most royal majesty,[2571]
I crave no more than what your highness offer'd,[2571][2572]
Nor will you tender less.[2571][2573]
Lear. Right noble Burgundy,[2574]
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;[2574][2575] 195
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:[2574][2576]
If aught within that little seeming substance,[2574][2577]
Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced,[2574][2578]
And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,[2579]
She's there, and she is yours.
Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,[2580]
Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,
Dower'd with our curse and stranger'd with our oath,[2581]
Take her, or leave her?[2582]
Bur. Pardon me, royal sir;[2583][2584]
Election makes not up on such conditions.[2584][2585] 205
Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,
I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,[2586]
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 way[2587] 210
Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed
Almost to acknowledge hers.
France. This is most strange,[2588]
That she, that even but now was your best object,[2588][2589]
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,[2588][2590]
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time[2588][2591] 215
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle[2588]
So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence[2588][2592]
Must be of such unnatural degree[2588]
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection[2593][2594]
Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her,[2594][2595] 220
Must be a faith that reason without miracle[2596]
Could never plant in me.[2596]
Cor. I yet beseech your majesty,—[2597][2598]
If for I want that glib and oily art,[2598][2599]
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,[2600]
I'll do't before I speak,—that you make known[2601] 225
It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,[2602]
No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,[2603]
That hath deprived me of your grace and favour;[2604]
But even for want of that for which I am richer,[2605]
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue[2606] 230
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it[2607]
Hath lost me in your liking.
Lear. Better thou[2608][2609]
Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better.[2609][2610]
France. Is it but this, a tardiness in nature[2611]
Which often leaves the history unspoke[2612][2613] 235
That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,[2613][2614]
What say you to the lady? Love's not love[2613][2615]
When it is mingled with regards that stand[2613][2616]
Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?[2617]
She is herself a dowry.[2618]
Bur. Royal Lear,[2619][2620] 240
Give but that portion which yourself proposed,[2620]
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,[2620]
Duchess of Burgundy.[2620]
Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.[2621]
Bur. I am sorry then you have so lost a father[2622] 245
That you must lose a husband.
Cor. Peace be with Burgundy![2623][2624]
Since that respects of fortune are his love,[2623][2625]
I shall not be his wife.[2623]
France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich being poor,[2626]
Most choice forsaken, and most loved despised, 250
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:[2627]
Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.[2628]
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect[2629]
My love should kindle to inflamed respect.
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,[2630] 255
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:
Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy[2631]
Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.[2632]
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:[2633][2634]
Thou losest here, a better where to find.[2634] 260
Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine, for we[2635]
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see[2635]
That face of hers again. Therefore be gone[2636]
Without our grace, our love, our benison.[2637][2638]
Come, noble Burgundy.[2637] 265
[Flourish. Exeunt all but France, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.[2639]
France. Bid farewell to your sisters.[2640]
Cor. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes[2641][2642]
Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;[2642][2643]
And, like a sister, am most loath to call[2642]
Your faults as they are named. Use well our father:[2642][2644] 270
To your professed bosoms I commit him:[2645]
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,
I would prefer him to a better place.[2646]
So farewell to you both.
Reg. Prescribe not us our duties.[2647]
Gon. Let your study[2648] 275
Be to content your lord, who hath received you[2648]
At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,[2648][2649]
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.[2650]
Cor. Time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides:[2651]
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.[2652] 280
Well may you prosper!
France. Come, my fair Cordelia.
[Exeunt France and Cordelia.[2653]
Gon. Sister, it is not a little I have to say of what most[2654][2655][2656]
nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence[2655][2657]
to-night.[2655]
Reg. That's most certain, and with you; next month[2658] 285
with us.
Gon. You see how full of changes his age is; the observation[2659]
we have made of it hath not been little: he always[2660]
loved our sister most; and with what poor judgement he hath
now cast her off appears too grossly.[2661] 290
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 from his age, not alone[2662]
the imperfections of long ingrafted condition, but therewithal[2663] 295
the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric[2664]
years bring with them.
Reg. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from[2665]
him as this of Kent's banishment.
Gon. There is further compliment of leave-taking between[2666] 300
France and him. Pray you, let's hit together: if our[2667]
father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears,[2668]
this last surrender of his will but offend us.
Reg. We shall further think on 't.[2669]
Gon. We must do something, and i' the heat. [Exeunt.305
Scene II. The Earl of Gloucester's castle.
Enter Edmund, with a letter.[2670]
Edm. Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law[2671]
My services are bound. Wherefore should I[2671]
Stand in the plague of custom, and permit[2671][2672]
The curiosity of nations to deprive me,[2671][2673]
For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines[2671] 5
Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?[2671][2674]
When my dimensions are as well compact,[2671][2675]
My mind as generous and my shape as true,[2671]
As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us[2671][2676]
With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?[2671][2677] 10
Who in the lusty stealth of nature take[2671]
More composition and fierce quality[2671]
Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,[2671][2678]
Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops,[2671][2679]
Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well then,[2671][2680] 15
Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:[2671]
Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund[2671]
As to the legitimate: fine word,'legitimate!'[2671][2681]
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed[2671]
And my invention thrive, Edmund the base[2671][2676] 20
Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper:[2671][2682]
Now, gods, stand up for bastards![2671]
Enter Gloucester.[2671]
Glou. Kent banish'd thus! and France in choler parted![2671][2683][2684]
And the king gone to-night! subscribed his power![2671][2684][2685]
Confined to exhibition! All this done[2671][2684][2686] 25
Upon the gad! Edmund, how now! what news?[2671][2684]
Edm. So please your lordship, none.
[Putting up the letter.[2687]
Glou. Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?[2688]
Edm. I know no news, my lord.
Glou. What paper were you reading? 30
Edm. Nothing, my lord.
Glou. No? What needed then that terrible dispatch of[2689]
it into your pocket? the quality of nothing hath not such
need to hide itself. Let's see: come, if it be nothing, I shall[2690]
not need spectacles. 35
Edm. I beseech you, sir, pardon me: it is a letter from[2691]
my brother, that I have not all o'er-read; and for so much[2692]
as I have perused, I find it not fit for your o'er-looking.[2693]
Glou. Give me the letter, sir.
Edm. I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The[2694] 40
contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame.[2694][2695]
Glou. Let's see, let's see.
Edm. I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote
this but as an essay or taste of my virtue.[2696]
Glou. [Reads] 'This policy and reverence of age makes[2697] 45
the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes[2698]
from us till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find
an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny;
who sways, not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come[2699]
to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would 50
sleep till I waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for
ever, and live the beloved of your brother, Edgar.'
Hum! Conspiracy!—'Sleep till I waked him, you should[2700]
enjoy half his revenue!'—My son Edgar! Had he a hand
to write this? a heart and brain to breed it in? When[2701] 55
came this to you? who brought it?[2702]
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 60
it were his; but, in respect of that, I would fain think it[2703][2704]
were not.[2703]
Glou. It is his.[2705]
Edm. It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is[2706]
not in the contents. 65
Glou. Hath he never heretofore sounded you in this[2707]
business?
Edm. Never, my lord: but I have heard him oft maintain[2708]
it to be fit, that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining,[2709]
the father should be as ward to the son, and the[2710] 70
son manage his revenue.[2711]
Glou. O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter!
Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain!
worse than brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him; ay, apprehend[2712]
him: abominable villain! Where is he? 75
Edm. I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please[2713]
you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you
can derive from him better testimony of his intent, you[2714]
should run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed[2715]
against him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great 80
gap in your own honour and shake in pieces the heart of[2716]
his obedience. I dare pawn down my life for him that he[2717]
hath wrote this to feel my affection to your honour and to[2718]
no further pretence of danger.[2719]
Glou. Think you so? 85
Edm. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you
where you shall hear us confer of this and by an auricular[2720]
assurance have your satisfaction, and that without any further
delay than this very evening.
Glou. He cannot be such a monster—[2721] 90
Edm. Nor is not, sure.[2722]
Glou. To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves[2722]
him. Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me[2722][2723]
into him, I pray you: frame the business after your own[2724]
wisdom. I would unstate myself, to be in a due resolution. 95
Edm. I will seek him, sir, presently, convey the business[2725]
as I shall find means, and acquaint you withal.[2726]
Glou. These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend[2727][2728]
no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can reason it[2729]
thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent[2730] 100
effects: love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide:
in cities, mutinies; in countries, discord; in palaces,[2731]
treason; and the bond cracked 'twixt son and father. This[2732][2733]
villain of mine comes under the prediction; there's son[2733]
against father: the king falls from bias of nature; there's[2733] 105
father against child. We have seen the best of our time:[2733]
machinations, hollowness, treachery and all ruinous disorders[2733]
follow us disquietly to our graves. Find out this[2733]
villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully.[2734]
And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished! his offence, 110
honesty! 'Tis strange. [Exit.[2735]
Edm. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that[2736]
when we are sick in fortune—often the surfeit of our own[2737]
behaviour—we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the
moon and the stars: as if we were villains by necessity,[2738] 115
fools by heavenly compulsion, knaves, thieves and treachers,[2739]
by spherical predominance, drunkards, liars and adulterers,[2740]
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 120
disposition to the charge of a star! My father compounded[2741]
with my mother under the dragon's tail, and my nativity
was under Ursa major; so that it follows I am rough and
lecherous. Tut, I should have been that I am, had the[2742]
maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.[2743] 125
Edgar—[2744][2745][2746]
Enter Edgar.
And pat he comes like the catastrophe of the old comedy:[2744][2745]
my cue is villanous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o'[2745][2747]
Bedlam. O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! fa,[2745][2748][2749]
sol, la, mi.[2749][2750] 130
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.[2727]
Edg. Do you busy yourself about that?[2751] 135
Edm. I promise you, the effects he writ of succeed[2752]
unhappily; as of unnaturalness between the child and the[2753]
parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities; divisions[2753][2754]
in state, menaces and maledictions against king and[2753]
nobles; needless diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation[2753] 140
of cohorts, nuptial breaches, and I know not what.[2753][2755]
Edg. How long have you been a sectary astronomical?[2753]
Edm. Come, come; when saw you my father last?[2753]
Edg. Why, the night gone by.[2756]
Edm. Spake you with him? 145
Edg. Ay, two hours together.[2757]
Edm. Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure
in him by word or countenance?[2758]
Edg. None at all.
Edm. Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended[2759] 150
him: and at my entreaty forbear his presence till some[2760]
little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, which
at this instant so rageth in him that with the mischief of[2761]
your person it would scarcely allay.[2762]
Edg. Some villain hath done me wrong. 155
Edm. That's my fear. I pray you, have a continent[2763]
forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower and, as I[2763]
say, retire with me to my lodging, from whence I will fitly[2763]
bring you to hear my lord speak: pray ye, go; there's my[2763][2764]
key: if you do stir abroad, go armed.[2763] 160
Edg. Armed, brother![2763]
Edm. Brother, I advise you to the best: go armed: I[2763][2765]
am no honest man if there be any good meaning towards[2766]
you: I have told you what I have seen and heard; but[2767]
faintly, nothing like the image and horror of it: pray you,[2767] 165
away.
Edg. Shall I hear from you anon?
Edm. I do serve you in this business. [Exit Edgar.[2768]
A credulous father, and a brother noble,
Whose nature is so far from doing harms 170
That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty
My practices ride easy. I see the business.
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit:
All with me's meet that I can fashion fit. [Exit.[2769]
Scene III. The Duke of Albany's palace.
Enter Goneril and Oswald, her steward.[2770]
Gon. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding
of his fool?
Gon. By day and night he wrongs me; every hour[2773][2774]
He flashes into one gross crime or other,[2774] 5
That sets us all at odds: I'll not endure it:
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us[2775]
On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,[2776]
I will not speak with him; say I am sick:
If you come slack of former services, 10
You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.
Osw. He's coming, madam; I hear him. [Horns within.[2777]
Gon. Put on what weary negligence you please,[2778][2779]
You and your fellows; I'ld have it come to question:[2778][2780]
If he distaste it, let him to our sister,[2778][2781] 15
Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,[2778]
Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man,[2782]
That still would manage those authorities[2782]
That he hath given away! Now, by my life,[2782]
Old fools are babes again, and must be used[2782][2783] 20
With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abused.[2782][2784]
Remember what I tell you.
Osw. Very well, madam.[2785]
Gon. And let his knights have colder looks among you;[2786]
What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so:[2786][2787]
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,[2788] 25
That I may speak: I'll write straight to my sister,[2788][2789]
To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner. [Exeunt.[2789][2790]
Scene IV. A hall in the same.
Enter Kent, disguised.[2791]
Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow,[2792][2793]
That can my speech defuse, my good intent[2792][2794]
May carry through itself to that full issue[2792]
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,[2792][2795]
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,[2792] 5
So may it come, thy master whom thou lovest[2792][2796]
Shall find thee full of labours.[2792]
Horns within. Enter Lear, Knights, and Attendants.[2797]
Lear. Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.
[Exit an Attendant.] How now! what art thou?[2798]
Kent. A man, sir. 10
Lear. What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou
with us?
Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve
him truly that will put me in trust; to love him that is honest;
to converse with him that is wise and says little; to fear[2799] 15
judgement; to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.
Lear. What art thou?[2800]
Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as
the king.
Lear. If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a[2801] 20
king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?[2802]
Kent. Service.
Lear. Who wouldst thou serve?[2803]
Kent. You.
Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow? 25
Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance
which I would fain call master.
Lear. What's that?[2804]
Kent. Authority.
Lear. What services canst thou do?[2805] 30
Kent. I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a[2806]
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? 35
Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing,[2807]
nor so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years on my
back forty eight.
Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me: if I like thee no[2808][2809]
worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner,[2809][2810] 40
ho, dinner! Where's my knave? my fool? Go you, and[2810]
call my fool hither. [Exit an Attendant.[2811]
Enter Oswald.[2812]
You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?[2813]
Osw. So please you,— [Exit.[2814]
Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll[2815] 45
back. [Exit a Knight.] Where's my fool, ho? I think[2816]
the world's asleep.
Re-enter Knight.[2817]
How now! where's that mongrel?
Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.[2818]
Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I 50
called him?
Knight. Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner,[2819][2820]
he would not.
Lear. He would not![2821]
Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but,[2819] 55
to my judgement, your highness is not entertained with that
ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a great
abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants[2822]
as in the duke himself also and your daughter.
Lear. Ha! sayest thou so? 60
Knight. I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, if I be[2819]
mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think
your highness wronged.[2823]
Lear. Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception:[2824]
I have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I[2825] 65
have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as[2826]
a very pretence and purpose of unkindness: I will look[2827]
further into't. But where's my fool? I have not seen him[2828]
this two days.[2829]
Knight. Since my young lady's going into France, sir,[2830] 70
the fool hath much pined away.
Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you,[2831]
and tell my daughter I would speak with her. [Exit an Attendant.][2832]
Go you, call hither my fool. [Exit an Attendant.
Re-enter Oswald.[2833]
O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I, sir?[2834] 75
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, my lord; I beseech your[2835][2836][2837]
pardon.[2835][2837] 80
Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
[Striking him.[2838]
Osw. I'll not be struck, my lord.[2839]
Kent. Nor tripped neither, you base foot-ball player.[2840]
[Tripping up his heels.
Lear. I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I'll[2841]
love thee.[2841] 85
Kent. Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences:[2842]
away, away! If you will measure your lubber's length again,[2843]
tarry: but away! go to; have you wisdom? so.[2844]
[Pushes Oswald out.
Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there's[2845]
earnest of thy service. [Giving Kent money.[2846] 90
Enter Fool.
Fool. Let me hire him too: here's my coxcomb.[2847]
[Offering Kent his cap.
Lear. How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?
Fool. Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Kent. Why, fool?[2848]
Fool. Why, for taking one's part that's out of favour:[2849] 95
nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch[2850]
cold shortly: there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath[2851]
banished two on's daughters, and done the third a blessing[2852]
against his will; if thou follow him, thou must needs wear
my coxcomb. How now, nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs 100
and two daughters![2853]
Lear. Why, my boy?
Fool. If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs[2854]
myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.
Lear. Take heed, sirrah; the whip. 105
Fool. Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped[2855]
out, when Lady the brach may stand by the fire and[2856]
stink.
Lear. A pestilent gall to me![2857]
Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.[2858] 110
Lear. Do.[2859]
Fool. Mark it, nuncle:[2860]
Have more than thou showest,[2861]
Speak less than thou knowest,[2861]
Lend less than thou owest,[2861] 115
Ride more than thou goest,[2861]
Learn more than thou trowest,[2861]
Set less than thou throwest;[2861]
Leave thy drink and thy whore,[2861]
And keep in-a-door,[2861][2862] 120
And thou shalt have more[2861]
Than two tens to a score.[2861]
Kent. This is nothing, fool.[2863]
Fool. Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer,[2864]
you gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of[2865] 125
nothing, nuncle?[2866]
Lear. Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of
nothing.
Fool. [To Kent] Prithee, tell him, so much the rent of[2867]
his land comes to: he will not believe a fool. 130
Lear. A bitter fool![2868]
Fool. Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between[2868][2869]
a bitter fool and a sweet fool?[2868][2870]
Lear. No, lad; teach me.[2868]
Fool. That lord that counsell'd thee[2871][2872][2873] 135
To give away thy land,[2872][2873]
Come place him here by me;[2872][2873]
Do thou for him stand:[2872][2873][2874]
The sweet and bitter fool[2872][2873]
Will presently appear;[2872][2873]
The one in motley here,[2872][2873] 140
The other found out there.[2872][2873]
Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy?[2872][2875]
Fool. All thy other titles thou hast given away; that[2872]
thou wast born with.[2872] 145
Kent. This is not altogether fool, my lord.[2872]
Fool. No, faith, lords and great men will not let me; if[2872]
I had a monopoly out, they would have part on't: and[2872][2876][2877]
ladies too, they will not let me have all the fool to myself;[2872][2877][2878]
they'll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give[2872][2879] 150
thee two crowns.
Lear. What two crowns shall they be?
Fool. Why, after I have cut the egg in the middle and[2880]
eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou
clovest thy crown i' the middle and gavest away both parts,[2881] 155
thou borest thine ass on thy back o'er the dirt: thou hadst[2882]
little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden
one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped[2883]
that first finds it so.[2884]
[Singing] Fools had ne'er less wit in a year;[2885][2886] 160
For wise men are grown foppish,
And know not how their wits to wear,[2887]
Their manners are so apish.
Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?[2888]
Fool. I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy[2889] 165
daughters thy mother: for when thou gavest them the rod[2890]
and puttest down thine own breeches,
[Singing] Then they for sudden joy did weep,[2885][2891][2892]
And I for sorrow sung,[2892]
That such a king should play bo-peep,[2892] 170
And go the fools among.[2892][2893]
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy
fool to lie: I would fain learn to lie.[2894]
Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped.[2895]
Fool. I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are: 175
they'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me[2896]
whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding[2897]
my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool:[2898]
and yet I would not be thee, nuncle; thou hast pared thy
wit o' both sides and left nothing i' the middle. Here comes[2899] 180
one o' the parings.[2898][2900]
Enter Goneril.
Lear. How now, daughter! what makes that frontlet on?[2901][2902][2903]
Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown.[2902][2904]
Fool. Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no
need to care for her frowning; now thou art an O without[2905] 185
a figure: I am better than thou art now; I am a fool, thou
art nothing. [To Gon.] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my[2906]
tongue; so your face bids me, though you say nothing.
Mum, mum:[2907]
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,[2908] 190
Weary of all, shall want some.
[Pointing to Lear] That's a shealed peascod.[2909]
Gon. Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,[2910][2911]
But other of your insolent retinue[2910][2912]
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth[2910] 195
In rank and not to be endured riots. Sir,[2910][2913]
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,[2910][2914]
To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,[2910]
By what yourself too late have spoke and done,[2910]
That you protect this course and put it on[2910][2915] 200
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault[2910][2916][2917]
Would not 'scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,[2910][2917][2918]
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,[2910]
Might in their working do you that offence[2910]
Which else were shame, that then necessity[2910][2919] 205
Will call discreet proceeding.[2910][2920]
Fool. For, you know, nuncle,[2921]
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,[2922]
That it had it head bit off by it young.[2922][2923]
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling. 210
Lear. Are you our daughter?
Gon. Come, sir,[2924]
I would you would make use of that good wisdom[2925][2926]
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away[2925][2927]
These dispositions that of late transform you[2925][2928] 215
From what you rightly are.[2925]
Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the
horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
Lear. Doth any here know me? This is not Lear:[2929][2930]
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?[2931] 220
Either his notion weakens, his discernings[2932]
Are lethargied—Ha! waking? 'tis not so.[2933]
Who is it that can tell me who I am?[2929][2934]
Fool. Lear's shadow.[2935]
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty[2936][2937] 225
knowledge and reason, I should be false persuaded[2936][2938]
I had daughters.[2936]
Fool. Which they will make an obedient father.[2936][2939][2940]
Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman?[2939]
Gon. This admiration, sir, is much o' the savour[2941][2942] 230
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you[2941]
To understand my purposes aright:[2941][2943]
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.[2941][2944]
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;[2941][2945]
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd and bold,[2941][2946] 235
That this our court, infected with their manners,[2941]
Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust[2941][2947]
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel[2941][2948]
Than a graced palace. The shame itself doth speak[2941][2949]
For instant remedy: be then desired[2941][2950] 240
By her that else will take the thing she begs[2941]
A little to disquantity your train,[2941][2951]
And the remainder that shall still depend,[2941][2952]
To be such men as may besort your age,[2941]
Which know themselves and you.[2941][2953]
Lear. Darkness and devils![2941] 245
Saddle my horses; call my train together.[2941]
Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee:[2941]
Yet have I left a daughter.[2941]
Gon. You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble[2954]
Make servants of their betters.[2954] 250
Enter Albany.[2955]
Lear. Woe, that too late repents,—[To Alb.] O, sir, are you come?[2956]
Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my horses.[2957]
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child
Than the sea-monster![2958]
Alb. Pray, sir, be patient.[2959][2960] 255
Lear. [To Gon.] Detested kite! thou liest.[2959][2961][2962]
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,[2962]
That all particulars of duty know,
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name. O most small fault,[2963] 260
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!
That, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature[2964]
From the fix'd place, drew from my heart all love
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear![2965]
Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in [Striking his head.[2966]265
And thy dear judgement out! Go, go, my people.[2967]
Alb. My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant[2968]
Of what hath moved you.[2969]
Lear. It may be so, my lord.[2970]
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear![2970][2971]
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend[2970] 270
To make this creature fruitful:[2970]
Into her womb convey sterility:
Dry up in her the organs of increase,
And from her derogate body never spring[2972]
A babe to honour her! If she must teem, 275
Create her child of spleen, that it may live
And be a thwart disnatured torment to her.[2973]
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;[2974]
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits[2975] 280
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel[2976]
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child! Away, away! [Exit.[2977]
Alb. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?[2978]
Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause,[2979] 285
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
Re-enter Lear.[2980]
Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap!
Within a fortnight!
Alb. What's the matter, sir?[2981]
Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Gon.] Life and death! I am ashamed[2982]290
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,[2983]
Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee![2984][2985]
The untented woundings of a father's curse[2985]
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,[2986] 295
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out[2987]
And cast you with the waters that you lose,[2988]
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?[2989]
Let it be so: yet have I left a daughter,[2990]
Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:[2991] 300
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find[2992]
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever: thou shalt, I warrant thee.
[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants.[2993]
Gon. Do you mark that, my lord?[2994] 305
Alb. I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you,—[2995][2996]
Gon. Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho![2995][2997][2998]
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.[2995][2997][2999]
Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry; take the fool[3000][3001] 310
with thee.[3000][3002]
A fox, when one has caught her,[3002]
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter:[3003] 315
So the fool follows after. [Exit.[3004]
Gon. This man hath had good counsel: a hundred knights![3005][3006]
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep[3005][3007]
At point a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,[3008]
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, 320
He may enguard his dotage with their powers
And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say![3009]
Alb. Well, you may fear too far.
Gon. Safer than trust too far:[3010]
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.[3011] 325
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister:
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,[3012]
When I have show'd the unfitness,—
Re-enter Oswald.[3013]
How now, Oswald![3014]
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?[3014][3015]
Osw. Yes, madam.[3016] 330
Gon. Take you some company, and away to horse:[3017]
Inform her full of my particular fear,[3018]
And thereto add such reasons of your own
As may compact it more. Get you gone;[3019]
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord,[3020] 335
This milky gentleness and course of yours[3021]
Though I condemn not, yet, under pardon,[3022]
You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom[3023]
Than praised for harmful mildness.[3024]
Alb. How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell:[3025] 340
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.[3025][3026]
Gon. Nay, then—[3027]
Alb. Well, well; the event. [Exeunt.[3028]
Scene V. Court before the same.
Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.[3029]
Lear. Go you before to Gloucester with these letters.[3030]
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 you.[3031]
Kent. I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered 5
your letter. [Exit.
Fool. If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in[3032]
danger of kibes?
Lear. Ay, boy.
Fool. Then, I prithee, be merry; thy wit shall ne'er go[3033] 10
slip-shod.
Lear. Ha, ha, ha!
Fool. Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly;
for though she's as like this as a crab's like an apple, yet I[3034]
can tell what I can tell.[3035] 15
Lear. Why, what canst thou tell, boy?[3036]
Fool. She will taste as like this as a crab does to a[3037]
crab. Thou canst tell why one's nose stands i' the middle[3038]
on's face?[3039]
Lear. No. 20
Fool. Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose,[3040]
that what a man cannot smell out he may spy into.[3041]
Lear. I did her wrong—[3042]
Fool. Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?[3043]
Lear. No. 25
Fool. Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a
house.
Lear. Why?
Fool. Why, to put's head in; not to give it away to his[3044]
daughters, and leave his horns without a case.[3045] 30
Lear. I will forget my nature.—So kind a father!—Be
my horses ready?
Fool. Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why[3046]
the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason.[3047]
Lear. Because they are not eight?[3048] 35
Fool. Yes, indeed: thou wouldst make a good fool.[3049]
Lear. To take 't again perforce! Monster ingratitude![3050]
Fool. If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten[3051]
for being old before thy time.
Lear. How's that? 40
Fool. Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst[3052]
been wise.
Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven![3053][3054]
Keep me in temper: I would not be mad![3053]
Enter Gentleman.[3055]
How now! are the horses ready?[3056] 45
Gent. Ready, my lord.[3057]
Lear. Come, boy.[3058]
Fool. She that's a maid now and laughs at my departure[3059]
Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.[3060]
[Exeunt.