{"id":1606,"date":"2019-07-09T16:43:16","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T16:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1606"},"modified":"2019-07-16T23:21:53","modified_gmt":"2019-07-16T23:21:53","slug":"king-lear-act-1","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/king-lear-act-1\/","title":{"raw":"King Lear, Act 1","rendered":"King Lear, Act 1"},"content":{"raw":"

ACT I<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

<\/span>Scene I. A Room of State in King Lear's Palace.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund]\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cornwall.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
It did always seem so to us; but now, in the division of the<\/dd>\r\n \t
kingdom, it appears not which of the Dukes he values most, for<\/dd>\r\n \t
equalities are so weighed that curiosity in neither can make<\/dd>\r\n \t
choice of either's moiety.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is not this your son, my lord?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have so often<\/dd>\r\n \t
blush'd to acknowledge him that now I am braz'd to't.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I cannot conceive you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon she grew<\/dd>\r\n \t
round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she<\/dd>\r\n \t
had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a fault?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so proper.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year elder than<\/dd>\r\n \t
this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though this knave came<\/dd>\r\n \t
something saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was<\/dd>\r\n \t
his mother fair; there was good sport at his making, and the<\/dd>\r\n \t
whoreson must be acknowledged.\u2014Do you know this noble gentleman,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Edmund?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
My Lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my honourable friend.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
My services to your lordship.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I must love you, and sue to know you better.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, I shall study deserving.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again.\u2014The king<\/dd>\r\n \t
is coming.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Sennet within.]\r\n\r\n[Enter Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and\r\n
\r\n \t
Attendants.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Attend the lords of France and Burgundy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Gloucester.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I shall, my liege.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Give me the map there.\u2014Know that we have divided<\/dd>\r\n \t
In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent<\/dd>\r\n \t
To shake all cares and business from our age;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we<\/dd>\r\n \t
Unburden'd crawl toward death.\u2014Our son of Cornwall,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,<\/dd>\r\n \t
We have this hour a constant will to publish<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife<\/dd>\r\n \t
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And here are to be answer'd.\u2014Tell me, my daughters,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Since now we will divest us both of rule,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Interest of territory, cares of state,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?<\/dd>\r\n \t
That we our largest bounty may extend<\/dd>\r\n \t
Where nature doth with merit challenge.\u2014Goneril,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our eldest-born, speak first.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Beyond what can be valu'd, rich or rare;<\/dd>\r\n \t
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;<\/dd>\r\n \t
As much as child e'er lov'd, or father found;<\/dd>\r\n \t
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,<\/dd>\r\n \t
With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,<\/dd>\r\n \t
We make thee lady: to thine and Albany's issue<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be this perpetual.\u2014What says our second daughter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, I am made of the selfsame metal that my sister is,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart<\/dd>\r\n \t
I find she names my very deed of love;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Only she comes too short,\u2014that I profess<\/dd>\r\n \t
Myself an enemy to all other joys<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which the most precious square of sense possesses,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And find I am alone felicitate<\/dd>\r\n \t
In your dear highness' love.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] Then poor Cordelia!<\/dd>\r\n \t
And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love's<\/dd>\r\n \t
More richer than my tongue.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
To thee and thine hereditary ever<\/dd>\r\n \t
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom;<\/dd>\r\n \t
No less in space, validity, and pleasure<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than that conferr'd on Goneril.\u2014Now, our joy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Although the last, not least; to whose young love<\/dd>\r\n \t
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy<\/dd>\r\n \t
Strive to be interess'd; what can you say to draw<\/dd>\r\n \t
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nothing, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nothing!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nothing.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nothing can come of nothing: speak again.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave<\/dd>\r\n \t
My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty<\/dd>\r\n \t
According to my bond; no more nor less.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lest you may mar your fortunes.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good my lord,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me: I<\/dd>\r\n \t
Return those duties back as are right fit,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why have my sisters husbands if they say<\/dd>\r\n \t
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry<\/dd>\r\n \t
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sure I shall never marry like my sisters,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To love my father all.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
But goes thy heart with this?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, good my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
So young, and so untender?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
So young, my lord, and true.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let it be so,\u2014thy truth then be thy dower:<\/dd>\r\n \t
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;<\/dd>\r\n \t
By all the operation of the orbs,<\/dd>\r\n \t
From whom we do exist and cease to be;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Propinquity, and property of blood,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And as a stranger to my heart and me<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hold thee, from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or he that makes his generation messes<\/dd>\r\n \t
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and reliev'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
As thou my sometime daughter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good my liege,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Peace, Kent!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest<\/dd>\r\n \t
On her kind nursery.\u2014Hence, and avoid my sight!\u2014[To Cordelia.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
So be my grave my peace, as here I give<\/dd>\r\n \t
Her father's heart from her!\u2014Call France;\u2014who stirs?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Call Burgundy!\u2014Cornwall and Albany,<\/dd>\r\n \t
With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I do invest you jointly in my power,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pre-eminence, and all the large effects<\/dd>\r\n \t
That troop with majesty.\u2014Ourself, by monthly course,<\/dd>\r\n \t
With reservation of an hundred knights,<\/dd>\r\n \t
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode<\/dd>\r\n \t
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain<\/dd>\r\n \t
The name, and all the additions to a king;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The sway,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Revenue, execution of the rest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,<\/dd>\r\n \t
This coronet part betwixt you.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Giving the crown.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Royal Lear,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lov'd as my father, as my master follow'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
As my great patron thought on in my prayers.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let it fall rather, though the fork invade<\/dd>\r\n \t
The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly<\/dd>\r\n \t
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak<\/dd>\r\n \t
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound<\/dd>\r\n \t
When majesty falls to folly. Reverse thy state;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And in thy best consideration check<\/dd>\r\n \t
This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgment,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound<\/dd>\r\n \t
Reverbs no hollowness.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Kent, on thy life, no more.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
My life I never held but as a pawn<\/dd>\r\n \t
To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy safety being the motive.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Out of my sight!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
See better, Lear; and let me still remain<\/dd>\r\n \t
The true blank of thine eye.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now, by Apollo,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now by Apollo, king,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou swear'st thy gods in vain.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O vassal! miscreant!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Laying his hand on his sword.]\r\n\r\nAlb. and Corn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Dear sir, forbear!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy gift,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'll tell thee thou dost evil.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hear me, recreant!<\/dd>\r\n \t
On thine allegiance, hear me!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which we durst never yet,\u2014and with strain'd pride<\/dd>\r\n \t
To come between our sentence and our power,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our potency made good, take thy reward.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Five days we do allot thee for provision<\/dd>\r\n \t
To shield thee from diseases of the world;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon our kingdom: if, on the tenth day following,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The moment is thy death. Away! by Jupiter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
This shall not be revok'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
[To Cordelia.] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That justly think'st and hast most rightly said!<\/dd>\r\n \t
[To Regan and Goneril.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
And your large speeches may your deeds approve,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That good effects may spring from words of love.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;<\/dd>\r\n \t
He'll shape his old course in a country new.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\n[Flourish. Re-enter Gloucester, with France, Burgundy, and\r\n
\r\n \t
Attendants.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
My Lord of Burgundy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
We first address toward you, who with this king<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what in the least<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will you require in present dower with her,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or cease your quest of love?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nBur.\r\n
\r\n \t
Most royal majesty,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I crave no more than hath your highness offer'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Nor will you tender less.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Right noble Burgundy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If aught within that little seeming substance,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or all of it, with our displeasure piec'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,<\/dd>\r\n \t
She's there, and she is yours.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nBur.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know no answer.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Will you, with those infirmities she owes,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Unfriended, new-adopted to our hate,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dower'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Take her, or leave her?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nBur.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pardon me, royal sir;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Election makes not up on such conditions.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I tell you all her wealth.\u2014[To France] For you, great king,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I would not from your love make such a stray<\/dd>\r\n \t
To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you<\/dd>\r\n \t
To avert your liking a more worthier way<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
Almost to acknowledge hers.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFrance.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is most strange,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That she, who even but now was your best object,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time<\/dd>\r\n \t
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle<\/dd>\r\n \t
So many folds of favour. Sure her offence<\/dd>\r\n \t
Must be of such unnatural degree<\/dd>\r\n \t
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fall'n into taint; which to believe of her<\/dd>\r\n \t
Must be a faith that reason without miracle<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should never plant in me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
I yet beseech your majesty,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
If for I want that glib and oily art<\/dd>\r\n \t
To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'll do't before I speak,\u2014that you make known<\/dd>\r\n \t
It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,<\/dd>\r\n \t
No unchaste action or dishonour'd step,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But even for want of that for which I am richer,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue<\/dd>\r\n \t
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hath lost me in your liking.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Better thou<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hadst not been born than not to have pleas'd me better.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFrance.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is it but this,\u2014a tardiness in nature<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which often leaves the history unspoke<\/dd>\r\n \t
That it intends to do?\u2014My lord of Burgundy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
What say you to the lady? Love's not love<\/dd>\r\n \t
When it is mingled with regards that stands<\/dd>\r\n \t
Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?<\/dd>\r\n \t
She is herself a dowry.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nBur.\r\n
\r\n \t
Royal king,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Give but that portion which yourself propos'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Duchess of Burgundy.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nBur.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father<\/dd>\r\n \t
That you must lose a husband.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Peace be with Burgundy!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Since that respects of fortune are his love,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I shall not be his wife.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFrance.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be it lawful, I take up what's cast away.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect<\/dd>\r\n \t
My love should kindle to inflam'd respect.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy<\/dd>\r\n \t
Can buy this unpriz'd precious maid of me.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou losest here, a better where to find.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see<\/dd>\r\n \t
That face of hers again.\u2014Therefore be gone<\/dd>\r\n \t
Without our grace, our love, our benison.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come, noble Burgundy.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Flourish. Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, Cornwall, Albany, Gloucester,\r\n
\r\n \t
and Attendants.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFrance.\r\n
\r\n \t
Bid farewell to your sisters.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And, like a sister, am most loath to call<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your faults as they are nam'd. Love well our father:<\/dd>\r\n \t
To your professed bosoms I commit him:<\/dd>\r\n \t
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I would prefer him to a better place.<\/dd>\r\n \t
So, farewell to you both.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Prescribe not us our duties.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let your study<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be to content your lord, who hath receiv'd you<\/dd>\r\n \t
At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Well may you prosper!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFrance.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come, my fair Cordelia.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt France and Cordelia.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sister, it is not little I have to say of what most nearly<\/dd>\r\n \t
appertains to us both. I think our father will hence to-night.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
That's most certain, and with you; next month with us.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
You see how full of changes his age is; the observation we<\/dd>\r\n \t
have made of it hath not been little: he always loved our<\/dd>\r\n \t
sister most; and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her<\/dd>\r\n \t
off appears too grossly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but slenderly<\/dd>\r\n \t
known himself.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must<\/dd>\r\n \t
we look to receive from his age, not alone the imperfections of<\/dd>\r\n \t
long-ingraffed condition, but therewithal the unruly waywardness<\/dd>\r\n \t
that infirm and choleric years bring with them.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of<\/dd>\r\n \t
Kent's banishment.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and<\/dd>\r\n \t
him. Pray you let us hit together: if our father carry authority<\/dd>\r\n \t
with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his<\/dd>\r\n \t
will but offend us.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
We shall further think of it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
We must do something, and i' th' heat.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene II. A Hall in the Earl of Gloucester's Castle.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Edmund with a letter.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law<\/dd>\r\n \t
My services are bound. Wherefore should I<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stand in the plague of custom, and permit<\/dd>\r\n \t
The curiosity of nations to deprive me,<\/dd>\r\n \t
For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?<\/dd>\r\n \t
When my dimensions are as well compact,<\/dd>\r\n \t
My mind as generous, and my shape as true<\/dd>\r\n \t
As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us<\/dd>\r\n \t
With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take<\/dd>\r\n \t
More composition and fierce quality<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops<\/dd>\r\n \t
Got 'tween asleep and wake?\u2014Well then,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund<\/dd>\r\n \t
As to the legitimate: fine word\u2014legitimate!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And my invention thrive, Edmund the base<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Now, gods, stand up for bastards!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Gloucester.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Kent banish'd thus! and France in choler parted!<\/dd>\r\n \t
And the king gone to-night! subscrib'd his pow'r!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Confin'd to exhibition! All this done<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon the gad!\u2014Edmund, how now! What news?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
So please your lordship, none.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Putting up the letter.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know no news, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
What paper were you reading?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nothing, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
No? What needed, then, that terrible dispatch of it into your<\/dd>\r\n \t
pocket? the quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let's see.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come, if it be nothing, I shall not need spectacles.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter from my brother<\/dd>\r\n \t
that I have not all o'er-read; and for so much as I have perus'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I find it not fit for your o'erlooking.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Give me the letter, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The contents, as in<\/dd>\r\n \t
part I understand them, are to blame.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let's see, let's see!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as an<\/dd>\r\n \t
essay or taste of my virtue.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Reads.] 'This policy and reverence of age makes the world<\/dd>\r\n \t
bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us<\/dd>\r\n \t
till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle<\/dd>\r\n \t
and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways,<\/dd>\r\n \t
not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come to me, that<\/dd>\r\n \t
of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I<\/dd>\r\n \t
waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live<\/dd>\r\n \t
the beloved of your brother,<\/dd>\r\n \t
'EDGAR.'<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hum! Conspiracy?\u2014'Sleep till I waked him,\u2014you should enjoy half<\/dd>\r\n \t
his revenue.'\u2014My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart<\/dd>\r\n \t
and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? who brought it?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
It was not brought me, my lord, there's the cunning of it; I<\/dd>\r\n \t
found it thrown in at the casement of my closet.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
You know the character to be your brother's?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear it were his; but<\/dd>\r\n \t
in respect of that, I would fain think it were not.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
It is his.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the<\/dd>\r\n \t
contents.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hath he never before sounded you in this business?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Never, my lord: but I have heard him oft maintain it to be fit<\/dd>\r\n \t
that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declined, the father<\/dd>\r\n \t
should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
O villain, villain!\u2014His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred<\/dd>\r\n \t
villain!\u2014Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than<\/dd>\r\n \t
brutish!\u2014Go, sirrah, seek him; I'll apprehend him. Abominable<\/dd>\r\n \t
villain!\u2014Where is he?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to suspend<\/dd>\r\n \t
your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him<\/dd>\r\n \t
better testimony of his intent, you should run a certain course;<\/dd>\r\n \t
where, if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his<\/dd>\r\n \t
purpose, it would make a great gap in your own honour, and shake<\/dd>\r\n \t
in pieces the heart of his obedience. I dare pawn down my life<\/dd>\r\n \t
for him that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your<\/dd>\r\n \t
honour, and to no other pretence of danger.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Think you so?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall<\/dd>\r\n \t
hear us confer of this, and by an auricular assurance have your<\/dd>\r\n \t
satisfaction;<\/dd>\r\n \t
and that without any further delay than this very evening.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
He cannot be such a monster.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nor is not, sure.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him.\u2014Heaven<\/dd>\r\n \t
and earth!\u2014Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, I pray you:<\/dd>\r\n \t
frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate myself<\/dd>\r\n \t
to be in a due resolution.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I shall<\/dd>\r\n \t
find means, and acquaint you withal.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us:<\/dd>\r\n \t
though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet<\/dd>\r\n \t
nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects: love cools,<\/dd>\r\n \t
friendship falls off, brothers divide: in cities, mutinies; in<\/dd>\r\n \t
countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond cracked<\/dd>\r\n \t
'twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the<\/dd>\r\n \t
prediction; there's son against father: the king falls from<\/dd>\r\n \t
bias of nature; there's father against child. We have seen the<\/dd>\r\n \t
best of our time: machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all<\/dd>\r\n \t
ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves.\u2014Find out<\/dd>\r\n \t
this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it<\/dd>\r\n \t
carefully.\u2014And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished! his<\/dd>\r\n \t
offence, honesty!\u2014'Tis strange.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are<\/dd>\r\n \t
sick in fortune,\u2014often the surfeit of our own behaviour,\u2014we<\/dd>\r\n \t
make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars; as<\/dd>\r\n \t
if we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion;<\/dd>\r\n \t
knaves, thieves, and treachers by spherical pre-dominance;<\/dd>\r\n \t
drunkards, liars, and adulterers by an enforced obedience of<\/dd>\r\n \t
planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine<\/dd>\r\n \t
thrusting on: an admirable evasion of whoremaster man, to lay his<\/dd>\r\n \t
goatish disposition to the charge of a star! My father compounded<\/dd>\r\n \t
with my mother under the dragon's tail, and my nativity was under<\/dd>\r\n \t
ursa major; so that it follows I am rough and lecherous.\u2014Tut! I<\/dd>\r\n \t
should have been that I am, had the maidenliest star in the<\/dd>\r\n \t
firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Edgar.]\r\n\r\nPat!\u2014he comes, like the catastrophe of the old comedy: my cue\r\n
\r\n \t
is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o' Bedlam.\u2014O,<\/dd>\r\n \t
these eclipses do portend these divisions! fa, sol, la, mi.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
How now, brother Edmund! what serious contemplation are you in?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day,<\/dd>\r\n \t
what should follow these eclipses.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do you busy yourself with that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I promise you, the effects he writes of succeed unhappily: as of<\/dd>\r\n \t
unnaturalness between the child and the parent; death, dearth,<\/dd>\r\n \t
dissolutions of ancient amities; divisions in state, menaces and<\/dd>\r\n \t
maledictions against king and nobles; needless diffidences,<\/dd>\r\n \t
banishment of friends, dissipation of cohorts, nuptial breaches,<\/dd>\r\n \t
and I know not what.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
How long have you been a sectary astronomical?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come, come! when saw you my father last?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
The night gone by.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Spake you with him?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, two hours together.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him by word<\/dd>\r\n \t
or countenance?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
None at all.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him: and at my<\/dd>\r\n \t
entreaty forbear his presence until some little time hath<\/dd>\r\n \t
qualified the heat of his displeasure; which at this instant so<\/dd>\r\n \t
rageth in him that with the mischief of your person it would<\/dd>\r\n \t
scarcely allay.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Some villain hath done me wrong.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
That's my fear. I pray you have a continent forbearance till the<\/dd>\r\n \t
speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me to<\/dd>\r\n \t
my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my lord<\/dd>\r\n \t
speak: pray you, go; there's my key.\u2014If you do stir abroad, go<\/dd>\r\n \t
armed.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Armed, brother!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Brother, I advise you to the best; I am no honest man<\/dd>\r\n \t
if there be any good meaning toward you: I have told you what I<\/dd>\r\n \t
have seen and heard but faintly; nothing like the image and<\/dd>\r\n \t
horror of it: pray you, away!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Shall I hear from you anon?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I do serve you in this business.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edgar.]\r\n\r\nA credulous father! and a brother noble,\r\n
\r\n \t
Whose nature is so far from doing harms<\/dd>\r\n \t
That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty<\/dd>\r\n \t
My practices ride easy!\u2014I see the business.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit:<\/dd>\r\n \t
All with me's meet that I can fashion fit.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene III. A Room in the Duke of Albany's Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Goneril and Oswald.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw. Ay, madam.\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
By day and night, he wrongs me; every hour<\/dd>\r\n \t
He flashes into one gross crime or other,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That sets us all at odds; I'll not endure it:<\/dd>\r\n \t
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us<\/dd>\r\n \t
On every trifle.\u2014When he returns from hunting,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will not speak with him; say I am sick.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you come slack of former services,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
He's coming, madam; I hear him.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Horns within.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Put on what weary negligence you please,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You and your fellows; I'd have it come to question:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If he distaste it, let him to our sister,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not to be overruled. Idle old man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That still would manage those authorities<\/dd>\r\n \t
That he hath given away!\u2014Now, by my life,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Old fools are babes again; and must be us'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
With checks as flatteries,\u2014when they are seen abus'd.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Remember what I have said.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Very well, madam.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
And let his knights have colder looks among you;<\/dd>\r\n \t
What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That I may speak.\u2014I'll write straight to my sister<\/dd>\r\n \t
To hold my very course.\u2014Prepare for dinner.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene IV. A Hall in Albany's Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Kent, disguised.]\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
If but as well I other accents borrow,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That can my speech defuse, my good intent<\/dd>\r\n \t
May carry through itself to that full issue<\/dd>\r\n \t
For which I rais'd my likeness.\u2014Now, banish'd Kent,<\/dd>\r\n \t
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
So may it come, thy master, whom thou lov'st,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall find thee full of labours.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Horns within. Enter King Lear, Knights, and Attendants.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit an Attendant.]\r\n\r\nHow now! what art thou?\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
A man, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve him truly that<\/dd>\r\n \t
will put me in trust; to love him that is honest; to converse<\/dd>\r\n \t
with him that is wise and says little; to fear judgment; to fight<\/dd>\r\n \t
when I cannot choose; and to eat no fish.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What art thou?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a king, thou art<\/dd>\r\n \t
poor enough. What wouldst thou?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Service.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Who wouldst thou serve?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
You.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Dost thou know me, fellow?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would fain<\/dd>\r\n \t
call master.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What's that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Authority.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What services canst thou do?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious tale in<\/dd>\r\n \t
telling it and deliver a plain message bluntly. That which<\/dd>\r\n \t
ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of<\/dd>\r\n \t
me is diligence.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
How old art thou?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing; nor so old to<\/dd>\r\n \t
dote on her for anything: I have years on my back forty-eight.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Follow me; thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after<\/dd>\r\n \t
dinner, I will not part from thee yet.\u2014Dinner, ho, dinner!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Where's my knave? my fool?\u2014Go you and call my fool hither.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit an attendant.]\r\n\r\n[Enter Oswald.]\r\n\r\nYou, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
So please you,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit a Knight.]\r\n\r\nWhere's my fool, ho?\u2014I think the world's asleep.\r\n\r\n[Re-enter Knight.]\r\n\r\nHow now! where's that mongrel?\r\n\r\nKnight.\r\n
\r\n \t
He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why came not the slave back to me when I called him?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKnight.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
He would not!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKnight.\r\n
\r\n \t
My lord, I know not what the matter is; but to my judgment your<\/dd>\r\n \t
highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as<\/dd>\r\n \t
you were wont; there's a great abatement of kindness appears as<\/dd>\r\n \t
well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also and<\/dd>\r\n \t
your daughter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ha! say'st thou so?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKnight.\r\n
\r\n \t
I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for my duty<\/dd>\r\n \t
cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception: I have perceived<\/dd>\r\n \t
a most faint neglect of late; which I have rather blamed as mine<\/dd>\r\n \t
own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of<\/dd>\r\n \t
unkindness: I will look further into't.\u2014But where's my fool? I<\/dd>\r\n \t
have not seen him this two days.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKnight.\r\n
\r\n \t
Since my young lady's going into France, sir, the fool hath much<\/dd>\r\n \t
pined away.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No more of that; I have noted it well.\u2014Go you and tell my<\/dd>\r\n \t
daughter I would speak with her.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Attendant.]\r\n\r\nGo you, call hither my fool.\r\n\r\n[Exit another Attendant.]\r\n\r\n[Re-enter Oswald.]\r\n
\r\n \t
O, you, sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I, sir?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
My lady's father.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
My lady's father! my lord's knave: you whoreson dog! you slave!<\/dd>\r\n \t
you cur!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Striking him.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll not be struck, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nor tripp'd neither, you base football player.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Tripping up his heels.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I'll love thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences: away, away!<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you will measure your lubber's length again, tarry; but away!<\/dd>\r\n \t
go to; have you wisdom? so.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Pushes Oswald out.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there's earnest of thy<\/dd>\r\n \t
service.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Giving Kent money.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Fool.]\r\n\r\nFool. Let me hire him too; here's my coxcomb.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Giving Kent his cap.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, fool?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, for taking one's part that's out of favour. Nay, an thou<\/dd>\r\n \t
canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly:<\/dd>\r\n \t
there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath banish'd two on's<\/dd>\r\n \t
daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will; if<\/dd>\r\n \t
thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.\u2014How now,<\/dd>\r\n \t
nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, my boy?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
If I gave them all my living, I'd keep my coxcombs myself.<\/dd>\r\n \t
There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Take heed, sirrah,\u2014the whip.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out, when<\/dd>\r\n \t
the lady brach may stand by the fire and stink.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
A pestilent gall to me!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Mark it, nuncle:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have more than thou showest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Speak less than thou knowest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lend less than thou owest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ride more than thou goest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Learn more than thou trowest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Set less than thou throwest;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Leave thy drink and thy whore,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And keep in-a-door,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And thou shalt have more<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than two tens to a score.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is nothing, fool.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer,\u2014you gave me<\/dd>\r\n \t
nothing for't.\u2014Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of nothing.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
[to Kent] Pr'ythee tell him, so much the rent of his land<\/dd>\r\n \t
comes to: he will not believe a fool.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
A bitter fool!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and<\/dd>\r\n \t
a sweet one?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, lad; teach me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
That lord that counsell'd thee<\/dd>\r\n \t
To give away thy land,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come place him here by me,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do thou for him stand:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The sweet and bitter fool<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will presently appear;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The one in motley here,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The other found out there.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Dost thou call me fool, boy?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born<\/dd>\r\n \t
with.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is not altogether fool, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, faith; lords and great men will not let me: if I had a<\/dd>\r\n \t
monopoly out, they would have part on't and loads too: they<\/dd>\r\n \t
will not let me have all the fool to myself; they'll be<\/dd>\r\n \t
snatching.\u2014Nuncle, give me an egg, and I'll give thee two<\/dd>\r\n \t
crowns.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What two crowns shall they be?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, after I have cut the egg i' the middle and eat up the<\/dd>\r\n \t
meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i'<\/dd>\r\n \t
the middle and gav'st away both parts, thou borest thine ass on<\/dd>\r\n \t
thy back o'er the dirt: thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown<\/dd>\r\n \t
when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in<\/dd>\r\n \t
this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Singing.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fools had ne'er less wit in a year;<\/dd>\r\n \t
For wise men are grown foppish,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And know not how their wits to wear,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Their manners are so apish.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
I have used it, nuncle, e'er since thou mad'st thy daughters thy<\/dd>\r\n \t
mothers; for when thou gav'st them the rod, and puttest down<\/dd>\r\n \t
thine own breeches,<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Singing.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
Then they for sudden joy did weep,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And I for sorrow sung,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That such a king should play bo-peep<\/dd>\r\n \t
And go the fools among.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPr'ythee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to\r\n
\r\n \t
lie; I would fain learn to lie.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are: they'll have me<\/dd>\r\n \t
whipped for speaking true; thou'lt have me whipped for lying;<\/dd>\r\n \t
and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be<\/dd>\r\n \t
any kind o' thing than a fool: and yet I would not be thee,<\/dd>\r\n \t
nuncle: thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides, and left nothing<\/dd>\r\n \t
i' the middle:\u2014here comes one o' the parings.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Goneril.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? Methinks you<\/dd>\r\n \t
are too much of late i' the frown.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for<\/dd>\r\n \t
her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure: I am better<\/dd>\r\n \t
than thou art; I am a fool, thou art nothing.\u2014Yes, forsooth, I<\/dd>\r\n \t
will hold my tongue. So your face [To Goneril.] bids me, though<\/dd>\r\n \t
you say nothing. Mum, mum,<\/dd>\r\n \t
He that keeps nor crust nor crum,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Weary of all, shall want some.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Pointing to Lear.] That's a shealed peascod.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not only, sir, this your all-licens'd fool,<\/dd>\r\n \t
But other of your insolent retinue<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do hourly carp and quarrel; breaking forth<\/dd>\r\n \t
In rank and not-to-be-endured riots. Sir,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,<\/dd>\r\n \t
By what yourself too late have spoke and done,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That you protect this course, and put it on<\/dd>\r\n \t
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would not scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Might in their working do you that offence<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which else were shame, that then necessity<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will call discreet proceeding.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
For you know, nuncle,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long<\/dd>\r\n \t
That it had it head bit off by it young.<\/dd>\r\n \t
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Are you our daughter?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come, sir,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I would you would make use of that good wisdom,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whereof I know you are fraught; and put away<\/dd>\r\n \t
These dispositions, that of late transform you<\/dd>\r\n \t
From what you rightly are.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?\u2014Whoop, Jug! I<\/dd>\r\n \t
love thee!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Doth any here know me?\u2014This is not Lear;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Either his notion weakens, his discernings<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are lethargied.\u2014Ha! waking? 'Tis not so!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who is it that can tell me who I am?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Lear's shadow.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Knowledge, and reason,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Which they will make an obedient father.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Your name, fair gentlewoman?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
This admiration, sir, is much o' the favour<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you<\/dd>\r\n \t
To understand my purposes aright:<\/dd>\r\n \t
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd, and bold<\/dd>\r\n \t
That this our court, infected with their manners,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust<\/dd>\r\n \t
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than a grac'd palace. The shame itself doth speak<\/dd>\r\n \t
For instant remedy: be, then, desir'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
By her that else will take the thing she begs<\/dd>\r\n \t
A little to disquantity your train;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And the remainder, that shall still depend,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To be such men as may besort your age,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which know themselves, and you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Darkness and devils!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Saddle my horses; call my train together.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yet have I left a daughter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
You strike my people; and your disorder'd rabble<\/dd>\r\n \t
Make servants of their betters.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Albany.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Woe that too late repents!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
[To Albany.] O, sir, are you come?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is it your will? Speak, sir.\u2014Prepare my horses.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,<\/dd>\r\n \t
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than the sea-monster!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pray, sir, be patient.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
[to Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest!:<\/dd>\r\n \t
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That all particulars of duty know;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And in the most exact regard support<\/dd>\r\n \t
The worships of their name.\u2014O most small fault,<\/dd>\r\n \t
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature<\/dd>\r\n \t
From the fix'd place; drew from my heart all love,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in [Striking his head.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
And thy dear judgment out!\u2014Go, go, my people.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of what hath mov'd you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
It may be so, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear<\/dd>\r\n \t
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend<\/dd>\r\n \t
To make this creature fruitful!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Into her womb convey sterility!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dry up in her the organs of increase;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And from her derogate body never spring<\/dd>\r\n \t
A babe to honour her! If she must teem,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Create her child of spleen, that it may live<\/dd>\r\n \t
And be a thwart disnatur'd torment to her!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;<\/dd>\r\n \t
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits<\/dd>\r\n \t
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel<\/dd>\r\n \t
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is<\/dd>\r\n \t
To have a thankless child!\u2014Away, away!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Never afflict yourself to know more of it;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But let his disposition have that scope<\/dd>\r\n \t
That dotage gives it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Re-enter Lear.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, fifty of my followers at a clap!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Within a fortnight!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
What's the matter, sir?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll tell thee.\u2014Life and death!\u2014[To Goneril] I am asham'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;<\/dd>\r\n \t
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should make thee worth them.\u2014Blasts and fogs upon thee!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Th' untented woundings of a father's curse<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pierce every sense about thee!\u2014Old fond eyes,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck you out,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And cast you, with the waters that you lose,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To temper clay. Ha!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let it be so: I have another daughter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:<\/dd>\r\n \t
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails<\/dd>\r\n \t
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find<\/dd>\r\n \t
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have cast off for ever.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do you mark that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
I cannot be so partial, Goneril,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To the great love I bear you,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pray you, content.\u2014What, Oswald, ho!<\/dd>\r\n \t
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry,\u2014take the fool with thee.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
A fox when one has caught her,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And such a daughter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should sure to the slaughter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
If my cap would buy a halter;<\/dd>\r\n \t
So the fool follows after.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
This man hath had good counsel.\u2014A hundred knights!<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep<\/dd>\r\n \t
At point a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,<\/dd>\r\n \t
He may enguard his dotage with their powers,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And hold our lives in mercy.\u2014Oswald, I say!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well, you may fear too far.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Safer than trust too far:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let me still take away the harms I fear,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.<\/dd>\r\n \t
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,<\/dd>\r\n \t
When I have show'd th' unfitness,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Re-enter Oswald.]\r\n
\r\n \t
How now, Oswald!<\/dd>\r\n \t
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, madam.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Take you some company, and away to horse:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Inform her full of my particular fear;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And thereto add such reasons of your own<\/dd>\r\n \t
As may compact it more. Get you gone;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And hasten your return.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Oswald.]\r\n\r\nNo, no, my lord!\r\n
\r\n \t
This milky gentleness and course of yours,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Though I condemn it not, yet, under pardon,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than prais'd for harmful mildness.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nay then,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well, well; the event.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene V. Court before the Duke of Albany's Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Go you before to Gloucester with these letters: acquaint my<\/dd>\r\n \t
daughter no further with anything you know than comes from her<\/dd>\r\n \t
demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I<\/dd>\r\n \t
shall be there afore you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in danger of kibes?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, boy.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Then I pr'ythee be merry; thy wit shall not go slipshod.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ha, ha, ha!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though<\/dd>\r\n \t
she's as like this as a crab's like an apple, yet I can tell<\/dd>\r\n \t
what I can tell.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What canst tell, boy?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
She'll taste as like this as a crab does to a crab. Thou<\/dd>\r\n \t
canst tell why one's nose stands i' the middle on's face?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose, that what a man<\/dd>\r\n \t
cannot smell out, he may spy into.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I did her wrong,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, to put's head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and<\/dd>\r\n \t
leave his horns without a case.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I will forget my nature. So kind a father!\u2014Be my horses ready?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the seven stars are<\/dd>\r\n \t
no more than seven is a pretty reason.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Because they are not eight?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yes indeed: thou wouldst make a good fool.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
To tak't again perforce!\u2014Monster ingratitude!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for being<\/dd>\r\n \t
old before thy time.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
How's that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Gentleman.]\r\n\r\nHow now? are the horses ready?\r\n\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ready, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come, boy.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]","rendered":"

ACT I<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/span>Scene I. A Room of State in King Lear’s Palace.<\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund]<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than<\/dd>\n
Cornwall.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
It did always seem so to us; but now, in the division of the<\/dd>\n
kingdom, it appears not which of the Dukes he values most, for<\/dd>\n
equalities are so weighed that curiosity in neither can make<\/dd>\n
choice of either’s moiety.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Is not this your son, my lord?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have so often<\/dd>\n
blush’d to acknowledge him that now I am braz’d to’t.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I cannot conceive you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, this young fellow’s mother could: whereupon she grew<\/dd>\n
round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she<\/dd>\n
had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a fault?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so proper.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year elder than<\/dd>\n
this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though this knave came<\/dd>\n
something saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was<\/dd>\n
his mother fair; there was good sport at his making, and the<\/dd>\n
whoreson must be acknowledged.\u2014Do you know this noble gentleman,<\/dd>\n
Edmund?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
No, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
My Lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my honourable friend.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
My services to your lordship.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I must love you, and sue to know you better.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, I shall study deserving.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again.\u2014The king<\/dd>\n
is coming.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Sennet within.]<\/p>\n

[Enter Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and<\/p>\n

\n
Attendants.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Attend the lords of France and Burgundy,<\/dd>\n
Gloucester.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I shall, my liege.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Give me the map there.\u2014Know that we have divided<\/dd>\n
In three our kingdom: and ’tis our fast intent<\/dd>\n
To shake all cares and business from our age;<\/dd>\n
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we<\/dd>\n
Unburden’d crawl toward death.\u2014Our son of Cornwall,<\/dd>\n
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,<\/dd>\n
We have this hour a constant will to publish<\/dd>\n
Our daughters’ several dowers, that future strife<\/dd>\n
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,<\/dd>\n
Great rivals in our youngest daughter’s love,<\/dd>\n
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,<\/dd>\n
And here are to be answer’d.\u2014Tell me, my daughters,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Since now we will divest us both of rule,<\/dd>\n
Interest of territory, cares of state,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?<\/dd>\n
That we our largest bounty may extend<\/dd>\n
Where nature doth with merit challenge.\u2014Goneril,<\/dd>\n
Our eldest-born, speak first.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;<\/dd>\n
Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty;<\/dd>\n
Beyond what can be valu’d, rich or rare;<\/dd>\n
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;<\/dd>\n
As much as child e’er lov’d, or father found;<\/dd>\n
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;<\/dd>\n
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,<\/dd>\n
With shadowy forests and with champains rich’d,<\/dd>\n
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,<\/dd>\n
We make thee lady: to thine and Albany’s issue<\/dd>\n
Be this perpetual.\u2014What says our second daughter,<\/dd>\n
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, I am made of the selfsame metal that my sister is,<\/dd>\n
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart<\/dd>\n
I find she names my very deed of love;<\/dd>\n
Only she comes too short,\u2014that I profess<\/dd>\n
Myself an enemy to all other joys<\/dd>\n
Which the most precious square of sense possesses,<\/dd>\n
And find I am alone felicitate<\/dd>\n
In your dear highness’ love.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] Then poor Cordelia!<\/dd>\n
And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love’s<\/dd>\n
More richer than my tongue.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
To thee and thine hereditary ever<\/dd>\n
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom;<\/dd>\n
No less in space, validity, and pleasure<\/dd>\n
Than that conferr’d on Goneril.\u2014Now, our joy,<\/dd>\n
Although the last, not least; to whose young love<\/dd>\n
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy<\/dd>\n
Strive to be interess’d; what can you say to draw<\/dd>\n
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Nothing, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Nothing!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Nothing.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Nothing can come of nothing: speak again.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave<\/dd>\n
My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty<\/dd>\n
According to my bond; no more nor less.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,<\/dd>\n
Lest you may mar your fortunes.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Good my lord,<\/dd>\n
You have begot me, bred me, lov’d me: I<\/dd>\n
Return those duties back as are right fit,<\/dd>\n
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.<\/dd>\n
Why have my sisters husbands if they say<\/dd>\n
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,<\/dd>\n
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry<\/dd>\n
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:<\/dd>\n
Sure I shall never marry like my sisters,<\/dd>\n
To love my father all.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
But goes thy heart with this?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, good my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
So young, and so untender?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
So young, my lord, and true.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Let it be so,\u2014thy truth then be thy dower:<\/dd>\n
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,<\/dd>\n
The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;<\/dd>\n
By all the operation of the orbs,<\/dd>\n
From whom we do exist and cease to be;<\/dd>\n
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,<\/dd>\n
Propinquity, and property of blood,<\/dd>\n
And as a stranger to my heart and me<\/dd>\n
Hold thee, from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,<\/dd>\n
Or he that makes his generation messes<\/dd>\n
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom<\/dd>\n
Be as well neighbour’d, pitied, and reliev’d,<\/dd>\n
As thou my sometime daughter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Good my liege,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Peace, Kent!<\/dd>\n
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.<\/dd>\n
I lov’d her most, and thought to set my rest<\/dd>\n
On her kind nursery.\u2014Hence, and avoid my sight!\u2014[To Cordelia.]<\/dd>\n
So be my grave my peace, as here I give<\/dd>\n
Her father’s heart from her!\u2014Call France;\u2014who stirs?<\/dd>\n
Call Burgundy!\u2014Cornwall and Albany,<\/dd>\n
With my two daughters’ dowers digest this third:<\/dd>\n
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.<\/dd>\n
I do invest you jointly in my power,<\/dd>\n
Pre-eminence, and all the large effects<\/dd>\n
That troop with majesty.\u2014Ourself, by monthly course,<\/dd>\n
With reservation of an hundred knights,<\/dd>\n
By you to be sustain’d, shall our abode<\/dd>\n
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain<\/dd>\n
The name, and all the additions to a king;<\/dd>\n
The sway,<\/dd>\n
Revenue, execution of the rest,<\/dd>\n
Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,<\/dd>\n
This coronet part betwixt you.<\/dd>\n
[Giving the crown.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Royal Lear,<\/dd>\n
Whom I have ever honour’d as my king,<\/dd>\n
Lov’d as my father, as my master follow’d,<\/dd>\n
As my great patron thought on in my prayers.\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Let it fall rather, though the fork invade<\/dd>\n
The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly<\/dd>\n
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?<\/dd>\n
Think’st thou that duty shall have dread to speak<\/dd>\n
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour’s bound<\/dd>\n
When majesty falls to folly. Reverse thy state;<\/dd>\n
And in thy best consideration check<\/dd>\n
This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgment,<\/dd>\n
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;<\/dd>\n
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound<\/dd>\n
Reverbs no hollowness.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Kent, on thy life, no more.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
My life I never held but as a pawn<\/dd>\n
To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it,<\/dd>\n
Thy safety being the motive.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Out of my sight!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
See better, Lear; and let me still remain<\/dd>\n
The true blank of thine eye.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Now, by Apollo,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Now by Apollo, king,<\/dd>\n
Thou swear’st thy gods in vain.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O vassal! miscreant!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Laying his hand on his sword.]<\/p>\n

Alb. and Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Dear sir, forbear!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Do;<\/dd>\n
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow<\/dd>\n
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy gift,<\/dd>\n
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,<\/dd>\n
I’ll tell thee thou dost evil.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Hear me, recreant!<\/dd>\n
On thine allegiance, hear me!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Which we durst never yet,\u2014and with strain’d pride<\/dd>\n
To come between our sentence and our power,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Our potency made good, take thy reward.<\/dd>\n
Five days we do allot thee for provision<\/dd>\n
To shield thee from diseases of the world;<\/dd>\n
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back<\/dd>\n
Upon our kingdom: if, on the tenth day following,<\/dd>\n
Thy banish’d trunk be found in our dominions,<\/dd>\n
The moment is thy death. Away! by Jupiter,<\/dd>\n
This shall not be revok’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear,<\/dd>\n
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.\u2014<\/dd>\n
[To Cordelia.] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,<\/dd>\n
That justly think’st and hast most rightly said!<\/dd>\n
[To Regan and Goneril.]<\/dd>\n
And your large speeches may your deeds approve,<\/dd>\n
That good effects may spring from words of love.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;<\/dd>\n
He’ll shape his old course in a country new.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

[Flourish. Re-enter Gloucester, with France, Burgundy, and<\/p>\n

\n
Attendants.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Here’s France and Burgundy, my noble lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
My Lord of Burgundy,<\/dd>\n
We first address toward you, who with this king<\/dd>\n
Hath rivall’d for our daughter: what in the least<\/dd>\n
Will you require in present dower with her,<\/dd>\n
Or cease your quest of love?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Bur.<\/p>\n

\n
Most royal majesty,<\/dd>\n
I crave no more than hath your highness offer’d,<\/dd>\n
Nor will you tender less.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Right noble Burgundy,<\/dd>\n
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;<\/dd>\n
But now her price is fall’n. Sir, there she stands:<\/dd>\n
If aught within that little seeming substance,<\/dd>\n
Or all of it, with our displeasure piec’d,<\/dd>\n
And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,<\/dd>\n
She’s there, and she is yours.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Bur.<\/p>\n

\n
I know no answer.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Will you, with those infirmities she owes,<\/dd>\n
Unfriended, new-adopted to our hate,<\/dd>\n
Dower’d with our curse, and stranger’d with our oath,<\/dd>\n
Take her, or leave her?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Bur.<\/p>\n

\n
Pardon me, royal sir;<\/dd>\n
Election makes not up on such conditions.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,<\/dd>\n
I tell you all her wealth.\u2014[To France] For you, great king,<\/dd>\n
I would not from your love make such a stray<\/dd>\n
To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you<\/dd>\n
To avert your liking a more worthier way<\/dd>\n
Than on a wretch whom nature is asham’d<\/dd>\n
Almost to acknowledge hers.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

France.<\/p>\n

\n
This is most strange,<\/dd>\n
That she, who even but now was your best object,<\/dd>\n
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,<\/dd>\n
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time<\/dd>\n
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle<\/dd>\n
So many folds of favour. Sure her offence<\/dd>\n
Must be of such unnatural degree<\/dd>\n
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch’d affection<\/dd>\n
Fall’n into taint; which to believe of her<\/dd>\n
Must be a faith that reason without miracle<\/dd>\n
Should never plant in me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
I yet beseech your majesty,\u2014<\/dd>\n
If for I want that glib and oily art<\/dd>\n
To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend,<\/dd>\n
I’ll do’t before I speak,\u2014that you make known<\/dd>\n
It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,<\/dd>\n
No unchaste action or dishonour’d step,<\/dd>\n
That hath depriv’d me of your grace and favour;<\/dd>\n
But even for want of that for which I am richer,\u2014<\/dd>\n
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue<\/dd>\n
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it<\/dd>\n
Hath lost me in your liking.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Better thou<\/dd>\n
Hadst not been born than not to have pleas’d me better.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

France.<\/p>\n

\n
Is it but this,\u2014a tardiness in nature<\/dd>\n
Which often leaves the history unspoke<\/dd>\n
That it intends to do?\u2014My lord of Burgundy,<\/dd>\n
What say you to the lady? Love’s not love<\/dd>\n
When it is mingled with regards that stands<\/dd>\n
Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?<\/dd>\n
She is herself a dowry.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Bur.<\/p>\n

\n
Royal king,<\/dd>\n
Give but that portion which yourself propos’d,<\/dd>\n
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,<\/dd>\n
Duchess of Burgundy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Bur.<\/p>\n

\n
I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father<\/dd>\n
That you must lose a husband.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Peace be with Burgundy!<\/dd>\n
Since that respects of fortune are his love,<\/dd>\n
I shall not be his wife.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

France.<\/p>\n

\n
Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;<\/dd>\n
Most choice, forsaken; and most lov’d, despis’d!<\/dd>\n
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:<\/dd>\n
Be it lawful, I take up what’s cast away.<\/dd>\n
Gods, gods! ’tis strange that from their cold’st neglect<\/dd>\n
My love should kindle to inflam’d respect.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,<\/dd>\n
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:<\/dd>\n
Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy<\/dd>\n
Can buy this unpriz’d precious maid of me.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:<\/dd>\n
Thou losest here, a better where to find.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we<\/dd>\n
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see<\/dd>\n
That face of hers again.\u2014Therefore be gone<\/dd>\n
Without our grace, our love, our benison.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Come, noble Burgundy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Flourish. Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, Cornwall, Albany, Gloucester,<\/p>\n

\n
and Attendants.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

France.<\/p>\n

\n
Bid farewell to your sisters.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
The jewels of our father, with wash’d eyes<\/dd>\n
Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;<\/dd>\n
And, like a sister, am most loath to call<\/dd>\n
Your faults as they are nam’d. Love well our father:<\/dd>\n
To your professed bosoms I commit him:<\/dd>\n
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,<\/dd>\n
I would prefer him to a better place.<\/dd>\n
So, farewell to you both.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Prescribe not us our duties.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Let your study<\/dd>\n
Be to content your lord, who hath receiv’d you<\/dd>\n
At fortune’s alms. You have obedience scanted,<\/dd>\n
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides:<\/dd>\n
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.<\/dd>\n
Well may you prosper!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

France.<\/p>\n

\n
Come, my fair Cordelia.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt France and Cordelia.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Sister, it is not little I have to say of what most nearly<\/dd>\n
appertains to us both. I think our father will hence to-night.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
That’s most certain, and with you; next month with us.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
You see how full of changes his age is; the observation we<\/dd>\n
have made of it hath not been little: he always loved our<\/dd>\n
sister most; and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her<\/dd>\n
off appears too grossly.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but slenderly<\/dd>\n
known himself.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must<\/dd>\n
we look to receive from his age, not alone the imperfections of<\/dd>\n
long-ingraffed condition, but therewithal the unruly waywardness<\/dd>\n
that infirm and choleric years bring with them.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of<\/dd>\n
Kent’s banishment.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and<\/dd>\n
him. Pray you let us hit together: if our father carry authority<\/dd>\n
with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his<\/dd>\n
will but offend us.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
We shall further think of it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
We must do something, and i’ th’ heat.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene II. A Hall in the Earl of Gloucester’s Castle.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Edmund with a letter.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law<\/dd>\n
My services are bound. Wherefore should I<\/dd>\n
Stand in the plague of custom, and permit<\/dd>\n
The curiosity of nations to deprive me,<\/dd>\n
For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines<\/dd>\n
Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?<\/dd>\n
When my dimensions are as well compact,<\/dd>\n
My mind as generous, and my shape as true<\/dd>\n
As honest madam’s issue? Why brand they us<\/dd>\n
With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?<\/dd>\n
Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take<\/dd>\n
More composition and fierce quality<\/dd>\n
Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,<\/dd>\n
Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops<\/dd>\n
Got ‘tween asleep and wake?\u2014Well then,<\/dd>\n
Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:<\/dd>\n
Our father’s love is to the bastard Edmund<\/dd>\n
As to the legitimate: fine word\u2014legitimate!<\/dd>\n
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,<\/dd>\n
And my invention thrive, Edmund the base<\/dd>\n
Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Now, gods, stand up for bastards!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Gloucester.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Kent banish’d thus! and France in choler parted!<\/dd>\n
And the king gone to-night! subscrib’d his pow’r!<\/dd>\n
Confin’d to exhibition! All this done<\/dd>\n
Upon the gad!\u2014Edmund, how now! What news?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
So please your lordship, none.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Putting up the letter.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I know no news, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
What paper were you reading?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Nothing, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
No? What needed, then, that terrible dispatch of it into your<\/dd>\n
pocket? the quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself.<\/dd>\n
Let’s see.<\/dd>\n
Come, if it be nothing, I shall not need spectacles.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Give me the letter, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The contents, as in<\/dd>\n
part I understand them, are to blame.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Let’s see, let’s see!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I hope, for my brother’s justification, he wrote this but as an<\/dd>\n
essay or taste of my virtue.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
[Reads.] ‘This policy and reverence of age makes the world<\/dd>\n
bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us<\/dd>\n
till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle<\/dd>\n
and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways,<\/dd>\n
not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come to me, that<\/dd>\n
of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I<\/dd>\n
waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live<\/dd>\n
the beloved of your brother,<\/dd>\n
‘EDGAR.’<\/dd>\n
Hum! Conspiracy?\u2014’Sleep till I waked him,\u2014you should enjoy half<\/dd>\n
his revenue.’\u2014My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart<\/dd>\n
and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? who brought it?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
It was not brought me, my lord, there’s the cunning of it; I<\/dd>\n
found it thrown in at the casement of my closet.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
You know the character to be your brother’s?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear it were his; but<\/dd>\n
in respect of that, I would fain think it were not.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
It is his.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the<\/dd>\n
contents.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Hath he never before sounded you in this business?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Never, my lord: but I have heard him oft maintain it to be fit<\/dd>\n
that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declined, the father<\/dd>\n
should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
O villain, villain!\u2014His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred<\/dd>\n
villain!\u2014Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than<\/dd>\n
brutish!\u2014Go, sirrah, seek him; I’ll apprehend him. Abominable<\/dd>\n
villain!\u2014Where is he?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Think you so?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall<\/dd>\n
hear us confer of this, and by an auricular assurance have your<\/dd>\n
satisfaction;<\/dd>\n
and that without any further delay than this very evening.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
He cannot be such a monster.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Nor is not, sure.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him.\u2014Heaven<\/dd>\n
and earth!\u2014Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, I pray you:<\/dd>\n
frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate myself<\/dd>\n
to be in a due resolution.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I shall<\/dd>\n
find means, and acquaint you withal.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us:<\/dd>\n
though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet<\/dd>\n
nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects: love cools,<\/dd>\n
friendship falls off, brothers divide: in cities, mutinies; in<\/dd>\n
countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond cracked<\/dd>\n
‘twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the<\/dd>\n
prediction; there’s son against father: the king falls from<\/dd>\n
bias of nature; there’s father against child. We have seen the<\/dd>\n
best of our time: machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all<\/dd>\n
ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves.\u2014Find out<\/dd>\n
this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it<\/dd>\n
carefully.\u2014And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished! his<\/dd>\n
offence, honesty!\u2014’Tis strange.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are<\/dd>\n
sick in fortune,\u2014often the surfeit of our own behaviour,\u2014we<\/dd>\n
make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars; as<\/dd>\n
if we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion;<\/dd>\n
knaves, thieves, and treachers by spherical pre-dominance;<\/dd>\n
drunkards, liars, and adulterers by an enforced obedience of<\/dd>\n
planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine<\/dd>\n
thrusting on: an admirable evasion of whoremaster man, to lay his<\/dd>\n
goatish disposition to the charge of a star! My father compounded<\/dd>\n
with my mother under the dragon’s tail, and my nativity was under<\/dd>\n
ursa major; so that it follows I am rough and lecherous.\u2014Tut! I<\/dd>\n
should have been that I am, had the maidenliest star in the<\/dd>\n
firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Edgar.]<\/p>\n

Pat!\u2014he comes, like the catastrophe of the old comedy: my cue<\/p>\n

\n
is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o’ Bedlam.\u2014O,<\/dd>\n
these eclipses do portend these divisions! fa, sol, la, mi.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
How now, brother Edmund! what serious contemplation are you in?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day,<\/dd>\n
what should follow these eclipses.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Do you busy yourself with that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

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

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
How long have you been a sectary astronomical?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Come, come! when saw you my father last?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
The night gone by.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Spake you with him?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, two hours together.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him by word<\/dd>\n
or countenance?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
None at all.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

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

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Some villain hath done me wrong.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
That’s my fear. I pray you have a continent forbearance till the<\/dd>\n
speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me to<\/dd>\n
my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my lord<\/dd>\n
speak: pray you, go; there’s my key.\u2014If you do stir abroad, go<\/dd>\n
armed.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Armed, brother!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Brother, I advise you to the best; I am no honest man<\/dd>\n
if there be any good meaning toward you: I have told you what I<\/dd>\n
have seen and heard but faintly; nothing like the image and<\/dd>\n
horror of it: pray you, away!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Shall I hear from you anon?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I do serve you in this business.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit Edgar.]<\/p>\n

A credulous father! and a brother noble,<\/p>\n

\n
Whose nature is so far from doing harms<\/dd>\n
That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty<\/dd>\n
My practices ride easy!\u2014I see the business.<\/dd>\n
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit:<\/dd>\n
All with me’s meet that I can fashion fit.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene III. A Room in the Duke of Albany’s Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Goneril and Oswald.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw. Ay, madam.<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
By day and night, he wrongs me; every hour<\/dd>\n
He flashes into one gross crime or other,<\/dd>\n
That sets us all at odds; I’ll not endure it:<\/dd>\n
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us<\/dd>\n
On every trifle.\u2014When he returns from hunting,<\/dd>\n
I will not speak with him; say I am sick.\u2014<\/dd>\n
If you come slack of former services,<\/dd>\n
You shall do well; the fault of it I’ll answer.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
He’s coming, madam; I hear him.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Horns within.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Put on what weary negligence you please,<\/dd>\n
You and your fellows; I’d have it come to question:<\/dd>\n
If he distaste it, let him to our sister,<\/dd>\n
Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,<\/dd>\n
Not to be overruled. Idle old man,<\/dd>\n
That still would manage those authorities<\/dd>\n
That he hath given away!\u2014Now, by my life,<\/dd>\n
Old fools are babes again; and must be us’d<\/dd>\n
With checks as flatteries,\u2014when they are seen abus’d.<\/dd>\n
Remember what I have said.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Very well, madam.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
And let his knights have colder looks among you;<\/dd>\n
What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so;<\/dd>\n
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,<\/dd>\n
That I may speak.\u2014I’ll write straight to my sister<\/dd>\n
To hold my very course.\u2014Prepare for dinner.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene IV. A Hall in Albany’s Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Kent, disguised.]<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
If but as well I other accents borrow,<\/dd>\n
That can my speech defuse, my good intent<\/dd>\n
May carry through itself to that full issue<\/dd>\n
For which I rais’d my likeness.\u2014Now, banish’d Kent,<\/dd>\n
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn’d,<\/dd>\n
So may it come, thy master, whom thou lov’st,<\/dd>\n
Shall find thee full of labours.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Horns within. Enter King Lear, Knights, and Attendants.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit an Attendant.]<\/p>\n

How now! what art thou?<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
A man, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve him truly that<\/dd>\n
will put me in trust; to love him that is honest; to converse<\/dd>\n
with him that is wise and says little; to fear judgment; to fight<\/dd>\n
when I cannot choose; and to eat no fish.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What art thou?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
If thou be’st as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou art<\/dd>\n
poor enough. What wouldst thou?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Service.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Who wouldst thou serve?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
You.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Dost thou know me, fellow?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would fain<\/dd>\n
call master.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What’s that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Authority.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What services canst thou do?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

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

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
How old art thou?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing; nor so old to<\/dd>\n
dote on her for anything: I have years on my back forty-eight.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Follow me; thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after<\/dd>\n
dinner, I will not part from thee yet.\u2014Dinner, ho, dinner!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Where’s my knave? my fool?\u2014Go you and call my fool hither.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit an attendant.]<\/p>\n

[Enter Oswald.]<\/p>\n

You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?<\/p>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
So please you,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit a Knight.]<\/p>\n

Where’s my fool, ho?\u2014I think the world’s asleep.<\/p>\n

[Re-enter Knight.]<\/p>\n

How now! where’s that mongrel?<\/p>\n

Knight.<\/p>\n

\n
He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Why came not the slave back to me when I called him?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Knight.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
He would not!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Knight.<\/p>\n

\n
My lord, I know not what the matter is; but to my judgment your<\/dd>\n
highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as<\/dd>\n
you were wont; there’s a great abatement of kindness appears as<\/dd>\n
well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also and<\/dd>\n
your daughter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ha! say’st thou so?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Knight.<\/p>\n

\n
I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for my duty<\/dd>\n
cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception: I have perceived<\/dd>\n
a most faint neglect of late; which I have rather blamed as mine<\/dd>\n
own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of<\/dd>\n
unkindness: I will look further into’t.\u2014But where’s my fool? I<\/dd>\n
have not seen him this two days.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Knight.<\/p>\n

\n
Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much<\/dd>\n
pined away.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No more of that; I have noted it well.\u2014Go you and tell my<\/dd>\n
daughter I would speak with her.\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit Attendant.]<\/p>\n

Go you, call hither my fool.<\/p>\n

[Exit another Attendant.]<\/p>\n

[Re-enter Oswald.]<\/p>\n

\n
O, you, sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I, sir?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
My lady’s father.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
My lady’s father! my lord’s knave: you whoreson dog! you slave!<\/dd>\n
you cur!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?<\/dd>\n
[Striking him.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll not be struck, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Nor tripp’d neither, you base football player.<\/dd>\n
[Tripping up his heels.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Come, sir, arise, away! I’ll teach you differences: away, away!<\/dd>\n
If you will measure your lubber’s length again, tarry; but away!<\/dd>\n
go to; have you wisdom? so.<\/dd>\n
[Pushes Oswald out.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there’s earnest of thy<\/dd>\n
service.<\/dd>\n
[Giving Kent money.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Fool.]<\/p>\n

Fool. Let me hire him too; here’s my coxcomb.<\/p>\n

\n
[Giving Kent his cap.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, fool?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, for taking one’s part that’s out of favour. Nay, an thou<\/dd>\n
canst not smile as the wind sits, thou’lt catch cold shortly:<\/dd>\n
there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath banish’d two on’s<\/dd>\n
daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will; if<\/dd>\n
thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.\u2014How now,<\/dd>\n
nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, my boy?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.<\/dd>\n
There’s mine; beg another of thy daughters.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Take heed, sirrah,\u2014the whip.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Truth’s a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out, when<\/dd>\n
the lady brach may stand by the fire and stink.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
A pestilent gall to me!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Do.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Mark it, nuncle:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Have more than thou showest,<\/dd>\n
Speak less than thou knowest,<\/dd>\n
Lend less than thou owest,<\/dd>\n
Ride more than thou goest,<\/dd>\n
Learn more than thou trowest,<\/dd>\n
Set less than thou throwest;<\/dd>\n
Leave thy drink and thy whore,<\/dd>\n
And keep in-a-door,<\/dd>\n
And thou shalt have more<\/dd>\n
Than two tens to a score.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
This is nothing, fool.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Then ’tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer,\u2014you gave me<\/dd>\n
nothing for’t.\u2014Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of nothing.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
[to Kent] Pr’ythee tell him, so much the rent of his land<\/dd>\n
comes to: he will not believe a fool.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
A bitter fool!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and<\/dd>\n
a sweet one?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No, lad; teach me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
That lord that counsell’d thee<\/dd>\n
To give away thy land,<\/dd>\n
Come place him here by me,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Do thou for him stand:<\/dd>\n
The sweet and bitter fool<\/dd>\n
Will presently appear;<\/dd>\n
The one in motley here,<\/dd>\n
The other found out there.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Dost thou call me fool, boy?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born<\/dd>\n
with.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
This is not altogether fool, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
No, faith; lords and great men will not let me: if I had a<\/dd>\n
monopoly out, they would have part on’t and loads too: they<\/dd>\n
will not let me have all the fool to myself; they’ll be<\/dd>\n
snatching.\u2014Nuncle, give me an egg, and I’ll give thee two<\/dd>\n
crowns.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What two crowns shall they be?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, after I have cut the egg i’ the middle and eat up the<\/dd>\n
meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i’<\/dd>\n
the middle and gav’st away both parts, thou borest thine ass on<\/dd>\n
thy back o’er the dirt: thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown<\/dd>\n
when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in<\/dd>\n
this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.<\/dd>\n
[Singing.]<\/dd>\n
Fools had ne’er less wit in a year;<\/dd>\n
For wise men are grown foppish,<\/dd>\n
And know not how their wits to wear,<\/dd>\n
Their manners are so apish.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
I have used it, nuncle, e’er since thou mad’st thy daughters thy<\/dd>\n
mothers; for when thou gav’st them the rod, and puttest down<\/dd>\n
thine own breeches,<\/dd>\n
[Singing.]<\/dd>\n
Then they for sudden joy did weep,<\/dd>\n
And I for sorrow sung,<\/dd>\n
That such a king should play bo-peep<\/dd>\n
And go the fools among.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Pr’ythee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to<\/p>\n

\n
lie; I would fain learn to lie.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are: they’ll have me<\/dd>\n
whipped for speaking true; thou’lt have me whipped for lying;<\/dd>\n
and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be<\/dd>\n
any kind o’ thing than a fool: and yet I would not be thee,<\/dd>\n
nuncle: thou hast pared thy wit o’ both sides, and left nothing<\/dd>\n
i’ the middle:\u2014here comes one o’ the parings.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Goneril.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? Methinks you<\/dd>\n
are too much of late i’ the frown.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for<\/dd>\n
her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure: I am better<\/dd>\n
than thou art; I am a fool, thou art nothing.\u2014Yes, forsooth, I<\/dd>\n
will hold my tongue. So your face [To Goneril.] bids me, though<\/dd>\n
you say nothing. Mum, mum,<\/dd>\n
He that keeps nor crust nor crum,<\/dd>\n
Weary of all, shall want some.\u2014<\/dd>\n
[Pointing to Lear.] That’s a shealed peascod.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Not only, sir, this your all-licens’d fool,<\/dd>\n
But other of your insolent retinue<\/dd>\n
Do hourly carp and quarrel; breaking forth<\/dd>\n
In rank and not-to-be-endured riots. Sir,<\/dd>\n
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,<\/dd>\n
To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,<\/dd>\n
By what yourself too late have spoke and done,<\/dd>\n
That you protect this course, and put it on<\/dd>\n
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault<\/dd>\n
Would not scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,<\/dd>\n
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,<\/dd>\n
Might in their working do you that offence<\/dd>\n
Which else were shame, that then necessity<\/dd>\n
Will call discreet proceeding.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
For you know, nuncle,<\/dd>\n
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long<\/dd>\n
That it had it head bit off by it young.<\/dd>\n
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Are you our daughter?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Come, sir,<\/dd>\n
I would you would make use of that good wisdom,<\/dd>\n
Whereof I know you are fraught; and put away<\/dd>\n
These dispositions, that of late transform you<\/dd>\n
From what you rightly are.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?\u2014Whoop, Jug! I<\/dd>\n
love thee!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Doth any here know me?\u2014This is not Lear;<\/dd>\n
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?<\/dd>\n
Either his notion weakens, his discernings<\/dd>\n
Are lethargied.\u2014Ha! waking? ‘Tis not so!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Who is it that can tell me who I am?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Lear’s shadow.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,<\/dd>\n
Knowledge, and reason,<\/dd>\n
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Which they will make an obedient father.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Your name, fair gentlewoman?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
This admiration, sir, is much o’ the favour<\/dd>\n
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you<\/dd>\n
To understand my purposes aright:<\/dd>\n
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.<\/dd>\n
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;<\/dd>\n
Men so disorder’d, so debosh’d, and bold<\/dd>\n
That this our court, infected with their manners,<\/dd>\n
Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust<\/dd>\n
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel<\/dd>\n
Than a grac’d palace. The shame itself doth speak<\/dd>\n
For instant remedy: be, then, desir’d<\/dd>\n
By her that else will take the thing she begs<\/dd>\n
A little to disquantity your train;<\/dd>\n
And the remainder, that shall still depend,<\/dd>\n
To be such men as may besort your age,<\/dd>\n
Which know themselves, and you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Darkness and devils!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Saddle my horses; call my train together.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Degenerate bastard! I’ll not trouble thee:<\/dd>\n
Yet have I left a daughter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
You strike my people; and your disorder’d rabble<\/dd>\n
Make servants of their betters.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Albany.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Woe that too late repents!\u2014<\/dd>\n
[To Albany.] O, sir, are you come?<\/dd>\n
Is it your will? Speak, sir.\u2014Prepare my horses.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,<\/dd>\n
More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child<\/dd>\n
Than the sea-monster!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Pray, sir, be patient.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
[to Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest!:<\/dd>\n
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,<\/dd>\n
That all particulars of duty know;<\/dd>\n
And in the most exact regard support<\/dd>\n
The worships of their name.\u2014O most small fault,<\/dd>\n
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!<\/dd>\n
Which, like an engine, wrench’d my frame of nature<\/dd>\n
From the fix’d place; drew from my heart all love,<\/dd>\n
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!<\/dd>\n
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in [Striking his head.]<\/dd>\n
And thy dear judgment out!\u2014Go, go, my people.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant<\/dd>\n
Of what hath mov’d you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
It may be so, my lord.<\/dd>\n
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear<\/dd>\n
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend<\/dd>\n
To make this creature fruitful!<\/dd>\n
Into her womb convey sterility!<\/dd>\n
Dry up in her the organs of increase;<\/dd>\n
And from her derogate body never spring<\/dd>\n
A babe to honour her! If she must teem,<\/dd>\n
Create her child of spleen, that it may live<\/dd>\n
And be a thwart disnatur’d torment to her!<\/dd>\n
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;<\/dd>\n
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;<\/dd>\n
Turn all her mother’s pains and benefits<\/dd>\n
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel<\/dd>\n
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is<\/dd>\n
To have a thankless child!\u2014Away, away!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Never afflict yourself to know more of it;<\/dd>\n
But let his disposition have that scope<\/dd>\n
That dotage gives it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Re-enter Lear.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What, fifty of my followers at a clap!<\/dd>\n
Within a fortnight!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
What’s the matter, sir?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll tell thee.\u2014Life and death!\u2014[To Goneril] I am asham’d<\/dd>\n
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;<\/dd>\n
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,<\/dd>\n
Should make thee worth them.\u2014Blasts and fogs upon thee!<\/dd>\n
Th’ untented woundings of a father’s curse<\/dd>\n
Pierce every sense about thee!\u2014Old fond eyes,<\/dd>\n
Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck you out,<\/dd>\n
And cast you, with the waters that you lose,<\/dd>\n
To temper clay. Ha!<\/dd>\n
Let it be so: I have another daughter,<\/dd>\n
Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:<\/dd>\n
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails<\/dd>\n
She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find<\/dd>\n
That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think<\/dd>\n
I have cast off for ever.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Do you mark that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
I cannot be so partial, Goneril,<\/dd>\n
To the great love I bear you,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Pray you, content.\u2014What, Oswald, ho!<\/dd>\n
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry,\u2014take the fool with thee.\u2014<\/dd>\n
A fox when one has caught her,<\/dd>\n
And such a daughter,<\/dd>\n
Should sure to the slaughter,<\/dd>\n
If my cap would buy a halter;<\/dd>\n
So the fool follows after.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
This man hath had good counsel.\u2014A hundred knights!<\/dd>\n
‘Tis politic and safe to let him keep<\/dd>\n
At point a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,<\/dd>\n
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,<\/dd>\n
He may enguard his dotage with their powers,<\/dd>\n
And hold our lives in mercy.\u2014Oswald, I say!\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Well, you may fear too far.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Safer than trust too far:<\/dd>\n
Let me still take away the harms I fear,<\/dd>\n
Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.<\/dd>\n
What he hath utter’d I have writ my sister:<\/dd>\n
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,<\/dd>\n
When I have show’d th’ unfitness,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Re-enter Oswald.]<\/p>\n

\n
How now, Oswald!<\/dd>\n
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, madam.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Take you some company, and away to horse:<\/dd>\n
Inform her full of my particular fear;<\/dd>\n
And thereto add such reasons of your own<\/dd>\n
As may compact it more. Get you gone;<\/dd>\n
And hasten your return.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit Oswald.]<\/p>\n

No, no, my lord!<\/p>\n

\n
This milky gentleness and course of yours,<\/dd>\n
Though I condemn it not, yet, under pardon,<\/dd>\n
You are much more attask’d for want of wisdom<\/dd>\n
Than prais’d for harmful mildness.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell:<\/dd>\n
Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Nay then,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Well, well; the event.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene V. Court before the Duke of Albany’s Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Go you before to Gloucester with these letters: acquaint my<\/dd>\n
daughter no further with anything you know than comes from her<\/dd>\n
demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I<\/dd>\n
shall be there afore you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
If a man’s brains were in’s heels, were’t not in danger of kibes?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, boy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Then I pr’ythee be merry; thy wit shall not go slipshod.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ha, ha, ha!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though<\/dd>\n
she’s as like this as a crab’s like an apple, yet I can tell<\/dd>\n
what I can tell.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What canst tell, boy?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
She’ll taste as like this as a crab does to a crab. Thou<\/dd>\n
canst tell why one’s nose stands i’ the middle on’s face?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, to keep one’s eyes of either side’s nose, that what a man<\/dd>\n
cannot smell out, he may spy into.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I did her wrong,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Why?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, to put’s head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and<\/dd>\n
leave his horns without a case.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I will forget my nature. So kind a father!\u2014Be my horses ready?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Thy asses are gone about ’em. The reason why the seven stars are<\/dd>\n
no more than seven is a pretty reason.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Because they are not eight?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Yes indeed: thou wouldst make a good fool.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
To tak’t again perforce!\u2014Monster ingratitude!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I’ld have thee beaten for being<\/dd>\n
old before thy time.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
How’s that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!<\/dd>\n
Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Gentleman.]<\/p>\n

How now? are the horses ready?<\/p>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Ready, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Come, boy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
She that’s a maid now, and laughs at my departure,<\/dd>\n
Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t

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Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Public domain content<\/div>