{"id":1620,"date":"2019-07-09T17:02:44","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T17:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1620"},"modified":"2019-07-09T17:08:46","modified_gmt":"2019-07-09T17:08:46","slug":"king-lear-act-4","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/king-lear-act-4\/","title":{"raw":"King Lear, Act 4","rendered":"King Lear, Act 4"},"content":{"raw":"

ACT IV.<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Scene I. The heath.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Edgar.]\r\n\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The lamentable change is from the best;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The worst returns to laughter. Welcome, then,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace!<\/dd>\r\n \t
The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst<\/dd>\r\n \t
Owes nothing to thy blasts.\u2014But who comes here?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man.]\r\n
\r\n \t
My father, poorly led?\u2014World, world, O world!<\/dd>\r\n \t
But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Life would not yield to age.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
O my good lord,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have been your tenant, and your father's tenant,<\/dd>\r\n \t
These fourscore years.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Away, get thee away; good friend, be gone:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy comforts can do me no good at all;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thee they may hurt.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
You cannot see your way.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I stumbled when I saw: full oft 'tis seen<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our means secure us, and our mere defects<\/dd>\r\n \t
Prove our commodities.\u2014O dear son Edgar,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The food of thy abused father's wrath!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'd say I had eyes again!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
How now! Who's there?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] O gods! Who is't can say 'I am at the worst'?<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am worse than e'er I was.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis poor mad Tom.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not<\/dd>\r\n \t
So long as we can say 'This is the worst.'<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fellow, where goest?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is it a beggar-man?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madman and beggar too.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
He has some reason, else he could not beg.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I' the last night's storm I such a fellow saw;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which made me think a man a worm: my son<\/dd>\r\n \t
Came then into my mind, and yet my mind<\/dd>\r\n \t
Was then scarce friends with him: I have heard more since.<\/dd>\r\n \t
As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
They kill us for their sport.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] How should this be?\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Angering itself and others.\u2014Bless thee, master!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is that the naked fellow?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Then pr'ythee get thee gone: if for my sake<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou wilt o'ertake us, hence a mile or twain,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I' the way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And bring some covering for this naked soul,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which I'll entreat to lead me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, sir, he is mad.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis the time's plague when madmen lead the blind.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Above the rest, be gone.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOld Man.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come on't what will.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sirrah naked fellow,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Poor Tom's a-cold.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Aside.] I cannot daub it further.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come hither, fellow.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] And yet I must.\u2014Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Know'st thou the way to Dover?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom hath been<\/dd>\r\n \t
scared out of his good wits:\u2014bless thee, good man's son, from<\/dd>\r\n \t
the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once; of<\/dd>\r\n \t
lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of<\/dd>\r\n \t
stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and<\/dd>\r\n \t
mowing,\u2014who since possesses chambermaids and waiting women. So,<\/dd>\r\n \t
bless thee, master!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have humbled to all strokes: that I am wretched<\/dd>\r\n \t
Makes thee the happier;\u2014heavens, deal so still!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That slaves your ordinance, that will not see<\/dd>\r\n \t
Because he does not feel, feel your power quickly;<\/dd>\r\n \t
So distribution should undo excess,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And each man have enough.\u2014Dost thou know Dover?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, master.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
There is a cliff, whose high and bending head<\/dd>\r\n \t
Looks fearfully in the confined deep:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bring me but to the very brim of it,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear<\/dd>\r\n \t
With something rich about me: from that place<\/dd>\r\n \t
I shall no leading need.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Give me thy arm:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Poor Tom shall lead thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene II. Before the Duke of Albany's Palace.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Goneril and Edmund; Oswald meeting them.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Welcome, my lord: I marvel our mild husband<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not met us on the way.\u2014Now, where's your master?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madam, within; but never man so chang'd.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I told him of the army that was landed;<\/dd>\r\n \t
He smil'd at it: I told him you were coming;<\/dd>\r\n \t
His answer was, 'The worse': Of Gloucester's treachery<\/dd>\r\n \t
And of the loyal service of his son<\/dd>\r\n \t
When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot<\/dd>\r\n \t
And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;<\/dd>\r\n \t
What like, offensive.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
[To Edmund.] Then shall you go no further.<\/dd>\r\n \t
It is the cowish terror of his spirit,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That dares not undertake: he'll not feel wrongs<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way<\/dd>\r\n \t
May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I must change arms at home, and give the distaff<\/dd>\r\n \t
Into my husband's hands. This trusty servant<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall pass between us; ere long you are like to hear,<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you dare venture in your own behalf,<\/dd>\r\n \t
A mistress's command. [Giving a favour.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
Wear this; spare speech;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Conceive, and fare thee well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yours in the ranks of death!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edmund.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
My most dear Gloucester.<\/dd>\r\n \t
O, the difference of man and man!<\/dd>\r\n \t
To thee a woman's services are due:<\/dd>\r\n \t
My fool usurps my body.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madam, here comes my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\n[Enter Albany.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
I have been worth the whistle.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
O Goneril!<\/dd>\r\n \t
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind<\/dd>\r\n \t
Blows in your face! I fear your disposition:<\/dd>\r\n \t
That nature which contemns it origin<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cannot be bordered certain in itself;<\/dd>\r\n \t
She that herself will sliver and disbranch<\/dd>\r\n \t
From her material sap, perforce must wither<\/dd>\r\n \t
And come to deadly use.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
No more; the text is foolish.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?<\/dd>\r\n \t
A father, and a gracious aged man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose reverence even the head-lugg'd bear would lick,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you madded.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Could my good brother suffer you to do it?<\/dd>\r\n \t
A man, a prince, by him so benefited!<\/dd>\r\n \t
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits<\/dd>\r\n \t
Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,<\/dd>\r\n \t
It will come,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Humanity must perforce prey on itself,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Like monsters of the deep.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Milk-liver'd man!<\/dd>\r\n \t
That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know'st<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum?<\/dd>\r\n \t
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land;<\/dd>\r\n \t
With plumed helm thy slayer begins threats;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whiles thou, a moral fool, sitt'st still, and criest<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Alack, why does he so?'<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
See thyself, devil!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Proper deformity seems not in the fiend<\/dd>\r\n \t
So horrid as in woman.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
O vain fool!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be-monster not thy feature! Were't my fitness<\/dd>\r\n \t
To let these hands obey my blood.<\/dd>\r\n \t
They are apt enough to dislocate and tear<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy flesh and bones:\u2014howe'er thou art a fiend,<\/dd>\r\n \t
A woman's shape doth shield thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Marry, your manhood now!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter a Messenger.]\r\n\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
What news?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Slain by his servant, going to put out<\/dd>\r\n \t
The other eye of Gloucester.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Gloucester's eyes!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Oppos'd against the act, bending his sword<\/dd>\r\n \t
To his great master; who, thereat enrag'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Flew on him, and amongst them fell'd him dead;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But not without that harmful stroke which since<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hath pluck'd him after.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
This shows you are above,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You justicers, that these our nether crimes<\/dd>\r\n \t
So speedily can venge!\u2014But, O poor Gloucester!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lost he his other eye?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
Both, both, my lord.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer;<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis from your sister.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] One way I like this well;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But being widow, and my Gloucester with her,<\/dd>\r\n \t
May all the building in my fancy pluck<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon my hateful life: another way<\/dd>\r\n \t
The news is not so tart.\u2014I'll read, and answer.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Where was his son when they did take his eyes?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come with my lady hither.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
He is not here.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, my good lord; I met him back again.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Knows he the wickedness?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, my good lord. 'Twas he inform'd against him;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment<\/dd>\r\n \t
Might have the freer course.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Gloucester, I live<\/dd>\r\n \t
To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the king,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And to revenge thine eyes.\u2014Come hither, friend:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Tell me what more thou know'st.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

Scene III. The French camp near Dover.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Kent and a Gentleman.]\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why the king of France is so suddenly gone back know you the<\/dd>\r\n \t
reason?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming<\/dd>\r\n \t
forth is thought of, which imports to the kingdom so much fear<\/dd>\r\n \t
and danger that his personal return was most required and<\/dd>\r\n \t
necessary.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Who hath he left behind him general?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
The Mareschal of France, Monsieur La Far.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And now and then an ample tear trill'd down<\/dd>\r\n \t
Her delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queen<\/dd>\r\n \t
Over her passion; who, most rebel-like,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sought to be king o'er her.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, then it mov'd her.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who should express her goodliest. You have seen<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears<\/dd>\r\n \t
Were like, a better day: those happy smilets<\/dd>\r\n \t
That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know<\/dd>\r\n \t
What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence<\/dd>\r\n \t
As pearls from diamonds dropp'd.\u2014In brief, sorrow<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would be a rarity most belov'd, if all<\/dd>\r\n \t
Could so become it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Made she no verbal question?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Faith, once or twice she heav'd the name of 'father'<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cried 'Sisters, sisters!\u2014Shame of ladies! sisters!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the night?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let pity not be believ'd!'\u2014There she shook<\/dd>\r\n \t
The holy water from her heavenly eyes,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And clamour moisten'd: then away she started<\/dd>\r\n \t
To deal with grief alone.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
It is the stars,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The stars above us, govern our conditions;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Else one self mate and mate could not beget<\/dd>\r\n \t
Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Was this before the king return'd?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, since.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers<\/dd>\r\n \t
What we are come about, and by no means<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will yield to see his daughter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, good sir?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her<\/dd>\r\n \t
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights<\/dd>\r\n \t
To his dog-hearted daughters,\u2014these things sting<\/dd>\r\n \t
His mind so venomously that burning shame<\/dd>\r\n \t
Detains him from Cordelia.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, poor gentleman!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis so; they are a-foot.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear<\/dd>\r\n \t
And leave you to attend him: some dear cause<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile;<\/dd>\r\n \t
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you go<\/dd>\r\n \t
Along with me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

Scene IV. The French camp. A Tent.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Cordelia, Physician, and Soldiers.]\r\n\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, 'tis he: why, he was met even now<\/dd>\r\n \t
As mad as the vex'd sea; singing aloud;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,<\/dd>\r\n \t
With harlocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow<\/dd>\r\n \t
In our sustaining corn.\u2014A century send forth;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Search every acre in the high-grown field,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
What can man's wisdom<\/dd>\r\n \t
In the restoring his bereaved sense?<\/dd>\r\n \t
He that helps him take all my outward worth.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
There is means, madam:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our foster nurse of nature is repose,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The which he lacks; that to provoke in him<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are many simples operative, whose power<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will close the eye of anguish.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
All bless'd secrets,<\/dd>\r\n \t
All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate<\/dd>\r\n \t
In the good man's distress!\u2014Seek, seek for him;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life<\/dd>\r\n \t
That wants the means to lead it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter a Messenger.]\r\n\r\nMess.\r\n
\r\n \t
News, madam;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The British powers are marching hitherward.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis known before; our preparation stands<\/dd>\r\n \t
In expectation of them.\u2014O dear father,<\/dd>\r\n \t
It is thy business that I go about;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Therefore great France<\/dd>\r\n \t
My mourning and important tears hath pitied.<\/dd>\r\n \t
No blown ambition doth our arms incite,<\/dd>\r\n \t
But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Soon may I hear and see him!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene V. A Room in Gloucester's Castle.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Regan and Oswald.]\r\n\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
But are my brother's powers set forth?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, madam.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Himself in person there?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madam, with much ado.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your sister is the better soldier.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, madam.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What might import my sister's letter to him?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know not, lady.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.<\/dd>\r\n \t
It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To let him live: where he arrives he moves<\/dd>\r\n \t
All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone,<\/dd>\r\n \t
In pity of his misery, to despatch<\/dd>\r\n \t
His nighted life; moreover, to descry<\/dd>\r\n \t
The strength o' the enemy.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The ways are dangerous.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I may not, madam:<\/dd>\r\n \t
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you<\/dd>\r\n \t
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Something,\u2014I know not what:\u2014I'll love thee much\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let me unseal the letter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madam, I had rather,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know your lady does not love her husband;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am sure of that: and at her late being here<\/dd>\r\n \t
She gave strange eyeliads and most speaking looks<\/dd>\r\n \t
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I, madam?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I speak in understanding; you are, I know't:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Therefore I do advise you, take this note:<\/dd>\r\n \t
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And more convenient is he for my hand<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than for your lady's.\u2014You may gather more.<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you do find him, pray you give him this;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I pray desire her call her wisdom to her<\/dd>\r\n \t
So, fare you well.<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Would I could meet him, madam! I should show<\/dd>\r\n \t
What party I do follow.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fare thee well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

Scene VI. The country near Dover.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Gloucester, and Edgar dressed like a peasant.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
When shall I come to the top of that same hill?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
You do climb up it now: look, how we labour.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Methinks the ground is even.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Horrible steep.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hark, do you hear the sea?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, truly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect<\/dd>\r\n \t
By your eyes' anguish.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
So may it be indeed:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Methinks thy voice is alter'd; and thou speak'st<\/dd>\r\n \t
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
You are much deceiv'd: in nothing am I chang'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
But in my garments.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Methinks you're better spoken.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come on, sir; here's the place:\u2014stand still.\u2014How fearful<\/dd>\r\n \t
And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low!<\/dd>\r\n \t
The crows and choughs that wing the midway air<\/dd>\r\n \t
Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hangs one that gathers samphire\u2014dreadful trade!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The fishermen that walk upon the beach<\/dd>\r\n \t
Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Diminish'd to her cock; her cock a buoy<\/dd>\r\n \t
Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge<\/dd>\r\n \t
That on the unnumber'd idle pebble chafes<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cannot be heard so high.\u2014I'll look no more;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight<\/dd>\r\n \t
Topple down headlong.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Set me where you stand.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Give me your hand:\u2014you are now within a foot<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of th' extreme verge: for all beneath the moon<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would I not leap upright.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let go my hand.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Here, friend, 's another purse; in it a jewel<\/dd>\r\n \t
Well worth a poor man's taking: fairies and gods<\/dd>\r\n \t
Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now fare ye well, good sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Seems to go.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
With all my heart.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] Why I do trifle thus with his despair<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is done to cure it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
O you mighty gods!<\/dd>\r\n \t
This world I do renounce, and, in your sights,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shake patiently my great affliction off:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If I could bear it longer, and not fall<\/dd>\r\n \t
To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,<\/dd>\r\n \t
My snuff and loathed part of nature should<\/dd>\r\n \t
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Now, fellow, fare thee well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Gone, sir:\u2014farewell.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Gloucester leaps, and falls along.]\r\n\r\nAnd yet I know not how conceit may rob\r\n
\r\n \t
The treasury of life when life itself<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought,<\/dd>\r\n \t
By this had thought been past.\u2014Alive or dead?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ho you, sir! friend! Hear you, sir?\u2014speak!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thus might he pass indeed:\u2014yet he revives.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
What are you, sir?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Away, and let me die.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,<\/dd>\r\n \t
So many fathom down precipitating,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ten masts at each make not the altitude<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy life is a miracle.\u2014Speak yet again.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
But have I fall'n, or no?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Look up a-height;\u2014the shrill-gorg'd lark so far<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, I have no eyes.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit<\/dd>\r\n \t
To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort<\/dd>\r\n \t
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage<\/dd>\r\n \t
And frustrate his proud will.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Give me your arm:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Up:\u2014so.\u2014How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Too well, too well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is above all strangeness.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon the crown o' the cliff what thing was that<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which parted from you?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
A poor unfortunate beggar.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
As I stood here below, methought his eyes<\/dd>\r\n \t
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Horns whelk'd and wav'd like the enridged sea:<\/dd>\r\n \t
It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of men's impossibility, have preserv'd thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear<\/dd>\r\n \t
Affliction till it do cry out itself,<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Enough, enough,' and die. That thing you speak of,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I took it for a man; often 'twould say,<\/dd>\r\n \t
'The fiend, the fiend':\u2014he led me to that place.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Bear free and patient thoughts.\u2014But who comes here?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Lear, fantastically dressed up with flowers.]\r\n\r\nThe safer sense will ne'er accommodate\r\n
\r\n \t
His master thus.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, they cannot touch me for coining;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am the king himself.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
O thou side-piercing sight!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nature 's above art in that respect.\u2014There's your press money.<\/dd>\r\n \t
That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper: draw me a<\/dd>\r\n \t
clothier's yard.\u2014Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace;\u2014this piece<\/dd>\r\n \t
of toasted cheese will do't. There's my gauntlet; I'll prove it<\/dd>\r\n \t
on a giant.\u2014Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird!\u2014i'<\/dd>\r\n \t
the clout, i' the clout: hewgh!\u2014Give the word.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sweet marjoram.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pass.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know that voice.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ha! Goneril with a white beard!\u2014They flattered me like a dog;<\/dd>\r\n \t
and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were<\/dd>\r\n \t
there. To say 'ay' and 'no' to everything I said!\u2014'Ay' and 'no',<\/dd>\r\n \t
too, was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and<\/dd>\r\n \t
the wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at<\/dd>\r\n \t
my bidding; there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em out. Go to, they<\/dd>\r\n \t
are not men o' their words: they told me I was everything; 'tis a<\/dd>\r\n \t
lie\u2014I am not ague-proof.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
The trick of that voice I do well remember:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is't not the king?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, every inch a king:<\/dd>\r\n \t
When I do stare, see how the subject quakes.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I pardon that man's life.\u2014What was thy cause?\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Adultery?\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly<\/dd>\r\n \t
Does lecher in my sight.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son<\/dd>\r\n \t
Was kinder to his father than my daughters<\/dd>\r\n \t
Got 'tween the lawful sheets.<\/dd>\r\n \t
To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Behold yond simpering dame,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose face between her forks presages snow;<\/dd>\r\n \t
That minces virtue, and does shake the head<\/dd>\r\n \t
To hear of pleasure's name;\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to't<\/dd>\r\n \t
With a more riotous appetite.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Down from the waist they are centaurs,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Though women all above:<\/dd>\r\n \t
But to the girdle do the gods inherit,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Beneath is all the fiend's; there's hell, there's darkness,<\/dd>\r\n \t
There is the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench,<\/dd>\r\n \t
consumption; fie, fie, fie! pah, pah!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my<\/dd>\r\n \t
imagination: there's money for thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, let me kiss that hand!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall so wear out to naught.\u2014Dost thou know me?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me?<\/dd>\r\n \t
No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love.\u2014Read thou this<\/dd>\r\n \t
challenge; mark but the penning of it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I would not take this from report;\u2014it is,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And my heart breaks at it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Read.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, with the case of eyes?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money<\/dd>\r\n \t
in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a<\/dd>\r\n \t
light: yet you see how this world goes.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I see it feelingly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, art mad? A man may see how the world goes with no eyes.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Look with thine ears: see how yond justice rails upon yond simple<\/dd>\r\n \t
thief. Hark, in thine ear: change places; and, handy-dandy, which<\/dd>\r\n \t
is the justice, which is the thief?\u2014Thou hast seen a farmer's<\/dd>\r\n \t
dog bark at a beggar?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold<\/dd>\r\n \t
the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind<\/dd>\r\n \t
For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Arm it in rags, a pygmy's straw does pierce it.<\/dd>\r\n \t
None does offend, none.\u2014I say none; I'll able 'em:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power<\/dd>\r\n \t
To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And, like a scurvy politician, seem<\/dd>\r\n \t
To see the things thou dost not.\u2014Now, now, now, now:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pull off my boots: harder, harder:\u2014so.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, matter and impertinency mix'd!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Reason, in madness!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air<\/dd>\r\n \t
We wawl and cry.\u2014I will preach to thee: mark.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, alack the day!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
When we are born, we cry that we are come<\/dd>\r\n \t
To this great stage of fools\u2014This' a good block:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
It were a delicate stratagem to shoe<\/dd>\r\n \t
A troop of horse with felt: I'll put't in proof,;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants].\r\n\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, here he is: lay hand upon him.\u2014Sir,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your most dear daughter,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even<\/dd>\r\n \t
The natural fool of fortune.\u2014Use me well;<\/dd>\r\n \t
You shall have ransom. Let me have surgeons;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am cut to the brains.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
You shall have anything.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No seconds? all myself?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why, this would make a man a man of salt,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To use his eyes for garden water-pots,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ay, and for laying Autumn's dust.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good sir,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What!<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will be jovial: come, come, I am a king,<\/dd>\r\n \t
My masters, know you that.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
You are a royal one, and we obey you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Then there's life in't. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it<\/dd>\r\n \t
by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit running. Attendants follow.]\r\n\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Past speaking of in a king!\u2014Thou hast one daughter<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who redeems nature from the general curse<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which twain have brought her to.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hail, gentle sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, speed you. What's your will?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Most sure and vulgar: every one hears that<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which can distinguish sound.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
But, by your favour,<\/dd>\r\n \t
How near's the other army?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Near and on speedy foot; the main descry<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stands on the hourly thought.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I thank you sir: that's all.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Though that the queen on special cause is here,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Her army is mov'd on.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I thank you, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Gentleman.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again<\/dd>\r\n \t
To die before you please!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well pray you, father.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now, good sir, what are you?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'll lead you to some biding.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hearty thanks:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The bounty and the benison of heaven<\/dd>\r\n \t
To boot, and boot!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Oswald.]\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
A proclaim'd prize! Most happy!<\/dd>\r\n \t
That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh<\/dd>\r\n \t
To raise my fortunes.\u2014Thou old unhappy traitor,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Briefly thyself remember:\u2014the sword is out<\/dd>\r\n \t
That must destroy thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now let thy friendly hand<\/dd>\r\n \t
Put strength enough to it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Edgar interposes.]\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Wherefore, bold peasant,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lest that the infection of his fortune take<\/dd>\r\n \t
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let go, slave, or thou diest!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor voke pass. An chud<\/dd>\r\n \t
ha' bin zwaggered out of my life, 'twould not ha' bin zo long as<\/dd>\r\n \t
'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man; keep out,<\/dd>\r\n \t
che vore ye, or ise try whether your costard or my bat be the<\/dd>\r\n \t
harder: chill be plain with you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Out, dunghill!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[They fight, and Edgar knocks him down.]\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Slave, thou hast slain me:\u2014villain, take my purse:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And give the letters which thou find'st about me<\/dd>\r\n \t
To Edmund Earl of Gloucester; seek him out<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon the British party: O, untimely death!<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Dies.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know thee well: a serviceable villain;<\/dd>\r\n \t
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress<\/dd>\r\n \t
As badness would desire.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, is he dead?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sit you down, father; rest you.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let's see these pockets; the letters that he speaks of<\/dd>\r\n \t
May be my friends.\u2014He's dead; I am only sorry<\/dd>\r\n \t
He had no other death's-man. Let us see:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not:<\/dd>\r\n \t
To know our enemies' minds, we'd rip their hearts;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Their papers is more lawful.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Reads.] 'Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have many<\/dd>\r\n \t
opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and<\/dd>\r\n \t
place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done if he<\/dd>\r\n \t
return the conqueror: then am I the prisoner, and his bed my<\/dd>\r\n \t
gaol; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the<\/dd>\r\n \t
place for your labour.<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant,<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Goneril.'<\/dd>\r\n \t
O indistinguish'd space of woman's will!<\/dd>\r\n \t
A plot upon her virtuous husband's life;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And the exchange my brother!\u2014Here in the sands<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of murderous lechers: and in the mature time<\/dd>\r\n \t
With this ungracious paper strike the sight<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of the death-practis'd duke: for him 'tis well<\/dd>\r\n \t
That of thy death and business I can tell.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edgar, dragging out the body.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:<\/dd>\r\n \t
So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And woes by wrong imaginations lose<\/dd>\r\n \t
The knowledge of themselves.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Give me your hand:<\/dd>\r\n \t
[A drum afar off.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

Scene VII. A Tent in the French Camp.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Lear on a bed, asleep, soft music playing; Physician, Gentleman, and others attending.]\r\n\r\n[Enter Cordelia, and Kent.]\r\n\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work<\/dd>\r\n \t
To match thy goodness? My life will be too short<\/dd>\r\n \t
And every measure fail me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid.<\/dd>\r\n \t
All my reports go with the modest truth;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Be better suited:<\/dd>\r\n \t
These weeds are memories of those worser hours:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I pr'ythee, put them off.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pardon, dear madam;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yet to be known shortens my made intent:<\/dd>\r\n \t
My boon I make it that you know me not<\/dd>\r\n \t
Till time and I think meet.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Then be't so, my good lord. [To the Physician.] How, does the<\/dd>\r\n \t
king?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madam, sleeps still.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
O you kind gods,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cure this great breach in his abused nature!<\/dd>\r\n \t
The untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of this child-changed father!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
So please your majesty<\/dd>\r\n \t
That we may wake the king: he hath slept long.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed<\/dd>\r\n \t
I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep<\/dd>\r\n \t
We put fresh garments on him.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
Be by, good madam, when we do awake him;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I doubt not of his temperance.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Very well.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
Please you draw near.\u2014Louder the music there!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
O my dear father! Restoration hang<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss<\/dd>\r\n \t
Repair those violent harms that my two sisters<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have in thy reverence made!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Kind and dear princess!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Had you not been their father, these white flakes<\/dd>\r\n \t
Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face<\/dd>\r\n \t
To be oppos'd against the warring winds?<\/dd>\r\n \t
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?<\/dd>\r\n \t
In the most terrible and nimble stroke<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of quick cross lightning? to watch\u2014,poor perdu!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Though he had bit me, should have stood that night<\/dd>\r\n \t
Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn,<\/dd>\r\n \t
In short and musty straw? Alack, alack!<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once<\/dd>\r\n \t
Had not concluded all.\u2014He wakes; speak to him.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nDoct.\r\n
\r\n \t
Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do scald like molten lead.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, do you know me?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
You are a spirit, I know: when did you die?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Still, still, far wide!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Where have I been? Where am I?\u2014Fair daylight,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am mightily abus'd.\u2014I should e'en die with pity,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To see another thus.\u2014I know not what to say.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will not swear these are my hands:\u2014let's see;<\/dd>\r\n \t
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of my condition!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, look upon me, sir,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
No, sir, you must not kneel.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pray, do not mock me:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am a very foolish fond old man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And, to deal plainly,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Methinks I should know you, and know this man;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yet I am doubtful: for I am mainly ignorant<\/dd>\r\n \t
What place this is; and all the skill I have<\/dd>\r\n \t
Remembers not these garments; nor I know not<\/dd>\r\n \t
Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;<\/dd>\r\n \t
For, as I am a man, I think this lady<\/dd>\r\n \t
To be my child Cordelia.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
And so I am. I am.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray, weep not:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you have poison for me, I will drink it.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I know you do not love me; for your sisters<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:<\/dd>\r\n \t
You have some cause, they have not.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
No cause, no cause.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Am I in France?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
In your own kingdom, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Do not abuse me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nPhys.\r\n
\r\n \t
Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You see, is kill'd in him: and yet it is danger<\/dd>\r\n \t
To make him even o'er the time he has lost.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more<\/dd>\r\n \t
Till further settling.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
Will't please your highness walk?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
You must bear with me:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pray you now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Lear, Cordelia, Physician, and Attendants.]\r\n\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Most certain, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Who is conductor of his people?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the Earl of Kent<\/dd>\r\n \t
in Germany.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of<\/dd>\r\n \t
the kingdom approach apace.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
The arbitrement is like to be bloody.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fare you well, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
My point and period will be throughly wrought,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]","rendered":"

ACT IV.<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Scene I. The heath.<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Yet better thus, and known to be contemn’d,<\/dd>\n
Than still contemn’d and flatter’d. To be worst,<\/dd>\n
The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,<\/dd>\n
Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear:<\/dd>\n
The lamentable change is from the best;<\/dd>\n
The worst returns to laughter. Welcome, then,<\/dd>\n
Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace!<\/dd>\n
The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst<\/dd>\n
Owes nothing to thy blasts.\u2014But who comes here?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man.]<\/p>\n

\n
My father, poorly led?\u2014World, world, O world!<\/dd>\n
But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,<\/dd>\n
Life would not yield to age.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
O my good lord,<\/dd>\n
I have been your tenant, and your father’s tenant,<\/dd>\n
These fourscore years.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Away, get thee away; good friend, be gone:<\/dd>\n
Thy comforts can do me no good at all;<\/dd>\n
Thee they may hurt.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
You cannot see your way.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;<\/dd>\n
I stumbled when I saw: full oft ’tis seen<\/dd>\n
Our means secure us, and our mere defects<\/dd>\n
Prove our commodities.\u2014O dear son Edgar,<\/dd>\n
The food of thy abused father’s wrath!<\/dd>\n
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,<\/dd>\n
I’d say I had eyes again!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
How now! Who’s there?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] O gods! Who is’t can say ‘I am at the worst’?<\/dd>\n
I am worse than e’er I was.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis poor mad Tom.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not<\/dd>\n
So long as we can say ‘This is the worst.’<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
Fellow, where goest?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Is it a beggar-man?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
Madman and beggar too.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
He has some reason, else he could not beg.<\/dd>\n
I’ the last night’s storm I such a fellow saw;<\/dd>\n
Which made me think a man a worm: my son<\/dd>\n
Came then into my mind, and yet my mind<\/dd>\n
Was then scarce friends with him: I have heard more since.<\/dd>\n
As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods,\u2014<\/dd>\n
They kill us for their sport.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] How should this be?\u2014<\/dd>\n
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,<\/dd>\n
Angering itself and others.\u2014Bless thee, master!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Is that the naked fellow?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Then pr’ythee get thee gone: if for my sake<\/dd>\n
Thou wilt o’ertake us, hence a mile or twain,<\/dd>\n
I’ the way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;<\/dd>\n
And bring some covering for this naked soul,<\/dd>\n
Which I’ll entreat to lead me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, sir, he is mad.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis the time’s plague when madmen lead the blind.<\/dd>\n
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure;<\/dd>\n
Above the rest, be gone.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Old Man.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll bring him the best ‘parel that I have,<\/dd>\n
Come on’t what will.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Sirrah naked fellow,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Poor Tom’s a-cold.<\/dd>\n
[Aside.] I cannot daub it further.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Come hither, fellow.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] And yet I must.\u2014Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Know’st thou the way to Dover?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom hath been<\/dd>\n
scared out of his good wits:\u2014bless thee, good man’s son, from<\/dd>\n
the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once; of<\/dd>\n
lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of<\/dd>\n
stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and<\/dd>\n
mowing,\u2014who since possesses chambermaids and waiting women. So,<\/dd>\n
bless thee, master!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens’ plagues<\/dd>\n
Have humbled to all strokes: that I am wretched<\/dd>\n
Makes thee the happier;\u2014heavens, deal so still!<\/dd>\n
Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man,<\/dd>\n
That slaves your ordinance, that will not see<\/dd>\n
Because he does not feel, feel your power quickly;<\/dd>\n
So distribution should undo excess,<\/dd>\n
And each man have enough.\u2014Dost thou know Dover?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
There is a cliff, whose high and bending head<\/dd>\n
Looks fearfully in the confined deep:<\/dd>\n
Bring me but to the very brim of it,<\/dd>\n
And I’ll repair the misery thou dost bear<\/dd>\n
With something rich about me: from that place<\/dd>\n
I shall no leading need.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Give me thy arm:<\/dd>\n
Poor Tom shall lead thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

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

[Enter Goneril and Edmund; Oswald meeting them.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Welcome, my lord: I marvel our mild husband<\/dd>\n
Not met us on the way.\u2014Now, where’s your master?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Madam, within; but never man so chang’d.<\/dd>\n
I told him of the army that was landed;<\/dd>\n
He smil’d at it: I told him you were coming;<\/dd>\n
His answer was, ‘The worse’: Of Gloucester’s treachery<\/dd>\n
And of the loyal service of his son<\/dd>\n
When I inform’d him, then he call’d me sot<\/dd>\n
And told me I had turn’d the wrong side out:\u2014<\/dd>\n
What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;<\/dd>\n
What like, offensive.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
[To Edmund.] Then shall you go no further.<\/dd>\n
It is the cowish terror of his spirit,<\/dd>\n
That dares not undertake: he’ll not feel wrongs<\/dd>\n
Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way<\/dd>\n
May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother;<\/dd>\n
Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:<\/dd>\n
I must change arms at home, and give the distaff<\/dd>\n
Into my husband’s hands. This trusty servant<\/dd>\n
Shall pass between us; ere long you are like to hear,<\/dd>\n
If you dare venture in your own behalf,<\/dd>\n
A mistress’s command. [Giving a favour.]<\/dd>\n
Wear this; spare speech;<\/dd>\n
Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak,<\/dd>\n
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Conceive, and fare thee well.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Yours in the ranks of death!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
My most dear Gloucester.<\/dd>\n
O, the difference of man and man!<\/dd>\n
To thee a woman’s services are due:<\/dd>\n
My fool usurps my body.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Madam, here comes my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

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

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
I have been worth the whistle.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
O Goneril!<\/dd>\n
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind<\/dd>\n
Blows in your face! I fear your disposition:<\/dd>\n
That nature which contemns it origin<\/dd>\n
Cannot be bordered certain in itself;<\/dd>\n
She that herself will sliver and disbranch<\/dd>\n
From her material sap, perforce must wither<\/dd>\n
And come to deadly use.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
No more; the text is foolish.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile:<\/dd>\n
Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?<\/dd>\n
Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform’d?<\/dd>\n
A father, and a gracious aged man,<\/dd>\n
Whose reverence even the head-lugg’d bear would lick,<\/dd>\n
Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you madded.<\/dd>\n
Could my good brother suffer you to do it?<\/dd>\n
A man, a prince, by him so benefited!<\/dd>\n
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits<\/dd>\n
Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,<\/dd>\n
It will come,<\/dd>\n
Humanity must perforce prey on itself,<\/dd>\n
Like monsters of the deep.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Milk-liver’d man!<\/dd>\n
That bear’st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;<\/dd>\n
Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning<\/dd>\n
Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know’st<\/dd>\n
Fools do those villains pity who are punish’d<\/dd>\n
Ere they have done their mischief. Where’s thy drum?<\/dd>\n
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land;<\/dd>\n
With plumed helm thy slayer begins threats;<\/dd>\n
Whiles thou, a moral fool, sitt’st still, and criest<\/dd>\n
‘Alack, why does he so?’<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
See thyself, devil!<\/dd>\n
Proper deformity seems not in the fiend<\/dd>\n
So horrid as in woman.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
O vain fool!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou changed and self-cover’d thing, for shame!<\/dd>\n
Be-monster not thy feature! Were’t my fitness<\/dd>\n
To let these hands obey my blood.<\/dd>\n
They are apt enough to dislocate and tear<\/dd>\n
Thy flesh and bones:\u2014howe’er thou art a fiend,<\/dd>\n
A woman’s shape doth shield thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Marry, your manhood now!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter a Messenger.]<\/p>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
What news?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall’s dead;<\/dd>\n
Slain by his servant, going to put out<\/dd>\n
The other eye of Gloucester.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Gloucester’s eyes!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
A servant that he bred, thrill’d with remorse,<\/dd>\n
Oppos’d against the act, bending his sword<\/dd>\n
To his great master; who, thereat enrag’d,<\/dd>\n
Flew on him, and amongst them fell’d him dead;<\/dd>\n
But not without that harmful stroke which since<\/dd>\n
Hath pluck’d him after.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
This shows you are above,<\/dd>\n
You justicers, that these our nether crimes<\/dd>\n
So speedily can venge!\u2014But, O poor Gloucester!<\/dd>\n
Lost he his other eye?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
Both, both, my lord.\u2014<\/dd>\n
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer;<\/dd>\n
‘Tis from your sister.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] One way I like this well;<\/dd>\n
But being widow, and my Gloucester with her,<\/dd>\n
May all the building in my fancy pluck<\/dd>\n
Upon my hateful life: another way<\/dd>\n
The news is not so tart.\u2014I’ll read, and answer.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Where was his son when they did take his eyes?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
Come with my lady hither.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
He is not here.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
No, my good lord; I met him back again.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Knows he the wickedness?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, my good lord. ‘Twas he inform’d against him;<\/dd>\n
And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment<\/dd>\n
Might have the freer course.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Gloucester, I live<\/dd>\n
To thank thee for the love thou show’dst the king,<\/dd>\n
And to revenge thine eyes.\u2014Come hither, friend:<\/dd>\n
Tell me what more thou know’st.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

Scene III. The French camp near Dover.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Kent and a Gentleman.]<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Why the king of France is so suddenly gone back know you the<\/dd>\n
reason?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming<\/dd>\n
forth is thought of, which imports to the kingdom so much fear<\/dd>\n
and danger that his personal return was most required and<\/dd>\n
necessary.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Who hath he left behind him general?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
The Mareschal of France, Monsieur La Far.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence;<\/dd>\n
And now and then an ample tear trill’d down<\/dd>\n
Her delicate cheek: it seem’d she was a queen<\/dd>\n
Over her passion; who, most rebel-like,<\/dd>\n
Sought to be king o’er her.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
O, then it mov’d her.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove<\/dd>\n
Who should express her goodliest. You have seen<\/dd>\n
Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears<\/dd>\n
Were like, a better day: those happy smilets<\/dd>\n
That play’d on her ripe lip seem’d not to know<\/dd>\n
What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence<\/dd>\n
As pearls from diamonds dropp’d.\u2014In brief, sorrow<\/dd>\n
Would be a rarity most belov’d, if all<\/dd>\n
Could so become it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Made she no verbal question?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Faith, once or twice she heav’d the name of ‘father’<\/dd>\n
Pantingly forth, as if it press’d her heart;<\/dd>\n
Cried ‘Sisters, sisters!\u2014Shame of ladies! sisters!<\/dd>\n
Kent! father! sisters! What, i’ the storm? i’ the night?<\/dd>\n
Let pity not be believ’d!’\u2014There she shook<\/dd>\n
The holy water from her heavenly eyes,<\/dd>\n
And clamour moisten’d: then away she started<\/dd>\n
To deal with grief alone.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
It is the stars,<\/dd>\n
The stars above us, govern our conditions;<\/dd>\n
Else one self mate and mate could not beget<\/dd>\n
Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

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

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Was this before the king return’d?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

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

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear’s i’ the town;<\/dd>\n
Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers<\/dd>\n
What we are come about, and by no means<\/dd>\n
Will yield to see his daughter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, good sir?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness,<\/dd>\n
That stripp’d her from his benediction, turn’d her<\/dd>\n
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights<\/dd>\n
To his dog-hearted daughters,\u2014these things sting<\/dd>\n
His mind so venomously that burning shame<\/dd>\n
Detains him from Cordelia.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, poor gentleman!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Of Albany’s and Cornwall’s powers you heard not?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis so; they are a-foot.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Well, sir, I’ll bring you to our master Lear<\/dd>\n
And leave you to attend him: some dear cause<\/dd>\n
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile;<\/dd>\n
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve<\/dd>\n
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you go<\/dd>\n
Along with me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

Scene IV. The French camp. A Tent.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Cordelia, Physician, and Soldiers.]<\/p>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, ’tis he: why, he was met even now<\/dd>\n
As mad as the vex’d sea; singing aloud;<\/dd>\n
Crown’d with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,<\/dd>\n
With harlocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers,<\/dd>\n
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow<\/dd>\n
In our sustaining corn.\u2014A century send forth;<\/dd>\n
Search every acre in the high-grown field,<\/dd>\n
And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.]<\/dd>\n
What can man’s wisdom<\/dd>\n
In the restoring his bereaved sense?<\/dd>\n
He that helps him take all my outward worth.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
There is means, madam:<\/dd>\n
Our foster nurse of nature is repose,<\/dd>\n
The which he lacks; that to provoke in him<\/dd>\n
Are many simples operative, whose power<\/dd>\n
Will close the eye of anguish.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
All bless’d secrets,<\/dd>\n
All you unpublish’d virtues of the earth,<\/dd>\n
Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate<\/dd>\n
In the good man’s distress!\u2014Seek, seek for him;<\/dd>\n
Lest his ungovern’d rage dissolve the life<\/dd>\n
That wants the means to lead it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter a Messenger.]<\/p>\n

Mess.<\/p>\n

\n
News, madam;<\/dd>\n
The British powers are marching hitherward.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis known before; our preparation stands<\/dd>\n
In expectation of them.\u2014O dear father,<\/dd>\n
It is thy business that I go about;<\/dd>\n
Therefore great France<\/dd>\n
My mourning and important tears hath pitied.<\/dd>\n
No blown ambition doth our arms incite,<\/dd>\n
But love, dear love, and our ag’d father’s right:<\/dd>\n
Soon may I hear and see him!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene V. A Room in Gloucester’s Castle.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

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

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
But are my brother’s powers set forth?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

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

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Himself in person there?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Madam, with much ado.<\/dd>\n
Your sister is the better soldier.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

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

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
What might import my sister’s letter to him?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I know not, lady.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.<\/dd>\n
It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out,<\/dd>\n
To let him live: where he arrives he moves<\/dd>\n
All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone,<\/dd>\n
In pity of his misery, to despatch<\/dd>\n
His nighted life; moreover, to descry<\/dd>\n
The strength o’ the enemy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;<\/dd>\n
The ways are dangerous.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I may not, madam:<\/dd>\n
My lady charg’d my duty in this business.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you<\/dd>\n
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,<\/dd>\n
Something,\u2014I know not what:\u2014I’ll love thee much\u2014<\/dd>\n
Let me unseal the letter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Madam, I had rather,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I know your lady does not love her husband;<\/dd>\n
I am sure of that: and at her late being here<\/dd>\n
She gave strange eyeliads and most speaking looks<\/dd>\n
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I, madam?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I speak in understanding; you are, I know’t:<\/dd>\n
Therefore I do advise you, take this note:<\/dd>\n
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk’d;<\/dd>\n
And more convenient is he for my hand<\/dd>\n
Than for your lady’s.\u2014You may gather more.<\/dd>\n
If you do find him, pray you give him this;<\/dd>\n
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,<\/dd>\n
I pray desire her call her wisdom to her<\/dd>\n
So, fare you well.<\/dd>\n
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,<\/dd>\n
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Would I could meet him, madam! I should show<\/dd>\n
What party I do follow.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Fare thee well.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

Scene VI. The country near Dover.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Gloucester, and Edgar dressed like a peasant.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
When shall I come to the top of that same hill?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
You do climb up it now: look, how we labour.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Methinks the ground is even.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Horrible steep.<\/dd>\n
Hark, do you hear the sea?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

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

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect<\/dd>\n
By your eyes’ anguish.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
So may it be indeed:<\/dd>\n
Methinks thy voice is alter’d; and thou speak’st<\/dd>\n
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
You are much deceiv’d: in nothing am I chang’d<\/dd>\n
But in my garments.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Methinks you’re better spoken.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Come on, sir; here’s the place:\u2014stand still.\u2014How fearful<\/dd>\n
And dizzy ’tis to cast one’s eyes so low!<\/dd>\n
The crows and choughs that wing the midway air<\/dd>\n
Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down<\/dd>\n
Hangs one that gathers samphire\u2014dreadful trade!<\/dd>\n
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head:<\/dd>\n
The fishermen that walk upon the beach<\/dd>\n
Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark,<\/dd>\n
Diminish’d to her cock; her cock a buoy<\/dd>\n
Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge<\/dd>\n
That on the unnumber’d idle pebble chafes<\/dd>\n
Cannot be heard so high.\u2014I’ll look no more;<\/dd>\n
Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight<\/dd>\n
Topple down headlong.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Set me where you stand.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Give me your hand:\u2014you are now within a foot<\/dd>\n
Of th’ extreme verge: for all beneath the moon<\/dd>\n
Would I not leap upright.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Let go my hand.<\/dd>\n
Here, friend, ‘s another purse; in it a jewel<\/dd>\n
Well worth a poor man’s taking: fairies and gods<\/dd>\n
Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;<\/dd>\n
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Now fare ye well, good sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Seems to go.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
With all my heart.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] Why I do trifle thus with his despair<\/dd>\n
Is done to cure it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
O you mighty gods!<\/dd>\n
This world I do renounce, and, in your sights,<\/dd>\n
Shake patiently my great affliction off:<\/dd>\n
If I could bear it longer, and not fall<\/dd>\n
To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,<\/dd>\n
My snuff and loathed part of nature should<\/dd>\n
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Now, fellow, fare thee well.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Gone, sir:\u2014farewell.\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Gloucester leaps, and falls along.]<\/p>\n

And yet I know not how conceit may rob<\/p>\n

\n
The treasury of life when life itself<\/dd>\n
Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought,<\/dd>\n
By this had thought been past.\u2014Alive or dead?<\/dd>\n
Ho you, sir! friend! Hear you, sir?\u2014speak!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thus might he pass indeed:\u2014yet he revives.\u2014<\/dd>\n
What are you, sir?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Away, and let me die.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,<\/dd>\n
So many fathom down precipitating,<\/dd>\n
Thou’dst shiver’d like an egg: but thou dost breathe;<\/dd>\n
Hast heavy substance; bleed’st not; speak’st; art sound.<\/dd>\n
Ten masts at each make not the altitude<\/dd>\n
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell:<\/dd>\n
Thy life is a miracle.\u2014Speak yet again.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
But have I fall’n, or no?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.<\/dd>\n
Look up a-height;\u2014the shrill-gorg’d lark so far<\/dd>\n
Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, I have no eyes.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Is wretchedness depriv’d that benefit<\/dd>\n
To end itself by death? ‘Twas yet some comfort<\/dd>\n
When misery could beguile the tyrant’s rage<\/dd>\n
And frustrate his proud will.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Give me your arm:<\/dd>\n
Up:\u2014so.\u2014How is’t? Feel you your legs? You stand.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Too well, too well.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
This is above all strangeness.<\/dd>\n
Upon the crown o’ the cliff what thing was that<\/dd>\n
Which parted from you?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
A poor unfortunate beggar.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
As I stood here below, methought his eyes<\/dd>\n
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,<\/dd>\n
Horns whelk’d and wav’d like the enridged sea:<\/dd>\n
It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father,<\/dd>\n
Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours<\/dd>\n
Of men’s impossibility, have preserv’d thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I do remember now: henceforth I’ll bear<\/dd>\n
Affliction till it do cry out itself,<\/dd>\n
‘Enough, enough,’ and die. That thing you speak of,<\/dd>\n
I took it for a man; often ‘twould say,<\/dd>\n
‘The fiend, the fiend’:\u2014he led me to that place.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Bear free and patient thoughts.\u2014But who comes here?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Lear, fantastically dressed up with flowers.]<\/p>\n

The safer sense will ne’er accommodate<\/p>\n

\n
His master thus.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No, they cannot touch me for coining;<\/dd>\n
I am the king himself.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
O thou side-piercing sight!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Nature ‘s above art in that respect.\u2014There’s your press money.<\/dd>\n
That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper: draw me a<\/dd>\n
clothier’s yard.\u2014Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace;\u2014this piece<\/dd>\n
of toasted cheese will do’t. There’s my gauntlet; I’ll prove it<\/dd>\n
on a giant.\u2014Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird!\u2014i’<\/dd>\n
the clout, i’ the clout: hewgh!\u2014Give the word.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Sweet marjoram.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I know that voice.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ha! Goneril with a white beard!\u2014They flattered me like a dog;<\/dd>\n
and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were<\/dd>\n
there. To say ‘ay’ and ‘no’ to everything I said!\u2014’Ay’ and ‘no’,<\/dd>\n
too, was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and<\/dd>\n
the wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at<\/dd>\n
my bidding; there I found ’em, there I smelt ’em out. Go to, they<\/dd>\n
are not men o’ their words: they told me I was everything; ’tis a<\/dd>\n
lie\u2014I am not ague-proof.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
The trick of that voice I do well remember:<\/dd>\n
Is’t not the king?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, every inch a king:<\/dd>\n
When I do stare, see how the subject quakes.<\/dd>\n
I pardon that man’s life.\u2014What was thy cause?\u2014<\/dd>\n
Adultery?\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No:<\/dd>\n
The wren goes to’t, and the small gilded fly<\/dd>\n
Does lecher in my sight.<\/dd>\n
Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester’s bastard son<\/dd>\n
Was kinder to his father than my daughters<\/dd>\n
Got ‘tween the lawful sheets.<\/dd>\n
To’t, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Behold yond simpering dame,<\/dd>\n
Whose face between her forks presages snow;<\/dd>\n
That minces virtue, and does shake the head<\/dd>\n
To hear of pleasure’s name;\u2014<\/dd>\n
The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to’t<\/dd>\n
With a more riotous appetite.<\/dd>\n
Down from the waist they are centaurs,<\/dd>\n
Though women all above:<\/dd>\n
But to the girdle do the gods inherit,<\/dd>\n
Beneath is all the fiend’s; there’s hell, there’s darkness,<\/dd>\n
There is the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench,<\/dd>\n
consumption; fie, fie, fie! pah, pah!<\/dd>\n
Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my<\/dd>\n
imagination: there’s money for thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
O, let me kiss that hand!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
O ruin’d piece of nature! This great world<\/dd>\n
Shall so wear out to naught.\u2014Dost thou know me?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me?<\/dd>\n
No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I’ll not love.\u2014Read thou this<\/dd>\n
challenge; mark but the penning of it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I would not take this from report;\u2014it is,<\/dd>\n
And my heart breaks at it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
What, with the case of eyes?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money<\/dd>\n
in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a<\/dd>\n
light: yet you see how this world goes.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I see it feelingly.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What, art mad? A man may see how the world goes with no eyes.<\/dd>\n
Look with thine ears: see how yond justice rails upon yond simple<\/dd>\n
thief. Hark, in thine ear: change places; and, handy-dandy, which<\/dd>\n
is the justice, which is the thief?\u2014Thou hast seen a farmer’s<\/dd>\n
dog bark at a beggar?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

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

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold<\/dd>\n
the great image of authority: a dog’s obeyed in office.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand!<\/dd>\n
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back;<\/dd>\n
Thou hotly lust’st to use her in that kind<\/dd>\n
For which thou whipp’st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.<\/dd>\n
Through tatter’d clothes small vices do appear;<\/dd>\n
Robes and furr’d gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold,<\/dd>\n
And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;<\/dd>\n
Arm it in rags, a pygmy’s straw does pierce it.<\/dd>\n
None does offend, none.\u2014I say none; I’ll able ’em:<\/dd>\n
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power<\/dd>\n
To seal the accuser’s lips. Get thee glass eyes;<\/dd>\n
And, like a scurvy politician, seem<\/dd>\n
To see the things thou dost not.\u2014Now, now, now, now:<\/dd>\n
Pull off my boots: harder, harder:\u2014so.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
O, matter and impertinency mix’d!<\/dd>\n
Reason, in madness!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.<\/dd>\n
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester:<\/dd>\n
Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:<\/dd>\n
Thou know’st, the first time that we smell the air<\/dd>\n
We wawl and cry.\u2014I will preach to thee: mark.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, alack the day!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
When we are born, we cry that we are come<\/dd>\n
To this great stage of fools\u2014This’ a good block:\u2014<\/dd>\n
It were a delicate stratagem to shoe<\/dd>\n
A troop of horse with felt: I’ll put’t in proof,;<\/dd>\n
And when I have stol’n upon these sons-in-law,<\/dd>\n
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants].<\/p>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
O, here he is: lay hand upon him.\u2014Sir,<\/dd>\n
Your most dear daughter,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even<\/dd>\n
The natural fool of fortune.\u2014Use me well;<\/dd>\n
You shall have ransom. Let me have surgeons;<\/dd>\n
I am cut to the brains.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
You shall have anything.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No seconds? all myself?<\/dd>\n
Why, this would make a man a man of salt,<\/dd>\n
To use his eyes for garden water-pots,<\/dd>\n
Ay, and for laying Autumn’s dust.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Good sir,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What!<\/dd>\n
I will be jovial: come, come, I am a king,<\/dd>\n
My masters, know you that.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
You are a royal one, and we obey you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Then there’s life in’t. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it<\/dd>\n
by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit running. Attendants follow.]<\/p>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,<\/dd>\n
Past speaking of in a king!\u2014Thou hast one daughter<\/dd>\n
Who redeems nature from the general curse<\/dd>\n
Which twain have brought her to.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Hail, gentle sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, speed you. What’s your will?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Most sure and vulgar: every one hears that<\/dd>\n
Which can distinguish sound.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
But, by your favour,<\/dd>\n
How near’s the other army?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Near and on speedy foot; the main descry<\/dd>\n
Stands on the hourly thought.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I thank you sir: that’s all.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Though that the queen on special cause is here,<\/dd>\n
Her army is mov’d on.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I thank you, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;<\/dd>\n
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again<\/dd>\n
To die before you please!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Well pray you, father.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Now, good sir, what are you?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
A most poor man, made tame to fortune’s blows;<\/dd>\n
Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,<\/dd>\n
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,<\/dd>\n
I’ll lead you to some biding.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Hearty thanks:<\/dd>\n
The bounty and the benison of heaven<\/dd>\n
To boot, and boot!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
A proclaim’d prize! Most happy!<\/dd>\n
That eyeless head of thine was first fram’d flesh<\/dd>\n
To raise my fortunes.\u2014Thou old unhappy traitor,<\/dd>\n
Briefly thyself remember:\u2014the sword is out<\/dd>\n
That must destroy thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Now let thy friendly hand<\/dd>\n
Put strength enough to it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Wherefore, bold peasant,<\/dd>\n
Dar’st thou support a publish’d traitor? Hence;<\/dd>\n
Lest that the infection of his fortune take<\/dd>\n
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Chill not let go, zir, without vurther ‘casion.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Let go, slave, or thou diest!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor voke pass. An chud<\/dd>\n
ha’ bin zwaggered out of my life, ‘twould not ha’ bin zo long as<\/dd>\n
’tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man; keep out,<\/dd>\n
che vore ye, or ise try whether your costard or my bat be the<\/dd>\n
harder: chill be plain with you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Out, dunghill!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[They fight, and Edgar knocks him down.]<\/p>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Slave, thou hast slain me:\u2014villain, take my purse:<\/dd>\n
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body;<\/dd>\n
And give the letters which thou find’st about me<\/dd>\n
To Edmund Earl of Gloucester; seek him out<\/dd>\n
Upon the British party: O, untimely death!<\/dd>\n
[Dies.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I know thee well: a serviceable villain;<\/dd>\n
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress<\/dd>\n
As badness would desire.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
What, is he dead?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Sit you down, father; rest you.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Let’s see these pockets; the letters that he speaks of<\/dd>\n
May be my friends.\u2014He’s dead; I am only sorry<\/dd>\n
He had no other death’s-man. Let us see:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not:<\/dd>\n
To know our enemies’ minds, we’d rip their hearts;<\/dd>\n
Their papers is more lawful.<\/dd>\n
[Reads.] ‘Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have many<\/dd>\n
opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and<\/dd>\n
place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done if he<\/dd>\n
return the conqueror: then am I the prisoner, and his bed my<\/dd>\n
gaol; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the<\/dd>\n
place for your labour.<\/dd>\n
‘Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant,<\/dd>\n
‘Goneril.’<\/dd>\n
O indistinguish’d space of woman’s will!<\/dd>\n
A plot upon her virtuous husband’s life;<\/dd>\n
And the exchange my brother!\u2014Here in the sands<\/dd>\n
Thee I’ll rake up, the post unsanctified<\/dd>\n
Of murderous lechers: and in the mature time<\/dd>\n
With this ungracious paper strike the sight<\/dd>\n
Of the death-practis’d duke: for him ’tis well<\/dd>\n
That of thy death and business I can tell.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit Edgar, dragging out the body.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense,<\/dd>\n
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling<\/dd>\n
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:<\/dd>\n
So should my thoughts be sever’d from my griefs,<\/dd>\n
And woes by wrong imaginations lose<\/dd>\n
The knowledge of themselves.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Give me your hand:<\/dd>\n
[A drum afar off.]<\/dd>\n
Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum:<\/dd>\n
Come, father, I’ll bestow you with a friend.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

Scene VII. A Tent in the French Camp.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Lear on a bed, asleep, soft music playing; Physician, Gentleman, and others attending.]<\/p>\n

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

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work<\/dd>\n
To match thy goodness? My life will be too short<\/dd>\n
And every measure fail me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
To be acknowledg’d, madam, is o’erpaid.<\/dd>\n
All my reports go with the modest truth;<\/dd>\n
Nor more nor clipp’d, but so.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Be better suited:<\/dd>\n
These weeds are memories of those worser hours:<\/dd>\n
I pr’ythee, put them off.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Pardon, dear madam;<\/dd>\n
Yet to be known shortens my made intent:<\/dd>\n
My boon I make it that you know me not<\/dd>\n
Till time and I think meet.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Then be’t so, my good lord. [To the Physician.] How, does the<\/dd>\n
king?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
Madam, sleeps still.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
O you kind gods,<\/dd>\n
Cure this great breach in his abused nature!<\/dd>\n
The untun’d and jarring senses, O, wind up<\/dd>\n
Of this child-changed father!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
So please your majesty<\/dd>\n
That we may wake the king: he hath slept long.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Be govern’d by your knowledge, and proceed<\/dd>\n
I’ the sway of your own will. Is he array’d?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep<\/dd>\n
We put fresh garments on him.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
Be by, good madam, when we do awake him;<\/dd>\n
I doubt not of his temperance.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

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

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
Please you draw near.\u2014Louder the music there!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
O my dear father! Restoration hang<\/dd>\n
Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss<\/dd>\n
Repair those violent harms that my two sisters<\/dd>\n
Have in thy reverence made!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Kind and dear princess!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Had you not been their father, these white flakes<\/dd>\n
Had challeng’d pity of them. Was this a face<\/dd>\n
To be oppos’d against the warring winds?<\/dd>\n
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?<\/dd>\n
In the most terrible and nimble stroke<\/dd>\n
Of quick cross lightning? to watch\u2014,poor perdu!\u2014<\/dd>\n
With this thin helm? Mine enemy’s dog,<\/dd>\n
Though he had bit me, should have stood that night<\/dd>\n
Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father,<\/dd>\n
To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn,<\/dd>\n
In short and musty straw? Alack, alack!<\/dd>\n
‘Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once<\/dd>\n
Had not concluded all.\u2014He wakes; speak to him.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Doct.<\/p>\n

\n
Madam, do you; ’tis fittest.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
You do me wrong to take me out o’ the grave:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound<\/dd>\n
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears<\/dd>\n
Do scald like molten lead.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, do you know me?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
You are a spirit, I know: when did you die?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Still, still, far wide!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
He’s scarce awake: let him alone awhile.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Where have I been? Where am I?\u2014Fair daylight,\u2014<\/dd>\n
I am mightily abus’d.\u2014I should e’en die with pity,<\/dd>\n
To see another thus.\u2014I know not what to say.\u2014<\/dd>\n
I will not swear these are my hands:\u2014let’s see;<\/dd>\n
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur’d<\/dd>\n
Of my condition!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
O, look upon me, sir,<\/dd>\n
And hold your hands in benediction o’er me.\u2014<\/dd>\n
No, sir, you must not kneel.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Pray, do not mock me:<\/dd>\n
I am a very foolish fond old man,<\/dd>\n
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;<\/dd>\n
And, to deal plainly,<\/dd>\n
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.<\/dd>\n
Methinks I should know you, and know this man;<\/dd>\n
Yet I am doubtful: for I am mainly ignorant<\/dd>\n
What place this is; and all the skill I have<\/dd>\n
Remembers not these garments; nor I know not<\/dd>\n
Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;<\/dd>\n
For, as I am a man, I think this lady<\/dd>\n
To be my child Cordelia.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
And so I am. I am.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray, weep not:<\/dd>\n
If you have poison for me, I will drink it.<\/dd>\n
I know you do not love me; for your sisters<\/dd>\n
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:<\/dd>\n
You have some cause, they have not.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
No cause, no cause.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Am I in France?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
In your own kingdom, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Do not abuse me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Phys.<\/p>\n

\n
Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,<\/dd>\n
You see, is kill’d in him: and yet it is danger<\/dd>\n
To make him even o’er the time he has lost.<\/dd>\n
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more<\/dd>\n
Till further settling.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
Will’t please your highness walk?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
You must bear with me:<\/dd>\n
Pray you now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Most certain, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Who is conductor of his people?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
As ’tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the Earl of Kent<\/dd>\n
in Germany.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Report is changeable. ‘Tis time to look about; the powers of<\/dd>\n
the kingdom approach apace.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
The arbitrement is like to be bloody.<\/dd>\n
Fare you well, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
My point and period will be throughly wrought,<\/dd>\n
Or well or ill, as this day’s battle’s fought.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/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>